RADIO
Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 1 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 1 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome RotoBallers to another year of our weekly start 'em and sit 'em article! It's finally time to welcome you back -- it's the inaugural 2025 article for our Week 1 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks, which will hopefully help you make winning lineup decisions in Week 1 of the 2025 fantasy football season. With the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys starting the season on Thursday, it's time to make those difficult lineup decisions.
We couldn't be more excited to kick things off in 2025, as we've waited many long months to finally be back. For anyone not familiar, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games (except Thursday, which is a separate article). Every week of the fantasy football season, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
It will certainly be a crazy week as we learn a lot about 2025 rookies, teams with new coaches, offenses with new coordinators, and opposing defenses. My goal with this weekly article is to give you the data, facts, and advice to help ensure that you are making the right start and sit decisions. In Week 1, we'll be taking our lessons learned from last season, along with this year's preseason. While you should always start your studs in fantasy, there are plenty of players you drafted in the later rounds that should be starting for your team this week. So without further ado, let's dive into every Week 1 game (Sunday through Monday) and analyze the best starts and sits. Good luck with your fantasy teams in Week 1!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
- Best ball fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints
Spread: ARI -6.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Kyler Murray
Murray was sort of a fantasy letdown in 2024, but he is in a prime spot to start this season on a strong note. The Saints allowed the eighth-most rush yards to opposing quarterbacks last year, and this New Orleans defense remains mostly the same. Given that Murray ranked as the QB6 in rush yards per game (34.4) a season ago, he should be started in most formats in Week 1.
RB James Conner
Conner showed no signs of slowing down last season, as he finished as the RB11 in PPR formats. With a matchup against a Saints defense that allowed 4.9 yards per carry in 2024, the Cardinals running back will be a strong RB2 to kick off his age-30 campaign. A healthy Conner is unmatched in fantasy, so managers should put him in their lineups in Week 1.
James Conner getting the draft pick treatment with the Cardinals new Rivalries uniforms pic.twitter.com/CCm19pmC2o
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) August 28, 2025
RB Alvin Kamara
Since the Cardinals defense went through a makeover this offseason, it's hard to really envision how this unit will look to begin the year. Nonetheless, Kamara should still be in for a nice game. Arizona ranked bottom-12 in fantasy points, receptions, and receiving yards allowed to the RB position in 2024, and the veteran caught 17 passes in his three games with Spencer Rattler under center last season.
Every fantasy manager wants to see how Harrison will fare in Week 1. After a disappointing rookie season, it's easy to see why some managers might be out on him in 2025. However, the Ohio State product should get off to a strong start. He will line up against either Kool-Aid McKinstry or Alontae Taylor in Week 1, both of whom are favorable matchups. Therefore, Harrison will be a strong play.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Spencer Rattler
In his six starts last season, Rattler averaged just 10.5 fantasy points per game. In half of those contests, he failed to score in double figures. As a result, it's best to stay away from the second-year signal-caller in Week 1 against a revamped Cardinals defense. The 24-year-old isn't even worth starting in Superflex formats.
The Cardinals did a solid job against fantasy tight ends last year, holding this position to just 8.8 PPR fantasy points per game. That means Johnson should be avoided in most cases this week against this Arizona secondary. Although the 28-year-old formed a nice connection with Rattler toward the end of last season, he has very little fantasy value with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed now back.
Other Matchups:
Wilson showed some encouraging things in his second season, totaling 548 yards and four touchdowns. With the Cardinals failing to add another WR to this offense, the 25-year-old will have flex appeal in most 14-plus team leagues in Week 1. The Saints have some holes in the secondary, and Wilson scored at least 10 PPR fantasy points in six of the final 14 games last year.
TE Trey McBride
Given where you drafted McBride in your fantasy drafts, he will be a must-start in Week 1. The Cardinals playmaker finished as the overall TE2 last year and finished as the TE1 in target share (29.3%). He should remain a key part of this Arizona offense in 2025.
WR Chris Olave
Olave didn't get much work with Rattler last season. He only played roughly three quarters with him, resulting in just four catches for 54 yards in both Week 6 and Week 8. Therefore, the 25-year-old will be a risky WR3 to start the 2025 season. Rattler only averaged 197 yards in his six starts last season, and rookie cornerback Will Johnson gives this Arizona secondary a boost.
WR Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed didn't build much of a connection with Rattler last season, as he missed the final 11 games due to a season-ending injury. In the one game he did play with Rattler, though, the results weren't encouraging. He caught just one of his seven targets for 11 yards. So, it's probably best to stay away from him this week until we see how Rattler looks in Year 2.
Injuries:
None
Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: IND -1.5
Matchups We Love:
Achane is currently dealing with a calf injury that has resulted in him missing the last few weeks of practice. However, the expectation is that he will be ready to go for Week 1. If he is healthy enough to be out there for this matchup against the Colts, he will be a must-start. Indianapolis allowed the 10th most receptions to running backs last year.
WR Josh Downs
All Indianapolis pass catchers get a massive boost in the receiving game with Daniel Jones under center. Given the quarterback upgrade and the matchup in the slot, Downs could be a sneaky flex play in 12-plus team leagues in Week 1. The 24-year-old will likely be matched up against fifth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr. That makes him a potential fantasy option this week.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Daniel Jones
The Dolphins held many fantasy quarterbacks in check in 2024, especially rushing QBs. Miami allowed the second-fewest rushing yards to the position a season ago. As a result, Jones isn't worth starting in most Superflex formats this week. Although this Dolphins defense will look a bit different this year, a bunch of the core players from last year remain on the team.
Other Matchups:
Tagovailoa always has the potential to finish as a QB1 in fantasy. He did just that in four of the final six games of the 2024 season. Nevertheless, the Dolphins signal-caller will be more of a QB2 play to start the new year. The 27-year-old has no rushing upside and should only be started in Superflex formats in Week 1.
Taylor ended the 2024 season with a bang, scoring at least 25 fantasy points in each of the last three games. With a mid-second-round ADP in 2025 fantasy drafts, he should be in all lineups to begin the year. He is the clear RB1 in this Indianapolis backfield, and Jones could give him a few opportunities in the passing game as well.
WR Tyreek Hill
Hill was one of the bigger fantasy busts in 2024. After going within the first four picks of drafts, the veteran wideout finished as the overall WR18 in PPR formats. However, you're still starting him in Week 1 against the Colts. He is the top pass catcher in this Miami offense and has the upside to score 25-plus fantasy points on any given week.
Like Hill, Waddle was a disappointing fantasy option last year. The former Alabama star finished as the WR46 in PPR formats (the lowest fantasy of his career). Now, he gets a semi-difficult matchup on the outside against newly acquired cornerback Charvarius Ward. Even though Ward ranked top-20 in both receptions allowed and receiving yards allowed last year, Waddle will still be a low-end WR2.
It remains to be seen who will match up against Pittman in this contest. It will likely be a mixture of Rasul Douglas and Storm Duck on the outside. Douglas is the far superior corner over Duck, but Pittman should see some opportunities against the latter. That should help him be a worthy flex play in 12-team leagues, considering Duck struggled in the secondary last year.
TE Tyler Warren
Fantasy managers are going to see Tyler Warren make an immediate impact in the NFL. We saw glimpses of his potential throughout the preseason, where he caught three passes for 40 yards in the team's second preseason game. Given that Miami allowed over 11 PPR fantasy points to opposing tight ends last year, Warren will be a low-end TE1 to open the year.
Injuries:
- Tyreek Hill
- De'Von Achane
- Josh Downs
Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots
Spread: NE -2.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Drake Maye
There's a strong chance that Maye takes that Year 2 leap in 2025, especially given his rushing upside. That rushing upside alone makes him a low-end QB1 in Week 1 against the Raiders. Las Vegas doesn't have much talent on the defensive side of the ball, and this unit allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2024.
WR Stefon Diggs
After tearing his ACL in Week 8 of last season, Diggs faced an uphill battle to be ready to go for the start of the 2025 campaign. However, it looks like he will play in Week 1 against the Raiders. While he might be on somewhat of a snap count, he could be a sneaky start in some formats. His matchup in the slot will likely be Darnay Holmes, who finished with a 49.5 PFF coverage grade in 2024.
TE Hunter Henry
The Raiders were one of the worst teams at defending tight ends last year. They ranked fourth in PPR fantasy points allowed, fifth in catches allowed, fifth in receiving yards allowed, and tied for second in touchdowns allowed. With this Las Vegas defense not improving much this offseason, Hunter Henry could be a nice TE1 spot in deeper leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Meyers recently requested a trade from the Raiders, but assuming he suits up in Week 1, he could have a difficult matchup against Christian Gonzalez. Gonzalez's status for Week 1 is also up in the air after suffering a hamstring injury a few weeks ago in training camp. Nevertheless, if the young corner is active for this game, that would drop Meyers down to a WR3 to begin the season.
Other Matchups:
QB Geno Smith
Smith will make his Raiders debut in Week 1 against an improved Patriots defense. New England added cornerback Carlton Davis III to its secondary, and this defense allowed the third fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season. So, the 12-year veteran is a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option in this matchup.
Patriots RBs
It's unclear how this Patriots backfield will look to begin the year. The expectation is that Rhamondre Stevenson will be the team's starter, and TreVeyon Henderson will mix in behind him. Therefore, there is a path where both running backs are worth a start in Week 1. Henderson is a must-start in this game due to his receiving upside, and Stevenson has flex appeal in most leagues in a game where New England is favored.
The exciting rookie makes his NFL debut against the Patriots and will be a strong RB1 play in fantasy to kick off his career. Jeanty basically has this backfield to himself, which means he will see plenty of opportunities in this matchup. Although New England upgraded its defensive line this offseason with the signings of Harold Landry III and Milton Williams, the Raiders RB should see enough volume in Week 1.
TE Brock Bowers
Bowers will no doubt be a must-start in Week 1 against the Patriots. Fantasy managers selected him in the first two rounds of drafts, and he is the consensus TE1 entering the 2025 season. The 22-year-old finished as the overall TE1 in PPR formats last year.
No arguing Brock Bowers was an elite TE last year... but lets contextualize his receiving stats among WRs ⬇️
27% Targets Per Route Run -> Slightly ahead of Justin Jefferson
112 Receptions -> 3rd behind only Ja'marr and Amon-Ra
10.8% 1st Downs Per Route Run -> Same as Justin… pic.twitter.com/8JjGj0uQ75— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) August 20, 2025
Injuries:
- Stefon Diggs
Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets
Spread: PIT -2.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
If anyone knows how to stop running QBs, it's Mike Tomlin. In two matchups against Lamar Jackson last season, Tomlin held Jackson to four rushes for 46 yards (Week 11) and nine rushes for 22 yards (Week 16). As a result, Fields is not in a good spot to start the season. This is a tough matchup for him against this Steelers defense, making him a risky QB1.
RB Breece Hall
Hall will definitely have a difficult time running in this contest. The Steelers have always been known as a physical team up front, and opposing backs averaged just 4.3 yards per carry on the ground against this defense in 2024. While Hall isn't an automatic sit, fantasy managers should temper fantasy expectations.
Every fantasy manager is excited to see Kaleb Johnson take his first NFL snap. The Steelers selected him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, he's a sit in fantasy in most cases in Week 1. The Jets had an above-average run defense in 2024, and Johnson was the third running back onto the field in the team's preseason games behind Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell.
Garrett Wilson is coming off the best fantasy season of his career in 2024, finishing as the WR10 in PPR formats. While he is the clear WR1 in this New York offense and should see a ton of volume in Week 1, this is a tougher matchup for the former Ohio State playmaker. Joey Porter Jr. will likely shadow him in this contest. Given where you selected him in drafts, though, Wilson should be started in most cases.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf will almost certainly be shadowed by Sauce Gardner in this game, which isn't the best matchup for him. Gardner held Metcalf to just four catches for 66 yards in their matchup against each other last season. That's just 10.6 PPR fantasy points. So, the 6-foot-4 playmaker might be more of a WR3 in Week 1.
Other Matchups:
This is the type of game where Aaron Rodgers could easily throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns. After all, he gets to the team that just released him this past offseason. Nevertheless, he is likely only worth starting in two-quarterback or Superflex formats in Week 1. This Jets and Steelers game has one of the lowest over/under totals of the week.
RB Jaylen Warren
Given that Jaylen Warren will begin the season as the team's RB1, he has flex potential in Week 1 against the Jets. Even though New York was great against the run last year, Warren's receiving upside will make him a sneaky flex play. The 26-year-old caught at least four passes in four of the final eight weeks of the 2024 season.
TE Jonnu Smith
It'll be interesting to see how the Steelers plan to deploy Jonnu Smith in their offense. With Pat Freiermuth likely to remain involved in some capacity, Smith might only play around 50-60% of the team's offensive snaps. However, that could be enough for him to be a TE1 play in most 14-plus team leagues in Week 1. He could be the second option in this Pittsburgh offense.
Injuries:
- Jonnu Smith
New York Giants at Washington Commanders
Spread: WSH -6.5
Matchups We Love:
All the talk surrounding this Washington running back room in recent weeks has been about Jacory Croskey-Merritt. But Austin Ekeler deserves some love and should be in a prime spot to score double-digit fantasy points in Week 1. He averaged 14.4 PPR fantasy points in two games against the Giants last year. Given his potential in the passing game, the veteran is worthy of being a flex play.
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt
No one knows what to expect from Croskey-Merritt in Week 1. Will he dominate this backfield in touches? Will he be the starter over Ekeler? Despite not knowing the answer to these questions just yet, fantasy managers can feel confident in rolling with the rookie in most 12-team leagues. The Giants defensive line might be elite, but this unit allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2024.
Matchups We Hate:
TE Zach Ertz
After finishing as the TE7 in PPR formats last season, Ertz could emerge as a solid TE1 in fantasy once again. Unfortunately, this might not be the matchup for him to start the year. The Giants allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2024, and this is an improved secondary with the signings of Paulson Adebo and Jevon Holland. So, the veteran tight end is a risky TE1 play this week.
Other Matchups:
You are starting Jayden Daniels in Week 1 against the Giants. He finished as the overall QB5 in his rookie season, and his rushing upside could help him finish as the overall QB1 on any given week. Daniels scored 19.9 fantasy points the last time he faced this Giants defense in Week 9 of the 2024 season.
For the most part, Russell Wilson should not be started in most one-quarterback leagues this week. He averaged just 16.2 fantasy points per game last season and finished as the QB24 in all formats. Therefore, Wilson should only be worth a look in 14 or 16-team Superflex leagues. The 36-year-old doesn't have much fantasy value in this New York offense.
Giants RBs
We should expect both Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo to be involved in Week 1. Nonetheless, Tracy should see many more opportunities in this game. That will make him a low-end RB2 option against a Commanders defense that allowed a whopping five yards per carry in 2024. As for Skattebo, he is a risky flex play to open the season after missing most of training camp due to a hamstring injury.
WR Malik Nabers
Every fantasy manager should be starting Malik Nabers in Week 1. Even though Nabers will likely draw the Marshon Lattimore shadow in this contest, he is a must-start WR1 in every league. You didn't draft him in the first round to sit on your bench to open the fantasy season.
Terry McLaurin finally signed a multi-year extension with the Commanders and will officially be suiting up for Week 1. After a dominating 2024 campaign in which he totaled a career high 13 touchdowns, McLaurin will be a strong WR2 against the Giants. The 29-year-old scored two touchdowns the last time he faced this secondary.
The move to Washington is actually a solid fit for Deebo Samuel, considering Kliff Kingsbury's offense is all about getting the ball out quickly. That's exactly when Samuel thrives the most. Even though we don't really know what to expect from him in his first game with his new team, he will be a solid WR3 option in Week 1, given his rushing and receiving potential.
Injuries:
None
Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars
Spread: JAX -3.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Bryce Young
Despite struggling to begin the 2024 season, Bryce Young showed signs of breaking out in fantasy toward the end of last year. He averaged 21.2 fantasy points per game over the final seven contests and emerged as a solid QB1 option during that time. Now, he gets a favorable matchup against a Jacksonville secondary that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to the position in 2024. That makes Young a solid QB2 play.
With former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen now in Jacksonville, Trevor Lawrence could be in for a bounce-back season in 2025. He has the weapons to succeed and should get off to a nice start against a Panthers defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs last season. Although this defense will look a bit different, Lawrence is a fine QB2 play in Superflex formats in Week 1.
Chuba Hubbard is coming off a breakout campaign in 2024 in which he totaled career highs in rush attempts (250), rush yards (1,195), and touchdowns (10). He has every opportunity to build off that season, starting in Week 1 against the Jaguars. Jacksonville allowed the seventh-most rush yards to RBs last year, and a lot of this front seven remains the same. Therefore, Hubbard is a strong RB2 option.
Tetairoa McMillan will make his NFL debut in Week 1 against the Jaguars, and this is a nice first matchup for the Arizona product. Jacksonville allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to WRs last season. That should help McMillan be involved in the game plan right away. He will be a solid WR2 play to start his career.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Jalen Coker
Jalen Coker has certainly seen his fantasy value rise with the departure of Adam Thielen. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations for the second-year wideout. Coker will likely be matched up against Jourdan Lewis in the slot, and Lewis was one of the best coverage corners in the entire NFL last season. The new Jaguars corner finished with an impressive 79 PFF coverage grade in 2024.
Other Matchups:
Jaguars RBs
This is a fantastic matchup for the Jaguars' RBs against the Carolina front seven. The Panthers allowed the most yards per carry to opposing running backs last season and allowed just over 27 half-PPR fantasy points per game to the position. The problem, though, is that we don't really know how this backfield will play out. That makes Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby both low-end flex plays.
Fresh off a 1,282-yard rookie season, Brian Thomas Jr. will enter the season as a must-start WR1. He averaged 16.7 PPR fantasy points per game last year and scored at least 16 PPR fantasy points in each of the final six weeks. Even though his matchup on the outside against Pro Bowl corner Jaycee Horn is a tougher one, Thomas is still a must-start.
We all want to know how much Travis Hunter is going to play on offense each week. While the rookie has been primarily playing wide receiver throughout training camp, he has seen plenty of reps at cornerback as well. So, this is going to be our first look at just how many snaps Hunter will play on offense. Still, you are likely rolling with him as a WR2 in Week 1.
With Evan Engram now in Denver, Brenton Strange will have a bigger role on offense. Fantasy managers saw glimpses of Strange's fantasy potential in the seven games that Engram missed last year. In those seven contests, the young playmaker scored at least nine PPR fantasy points four different times. As a result, the 24-year-old is worth starting in deeper formats in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Travis Hunter
- Tetairoa McMillan
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns
Spread: CIN -5.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Joe Flacco
Joe Flacco will start for the Browns in Week 1 after beating out Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in training camp. With a matchup against the Bengals in Week 1, Flacco will have sneaky QB2 value to open the season. The Bengals allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs last season, and this secondary didn't improve at all in the offseason.
TE David Njoku
In two games versus this Bengals defense last year, Njoku scored 23.6 PPR fantasy points (Week 7) and 14.6 PPR fantasy points (Week 16). In both of those contests combined, he totaled 18 catches for 142 yards and one touchdown. That's enough for me to start him as a TE1 this week, especially since this Cincinnati defense remains mostly the same.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB Joe Burrow
It is a bit shocking that Joe Burrow has not put up elite fantasy numbers on the road in Cleveland in his career. He has only averaged 10.9 fantasy points in his last three meetings in Cleveland, including a 14.9 fantasy point day in 2024. However, you are still starting him in every format in Week 1.
Browns RBs
This Browns backfield is yet another running back room that we don't exactly know how things will play out. Given that Jerome Ford will be the starter, though, he will have flex appeal to begin the season. In that starter role to start the 2024 season, Ford averaged a solid 11.9 PPR fantasy points through the first five weeks. As for Dylan Sampson, we are in wait-and-see mode with him in fantasy.
RB Chase Brown
Chase Brown emerged as a dominant RB1 option once he took over the starting job last season. From Week 9 onward, Brown was the RB6 while averaging 20.6 PPR fantasy points per game. Given where you selected him in drafts, he should be in all lineups in Week 1. The 25-year-old goes up against a Browns defense that gave up 4.5 yards per carry in 2024.
Will Chase Brown be a top 12 fantasy football RB in 2025?
Current consensus ADP: 22.7
2024 stats:
Weeks 1-8: RB33 in PPR points per game (11)
Weeks 9-17: RB4 in PPR points per game (20.9)(Sponsored by @DraftKings) pic.twitter.com/OonmDWbNt4
— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) August 29, 2025
Both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are must-starts in Week 1. Chase will be the overall WR1 this week after scoring 403 PPR fantasy points last year, and Higgins will be a high-end WR2 following his career fantasy season. Both of these Bengal playmakers should be in all lineups to start the fantasy campaign.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy emerged as a low-end WR1 in the second half of the 2024 season. He averaged 14.2 PPR fantasy points per game over the final 11 contests, and Flacco starting in Week 1 actually helps Jeudy's fantasy value off the bat. Although the Browns wideout was quiet in both games against Cincinnati in 2024, he will be a high-end WR3 this time around.
Before suffering a season-ending concussion in Week 12, Cedric Tillman began to show his fantasy potential. He finished as a top-12 fantasy wide receiver in three straight weeks from Week 7 to Week 9, including an eight-catch, 81-yard performance against the Bengals during this span. Therefore, Tillman could be a solid flex play in Week 1 against a Bengals secondary that isn't very strong.
Injuries:
None
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Spread: TB -2.5
Matchups We Love:
Michael Penix Jr. made three starts for the Falcons last season, but in two of those starts, he scored under 13 fantasy points. However, the gun-slinging lefty has a fantastic opportunity in front of him in Week 1. The Buccaneers allowed the second-most fantasy points to QBs a season ago and will be rolling with the same secondary from 2024. That makes Penix a solid QB2 play in Superflex leagues.
Baker Mayfield will likely be down some key playmakers in this game (Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton). Nonetheless, he will still be a solid QB1 play to start the season. He threw six touchdown passes against this Falcons defense in 2024, and this Atlanta secondary allowed the second-most passing touchdowns last year.
WR Emeka Egbuka
It was expected that Emeka Egbuka would not have a significant role to start the season. Then, it was announced that both Godwin and McMillan would not play in Week 1. As a result, the rookie is a fantastic play in fantasy against the Falcons. Atlanta allowed the most fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2024, making Egbuka a low-end WR2.
WR Drake London
Drake London absolutely tormented this Buccaneers secondary in Week 5 last season, catching 12 passes for 154 yards and one touchdown en route to a 33.4 PPR fantasy point day. Given that this Tampa Bay secondary is mostly the same as last year, fantasy managers should be starting London in every format.
Kyle Pitts finds himself on the love list this week and could be started in some deeper formats. Pitts scored 15.8 PPR fantasy points (Week 5) and 25.1 PPR fantasy points (Week 8) in both of his matchups against the Buccaneers last season. Therefore, rolling with the 24-year-old might not be a bad idea, especially since Tampa Bay allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to the position in 2024.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Considering Bijan Robinson was a top-3 pick in most fantasy leagues, he should be started in every format in Week 1. He will be a strong RB1 option against a Buccaneers defense that gave up the fifth-most receiving yards to running backs last year.
RBs Bucky Irving/Rachaad White
Bucky Irving is the unquestioned RB1 in Tampa Bay's backfield after overtaking Rachaad White late last season. Irving scored at least 16 PPR fantasy points in every game he played at least 50% of the team's offensive snaps in 2024. That makes him a solid RB1 play in Week 1 against the Falcons. As for White, he should only be started in deeper PPR leagues, as he likely won't see many chances on the ground.
WR Mike Evans
Evans will definitely have his hands full in this contest. A.J. Terrell will likely shadow him in this contest, and Terrell has established himself as one of the top shadow corners in the league. Still, Evans will be a strong WR2 option in Week 1. In his only matchup against Terrell last season, the 11-year veteran totaled 23.2 PPR fantasy points behind a five-catch, 62-yard, two-touchdown performance.
Injuries:
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
Spread: SF -2.5
Matchups We Love:
George Kittle will remain a top TE1 option in Week 1 against the Seahawks. Kittle ranked first in PPR fantasy points per game (15.8) among all tight ends in 2024 and scored 22.8 PPR fantasy points in his only matchup against the Seahawks last season. He caught five passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns in that contest, making him a must-start.
Matchups We Hate:
Ricky Pearsall has a massive opportunity in front of him to start the season. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) will miss this contest, and Jauan Jennings' status for Week 1 is up in the air (contract/calf). While he will come in as a WR3 play against the Seahawks, expectations might have to be tempered in this contest. Pearsall will likely be matched up with Riq Woolen, who ranked first in target separation among all corners in 2024.
Other Matchups:
QB Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy had two solid fantasy performances against this Seattle secondary last year. He finished as a top-12 fantasy QB in both matchups, and this Seattle secondary will feature the same cornerbacks and safeties from 2024. So, Purdy will come in as a low-end QB1 against the Seahawks. With Pearsall, Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey all for sure active in this game, he'll have enough weapons to thrive.
QB Sam Darnold
Despite finishing as the QB9 last season, there is a lot of skepticism surrounding Sam Darnold on his new team. He is no longer in Kevin O'Connell's scheme, and that QB9 finish was the only time in his career that he has finished top-20 at the quarterback position in fantasy. With a matchup against a 49ers defense that lost several key pieces this offseason, though, he will be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option in Week 1.
RB Christian McCaffrey
McCaffrey is finally healthy, and as long as he is healthy, he should be automatically inserted into fantasy lineups. In his last healthy season, the 29-year-old finished as the overall RB1 while averaging 24.5 PPR fantasy points per game. Therefore, he will be a strong RB1 play in Week 1 against the Seahawks.
Injuries have held back Kenneth Walker from reaching his full fantasy potential. However, he will enter the 2025 season as a solid RB2 option for fantasy managers. He averaged 16.5 PPR fantasy points per game last year, and this San Francisco defense allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2024.
WR Jauan Jennings
It remains to be seen if Jennings will actually play in Week 1. He requested a trade earlier this offseason and is currently dealing with a calf injury that has kept him out of practice over the last few weeks. If he is able to suit up in Week 1, the 28-year-old will be more of a WR3 to kick off the season. He could have a hard time against Devon Witherspoon in the slot in this contest.
WR Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is certainly trending in the wrong direction as he hits age 32. He has played under 13 games in three straight seasons and finished outside the top-35 at the wide receiver position in back-to-back seasons. Given that Kupp will now be playing with a new quarterback for the first time in a long time, he's too risky to trust in Week 1. He'll only be a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba broke out in a massive way in 2024, totaling 100 catches for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. Although he won't be catching passes from Geno Smith anymore, he should remain a reliable wide receiver option for fantasy managers. Smith-Njigba ranked seventh in yards after the catch and second in total routes won among all wideouts last season. That makes him a high-end WR2 in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Jauan Jennings
Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos
Spread: DEN -7.5
Matchups We Love:
On paper, this might seem like a tough matchup against the Titans top cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. However, Sneed was a below-average coverage corner in his five games last year. He finished with a 36.3 PFF grade and struggled against some of the top wideouts to begin the season before suffering a season-ending injury. So, Sutton will be a solid WR2 play in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Cameron Ward
Starting your first NFL game on the road against an elite Broncos defense is not a great recipe for success. As a result, Cam Ward should be sat in most cases in Week 1 against this Denver secondary. The Broncos gave up the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season while allowing just 23 passing touchdowns.
Calvin Ridley could be in for a solid fantasy season with the upgrade at quarterback. However, Ridley is one of the bigger must-sits in Week 1. The Broncos secondary is arguably the best in the NFL, and Patrick Surtain will be shadowing the Titans playmaker in this contest. Surtain ranked second in PFF grade among all corners in 2024 while holding several notable WR1s to subpar fantasy games.
TE Evan Engram
The Titans were one of the best defenses at preventing big fantasy games to opposing tight ends in 2024. As a matter of fact, Engram only scored 7.3 PPR fantasy points in his only matchup against Tennessee last season. While the 6-foot-3 playmaker is still a TE1 play in Week 1, he might have a lower fantasy floor in this contest.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix kicks off his sophomore campaign with a matchup against the Titans. Tennessee allowed the sixth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks last season, and we all know that Nix likes to take off when given the opportunity. The former Oregon star totaled at least 30 rush yards in seven of his 17 contests in 2024. That makes him a solid QB1 play in Week 1.
RB Tony Pollard
This matchup isn't necessarily a great one for Tony Pollard. The Broncos allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs and gave up just four yards per carry to the position (tied for the second-fewest in 2024). However, with Tyjae Spears already ruled out for this contest, Pollard should be in line for a massive workload. That's enough to start him as an RB2 this week.
RB J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins will have sneaky flex appeal to start the season in Week 1 against the Titans. He should begin the 2025 campaign as Denver's lead back, and that should help him stay fantasy-relevant. The 26-year-old is coming off the best season of his career, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns. He'll be a solid play this week.
RB RJ Harvey
Even though RJ Harvey will likely begin the season as Denver's RB2, he is worth starting in most formats in Week 1. Harvey has plenty of receiving upside in this Broncos offense, which makes him a nice RB2 play to kick off his NFL career. After Javonte Williams saw 70 targets out of this backfield in 2024, the rookie should have a safe floor in this one.
Marvin Mims Jr. is currently dealing with a groin injury that puts his Week 1 status in jeopardy. Assuming he suits up, though, Mims will be a riskier flex option to start the season. He played under 50% of the team's offensive snaps in every game last year, and it took him until Week 11 to tally his first double-digit PPR fantasy performance in 2024. There are just better players to roll with in your flex.
Injuries:
- Marvin Mims Jr.
Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Spread: GB -1.5
Matchups We Love:
With Jayden Reed (foot) uncertain for Week 1 and Christian Watson currently on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, this could be shaping up to be a massive Matthew Golden game. This is one of the higher over/unders of the week, and the Lions gave up the 10th most fantasy points to opposing wideouts last season. If Reed were to miss this game, wheels up for Golden as a solid WR3.
.@Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden looking the part 🧀
Watch on @NFLNetwork
Stream on @NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/ZNvaEwNPa1— NFL (@NFL) August 23, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
TE Tucker Kraft
The Lions were one of the best defenses at defending tight ends last year, ranking tied for third in receptions allowed (68) and third in receiving yards allowed (655). In both matchups against the Lions in 2024, Tucker Kraft only caught seven passes for 75 yards and one touchdown. Even if Reed were to miss this contest, Kraft will be a riskier TE1 play in Week 1.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
We are all interested to see how Jared Goff will look without Ben Johnson calling the plays on offense. Johnson was a big reason why Goff finished as a top-10 fantasy quarterback in each of the past three seasons. However, the 30-year-old veteran should come in as a high-end QB2 in a Week 1 matchup against the Packers. Green Bay ranked middle-of-the-pack against fantasy QBs in 2024.
QB Jordan Love
Although the Lions allowed many big fantasy performances to quarterbacks throughout the 2024 campaign, Jordan Love struggled in both of his matchups against this secondary last year. He scored under 15 fantasy points in both games and could be without one of his top receivers (Reed) in this contest. So, he'll only be worth starting in Superflex formats.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr Gibbs is a must-start in Week 1 against the Packers. You drafted him in the first round of fantasy drafts for a reason, and Gibbs should be in a good spot to finish as a top-5 running back on the week. Green Bay allowed the third-most receiving yards to running backs last season.
David Montgomery will enter the 2025 season as a reliable RB2 option in a Week 1 matchup against the Packers. Montgomery scored in double figures in PPR formats in 12 of his 14 games last year while averaging a solid 15.8 PPR fantasy points per game. Although Green Bay allowed just four yards per carry to opposing backs in 2024, the bruiser back is a good start in most formats.
RB Josh Jacobs
This Lions defense was legit through the first few weeks of the 2024 season before injuries started to pile up. With those players now back for the 2025 campaign, including Pro Bowl pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, Jacobs could have a tougher time on the ground. Still, you're starting Jacobs in all formats in week 1.
Amon-Ra St. Brown is set to be in store for another great fantasy season. He has finished as the overall WR3 in PPR formats in back-to-back seasons, and there might not be a more consistent fantasy wideout than him in those two years. Therefore, he will be a strong WR1 play in a divisional matchup in Green Bay.
In his one game against the Packers last year, Jameson Williams totaled five catches for 80 yards. While we don't know how this offense will look without Johnson, it's fair to assume that Williams will still have plenty of opportunities. Just keep in mind that this Green Bay secondary ranked tied for third in yards per completion allowed in 2024. That doesn't bode well for the Lions wideout, making him more of a low-end WR2.
TE Sam LaPorta
Following a slow start to 2024, Sam LaPorta picked things up in the second half by scoring in double figures in PPR formats in each of the final six weeks. One of those games came against the Packers, where he caught five passes for 54 yards. Given where you selected LaPorta in drafts, he should be in most lineups this week.
Injuries:
None
Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams
Spread: LAR -2.5
Matchups We Love:
RB Nick Chubb
With Joe Mixon (foot/ankle) out for at least the first four games, Nick Chubb is the presumed RB1 in Houston. Although Chubb averaged a career-low 3.25 yards per carry last season, he is a prime spot to be a solid flex play until Mixon returns. In Week 1, he'll go up against a Rams defense that allowed a whopping 4.9 yards per carry in 2024. That makes Chubb worth starting in 12-plus team leagues.
Christian Kirk has definitely flown under the radar in fantasy drafts following a disappointing 2024 campaign. However, Kirk has the potential to be a solid flex play in 14-team leagues to begin the season. Not only is Kirk the WR2 in this Houston offense, but he will likely be matched up against slot corner Quintin Lake in this game. Lake had a below-average coverage grade in 2024.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
QB C.J. Stroud
It might be tough to roll with C.J. Stroud in Week 1, considering how poorly he did in fantasy for most of last year. Stroud scored above 19 fantasy points in just two games in 2024. As a result, he will enter the season as a middle-of-pack QB2 option. The Rams were solid against fantasy quarterbacks in 2024, giving up only 15.3 fantasy points per game to the position.
It appears that Matthew Stafford will be good to go for Week 1 after missing most of training camp with a back issue. The matchup isn't the most favorable for the 16-year veteran, but he could be a solid QB2 play in Superflex formats. With two dominant wide receivers on the outside, Stafford has a higher ceiling than many QBs this week.
Kyren Williams got paid this offseason and should be plugged right into your fantasy lineups in Week 1. The Texans were actually above-average against the run a season ago, allowing the 10th fewest fantasy points to the position. However, given Williams' potential volume in this Rams offense, he will be a low-end RB1 against Houston.
WR Nico Collins
As the clear WR1 in this Houston offense, Nico Collins will be a strong WR1 for your fantasy team in Week 1. He averaged 17.6 PPR fantasy points per game last season and totaled at least 80 receiving yards in six of the eight games he played at least 50% of the team's offensive snaps. Collins could ball out in this game.
WRs Puka Nacua/ Davante Adams
Both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams will be must-starts in a Week 1 matchup against the Texans. Nacua and Adams will likely be matched up against All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. at times in this matchup, but fantasy managers should be starting their studs no matter what, especially this early in the season. Both wideouts should see plenty of chances through the air in this contest.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills
Spread: BUF -1.5
Matchups We Love:
Derrick Henry ran all over the Buffalo front seven in their matchup in Week 4 last season, running for 199 yards and one touchdown. Then, Henry ran 16 times for 84 yards and one touchdown in the Divisional Round against the Bills. Therefore, Henry will be a must-start RB1 this week and should be started in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
RB James Cook
The Ravens had the best run defense in the NFL last season. Baltimore allowed the fewest yards per carry and fewest rush yards to opposing running backs in 2024. So, Cook will be a risky RB2 play this week. While you are still likely starting him, it is important to note that he totaled 5.8 PPR fantasy points and 11.2 PPR fantasy points in his two matchups against Baltimore in 2024.
Joshua Palmer and Keon Coleman could have their spike weeks in this Buffalo offense this season. However, it's best to stay away from both playmakers in Week 1. The Ravens added Jaire Alexander this offseason to complete a secondary that already has Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton. There's too much risk in rolling with both Palmer and Coleman in fantasy this week.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers will have a tough matchup in Week 1 against the Bills. Flowers will match up against Taron Johnson in the slot, which doesn't favor the third-year wide receiver. Johnson has established himself as one of the top slot corners in the NFL. Even though Johnson didn't play when these two teams met in Week 4 of last season, the Ravens playmaker was just held to one catch for 10 yards. He will be a WR3 in fantasy this week.
It might not be the best idea to start Dalton Kincaid in Week 1. The Ravens allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the tight end position last year, and Kincaid scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in both games against Baltimore a season ago. With Roquan Smith and Hamilton looking to blow things up in the middle of the field, the Bills playmaker is more of a TE2.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
No quarterback has been a better fantasy option than Josh Allen in recent years. Since 2020, Allen has finished as a top-2 fantasy quarterback in five straight years. Although he only scored 7.3 fantasy points against the Ravens last year, look for him to have a much better performance this time around. He's a QB1 this week.
QB Lamar Jackson
Fantasy managers drafted Jackson to be their QB1 each week, and that's exactly what he will be in Week 1. He scored 23.6 fantasy points (Week 4) and 19.1 fantasy points (Divisional Round) in the two matchups facing this defense a season ago. Jackson is the No. 1 QB for the week.
It remains to be seen if Shakir will be ready to go for Week 1. He suffered a high ankle sprain in early August and has been out for most of training camp with that injury. However, he recently returned to practice, which gives him a great shot to play in Week 1. If he does, he'll be a high-floor WR3 fantasy option.
TE Mark Andrews
In a game that is expected to have a lot of points, Mark Andrews will be a fine TE1 option for managers. Andrews finished as the overall TE6 last year, and there's a strong chance that Isaiah Likely does not suit up for this game due to an ankle injury. That would mean more opportunities in the passing game for the 29-year-old. He'll be a middle-of-the-pack TE1 play against the Bills.
Injuries:
- Isaiah Likely
- Khalil Shakir
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears
Spread: MIN -1.5
Matchups We Love:
RBs Aaron Jones Sr./Jordan Mason
Both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are worth starting in Week 1. The Bears allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season, and running backs averaged just under 4.8 yards per carry against this front seven in 2024. With J.J. McCarthy starting in his first-ever game, look for the Vikings to establish the run. That makes Jones a solid RB2 play and Mason a viable flex play in 12-plus team leagues.
Matchups We Hate:
Fantasy managers should be a little hesitant to start Caleb Williams in Week 1. Williams is still getting familiar with Johnson's offensive scheme in Chicago, and there are expected to be some growing pains early in the season. Given that Minnesota gave up the fourth-fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last year, Williams is more of a QB2 this week.
Other Matchups:
QB J.J. McCarthy
McCarthy makes his highly anticipated NFL debut after missing his entire rookie season due to a knee injury. So, expectations should definitely be tempered for the Michigan product in his first start, especially against a solid Bears secondary. Chicago allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to QBs last season. So, the Vikings QB will be more of a QB2 play this week.
Although D'Andre Swift scored under 10 PPR fantasy points in both games against the Vikings last season, he will still come into Week 1 as an RB2 option. He is really the only healthy running back on this roster right now, and he should see upward of 15 touches in this contest. That should help him finish with solid fantasy numbers in this game.
WR DJ Moore
Even though Williams is on the hate list this week, there is a path where DJ Moore could still have a solid fantasy day. He scored at least 15 PPR fantasy points in both meetings against Minnesota last year, and the Vikings allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024. So, Moore will have WR2 upside in this matchup.
WR Rome Odunze
A Year 2 breakout is certainly in the cards for Odunze, but he'll need to bank on Williams improving as a passer in his second season. In this Week 1 matchup against the Vikings, though, the 23-year-old will be a low-end WR3 in fantasy. He didn't do much in either of his matchups against Minnesota in 2024, and there is some risk in trusting him following a mediocre rookie campaign.
WR Justin Jefferson
This is actually a really tough matchup for Justin Jefferson. Bears corner Jaylon Johnson will be shadowing the Vikings wideout in this contest, and Johnson has had Jefferson's number in his career. The All-Pro playmaker only caught nine passes for 100 yards and one touchdown in two matchups against Johnson in 2024. Still, he should be started everywhere in Week 1.
T.J. Hockenson will be a solid TE1 play in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears. Once he was off a snap count last year as he worked his way back from a torn ACL, Hockenson emerged as a TE1 option. He scored at least 10 PPR fantasy points in both games against the Bears in 2024, and the six-year vet should be a safe option this week.
Colston Loveland will look to make an immediate impact in the NFL after being drafted in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, he faces an uphill battle to see significant targets right away. With Moore, Odunze, Cole Kmet, and Luther Burden III all striving for targets, Loveland is just too risky to trust in Week 1. He will be a low-end TE1 in this game.
Injuries:
None
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