X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Key Starters and Tough Calls - Lineup Spotlights for Fantasy Football Week 1

Josh Jacobs - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Scott breaks down his fantasy football lineup starts/sits for Week 1 (2022). He spotlights key NFL players to start, and tougher lineup start/sit decisions.

Below you will find some of my favored choices and players to go with when dealing with challenging lineup decisions in Week 1. These selections are based on my Premium Weekly Lineup Rankings, available as part of the RotoBaller NFL Premium Pass. Enter promo code KING at checkout for a discount and get access to my ranks in all formats, plus a full roster of tools and analysis for the 2022 fantasy football season.

We feature players that you should lean to in tough calls, yet guys who may exceed expectations this week are also highlighted, so you can feel even more confident about starting them. In some cases, we will simply confirm for you that a good lineup decision was already made.

Skill position analysis here is based on my PPR rankings.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Running Backs - Fantasy Football Week 1

Chase Edmonds

Chase Edmonds had a career-high 903 scrimmage yards in 2021. Now he will get an opportunity to be a heavily featured running back for the first time in his career. Bill Belichick can always scheme up a good game plan, but the Patriots’ front seven doesn’t scare opponents anymore.

Edmonds should be busy enough as a runner and receiver this week to be a good flex play. The Dolphins have a lot of speed on offense and Edmonds is one of their notable playmakers in that regard.

Josh Jacobs

Josh Jacobs rushed for 132 yards and a TD in his last meeting with the Chargers. He had 1,220 yards from scrimmage last season and he is one of three NFL running backs with 1,200-plus scrimmage yards and seven-plus TDs in each of the past three seasons.

Most fantasy players don’t get excited about starting Jacobs and he may be in his last year with the Raiders, but he can find the end zone more than once in what should be a high-scoring matchup with the Chargers. Los Angeles' run defense should be improved but may take time to mesh this season. Jacobs should rush for at least a respectable amount of yards while also being a top drive-finishing option for an upgraded Las Vegas offense.

Rashaad Penny

Rashaad Penny had 135-plus rushing yards and a TD in four of his final five games in 2021. He is aiming to become just the fourth player in NFL history with 150-plus rushing yards and a TD in three consecutive games. Penny may not pull off that feat, but he will be a major central figure in the Seattle offensive game plan this week and he is a must-start as a flex player.

He is starting off the season in good health, and Penny should be brimming with confidence as he will get a lot of work again in the 2022 season opener.

Antonio Gibson

Antonio Gibson had a career-best 1,331 scrimmage yards and 10 TDs last season. He is one of five NFL running backs with 1,000-plus scrimmage yards and 10-plus scrimmage TDs in each of the past two seasons.

He has a chance to bounce back from a forgettable preseason in the 2022 opener, and Gibson can still post quality fantasy totals with a significant workload, which he appears to be in line for against Jacksonville in Week 1.

 

Wide Receivers - Fantasy Football Week 1

DeVonta Smith

DeVonta Smith ranked fourth among NFL rookies with an Eagles first-season record of 916 receiving yards last season. He also averaged 14.3 yards per catch. With A.J. Brown now operating as Philadelphia’s new No. 1 WR, Smith can be more comfortable as a second option.

The Eagles’ passing game will look instantly improved in their 2022 opener and Smith should be locked in as a fantasy WR3. He will get some opportunities to make downfield splash plays in Week 1.

JuJu Smith-Schueter

JuJu Smith-Schuster had 800-plus yards and seven-plus receiving TDs in three of his first five NFL seasons. In 2020, he had 97 receptions and nine TDs. Now he will work with the most explosive passer of his career so far.

Smith-Schuster should be the No. 1 WR target for Patrick Mahomes, who often makes some of his receivers perform above expectations. The highly vulnerable Arizona secondary is a very good draw for Smith-Schuster in his first game with the Chiefs.

Jarvis Landry

Jarvis Landry is one of three NFL wide receivers with 50-plus receptions in each of the past eight seasons. That stat reflects how dependable Landry has been over the years from pure NFL perspectives, as he will always have at least a decent floor in total receptions. Landry had a down season in 2021, but he can get back up in the 80-catch range with the Saints this season.

With Michael Thomas uncertain in regards to how productive he can be, and Chris Olavemaking his pro debut, Landry may be very busy as a target for Jameis Winston in his first game with New Orleans.

If you need an off-the-radar flex or WR streamer for the season opener, consider Landry, who may come through with more than six receptions this week against Atlanta.

Chase Claypool

Chase Claypool has 80-plus receiving yards in his last two meetings with the Bengals. Diontae Johnson is battling through a shoulder injury and George Pickens will be playing in his first NFL game.

There may be some thought about playing Claypool in Week 1 -- but with Mitchell Trubisky at QB against a solid Cincinnati secondary, it is better to fade Claypool.

 

Quarterbacks and Tight Ends - Fantasy Football Week 1

Tua Tagovailoa

Tua Tagovailoa had seven TD passes and two interceptions in his final five home games last season. Now he has improved weaponry and is under a bright spotlight, needing to show he can succeed with the right pieces around him.

Look for Tagovailoa to respond with a strong opener, and he will be a very good QB2 starter in superflex leagues in Week 1.

Derek Carr

Derek Carr had a career-high and Raiders franchise record 4,804 passing yards in 2021. He has two-plus TD passes in his last two games vs. Los Angeles and he has not been intercepted in six of his last seven matchups with the Chargers.

Carr is entering the 2022 season with his best receiving crew ever and the Chargers will be without top acquisition J.C. Jackson at CB. Carr will start the new campaign off with an impressive statistical outing.

Austin Hooper

Since 2016, Austin Hooper ranks fourth among all NFL TEs with 298 receptions. He should make an immediate impact with the Titans as a frequent target on key passing downs, and he is a viable replacement for Week 1 if you need to replace George Kittle.

Evan Engram

Evan Engram is one of three NFL TEs with 40-plus receptions over the past five seasons. The Jaguars have a mediocre WR crew and a TE-friendly offensive system. Engram is another good Kittle fill-in for Week 1.

Scott Engel's fantasy and betting analysis is also featured at The Game Day.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF