NFL FANTASY
Who should I start in Fantasy Football? NFL week 1 roster recommendations by position
The NFL season is upon us and that means it’s time to set those fantasy rosters. Here’s who you should have as your starters in Week 1.
![The NFL season is upon us and that means it’s time to set those fantasy rosters. Here’s who you should have as your starters in Week 1.](https://img.asmedia.epimg.net/resizer/v2/LQFB4KM4XXKE4Z5EYAK3RINGUM.jpg?auth=ba61dbc56e309b84c7116aa677fc6e74d36e693da93d89b960c8d3e8d69d58f6&width=360&height=203&smart=true)
The NFL season officially kicks off tomorrow! That means it’s time to begin your weekly Wednesday tradition of setting your fantasy lineup.
Week 1 is the most difficult to predict, obviously, as most players are just big question marks until later in the season when we get a feel for how they’re doing and if they’re playing consistently. So the best approach for Week 1 of fantasy football is just to go with those you drafted to be your starters.
Still, if you are struggling to choose between players, here are my Week 1 rankings by position based on matchups, injuries, and other potential relevant factors.
NFL Week 1: Fantasy Football roster recommendations by position
Quarterback
There are a few quarterbacks who have concerning matchups in Week 1 - Dak Prescott vs the Browns defense, Brock Purdy vs the Jets defense, and Justin Herbert vs his own right foot. With that in mind, here are the rankings for QB in Week 1. If you do plan to start Herbert, make sure to check on his injury status before game time.
Rank | Quarterback | Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Josh Allen | Bills | Cardinals |
2. | Jalen Hurts | Eagles | Packers |
3. | C.J. Stroud | Texans | @ Colts |
4. | Lamar Jackson | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
5. | Jared Goff | Lions | Rams |
6. | Patrick Mahomes | Chiefs | Ravens |
7. | Joe Burrow | Bengals | Patriots |
8. | Tua Tagovailoa | Dolphins | Jaguars |
9. | Jordan Love | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
10. | Anthony Richardson | Colts | Texans |
11. | Trevor Lawrence | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
12. | Brock Purdy | 49ers | Jets |
13. | Dak Prescott | Cowboys | @ Browns |
14. | Matthew Stafford | Rams | @ Lions |
15. | Baker Mayfield | Buccaneers | Commanders |
16. | Kirk Cousins | Falcons | Steelers |
17. | Kyler Murray | Cardinals | @ Bills |
18. | Caleb Williams | Bears | Titans |
19. | Derek Carr | Saints | Panthers |
20. | Aaron Rodgers | Jets | @ 49ers |
21. | Geno Smith | Seahawks | Broncos |
22. | Justin Herbert | Chargers | Raiders |
23. | Will Levis | Titans | @ Bears |
24. | Deshaun Watson | Browns | Cowboys |
25. | Jayden Daniels | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
26. | Russell Wilson | Steelers | @ Falcons |
27. | Gardner Minshew | Raiders | @ Chargers |
28. | Sam Darnold | Vikings | Giants |
29. | Jacoby Brissett | Patriots | @ Bengals |
30. | Bryce Young | Panthers | @ Saints |
31. | Bo Nix | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
32. | Daniel Jones | Giants | Vikings |
Wide Receiver
A few things to keep in mind when choosing your starting receivers:
Chiefs Marquise Brown is not projected to start, so Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will be the top WRs in Week 1. Josh Downs is not projected to start for the Colts, so Michael Pittman will be their WR1 and Adonai Mitchell will have a chance to contribute as well.
WRs whose status you’ll need to check on before starting: Tyreek Hill, Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, Jaylen Waddle, Davante Adams, Christian Kirk, Keenan Allen, Rashid Shaheed, Tyler Lockett, and DeAndre Hopkins.
Rank | Wide Receiver | Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Tyreek Hill | Dolphins | Jaguars |
2. | Amon-Ra St. Brown | Lions | Rams |
3. | CeeDee Lamb | Cowboys | @ Browns |
4. | Justin Jefferson | Vikings | @ Giants |
5. | Ja’Marr Chase | Bengals | Patriots |
6. | A.J. Brown | Eagles | Packers |
7. | Puka Nacua | Rams | @ Lions |
8. | Cooper Kupp | Rams | @ Lions |
9. | Mike Evans | Buccaneers | Commanders |
10. | Garrett Wilson | Jets | @ 49ers |
11. | Drake London | Falcons | Steelers |
12. | Marvin Harrison Jr. | Cardinals | @ Bills |
13. | Davante Adams | Raiders | @ Chargers |
14. | Deebo Samuel | 49ers | Jets |
15. | Chris Olave | Saints | Panthers |
16. | Michael Pittman | Colts | Texans |
17. | Nico Collins | Texans | @ Colts |
18. | Malik Nabers | Giants | Vikings |
19. | Jaylen Waddle | Dolphins | Jaguars |
20. | DK Metcalf | Seahawks | Broncos |
21. | Stefon Diggs | Texans | @ Colts |
22. | Rashee Rice | Chiefs | Ravens |
23. | D.J. Moore | Bears | Titans |
24. | Christian Kirk | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
25. | Brandon Aiyuk | 49ers | Jets |
26. | Tee Higgins | Bengals | Patriots |
27. | Devonta Smith | Eagles | Packers |
28. | Chris Godwin | Buccaneers | Commanders |
29. | Amari Cooper | Browns | Cowboys |
30. | Keenan Allen | Bears | Titans |
31. | Terry McLaurin | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
32. | Zay Flowers | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
33. | George Pickens | Steelers | @ Falcons |
34. | Tank Dell | Texans | @ Colts |
35. | Calvin Ridley | Titans | @ Bears |
36. | Diontae Johnson | Panthers | Saints |
37. | Jayden Reed | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
38. | DeAndre Hopkins | Titans | @ Bears |
39. | Xavier Worthy | Chiefs | Ravens |
40. | Courtland Sutton | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
41. | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seahawks | Broncos |
42. | Christian Watson | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
43. | Josh Palmer | Chargers | Raiders |
44. | Brian Thomas Jr. | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
45. | Jordan Addison | Vikings | @ Giants |
46. | Tyler Lockett | Seahawks | Broncos |
47. | Rome Odunze | Bears | Titans |
48. | Jakobi Meyers | Raiders | @ Chargers |
49. | Romeo Doubs | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
50. | Ladd McConkey | Chargers | Raiders |
51. | Khalil Shakir | Bills | Cardinals |
52. | Jameson Williams | Lions | Rams |
53. | Keon Coleman | Bills | Cardinals |
54. | Rashid Shaheed | Saints | Panthers |
55. | Mike Williams | Jets | 49ers |
56. | Brandin Cooks | Cowboys | @ Browns |
57. | Curtis Samuel | Bills | Cardinals |
58. | Gabe Davis | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
59. | Wan’Dale Robinson | Giants | Vikings |
60. | Dontayvion Wicks | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
Running Back
Running backs not projected to start include Browns’ Nick Chubb, Panthers’ Jonathan Brooks, and Chiefs’ Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Until Chubb is back, it will be Jerome Ford at the RB2 spot for the Browns. Chuba Hubbard will be the RB1 for the Panthers, and while Samaje Perine and Carson Steele may see some more reps with Edwards-Helaire out, Isiah Pacheco will be the RB to start for the Chiefs.
RBs whose status you’ll need to check on before starting: Christian McCaffrey, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Zach Charbonnet.
Rank | Running Back | Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Christian McCaffrey | 49ers | Jets |
2. | Bijan Robinson | Falcons | Steelers |
3. | Breece Hall | Jets | @ 49ers |
4. | Travis Etienne | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
5. | Jonathan Taylor | Colts | Texans |
6. | James Cook | Bills | Cardinals |
7. | Saquon Barkley | Eagles | Packers |
8. | Josh Jacobs | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
9. | Rachaad White | Buccaneers | Commanders |
10. | Alvin Kamara | Saints | Panthers |
11. | Jahmyr Gibbs | Lions | Rams |
12. | Kyren Williams | Rams | @ Lions |
13. | Isiah Pacheco | Chiefs | Ravens |
14. | De’Vone Achane | Dolphins | Jaguars |
15. | Ken Walker | Seahawks | Broncos |
16. | Derrick Henry | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
17. | Joe Mixon | Texans | @ Colts |
18. | James Conner | Cardinals | @ Bills |
19. | Aaron Jones | Vikings | @ Giants |
20. | Javonte Williams | Broncos | Seahawks |
21. | D’Andre Swift | Bears | Titans |
22. | David Montgomery | Lions | Rams |
23. | Rhamondre Stevenson | Patriots | @ Bengals |
24. | Raheem Mostert | Dolphins | Jaguars |
25. | Zamir White | Raiders | @ Chargers |
26. | Devin Singletary | Giants | Vikings |
27. | Tony Pollard | Titans | @ Bears |
28. | Jerome Ford | Browns | Cowboys |
29. | Najee Harris | Steelers | @ Falcons |
30. | Chuba Hubbard | Panthers | @ Saints |
31. | Austin Ekeler | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
32. | Jaylen Warren | Steelers | @ Falcons |
33. | Zack Moss | Bengals | Patriots |
34. | Tyjae Spears | Titans | @ Bears |
35. | Chase Brown | Bengals | Patriots |
36. | Brian Robinson Jr. | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
37. | Gus Edwards | Chargers | Raiders |
38. | Ezekiel Elliott | Cowboys | @ Browns |
39. | Jaleel McLaughlin | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
40. | J.K. Dobbins | Chargers | Raiders |
41. | Antonio Gibson | Patriots | @ Bengals |
42. | Blake Corum | Rams | @ Lions |
43. | Zach Charbonnet | Seahawks | @ Broncos |
44. | D’Onta Foreman | Browns | Cowboys |
45. | Ty Chandler | Vikings | @ Giants |
46. | Tyler Allgeier | Falcons | Steelers |
47. | Jamaal Williams | Saints | Panthers |
48. | Miles Sanders | Panthers | @ Saints |
49. | Rico Dowdle | Cowboys | @ Browns |
50. | Ray Davis | Bills | Cardinals |
51. | Justice Jill | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
52. | Trey Benson | Cardinals | @ Bills |
53. | Alexander Mattison | Raiders | @ Chargers |
54. | Bucky Irving | Buccaneers | Commanders |
55. | Samaje Perine | Chiefs | Ravens |
56. | Khalil Herber | Bears | Titans |
57. | Jordan Mason | 49ers | Jets |
58. | Emanuel Wilson | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
59. | Tyrone Tracy Jr. | Giants | Vikings |
60. | Roschon Johnson | Bears | Titans |
Tight End
Last season, Travis Kelce began a decline for the first time in years. He saw just 8.1 targets in the regular season, his lowest since 2016, and his 10.6 yards per reception was the lowest in his career. Considering he’s about to turn 35, it’s not likely he’s improving on those numbers this season. Still, his postseason stats were a lot more impressive, so take that as you will. The point is, there are some younger guys making it at the top this year, looking to take the crown from Kelce.
Tight ends who are not projected to play in Week 1 are Vikings’ T.J. Hockenson and Rams’ Tyler Higbee. It wouldn’t really be worth it to put in a Vikings’ backup tight end, but for the Rams, Colby Parkinson could be a potential option in deep leagues.
TEs whose status you’ll need to check on before starting: Sam LaPorta, David Njoku, Mark Andrews, Dallas Goedert, Brock Bowers, Hunter Henry, and Noah Fant.
Rank | Tight End | Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Sam LaPorta | Lions | Rams |
2. | Travis Kelce | Chiefs | Ravems |
3. | Mark Andrews | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
4. | Trey McBride | Cardinals | @ Bills |
5. | Dalton Kincaid | Bills | Cardinals |
6. | Evan Engram | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
7. | Kyle Pitts | Falcons | Steelers |
8. | George Kittle | 49ers | Jets |
9. | Jake Ferguson | Cowboys | @ Browns |
10. | David Njoku | Browns | Cowboys |
11. | Dallas Goedert | Eagles | Packer |
12. | Brock Bowers | Raiders | @ Chargers |
13. | Dalton Schultz | Texans | @ Colts |
14. | Pat Freiermuth | Steelers | @ Falcons |
15. | Cole Kmet | Bears | Titans |
16. | Hunter Henry | Patriots | @ Bengals |
17. | Luke Musgrave | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
18. | Cade Otton | Buccaneers | Commanders |
19. | Tyler Conklin | Jets | @ 49ers |
20. | Chigoziem Okonkwo | Titans | @ Bears |
21. | Taysom Hill | Saints | Panthers |
22. | Colby Parkinson | Rams | @ Lions |
23. | Noah Fant | Seahawks | Broncos |
24. | Juwan Johnson | Saints | Panthers |
25. | Zach Ertz | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
26. | Jonnu Smith | Dolphins | Jaguars |
27. | Greg Dulcich | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
28. | Mike Gesicki | Bengals | Patriots |
29. | Hayden Hurst | Chargers | Raiders |
30. | Ben Sinnott | Commanders | @ Buccaneers |
31. | Johnny Mundt | Vikings | @ Giants |
32. | Kylen Granson | Colts | Texans |
Defense
Rank | Defensive Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|
1. | Bengals | Patriots |
2. | Saints | Panthers |
3. | Vikings | @ Giants |
4. | Buccaneers | Commanders |
5. | Bears | Titans |
6. | Seahawks | Broncos |
7. | Cowboys | @ Browns |
8. | Browns | Cowboys |
9. | Bills | Cardinals |
10. | Falcons | Steelers |
11. | 49ers | Jets |
12. | Dolphins | Jaguars |
13. | Giants | Vikings |
14. | Eagles | Packers |
15. | Chiefs | Ravens |
16. | Texans | @ Colts |
17. | Raiders | @ Chargers |
18. | Chargers | Raiders |
19. | Titans | @ Bears |
20. | Steelers | @ Falcons |
21. | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
22. | Lions | @ Rams |
23. | Jets | @ 49ers |
24. | Colts | Texans |
25. | Panthers | @ Saints |
26. | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
27. | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
28. | Commanders | Buccaneers |
29. | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
30. | Patriots | @ Bengals |
31. | Cardinals | @ Bills |
32. | Rams | @ Lions |
Kicker
Kickers whose status you’ll need to check on before starting: Dustin Hopkins and Eddy Pineiro.
Rank | Kicker | Team | Opponent |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Harrison Butker | Chiefs | Ravens |
2. | Ka’imi Fairbairn | Texans | @ Colts |
3. | Justin Tucker | Ravens | @ Chiefs |
4. | Matt Gay | Colts | Texans |
5. | Evan McPherson | Bengals | Patriots |
6. | Brandon Aubrey | Cowboys | @ Browns |
7. | Cairo Santos | Bears | Titans |
8. | Younghoe Koo | Falcons | Steelers |
9. | Jason Sanders | Dolphins | Jaguars |
10. | Jake Elliott | Eagles | Packers |
11. | Jake Moody | 49ers | Jets |
12. | Chris Boswell | Steelers | @ Falcons |
13. | Jake Bates | Lions | Rams |
14. | Chase McLaughlin | Buccaneers | Commanders |
15. | Tyler Bass | Bills | Cardinals |
16. | Jason Myers | Seahawks | Broncos |
17. | Joshua Karty | Rams | @ Lions |
18. | Blake Grupe | Saints | Panthers |
19. | Cameron Dicker | Chargers | Raiders |
20. | Daniel Carlson | Raiders | @ Chargers |
21. | Dustin Hopkins | Browns | Cowboys |
22. | Will Reichard | Vikings | @ Giants |
23. | Greg Zuerlein | Jets | @ 49ers |
24. | Wil Lutz | Broncos | @ Seahawks |
25. | Matt Prater | Cardinals | @ Bills |
26. | Cam Little | Jaguars | @ Dolphins |
27. | Eddy Piniero | Panthers | @ Saints |
28. | Graham Gano | Giants | Vikings |
29. | Nick Folk | Titans | @ Bears |
30. | Cade York | Commanders | @ Buccaneer |
31. | Brayden Narveson | Packers | @ Eagles* (in São Paulo, Brazil) |
32. | Joey Slye | Patriots | @ Bengals |