Football is finally back! One game is in the books, and we already have one ejection, one hour-long weather delay, and one target for A.J. Brown.
If you’re looking to get ready for all of this weekend’s action, you’re in the right place. I’ll be taking a general look at each game environment and fantasy outlooks, and the one and only Reginald Appleby will be adding in his DFS thoughts in the DFS Building Blocks article. We of course have a full slate this week, so that’s enough intro for now. Let’s get started.
Game Overviews
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Buccaneers 24.5, Falcons 23.5
123 points were scored in the two matchups between these division rivals last season. Given that they both still project to have questionable defenses and pass-happy offenses, we could very well be in for another shootout. There are a lot of potentially interesting games to target this weekend, but this is near the top of the list.
Quarterbacks
I’m skeptical of Baker Mayfield’s chances to repeat his excellent 2024 fantasy campaign, but this matchup gives him a great opportunity to pick up where he left off. He’s an easy QB1. Michael Penix Jr. is not as safe a play, but he’s intriguing as a QB2. He was incredibly aggressive in his three starts last year, and this is an environment where that approach could pay off.
Running Backs
Obviously, Bijan Robinson is a must-start, regardless of matchup … but this matchup certainly doesn’t hurt, either. Tyler Allgeier is unlikely to be involved enough to be relevant. Things are a bit trickier on the Tampa Bay side, where the big question is whether Bucky Irving will pick up where he left off as a true three-down workhorse. He’s a start, regardless, while Rachaad White (and Sean Tucker) is best left on benches until we get the answer to that question.
Wide Receivers
Each of these teams has one locked-in stud — fire up Mike Evans and Drake London with even more confidence than usual in this matchup. But, especially because of the shootout potential, both rookie Emeka Egbuka and veteran Darnell Mooney are viable options. It’s always risky to start a rookie in their NFL debut, but the Bucs have no one other than Egbuka to turn to with Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan both sidelined. Mooney, meanwhile, has been dealing with a shoulder injury of his own but appears to be on track to play. He absolutely cooked the Buccaneers for 21.8 half-PPR points per game last season, so as long as he’s healthy, he’s probably more startable than his ADP would indicate.
Tight Ends
In traditional, one-TE leagues, neither Kyle Pitts nor Cade Otton should really be in your lineup. With that said, they do both benefit from the chance that this game goes off the rails (in a good way), making them more viable as TE2 or flex options in deep formats.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Bengals 26.5, Broncos 21.5
This is arguably the game of the week. The Bengals’ offense is elite and aggressive, and their defense is terrible. The question is whether the Browns can do enough to keep things reasonably competitive. I think yes, given the success we’ve seen the Kevin Stefanski/Joe Flacco pairing have in the past and Cincinnati’s defensive woes.
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow should be the de facto favorite to throw for 300+ yards and/or four touchdowns every week, and this week is certainly no exception. Joe Flacco is much less of a no-brainer start, but he’s an interesting streaming/QB2 option. The matchup is ideal, and he averaged 21.8 points in five starts for Cleveland in 2023.
Running Backs
Based on preseason usage, we are in for the Chase Brown show once again in Cincinnati’s backfield. Samaje Perine will mix in occasionally on passing downs, but not enough to be relevant. On Cleveland’s side, I actually kind of like this spot for Jerome Ford. He’s the incumbent veteran and the Browns’ likely passing-down back, which should serve him well for a Week 1 matchup where Cleveland will likely be playing from behind. Dylan Sampson will also be involved, but I’d recommend taking a wait-and-see approach on the rookie unless you truly have no other options.
Wide Receivers
You don’t need me to tell you to start Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins; the same probably applies to Jerry Jeudy, given this excellent matchup. In fact, this matchup is so juicy that I like Cedric Tillman as a potential streaming option. Tillman actually outperformed and outtargeted Jeudy in the three weeks after Amari Cooper’s departure before he suffered a season-ending concussion. At the very least, see if you have room to stash him on your bench, as he could easily be a hot Week 2 pickup after taking advantage of this Cincinnati secondary on Sunday.
Tight Ends
With Flacco under center and the Bengals’ defense on tap, now is the time to fire up David Njoku. I’ll also be watching to see how the Browns utilize Harold Fannin Jr., but he’s certainly not playable at this point. Mike Gesicki definitely could find the end zone, but you’ve hopefully still got a better option in 1-TE leagues.
Miami Dolphins @ Indianapolis Colts
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Dolphins 23.5, Colts 23.5
Is it crazy that this is one of the games I’m most interested in watching this week? Both of these teams have unclear outlooks that will impact multiple fantasy-relevant players. Will the Dolphins’ offense be more like its electric 2023 self or the checkdown-based mess we saw last year? Can Shane Steichen get enough out of Daniel Jones to keep the Colts’ offense above water? Uncertainty on both sides offensively combined with two mediocre defenses makes this a very high-variance matchup.
Quarterbacks
In 1-QB, I hope you have better options than Tua Tagovailoa or Daniel Jones. But they both do have upsides that make them intriguing in other formats. Jones is mobile, and Tua has shown a massive ceiling when everything is humming in Mike McDaniel’s system. You could definitely do worse than punting on either in a pinch.
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor is a must-start, as is De’Von Achane despite his calf injury. The only other back worth considering here is Dolphins rookie Ollie Gordon II, who might see an increased early-down workload if Achane is limited by his injury. But playing Gordon at this point is essentially betting on a goal-line TD, which isn’t my idea of a fun way to start the fantasy season.
Wide Receivers
It’s not as obvious as it once was, but Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle should still both be in lineups. Especially with Achane banged up and Darren Waller likely out, this offense will run through them, and we know they both have big-play ability. On the Colts’ side, this is a good matchup for both Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. They’re both flex options, especially in PPR formats.
Tight Ends
As mentioned, Darren Waller is listed as doubtful for this one … not that I’d recommend playing him in his first game back from retirement even if he was healthy. This is also Tyler Warren’s NFL debut. He’s an elite prospect and saw great preseason usage, but I’d still recommend waiting to start him if you have the option.
Carolina Panthers @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Panthers 21.5, Jaguars 25.5
Last year, both of these teams were in the bottom 10 on both sides of the ball, including ranking first and second in terms of total yards allowed. There’s optimism that both offenses will be improved this year; if that’s true, this could be a sneakily fun matchup for fantasy. But I’m also not entirely sold on the idea that either of these former first-overall picks is more than mediocre.
Quarterbacks
This is a good matchup for both Bryce Young and Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence, in particular, received major upgrades across the board this offseason (at least in theory) and is a borderline QB1 this week. But I still won’t feel comfortable with either of these guys in 1-QB leagues until they show us something. With that said, they’re both playable in 2-QB formats.
Running Backs
Chuba Hubbard is a solid RB2, and that’s about all there is to say about the Panthers’ backfield. Things are much trickier on the other side. This is an incredibly juicy matchup, as Carolina gave up over 500 more rushing yards than any other team in 2024. But we don’t know whether Travis Etienne or Tank Bigsby will be the one to benefit from this situation. Exciting rookie Bhyashul Tuten could also be involved. Because of the matchup, both Etienne and Bigsby are playable flex options, with wide ranges of outcomes depending on their usage split.
Wide Receivers
Fire up Brian Thomas Jr. with confidence — the Panthers’ secondary isn’t much better than their run defense. However, I do lean toward holding off on starting Travis Hunter for at least one week. I’m extremely high on the Heisman winner for the season, but he’s just a very risky play until we are sure he will play something close to a full-time offensive role. On the other hand, Tetairoa McMillan is definitely playable in his NFL debut. With Adam Thielen in Minnesota and Jalen Coker on IR, he has zero competition to be Young’s top target in a solid matchup. Xavier Legette and Hunter Renfrow should be the Panthers’ other two starting WRs, but you hopefully have enough solid options that you don’t really have to consider either of them.
Tight Ends
If we get the fun outcome and this game becomes a shootout, both Brenton Strange and Ja’Tavion Sanders could definitely hit this week. But given that we don’t yet know their roles in their respective offenses, let alone whether those offenses are any good, they’re best avoided for now.
Las Vegas Raiders @ New England Patriots
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Raiders 20.5, Patriots 23.5
This is another matchup between two teams that were straight-up bad in 2024 but at least have hope in 2025. Drake Maye enters year two with a new OC, a new WR1, and a massive hype train behind him. On the other side, Geno Smith, Chip Kelly, and Pete Carroll is definitely an upgrade over what the Raiders had last year … but by how much? Given the low totals, we should expect this matchup to be more “ugly bad” than “exciting bad.”
Quarterbacks
I’ve been a doubter about emerging young players for a lot of this article, but I’m willing to roll the dice right away with Drake Maye. The rushing potential he showed last year was excellent, and the Raiders’ defense is terrible. He’s a legitimate QB1 option this week. I also like Geno Smith, but he’s definitely more of a borderline QB2 than anything else against a solid Patriots defense.
Running Backs
Don’t get cute and sit Ashton Jeanty because he’s a rookie making his NFL debut in a tough matchup. You probably drafted him in the first or early second round — fire him up with confidence. On the other hand, I am a little worried about the usage TreVeyon Henderson will see in his NFL debut. There’s a real chance that he is used mostly as a receiving back to start his career, which won’t be a high-usage role if the Patriots handle the Raiders. Henderson is playable as a flex, especially in PPR formats. But don’t be surprised if we see Rhamondre Stevenson easily lead the team in carries, which also makes him a potential flex against Vegas’ weak defense.
Wide Receivers
There’s not a lot to get excited about in terms of receivers for this game. Former Patriot Jakobi Meyers and new Patriot Stefon Diggs are both borderline WR3s. You can maybe start Demario Douglas in a PPR format if you’re desperate. That’s about it.
Tight Ends
Both Brock Bowers and Hunter Henry should pick up more or less where they left off: as a must-start stud and a boring-but-safe borderline TE1 if you’re in a pinch, respectively.
Arizona Cardinals @ New Orleans Saints
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Cardinals 24.5, Saints 18.5
With probably the worst top-to-bottom roster in the entire league, the Saints will be a fun team to target all season. That will especially be true if Kellen Moore — who tends to run high-tempo, fantasy-friendly offenses — manages to get something approaching competence out of Spencer Rattler. For now, we have to assume that won’t be the case. But if it is, this game, and every Saints game for the rest of the season, has the potential to be a fantasy bonanza.
Quarterbacks
The only potential flaw with this matchup for Kyler Murray is that the Saints might simply be too bad for Arizona to have to throw much. But in Week 1, coming off a disappointing season, I think we might see the Cardinals flex their passing game a bit, even if they are winning comfortably. With that plus his rushing upside, Kyler is a very solid QB1. The Cardinals’ defense isn’t too scary, but Spencer Rattler is still probably the quarterback I would least like to have in my lineup this week.
Running Backs
This is the smash spot of all smash spots for James Conner, who should be locked into lineups. Alvin Kamara should be, too. Either the Saints move the ball and he is a large part of their offense, or they fall way behind and he can get there on late-game receiving work.
Wide Receivers
When I mentioned that the Cardinals might want to show off a bit this week, I was really thinking of Marvin Harrison Jr., whose rookie year was undeniably a disappointment despite solid final stats. He’s a WR2 this week. On the Saints’ side, Chris Olave is back healthy and still an excellent talent, but it’s hard to call him more than a WR3 until we see Rattler. I’m also in wait-and-see mode for Rashid Shaheed, who started last season on a tear but might be particularly impacted if Rattler struggles — he’s a boom-or-bust flex option.
Tight Ends
They might try to feature MHJ more this season, but the Cardinals’ passing offense still runs through Trey McBride until proven otherwise. He’s a must-start. Juwan Johnson saw improved usage in the preseason, but he definitely isn’t playable at this point.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ New York Jets
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Steelers 20.5, Jets 17.5
Yuck. This game projects to be terribly slow and run-heavy, with Arthur Smith and Aaron Rodgers facing off against the Justin Fields-led Jets. It’s got the lowest total of the week by 4.5 points, and even that could be underselling it. There are talented players on both sides, but it’s hard to see much fantasy goodness coming out of what is likely to be a true slog.
Quarterbacks
Dual-threat quarterbacks are always fantasy cheat codes unless they are utterly incompetent passers; Justin Fields has consistently flirted with that line in his career. His mobility and big-play rushing upside make him a startable option still, but you might want to look elsewhere in 1-QB leagues given the Steelers’ defensive strength and an overall unappealing game environment. Aaron Rodgers’ days of bringing rushing upside are long gone, so he’s far less likely than Fields to overcome the environmental factors. He’s only startable in deep 2-QB formats.
Running Backs
I’m definitely worried about Breece Hall’s usage … and the matchup … and are we sure he’s even that good? But he’s still probably a must-start unless your RB room is incredibly stacked. I also don’t think Braelon Allen (or Isaiah Davis) is anywhere near startable at this point in this matchup. On the Steelers’ side, Jaylen Warren is a flex option, but I recommend waiting a week or two to roll out Kaleb Johnson. Even if he is already the team’s early-down rusher, the rookie will find tough sledding against the Jets’ defense.
Wide Receivers
Really, I feel very similarly about Garrett Wilson as I do about Hall. With Fields under center, the Jets’ passing volume will be low at the best of times, and the Steelers are a rough matchup both in terms of defensive talent and game flow. Beyond that, I’m just not as convinced as many analysts seem to be that Wilson is an elite talent. But at the end of the day, he’s a talented player who should dominate targets for New York, so he’s a solid starting option. DK Metcalf is a similarly solid option on the Steelers’ side. There are no startable WRs beyond those two in this one.
Tight Ends
Given how often their scoring depends on touchdowns, tight ends are heavily impacted by low-scoring environments. With that in mind, I’m avoiding all three of Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Mason Taylor.
New York Giants @ Washington Commanders
Sunday, 1 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Giants 19.5, Commanders 26.5
With one of the widest spreads of the weekend, this game is not expected to be close. That’s not surprising, given that the Commanders are looking to build off a playoff run in Jayden Daniels’ rookie year, while the Giants are just wasting time until they are forced to start Jaxson Dart. The Commanders’ total is definitely enticing, although it may be tough to predict who will score those points aside from Daniels himself.
Quarterbacks
Jayden Daniels is obviously a must-start. He should rank among the top four quarterbacks in just about every week of this season. Russell Wilson, on the other hand, will be lucky to escape the bottom four QBs, even in a good matchup.
Running Backs
It seems as though, with help from a preseason injury for the rookie, Tyrone Tracy Jr. has held off Cam Skattebo to be the Giants’ clear RB1 for now. That makes Skattebo unstartable and Tracy a flex option despite what is likely to be an unfavorable game script. Washington’s backfield, on the other hand, is a massive question mark. If you’ve got no other options, one of Chris Rodriguez Jr. or Jacory Croskey-Merritt will probably have a solid day as the team’s lead rusher. But we don’t know which it will be, and the Giants’ formidable D-Line only adds risk to the equation. Austin Ekeler is at least locked into a passing-down role and should also see some carries, so he’s playable in PPR formats.
Wide Receivers
I’m on the record as being a Terry McLaurin hater, but he’s still obviously a starting fantasy asset every week. I also like Deebo Samuel as a WR3; it is beginning to seem more and more likely that Kliff Kingsbury will use him creatively to help fill their backfield void. On the Giants’ side, Malik Nabers has proven he is more than capable of overcoming tough matchups and terrible QB play. Wan’Dale Robinson has achieved the same feat in the past, but he did it in a PPR-scam type of way that doesn’t seem like a perfect fit for Russ’ playstyle. He’s only a desperation play.
Tight Ends
Zach Ertz and Theo Johnson honestly might play very similar roles in their respective offenses. But the Commanders’ offense looks elite while the Giants’ offense looks putrid, so Ertz is a high-end TE2 while Johnson isn’t playable.
Tennessee Titans @ Denver Broncos
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Titans 16.5, Broncos 26.5
This is the most lopsided spread of the weekend, as the Broncos are expected to beat up on poor Cam Ward in his NFL debut. If Ward is a difference-maker right out of the gate, we could get a surprising fantasy explosion in this one. Otherwise, it will be up to Sean Payton how much he wants to run up the score.
Quarterbacks
I think Cam Ward deserves more hype than he has been getting. He was the first-overall pick for a reason and could definitely make some fantasy noise as a rookie. But, even if he ends up having a solid season, it probably won’t start in his NFL debut against an elite Denver defense. Bo Nix is a solid backend QB1, although there’s always the potential concern that he simply won’t have to do much en route to an easy win.
Running Backs
The matchup is terrible, but Tony Pollard is still a must-start. The usage he saw when Tyjae Spears was sidelined last season was the best of any back in the league (non-post-Zack-Moss-injury-Chase-Brown division). For the Broncos, both J.K. Dobbins and rookie RJ Harvey are playable. Sean Payton loves to feed his running backs, and he should have every opportunity to do so against an overmatched Titans team.
Wide Receivers
Like his quarterback, I’m optimistic about Calvin Ridley’s prospects this season … just not this week. With Patrick Surtain II likely to be on him for over half of his snaps, Ridley is more of a boom-bust flex option than anything else this week. On the Broncos’ side, Courtland Sutton is the only receiver you can confidently start. We don’t know enough about the usage that Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin will see to start them in what should be a low-passing-volume day for Denver.
Tight Ends
Chigoziem Okonkwo’s preseason usage was incredibly encouraging. But he’s clearly nothing more than a dart-throw TE2 in this tough matchup. Evan Engram is playable as a backend TE1, although I’m worried he will end up falling prey to Payton’s notorious rotations.
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: 49ers 22.5, Seahawks 20.5
The total for this game is honestly surprisingly low, as neither of these defenses are what they once were. The Seahawks have a new OC/QB pairing in Klint Kubiak and Sam Darnold, which could be anything from a clear upgrade to a massive failure. Meanwhile, the 49ers are hoping to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2024 … and CMC is back on the injury report.
Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy has consistently been a solid fantasy contributor, and I like him to pick up where he left off as a fringe QB1. On the other hand, Sam Darnold was never a startable fantasy option until he turned his career around in Minnesota last season. Let’s see him do it without Kevin O’Connell and Justin Jefferson before inserting him into lineups as more than a borderline QB2.
Running Backs
Out of nowhere, Christian McCaffrey has popped up on the 49ers’ injury report with a calf issue. He didn’t practice at all on Friday and is officially listed as questionable. If he plays, which he says he will, he’s still a must-start. If he doesn’t, Brian Robinson Jr. probably is, although Isaac Guerendo is reportedly on track to play Sunday. For Seattle, although we’ve heard some rumblings of a committee, it’s still “start Kenneth Walker III and bench Zach Charbonnet” until we actually see the latter get significant touches while both are healthy.
Wide Receivers
While another San Francisco calf injury is currently taking the fantasy internet by storm, Jauan Jennings appears to have recovered (if he was ever actually hurt) and should play on Sunday. I prefer him to Ricky Pearsall, although both are playable as WR3/flex types. For the Seahawks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba should dominate volume and is an obvious start. Cooper Kupp is a flex option, although there’s a chance that leaving Matthew Stafford kills what remaining fantasy value he had.
Tight Ends
George Kittle is an elite TE option every week that he is healthy. Until we see one of AJ Barner or Elijah Arroyo completely ice the other, no Seahawks TE is playable.
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Lions 23.5, Packers 24.5
This could definitely be an exciting game. The Packers’ offense has tons of talent, but we saw last year that they may need to be pushed to truly let loose. Even with Ben Johnson gone, the Lions should be more than capable of doing that pushing.
Quarterbacks
Both Jordan Love and Jared Goff are absolutely capable of huge games in this spot. But with the amount of quality fantasy QBs playing this week, they’re both more like high-end QB2s than actual QB1s.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs and Jahmyr Gibbs are no-brainer must-starts. David Montgomery probably is, too, although don’t be surprised if his role is the first to shrink if the Lions’ offense takes a step back without Johnson.
Wide Receivers
Amon-Ra St. Brown is an elite WR1, and Jameson Williams’ explosiveness means he should be in lineups too. Isaac TeSlaa has generated plenty of buzz, but he’s a long way from being playable. For the Packers, Jayden Reed is officially questionable with a foot injury, which is reportedly a Jones fracture. Even if he plays, I recommend benching him if you have another option — his role is limited enough when he is 100% healthy. However, I like rolling out the rookie, Matthew Golden, in his NFL debut. He has generated rave reviews in camp and has the speed to hit on just one big play. Romeo Doubs is also always a viable deep-league flex as a guy who will at least run a ton of routes for an elite offense.
Tight Ends
Tucker Kraft and Sam LaPorta aren’t elite, but they are talented playmakers with legit roles on great offenses. That makes them both solid weekly options in the always barren fantasy TE landscape.
Houston Texans @ Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Texans 20.5, Rams 23.5
The spread is pretty tight, but I can see this one getting ugly for the Texans. With Christian Kirk and Joe Mixon both out, Nico Collins is their only proven playmaker on offense. Their O-line is also likely to be overwhelmed by a talented Rams front seven. On the other end, the Texans’ defense is an elite unit, making this game even less appealing as a fantasy spot to target.
Quarterbacks
There’s not much to like about an immobile pocket passer with a low team total facing a good defense. That’s what both C.J. Stroud and Matthew Stafford are this week, making them both unappealing QB2 options.
Running Backs
Even against a great defense, Kyren Williams’ workload is strong enough to make him a borderline RB1. On the other hand, it’s very hard to trust any of the Texans’ RBs. Nick Chubb will probably lead the team in carries, but he’s not his old self and has never been a pass-catcher. Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale, and Woody Marks could all also be involved to some degree. Avoid this backfield if possible until we get a clearer picture of the plan with Mixon sidelined.
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins and Puka Nacua are studs and should be started in all leagues. Davante Adams should, too. He’s not his old self, but he’s still a talented player and the Rams’ offense is perfectly built for wide receiver scoring. It’s tempting to recommend Jayden Higgins and/or Jaylin Noel with Christian Kirk out, but it’s not like this offense supported two fantasy-relevant receivers last year. Stash both members of the Iowa State rookie duo on your bench for now.
Tight Ends
Kirk being out does make Dalton Schultz slightly more appealing as a TE2. But I’m still not playing him or Tyler Higbee/Terrance Ferguson in this gross game environment.
Baltimore Ravens @ Buffalo Bills
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Ravens 26.5, Bills 24.5
These teams are both excellent across the board. But great offense beats great defense in the NFL, and these are truly elite offenses. As a result, we’ve got the highest total of the entire weekend in what should be an excellent game. Given that high total, there are fewer no-doubt studs than you might expect, but there are plenty of secondary pieces worth considering in deeper leagues.
Quarterbacks
The two best fantasy QBs in the league and the last two NFL MVPs, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson should be in fantasy lineups.
Running Backs
Derrick Henry and James Cook should join their QBs in being locked into lineups. Neither back has a truly elite role (Henry doesn’t catch passes while Cook’s snap share is limited), but they make up for it with top-tier efficiency and huge TD equity on these dominant offenses. Otherwise, Justice Hill is the only backup RB to consider here, as a dart throw play in PPR formats.
Wide Receivers
Zay Flowers is locked in as a solid WR3, but that’s where the obvious picks end. Rashod Bateman is always a flex option, but he’s inconsistent. For the Bills, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Joshua Palmer are all viable plays … but any one of them could also drop a complete donut. Still, if there was ever a week to force these Bills into your lineup, it might be this one, as they will likely have to throw to keep up with Lamar and Co.
Tight Ends
Especially with Isaiah Likely officially out, Mark Andrews is a very solid TE1. Dalton Kincaid is similar to the rest of the Bills’ pass catchers in that he could have a big day or be entirely irrelevant to the offense. Among tight ends, that leaves him just outside the TE1 ranks, but not unplayable.
Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Bears
Monday, 8:15 p.m. EST | Projected Totals: Vikings 22.5, Bears 21.5
This game could go all sorts of ways. If J.J. McCarthy hits the ground running and Ben Johnson has fixed Caleb Williams, there’s enough talent on both sides for an absolute barn burner. If McCarthy has growing pains and Williams picks up where he left off as one of the worst QBs in the league, we could be in for an ugly first Monday Night game of the season.
Quarterbacks
There’s definitely upside with both J.J. McCarthy and Caleb Williams. But there’s downside, too. With how many good fantasy options there are at quarterback this year, I wouldn’t want to start either in 1-QB formats.
Running Backs
Can D’Andre Swift follow in Javonte Williams’ footsteps by proving everyone wrong with a big game in primetime? Honestly, maybe. There’s no real reason to think he will be anything other than the Bears’ workhorse, and we know that volume is king in fantasy football. On the other side, I believe Aaron Jones is a much better play than Jordan Mason. Jones is the clear pass-catcher of the two, and he’s probably the better rusher, too. With that said, Mason is also a viable flex option, as he may be the team’s lead goal-line back.
Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson needs no introduction. I’m also willing to give DJ Moore the benefit of the doubt and roll him out as a WR3 (although he’s on thin ice). Rome Odunze’s ice is even thinner, but he’s also a viable WR3. Luther Burden III hasn’t secured a large enough role to be playable yet, and I’m not playing 35-year-old Adam Thielen as the Vikings’ potential WR2.
Tight Ends
As long as Jordan Addison is suspended, T.J. Hockenson is a very solid TE1 option. Colston Loveland definitely has the talent to be a TE1 sooner rather than later, but there are one too many question marks about his role and this offense for him to be there in Week 1.