Dominate Your League Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings & Sleepers!

Fantasy Football Rankings Week 1: Sleepers, Projections, Starts, and More!

Oh, how we've missed the thrill of fantasy football! The rankings, the start/sit debates, the fun ranks – it's all back as the NFL season kicks off. Week 1 is here, and the excitement is palpable.

This weekly preview will be your go-to guide, featuring notes for each game with start/sit considerations, comprehensive fantasy football rankings and projections, and a bit of fun along the way. Let's dive in and start the 2025 season strong!

WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL PREVIEWS

Cowboys at Eagles, Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET

• Even without Dak Prescott for half of last season, the Cowboys passed 70.3% of the time (fifth-most) when down 7+ points. The Eagles are seven-point favorites.
• George Pickens had 16 red zone and 12 end zone targets last year, but his touchdown conversion rate was low. Dak Prescott, however, ranked 10th out of 55 QBs in end zone TD percentage (41.1).
• Dallas Goedert's fantasy point production remains relatively consistent whether A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are on the field or not.

Chiefs at Chargers, Friday, 8 p.m. ET

• From Week 13 on, Xavier Worthy had at least five receptions in each game, finishing as WR25 overall and WR29 in FPPG (11.3). Remember, Rashee Rice is suspended for the first six games.
• Last year, the Chiefs allowed only six double-digit RB scores, with just two exceeding 12 points. Omarion Hampton is a must-start without Najee Harris, but his upside may be limited if Harris plays.

Buccaneers at Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Only Lamar Jackson had a higher RZ TD% and TD/ATT% than Baker Mayfield, and only Tua Tagovailoa faced a lower pressure rate (min. 300 dropbacks).
• Kyle Pitts saw only 10 targets in the three Michael Penix starts. If Darnell Mooney is limited, Pitts presents high-ceiling potential.

Bengals at Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Mike Gesicki's target share increased from 13.2% to 17.4% when either Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins were off the field.
• Jerome Ford is a safe play, but if you're seeking upside, consider Dylan Sampson due to his burst and receiving ability in a potential comeback scenario.

Dolphins at Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Leaders in 20+ half-PPR games the past two seasons:
  1. Jahmyr Gibbs: 11
  T2. Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson: 10
  T4. Kyren Williams, De’Von Achane: 9
• Daniel Jones should benefit Josh Downs and Tyler Warren, but may negatively impact Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce. Consider Pittman and Warren as risky Week 1 plays.

Raiders at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Jakobi Meyers actually had a slightly higher TmTGT% (21.6 to 21.8) and more FPPT (1.37 to 1.21) when sharing the field with Brock Bowers.
• With Maxx Crosby, the Raiders pose a constant QB-pressure threat. Drake Maye heavily targeted his tight ends (42.9%) and running backs (28.6%) under pressure last year.

Cardinals at Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• The Cardinals need to effectively utilize Marvin Harrison. He ran 102 Go routes last year, but his Separation Score was among the worst for receivers with 50+ routes.
• Spencer Rattler's struggles in college suggest limiting your fantasy exposure to players beyond Alvin Kamara this week.

Steelers at Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Trust Jaylen Warren in the Steelers backfield.
• Consider Mason Taylor a lottery ticket given the Steelers' defensive vulnerabilities.

Giants at Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Russell Wilson tends to dump-off to running backs under pressure, making Tyrone Tracy an intriguing RB2/3 play.
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt may be the best Commanders running back, but a committee approach is expected, making Austin Ekeler the riskiest, yet potentially best, bet this week.

Panthers at Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

• Xavier Legette has a clear path to being the No. 2 receiver, with Ja’Tavion Sanders as a deep-league flier.
• Travis Etienne is expected to lead the Jaguars' backfield, especially in the passing game.

Titans at Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

• Elic Ayomanor is already listed ahead of Van Jefferson, making him a stash candidate. Consider buying low on Calvin Ridley if he struggles in a tough matchup.
• Marvin Mims is poised for top-two receiver work, making him a boom/bust WR4.

49ers at Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

• If Jauan Jennings sits, Ricky Pearsall is a locked-in WR2. Even if Jennings plays, Pearsall is preferred.
• The 49ers' healthy defense, boosted by Robert Saleh's return, suggests limiting Seahawks starts to Kenneth Walker and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Lions at Packers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

• Jared Goff has struggled in Green Bay in the past.
• Jayden Reed's injury opens the door for Matthew Golden to make an immediate impact.

Texans at Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

• Nico Collins is likely the only Texans option to trust this week.
• Monitor Matthew Stafford's health; Puka Nacua and Davante Adams could be sell-high candidates if they have big games.

Ravens at Bills, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

• Rashod Bateman is a gamble worth considering in a potential shootout.
• Avoid Keon Coleman and Joshua Palmer if possible, but stash both for potential future value.

Vikings at Bears, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

• The Bears' lack of man coverage should help J.J. McCarthy and Adam Thielen.
• D’Andre Swift is the clear lead back with injuries impacting Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai.
• Rome Odunze excels against zone coverage, giving him a strong chance to start 2025 on a high note.

FUN WITH RANKS

A lighthearted ranking of recent movies, offering a fun break from the football analysis:

• Superman
• How to Train Your Dragon
• Weapons
• Sinners
• The Fantastic Four: First Steps
• Predator: Killer of Killers
• Thunderbolts
• Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
• F1: The Movie
• Final Destination: Bloodlines
• Ballerina
• Drop
• The Accountant 2
• Novocaine
• Happy Gilmore 2
• The Gorge
• Lilo & Stitch
• Jurassic World: Rebirth
• Deep Cover
• Heads of State
• Captain America: Brave New World
• Love Hurts
• Havoc
• Death of a Unicorn
• Flight Risk

WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL PROJECTIONS

HEADS UP: Projections may differ from rankings. Rankings are the preferred order for starting players, considering context like needing high-risk/high-reward options. Based on 4-point passing touchdowns, 6-point for all other touchdowns, and Half-PPR scoring.

Download Link Added Thursday

WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS

HEADS UP: Due to limitations with available widgets, using a PC/laptop or opening the rankings in your phone's browser is recommended for optimal viewing. ECR represents the "Expert" Consensus Ranking.

Updated regularly leading up to lineup lock.

(Photo by Ricky Pearsall: Sergio Estrada / Imagn Images)

Get ready for an exhilarating Week 1 of fantasy football! Make informed decisions, trust your instincts, and may your lineups bring you victory this season. Good luck, fantasy managers!

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6593198/2025/09/03/fantasy-football-rankings-week-1-sleepers-projections-starts/