These Week 1 Player Rankings Tiers are my weekly read on the NFL landscape. I’ll break it down through analytics, scouting, and coaching insight to find every edge. My goal is to give you rankings you can trust—backed by both the numbers and the game itself. I want these Player Rankings Tiers to do more than guide lineups; I want them to spark thought, push debates, and help you consistently outmaneuver your league.
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Player Rankings Tiers | Week 1
Quarterbacks | Week 1 Rankings
Tier 1 | Elite QB1
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson square off in Week 1 in what Vegas projects as the highest-scoring game on the slate. These are my overall QB1 and QB2 for the season, and fantasy managers get fireworks right out of the gate. Both are elite options with top overall QB potential this week
Tier 2 | QB1 Easy Start Decision
I wouldn’t put these three quarterbacks much lower than Tier 1. Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels (and Jalen Hurts) are locked-in starts, the only “concern” being that their matchups could get out of hand early, limiting total passing volume. Still, there’s no hesitation rolling them out in Week 1 lineups.
TIER 3 | QB1 Final Must Starts
Start of the Week | Bo Nix | Denver Broncos
Tennessee’s defense has consistently been mentioned in the bottom third of the league for 2025. Bo Nix enters his second offseason under Sean Payton, and this is the perfect spot for him to show growth right out of the gate. He’s my favorite QB value play for Week 1.
Kyler Murray heads to New Orleans, and as long as the Cardinals don’t put this game away early, he’s set up for a solid-to-explosive fantasy day. The ceiling is there if this one stays competitive.
Baker Mayfield doesn’t have his full complement of weapons, but he doesn’t need them against a soft Atlanta defense, and the 3rd highest Vegas projected point total. Expect him to keep the Bucs’ offense moving and deliver a steady fantasy line.
Tier 4 | QB1 Streamers
Jordan Love and Jared Goff battle against each other in the second-highest point total of the week, and both should provide a solid fantasy floor.
Seattle hosts Brock Purdy, and their stingy defense will keep him from fully unleashing his potential in week 1
Trevor Lawrence and Drake Maye open the year with soft landings against Carolina and Las Vegas. Both offenses have been highly anticipated all offseason, and Week 1 sets the stage for them to cut loose.
TIER 5 | QB2 Manage Expectations
Sit of the Week | C.J. Stroud | Houston Texans
I’m a big believer in C.J. Stroud long term, and I expect him to bounce back this season into the fantasy producer we thought we’d see after his rookie breakout. However, Week 1 is a brutal draw, as the team is on the road against the Rams and their relentless defensive front. Houston’s offensive line hasn’t proven it’s taken a step forward, and until they show cohesion, Stroud will be forced to speed up his reads and get the ball out quickly before that pressure gets to him, limiting any big play potential downfield.
Monday Night Football features Caleb Williams vs. J.J. McCarthy, two young quarterbacks who will face each other’s challenging defenses, making both risky fantasy starts.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford and C.J. Stroud meet in what projects to be a slower-paced game. Houston’s defense might be the league’s best, while the Rams’ pass rush should keep Stroud under constant duress.
Vegas has the Dolphins at Colts game total set at 47, giving Tua Tagovalioa some sneaky upside. Daniel Jones could chip in with rushing production, but both are mid QB2 plays in Superflex.
TIER 6 | QB2 Risky Options
We’ve officially entered the “only if you have to” zone in Superflex. Joe Flacco could stumble into value against a soft Bengals defense, but I’m more optimistic about his weapons than his personal ceiling.
Bryce Young and Michael Penix Jr. have developmental upside, but neither has a favorable matchup this week.
Justin Fields always has rushing potential, but the Steelers’ defense should keep scoring to a minimum.
Tier 7 | QB3 Last Resort
These are easy fades outside of deep Superflex desperation plays. These QBs all face tough defensive opponents, to pair with their own question marks going into Week 1.
Running Backs | Week 1 Rankings
TIER 1 | Elite RB1
These are the players that give you an immediate edge at RB1. Christian McCaffrey offers the ultimate ceiling, but last year’s health questions add just enough risk to keep managers uneasy.
TIER 2 | RB1 Auto Starts
Start of the Week | Bucky Irving | Tampa Bay
Tampa Bay heads into Atlanta for a divisional clash, and I expect the Bucs to set the tone by feeding Irving early and often. With Baker Mayfield managing a banged-up WR corps, Irving’s usage should spike. He totaled just 18 carries across both games versus Atlanta in 2024, but I’m projecting a similar number in this single matchup, plus several targets and a score to seal the day.
De’Von Achane’s heavy target share gives him both a sturdy floor and a cathedral-high ceiling.
Kyren Williams will keep his usual 80% workload, though efficiency could be a concern against Houston.
Chase Brown is my dark horse to finish as the RB1 overall. Cleveland doesn’t have a bad defense, just a terrible team. Brown is a serious cog in that engine, and it will flex in week 1 as he’ll utilize his carries and targets.
TIER 3 | RB2 with RB1 ceilings
We’ll see if that new contract elevates James Cook’s role in Buffalo, and whether Jonathan Taylor can thrive with Daniel Jones now under center.
Ashton Jeanty shouldn’t lack for touches, but I’m cautious about how effective he’ll be right out of the gate at New England.
As for TreVeyon Henderson, don’t be surprised if he turns out to be more fantasy relevant than either of his first-round classmates.
TIER 4 | Solid RB2
Sit of the Week | Breece Hall | New York Jets
This won’t be the start managers were hoping for as Breece Hall and the New York Jets head into Pittsburgh. The Jets offense doesn’t project to be overly powerful, which means fewer opportunities for Hall to pile up fantasy points. Better weeks (and seasons) are ahead.
Ken Walker III’s nagging soft tissue injuries keep me questioning whether he’ll ever hit his fantasy ceiling.
Chuba Hubbard should volume his way into RB2 territory, while Aaron Jones and D’Andre Swift will do just enough with efficiency and pass-catching to deliver solid fantasy points.
And don’t forget Austin Ekeler, before last year’s injury, he reminded everyone he can still be a dynamic playmaker out of the backfield, and he’ll fill that role again when healthy.
TIER 5 | Backend RB2/Flex options
Tyrone Tracy opens the year in the lead role, until Cam Skattebo gains his footing and grabs a larger share.
Tony Pollard draws Denver in week one, a matchup that will cap his efficiency and upside.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been the buzzy name for a couple of weeks, and he’ll get his shot to flash against the Giants.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville backfield remains one of the most important fantasy landscapes to monitor as roles take shape.
TIER 6 | RB3
We’re diving into RB4 realm now. Jerome Ford and Nick Chubb will all see plenty of work, but the real question is whether it will translate into fantasy relevance.
In Pittsburgh, there’s an opportunity if one back can separate from the committee.
Beyond that, the rest of this group profiles as strong backups who can provide flex value in deeper formats, or significantly jump up the rankings with an injury
TIER 7 | RB4/2nd Flex
Ollie Gordon should be a meaningful contributor in Miami’s offense.
Jaydon Blue looks on track for Week 1, while Kyle Monangai has been a camp standout who should earn some opportunities. Still, none of these backs are exciting Week 1 starts.
Wide Receivers | Week 1 Rankings
TIER 1 | Ja’Marr Chase
One man stands alone, and he’s ready to lap the field once more, kicking things off with a gorgeous Week 1 matchup.
TIER 2 | Elite WR1
This is a deep tier of wideouts I’m thrilled to be starting right behind Ja’Marr Chase.
Nico Collins and Drake London look to build on their breakout momentum from last year, while Amon-Ra St. Brown aims to remain a rock-solid despite an OC change.
And Brian Thomas Jr keeps dominating with Travis Hunter pulling coverage on the opposite side.
TIER 3 | Back end WR1/Strong WR2
Start of the Week | Zay Flowers | Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers is the most explosive player on the field most Sundays, and Week 1 will be no different. Buffalo vs. Baltimore sets up as an epic opener, with Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson trading blows. Flowers’ big-play ability makes him a prime beneficiary in what projects as a back-and-forth shootout.
Matthew Stafford’s durability remains a season-long concern, but while he’s healthy, both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams carry strong floors in Week 1.
Terry McLaurin is signed and locked into the WR1 role for Jayden Daniels, though the question lingers: will the time away slow him down out of the gate?
TIER 4 | WR2
I’m eager to see the growth Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray show this season, and there’s no better opponent than New Orleans to help build that early confidence.
D.K. Metcalf and Garrett Wilson will soak up all the targets they can handle, with Tetairoa McMillan earning plenty of his own at Jacksonville.
And with a fresh contract in hand, Courtland Sutton can play with confidence and security, and catch those balls from Start of the Week QB Bo Nix.
TIER 5 | WR3 with Upside
Sit of the Week | Calvin Ridley | Tennessee Titans
Denver is not the defense you want to face in your very first NFL start, no matter how confident Cam Ward looks. That matchup is going to put a cap on Calvin Ridley’s production in Week 1. He won’t see a top-five defense every week, but if you can afford to, keep him on the bench to start the season.
Jameson Williams will remain a volatile play unless his role has truly evolved, while Rome Odunze and Ricky Pearsall are both primed for a major Year 2 leap.
Meanwhile, Travis Hunter and Emeka Egbuka should deliver enough right away to be solid WR3/Flex options in Week 1.
TIER 6 | WR Flex Options
Simply put, I don’t trust the New Orleans offense or the quarterback throwing to Chris Olave.
Marvin Mims may finally see the target volume we’ve been waiting for, while Indianapolis will quickly show us whether Josh Downs or Michael Pittman is the preferred option of Daniel Jones.
Jayden Reed was a player I had high expectations for, but that lingering toe injury could be a season-long problem.
TIER 7 | Desperation Flex Plays
Khalil Shakir profiles more asa steady floor play, while Keon Coleman brings the true boom potential. I’m also high on DeMario Douglas carving out a bigger role as a weapon for Drake Maye in 2025.
Tight Ends | Player Rankings Tiers
TIER 1 | Elite TE1
These are the three difference-making tight ends, each with 100-catch potential and the ability to function as a cheat-code wide receiver in your TE slot. They’re as close to matchup-proof as it gets, with injury risk being the only real concern.
TIER 2 | Solid TE1
Start of the Week | T.J. Hockenson | Minnesota Vikings
With Jordan Addison suspended for three games and Justin Jefferson coming off a shaky camp, Hockenson is set to be J.J. McCarthy’s security blanket, just as Colston Loveland was for him at Michigan. Kevin O’Connell will dial up easy throws, and in McCarthy’s first NFL start, expect him to lean heavily on his tight end across the short and intermediate routes.
Mark Andrews has the TE room to himself while Isaiah Likely recovers from a preseason foot fracture, giving him a clear runway for volume.
Evan Engram enters 2025 in Sean Payton’s coveted “Joker” role, a potentially fantasy-goldmine assignment.
And don’t sleep on Tyler Warren: with his mix of talent and draft capital, expect him to be schemed touches both through the air and on the ground.
TIER 3 | TE1 Streamer
Joe Flacco gets the starting nod in Cleveland, which boosts David Njoku into TE1 territory for as long as that lasts.
Dalton Kincaid has another, if not final, shot to silence doubters and deliver on his first-round draft capital.
Mike Gesicki should carve out a role in Cincinnati’s high-flying offense, giving him weekly upside as a top producer.
Dallas Goedert will always pop for a couple big games each season, but his inconsistency makes him tough to trust as an every-week starter.
TIER 4 | TE2
Jonnu Smith gets his biggest cheerleader back in Arthur Smith, but I do not see the path this week to his former fantasy greatness.
Brenton Strange earned the starting job when the team cast off Evan Engram, and all reports are he’s doing well. Carolina will be a good matchup, and should give us a good glimpse of what the future holds. I’m just not ready to give him the benefit of the doubt yet.
Dynasty Calendar | September
September in the Dynasty Calendar is all about awareness and honesty with your roster. This is the month where contenders start building for the playoff run, while rebuilders play the market for long-term value. Know where you stand and get ahead of your league before October hits.