Playing in leagues like the Fantasy Football World Championships (FFWC) that require double-flex starting options, identifying players who could explode on the scene in Week 1 can lead to a winning formula.
Every week this season, I will be taking a look at players who not only offer immense value to those looking to invest in players outside of fantasy football, but also help fantasy managers lock in on players who may be flying under-the-radar on your bench or waiver waiver.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the best plus-money options in Week 1 of the 2025 in comparison to our elite-winning Fulltime Fantasy Projections.
Top Values By The Projections
WR Drake London +125
Fulltime Projection: 0.8 (80%)
At home, with a game total of 48, we will lock in on Michael Penix Jr. ‘s top receiving weapon who found the end zone 9 times last season.
Respected Money Note: 16 recs for 188 yards (11.8) and a TD vs TB last season
WR Brian Thomas +130
Fulltime Projection: 1.0 (100%)
BTJ was outstanding as a rookie, finishing with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. Under Liam Coen, Thomas is in a position to be a target hound once again in 2025.
Respected Money Note:: 7 of his 10 TDs came at home last season – expect more ‘ Home Cooking!
WR Davante Adams +145
Fulltime Projection: 1.0 (100%)
The veteran star wideout has been a scoring machine in his career scoring 103 touchdowns in 164 games. Scoring at a 62.8% clip in his career, Stafford will look to target his new receiving weapon in his Rams debut with plenty of red zone targets.
RB Jahmyr Gibbs +100
Fulltime Projection: 1.1 (110%)
Gets the added boast to score in Week 1 in our Fulltime projections due to his strong prowess to contribute in the passing game. Scored 20 TDs (16 rushing (tied-for most in NFL) / 4 receiving) last season and may approach similar production once again in 2025 in Lions high-powered offense.
Respected Money Note: 108 rushing yards, 1 TD & 7 receptions for 41 yards and 1 TD via the air vs GB last season
RB Chuba Hubbard +100
Fulltime Projection: 0.8 (80%)
Solid EV on arguably the best scoring weapon in the Carolina offense. The arrival of stud rookie wideout Tetairoa McMillan should open the box up even more for a RB who scored a career-high 11 total TDs last season who also rushed for a career-best 1,195 yards on the ground.
Respected Money Note: 17 total TDs in last 32 games over last two seasons
RB J.K. Dobbins +165
Fulltime Projection: 0.5 (50%)
As one of the biggest favorites on the board in Week 1, game-script likely will have Denver running the ball with a healthy lead. Scored 9 rushing TDs last season with LAC and moves to an even better offense in 2025 in Denver. Expect this line to continue to drop.
Respected Money Note: 22 total TDs in last 37 career games (59.4%) when healthy
Top Moonshots That Could Lead To Glory
TE David Njoku +240
Fulltime Projection: 0.7 (70%)
David Njoku has hauled in 30 catches for 390 yards and 4 touchdowns in 5 games with Joe Flacco under center.
RB Zach Charbonnet +370
Fulltime Projection: 0.3 (30%)
Kenneth Walker was banged up in preseason which could potentially lead to more than expected work for Charbonnet – the value here is superb for a player who could be on the verge of a breakout season.
WR Isaac TeSlaa +450
Fulltime Projection: 0.01 (1%)
Say hello to the Lions new WR3. In case you missed it, all the rookie WR did was hail in 10 receptions for 146 yards (14.6 yards per catch) and 3 touchdowns in the preseason – can he do it when it counts? The former Arkansas standout could spice it up in Week 1.
WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. +490
Fulltime Projection: 0.01 (1%)
Thornton’s metrics have been compared to former Lions star WR Calvin Johnson by many experts. Don’t look now but the Raiders 2025 4th Round pick has earned a starting role in Sin City. With Vrabel and the Patriots focused on stopping Brock Bowers in the red zone, the former Tennessee standout could become an immediate threat for Geno Smith right out of the gate.
WR Elic Ayomanor +650
Fulltime Projection: 0.01 (1%)
Game-script is heavily in the rookie wideouts’ favor as Cam Ward will likely be in full pass mode in the second half. With elite CB Patrick Surtain likely shadowing Calvin Ridley, expect plenty of volume for a 6′ 2″ target who offers considerable value at moonshot odds.
