QB Starts
Drake Maye
If you waited on quarterback or need an early streamer, Maye is worth a look. I’ve been high on his talent, and with a better supporting cast plus more expected rushing, he has real upside. The Raiders allowed the third-most fantasy points to QBs last season, making this a strong spot to roll him out.
Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence draws Carolina, which gave up the second-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024 and still ranks near the bottom in the secondary. If you drafted him or see him on waivers, he’s a solid Week 1 starter.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Kyler Murray (Rank: QB1)
RB Starts
Aaron Jones
I’m not sure Jones is a steady RB2 all year, but against Chicago he’s a must-play. He’s averaged 18.3 PPR points over his last 12 meetings with the Bears and topped 85 rushing yards in both matchups last season.
Tony Pollard
Denver’s defense is tough, but with Cody Barton gone and Dre Greenlaw banged up, Pollard should find some room. His workload keeps him locked in as a starter.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Austin Ekeler (Rank: RB16)
WR Starts
Travis Hunter
Jacksonville plans to feature Hunter heavily, and he’ll often see CB2s with Brian Thomas Jr. drawing top coverage. Carolina allowed the eighth-most WR fantasy points last year. If you drafted him, you’re starting him.
Jaylen Waddle
The Colts secondary is beatable, and Miami’s injuries push Waddle into WR3 range. He’s been inconsistent, but his opportunity is too good to ignore.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Keon Coleman (Rank: WR22)
TE Starts
Mark Andrews
Not a perfect matchup, but Andrews should be heavily involved against Buffalo, especially in the red zone. Expect Lamar Jackson to lean on him early.
Tyler Warren
My favorite breakout TE. Jones thrives throwing over the middle, and Warren is built to capitalize. Against a weakened Miami defense, he’s an easy start.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Dalton Kincaid (Rank: TE10)
QB Sits
Justin Herbert
Herbert struggled against KC last year (392 yards, 2 TDs in two games) and faces the league’s No. 2-ranked secondary. Fine in superflex, but you can do better in single-QB formats.
Justin Fields
Pittsburgh is elite at containing rushing QBs, and Fields has a history of slow starts. He’s better left on the bench this week.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Matthew Stafford (Rank: QB32)
RB Sits
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
Draft stock rose fast, but with Ekeler handling passing downs, Rodriguez Jr. in short yardage, and Daniels stealing goal-line work, the workload is too murky to trust against the Giants.
Breece Hall
With Vera-Tucker out, the Jets’ line takes a hit. Hall’s role in a committee is still unclear, and the Steelers will key on him. Treat him as a flex only.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… RJ Harvey (Rank: RB43)
WR Sits
Stefon Diggs
He’s back from an ACL tear but enters a new system with a rookie QB. Too many questions to trust in Week 1.
Calvin Ridley
Likely shadowed by Patrick Surtain II with a rookie QB under center. Volume won’t be enough to overcome the matchup.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Jaylen Waddle (Rank: WR49)
TE Sits
Colston Loveland
Minnesota is strong against tight ends, and Loveland’s role is still uncertain. Safer options are out there.
Dalton Kincaid
Baltimore’s defense is brutal for TEs, and he still splits with Dawson Knox. Long-term upside, but not a Week 1 play.
RDA* PROJECTIONS says… Evan Engram (Rank: TE21)
