Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings: Matchups, Box Score Projections for Stars We Love
The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens kicked off the 2024 NFL season on Thursday night, and some fantasy managers may find themselves playing catch-up.
Thursday's game included big performances by the likes of Lamar Jackson, Isaiah Likely, Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Standout tight ends Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews, however, largely underwhelmed on the stat sheet.
15 games remain on the Week 1 schedule, so managers will have opportunities to make up ground. Here, you'll find updated top-10 rankings for the top fantasy positions, along with a few Week 1 matchups that we love and some box-score projections.
As a reminder, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers will face off on Friday night, so adjust your rosters accordingly.
Quarterback
1 of 4
1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
3. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
4. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
5. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
6. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
7. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
8. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
9. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Matchup to Love: Josh Allen vs. Arizona Cardinals
Managers may have some reservations about Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen this season. The Bills parted with top receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, leaving a patchwork unit that doesn't carry the highest of early expectations.
It may take time for Allen to find chemistry with new wideouts like Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel and rookie Keon Coleman. However, he'll have familiar targets in Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and dual-threat running back James Cook.
Allen also has a terrific Week 1 matchup against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. While Arizona added a few defensive pieces this offseason, it didn't do nearly enough to upgrade its lackluster secondary. The Cardinals also have an underwhelming pass rush that is also impacted by injuries.
B.J. Ojulari is already out for the season, while rookie second-round pick Darius Robinson is battling a calf injury.
Arizona, it should be noted, allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season. It may take some time for Allen to settle in, but he's still a fantasy start for the opening week.
Stat Projection: 218 passing yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 46 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
Running Back
2 of 4
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
2. Breece Hall, New York Jets
3. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
4. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
5. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
6. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
7. Travis Etienne Jr. Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
10. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Matchup to Love: Rachaad White vs. Washington Commanders
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White won't be a top-10 option every week. He wasn't a very efficient runner last season (3.6 yards per carry), and he relied on volume to produce in fantasy (1,539 scrimmage yards).
However, the Washington Commanders represent a matchup that should complement White's point-per-reception (PPR) upside. White caught 54 passes in 2023 and should catch a handful on Sunday.
The Commanders allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs last season. While Washington added some quality pieces to its defensive front, its back seven may still struggle in coverage.
And with Jayden Daniels leading a new, potentially explosive offense, we could see an offensive track meet in Tampa this weekend. Expect White to be used frequently as Baker Mayfield's top receiving outlet.
Stat Projection: 43 rushing yards, 1 TD, 6 receptions, 39 receiving yards
Wide Receiver
3 of 4
1. Tyree Hill, Miami Dolphins
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
3. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
4. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
5. Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders
6. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
7. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets
8. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
9. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
10. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup to Love: Justin Jefferson at New York Giants
Justin Jefferson saw his fantasy stock slide a bit late in the draft cycle. He was still a first-round selection in most leagues, but he wasn't considered to be the WR1 he largely was last season.
Look, we understand the trepidation. Sam Darnold is not what many would consider a reliable starting quarterback. However, Jefferson should be just fine. He averaged over 100 receiving yards in his four starts without Kirk Cousins last year, and he remains Minnesota's top target.
And with Darnold possibly in his last chance to be an NFL starter, Jefferson will be targeted a lot.
We can expect Jefferson to regularly match up with New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks on Sunday, but that shouldn't slow the three-time Pro Bowler too much. Kevin O'Connell will find ways to get Jefferson favorable matchups, and New York has serious secondary questions after Banks.
The Giants allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing receivers in 2023.
Jefferson is still a trustworthy fantasy option, and managers should expect an impressive 2024 debut.
Stat Projection: 7 receptions 98 receiving yards, 1 TD
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Tight End
4 of 4
1. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions
2. Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills
3. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
4. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars
5. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
6. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
7. Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys
8. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
9. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders
10. David Njoku, Cleveland Browns
Matchup to Love: Sam LaPorta vs. Los Angeles Rams
Detroit Lions star Sam LaPorta was the first tight end off the board in most fantasy drafts. He's likely to show exactly why during his Week 1 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.
This is going to be one of the most fun games of the opening schedule, in large part because it marks another return to Detroit for quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Rams also have a terrific cache of offensive playmakers—one that includes both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp—and Stafford will have plenty to prove.
Fans should expect a back-and-forth battle here, with LaPorta playing a huge role in Detroit's offensive game plan. With Josh Reynolds departing in free agency, LaPorta will be Jared Goff's No. 2 target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
It's also worth noting that Los Angeles allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season.
Stat Projection: 6 receptions, 58 receiving yards, 1 TD
*Fantasy scoring information from FantasyPros.
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