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B/R's Week 1 PPR Fantasy Football 2026 Player Rankings

Gary Davenport
Sep 9, 2026

The wait is over: The 2026 NFL season has arrived.

The Seahawks host the Patriots on Wednesday night, launching both the new NFL season and another year of fantasy football.

After a summer of drafting fantasy rosters, it is time to focus on the Week 1 lineup. Put the players you selected in the best position to deliver an opening win and start the path toward the fantasy playoffs on the right foot.

Each week, Bleacher Report will provide tiered PPR rankings, a top-149 overall list and player analysis to help fantasy managers set their lineups.

Let's get after it. 

Quarterbacks

1 of 7
Steelers Ravens Football
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson

The presence of two quarterbacks coming off injury-marred seasons in the top three underscores the uncertainty of Week 1 rankings.

We enter Week 1 with plenty of expectations, but fantasy football has a way of challenging them quickly. Stay flexible as the season begins to provide clearer answers.

Don't overthink your Week 1 lineup. If you drafted a clear starter under center, roll him out even if he's ranked a little lower here than you expected.

Also, don't be stunned if some big names start slow. Many of the high-end quarterbacks played sparingly or not at all in the preseason. It could take a little time to shake the rust off.

Week 1 QB Rankings

Tier 1

1Lamar JacksonBALQB@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
2Josh AllenBUFQB@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
3Joe BurrowCINQBvs TBSun 1:00pm ET

The cream of the crop occupies the first tier. Lamar Jackson draws a dream matchup against a Colts team that allowed more passing yards per game a year ago than any team in the AFC.

Josh Allen isn't so fortunate, travelling to Houston to face one of the NFL's best defenses. Joe Burrow faces a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks in 2025.

Tier 2

4Jalen HurtsPHIQBvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
5Dak PrescottDALQB@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
6Justin HerbertLACQBvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
7Trevor LawrenceJACQBvs CLESun 1:00pm ET

Most of the Tier 2 quarterbacks draw favorable matchups to open the season, highlighted by Jalen Hurts against a Washington Commanders defense that surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to signal-callers a year ago.

Trevor Lawrence's home tilt against the Cleveland Browns isn't as good on paper. If you saw the Browns in the preseason, though, you will know that depth in their secondary is a major issue.

Tier 3

8Drake MayeNEQB@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
9Caleb WilliamsCHIQB@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
10Jared GoffDETQBvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
11Jaxson DartNYGQBvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
12Jayden DanielsWASQB@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
13Matthew StaffordLARQBvs SFThu 8:35pm ET

Fantasy managers aren't going to see Drake Maye ranked this low very often this year, but the last time we saw him against Seattle wasn't his best effort of last season.

Jayden Daniels is a major unknown early in the season, but so is an Eagles defense with issues on the edge.

Good luck figuring out what's going to happen with Stafford and the Rams in Australia. The strange circumstances of that game make him something of a crapshoot this week.

Tier 4

14Baker MayfieldTBQB@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
15Bo NixDENQB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
16Brock PurdySFQB@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
17Kyler MurrayMINQBvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
18Patrick Mahomes IIKCQBvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
19Jordan LoveGBQB@ MINSun 4:25pm ET

The fourth tier of quarterbacks this week are fringe starters with question marks.

What will Kyler Murray look like in his first start for the Minnesota Vikings. How healthy is Patrick Mahomes ahead of Monday's AFC West showdown with the Broncos? Can Baker Mayfield capitalize on a favorable Week 1 matchup with a Vikings defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to QBs last season?

Tier 5

20Malik WillisMIAQB@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
21Sam DarnoldSEAQBvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
22Tyler ShoughNOQB@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
23Daniel JonesINDQBvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
24C.J. StroudHOUQBvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
25Aaron RodgersPITQBvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
26Bryce YoungCARQBvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
27Cam WardTENQBvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET

This tier consists primarily of matchup-dependent options.

Malik Willis has a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Raiders, although Miami's offensive outlook remains uncertain. Baltimore struggled against the pass last season, but Daniel Jones may have difficulty capitalizing given Indianapolis' unsettled receiving corps.

One or two quarterbacks in this tier could finish among the top 12 at the position, but they carry considerable risk.

Tier 6

28Geno SmithNYJQB@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
29Jacoby BrissettARIQB@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
30Kirk CousinsLVQBvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
31Deshaun WatsonCLEQB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
32Tua TagovailoaATLQB@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
33Shedeur SandersCLEQB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
34Fernando MendozaLVQBvs MIASun 4:25pm ET

Entering Week 1, these quarterbacks are low-confidence options even in superflex and two-quarterback formats and should not be considered in standard one-quarterback leagues.

Running Back

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49ers Football
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

The running back position could be especially difficult to evaluate in the early weeks of the season because several backfields and workloads remain unsettled.

Two higher-end backs—Ashton Jeanty of the Raiders and Jeremiyah Love of the Cardinals—enter the season nursing ankle injuries. Several backfields also remain unsettled, including those in Carolina, Green Bay, Minnesota, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay and Washington.

If you have clear lead backs, start them with confidence. Knowing a back is likely to receive 15-plus touches provides valuable lineup certainty, whether it is Week 1 or Week 11.

If you are considering a running back in an unsettled committee for a flex spot and have a similarly ranked wide receiver, the WR may be the safer Week 1 choice.

Week 1 RB Rankings

Tier 1

1Jahmyr GibbsDETRBvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
2Bijan RobinsonATLRB@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
3Christian McCaffreySFRB@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
4Jonathan TaylorINDRBvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
5Saquon BarkleyPHIRBvs WASSun 4:25pm ET

Fantasy managers paid a hefty price for these backs on draft day, and now it's time to start getting a return on that robust investment. Christian McCaffrey enters 2026 with understandable durability concerns, but he should continue to handle a substantial workload in Thursday's game in Australia.

Saquon Barkley could finish as the overall RB1 in Week 1 after the Commanders allowed the fifth-most PPR points per game to running backs last season.

Tier 2

6De'Von AchaneMIARB@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
7Chase BrownCINRBvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
8Derrick HenryBALRB@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
9Omarion HamptonLACRBvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
10James Cook IIIBUFRB@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
11Ashton JeantyLVRBvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
12Javonte WilliamsDALRB@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET

The second tier of running backs are all solid Week 1 starts, just with a little less certainty and/or a slightly lower ceiling than the tier above them.

Omarion Hampton has a good chance to start hot against a Cardinals defense that led the NFC in PPR points per game given up to running backs a year ago. Javonte Williams faces a Giants team Sunday night that fielded the second-worst run defense in the league last year.

Tier 3

13Kyren WilliamsLARRBvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
14Breece HallNYJRB@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
15Kenneth Walker IIIKCRBvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
16Travis Etienne Jr.NORB@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
17D'Andre SwiftCHIRB@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
18Cam SkatteboNYGRBvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
19David MontgomeryHOURBvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
20Jeremiyah LoveARIRB@ LACSun 4:25pm ET

As we move into Tier 3, the questions start to add up, but these backs should all see solid workloads in Week 1 and a couple will likely end the week inside the top 12 at the position.

The Buffalo Bills fielded a bottom-five run defense, so David Montgomery's debut in Houston could be a big one.

Cam Skattebo has a favorable Week 1 matchup against a Dallas defense that may improve in 2026 but remains a potential vulnerability against the run.

Tier 4

21Bucky IrvingTBRB@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
22Jaylen WarrenPITRBvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
23Rhamondre StevensonNERB@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
24Quinshon JudkinsCLERB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
25Tony PollardTENRBvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
26Bhayshul TutenJACRBvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
27Jadarian PriceSEARBvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
28MarShawn LloydGBRB@ MINSun 4:25pm ET

Uncertainty increases in this tier, which includes few clear three-down backs.

The workloads for MarShawn Lloyd and Seahawks rookie Jadarian Price remain unsettled entering Week 1.

Quinshon Judkins projects as Cleveland's lead back, but he faces a Jacksonville defense that led the league by allowing only 85.6 rushing yards per game last season.

Tier 5

29Rico DowdlePITRBvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
30Chuba HubbardCARRBvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
31Kenny GainwellTBRB@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
32TreVeyon HendersonNERB@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
33J.K. DobbinsDENRB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
34Jonathon BrooksCARRBvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
35Aaron Jones Sr.MINRBvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
36RJ HarveyDENRB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
37Jacory Croskey-MerrittWASRB@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
38Jordan MasonMINRBvs GBSun 4:25pm ET

By Tier 5, committee backfields become a major concern.

Minnesota appears likely to deploy a true committee featuring Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones Sr.

Jonathon Brooks' Week 1 outlook became less secure when Chuba Hubbard returned to practice.

J.K. Dobbins projects as Denver's lead back, but the Broncos could manage his workload to preserve his availability.

Tier 6

39Tyler AllgeierARIRB@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
40Rachaad WhiteWASRB@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
41Chris Rodriguez Jr.JACRBvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
42Blake CorumLARRBvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
43Kyle MonangaiCHIRB@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
44Woody MarksHOURBvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
45Dylan SampsonCLERB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
46Mike Washington Jr.LVRBvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
47Tyjae SpearsTENRBvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
48Keaton MitchellLACRBvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
49Braelon AllenNYJRB@ TENSun 1:00pm ET

Tier 6 options are best reserved for deep leagues or managers addressing lineup uncertainty.

Rachaad White could see increased receiving work if Washington plays from behind against Philadelphia, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. could limit Bhayshul Tuten's early-season workload.

These backs offer upside, but their roles and projections carry significant uncertainty.

Tier 7

50George HolaniSEARBvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
51Jonah ColemanDENRB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
52Brian Robinson Jr.ATLRB@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
53Tyrone Tracy Jr.NYGRBvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
54Emmett JohnsonKCRBvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
55Justice HillBALRB@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
56Tank BigsbyPHIRBvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
57Kimani VidalLACRBvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
58Kaelon BlackSFRB@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
59Chris BrooksGBRB@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
60Emanuel WilsonSEARBvs NEWed 8:20pm ET

These running backs are primarily players to monitor rather than recommended Week 1 starters.

George Holani and Chris Brooks could receive more work than expected, but most options in this tier need a clearer path to meaningful volume before becoming viable fantasy plays.

Wide Receivers

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Browns Bengals Football
Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase

Wide receiver is a deeper and more stable position than running back. This isn't to say there aren't concerns, mostly due to injuries.

As a whole, though, the wideouts are less nerve-wracking than their counterparts in the backfield.

So, in Week 1 at least, relax.

Once you get to WR4 territory, the waters start to muddy. But the odds are at least your top-three wideouts were drafted to be just that. So long as they are healthy, start the guys you drafted to start.

There will be ample time to panic soon enough.

Week 1 WR Rankings

Tier 1

1Ja'Marr ChaseCINWRvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
2Puka NacuaLARWRvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
3Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
4Amon-Ra St. BrownDETWRvs NOSun 1:00pm ET

This is the elite of the elite at wide receiver. These are players fantasy managers should start with a smile on their face on a weekly basis.

It's possible the game in Australia could get strange and affect Puka Nacua's stat line, but this quartet should feast on a weekly basis.

Tier 2

5CeeDee LambDALWR@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
6Justin JeffersonMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
7Chris OlaveNOWR@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
8Drake LondonATLWR@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
9DeVonta SmithPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
10A.J. BrownNEWR@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
11Nico CollinsHOUWRvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
12George PickensDALWR@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET

The second tier rounds out the fantasy WR1 for Week 1. It's a group that should have a relatively high floor as well as the potential for a smash week.

DeVonta Smith could deliver a big performance in his first game as Philadelphia's No. 1 receiver against a shaky Washington secondary.

CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens also have favorable upside in Dallas' Sunday night matchup against the Giants.

Tier 3

13Garrett WilsonNYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
14Ladd McConkeyLACWRvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
15Zay FlowersBALWR@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
16Tetairoa McMillanCARWRvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
17Jaylen WaddleDENWR@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
18Rashee RiceKCWRvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
19Tee HigginsCINWRvs TBSun 1:00pm ET

The Tier 3 wide receivers all have top-10 fantasy upside—it just comes with a little more uncertainty.

If Jaylen Waddle receives the target share I expect, this could be the lowest he is ranked all season.

At the other end of the spectrum, a healthy Rashee Rice has an elite ceiling. However, he draws a difficult Week 1 matchup against Patrick Surtain II and the Denver Broncos on Monday night.

Tier 4

20Emeka EgbukaTBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
21Malik NabersNYGWRvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
22Jameson WilliamsDETWRvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
23Davante AdamsLARWRvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
24Luther Burden IIICHIWR@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
25Terry McLaurinWASWR@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
26Parker WashingtonJACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET

There is considerable upside in this fourth tier, but each player also carries a notable question mark.

Jameson Williams has top-five potential, though his downfield role makes him a high-variance option. Parker Washington finished strongly for the Jaguars last season, but he is part of a crowded Jacksonville receiving corps.

Emeka Egbuka and Malik Nabers enter the season managing injuries, which adds uncertainty to their Week 1 outlooks.

Tier 5

27Christian WatsonGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
28DJ MooreBUFWR@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
29Rome OdunzeCHIWR@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
30Chris Godwin Jr.TBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
31Mike EvansSFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
32Marvin Harrison Jr.ARIWR@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
33DK MetcalfPITWRvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
34Carnell TateTENWRvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
35Courtland SuttonDENWR@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
36Michael WilsonARIWR@ LACSun 4:25pm ET

This tier comes with more uncertainty.

Christian Watson has flashed in the past, but durability and week-to-week consistency remain concerns. Marvin Harrison Jr. could emerge as the focal point of Arizona's passing game, while Michael Wilson could continue to play a meaningful role with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback.

Cam Ward's development as a passer will also be a major factor in determining whether Carnell Tate can make an immediate fantasy impact as a rookie.

Tier 6

37Michael Pittman Jr.PITWRvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
38Josh DownsINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
39Wan'Dale RobinsonTENWRvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
40Brian Thomas Jr.JACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
41Quentin JohnstonLACWRvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
42Jayden ReedGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
43Jakobi MeyersJACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
44Jordan AddisonMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
45Stefon DiggsWASWR@ PHISun 4:25pm ET

This tier includes several talented receivers, but each carries a lower floor or a more difficult Week 1 matchup.

Fantasy managers are hoping Brian Thomas Jr. rebounds in 2026, though he could face frequent coverage from Denzel Ward against Cleveland.

Stefon Diggs finished as a top-20 fantasy receiver in New England last season, but matching that production in Washington may be difficult.

Tier 7

46KC ConcepcionCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
47Khalil ShakirBUFWR@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
48Romeo DoubsNEWR@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
49De'Zhaun StriblingSFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
50Jalen CokerCARWRvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
51Makai LemonPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
52Tre TuckerLVWRvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
53Xavier WorthyKCWRvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
54Matthew GoldenGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
55Denzel BostonCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
56Deebo Samuel Sr.SFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET

Welcome to Downtown Dart Throw.

De'Zhaun Stribling generated significant fantasy interest after an impressive preseason, but his role in San Francisco's offense remains uncertain.

Tre Tucker may enter Week 1 as Las Vegas' top wide receiver, though the value of that role will depend on how the Raiders' offense performs.

Tier 8

57Rashid ShaheedSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
58Jalen NailorLVWRvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
59Kayshon BoutteHOUWRvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
60Adonai MitchellNYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
61Keenan AllenINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
62Jerry JeudyCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
63Jalen McMillanTBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
64Jauan JenningsMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
65Dontayvion WicksPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
66Alec PierceINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
67Malik WashingtonMIAWR@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
68Cooper KuppSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
69Omar Cooper Jr.NYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
70Ja'Kobi LaneBALWR@ INDSun 1:00pm ET

Tier 8 wide receivers are generally best reserved for deep leagues or emergency lineup situations in Week 1.

A player in this group could find the end zone and deliver a useful fantasy score, but the range of outcomes is wide and the floor is low.

Most managers should keep these receivers on the bench unless injuries, format requirements or unusually deep starting lineups leave few alternatives.

Tight Ends

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TOP 5-ALAS CERRADAS
Raiders TE Brock Bowers

In recent years, the tight end position has done its level best to become as infuriating as the running backs. Stars such as Brock Bowers of the Raiders falter, while players like Harold Fannin Jr. of the Browns come from nowhere to have a big year.

Odds are that 2026 will bring more of the same uncertainty. With only Week 1 ahead, managers have limited information to work with, so there is no need to panic yet.

Unless you are streaming the position, start the tight end you drafted as your primary option. Week 1 uncertainty is normal, but most managers should avoid making a lineup change based solely on a marginal difference in the rankings.

Week 1 TE Rankings

Tier 1

1Brock BowersLVTEvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
2Trey McBrideARITE@ LACSun 4:25pm ET

Bowers and McBride begin the season in a tier of their own. A Tier 2 tight end could eventually join them, but for now they are a clear step above the rest of the position.

Tier 2

3Colston LovelandCHITE@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
4Kyle Pitts Sr.ATLTE@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
5Tyler WarrenINDTEvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
6Sam LaPortaDETTEvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
7Isaiah LikelyNYGTEvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
8Travis KelceKCTEvs DENMon 8:15pm ET

These tight ends are weekly starters with the potential to lead the position in scoring in any given week, along with floors that provide a measure of stability.

Colston Loveland enters 2026 with high expectations after a strong finish to the 2025 season.

With Tua Tagovailoa under center in Atlanta, Kyle Pitts could see a significant target share against a Steelers defense that allowed the second-most PPR points per game to tight ends last season.

Tier 3

9Harold Fannin Jr.CLETE@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
10Tucker KraftGBTE@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
11Dallas GoedertPHITEvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
12Jake FergusonDALTE@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
13Juwan JohnsonNOTE@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
14Dalton SchultzHOUTEvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
15Mark AndrewsBALTE@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
16George KittleSFTE@ LARThu 8:35pm ET

Tier 3 tight ends carry a wide range of outcomes: They could finish among the position's top five in Week 1 or outside the top 15.

Fannin impressed as a rookie last season, but Cleveland's offensive changes create uncertainty around his 2026 outlook.

Tucker Kraft was productive before sustaining an ACL injury in 2025, and his snap count could be limited against Minnesota.

Tier 4

17Dalton KincaidBUFTE@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
18Brenton StrangeJACTEvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
19Hunter HenryNETE@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
20T.J. HockensonMINTEvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
21Cade OttonTBTE@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
22Chig OkonkwoWASTE@ PHISun 4:25pm ET

This tier is best approached as a group of matchup-dependent streamers. Kincaid offers the most upside, though his Week 1 matchup with Houston limits his projection.

Tier 5

23Greg DulcichMIATE@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
24Terrance FergusonLARTEvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
25AJ BarnerSEATEvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
26Pat FreiermuthPITTEvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
27Gunnar HelmTENTEvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
28Darren WallerCARTEvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
29Evan EngramDENTE@ KCMon 8:15pm ET

Tier 5 tight ends are generally low-priority streaming options.

Greg Dulcich has some appeal as one of Miami's more experienced pass-catchers, but the Dolphins' offense showed limited consistency during the preseason.

This group offers occasional touchdown-dependent upside but carries low floors and significant week-to-week volatility.

Tier 6

30David NjokuLACTEvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
31Oronde Gadsden IILACTEvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
32Mike GesickiCINTEvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
33Colby ParkinsonLARTEvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
34Kenyon SadiqNYJTE@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
35Jake TongesSFTE@ LARThu 8:35pm ET

Tier 6 is made up of low-end, matchup-dependent tight ends.

If George Kittle is unavailable for Thursday's game against the Rams in Australia, Jake Tonges could become a viable short-term replacement.

Otherwise, managers should look for stronger options unless they are in a particularly deep league or facing a roster emergency.

Team Defenses

5 of 7
Jaguars Texans Football
Jaguars edge Travon Walker

Fantasy managers generally took one of two approaches at defense on draft day: They drafted an every-week starter or planned to stream based on matchups. That strategy remains unchanged entering Week 1.

Managers who drafted elite defenses such as the Houston Texans or Denver Broncos may not love their opening matchups.

However, those matchups were known when drafts took place, and the benefit of investing in a high-end defense is the ability to start it confidently regardless of opponent, trusting that its playmaking can still produce a strong fantasy total.

Managers who stream defenses based on matchups may have more favorable options in Week 1. That approach requires regularly reassessing the schedule and using the waiver wire to identify the best available defense each week.

You had a plan on defense. Now execute it.

Week 1 Team Defense Rankings

Tier 1

1Jacksonville JaguarsJACDSTvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
2Los Angeles ChargersLACDSTvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
3Pittsburgh SteelersPITDSTvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET

The Tier 1 defenses are atop the position this week because of matchups.

Cleveland and Arizona ranked among the 10 most favorable opponents for fantasy defenses in points allowed per game last season, while Atlanta also enters Week 1 with an uncertain offensive outlook.

Tier 2

4Los Angeles RamsLARDSTvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
5Philadelphia EaglesPHIDSTvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
6Denver BroncosDENDST@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
7Houston TexansHOUDSTvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
8Baltimore RavensBALDST@ INDSun 1:00pm ET

Tier 2 consists largely of high-end defenses facing less-than-ideal Week 1 matchups.

The Rams, Texans and Broncos were the first three defenses selected on average during draft season.

There will be some volatility, but all three should produce more strong fantasy performances than disappointing ones in 2026.

Tier 3

9Minnesota VikingsMINDSTvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
10Seattle SeahawksSEADSTvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
11Tennessee TitansTENDSTvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
12Detroit LionsDETDSTvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
13Green Bay PackersGBDST@ MINSun 4:25pm ET

Tier 3 includes capable defenses and matchup-dependent streaming options.

The Seattle Seahawks fit the first category in Wednesday night's matchup with the Patriots.

The Tennessee Titans are a matchup-driven play against a New York Jets offense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses in 2025.

Tier 4

14Buffalo BillsBUFDST@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
15New York JetsNYJDST@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
16Chicago BearsCHIDST@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
17Kansas City ChiefsKCDSTvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
18Dallas CowboysDALDST@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
19New England PatriotsNEDST@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET

Tier 4 includes several volatile defenses with some matchup-driven upside.

The New York Jets are the most appealing option in this group, facing a Titans offense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses in 2025.

However, each defense in this tier carries a low floor and is best viewed as a high-risk streaming option.

Tier 5

20Las Vegas RaidersLVDSTvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
21Cleveland BrownsCLEDST@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
22Cincinnati BengalsCINDSTvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
23Miami DolphinsMIADST@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
24San Francisco 49ersSFDST@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
25Atlanta FalconsATLDST@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
26Indianapolis ColtsINDDSTvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
27Carolina PanthersCARDSTvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
28New Orleans SaintsNODST@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
29Tampa Bay BuccaneersTBDST@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
30New York GiantsNYGDSTvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
31Washington CommandersWASDST@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
32Arizona CardinalsARIDST@ LACSun 4:25pm ET

The Raiders are a high-risk Week 1 streaming option.

Las Vegas is looking to improve after a poor defensive showing in 2025, and it opens against a Miami offense that allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing defenses last season.

The matchup provides some upside, but the Raiders remain a volatile play until their defense shows meaningful progress.

Kickers

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APTOPIX Titans Jaguars Football
Jaguars PK Cam Little

There is little reason to overcomplicate the kicker position in Week 1. Start the kicker you drafted, ideally one attached to an efficient offense and a favorable matchup.

Reassess the position after the first two weeks, unless you have an elite option such as Brandon Aubrey or Cam Little.

Week 1 Kicker Rankings

Tier 1

1Brandon AubreyDALK@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
2Cam LittleJACKvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
3Jason MyersSEAKvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
4Cameron DickerLACKvs ARISun 4:25pm ET

This is a short list of kickers worth trusting early in the season. Little's exceptional range gives him one of the highest ceilings at the position.

Tier 2

5Ka'imi FairbairnHOUKvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
6Evan McPhersonCINKvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
7Tyler LoopBALK@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
8Jake BatesDETKvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
9Chris BoswellPITKvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET

Tier 2 blends established options such as Ka'imi Fairbairn with kickers like Evan McPherson and Jake Bates, who benefit from offenses expected to create frequent scoring opportunities.

Tier 3

10Chase McLaughlinTBK@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
11Eddy PineiroSFK@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
12Harrison ButkerKCKvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
13Harrison MevisLARKvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
14Will ReichardMINKvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
15Cairo SantosCHIK@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
16Jake ElliottPHIKvs WASSun 4:25pm ET

This large tier offers a wide range of outcomes.

At least one kicker in this group could finish among the top five at the position in Week 1, but several could also fall outside the top 20.

Kicker scoring is highly volatile, making matchup and projected scoring environment especially important when choosing among these options.

Tier 4

17Andy BorregalesNEK@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
18Wil LutzDENK@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
19Tyler BassBUFK@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
20Trey SmackGBK@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
21Ryan FitzgeraldCARKvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
22Joey SlyeTENKvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
23Nick FolkATLK@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
24Daniel CarlsonNOK@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
25Charlie SmythNOK@ DETSun 1:00pm ET

Tier 4 kickers are best avoided outside of very deep leagues or emergency situations. Their projected scoring environments and individual outlooks make them low-confidence Week 1 options.

Top 149 Players Overall

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Falcons RB Bijan Robinson

Before we get to the top 149 players overall (which can help with "flex" decisions) in Week 1, we have a couple of quick notes.

First, this list doesn't contain any quarterbacks. If you play in a "superflex" format and you can flex a quarterback, that's a good idea—unless that quarterback is Deshaun Watson.

Starting Watson is not a recommended option in fantasy this week.

Second, Week 1 brings plenty of excitement—and plenty of anxiety—for fantasy managers. No one wants to open the season 0-1, but that pressure can lead to overthinking and unnecessarily risky lineup decisions.

Don't get too cute with your starters.

As we have said many times, relax. You drafted the players you did for a reason. Provided they are healthy in Week 1, there's no real reason to sit early-round picks outside the yips.

Don't start the season with your brain in pretzel-mode. It will get there soon enough regardless.

Week 1 Top 149 Overall Rankings

1Jahmyr GibbsDETRBvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
2Ja'Marr ChaseCINWRvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
3Bijan RobinsonATLRB@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
4Puka NacuaLARWRvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
5Jaxon Smith-NjigbaSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
6Amon-Ra St. BrownDETWRvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
7Christian McCaffreySFRB@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
8Jonathan TaylorINDRBvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
9Saquon BarkleyPHIRBvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
10CeeDee LambDALWR@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
11De'Von AchaneMIARB@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
12Justin JeffersonMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
13Chris OlaveNOWR@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
14Chase BrownCINRBvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
15Derrick HenryBALRB@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
16Omarion HamptonLACRBvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
17Drake LondonATLWR@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
18DeVonta SmithPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
19A.J. BrownNEWR@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
20James Cook IIIBUFRB@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
21Nico CollinsHOUWRvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
22Brock BowersLVTEvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
23George PickensDALWR@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
24Ashton JeantyLVRBvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
25Javonte WilliamsDALRB@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
26Kyren WilliamsLARRBvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
27Garrett WilsonNYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
28Trey McBrideARITE@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
29Breece HallNYJRB@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
30Ladd McConkeyLACWRvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
31Kenneth Walker IIIKCRBvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
32Zay FlowersBALWR@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
33Tetairoa McMillanCARWRvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
34Travis Etienne Jr.NORB@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
35Jaylen WaddleDENWR@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
36Rashee RiceKCWRvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
37D'Andre SwiftCHIRB@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
38Cam SkatteboNYGRBvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
39Colston LovelandCHITE@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
40Tee HigginsCINWRvs TBSun 1:00pm ET
41Emeka EgbukaTBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
42David MontgomeryHOURBvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
43Jeremiyah LoveARIRB@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
44Bucky IrvingTBRB@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
45Malik NabersNYGWRvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
46Jameson WilliamsDETWRvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
47Davante AdamsLARWRvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
48Luther Burden IIICHIWR@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
49Jaylen WarrenPITRBvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
50Rhamondre StevensonNERB@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
51Kyle Pitts Sr.ATLTE@ PITSun 1:00pm ET
52Tyler WarrenINDTEvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
53Terry McLaurinWASWR@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
54Parker WashingtonJACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
55Christian WatsonGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
56DJ MooreBUFWR@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
57Quinshon JudkinsCLERB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
58Tony PollardTENRBvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
59Sam LaPortaDETTEvs NOSun 1:00pm ET
60Rome OdunzeCHIWR@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
61Chris Godwin Jr.TBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
62Mike EvansSFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
63Isaiah LikelyNYGTEvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
64Marvin Harrison Jr.ARIWR@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
65DK MetcalfPITWRvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
66Carnell TateTENWRvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
67Courtland SuttonDENWR@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
68Bhayshul TutenJACRBvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
69Michael WilsonARIWR@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
70Michael Pittman Jr.PITWRvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
71Josh DownsINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
72Travis KelceKCTEvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
73Wan'Dale RobinsonTENWRvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
74Jadarian PriceSEARBvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
75Brian Thomas Jr.JACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
76Quentin JohnstonLACWRvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
77Harold Fannin Jr.CLETE@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
78Jayden ReedGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
79Jakobi MeyersJACWRvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
80Tucker KraftGBTE@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
81Dallas GoedertPHITEvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
82MarShawn LloydGBRB@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
83Jordan AddisonMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
84Rico DowdlePITRBvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
85Chuba HubbardCARRBvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
86Kenny GainwellTBRB@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
87Jake FergusonDALTE@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
88Stefon DiggsWASWR@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
89KC ConcepcionCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
90TreVeyon HendersonNERB@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
91Juwan JohnsonNOTE@ DETSun 1:00pm ET
92J.K. DobbinsDENRB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
93Dalton SchultzHOUTEvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
94Jonathon BrooksCARRBvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
95Khalil ShakirBUFWR@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
96Romeo DoubsNEWR@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
97De'Zhaun StriblingSFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
98Aaron Jones Sr.MINRBvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
99Jalen CokerCARWRvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
100Mark AndrewsBALTE@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
101Makai LemonPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
102George KittleSFTE@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
103RJ HarveyDENRB@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
104Jacory Croskey-MerrittWASRB@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
105Dalton KincaidBUFTE@ HOUSun 1:00pm ET
106Tre TuckerLVWRvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
107Xavier WorthyKCWRvs DENMon 8:15pm ET
108Matthew GoldenGBWR@ MINSun 4:25pm ET
109Brenton StrangeJACTEvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
110Jordan MasonMINRBvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
111Denzel BostonCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
112Tyler AllgeierARIRB@ LACSun 4:25pm ET
113Rachaad WhiteWASRB@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
114Hunter HenryNETE@ SEAWed 8:20pm ET
115T.J. HockensonMINTEvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
116Deebo Samuel Sr.SFWR@ LARThu 8:35pm ET
117Chris Rodriguez Jr.JACRBvs CLESun 1:00pm ET
118Blake CorumLARRBvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
119Rashid ShaheedSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
120Cade OttonTBTE@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
121Jalen NailorLVWRvs MIASun 4:25pm ET
122Kayshon BoutteHOUWRvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
123Adonai MitchellNYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
124Keenan AllenINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
125Jerry JeudyCLEWR@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
126Jalen McMillanTBWR@ CINSun 1:00pm ET
127Jauan JenningsMINWRvs GBSun 4:25pm ET
128Dontayvion WicksPHIWRvs WASSun 4:25pm ET
129Alec PierceINDWRvs BALSun 1:00pm ET
130Chig OkonkwoWASTE@ PHISun 4:25pm ET
131Greg DulcichMIATE@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
132Terrance FergusonLARTEvs SFThu 8:35pm ET
133Malik WashingtonMIAWR@ LVSun 4:25pm ET
134AJ BarnerSEATEvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
135Cooper KuppSEAWRvs NEWed 8:20pm ET
136Pat FreiermuthPITTEvs ATLSun 1:00pm ET
137Omar Cooper Jr.NYJWR@ TENSun 1:00pm ET
138Ja'Kobi LaneBALWR@ INDSun 1:00pm ET
139Kyle MonangaiCHIRB@ CARSun 1:00pm ET
140Tre' HarrisLACWRvs ARISun 4:25pm ET
141Ryan FlournoyDALWR@ NYGSun 8:20pm ET
142Gunnar HelmTENTEvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
143Malachi FieldsNYGWRvs DALSun 8:20pm ET
144Darren WallerCARTEvs CHISun 1:00pm ET
145Woody MarksHOURBvs BUFSun 1:00pm ET
146Dylan SampsonCLERB@ JACSun 1:00pm ET
147Calvin RidleyTENWRvs NYJSun 1:00pm ET
148Evan EngramDENTE@ KCMon 8:15pm ET
149Darnell MooneyNYGWRvs DALSun 8:20pm ET

Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow Gary on X at @IDPGodfather.