Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings, Matchups, Box Score Projections for Stars We Love

For fantasy managers, Week 1 is usually filled with twists, turns, and unexpected results. Entering the initial slate, some roles remain unclear, and some teams are still underprepared after limited preseason experience.

In Wednesday's opener, for example, the Seattle Seahawks were limited when Sam Darnold exited the game with a hip injury, but they were also hampered by a whopping 10 penalties.

A certain amount of guesswork usually goes into Week 1, though managers can at least make educated guesses by leaning into consistent past results, prominent projected roles, and favorable matchups.

Here, you'll find point-per-reception rankings for the rest of the Week 1 schedule, along with box-score projections for the players and matchups we love the most.

Quarterback

AP Photo/Jeff Dean

Joe Burrow

Top 10

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
3. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
5. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
6. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
7. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
9. Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
10. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Matchup to Love: Joe Burrow vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow doesn't usually provide the rushing upside of quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson, he's usually highly productive as a passer. With Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both healthy entering Week 1, Burrow should be a very strong starting option.

The visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled to defend the pass a year ago and surrendered the second-most fantasy points (tied) to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. The addition of rookie pass-rusher Rueben Bain Jr. will help some, but Burrow should still have a productive statistical outing.

The Bucs should bring their own potent offense, led by Baker Mayfield, Emeka Egbuka, and Bucky Irving. This should keep Cincinnati passing for much of the game and deliver a solid performance to Burrow's managers.

Box-Score Projection: 395 passing yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 28 rushing yards

Running Back

AP Photo/William Liang

Omarion Hampton

Top 10

1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
2. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
3. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
4. De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
5. Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
6. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
7. Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
8. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
9. James Cook, Buffalo Bills
10. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

Matchup to Love: Omarion Hampton vs. Arizona Cardinals

If he can stay healthy in 2026, Omarion Hampton should experience a big second-year jump. The Los Angeles Chargers starter had several bright performances as a rookie last season but also battled injuries throughout the season.

Hampton should get off to a strong start against an Arizona Cardinals team that wasn't particularly good at defending the run last season. Only the Bengals surrendered more fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2025.

Managers may also see Hampton used in creative ways under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Don't be surprised if he has a notable role in the passing game early before closing out the game on the ground.

Box-Score Projection: 118 rushing yards, 1 TD, 6 receptions, 67 receiving yards

Wide Receiver

AP Photo/Matthew Hinton

Chris Olave

Top 10

1. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
3. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
4. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
5. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
6. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles
7. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys
8. Nico Collins, Houston Texans
9. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
10. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

Matchup to Love: Chris Olave at Detroit Lions

There are several reasons to love New Orleans Saints receiver Chris Olave in Week 1. The biggest is that Tyler Shough is likely to funnel the football to Olave early and often.

Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson are the only truly reliable pass-catchers on New Orleans' roster. The Saints used a first-round pick on Jordyn Tyson to give Shough another weapon, but he's opening the season on injured reserve.

Olave could easily see double-digit targets as the Saints try to keep up with the Lions' own explosive offense. And Detroit could struggle to contain him. Only the Dallas Cowboys surrendered more fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2025.

Box-Score Projection: 9 receptions, 135 yards, 1 TD

Tight End

AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Top 10

1. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals
2. Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears
3. Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts
4. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons
5. Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers
6. Harold Fannin Jr., Cleveland Browns
7. Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
8. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
9. Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles
10. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

Matchup to Love: Kyle Pitts at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Atlanta Falcons have some serious questions at quarterback, where Tua Tagovailoa will begin the season as the start. However, managers should still be able to trust tight end Kyle Pitts in a Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh surrendered the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025.

Pitts should be a high-volume target in Kevin Stefanski's offense this season. Stefanski has traditionally featured his tight ends in the passing game, even when he's had instability at quarterback. Harold Fannin Jr. averaged 4.5 catches and 45.7 yards per game as a Cleveland Browns rookie last season, and Pitts should have a similar floor in 2026.

Box-Score Projection: 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD