Week 1 Players I Love in Fantasy Football

Each week, I’ll be looking to spotlight players and defenses that I think have a strong matchup that should allow them to deliver above expectations. However, this is not intended as a blanket endorsement to play a fringe player ahead of an established stud—for example, even if I call out a plus matchup for Bryce Young, it doesn’t mean he should be played ahead of Josh Allen—so always consider your own lineup alternatives.

With that out of the way, let’s look at Week 1:

Quarterbacks

Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Most weeks, I would consider Lawrence a fringe QB1, but opening against the Cleveland Browns, I like his chances to push toward top-five status. The former No. 1 overall pick is entering Year 2 under Liam Coen, and he’s had a full offseason to work with Jakobi Meyers, who joins late-season riser Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., and Travis Hunter to form a potentially potent receiver room. As for Cleveland, they’re adjusting to life without Myles Garrett under first-time defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg. Expect some growing pains. Others I like:

• Jaxson Dart, New York Giants: I keep hearing Dallas’ defense will be much improved in 2026. They allowed over 30 points per game last year, so I need to see it before I believe it.
• Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings: At home and getting to throw a bunch of unscouted looks against a defense with a new coordinator that’s also missing its top star.
• Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders: The Miami Dolphins might be the most threadbare team in the NFL in terms of talent, and Cousins has seen it all.

Running Backs

MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers

With Green Bay opening on the road against an attacking Brian Flores defense that has had months to prepare, I think we’re going to see a healthy dose of Lloyd. Newcomer Kaleb Johnson seems like a stretch to be active, and Chris Brooks is known more as a pass protector than as a runner. Lloyd, who basically didn’t play his first two seasons due to injury, finally has his chance to make an impact. View him as a low-end RB2 or strong flex. Others I like:

• Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys: The G-Men couldn’t stop anyone a season ago, and though I don’t doubt John Harbaugh will get things pointed in a better direction, it seems like a lot to ask in Week 1.
• Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Irving really struggled last year, and Kenneth Gainwell could be a step up from Rachaad White as RB2, but the Cincinnati Bengals have been annually abysmal defensively. That gives Irving a chance to start 2026 strong.

Wide Receivers

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers

McConkey endured a sophomore slump in 2025, but he’s well positioned to get things back on track to start the 2026 campaign. The hiring of Mike McDaniel should be a boon for the offense, and it figures to be particularly difficult for the Arizona Cardinals, which won’t have any regular-season film to study (other than from his time in Miami). As for Arizona, they’re likely to end up in the running for the top overall pick. I’m giving a significant edge to Justin Herbert and company here. Others I like:

• Malik Nabers, New York Giants: It’s still not 100% that Nabers is going to play in Week 1, but if he does, a matchup against the rival Cowboys and their 32nd-ranked pass defense from 2025 seems like a promising one.
• Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings: Like I said with Murray, the Packers have a new DC, and there’s no Micah Parsons. I think that affords Minnesota the opportunity to dial up some deep shots, which is Addison’s bread and butter. In four non-J.J. McCarthy games against the Packers in his career, Addison has scored in three of them.
• Makai Lemon, Philadelphia Eagles: Life after A.J. Brown begins in earnest on Sunday, and the Eagles would love to show that their passing game will be just fine without him. The Washington Commanders were 28th in the NFL versus the pass last year, and getting Lemon some early work makes sense. He’s an interesting lottery ticket.

Tight Ends

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Drafted as a fringe starter based on ADP, Kelce enters Week 1 against a tough Denver Broncos defense that could hold him in check. I’m not buying it. In his lone matchup versus Denver with Patrick Mahomes a season ago, Kelce posted a 9-91-1 line on the road. The home opener feels like a spot where the Chiefs can make a statement, and that includes the Mahomes-Kelce connection proving it still has some juice. Others I like:

• Tucker Kraft, Green Bay Packers: Like Mahomes, Kraft is coming back from a torn ACL and is expected to play in Week 1. Before his injury last year, Kraft looked like a rising star. With the Vikings likely to bring pressure, look for Jordan Love to get the ball to his tight end early and often.

Defensive Teams

• Jacksonville Jaguars: Until the Browns prove they can do anything as an offense, expect to see their opponents featured here a lot.
• Tennessee Titans: Home opener, new coach, bad opponent. Geno Smith took 55 sacks last year and tossed an NFL-high 17 interceptions.
• Las Vegas Raiders: I like Malik Willis and De’Von Achane, but there are so many question marks with that Dolphins offense that even the lowly Raiders could generate some value.