Looking for a fantasy football week 1 primer for the best options at each position? We've curated our top 10 Week 1 fantasy football rankings for QB, RB, WR, and TE below (assuming half-point (.5) PPR scoring).
Quarterback Week 1 Rankings
1. Josh Allen (BUF vs. ARI)
Allen faces a Cardinals defense that struggled against mobile quarterbacks last season. Expect a mix of rushing and passing touchdowns from Allen, making him a must-start.
2. Jalen Hurts (PHI vs. GB)
Hurts continues to be a dual-threat powerhouse. Against Green Bay, expect Hurts to excel both through the air and on the ground.
3. Patrick Mahomes (KC vs. BAL)
Mahomes is a weekly starter no matter the matchup, and with a TNF showdown on Prime Time week 1, you can expect a statement game. Facing the Ravens, who may pressure him often, Mahomes' ability to improvise will keep his fantasy points high.
4. Anthony Richardson (IND vs. HOU)
The second-year QB is coming into this year with high expectations and gets a favorable matchup against a good-but-not-great Texans defense. Richardson’s rushing ability gives him a high floor, especially in week 1.
5. Lamar Jackson (BAL at KC)
Jackson’s dual-threat capability makes him a great option every week and with a bit of a revenge game against the Chiefs on Prime Time to open the season, we expect him to be a strong play.
6. C.J. Stroud (HOU at IND)
Stroud has a tough matchup but was one of the best fantasy (and real) quarterbacks last year, so we trust him and his upgraded supporting cast to raise his floor this week.
7. Joe Burrow (CIN vs. NE)
Burrow has some questions around is health and faces a solid Patriots defense, but his connection with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins keep him in the top 10.
8. Kyler Murray (ARI at BUF)
Murray’s mobility will be crucial against the Bills’ defense. Despite the tough matchup, his ability to make plays with his legs and arm keeps him as a strong start.
9. Jordan Love (GB at PHI)
Love enters the season with a lot to prove after exceeding expectations last year. While the Eagles have some studs on defense, they are susceptible to the air and it should be a fast-pace/high-scoring game which helps Love's value week 1.
10. Jared Goff (DET vs. LAR)
Goff’s matchup against his former team, is a great revenge game opportunity. Goff has been a consistent option since moving to Detroit and we love his weapons.
11-20: Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Tua Tagovailoa, Trevor Lawrence, Geno Smith, Dak Prescott, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert.
Running Back Week 1 Rankings
1. Christian McCaffrey (SF vs. NYJ)
Christian McCaffrey is coming off an injury so there is some concern over usage, but as long as he's on the field, he's the favorite to lead RBs week to week. Even against a strong Jets defense, we have to give CMC the top-spot until he proves otherwise.
2. Bijan Robinson (ATL vs. PIT)
Robinson has a great chance to set the record straight after a frustrating rookie season. Expect him to be heavily involved in both the running and passing game against the Steelers.
3. Breece Hall (NYJ at SF)
Hall’s explosiveness makes him a top option, even against a tough 49ers defense. Look for him to be a focal point of the Jets' offense.
4. Travis Etienne (JAC at MIA)
Etienne faces a Dolphins defense that struggled against the run last season. His ability to break big plays makes him a strong start, and he's one of the safest floors with his usage.
5. Jonathan Taylor (IND vs. HOU)
Taylor’s power running style should be effective against the Texans. He’s a solid RB1 option, especially with Richardson under center to keep defenses honest.
6. Saquon Barkley (PHI vs. GB)
Barkley is always a threat to have a big game, and against a Packers defense that has been inconsistent against the run, he should see plenty of opportunities.
7. Josh Jacobs (GB at PHI)
Jacobs remains a volume monster, and while the matchup against the Eagles is tough, his workload keeps him in the top 10.
8. James Cook (BUF vs. ARI)
Cook has a favorable matchup against the Cardinals, who were vulnerable against the run last season. Expect Cook to take advantage of this and put up solid numbers.
9. Rachaad White (TB vs. WAS)
White’s versatility as a runner and pass-catcher will be key against Washington. He’s a strong start in Week 1, despite some concerns of efficiency.
10. Alvin Kamara (NO vs. CAR)
Kamara’s pass-catching ability gives him a high floor, especially in PPR leagues. Against the Panthers, he should have a ton of opportunities.
11-20: Jahmyr Gibbs, Kyren Williams, Isiah Pacheco, De'Vone Achane, Ken Walker, Derrick Henry, Joe Mixon, James Conner, Aaron Jones, Javonte Williams.
Wide Receiver Week 1 Rankings
1. Tyreek Hill (MIA vs. JAC)
Tyreek Hill’s speed is going to be too much for the Jaguars (and any other team)( to handle, and you can bet he'll be featured heavily in this Florida showdown.
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET vs. LAR)
Amon-Ra is going to be a target monster against the Rams, as Goff looks to make a statement against his former team. Keep St. Brown locked into the top 3 until we see differently.
3. CeeDee Lamb (DAL at CLE)
Lamb is the guy Dak Prescott is going to lean on because the Cowboys really don't have many other options. CeeDee just got paid and is going to be the focal point of this offense week 1 and beyond.
4. Justin Jefferson (MIN at NYG)
Justin Jefferson is in a favorable week 1 matchup against the Giants. So, even though there are some questions around his QB, you shouldn't be afraid of Jefferson for fantasy.
5. Ja’Marr Chase (CIN vs. NE)
Chase may or may not be playing week 1, so there is some concerns over his status, conditioning, and chemistry. But, if he is playing, you need to start him.
6. A.J. Brown (PHI vs. GB)
Brown is a physical receiver, and the Packers may have trouble matching his physicality. He’s a locked-and-loaded top option week 1.
7. Puka Nacua (LAR at DET)
Nacua is coming off the best rookie WR season in history, and there are still some questioning his quality. Don’t be surprised if he comes out week 1 and shows us why he was Stafford's favorite target last year.
8. Mike Evans (TB vs. WAS)
Evans is as reliable as them come and even though he may not be as young or fast as he was, he's going to see high-value looks against a susceptible Washington defense.
9. Cooper Kupp (LAR at DET)
Cooper Kupp had a down year in '23, but when healthy, he is still one of the best route runners in the league. We think he sees a ton of looks week 1 with Stafford making his way back to Detroit.
10. Garrett Wilson (NYJ at SF)
We should finally get to see the Rodgers - Wilson connection that we were clamoring for last year. While Wilson is undeniably one of the best WRs in the league, the 49ers defense are no slouch and we will need to see the chemistry between he and Rodgers.
11-20: Drake London, Marvin Harrison Jr., Chris Olave, Davante Adams, Deebo Samuel, Rashee Rice, Michael Pittman Jr., Nico Collins, Malik Nabers, Jaylen Waddle.
Tight End Week 1 Rankings
1. Sam LaPorta (DET vs. LAR)
LaPorta has quickly become a favorite target for Jared Goff. He should be a top option at the position week in and week out.
2. Travis Kelce (KC vs. BAL)
Kelce remains the gold standard for tight ends. While there are more competition for targets this season, he is still a safe bet to finish near the top for TEs.
3. Mark Andrews (BAL at KC)
Andrews is a key piece of the Ravens' offense, especially in the red zone. He’s a must-start against the Chiefs.
4. Trey McBride (ARI at BUF)
McBride could be a breakout candidate this season, and a matchup against the Bills presents an early test for him to shine.
5. Dalton Kincaid (BUF vs. ARI)
Kincaid’s athleticism gives him the potential to be a top TE in fantasy, especially with the lack of proven options around him.
6. Evan Engram (JAC at MIA)
Engram’s role in the Jaguars' offense keeps him in the TE1 conversation. He may have the best chemistry with Lawrence of all the pass catchers.
7. Kyle Pitts (ATL vs. PIT)
Pitts is dealing with a little injury scare, so his status may change. However, he has the talent to be a top-tier TE, and we are looking for him to show the league why he was drafted so highly.
8. George Kittle (SF vs. NYJ)
Kittle’s physical play and ability to rack up yards after the catch make him a valuable fantasy asset. He’s a little inconsistent, but his blow-up games can shift the weekly outcome for you.
9. Jake Ferguson (DAL at CLE)
Ferguson could be a sleeper pick this season given the lack of viable options in the Cowboys' passing game. Cleveland may get after Dak early in this one, so relying on his safety-valve (Ferguson) could mean a big day.
10. David Njoku (CLE vs. DAL)
Njoku had an incredible tear to end the season last year and looks to carry that momentum into '24. He’s a solid TE1 option against the Cowboys.
11-20: Dallas Goedert, Brock Bowers, Dalton Schultz, Pat Freiermuth, Cole Kmet, Hunter Henry, Luke Musgrave, Cade Otton, Tyler Conklin, Chigoziem Okonkwo.
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