Fantasy football managers know that every lineup decision can make or break a week, and choosing the right players to start or sit is where championships are won. With the 2025 NFL season underway, matchups, stats, and trends are more important than ever. Each week, we’ll break down the top fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em picks at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, defense, and kicker to help you set the best possible lineup. From favorable matchups and scoring trends to players you should avoid in tough spots, my weekly guide is built to give you an edge.
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Quarterbacks to Start
Trevor Lawrence JAC
Trevor Lawrence couldn’t ask for a better opening matchup. Carolina was the worst defense in the NFL against quarterbacks last season, giving up the most fantasy points to the position while allowing 35 passing touchdowns and 40 total scores. Lawrence also has a history of starting strong, with two of his last four Week 1 games topping 21.8 fantasy points. With Travis Hunter back healthy and Jacksonville’s passing attack now under Liam Coen, Lawrence finally has some positive momentum working in his direction. All signs point toward a fast start for Lawrence against a defense that struggled badly in 2024.
Kyler Murray ARI
Kyler Murray enters 2025 in a great position to deliver for fantasy managers right away. The Saints struggled mightily against quarterbacks last season, ranking sixth-worst in passing yards allowed and second-worst in rushing yards allowed to the position. Murray averaged 33.6 rushing yards per game in 2024, and three of the last five QBs to face New Orleans topped 59 yards on the ground. While Arizona is favored to control this game, Murray’s dual-threat ability provides both a high floor and plenty of upside. He’s a safe start to open the season in what should be a favorable matchup on both fronts.
Drake Maye NE
If you waited on quarterback, Drake Maye is an intriguing Week 1 streaming option. In games where he played a full snap share as a rookie, Maye averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, good enough to rank just outside QB1 territory, while also running for nearly 37 yards per contest, fifth-best among QBs. He now faces a Raiders defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last year and still looks shaky in the secondary despite some offseason changes. With Eric Stokes and Kyu Kelly manning the outside and a pass rush that ranked bottom-12 in pressure rate in 2024, Maye should have time to throw behind a rebuilt Patriots line. The matchup and rushing upside make him one of the more appealing sleeper starts this week.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Justin Fields NYJ
Justin Fields’ revenge game narrative makes for a great storyline, but it doesn’t translate to a good fantasy outlook. Pittsburgh was one of the toughest defenses against running quarterbacks in 2024, allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards to the position. Fields has also been a slow starter throughout his career, failing to top 17.6 fantasy points in three straight season openers. The Steelers’ upgraded secondary now features Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey alongside Joey Porter Jr., giving them one of the league’s strongest cornerback trios. Combine that with Pittsburgh’s familiarity with Fields from last season, and this is a matchup to avoid.
CJ Stroud HOU
C.J. Stroud has a better group of receivers this season, but fantasy managers should temper expectations in Week 1. He has topped 20 fantasy points just once in his last 13 games and now faces a Rams defense that finished top-10 in quarterback pressure rate in 2024. Protection is a major concern after Houston traded away Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and Stroud was already pressured at the second-highest rate in the league last season. While the Rams’ secondary showed cracks late last year, Stroud’s recent struggles and the Texans’ offensive line questions make him too risky to trust out of the gate in one-QB formats.
Jared Goff DET
Jared Goff has a troubling track record at Lambeau Field, making him a fade in Week 1. He’s averaged just 206 passing yards and 13.4 fantasy points per game across his last three trips to Green Bay, failing to crack 224 yards in any of them. The Packers allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks last year, and the addition of Micah Parsons only strengthens their pass rush. On top of that, Goff will be without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson for the first time, which could lead to some early adjustment issues. In one-QB leagues, there are many safer options than Goff to start the season.
Running Backs to Start
TreVeyon Henderson NE
Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is one of the most exciting fantasy football running backs to watch in Week 1. While Rhamondre Stevenson may technically get the first carry and possibly more touches overall, Henderson’s explosiveness makes him a must-start against the Raiders. The rookie looked electric in the preseason and is expected to play a big role in the Patriots’ passing attack alongside Drake Maye. Las Vegas was middle of the pack against running backs in 2024, but Henderson’s playmaking ability and receiving skills make him a dangerous weapon in PPR formats. Even on limited touches, Henderson has the home-run ability to deliver a big fantasy performance in his NFL debut.
D’Andre Swift CHI
D’Andre Swift is in a prime position to deliver fantasy value as Chicago’s lead back in Week 1. Swift has averaged over 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of his last two seasons and now rejoins Ben Johnson, who historically leaned on running backs in his offenses. Under Johnson’s system in Detroit, Swift saw 70 targets in 2022 and played in one of the most running back-friendly schemes in the NFL. With Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai banged up, Swift could see nearly all of Chicago’s early-down and passing work against Minnesota. The matchup isn’t easy, but the expected workload makes him a safe RB2 start in all formats.
Tony Pollard TEN
Tony Pollard opens 2025 as Tennessee’s clear lead back with Tyjae Spears on injured reserve. Last season, Pollard averaged 15.0 PPR points in games where Spears was limited, thanks to 18.8 carries and three receptions per game. That type of volume makes him a strong Week 1 start despite facing a tough Denver defense that ranked top five in rushing yards allowed to RBs in 2024. The Broncos were stingy on the ground but vulnerable through the air, giving up the ninth-most receiving yards to running backs. With Tennessee leaning heavily on him, Pollard’s dual-threat ability should rack up fantasy points even in a difficult matchup. His workload makes him a safe RB2 with upside in Week 1 fantasy lineups.
Running backs to Sit
Breece Hall NYJ
Breece Hall is normally a set-and-forget fantasy RB, but Week 1 brings some concerns. The Jets will be without star guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, a major loss for the run game. Pittsburgh’s defense also presents a tough matchup, ranking 11th-best against running backs last year while limiting explosive plays and holding opponents to the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game. Add in uncertainty over how much Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will be involved, and Hall is best treated as a flex option this week rather than a locked-in RB1. Hall is a player you need to sit in Week 1.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt WAS
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, or “Bill,” has been a late-rising fantasy football sleeper, but he’s best left on the bench in Week 1. Washington’s backfield looks crowded with Austin Ekeler handling passing downs, Chris Rodriguez Jr. potentially taking short-yardage carries, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels commanding a big share of goal-line opportunities. The Giants also bring one of the strongest defensive lines in the NFL, making this a tough matchup. Croskey-Merritt is listed as the No. 4 RB on the depth chart, though he has been practicing as the No. 2. Until his role becomes clearer, fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach. He’s no more than a risky flex play in Week 1.
Nick Chubb HOU
Nick Chubb’s comeback story is inspiring, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1. After returning from another devastating knee injury in 2024, Chubb averaged just 3.4 yards per touch, well below his career norm of 5.3. He also posted the lowest explosive run rate of any back with 100 carries, at just five percent. Now 29 years old and coming off another foot injury, Chubb is surrounded by backfield competition with Dameon Pierce, Woody Marks, and Dare Ogunbowale likely to be involved. The Rams’ defense brings additional challenges, as they were strong against the run last year. Chubb is someone who should be sitting in a majority of leagues.
Wide Receivers to Start
Emeka Egbuka TB
Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka is stepping into a prime role for the Buccaneers in Week 1. With Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan sidelined and Cade Otton banged up, Egbuka projects as Tampa Bay’s No. 2 target behind Mike Evans. That’s great news against an Atlanta defense that gave up the most fantasy points to receivers in 2024 while also ranking top-five in touchdowns and catches allowed to slot WRs. Egbuka’s versatility as both a slot and outside weapon makes him one of the best fantasy football starts for Week 1.
Jerry Jeudy CLE
Jerry Jeudy gets a clean slate in 2025, and Week 1 provides a chance for him to shine. While he struggled against Cincinnati last season, Joe Flacco under center changes everything. In the second half of 2024, Jeudy ranked 15th in target share, 20th in yards per route run, and second in receiving yards per game behind only Ja’Marr Chase among qualified wideouts when Deshaun Watson wasn’t the starter. This Bengals-Browns matchup has shootout potential, and Flacco should lean heavily on Jeudy as his primary weapon.
Jameson Williams DET
Jameson Williams looks poised to build on his breakout 2024 campaign, where he finished WR23 in fantasy points per game. His efficiency metrics,15th in separation and 23rd in yards per route run, show room for growth if his target share rises. The Packers’ secondary matchups are favorable as well, with Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs both allowing catch rates above 66% and passer ratings around 97 in coverage last year. I love Williams to pick on both of those players on the perimeter, potentially leading to a nice game.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Calvin Ridley TEN
Calvin Ridley is a Week 1 fade against Patrick Surtain II and the Broncos’ secondary. Surtain shadowed seven times last year and didn’t allow more than 54 receiving yards to any of those WR1s, holding six of them under 40 yards. With rookie quarterback Cam Ward making his first NFL start in Denver, the Titans’ passing attack could struggle badly. Even in three-WR leagues, Ridley is a risky play against one of the league’s most dominant shutdown corners.
Chris Olave NO
Chris Olave is a talented receiver, but his Week 1 outlook is weighed down by his situation. The Cardinals quietly ranked among the toughest defenses for perimeter receivers in the second half of 2024, allowing the ninth-fewest receiving yards and fourth-fewest fantasy points to outside WRs. Now they add rookie Will Johnson to bolster their secondary. More concerning is quarterback Spencer Rattler, who posted more interceptions than touchdowns last season, averaged under 6.0 air yards per attempt, and took drive-killing sacks. New Orleans scored over 20 points just once in his seven starts. Until Rattler proves reliable, Olave is best treated as a WR3/FLEX option at most.
Cooper Kupp SEA
Cooper Kupp is no longer the elite fantasy WR1 he once was. Now in Seattle, the 32-year-old wideout projects as a complementary option behind emerging star Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who also dominates slot routes where Kupp has thrived. That could force Kupp outside, where he’s less effective after back-to-back seasons under 2.0 yards per route run. Adding to the concern is new quarterback Sam Darnold, who brings plenty of uncertainty to this offense. While Kupp may still deliver usable weeks in the right matchups, Week 1 is not the spot to trust him against an improved 49ers defense.
Tight Ends to Start
Tyler Warren IND
Tyler Warren is one of the most exciting rookie tight ends to watch in Week 1 fantasy football. He finished his college career ranking top-three at the position in yards per route run, missed tackles forced, and yards after the catch, traits that translate well to the NFL. Miami’s defense struggled against tight ends in 2024, allowing the 12th-most fantasy points and 10th-most missed tackles after the catch. With Josh Downs and Michael Pittman drawing defensive attention, Warren could easily open his career with a TE1 performance in a favorable matchup.
David Njoku CLE
David Njoku enters Week 1 as one of the best fantasy football tight end starts thanks to both the matchup and quarterback connection. The Bengals were a liability against tight ends last year, allowing the second-most fantasy points, fourth-most yards, and second-most touchdowns to the position. With Flacco, Njoku averaged 18.2 fantasy points per game and earned a 24% receiving market share, making him the TE2 during that stretch. Against a Bengals defense that already allowed 236.2 passing yards per game last year, Njoku is in a position to pick up right where he left off with Flacco.
Hunter Henry NE
Hunter Henry is an overlooked fantasy tight end who should be started in Week 1. In Drake Maye’s full starts last season, Henry posted a 19.2% target share, averaged nearly 50 receiving yards per game, and finished with 11.3 PPR points per contest, production that would have ranked him as the TE8. He now faces a Raiders defense that was shredded by tight ends in 2024, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points per game, 104 receptions, and over 1,100 yards to the position. Combine Maye’s league-leading 32.7% tight end target rate with Henry’s proven chemistry, and you’ve got a strong fantasy start to kick off 2025.
Tight Ends to Sit
Evan Engram DEN
Evan Engram lands in Denver with big expectations, but Week 1 is not the time to start him. Tennessee’s defense was one of the toughest in the NFL against tight ends last year, allowing the second-fewest fantasy points per game (7.98) and just 636 receiving yards all season. Engram struggled against this same Titans defense in December, managing only four catches for 33 yards. While the Broncos’ offense projects to be better than Jacksonville’s 2024 unit, the matchup is risky to open the season.
Colston Loveland CHI
Colston Loveland has dynasty appeal, but he’s a risky Week 1 fantasy football play. The Bears have one of the most crowded pass-catching groups in the league with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, and running back D’Andre Swift demanding targets. On top of that, Cole Kmet remains in the tight end rotation, which clouds Loveland’s immediate role. Minnesota’s defense was middle-of-the-pack against tight ends last season, ranking 15th in yards allowed and 17th in yards per reception. Until Loveland earns a clear starting workload, fantasy managers should view him as a volatile TE2 with a wide range of outcomes.
Zach Ertz WAS
Zach Ertz turned in a surprisingly steady 2024 campaign, finishing as the TE10 in fantasy points per game, but Week 1 sets up poorly for him. The Giants were one of the stingiest defenses against tight ends last season, allowing the fourth-fewest receiving yards and third-fewest schedule-adjusted fantasy points to the position. Ertz’s volume is also at risk with Deebo Samuel joining Washington, likely absorbing many of the short-yardage opportunities that propped up Ertz’s value last year. Fantasy managers should look for streaming options instead of forcing Ertz into lineups this week.
DEF to Start
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals’ defense is a strong Week 1 streaming option against Spencer Rattler and the Saints. Rattler went 0-6 as a starter last season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns while completing just 57% of passes. He also had one of the league’s highest sack rates (8.3%), and the Saints failed to score more than 20 points in five of his six starts. With Arizona’s pass rush primed to capitalize, the Cardinals are one of the best fantasy defenses to start this week.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ defense draws a favorable matchup against C.J. Stroud and a shaky Houston offensive line. Stroud was sacked at the second-highest rate in the NFL last year, and losing Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil makes protection even shakier. The Texans’ backfield is also unsettled without Joe Mixon, giving Los Angeles’ front seven room to attack. Led by Jared Verse and an aggressive pass rush, the Rams are a top streaming play in Week 1.
DEF to Sit
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s defense is one to avoid in Week 1 against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Baltimore scored 30 points per game in their two meetings last year and remains one of the league’s toughest rushing attacks with Derrick Henry now in the mix. Even though the Bills are typically a solid D/ST, facing Jackson and Henry on Sunday Night Football makes them a risky play with limited turnover potential.
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are also a Week 1 sit, taking on Josh Allen and one of the NFL’s most explosive passing attacks. Despite dominating Buffalo in the regular season last year, Baltimore’s defense only managed one takeaway and three sacks across two meetings, including the playoffs. With Vegas projecting a high-scoring contest, this matchup is best avoided. Both defenses carry talent, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere.
Kickers to Start
Chase McLaughlin TB
Chase McLaughlin finished top-five among fantasy kickers in 2024 and gets a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Falcons. He tallied 22 points across two games against Atlanta last year and plays in one of the higher-total games of the week. Fresh off a 162-point season, McLaughlin remains a reliable option to kick off 2025.
Wil Lutz DEN
Wil Lutz is coming off a top-10 fantasy season and gets a home matchup where he has thrived. He posted at least eight fantasy points in each of his final four games at Mile High last season. With Denver’s offense expected to move the ball against the Titans, Lutz has top-10 kicker upside again this week.
Kickers to Sit
Jake Moody SF
Jake Moody struggled in 2024, finishing just 23rd in fantasy points among kickers, and his track record against Seattle isn’t much better. He has failed to score more than seven points in three career games against the Seahawks, including just five in their lone matchup last year. In a low-total divisional game, Moody is best left on the bench.
Cairo Santos CHI
Cairo Santos is one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers, but Week 1 isn’t the spot to trust him. Chicago’s offense has a tough opening matchup against Brian Flores’ aggressive Vikings defense will make points hard to come by. Add in Ben Johnson’s tendency to go for it on fourth downs, and Santos may lack the volume needed for fantasy relevance this week.
