Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee remains atop the depth chart heading into Week 1 against the Houston Texans, but he's not a reliable fantasy option given the competition for targets posed by wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Higbee has a track record of lower production when he's third or lower in the pecking order. In the two games where Higbee, Nacua, and Cooper Kupp were all healthy last year, Higbee averaged just 4.8 fantasy points. Fantasy managers should expect the veteran tight end to have a similar role this year, or perhaps a slightly smaller role if Terrance Ferguson emerges as a pass-catching threat. He can be avoided in all 1TE leagues this week.

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Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland makes his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted 10th overall in 2025, Loveland enters the league with high expectations as a long-term playmaker in Ben Johnson's offense. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations for Week 1. Loveland will begin his rookie season in a timeshare with veteran Cole Kmet, who has been a steady producer throughout his five-year career. With target competition across the offense and the necessity for a Caleb Williams Year 2 leap, Loveland's fantasy value may take time to materialize. The matchup doesn't help either, as Minnesota's defense allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends last season. Until his role becomes clearer, Loveland is best treated as a low-end TE2 in Week 1.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant agreed to a one-year deal with the team in July. He began his career with the Denver Broncos before spending the last three seasons with the Seahawks. In 2024, the 27-year-old appeared in 14 games for Seattle. However, he wasn't very productive, finishing the year with 48 receptions for 500 yards and one touchdown. Fant should see some attention from quarterback Joe Burrow throughout the 2025 campaign. Still, Mike Gesicki is projected to lead the way in targets at the position. Of course, with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown in the equation, there likely won't be much work for anyone else. As a result, fantasy managers should keep Fant out of the lineup in Week 1 against the Browns. That's not expected to change in the weeks ahead.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III makes his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted in the second round of 2025, Burden brings plenty of long-term excitement, but his early-season fantasy outlook is limited. Chicago's pass-catching group is crowded, featuring Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, and two capable tight ends in Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland. For now, Burden slots in as the WR4 in Ben Johnson's offense, which leaves little room for consistent targets out of the gate. While his talent makes him a name to monitor for the future, Burden carries minimal fantasy value in Week 1 and should remain on fantasy teams' benches.

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Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson appeared to be on his way to becoming one of the league's best at the position. However, McPherson's production has gone in the wrong direction since his rookie year, and he finished the 2024 campaign by making only 72.7% of his attempts, a career-low. He was also limited to 12 games due to injury. The Bengals offense can move down the field quickly, which should give the 26-year-old chances to produce for fantasy managers. Still, until McPherson proves he can be trusted to capitalize on his opportunities, managers may want to consider other kickers for the Week 1 AFC North clash with the Browns.

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Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter is an intriguing dynasty stash given his draft capital, but he lacks short-term fantasy value. As a result, he can be left on your bench (or redraft waivers) heading into his Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. There are plenty of reasons to avoid Hunter this week. First, the Texans' run defense was very strong last year, allowing the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. Additionally, he is buried on the Rams' depth chart. Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are both ahead of him for now, and there's additional concern that he could drop to the fourth rung after Los Angeles elevated Cody Schrader from the practice squad on Saturday. The difference between third- versus fourth-string is the difference between being active or inactive on gameday, so it will be interesting to see his status when the inactives report comes out. Regardless, Hunter is not a startable fantasy option in Week 1.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell enters the season listed third on the depth chart, which likely leaves him off the fantasy radar for the time being. Although this week's matchup against the Houston Texans is enticing for receivers specifically, Atwell's volume will likely be impacted by the presence of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, two star pass-catchers who could each command at least 10 targets. Atwell figures to be the primary deep threat option in Los Angeles, which means that he will have some big plays and touchdowns, but he'll also have his fair share of dud games. As long as he's in the No. 3 role, it will be too difficult to predict when those boom or bust games will happen. For now, he can be left on waivers in most leagues.

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Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum should be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of his Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. While Corum projects to open the year as the direct backup to Kyren Williams, he's more of a handcuff at this time and is unlikely to surpass more than five or six carries. With lower volume, Corum should be left on the bench (or waivers in leagues with smaller rosters). That's especially true this week against the Texans, who allowed the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns and fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024.

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Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week regarding his ongoing domestic battery case, according to PFT's Mike Florio. Judkins recently signed his rookie contract and is expected to join the team this week, but he still faces potential league discipline. The timing, length, or likelihood of a suspension remains uncertain, but Judkins could miss more time beyond Week 1. If he is suspended, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson are poised to absorb the bulk of the workload in Cleveland's backfield. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this situation closely, as Judkins' availability will directly impact running back target shares and value for Ford and Sampson. While the holdout has ended, Judkins' status remains a significant question mark for the beginning of the 2025 season.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki finished the 2024 campaign with 65 catches (83 targets) for 665 yards. He also had two touchdowns, although they both came during the Week 7 matchup with the Browns. Gesicki and quarterback Joe Burrow built a strong rapport, resulting in the 29-year-old agreeing to a three-year, $25.5 million contract in March to remain in Cincinnati. The Bengals brought in Noah Fant this offseason. However, Gesicki is projected to lead the position in targets. That's not saying he will receive consistent attention from Burrow throughout the season, especially with Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown in the mix. Still, the Bengals explosive offense makes Gesicki a starting option in two-tight end setups versus Cleveland.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine agreed to a two-year deal in March, marking his third stint with the team. He spent last season with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he accounted for only two touchdowns. It's safe to say Perine was most productive during his previous tenure with the Bengals. However, Chase Brown is the undisputed No. 1 option on the depth chart, and he isn't projected to leave many snaps for Perine or rookie Tahj Brooks. Fantasy managers can expect the 29-year-old to get the bulk of his opportunities as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. He may also get a few carries alongside Brooks. With that said, Perine likely won't get enough work to make him a viable fantasy option versus the Cleveland Browns, so managers should keep him out of the lineup.

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The Miami Dolphins elevated running back Jeff Wilson Jr. from the practice squad ahead of Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. Wilson Jr. was initially signed to the practice squad after Jaylen Wright (knee) underwent a small procedure on his knee. He is expected to serve as the RB3 behind starter De'Von Achane and rookie Ollie Gordon II. With depth thin in the Dolphins' backfield and lingering questions about Achane's calf, Wilson is primarily a depth piece for Week 1. While unstartable in fantasy this week, Wilson Jr. is likely to see some touches in the offense, making him a player to watch if injuries persist.

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Denver Broncos kicker Wil Lutz enters his ninth NFL season as the Broncos prepare to face the Tennessee Titans. Lutz has spent eight of his nine seasons under head coach Sean Payton and is coming off his best campaign since 2018, making 91.2% of his field goals and finishing as K8 in 2024. Week 1 presents a favorable matchup, with the Broncos heavily favored (-9) over the Titans. Lutz thrived in winning games last season, averaging 10.6 fantasy points per contest when Denver came out on top. RotoBaller currently ranks Lutz as K10 for Week 1, making him a strong start in fantasy this week, especially in games where Denver is projected to dominate.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas finished last season with 36 catches for 479 yards and six touchdowns, all a career-high. He combined for three touchdowns in Weeks 2 and 3, although he would add just three more throughout the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Granted, he was able to take advantage of extra work, considering Tee Higgins was limited to only 12 contests. Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are both healthy for the Week 1 showdown with the Cleveland Browns, meaning Iosivas is expected to have trouble being involved at a level that justifies his presence in any fantasy lineup. That's not to say he won't sneak in a touchdown grab (he's been known to do that every so often). However, he's not a trustworthy starting fantasy option. That's not going to change unless Higgins or Chase goes down with an injury.

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Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson was elevated from the practice squad ahead of Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. With Jason Sanders (hip) on injured reserve, Patterson is set to handle kicking duties for the early part of the season. In his four-year career, Patterson has made 63 of 74 field-goal attempts and will be playing for his sixth NFL team in five seasons. The Dolphins vs Colts matchup is projected to score the sixth-most points (46) in Week 1, giving Patterson a potential opportunity for fantasy production. That said, Patterson is currently ranked K23 in Week 1 by RotoBaller, making him a high-risk fantasy option. He's best used as a streaming kicker or a short-term fill-in until Sanders returns.

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Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (hamstring) is trending toward being available for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Courtney Cronin. Monangai has been limited in practice after injuring his hamstring before the final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. With Roschon Johnson sidelined in practice due to a foot injury, the Bears' backfield depth behind starter D'Andre Swift is thin. Monangai enters Week 1 as the RB3 on the depth chart, behind Swift and Johnson, meaning he could see meaningful snaps if Johnson is inactive. Minnesota's defense is formidable against the run, allowing the second-fewest rushing yards in 2024. While Monangai is not a startable fantasy option in Week 1, he should receive some touches, which is key for the seventh-round rookie that's trying to carve out a bigger role.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin enters his second NFL season with a chance to carve out a bigger role against the Tennessee Titans. The 2024 fourth-round pick struggled in his rookie year, finishing with 28 receptions for 263 yards and two touchdowns, ranking WR97 in half-PPR formats. Much of that underperformance came with former college teammate Bo Nix under center. This offseason, the Broncos cleared the path for Franklin to earn meaningful snaps by trading De'Vaughn Vele and letting Lil'Jordan Humphrey walk in free agency. The second-year receiver enters Week 1 as the WR3 on Denver's depth chart and should see more opportunities in the passing game. Still, Franklin faces a tough matchup. The Titans allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, limiting upside for any emerging Broncos pass-catcher besides Courtland Sutton. For now, Franklin remains a waiver-wire stash until he proves he can produce consistently at the next level.

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Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant enters Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans as a deep sleeper to monitor. The third-round pick brings size and physicality to the Broncos' offense and profiles as a future red-zone threat alongside Courtland Sutton. Long term, his role should grow, but in the short term, his path to playing time is blocked by Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and fellow rookie Troy Franklin. Even if Bryant sees the field, this isn't the week to roll the dice. The Titans' defense allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, making Denver's passing attack a tough bet. For now, Bryant belongs on the waiver wire watchlist rather than in fantasy lineups.

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Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson listed linebacker T.J. Edwards (hamstring) as doubtful for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings. Edwards popped up on the injury report Thursday and missed the entire week of practice, putting him on track to miss his first game since 2020. The veteran linebacker has been a stabilizing force in the middle of Chicago's defense and finished 2024 as PFF's fifth-best linebacker in run defense. With Edwards listed as doubtful, fourth-round rookie Ruben Hyppolite is expected to step into the rotation. His inexperience could open the door for the Vikings' backfield. Both Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason get a subtle boost in fantasy value, particularly in the run game, against a Bears defense missing its top run-stopping linebacker. - Nathan Harvey

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. enters his third season when the Broncos host the Tennessee Titans. Mims showed real growth in 2024, posting 545 yards and six touchdowns, both were sizable jumps from his rookie campaign. Part of the reason why Mims' numbers were too low for fantasy was due to his low snap count, playing just 27% of the offensive snaps in 2024. However, the Broncos gave him a full run with the first-team offense in their preseason finale against the Saints and then traded away last year's WR2, De'Vaughn Vele. The role is there for Mims, but fantasy managers shouldn't rush him into Week 1 lineups. Tennessee allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last year, making this a brutal opening matchup. For now, Mims belongs on the bench, but his snap share and usage this week will be critical indicators of whether he can become a breakout flex option moving forward.

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