🤔 The 11 largest fantasy inquiries for Week 1

The first week of the fantasy football season emphasizes player usage rather than strategies or game plans. Of course, coaching and individual matchups are important too. As we assemble our lineups for this week, our focus should be on the volume and scoring chances for the players we’ve selected, correct?

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Indeed, the Week 1 statistics don’t necessarily forecast a player’s worth for the rest of the season. We understand that. However, they do provide us with a clearer understanding of player deployment and situational roles, which are crucial for making lineup decisions as we progress. With this week’s lineup of games in mind, I have numerous inquiries for the 2025 season.

We can address backfield rotations, a quarterback’s expected potential in a new environment, or the rookies anticipated to deliver early. Let’s begin in Chicago with quarterback Caleb Williams, new head coach Ben Johnson, and an offense equipped with the talent to potentially yield multiple fantasy starters.

What can we anticipate from Ben Johnson’s offense in Chicago?

I don’t foresee the Week 1 contest against the Minnesota Vikings’ defense as a true reflection of how this offense will perform under Johnson this year. Remember, Minnesota led the league with a blitz rate of 38.4% last season, and coordinator Brian Flores excels at instigating post-snap disorder with his fronts and pressures. He will accelerate the internal clock for Williams, who will be making his first start in a new system.

Williams, whom I view as a borderline QB1 in 12-team formats, averaged 15.0 PPG as a rookie while revealing glimpses of his playmaking abilities. Now, combine Johnson’s play-calling and coaching with enhancements on the offensive line.

So, can Johnson instill a sense of composure in Williams’ approach as a pocket passer? He indeed did that with Jared Goff in Detroit. Furthermore, it’s more than merely the quarterback; the Bears’ roster has fantasy potential.

Running back D’Andre Swift averaged 12.2 PPG last season and will showcase his speed and pass-catching skills within Johnson’s offense. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland possesses the route-running capabilities to enter the TE1 conversation this year—if his utilization remains steady. Rome Odunze? Don’t be surprised if he ascends past DJ Moore as Williams’ primary target. And let’s not overlook rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III (one of my favored late-round picks). He’s got catch-and-run agility—along with motion/movement abilities—fitting well in Johnson’s system.

This Bears’ offense holds the promise of generating multiple fantasy starters, possibly even a player who could win a league if the scheme succeeds. But that success may not come right away. Patience will be essential here, starting Monday night at Soldier Field.

Henderson shone during the preseason. The rookie made impressive plays, demonstrating his capacity to move north/south with the ball quickly. Additionally, Henderson offers receiving skills to the Patriots’ offense as a target for quarterback Drake Maye, making him a dual threat in Josh McDaniels’ setup. Consequently, Henderson’s ADP rose in August, elevating him into the RB2 mix.

However, Rhamondre Stevenson will play a part in this offense as well. Stevenson, who was sidelined during the preseason due to an injury, is anticipated to suit up in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, and we know his contributions to the run game. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 227 pounds, Stevenson is a tough downhill runner capable of scoring on short-yardage attempts. From 2022 to 2024, he tallied 9 touchdowns on 17 carries within the 3-yard line.

Thus, while Henderson rapidly ascended draft boards in August (including mine), Stevenson’s involvement remains a factor, necessitating observation on how the backfield rotation unfolds according to volume and game situation.

I fully support Jeudy’s skill in getting open during isolation matchups, and he operates within a heavily designed passing game under Browns coach Kevin Stefanski. Expect play-action strategies that create open space for Jeudy to secure and advance the ball. Now, he partners with Flacco, an experienced quarterback operating without pressure at this juncture in his career. Flacco is unreserved when it comes to making deep throws, which I believe enhances Jeudy’s prospects as the season initiates.

Considering the expected volume for Jeudy in Week 1 against Cincinnati, I have placed him as a lower-tier WR2. Jeudy could maintain this standing going forward, assuming Flacco remains at the helm. Nonetheless, if Flacco suffers an injury or if the team decides to pivot to a rookie (Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders), Jeudy’s value may drop, positioning him as a candidate for trading. I don’t envision Flacco completing 17 games in 2025, so it’s wise to plan accordingly.

Do the Texans have a solution at RB with Joe Mixon sidelined?

With Mixon beginning the season on IR due to an ankle injury and no solid timeline for his return, the Houston backfield presents uncertainties heading into Sunday’s encounter against the Rams.

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Certainly, one might assert that the Texans will lean heavily on the pass with C.J. Stroud. However, we must recall that new offensive coordinator Nick Caley worked with Sean McVay in Los Angeles, where the run game is a central element of the scheme. Thus, Houston must identify a solution.

The Texans brought in veteran Nick Chubb during the offseason, yet I did not observe the same explosive running style in his previous season’s footage from Cleveland as seen in earlier years prior to another knee injury. Dameon Pierce had a mere 40 carries last season but showed flashes as a rookie in 2023, averaging 8.0 PPG over seven games as a starter. Additionally, there’s rookie Woody Marks from USC. I was quite impressed with his college film; he possesses elusiveness and can be effective on third downs.

Potentially, the future lead back for the Texans is not even currently on the roster. It could be a player acquired from another team’s practice squad or via trade as the season unfolds. Monitor the situation. That’s my strategy regarding the running back position in Houston.

Can Kaleb Johnson secure the early-down carries in Pittsburgh?

Johnson’s ADP began to dwindle in August, and I understand why. His preseason footage as a rookie from Iowa didn’t particularly stand out, while Jaylen Warren, recently awarded a contract extension, is a proven commodity.

In an ideal setup within Arthur Smith’s offense, Johnson would take on the role of the early-down and goal-line runner, while Warren provides a change-of-pace presence and contributes to the passing game. Warren has accumulated 127 receptions through his initial three professional seasons, offering the Steelers greater flexibility as a runner.

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Yes, Johnson fits well within Pittsburgh’s outside zone scheme. His college tape from Iowa City displayed that capability. Moreover, Johnson can gain momentum in open spaces, as his 21 carries of 20 or more yards placed him second in the nation, trailing only Ashton Jeanty.

At this point, though, you selected Johnson as a bench asset, while Warren can be activated in Week 1 as a flex option in 12-team leagues. The specifics of Johnson’s role as a professional remain uncertain. And that’s perfectly fine. Johnson could rise to be a fantasy starter if his volume/production aligns. Let’s see how he’s utilized in the game plan this week against the Jets.

Can Sam Darnold grab attention in the fantasy realm while in Seattle?

Darnold averaged 18.5 PPG last season in Minnesota, finishing as QB9 in overall scoring. Indeed, Darnold participated in Kevin O’Connell’s user-friendly offense, with Justin Jefferson serving as his top target.

Even so, Darnold’s decision-making during critical moments can still pose problems, leading to three games last season where he accumulated fewer than 10 points. However, Darnold also completely vanished off the fantasy radar after he signed with the Seahawks this offseason.

Am I optimistic about Darnold’s fit in Seattle under new coordinator Klint Kubiak? Absolutely. The system will employ outside zone play-action with well-defined throws and deep shots, maximizing his mobility and arm strength. Darnold has a premier receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a capable secondary option in Cooper Kupp, while rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo stands to be a quick riser. There’s potential here.

Although this Sunday’s matchup against the 49ers might not seem ideal for Darnold, the system under Kubiak could propel him into the streaming conversation throughout the season.

Other elements I’m observing in Week 1 …

• Travis Hunter’s snap count on offense during the Jags’ home opener against the Panthers. I still believe Hunter possesses All-Pro potential at cornerback, but from a fantasy viewpoint, we need to see him in Liam Coen’s offensive scheme. Hunter has the ball skills and capability for big plays to function effectively as a WR3/flex.

• Commanders rookie RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt. He showcased solid football during the preseason, rapidly ascending on draft boards after the team traded Brian Robinson Jr. to the 49ers. I’m eager to observe how the backfield rotation plays out with Austin Ekeler. Croskey-Merritt has a running style well-suited for NFL Sundays.

• The route deployment of Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan within Dave Canales’ offense. McMillan presents a 6-foot-5 frame that can exploit matchups for quarterback Bryce Young against the Jags’ secondary. Recall, Canales coached the 6-foot-5 Mike Evans in Tampa.

• Cam Ward – during his first pro start – against the Broncos’ defense. Ward has both throwing and mobility skills that could lead to a productive rookie season. It’s a daunting Week 1 challenge, but suppose Ward manages to score around 15 points against Denver? There’s considerable potential for Ward, who is currently rostered in only 26.2% of ESPN leagues.

• Deebo Samuel’s versatility in alignment and usage within Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. Samuel averaged only 10.2 PPG in San Francisco last season, and his tape showed a decline in play speed. Nevertheless, I appreciate the fit within Kingsbury’s system, which can creatively produce touches for Samuel.