Full Breakdown
Week 1 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Guide for 2025
9/6/2025, 4:54:30 AM
Key Matchups and Player Recommendations
As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, fantasy football managers face the challenge of setting their lineups without the benefit of in-season data. This guide highlights key players to start and sit based on matchups, historical performance, and expert projections.
Quarterbacks to Start
Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons)
Mayfield is projected as a strong start against the Falcons, who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season. In two matchups against Atlanta last year, Mayfield threw three touchdowns and scored at least 22 points each time.
Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Carolina Panthers)
Lawrence is expected to perform well against a Panthers defense that ranked last in total yards allowed in 2024. With new offensive weapons, including Travis Hunter, he is positioned as a top-10 quarterback for Week 1.
Quarterbacks to Sit
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers)
Despite being a top-tier talent, Mahomes has struggled in recent matchups against the Chargers, scoring under 15 points in 50% of his games last season. The Chargers' defense remains formidable, making Mahomes a risky start this week.
Running Backs to Start
Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks)
McCaffrey has historically excelled against the Seahawks, averaging 158 scrimmage yards per game in six career matchups. He is expected to be a top performer in Week 1.
James Conner (Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints)
Conner is projected as a strong RB2 option against a Saints defense that struggled against the run last season, allowing the second-most rushing yards.
Running Backs to Sit
James Cook (Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Cook faces a tough Ravens defense that allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to running backs last season. His performance against Baltimore last year was underwhelming, making him a risky start.
Wide Receivers to Start
Drake London (Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
London has a favorable matchup against a Buccaneers secondary that has struggled against him in the past. With a high target share, he is expected to be a reliable option this week.
Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons)
With injuries affecting the Buccaneers' receiving corps, Egbuka is likely to see significant targets in his NFL debut, making him a sleeper pick.
Wide Receivers to Sit
Garrett Wilson (New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)
Wilson faces a tough matchup against the Steelers' revamped secondary, which includes Pro Bowl cornerbacks. His connection with quarterback Justin Fields has been shaky, making him a risky start.
Tight Ends to Start
David Njoku (Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals)
Njoku has historically performed well against the Bengals, making him a solid option in a tight end-friendly matchup.
Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Pitts has had success against the Buccaneers, making him a viable option despite his inconsistent past performances.
Tight Ends to Sit
Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills vs. Baltimore Ravens)
Kincaid has struggled to find consistent production, making him a risky option against a strong Ravens defense.
Conclusion
Week 1 presents a unique opportunity for fantasy managers to capitalize on favorable matchups and player performances. By carefully considering these recommendations, managers can optimize their lineups for a successful start to the season.
