Key Players to Watch in Fantasy Football Week 1

As the 2025 NFL season kicks off, fantasy football managers are gearing up for another thrilling year. This week features several players who could significantly impact their teams, offering a mix of opportunity and potential challenges. Here are seven key players to consider for Week 1.

Baker Mayfield’s High Expectations

Baker Mayfield, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, enters the season following a remarkable 2024 campaign. He threw for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns, ranking third and second among quarterbacks, respectively. The upcoming matchup against the Atlanta Falcons is expected to be a high-scoring affair, with a total projected at 47.5 points according to ESPN BET.

While injuries to key receivers like Chris Godwin and Cade Otton may affect Mayfield’s performance, he has previously demonstrated an ability to excel with backup options. Last season, the Falcons allowed nearly 20 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, making Mayfield a solid pick for managers who selected him in the sixth round.

James Conner’s Consistent Performance

Running back James Conner of the Arizona Cardinals has built a reputation for reliability, suiting up for at least 13 games in each of the last five seasons. As he begins his fifth year with Arizona, Conner is projected to touch the ball 16-18 times this week against the New Orleans Saints.

Arizona is currently favored by 6.5 points, indicating a potential focus on the ground game. Conner averaged 5.3 yards per carry last year and should capitalize on a favorable matchup against a Saints defense that allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in 2024.

D’Andre Swift’s New Role

The Chicago Bears have garnered attention for their new offensive strategy under Ben Johnson, particularly concerning running back D’Andre Swift. However, Swift’s role remains uncertain as he competes with teammates Roschon Johnson and Jamaal Williams for touches.

Swift’s performance may be hampered by a challenging matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, who allowed the second-fewest rushing yards last season. Fantasy managers should temper expectations, especially given the anticipated low scoring total of 43.5 points for this game.

Jerry Jeudy’s Opportunity

With the Cleveland Browns experiencing a quarterback shuffle, receiver Jerry Jeudy stands to benefit from the current starter, Joe Flacco. In Flacco’s past 11 starts, his top receiver has averaged 21.1 fantasy points per game.

Jeudy is expected to receive upward of eight to ten targets against the Cincinnati Bengals, making him a viable WR2 option in fantasy leagues. His current consensus ranking is WR17, and he could exceed expectations in a game where the Browns are projected to chase points.

Courtland Sutton’s Mixed Outlook

After a productive 2024 season with 81 receptions and 1,081 yards, Courtland Sutton is poised to continue his success with the Denver Broncos. However, the team is set to face the Tennessee Titans as 8.5-point favorites, likely shifting their strategy towards a run-heavy approach.

Sutton may encounter challenges against cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who has historically limited wide receivers. Fantasy managers should consider Sutton’s potential for high-end flex numbers while being cautious of his matchup.

Ricky Pearsall: A Breakout Candidate

In a surprising twist, Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers has emerged as the team’s primary wide receiver due to a series of injuries and roster changes. This positions Pearsall for a breakout performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite Seattle’s defensive improvements, last season they permitted the sixth-most receiving touchdowns and the fourth-most yards after the catch. With a favorable offensive scheme designed by Kyle Shanahan, Pearsall could capitalize on this opportunity and deliver significant fantasy points.

Sam LaPorta’s Potential in New Offense

Finally, tight end Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions faces a pivotal season following the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. Despite a decline in production last year, LaPorta’s matchup against the Green Bay Packers looks promising.

With both teams projected to engage in a high-scoring contest, LaPorta could be a reliable target for quarterback Jared Goff. The Packers allowed a high catch rate and considerable yardage to tight ends last season, making LaPorta a strong option for fantasy managers as he aims to establish himself among the top players at his position.

As Week 1 of the NFL season unfolds, the performances of these players will be closely monitored by fantasy football enthusiasts. Their ability to adapt and produce under pressure will ultimately determine their value in the coming weeks.