Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season features a mix of obvious starters and sneaky Week 1 options. Hubbard projects as a solid RB2 in Carolina’s opener against Jacksonville, while Kraft’s role in Green Bay could surge with Jayden Reed sidelined. Lawrence is a prime streaming QB with a favorable matchup as the Jaguars kick off the Liam Coen era. Emeka Egbuka steps into a starting role for Tampa Bay with opportunities to contribute in a high-scoring environment. Pollard’s Week 1 outlook is tempered by a tough Denver matchup and potential game script concerns, and Nick Chubb’s Week 1 debut for Houston raises questions about the Texans’ offensive line. McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, and Chase remain foundational in fantasy rosters, with fantasy managers probing fringe options for upside in Week 1.

Pollard, Metcalf, and Chubb exemplify the Week 1 risk-reward calculus: reliable producers facing challenging matchups or uncertain game scripts. Lawrence and Kraft illustrate how coaching changes and injuries can shift Week 1 usage in favorable directions. The piece emphasizes data points like defensive DVOA and EPA/TGT trends to guide rosters, while also underscoring the value of late-round fliers who may emerge in Week 1 lineups and waivers.

Overall, Week 1 swings on matchup-driven starts, breakout potential for mid-round options, and the patience to bench risky plays. The guidance centers on leveraging early data, streaming opportunities, and smart pivoting as rosters take shape in a new fantasy season.

Waddle and Hill anchor Week 1 WR starts, with Waddle set to benefit if Hill is limited by an oblique issue. Matthew Golden emerges for Green Bay against Detroit, while Emeka Egbuka steps into a larger role for Tampa Bay with Godwin out. Jefferson, Sutton, Wilson, and Ridley appear in Week 1 sit discussions, driven by rough matchups or game flow concerns.

The guide emphasizes targeting high-ceiling, volume-driven WRs while tempering risk with safer options, and staying alert to injury news as Week 1 unfolds.

Eagles roster cuts trim depth as Ochaun Mathis is waived, a move that signals ongoing evaluation of the edge room after preseason action.

Mathis, 25, 6'5", 250, out of Nebraska, was a Rams sixth-round pick in 2023. His versatility as a pass rusher could draw immediate waiver interest or a practice-squad look elsewhere, with fantasy managers watching for future opportunities in a new scheme.

Week 2 of Tampa Bay’s preseason features a Buccaneers–Steelers matchup with real roster and fantasy implications. Baker Mayfield is expected to see limited action, and his objective is simple: lock in rhythm, move the chains in a short window, and stay healthy while setting a tone for TB’s offense. If he gets a couple of series, Mayfield’s accuracy and timing on quick reads will be closely watched as a signal of whether he can anchor TB’s offense in meaningful early-season reps.

Christian Izien enters Week 2 with a real chance to lock down the nickel role, especially against a Steelers attack that targets the middle of the field. Jalen McMillan has a shot to stake WR3 claims behind Evans and Godwin Jr., while Emeka Egbuka’s rookie presence adds a potential swing weapon to TB’s receiving corps. Together, these developments illuminate TB’s looming depth-chart decisions and fantasy upside as the season approaches.

These dynamics matter for fantasy owners: Mayfield’s efficiency, Izien’s playmaking, McMillan’s hands, and Egbuka’s rookie ceiling all help map TB’s Week 1 upside and risk for DFS and season-long decisions. Even a controlled showcase in the preseason can reveal who’s ready to contribute in real-game situations and who might be on the bubble heading into the opener.