Time is a construct, not a thief, and this fantasy column leans into nimble, season-long thinking. Week 1 is framed as a high-scoring opening for smart darts and waiver adds, not a rigid blueprint. Expect shootouts, plenty of backfield committee intrigue, and opportunistic targets ready to seize early leverage.

Baker Mayfield projects for a strong Week 1 in Atlanta with a likely top-seven ceiling, even if a few pass-catchers are hobbled. Sam LaPorta pops as a clean TE option for Detroit, while Jerry Jeudy and Ricky Pearsall offer appealing upside at wide receiver. Roschon Johnson and Jamaal Williams hover as backfield pieces to monitor in Chicago and New Orleans, underscoring the piece’s core idea: stay flexible, lean on the waiver wire, and let luck complement solid process.