Week 1 pits Seattle’s revamped offense against San Francisco’s youthful, high-variance defense in a marquee opener at Lumen Field. Seattle leans into continuity on defense while debuting a retooled offense around Sam Darnold, and SF counters with McCaffrey, Purdy, and a rookie-heavy front that could swing the game’s early snaps. It’s a true early-season test for both teams, with fantasy implications shaping lineups across the NFC West.

Fantasy angles hinge on Darnold’s efficiency and Cup’s integration, Metcalf’s upside amid the roster shuffle, and Kittle’s volume in SF’s attack. Expect a measured, grind-it-out start with meaningful opportunities for several skill-position players, while a handful of rookies may emerge as week-one surprises.

Week 1 at Lumen Field sparks a high-stakes test between Seattle and San Francisco with a heavy influx of rookies and new pieces on both sides. Seattle leans on a fortified defense and an evolving offense led by Sam Darnold, Kenneth Walker III, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, while SF leans on Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and a remarkably young, rotational defense anchored by Nick Bosa. The game doubles as a proving ground for run-first schemes and red-zone efficiency, with early-season narratives riding on who locks in their roles first.

Fantasy angles center on Walker’s workload, Smith-Njigba’s immediate slot involvement, and SF’s rookie-driven depth. Purdy’s accuracy, McCaffrey’s dual-threat usage, and SF’s edge pressure will shape Week 1 lineups, while Seattle’s revamped offensive line and defensive cohesion offer intriguing, safer floor plays. A tight, impactful opener could set a tone for NFC West parity all year.

Expect a gritty, turnover-conscious contest with plays over field position and a few surprise contributors stepping up in the moment. The result could tilt the division’s power balance and redefine Week 1 fantasy values for both teams.

Tyrese Knight’s return to practice and Tory Horton’s rising readiness push Seattle toward Week 1 with healthier inside linebacking next to Ernest Jones. Horton’s speed could boost Seattle’s return game and short-area offense as Seattle leans on Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet to pressure San Francisco early. San Francisco counters with McCaffrey and Kittle, while Brock Purdy tests Seattle’s interior rush in a game where Leonard Williams and Dominick Puni must collapse the middle.

Key fantasy takeaways center on Seattle’s RB split, Knight’s health impact, and Seattle’s ability to ground SF’s run game to open play-action chances for Darnold and Purdy. Meanwhile, Cross and Lucas must neutralize Nick Bosa, and Seattle’s WRs—particularly Jackson Smith-N Jigba—will need to beat a relatively inexperienced 49ers secondary.

Tyreek Hill is 100% and ready for Week 1, anchoring Miami's high-octane attack even as oblique maintenance lingers. Barkley faces volume questions in NYG as the Giants build around explosiveness, while Gibbs is pitched as a true 2.0 back with top-5 upside if workload and offense cooperate.

Achane could be Miami's breakout spark, Etienne anchors Jacksonville, and DK Metcalf plus Puka Nacua offer solid Week 1 stacks. Jamison Williams's role and Goff's ceiling in Detroit round out a fantasy-rich Week 1 landscape.