NFL Fantasy Football 2025: Start ‘em, Sit ‘em – Week 1
After another grueling 7-month break, we finally have NFL Football back. Which also means I have the pleasure of writing about it for another whole year. Life is good again.
Welcome to Fantasy Football Start ‘em, Sit ‘em – where each week we explore some of my best picks for who should be starting in fantasy managers’ lineups, and who should be sitting the week out.
As we enter a new football year, there’s the same noise that comes with every offseason – the NFL draft, big trades, new coaches, all the good stuff. Let’s dive into week 1, which should start this new season off with a bang.
Start ’em
Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jaguars) vs. Panthers
Lawrence’s season was cut short last year after suffering a concussion and an injury to his non-throwing shoulder, but I like him a lot in this week 1 matchup that proves very favorable. Not only did he show plenty of promise last year with first-round pick Brian Thomas Jr., but this offseason also saw the Jags add hybrid phenom Travis Hunter. This pair should give Carolina’s abysmal defense issues right out of the gate.
Carolina allowed an astounding 31.4 points per game last season. They also surrendered the second most fantasy points per game to opposing QBs at 23.2. It’s arguable that Lawrence may be a wait-and-see scenario with Liam Coen as the new head coach, but I think he’ll have no problem tossing at least 2 touchdowns in the home opener.
Ashton Jeanty (RB, Raiders) at Patriots
One of the most exciting picks of the draft, Jeanty should immediately step into a central role for the Raiders’ offense. Limited options for Geno Smith minus Brock Bowers should allow plenty of volume for Jeanty to not only become a workhorse back, but also potentially take command of the checkdown/short yardage passes similar to his role at Boise State.
While the Pats have added some help to their defensive line, they surrendered the fifth most fantasy points to opposing RBs last year. They’re stronger against the pass than the run, so I’m expecting Pete Carroll to lean on his new feature back quite a bit.
Jameson Williams (WR, Lions) at Packers
The departure of Jaire Alexander leaves a gaping hole in the Packers’ CB room, a unit now led by Keisean Nixon (64.5 PFF grade) and Nate Hobbs – whose availability for week 1 is up in the air following surgery for a torn meniscus.
The addition of Micah Parsons is obviously cause for concern for any opponent of Green Bay, but with one of the top offensive lines in football, I still like the Lions to get it done on offense. It’s also worth noting that Williams is fully expected to take on a larger role and has improved immensely this offseason:
Tyler Warren (TE, Colts) vs. Dolphins
Not a huge surprise here – Warren should immediately dominate the short/intermediate targets coming from whoever is playing QB for the Colts in a given week. The Penn State sensation set the Big Ten record for receptions and receiving yards by a tight end in 2024.
Miami’s secondary shouldn’t be fun to watch in 2025 and is historically bad at covering tight ends, so expect Warren to have an explosive debut to start what should be a Brock Bowers-esque rookie season.
Sit ’em
J.J. McCarthy (QB, Vikings) at Bears
Although Chicago had plenty of offensive woes in 2024, their defense remains an elite unit under new coordinator Dennis Allen. They finished top-10 last season in both pressure rate and sack rate and have added plenty of help through free agency and the draft.
While Minnesota has a solid offensive line, I don’t love the situation McCarthy finds himself in for his debut after missing last year – going to Chicago to fight against a top 5 pass rush and Jaylon Johnson looking like he’ll be cleared to play. Pass.
Javonte Williams (RB, Cowboys) at Eagles
This also shouldn’t come as a surprise – I see no way Williams finds any sort of resurgence in Dallas, especially since they just paid CeeDee Lamb and traded for George Pickens back in May. What was already a pass-heavy offense just got heavier, and I just don’t see the opportunities there aside from an occasional checkdown.
Dallas’ offensive line has also seen much better days. With Zack Martin gone, that leaves rookie Tyler Booker to replace him at RG. Their LT didn’t have a good rookie season (49.4 PFF grade), and they have a young C in Cooper Beebe. The sudden lack of veteran presence poses major issues to me in terms of the run game, so I would stay away from Williams for most of the season – especially against the Eagles.
Calvin Ridley (WR, Titans) at Broncos
It’s a new era (again) for the Titans at QB, as Heisman finalist Cam Ward will take the reins from Will Levis right out of the gate. It’s hard for me to believe he will find immediate success given the trainwreck that was Tennessee’s offense last year, but it’s at least trending in the right direction.
Regardless, it’s obvious Ridley will be receiving the Patrick Surtain treatment in Denver, so it’s hard to see him panning out in Ward’s debut on the road. Pass.
Tucker Kraft (TE, Packers) vs. Lions
It’s a tough call most weeks with Kraft given the availability of Green Bay’s wide receivers, but I’m calling it a no this week since Kraft will most likely be dealing with Kerby Joseph.
Joseph snagged a league-leading nine interceptions last year, and he’s only been getting better in man coverage. Overall it’s a wait-and-see with Kraft in general past the home opener.
BYES: NONE
