And now it's here -- Week 1.
So let's get started. The draft was the first step, and your team is ready to go. The players you drafted are ready to deliver on the expectations you've set for them, which is a championship or bust. Sure, you want to have fun along the way, but the ultimate goal is the title at the end of the season.
That's the way it should be, right? You want to feel positive about the roster you built. You want to expect the best and hope no one gets injured, everyone reaches their ceiling and all of those sleepers you drafted in the late rounds become stars.
Now, we know that's not realistic. It's how you manage your team during the season that will determine your fate. As much as the draft sets the table for the start of the year, the waiver wire is the most important part of the process. You need to be prepared.
You also need to make the right start and sit decisions -- and that's why you're here. Our job is to make it easy for you. We've done the research and allowed the matchups to determine if a player should have a positive or negative outcome each week.
We're not always going to be right -- far from it. But if you keep coming back here all season, your Fantasy team will benefit. You'll give yourself the best chance to win -- and hold that trophy to celebrate a championship.
Week 1 is here. Let's have some fun.
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Quarterbacks
 LAR L.A. Rams • #9 Age: 38 • Experience: 18 yrs.
We'll see how Stafford and the Rams do against the 49ers in Australia, but Stafford loved facing San Francisco in America last season. In two games against the 49ers in 2025, Stafford combined for 669 passing yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions, and he scored at least 31.6 Fantasy points in each outing. There were 10 times where a quarterback had at least two touchdown passes against San Francisco, and Stafford should start out hot as the reigning NFL MVP. | ||||||||||
 JAC Jacksonville • #16 Age: 26 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Lawrence averaged 30.2 Fantasy points per game in his final eight outings last season, including the playoffs, and he should pick up where he left off in Week 1. We'll see how the Browns defense looks without Myles Garrett, and Cleveland was No. 4 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks last season. But I'm expecting Lawrence to be one of the elite Fantasy quarterbacks in 2026, and this should be a big outing for him, especially since he's at home. Lawrence averaged 29.9 Fantasy points in his past five games in Jacksonville last season. | ||||||||||
 TB Tampa Bay • #6 Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Mayfield battled injuries in the second half of 2025, but he started the season strong when he was healthy with at least 22.9 Fantasy points in five of his first six games. He enters Week 1 with Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) expected to play against the Bengals, and this game has the highest projected score of the week at 50.5 total points. Cincinnati's defense should be improved this season, but the Bengals were still No. 7 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks. Mayfield has top-10 potential in Week 1. | ||||||||||
 NYG N.Y. Giants • #6 Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Dart faced the Cowboys once in 2025 in Week 18 and he had 230 passing yards and two touchdowns and five carries for 32 yards and scored 24.4 Fantasy points. This Dallas defense should be much improved from last year, but Dart also has better weapons with Malik Nabers (knee) healthy, along with the additions of Isaiah Likely, Darnell Mooney, Odell Beckham Jr. and Malachi Fields. This game has a projected total of 47.5 points, and the Giants might have to keep pace with the Cowboys in this game. Dart is worth using as a low-end starter in all leagues. | ||||||||||
 KC Kansas City • #15 Age: 30 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Mahomes has only faced the Broncos four times in the past three seasons, and his best outing against Denver over that span was Week 6 in 2023 when he scored 19.3 Fantasy points. He has averaged 14.7 Fantasy points per game in his past four outings against the Broncos, and now he has to face Denver in his first start back from last year's knee injury. The Broncos allowed just four quarterbacks in 2025 to pass for multiple touchdowns, and I don't expect Mahomes to have a good Fantasy outing in Week 1. I would only start him in Superflex or two-quarterback leagues. | ||||||||||
 SF San Francisco • #13 Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Purdy has only faced the Rams three times in his career, and he scored 14.7 Fantasy points or less in two of those outings. We'll see how things go for Purdy against the Rams in Australia, but I'm concerned to start him in one-quarterback leagues. The Rams loaded up on defense this offseason with the additions of Myles Garrett and Trent McDuffie, but Purdy gets a break with Aaron Donald not playing. Still, it should be a rough outing for Purdy, even with George Kittle (Achilles) healthy and a revamped receiving corps featuring Mike Evans and De'Zhaun Stribling. I would only start Purdy in Superflex or two-quarterback leagues. | ||||||||||
 GB Green Bay • #10 Age: 27 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Love has faced the Vikings five times since Brian Flores has been Minnesota's defensive coordinator, and Love has scored 16.6 Fantasy points or less in three of those outings. Now, in two of those games, Love has scored at least 34.4 Fantasy points, so there is potential for a big performance. I'm excited about what Love can do this season, especially since the run game could be lackluster in Green Bay while Josh Jacobs (Commission's Exempt List) is out. But I don't want to start him in one-quarterback leagues in this matchup if I can avoid it. The Vikings come into Week 1 having allowed nine quarterbacks in a row to score one touchdown or less, including Love in Week 12 last year. I would only use Love in Superflex or two-quarterback leagues. | ||||||||||
Running Backs
 NE New England • #38 Age: 28 • Experience: 6 yrs.
I don't love the matchup for Stevenson at the Seahawks, but TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) is out, which should allow Stevenson to get plenty of work. He closed 2025 on a tear with at least 12.1 PPR points in six of his final seven games, and he scored 17.3 PPR points against Seattle in the Super Bowl with seven carries for 23 yards and five catches for 40 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Production in the passing game matters here, since the Seahawks were No. 1 in most receptions allowed to running backs. There were 17 running backs who scored at least 4.5 PPR points against Seattle with just their receiving stats alone. With Henderson out, Stevenson should be considered a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. | ||||||||||
TB Tampa Bay • #7 Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Sean Tucker (undisclosed) could be out for Week 1 at Cincinnati, which is a plus for Irving and Gainwell. I would start Irving as a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues, and Gainwell is a flex in PPR. This game has the highest projected total of the week at 50.5 points, and we'll see if the offseason additions of Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen fixed the Bengals' run defense. Irving got off to a great start last season with at least 13.9 PPR points in each of his first four games and hopefully, he can do that again in 2026. Gainwell should be a reliable weapon in the passing game, and he could be needed if this game becomes a shootout. Cincinnati was No. 2 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs in 2025, and Irving and Gainwell should both be productive in this matchup. | ||||||||||
 HOU Houston • #32 Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
I'm curious to see how the Texans will use Montgomery in tandem with Woody Marks, but I would be surprised if Marks had more carries than Montgomery, who should also get all the goal-line chances. This week, Montgomery is facing a Bills defense that allowed the most rushing touchdowns in 2025 with 18. Houston played Buffalo in Week 12 last year, and Marks and Nick Chubb combined for 22 carries for 90 yards and two catches for minus-6 yards on two targets -- and no touchdowns. I'm hopeful Montgomery will find the end zone this week, and he's worth using as a No. 2 Fantasy running back. | ||||||||||
JAC Jacksonville • #33 Age: 24 • Experience: 2 yrs.
The Jaguars are a touchdown favorite at home against the Browns, so there should be plenty of chances to run the ball in this matchup. I'm expecting to see Chris Rodriguez Jr. share playing time with Tuten, especially at the goal line, but Tuten should lead Jacksonville in touches. LeQuint Allen (undisclosed) is also dealing with an injury that should keep him out for this matchup, and Tuten could see an increased role in the passing game, which is a plus. I like Tuten as a No. 2 Fantasy running back in all leagues. | ||||||||||
 PIT Pittsburgh • #13 Age: 28 • Experience: 7 yrs.
We'll hopefully learn more about how the Steelers plan to use Dowdle and Warren this season based on what happens in this game, and I like both as flex options against the Falcons. If we're assigning roles to them, I expect Dowdle to get more carries and work at the goal line, and Warren should be used as a change-of-pace rusher and on passing downs. The Steelers are favored at home in this matchup, so I'll give a slight edge to Dowdle in Week 1. But both should get enough chances to be useful flex options in all formats. | ||||||||||
 TEN Tennessee • #20 Age: 29 • Experience: 8 yrs.
Pollard is worth using as a flex option in this matchup with the Jets and hopefully, he'll pick up where he left off last season, when he averaged 100 rushing yards per game over his final five outings. He scored at least 11.5 PPR points in three of those games, and the Titans could win this matchup since they are favored at home. Tyjae Spears has flex appeal as well, and the Jets were No. 1 last year in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs. Coming into Week 1, a running back has scored at least 16.7 PPR points against the Jets in six of the past seven games to end 2025. | ||||||||||
 MIN Minnesota • #27 Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Minnesota's backfield is another one where we don't know what the split will be with Mason and Aaron Jones. I like both of them this week as flex options against the Packers, but I prefer Mason given his expected role. He should lead the Vikings in carries and work at the goal line, and Mason had 22 carries for 136 yards in two games against Green Bay last year. Mason will likely need a touchdown to have a big outing, and he's better in non- and half-PPR formats. Jones can be a flex option in PPR. | ||||||||||
 SEA Seattle • #8 Age: 22 • Experience: Rookie
We don't know how the Seahawks plan to use Price in his NFL debut. He could dominate touches or be in a timeshare with George Holani. Given the matchup, I would prefer to use Price as just a flex option against the Patriots. Last year, when defensive tackle Milton Williams was healthy in the regular season, New England allowed just two rushing touchdowns, and only Sean Tucker in Week 10 gained more than 49 rushing yards. Price could be a star, and it's hard to sit someone with his potential. But he could also lose valuable touches to Holani, and I would prefer Price as just a flex in Week 1. | ||||||||||
GB Green Bay • #32 Age: 25 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Josh Jacobs (Commissioner's Exempt List) is out for Week 1 at Minnesota, and Lloyd should be the lead running back for the Packers. That said, Green Bay offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said the Packers will use a committee, which should give Christopher Brooks and potentially Kaleb Johnson touches against the Vikings. I have no problem with Lloyd as a flex, but I'd like to see how he performs as the starter, especially since he has one career game in his three-year career. Ideally, Lloyd dominates touches against Minnesota, and then we can trust him moving forward as a No. 2 Fantasy running back or better. But in Week 1, use caution, and Lloyd is just a flex. | ||||||||||
 WAS Washington • #22 Age: 25 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Croskey-Merritt should be the lead running back for the Commanders, but he's going to lose touches to Rachaad White, especially in the passing game. Washington is an underdog in this matchup, and Croskey-Merritt won't be helpful if the Commanders are chasing points. In two games against the Eagles as a rookie in 2025 -- both without an injured Jayden Daniels -- Croskey-Merritt combined for 21 carries for 54 yards and a touchdown and no targets, and he scored a combined 11.4 PPR points. I'm nervous to use Croskey-Merritt as even a flex option, and White might be the better running back in PPR in Week 1. | ||||||||||
 DEN Denver • #27 Age: 27 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Dobbins should be the lead running back for Denver in Week 1, but he could lose touches to RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman. We have no idea what the split will look like for the Broncos, but Dobbins will likely need a touchdown to help his Fantasy value. It's doubtful he'll have a prominent role in the passing game, and Coleman could get any goal-line chances. This is also a tough matchup since the Chiefs were No. 6 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs last season. Dobbins missed both games against Kansas City in 2025, but Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin combined for 38 carries for 135 yards and a touchdown and nine catches for 48 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. I would only use Dobbins as a flex option in Week 1. | ||||||||||
 CHI Chicago • #10 Age: 22 • Experience: 2 yrs.
We don't know if Rome Odunze (leg) will play in Week 1, and his status is worth monitoring with this matchup against the Panthers. If Odunze is in, then Burden remains a good Fantasy option. But if Odunze is out, then Burden has top-10 upside. Last year, Odunze missed the final five games of the season with a foot injury, and Burden averaged 6.5 targets per game over that span. He also had two games with at least 14.4 PPR points and averaged 15.2 PPR points per game when Odunze was injured. Burden missed most of training camp with a groin injury, but he's fine now and is expected to be a big part of Chicago's offense. This should be the start of a big year for Burden in 2026. | ||||||||||
JAC Jacksonville • #11 Age: 24 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Washington was one of the most talked-about players this offseason for the way he finished 2025, and we're hopeful he can stay hot in Week 1 against the Browns. In his final four games last season, including the playoffs, Washington scored at least 19 PPR points in each outing and averaged 22.3 PPR points over that span. He averaged 10 targets per game, and he should continue to be a go-to option for Trevor Lawrence. We'll see how the targets are distributed this week for Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers and potentially Travis Hunter, but I like Washington as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. I would start Thomas in three-receiver leagues, and Meyers and Hunter should remain on the bench. | ||||||||||
 DET Detroit • #1 Age: 25 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Williams reportedly had a strong training camp, and we hope he starts the season off playing well against the Saints. He closed 2025 on a high note with at least 12 PPR points in nine of his final 12 games, and he averaged 14.2 PPR points per game over that span. Now, Sam LaPorta missed eight of those outings with a back injury, and he's back for Week 1. But Williams is also a strong play whenever he's at home. He scored at least 12 PPR points in 12 of his past 17 games in Detroit, and the Saints should struggle to stop the Lions' passing attack in this matchup. Williams is worth using as a solid No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. | ||||||||||
 LAC L.A. Chargers • #1 Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Johnston was hot to start 2025 with at least 14.9 PPR points in each of his first four games, and he averaged 19.9 PPR points over that span. Hopefully, he can do the same thing this season, starting in Week 1 against the Cardinals. Arizona's defense should struggle to stop the Chargers in this game, and I'm excited to see how this offense looks with Mike McDaniel calling plays. The Chargers should also be dominant with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy, and Los Angeles averaged 25.3 points per game in 2025 in the six games when just Alt was on the field. Ladd McConkey should have a big outing as well, and Johnston is worth using as a low-end starter or flex in all two-receiver leagues and a must-start option in three-receiver formats. | ||||||||||
TB Tampa Bay • #14 Age: 30 • Experience: 10 yrs.
Godwin is healthy heading into Week 1 and coming off a strong training camp, and Emeka Egbuka (toe) could be limited in this game after being hurt for most of August. If Egbuka plays, then he remains a potential starter or flex in all two-receiver leagues and a must-start option in three-receiver formats. I would start Godwin over Egbuka in Week 1, just given the uncertainty of Egbuka's playing time, and Godwin is dialed in right now with Baker Mayfield heading into Cincinnati. This game should be a high-scoring affair with a projected total of 50.5 points, and Godwin should command plenty of targets, especially if the Buccaneers are chasing points. I'm excited for Godwin in 2026 and hopefully, he can stay healthy all season. | ||||||||||
 IND Indianapolis • #2 Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Downs recently dealt with a calf injury in practice, but he's expected to be fine for Week 1 against the Ravens. I'm counting on Downs to be a go-to option for Daniel Jones, and Downs is worth using as a starter in three-receiver leagues. We'll see how the Colts distribute targets for Downs, Alec Pierce and Keenan Allen, but Pierce's playing time could be limited since he missed so much time in training camp due to a foot injury. Ideally, Downs or Tyler Warren will lead Indianapolis in targets in Week 1 -- and potentially all season -- and we can start Downs with confidence on a weekly basis moving forward. | ||||||||||
 CAR Carolina • #18 Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Coker was hot to close 2025, and I hope he starts off the season playing well against the Bears. In six games from Week 13 through the NFL playoffs, Coker was better than Tetairoa McMillan, and Coker averaged 14.6 PPR points per game and had four outings with at least 14 PPR points. He averaged 6.0 targets per game. McMillan, by comparison, averaged 10.1 PPR points per game over that span on 5.5 targets per game. We know both will get plenty of chances in this passing game, and I would start McMillan as a high-end No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. I like Coker as a high-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver, and he should be one of the best surprises this season in his third year in the NFL. | ||||||||||
MIN Minnesota • #3 Age: 24 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Addison was miserable against Green Bay last season with one catch for 8 yards on four targets in two games, but we know 2025 was a lost year for the Vikings' passing attack because of J.J. McCarthy. Things should improve this season with Kyler Murray at quarterback, and Addison scored at least 18.9 PPR points in three of his first four meetings with the Packers in 2023 and 2024. Micah Parsons (knee) was hurt in Week 15 last year, and Green Bay allowed seven touchdowns to receivers in the final four games of the season. Parson is out for Week 1, and that should bode well for Addison, Justin Jefferson and potentially Jauan Jennings in this matchup. Addison should be considered a starter in all three-receiver leagues. | ||||||||||
PIT Pittsburgh • #4 Age: 28 • Experience: 8 yrs.
I wasn't excited to draft Metcalf this season after the Steelers acquired Michael Pittman, and Metcalf missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury. He's expected to play in Week 1, and he should take advantage of this Atlanta defense, which is missing key defensive players in Jalon Walker (knee) and James Pearce Jr. (suspension). The Falcons last year tied for third in most touchdowns allowed to receivers with 20, and Metcalf is worth starting in all three-receiver leagues. I'd be cautious with Pittman this week since he struggled with a hamstring injury and missed several weeks of practice, but he can still be used in deeper, three-receiver formats given the matchup. | ||||||||||
 NO New Orleans • #14 Age: 28 • Experience: 3 yrs.
Vele has the chance to help Fantasy managers in deeper leagues with Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) out for the start of the season, and I like Vele as a low-end starter in three-receiver leagues for Week 1 at Detroit. In his final four games in 2025, Vele had two outings with at least 11.9 PPR points, and he averaged 6.5 targets per game over that span. The Lions' secondary is beat up, and this game could be a shootout with a projected total score of 48.5 points. Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson should lead New Orleans in targets, but Vele can still be useful for Fantasy managers while Tyson is out. | ||||||||||
GB Green Bay • #9 Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Watson played one game against Minnesota in 2025 and finished with five catches for 49 yards on seven targets in Week 12. That's the best outing he's had against the Vikings in his career, and we'll see if he can finally have a breakout game against this defense in Week 1. Minnesota was No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and I would only start Watson in three-receiver leagues. I'd also be cautious to start Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden in this matchup as well. | ||||||||||
 ARI Arizona • #18 Age: 24 • Experience: 3 yrs.
I'm going to start Harrison in three-receiver leagues, but I'm curious to see how Arizona spreads the ball around with Harrison, Michael Wilson and Trey McBride. Wilson was terrible last year when Harrison was healthy, but new Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur has high expectations for Wilson, who just signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension this month. McBride should lead Arizona in targets, but Harrison will get his chances, especially if the Cardinals are chasing points in this matchup with the Chargers. That said, Los Angeles was No. 5 last season in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers, and Harrison will likely need a touchdown to save his Fantasy production this week. | ||||||||||
DEN Denver • #14 Age: 30 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Sutton should go from the No. 1 option in Denver's passing game to No. 2 now that Jaylen Waddle is on the roster, but Sutton can still be started in three-receiver leagues. He struggled against the Chiefs last season with a combined eight catches for 99 yards and no touchdowns on 18 targets in two games, and Kansas City was No. 10 in 2025 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing receivers. The Chiefs have a revamped secondary with Trent McDuffie gone, and we'll see if rookie Mansoor Delane and the return of L'Jarius Sneed will slow down Waddle and Sutton. I would start Waddle as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues, but lower expectations for Sutton now that he's no longer the No. 1 option for Bo Nix. | ||||||||||
TEN Tennessee • #14 Age: 21 • Experience: Rookie
Tate has the chance to be a standout receiver in Fantasy and reality, but let him prove himself first. He should only be started in three-receiver leagues in his first NFL start against the Jets. It was a rough preseason for the Titans and Tate, who played 38 snaps in three exhibition games but failed to catch a pass on six targets. It's a small sample size, and Tate could easily perform well against the Jets. Cam Ward will hopefully rely on Tate, but I could see Wan'Dale Robinson having a better game in this matchup. I'm hopeful Tate gets off to a good start in his rookie campaign, but I don't want to trust him yet as a starter in most Fantasy leagues. | ||||||||||
 ATL Atlanta • #8 Age: 25 • Experience: 6 yrs.
Pitts should get off to a good start this season with Tua Tagovailoa under center for the Falcons. Expect a lot of short passes, and Pitts could lead Atlanta in targets in Week 1 against the Steelers. Pittsburgh was also No. 4 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last year, and Pitts could be a top-five Fantasy tight end in Week 1. | ||||||||||
NYG N.Y. Giants • #9 Age: 26 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Malik Nabers (knee) is expected to play in Week 1 against Dallas, but we don't know if he'll be on a snap count. Likely should benefit the most if Nabers is limited, and I expect Jaxson Dart to lean on Likely a lot in this matchup and all season. Likely will likely be second on the Giants in targets, and New York should be chasing points in this game, which means more passing from Dart. He also threw a touchdown to Daniel Bellinger in Week 18 against the Cowboys. | ||||||||||
 PHI Philadelphia • #88 Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Goedert has faced Washington nine times since 2020, and he has scored at least 11.1 PPR points in six of those meetings, including four touchdowns. He should continue to beat up on the Commanders in Week 1. The Eagles should lean on Goedert in their first game without A.J. Brown, and I like Goedert as a top-10 Fantasy tight end in all leagues. | ||||||||||
 BAL Baltimore • #89 Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs. Andrews was a disaster last season when he averaged just 7.7 PPR points per game, which was his lowest total since his rookie campaign. He should rebound this year, starting in Week 1 against the Colts. Indianapolis was No. 8 in most Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last season, and Lamar Jackson should lean on Andrews as the No. 2 target for the Ravens behind Zay Flowers. I like Andrews as a top-10 Fantasy tight end in all leagues. | ||||||||||
NO New Orleans • #83 Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Fantasy managers in deeper leagues might get sneaky production from Mayer in Week 1 and potentially all season. We know Brock Bowers should dominate targets for the Raiders, but Las Vegas doesn't have a proven No. 2 option in the passing game. Mayer could be that guy for Kirk Cousins, and Mayer might end up as a top-15 Fantasy tight on a weekly basis. The Dolphins were No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to tight ends in 2025 and aren't expected to improve much on defense this year. I like Mayer as a flier in deeper leagues. | ||||||||||
 LV Las Vegas • #87 Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Fantasy managers in deeper leagues might get sneaky production from Mayer in Week 1 and potentially all season. We know Brock Bowers should dominate targets for the Raiders, but Las Vegas doesn't have a proven No. 2 option in the passing game. Mayer could be that guy for Kirk Cousins, and Mayer might end up as a top-15 Fantasy tight on a weekly basis. The Dolphins were No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to tight ends in 2025 and aren't expected to improve much on defense this year. I like Mayer as a flier in deeper leagues. | ||||||||||
HOU Houston • #86 Age: 30 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Schultz should benefit from Jayden Higgins (knee) being out for the season, and I expect Schultz to finish second on the Texans in targets behind Nico Collins. But I don't want to start Schultz in Week 1 against Buffalo. The Bills were No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last season, and only three tight ends reached double digits in PPR in 2025. Schultz has also faced Buffalo in each of the past two years and combined for five catches for 42 yards on 10 targets over that span. | ||||||||||
 DAL Dallas • #87 Age: 27 • Experience: 5 yrs.
Ferguson had a solid season in 2025 with 82 catches for 600 yards and eight touchdowns on 102 targets, but the best stretch of his season came in four games when CeeDee Lamb was dealing with an ankle injury. From Weeks 3-6, Ferguson had 30 catches for 204 yards and four touchdowns, which equate to 37 percent of his receptions, 34 percent of his yards and 50 percent of his touchdowns. Ferguson struggled when Lamb and George Pickens were healthy, and both are fine for Week 1. We could see Ferguson score against the Giants, but they allowed just five touchdowns to tight ends in 2025. I'm not expecting Ferguson to have a big game in this matchup. | ||||||||||
 BUF Buffalo • #86 Age: 26 • Experience: 4 yrs.
I love that Kincaid is expected to see a spike in playing time this year, and he could become a weekly starter for Fantasy managers. But I don't want to use him as a starter in Week 1 against the Texans. Houston was No. 10 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last season, and only six tight ends scored double digits in PPR. Kincaid had two catches for 34 yards on six targets against Houston in 2024, and he should be held in check again by the Texans this week. | ||||||||||
NO New Orleans • #83 Age: 29 • Experience: 7 yrs.
Johnson has been great in the past two games since Devaughn Vele (shoulder) went on injured reserve, and now Chris Olave (illness) is out in Week 18. In his past two outings against the Jets and Titans, Johnson combined for 12 catches for 184 yards on 13 targets, and he scored at least 13.5 PPR points in each contest. He had a solid game against Atlanta in Week 12 with six catches for 46 yards on seven targets, and the Falcons have allowed three tight ends in the past two games to score at least 11.3 PPR points. Johnson should be considered a top-five Fantasy tight end in Week 18. | ||||||||||
CHI Chicago • #84 Age: 22 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Loveland just had a career game in Week 17 at San Francisco with six catches for 94 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets, and he scored 21.4 PPR points. He has now scored at least 10.1 PPR points in four of his past six games, and he should stay hot in Week 18 against the Lions. Two tight ends have scored at least 10.8 PPR points against Detroit in the past five games, and Loveland has top-five upside in all leagues in Week 18. | ||||||||||
LV Las Vegas • #87 Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Brock Bowers (knee) is not going to play in Week 1 against Miami and could miss multiple weeks. Enter Mayer, who is rostered in just 5 percent of leagues on CBS Sports at the time of publication, and could be used as a starter in all formats. Mayer played three games without Bowers in 2025 and averaged 13.9 PPR points over that span and 7.3 targets per game. This week, Mayer is facing a Dolphins defense that was No. 3 in most Fantasy points allowed to tight ends in 2025, and he should see plenty of targets. I like Mayer as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues with Bowers out. | ||||||||||
NE New England • #85 Age: 31 • Experience: 11 year
Henry is worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues in Week 19 against Miami. He has scored at least 11.3 PPR points in four of his past five games, with three touchdowns over that span, and the Dolphins have allowed three tight ends in their past four games to score at least 10.1 PPR points. | ||||||||||
HOU Houston • #86 Age: 30 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Schultz struggled in Week 17 at the Chargers with 4.9 PPR points, but he scored at least 12.5 PPR points in three of his past five games. He played well against the Colts in Week 13 with seven catches for 55 yards on eight targets, and he should have another solid outing in the rematch in Week 18. Two tight ends in the past five games against Indianapolis have scored at least 12.5 PPR points, and Schultz should be considered a top-10 Fantasy tight end in this matchup. | ||||||||||
JAC Jacksonville • #85 Age: 25 • Experience: 4 yrs.
Strange is worth using as a No. 1 Fantasy tight end in all leagues in Week 18 against the Titans, and he had three catches for 45 yards and a touchdown on four targets against Tennessee in Week 13. He has now scored at least 13.5 PPR points in three of his past six games, and the Titans are struggling against tight ends of late. Six tight ends have scored at least 11.1 PPR points against Tennessee in the past eight games, with four touchdowns over that span, and Strange should continue to be a go-to target for Trevor Lawrence in Week 18. | ||||||||||
LAC L.A. Chargers • #86 Age: 23 • Experience: 2 yrs.
Gadsden had a solid game in Week 17 against Houston with three catches for 32 yards and a touchdown on six targets, and he has now scored at least 10.1 PPR points in two of his past three games. But with Justin Herbert not playing in Week 18 to rest for the playoffs, Gadsden will be tough to trust with Trey Lance at quarterback. Gadsden made his NFL debut in Week 3 against the Broncos and had five catches for 46 yards on seven targets, but that was with Herbert. I'm not expecting a big game for Gadsden with Lance under center. | ||||||||||
BAL Baltimore • #89 Age: 31 • Experience: 9 yrs.
Andrews doesn't have a good history in Pittsburgh with 19 catches for 199 yards and no touchdowns in his past five games there, and he scored 4.2 PPR points or less in two of his past three outings at Acrisure Stadium. Andrews also had one catch for 9 yards on five targets against the Steelers in Week 14, and he has scored 8.7 PPR points or less in six games in a row. | ||||||||||
Cowboys (at NYG)
Bills (at HOU)
CIN Cincinnati
• #2
Age: 27
• Experience: 6 yrs.
2025 Stats |
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REC0 |
TAR0 |
REYDS0 |
TD0 |
FPTS/G7.4 |
The Bengals-Buccaneers game has the highest expected point total of the week at 50.5, so we should get plenty of scoring chances for McPherson. He had three games with at least nine Fantasy points in the final six outings last season when Joe Burrow returned from his toe injury, and I like McPherson as a No. 1 Fantasy kicker most weeks when Burrow is on the field.
