Week 1 Fantasy Football Lineup Advice: Must Start & Sit Players for 2025 Season

Must-Start Quarterback: Drake Maye

• quarterback Drake Maye is a top 10 quarterback for Week 1 against the Raiders, with a strong opportunity to make plays with his legs.
• 🚀 His debut is boosted by new offensive weapons like Stefon Diggs and Trayvon Henderson, and the offensive scheme under Josh McDaniels.

Key Running Backs and Wide Receivers

• 🏃‍♂️ Jerome Ford is a strong start as a potential lead back for the Browns, especially with Quan Judkins out, showing promise with 24 PPR points in a similar situation last year.
• 🌟 Tetairoa McMillan is a must-start WR1 for Carolina, expected to improve Bryce Young's passing game against zone coverage and is a top 24 fantasy wide receiver.
• 🎯 Emeka Egbuka is a borderline WR2/3 for Tampa Bay, projected to be the second-most targeted receiver against a secondary with questions outside of AJ Terrell.
• 🏈 Tyler Warren is a top 12 fantasy tight end option for the Colts, who the Dolphins may struggle to cover, especially with their linebackers.

Top Quarterback Start: Trevor Lawrence

• 📈 Trevor Lawrence is a strong start against the Panthers' defense, with an improved offense under Liam Cohen and potential for a shootout.
• ✅ He is recommended over other quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Dak Prescott, Jared Goff, and Brock Purdy for Week 1.

Players to Sit in Week 1

• 🚫 Breece Hall is a player to be cautious with against the Steelers' strong defense, potentially best used as a flex option due to offensive line concerns and a tough matchup.
• 📉 Garrett Wilson should be viewed as a player to see first, with his connection with Justin Fields needing to be proven against a tough Steelers defense.
• ❌ DK Metcalf is a flex play at best against the Steelers, with concerns about the matchup against Sauce Gardner and the potential for a low-scoring game.
• ⚠️ Calvin Ridley is in a terrible spot against the Denver Broncos and Patrick Surtain II, making him a player to avoid starting in most fantasy leagues.