Dominate Week 1 with key player selections. As the highly anticipated 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are diving deep into player analysis to craft the perfect Week 1 lineup. The opening week presents a mix of exciting opportunities and potential challenges, making the selection of reliable, high-performing players essential. This article spotlights three players primed for significant contributions, providing the rationale for their inclusion in your starting roster, ensuring you start the season strong.
Quarterback Lock: Jayden Daniels
Commanders’ Offensive Leader
Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback, is a must-start for Week 1. After a stellar rookie season in 2024, Daniels is projected to deliver a high-scoring fantasy performance. The Commanders will host the New York Giants in their opening game, setting the stage for Daniels to showcase his dual-threat capabilities. According to NFL analysis, Daniels earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors by throwing for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions, while also adding 891 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns.
Favorable Matchup
Daniels’ success is further amplified by the favorable matchup against the New York Giants defense. In 2024, the Giants’ defense struggled significantly, ranking among the worst in the league, making them a prime target for opposing quarterbacks. Daniels’ ability to combine prolific passing with significant rushing yards makes him an elite fantasy option, offering a high floor and immense ceiling for fantasy managers. FantasyPros projects Daniels as a top-5 quarterback this week due to the matchup and his rushing ability.
Running Back Assurance: Josh Jacobs
Packers’ Rushing Powerhouse
Josh Jacobs, the Green Bay Packers’ running back, is another key candidate for your Week 1 lineup. Jacobs is considered a vital start due to his favorable matchup and established role within the Packers’ offense. The Green Bay Packers will kick off their season at home against the Detroit Lions, providing Jacobs with an opportunity to make an immediate impact. In his debut season with the Packers in 2024, Jacobs accumulated 1,329 rushing yards on 301 carries and 15 touchdowns, while also proving his versatility with 36 receptions for 342 yards and a receiving touchdown.
History Against the Lions
Jacobs has a history of strong performances against the Detroit Lions. In a 2024 matchup, he rushed for 161 yards and three touchdowns against them, demonstrating his ability to exploit their defensive weaknesses. Furthermore, the Lions’ defense ranked 22nd in yards per attempt allowed last season, indicating a potential vulnerability against the run. CBSSports.com highlights Jacobs as a player with significant upside in Week 1, citing his expected high volume in both the running and passing game. Given his track record and the Lions’ defensive struggles, Jacobs is positioned for a dominant performance.
Wide Receiver Weapon: Malik Nabers
Giants’ Top Target
Malik Nabers, the New York Giants’ dynamic wide receiver, is a compelling start for Week 1. Nabers is expected to command a high target share and produce significant fantasy points. The Giants will travel to face the Washington Commanders, providing Nabers with a chance to showcase his exceptional talent. During his stellar rookie season in 2024, Nabers demonstrated an exceptional ability to draw targets, particularly against the Commanders.
Target Domination
Nabers recorded two games with a target rate above 40% against Washington, including an astounding 69.2% target rate in just his second NFL game. Dynasty Nerds reported that this was the highest by any receiver with at least 15 routes run in the Next Gen Stats era. He amassed 29 targets against the Commanders in 2024, the most by any player against a single team over the last two seasons. With a new quarterback for the 2025 season, Nabers’ role as the primary pass-catching option is expected to be solidified, potentially leading to even greater volume. Fantasy Points emphasizes Nabers’ potential for a high-volume game, making him a valuable asset for fantasy managers in all formats, especially PPR.
Conclusion
Selecting the right players for Week 1 can set the tone for your entire fantasy football season. Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability and favorable matchup, Josh Jacobs’ history of success against the Lions, and Malik Nabers’ target dominance make them must-start players. By confidently deploying these players, fantasy managers can position themselves for a strong start and a successful season.
