Fantasy Reports: Top Players to Start in Week 1

Welcome back to Fantasy Reports, presented by the Shady Sports Network! I’m Cedric the Bus Driver, and Week 1 of the NFL season is officially here. From lineup advice to bold predictions, this is your one-stop ride for all things fantasy football. Follow us on YouTube at Shady Sports Network. Join the conversation on X @303bandwagon and @shadysportsnet. Connect with our Facebook groups Mile High Bandwagon and Shady Sports Network to keep the fantasy talk rolling.

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Table of Contents

1 WR Spotlight: Ridley & Metcalf in the Top-10 Conversation

WR Spotlight: Ridley & Metcalf in the Top-10 Conversation

Let’s kick off with two wide receivers trying to break into the fantasy elite: Calvin Ridley and DK Metcalf. Ridley opens in Denver against Patrick Surtain II, who is the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. This matchup means tough shadow coverage in Week 1. Still, with rookie QB Cam Ward leaning heavily on him, Ridley’s volume should stay sky-high. Expect WR 2 numbers with WR 1 upside if he can win battles against Denver’s secondary.

Will Calvin Ridley be a Top 10 WR this season?

Metcalf, meanwhile, makes his Pittsburgh debut with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball. His opener against the Jets pits him against Sauce Gardner in another difficult matchup. Despite that, projections are bullish—Metcalf is pegged for 1,200 yards and double-digit TD’s if Rodgers’ chemistry clicks fast. Fantasy managers should brace for boom-or-bust volatility early, but the ceiling is undeniable.

Will DK Metcalf have a bounce back season in Pittsburgh?

QB Rankings: Brock Purdy vs. Jaxson Dart

Brock Purdy enters 2025 as a steady QB1, but ESPN’s QB 11 ranking is selling him short. Last season, he finished as QB 6. He ranked top-5 in EPA per play. This proves he belongs in the conversation with fantasy’s best. His Week 1 matchup against Seattle is neutral. He has a projection just under 250 passing yards and a pair of scores. Purdy is safe, stable, and system-driven—exactly what you want as a mid-range QB1.

On the other hand, rookie Jaxson Dart is more of a stash-and-wait candidate. The Giants plan to ease him in. Still, word around the league says he can see action as early as Week 5. His preseason flashes showed poise, accuracy, and mobility—traits that make him fantasy gold if he gets the nod. For now, Dart stays on benches, but savvy managers will circle his name.

Jaxson Dart will take the reigns by week 6!

Stats & Sorcery: Eagles vs. Cowboys Week 1

Our marquee Thursday night matchup features the Eagles raising their Super Bowl banner against division rival Dallas. Jalen Hurts is a must-start, projected for 250 passing yards, 2 TDs, and another rushing score. Saquon Barkley looks ready for a repeat of his 2,000-yard season. He is primed for 120 yards and a TD against a soft Dallas front. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both project as fantasy starters in this potential shootout.

For the Cowboys, it’s all about Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Prescott is back healthy. He is projected for nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns. Lamb is matchup-proof against a weakened Eagles secondary. New addition George Pickens is worth a flex start, though expectations should be tempered against Philly’s elite defense. Avoid the Cowboys’ backfield altogether until roles solidify.

RB Focus: Devon Achane vs. Colts

Devon Achane is back healthy and ready for Miami’s Week 1 showdown with the Colts. Indianapolis was stingy against rushing but gave up production to receiving backs—a perfect fit for Achane’s skill set. Expect around 90 total yards, 15–18 touches, and strong touchdown upside. He’s an RB 2 with RB 1 potential in PPR formats.

Don’t forget about his handcuff, Ollie Gordon II, who benefits from Jaylen Wright’s injury. If Achane were to miss time, Gordon would step into a significant role in Miami’s high-speed offense. He’s worth a stash in deeper leagues for managers looking to protect their investment. Together, they form one of Week 1’s most intriguing backfields.

Injury Updates: Top-10 Fantasy Stars

Fantasy managers can breathe easy—there are no season-ending injuries for top-10 fantasy studs heading into Week 1. Najee Harris is questionable with an eye injury. Rookie Omarion Hampton is ready to step in if needed. Backup Hassan Haskins is also ready to step in if needed. Christian McCaffrey is fully cleared despite past Achilles tendinitis, with Brian Robinson Jr. now serving as his high-value handcuff. Justin Jefferson is back healthy. Nonetheless, the Vikings’ WR depth chart will lean on Adam Thielen, Jalen Nailor, and Tai Felton. This will occur while Jordan Addison serves a suspension.

The takeaway? You’re starting Harris, CMC, and Jefferson without hesitation. But managers should stash Haskins as RB depth and keep tabs on Minnesota’s WR trio as potential streamers. Depth wins fantasy leagues, and these backup names pay dividends later in the season.

ESPN Top-10 Matchups to Watch

Week 1 is packed with games that highlight ESPN’s top-10 fantasy rankings. Patrick Mahomes opens in Brazil against the Chargers, while Travis Kelce remains a must-start target hog. The Sunday slate brings fireworks with Ja’Marr Chase, Bijan Robinson, and Tyreek Hill all facing favorable matchups. And Monday Night Football caps things with Justin Jefferson against Chicago, projected for 10 catches, 145 yards, and a score.

The Bus Driver’s Week 1 Must Start Studs

Studs stay automatic starts, but matchups matter at the margins. Fade risky plays like Najee Harris, Alvin Kamara, and the Cowboys’ RB committee until roles stabilize. Instead, take upside swings on players like J.K. Dobbins and George Pickens, who could surprise early. Week 1 always produces breakouts, so don’t be afraid to roll the dice on upside flex options.

The Bus Driver’s Week 1 List of Guys to Sit

My Fantasy Lineups for Week 1

The Bus Driver’s Sleeper Fantasy IDP Redraft League

To close things out, let’s look at how I’m approaching my own Week 1 lineups. I’m locking in reliable playmakers like Jahmyr Gibbs and Ladd McConkey. These are guys I trust to give me a steady fantasy floor. They also have room for upside. I’m also leaning on Amon-Ra St. Brown and Devon Achane as matchup-breakers who can swing a week with big plays. At quarterback, I’m splitting exposure between rookies Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels. I’m betting on their dual-threat potential. They can put points on the board right away. And don’t sleep on Ashton Jeanty—he’s my sneaky flex piece with legit all-purpose upside.

The Bus Driver’s – Shady Sports Network Yahoo SuperFlex Redraft League

Bottom line: I’m mixing stability with upside swings, the exact formula I’ll be leaning on all season long.

The Bus Driver’s Sleeper No Bench Redraft League

I’ll be posting weekly updates on X @303bandwagon. I will also update in the Shady Sports Network Facebook group. I’ll break down starts, sits, and waiver wire gems. Engaging with your community and sharing roster moves is half the fun of fantasy. So come ride along, drop your lineups, and let’s win together.

Fantasy Reports with The Bus Driver on The Mile High Bandwagon Every Week on Shady Sports Network

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That’s it for this week’s Fantasy Reports! Make sure you subscribe to the Shady Sports Network on YouTube. Follow us on X @303bandwagon and @shadysportsnet. Jump into our Facebook communities Mile High Bandwagon and Shady Sports Network. Big thanks again to Branding Blanks for keeping our gear sharp.

Week 1 is here, football is back, and so is the fantasy madness. Set those lineups, take those risks, and let’s go get that W. See you next episode!

You can find my Fantasy Football Guide here if you are just getting started.

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