Fantasy football analysts identify key player matchups for NFL Week 1

Fantasy football managers are evaluating player outlooks as the 2026 NFL season begins. With a lack of early-season data, projections rely on matchup analysis and team changes. Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Justin Herbert are highlighted as potential starters for their respective games against the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals. Running backs MarShawn Lloyd and Rhamondre Stevenson are identified as options with favorable conditions, while receivers Josh Downs and Chris Godwin Jr. are suggested to see larger workloads. Tight end Juwan Johnson could see more targets against the Detroit Lions, and the Jacksonville Jaguars defense is listed as an option against the Cleveland Browns. These projections serve as a guide for setting rosters before the opening games conclude.

• 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: 16 players to start or sit in Week 1