Fantasy football analysts release quarterback rankings for the 2026 season opener
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:35 PM
Last updated Sep 8, 2026
Analysts have finalized their quarterback rankings for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, placing Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert at the top of the list. The projections account for shifts in offensive systems and updated team rosters across the league. Notable placements include Jaxson Dart at number ten, while Patrick Mahomes II sits outside the top 15 according to the current model. The rankings reflect expected performance based on individual matchups, such as Jalen Hurts facing Washington and Jared Goff meeting New Orleans. Managers are evaluating these projections to determine their starting lineups for the opening slate of games. These insights prioritize players projected for higher passing volume and favorable defensive matchups.
- •Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson occupy the top three spots in the Week 1 rankings.
- •Patrick Mahomes II is ranked 16th heading into the matchup against Denver.
- •Jared Goff is identified as a top-10 option for the game against New Orleans.
- •The rankings account for recent personnel changes and defensive trends from the 2025 season.
- 11:35 PMYahoo Sports — Week 1 Fantasy QB Rankings 2026: Patrick Mahomes Outside the Top 15? Week 1 Brings Some Major Surprises
"Week 1 fantasy football quarterback decisions can be tricky, especially with new offensive systems, changing supporting casts, and several high-upside matchups across the league. Our Week 1 QB rankings sort through the entire starting landscape, from elite options like Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen to more volatile plays such as Jaxson Dart, Bryce Young, and Malik Willis.
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