RADIO
A new NFL season is finally upon us. This means there are plenty of things to get excited and worried about. At the precipice of every season, without fail, all fantasy fans and analysts cling to the notion that we know what to expect and we know what variables to account for. This is often false.
Much of our preseason projections will help predict outcomes, but there is no accounting for the human element in sports. Odds favor Trent Williams continuing to give pass-rushers problems and Aaron Rodgers being stingy with opposing cornerbacks, but age could bite both. Therefore, you must be cautious about relying too much on the past.
Annually, I warn fans that we can use past metrics and film to try and predict the future, but any projections for Week 1 will have more variables than usual. Playing Week 1 matchups are never as reliable as they are by midseason. So, early on, you should rely on talent over matchups.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for the 2025 playoffs:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
IDP Scoring System for Rankings:
- 6-points per Defensive Touchdown
- 4-points per Forced Turnover (FF/INT)
- 3-points per Sack
- 2- points per PD, FR, Safety
- 1-point Solo Tackle
- 0.5-points Assisted Tackle
Note: These rankings are also based on leagues that start one player at each defensive position (DL, LB, DB) and two DFLEX.
Top Fantasy Defensive Linemen of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | T.J. Watt | Steelers | Falcons |
| 2 | Maxx Crosby | Raiders | Chargers |
| 3 | Micah Parsons | Cowboys | Browns |
| 4 | Nick Bosa | 49ers | Jets |
| 5 | Danielle Hunter | Texans | Colts |
| 6 | Myles Garrett | Browns | Cowboys |
| 7 | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | Rams |
| 8 | Josh Hines-Allen | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 9 | Montez Sweat | Bears | Titans |
| 10 | Khalil Mack | Chargers | Raiders |
| 11 | Will Anderson Jr. | Texans | Colts |
| 12 | Trey Hendrickson | Bengals | Patriots |
| 13 | Matthew Judon | Falcons | Steelers |
| 14 | Brian Burns | Giants | Vikings |
| 15 | Jonathan Greenard | Vikings | Giants |
| 16 | Derrick Brown | Panthers | Saints |
| 17 | Carl Granderson | Saints | Panthers |
| 18 | Javon Hargrave | 49ers | Jets |
| 19 | Christian Wilkins | Raiders | Chargers |
| 20 | Jaelan Phillips (Q) | Dolphins | Jaguars |
| 21 | Jermaine Johnson | Jets | 49ers |
| 22 | Alex Highsmith | Steelers | Falcons |
| 23 | Andrew Van Ginkel | Vikings | Giants |
| 24 | Laiatu Latu | Colts | Texans |
| 25 | Kayvon Thibodeaux | Giants | Vikings |
| 26 | Harold Landry III | Titans | Bears |
| 27 | Joey Bosa (Q) | Chargers | Raiders |
| 28 | DeForest Buckner | Colts | Texans |
| 29 | Jeffery Simmons | Titans | Bears |
| 30 | Greg Rousseau | Bills | Cardinals |
| 31 | Jonathon Cooper | Broncos | Seahawks |
| 32 | Boye Mafe | Seahawks | Broncos |
| 33 | Leonard Floyd | 49ers | Jets |
| 34 | Byron Young | Rams | Lions |
| 35 | Quinnen Williams | Jets | 49ers |
| 36 | George Karlaftis | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 37 | Josh Sweat | Eagles | Packers |
| 38 | Cameron Heyward | Steelers | Falcons |
| 39 | Sam Hubbard | Bengals | Patriots |
| 40 | Jadeveon Clowney | Panthers | Saints |
| 41 | Chris Jones | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 42 | Travon Walker | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 43 | Rashan Gary | Packers | Eagles |
| 44 | Harrison Phillips | Vikings | Giants |
| 45 | Jared Verse | Rams | Lions |
| 46 | Bryce Huff | Eagles | Packers |
| 47 | Anfernee Jennings | Patriots | Bengals |
| 48 | Dallas Turner | Vikings | Giants |
| 49 | Austin Booker | Bears | Titans |
| 50 | Trevis Gipson | Seahawks | Broncos |
DL Riser of the Week
Jermaine Johnson, New York Jets
Johnson was a premium pass-rush prospect coming out of Florida State with the ability to win with speed and leverage. He has flashed in his career to date, but the loss of Bryce Huff and the continued holdout of Haason Reddick could create an elite snap share for Johnson.
To open the season, Johnson gets to tee off on the 49ers. While this isn't always an ideal matchup, San Francisco's star left tackle Trent Williams continues to hold out. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ starting right tackle (Colton McKivitz) was one of the worst pass-blocking tackles in the NFL last year.
Just an insane play from Jermaine Johnson (#11) pic.twitter.com/I7HmTGCU16
— JR (@JRNYSports) August 29, 2024
DL Disappointment of the Week
Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants
This could be a breakout season for Thibodeaux, who should benefit from playing with Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence II on the same front. Unfortunately, he could start the season in a rather tough spot.
Christian Darrisaw is one of the NFL's best pass-blockers, finishing with the third-fewest pressures allowed amongst all linemen with at least 500 snaps in 2023. Thibodeaux will likely alternate sides, so he won’t always face Darrisaw, but his preseason usage suggests he will see a lot of the left tackle.
Top Fantasy Linebackers of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Zaire Franklin | Colts | Texans |
| 2 | Foyesade Oluokun | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 3 | Bobby Okereke | Giants | Vikings |
| 4 | Roquan Smith | Ravens | Chiefs |
| 5 | Ivan Pace Jr. | Vikings | Giants |
| 6 | Fred Warner | 49ers | Jets |
| 7 | Nick Bolton | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 8 | Azeez Al-Shaair | Texans | Colts |
| 9 | Terrel Bernard | Bills | Cardinals |
| 10 | Ernest Jones IV | Titans | Bears |
| 11 | E.J. Speed | Colts | Texans |
| 12 | T.J. Edwards | Bears | Titans |
| 13 | Alex Singleton | Broncos | Seahawks |
| 14 | Quay Walker | Packers | Eagles |
| 15 | C.J. Mosley | Jets | 49ers |
| 16 | Patrick Queen | Steelers | Falcons |
| 17 | Bobby Wagner | Commanders | Buccaneers |
| 18 | Jordyn Brooks | Dolphins | Jaguars |
| 19 | Lavonte David | Buccaneers | Commanders |
| 20 | De’Vondre Campbell | 49ers | Jets |
| 21 | Devin White | Eagles | Packers |
| 22 | Logan Wilson | Bengals | Patriots |
| 23 | Kyzir White | Cardinals | Bills |
| 24 | Frankie Luvu | Commanders | Buccaneers |
| 25 | Jordan Hicks | Browns | Cowboys |
| 26 | Quincy Williams | Jets | 49ers |
| 27 | Alex Anzalone | Lions | Rams |
| 28 | Tyrel Dodson | Seahawks | Broncos |
| 29 | Eric Kendricks | Cowboys | Browns |
| 30 | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | Browns | Cowboys |
| 31 | Robert Spillane | Raiders | Chargers |
| 32 | Demario Davis | Saints | Panthers |
| 33 | Josey Jewell | Panthers | Saints |
| 34 | Trenton Simpson | Ravens | Chiefs |
| 35 | Tremaine Edmunds | Bears | Titans |
| 36 | Kaden Elliss | Falcons | Steelers |
| 37 | Devin Lloyd | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 38 | Troy Reeder | Rams | Lions |
| 39 | Shaq Thompson | Panthers | Saints |
| 40 | Blake Cashman | Vikings | Giants |
| 41 | Denzel Perryman | Chargers | Raiders |
| 42 | Ja’Whaun Bentley | Patriots | Bengals |
| 43 | Germaine Pratt | Bengals | Patriots |
| 44 | Payton Wilson | Steelers | Falcons |
| 45 | Christian Rozeboom | Rams | Lions |
| 46 | Jerome Baker | Seahawks | Broncos |
| 47 | Jack Campbell | Lions | Rams |
| 48 | Divine Deablo | Raiders | Chargers |
| 49 | Drue Tranquill | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 50 | Omar Speights | Rams | Lions |
LB Riser of the Week
Omar Speights, Los Angeles Rams
The leading interior linebacker for the Rams has historically produced quality fantasy stats under Sean McVay. Even Troy Reeder was a reliable fantasy resource in that spot, and Reeder could again seize the position … though the Rams dumped him once for a reason.
With Ernest Jones IV gone, someone has to fill the void in the middle of a Los Angeles unit that has produced quality tacklers with multiple defensive coordinators and on-field leaders. For now, it appears Reeder will again get the chance to be that guy, based on how he’s been treated since the trade.
However, Omar Speights has gotten a lot of positive buzz out of camp. The Rams even sat him in the final preseason game to preserve him. The Rams and everyone else know Reeder is a stopgap measure. Once Speights gets acclimated to the NFL, he could be the leader of this unit.
If Ernest Jones gone, that would be terrible news but Omar Speights definitely look like he got NEXT!
pic.twitter.com/MrtXw8MLvG— Zeus (@LilMamba06) August 26, 2024
LB Disappointment of the Week
Ernest Jones IV, Tennessee Titans
If Jones is truly healthy and plays 100% of the Titans’ snaps, he will be a no-doubt LB1 this week and every week after. His tackling prowess is too valuable not to start in all IDP formats.
However, there were reported concerns about Jones' health, contributing to his being traded to Tennessee. The trade also happened late in the summer, meaning the vet had very limited snaps with his new teammates and their new scheme. Those are both mild concerns.
Against a Bears offense that could look to pass far more than expected with Caleb Williams under center, do not be surprised if this former Ram fails to meet expectations in his first game with the Titans. He could be on a snap count or simply need time to acclimate in a mediocre matchup.
Top Fantasy Defensive Backs of the Week
| Rank | Player | Team | Opponent |
| 1 | Antoine Winfield Jr. | Buccaneers | Commanders |
| 2 | Kyle Hamilton (Q) | Ravens | Chiefs |
| 3 | Jessie Bates III | Falcons | Steelers |
| 4 | Derwin James | Chargers | Raiders |
| 5 | Camryn Bynum | Vikings | Giants |
| 6 | Brian Branch | Lions | Rams |
| 7 | Jaquan Brisker | Bears | Titans |
| 8 | Josh Metellus | Vikings | Giants |
| 9 | Devon Witherspoon | Seahawks | Broncos |
| 10 | Xavier McKinney | Packers | Eagles |
| 11 | Reed Blankenship | Eagles | Packers |
| 12 | Jalen Pitre | Texans | Colts |
| 13 | Julian Love | Seahawks | Broncos |
| 14 | Kamren Curl | Rams | Lions |
| 15 | Ji’Ayir Brown | 49ers | Jets |
| 16 | Grant Delpit | Browns | Cowboys |
| 17 | Brandon Jones | Broncos | Seahawks |
| 18 | Jevon Holland | Dolphins | Jaguars |
| 19 | Justin Reid | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 20 | Nate Hobbs | Raiders | Chargers |
| 21 | Donovan Wilson | Cowboys | Browns |
| 22 | Kyle Dugger | Patriots | Bengals |
| 23 | Charvarius Ward | 49ers | Jets |
| 24 | Trent McDuffie | Chiefs | Ravens |
| 25 | Tyson Campbell | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 26 | Stephon Gilmore | Vikings | Giants |
| 27 | Jalen Thompson | Cardinals | Bills |
| 28 | Budda Baker | Cardinals | Bills |
| 29 | Jeremy Chinn | Commanders | Buccaneers |
| 30 | L’Jarius Sneed | Titans | Bears |
| 31 | Kerby Joseph | Lions | Rams |
| 32 | C.J. Gardner-Johnson | Eagles | Packers |
| 33 | Jason Pinnock | Giants | Vikings |
| 34 | Talanoa Hufanga (Q) | 49ers | Jets |
| 35 | Taron Johnson | Bills | Cardinals |
| 36 | Christian Gonzalez | Patriots | Bengals |
| 37 | Minkah Fitzpatrick | Steelers | Falcons |
| 38 | Marcus Williams | Ravens | Chiefs |
| 39 | Rayshawn Jenkins | Jaguars | Dolphins |
| 40 | Jordan Whitehead | Buccaneers | Commanders |
| 41 | Geno Stone | Bengals | Patriots |
| 42 | Taylor Rapp | Bills | Cardinals |
| 43 | Byron Murphy Jr. | Vikings | Giants |
| 44 | Kenny Moore II | Colts | Texans |
| 45 | Denzel Ward | Browns | Cowboys |
| 46 | Paulson Adebo | Saints | Panthers |
| 47 | Jabrill Peppers | Patriots | Bengals |
| 48 | Derek Stingley Jr. | Texans | Colts |
| 49 | Roger McCreary | Titans | Bears |
| 50 | Cam Taylor-Britt | Bengals | Patriots |
DB Riser of the Week
Stephon Gilmore and Byron Murphy Jr., Minnesota Vikings
It’s unclear whether Gilmore will ever shadow with the Vikings, but he has done so throughout his career, including as recently as 2022. With Byron Murphy Jr. designated for the slot, Minnesota does not have a better option on the outside.
Both Gilmore and Murphy should see a lot of snaps against Malik Nabers this week. In less than two-quarters of preseason play with Daniel Jones, Nabers had six targets. Do not be surprised if Jones, who has looked inaccurate in camp, peppers Nabers and his corners with double-digit throws.
DB Disappointment of the Week
L’Jarius Sneed, Tennessee Titans
Sneed was regularly considered a DB1 over the past few years. This was partly due to the massive volume he would see as Chiefs opponents fell behind and were forced to throw. He notched seven or more tackles in five games last year, four of which were wins where Kansas City paced its opponents.
While the Titans' scheme and offense could prove better for Sneed than some fear, expecting him to continue as a top-10 fantasy DB to start this year is risky. His matchup and role in Tennessee's Week 1 contest are concerning enough to drop him into the DB3 tier to start.
L’Jarius Sneed owning the “number 1” player in the NFL pic.twitter.com/HmwkSQ0nb2
— Wes Wisley (@TitansStats) August 3, 2024
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