Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is not worth starting in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers project to have a solid defense with coordinator Robert Saleh back in the fold, and it remains to be seen if Darnold's breakout season in 2024 was a mirage. However, Darnold's level of play is worth monitoring in Week 1. He is joining an offense coordinated by Klint Kubiak with ties back to Darnold's year in San Francisco as a backup quarterback. The offense is going to play to Darnold's strengths, and he could very well succeed at a high level this season. Darnold is coming off a season in which he was the QB9 in Minnesota. While we certainly do not expect that of Darnold without wide receiver Justin Jefferson in 2025, he could still be an excellent streamer or QB2. Watch Darnold closely in Week 1. Even solid success against the 49ers' defense would suggest that we are in for another season of fantasy fun with the eight-year veteran.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet will enter the season backing up Kenneth Walker III. However, Charbonnet should have stand-alone fantasy value given how much he has impressed the coaching staff. Charbonnet and the Seahawks draw a solid matchup for running backs in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. With how highly Seattle's coaching staff has spoken of Charbonnet this offseason, a few extra carries and targets could go a long way in Week 1. Additionally, if Charbonnet continues to play at a high level, he could eat more and more into Walker's workload. It is difficult to get a feel for the split in this backfield, but reports suggest close to a 60/40 split in Walker's favor to begin the season. That split could approach 50/50 as the season wears on. You likely drafted Charbonnet as a bench player, but he should see enough work to merit flex consideration in Week 1 in a pinch.

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Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is a solid option at the position in Week 1. Myers has been relatively accurate over his last few seasons in Seattle. He only missed four field goals in 2024. When given the chance, Myers often delivers solid fantasy value. Seattle is facing off with a San Francisco 49ers defense devoid of a lot of the talent they used to have. The defense will be well coached, but they have serious question marks in the secondary that could allow the Seahawks to go up and down the field. That is a kicker's dream, as Myers should be in solid positions to kick extra points and field goals throughout the game. Kicker is one of the more variable positions in fantasy, but Myers should be a plug-and-play option in Week 1.

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Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is not someone worth starting in Week 1. Although Barner appears to be stepping into the No. 1 tight end role in this offense, fantasy managers would be better off waiting to see how the tight end touches are split between Barner and rookie Elijah Arroyo. Barner flashed in 2024 with 245 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Those are not eye-popping numbers, but Barner looked athletic and like he belonged on an NFL field. There is a large tight end role to fill in a Klint Kubiak-led offense that is favorable to the position. If Barner receives a lot of opportunities, he could end up being a solid streaming tight end. However, he is also a great blocker, something that Arroyo could use work on. As such, Arroyo could ultimately end up being the receiving tight end with Barner sprinkled in. The snap breakdown between the two in Week 1 will be telling.

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Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo has a golden opportunity in front of him. With no established No. 1 tight end in the offense, Arroyo could step into that role early. Arroyo is an athletic freak whom the Seahawks selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. His usage in Week 1 should be monitored. He is not someone worth throwing into your lineup this early, but if you have an extra roster spot to play with, he is a worthy stash. His volume and subsequent fantasy value could grow as the season wears on.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba is entering his first season as the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver in Seattle's offense. Smith-Njigba broke out over the second half of the 2024 season en route to 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He enters the 2025 season with a new quarterback in Sam Darnold and a new play caller in Klint Kubiak. Darnold supported excellent fantasy seasons for wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota in 2024. JSN is going to be a target hog in a rebuilt Seahawks offense tailor-made for Darnold's strengths. In Week 1, Smith-Njigba will draw a relatively tough matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers were No. 5 in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2024. Although San Francisco lost a couple of defensive pieces, they re-signed defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is a master of shutting down opposing offenses. Still, volume alone should help Smith-Njigba overcome any challenges the 49ers may present. You can safely deploy him as a WR2 in Week 1.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp is checking in as a flex option in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers. Kupp is coming off a season with the Rams that began very auspiciously but finished horrendously. Kupp was a clear-cut WR1 over the first half of the season, but he was completely phased out of the offense towards the end. He only earned nine targets over his final three games, and he moved on from the Rams this offseason. Kupp did not show any signs of slowing down when he was given opportunities in 2024. This is certainly not the same player who took the league by storm in 2021, but Kupp should present solid value out of the slot in Seattle. He is going to be where quarterback Sam Darnold needs him to be at all times. San Francisco presents a tough matchup in Week 1, but they will need to focus their energy on stopping wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Kupp's role in the slot is more immune to tough matchups than outside wide receivers, giving him flex value with solid WR2 upside in Week 1.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton is not on the fantasy radar in Week 1 when Seattle hosts the San Francisco 49ers. However, Horton's usage is one to watch as the 2025 fifth-round pick won the Seahawks' No. 3 wide receiver job this offseason. It may be difficult for a run-heavy team to support fantasy relevance from three wide receivers, but if Horton is constantly on the field and running routes, that would suggest he has a chance to take on a huge role as the season progresses. If you have an extra roster spot due to a player being on IR, Horton is a worthy stash from waivers. If the Seahawks take a top-heavy approach at wide receiver with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp, then Horton can likely be dropped. If the split is more even, Horton is a solid hold throughout the season.

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In breaking down his predictions for the 2025 season, Jacksonville Jaguars beat writer John Shipley believes that first-round pick Travis Hunter will play close to 80% of his team's offensive snaps and 60-70% on defense. Hunter's unique talents have been on display throughout his college career, pre-draft process, and training camp. The largest question mark on him has been about his usage as he begins his NFL career. Arguably the most talented rookie in this year's class, the Jaguars paid a heavy price on draft night to move up three spots and select him with the number two overall pick. Listed on the team's unofficial depth chart as a starting receiver and backup cornerback, these predicted snap totals suggest that Hunter could feature prominently in the Jaguars' passing attack. Should he find himself on the field for the majority of passing downs, Hunter could pay early dividends to those who were brave enough to draft him.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III will open the season as the starter against the San Francisco 49ers. Walker is coming off a season in which he performed as an RB1 when healthy. Walker's targets were way up, which helped provide him with a solid baseline in fantasy. He draws a solid matchup in Week 1 against a 49ers team that allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2024. That number figures to improve with Robert Saleh back as the team's defensive coordinator, but Walker should have lanes to run through. The Seahawks' offensive line is improved, and the team's offensive coaching staff changes suggest a serious commitment to the run. Walker may cede some work to backup Zach Charbonnet, who has made huge strides as a player, but Walker's big-play ability should keep him among the league's best options at the position if he can stay healthy. As such, Walker is an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 1.

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Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass (hip, groin) was fairly reliable over his first five seasons, but his sixth year in the NFL is off to an injury-riddled start. After Bass missed most of training camp and all but one preseason game with pelvic soreness, his status for Week 1 is in question because of hip and groin issues. Bass did not practice on Thursday and will not practice on Friday, which could set the stage for just-signed veteran Matt Prater to kick against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. The big-legged Prater, 41, has had a quality career. However, Prater will be hard to count on for the Bills and fantasy managers after he missed most of last season with a torn meniscus as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Bass is RotoBaller's 10th-ranked kicker going into the season, but even if he does play Sunday, he's a high-risk option because of his injury troubles.

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New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel has ruled out cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. Additionally, left tackle Will Campbell (ankle) is questionable. Gonzalez was not able to practice at all this week and could also be in danger of missing the Week 2 tilt on the road against the division-rival Miami Dolphins unless he can get back on the practice field next week. As a leader of the secondary in New England, not having the 23-year-old former first-rounder will definitely be a downgrade for the Pats defense this weekend as they look to slow down Raiders quarterback Geno Smith and their new-look offense. One of Alex Austin, Marcus Jones or DJ James will step in to start for Gonzalez across from Carlton Davis.

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Wide receiver Curtis Samuel was a top-50 fantasy WR from 2022-23 with the Washington Commanders, but he fell off a cliff in his first year with the Buffalo Bills last season. After dealing with a nagging toe injury and managing just 31 catches, 253 receiving yards, and one touchdown in 14 games, Samuel will open 2025 against a high-end Baltimore Ravens defense on Sunday. Samuel is worth avoiding this week, especially after a hamstring issue shelved him for most of the summer. The 29-year-old is not on the injury report heading into Week 1, and considering his respectable track record, Samuel could get back on the fantasy radar if he starts this season looking more like he did in Washington. He came around a bit at the end of last season with two TD grabs in three playoff games, including a 55-yarder in a wild-card round win over the Denver Broncos.

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The Buffalo Bills reunited with veteran wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) earlier this week, but he'll open the season on the practice squad injured list. Davis is still on the mend from a torn left meniscus he suffered last season as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now 26 years old, Davis spent 2020-23 with the Bills, averaging approximately 41 catches, 683 yards, and seven touchdowns per season during that run. He parlayed his Buffalo production into a three-year, $39 million deal with the Jaguars in free agency, but they released him after he fell flat in 2024. Davis caught just 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two scores in 10 games with the Jags before the meniscus injury ended his season in mid-November. The Bills are starting this season with Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, and Tyrell Shavers as their receivers. It's conceivable that Davis could replace someone from the back end of that group once he recovers.

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Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett (hip) returned to practice on Friday and was removed from the final Week 1 injury report, meaning he'll play on Sunday against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, barring a setback, according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Garrett did not practice on Thursday due to his hip injury, but it was likely more of a rest day for the veteran pass-rusher. The Browns are going to have a tough time slowing down quarterback Joe Burrow and one of the best offenses in the league this weekend, but having Garrett active certainly helps. The 29-year-old six-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro has 102.5 sacks in his eight years in the league and should be locked into all starting IDP lineups this weekend.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (groin) enters his second NFL season as a breakout candidate. The 2024 second-round pick only caught 29 of 57 targets in 13 games last season, but he averaged 19.2 yards per grab and found the end zone four times. Coleman's stock appeared to be on the rise before he suffered a wrist injury in Week 9. He sat out for over a month as a result, and he was a non-factor upon his return. Despite ending 2024 on a sour note, Coleman has drawn rave reviews this summer for his performance in practice. It's anyone's guess if that will translate in the regular season, which begins Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The 6-foot-4, 215-pounder has been limited in practice with a groin injury, but it shouldn't prevent him from playing. While Coleman may still carry too much risk for fantasy managers to trust this week, it'll be a positive sign if he's productive against an imposing Baltimore secondary.

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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid endured a sophomore slump last season. After amassing 73 catches for 673 yards and two touchdowns over 16 games as a rookie, the former first-rounder posted 44-448-two in 13 contests in 2024. A knee injury hampered Kincaid, who is healthy heading into the new season and will face off against a talent-rich Baltimore Ravens defense in the opener this Sunday. Kincaid took on the Ravens twice a year ago and produced mixed results. He caught five of seven targets for 47 yards in a Week 4 loss and secured one of two targets for 11 yards in a divisional-round victory. While Kincaid is a risky choice for Sunday, the 25-year-old has more upside than he offered last season. There is potential for Kincaid to become a reliable TE1 for fantasy managers in 2025.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer will make his debut with the team this Sunday after spending the first four years of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers. It won't be an easy Week 1 matchup for Palmer, who will face a sturdy Baltimore Ravens secondary. Although the 25-year-old is coming off his second straight season with fewer than 40 catches, the Bills brought him in to serve as one of their top three WRs alongside Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman. Considering Palmer didn't exceed 72 catches, 769 yards, or four touchdowns in any season with Justin Herbert as his quarterback, he isn't garnering much hype going into 2025. Palmer's probably not on most fantasy managers' radars for a meeting with the Ravens, but it's worth monitoring how often Josh Allen targets him in their first game together this week.

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Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is a one-man wrecking crew, but he'll face a stiff test in Sunday's season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. While the reigning MVP tormented his share of opponents in 2024, he didn't post gaudy numbers In two meetings with the Ravens - a Week 4 loss and a divisional-round win. Allen combined to go a modest 32-for-51 (63%) for 307 yards and no touchdown passes or interceptions in those contests. With 41 yards on 15 carries, the dual-threat superstar averaged under 3.0 YPC, though he did find the end zone twice in the Bills' postseason triumph. Baltimore allowed the second-most passing yards in the league last season, but its defense improved dramatically when All-Pro Kyle Hamilton shifted to a deep safety role in Week 11. The Ravens have since remade their secondary with the additions of first-round safety Malaki Starks, who will start alongside Hamilton, as well as cornerbacks Jaire Alexander (knee) and Chidobe Awuzie in free agency. With corners Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins returning, the Ravens' defensive backfield is stacked on paper. That's not ideal for Allen, yet he has made plenty of talented defenses look bad in the past. Fantasy managers will have to hope he does it again in Week 1.

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Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is coming off a 2024 campaign in which he unexpectedly tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns after tallying just two in the previous season. He also surpassed 1,000 yards on the ground for the second year in a row, but fantasy managers may have to temper expectations in Week 1. Cook is set to battle the Baltimore Ravens, who boasted the league's top-ranked run defense last season, when the teams kick off Sunday. The Ravens held opposing rushers to a paltry 3.6 yards per carry - a far cry from Cook's 4.9 YPC. Cook faced the Ravens twice in 2024 and combined for 106 yards on 26 carries, four catches for another 24 yards, and zero scores. The explosive 25-year-old enters 2025 as a high-end RB2 in fantasy, but with the Ravens standing in his way, Cook may not storm out of the gates in the opener.

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