Fantasy Football Week 1 Start ‘Em: Featured Lineup Picks

QB Jameis Winston, Saints

Winston takes the helm of a dynamic passing attack and should see a significant uptick in passing volume compared to his days in Tampa Bay. The veteran QB is a more than capable passer and is expected to air it out a lot in 2022, making him a great value at his current ADP. He’ll face the Falcons in Week 1, who are one of the tougher matchups on the early slate, but his upside is worth rolling the dice on. Winston should be considered a low-end QB1 in Week 1.

RB Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks

While Rashaad Penny is expected to start the season as Seattle’s lead back, Walker III is an ascending talent who could quickly eat into Penny’s workload. The rookie looked explosive in the preseason and has the potential to be a three-down back. The Seahawks have a favorable Week 1 matchup against the Broncos, who allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing RBs in 2021. Walker III is a risky flex play in Week 1 but has the upside to be a league-winner if he can earn a significant role in the Seahawks offense.

WR Chris Olave, Saints

Olave is poised for a big role in the Saints offense in his rookie season. The former Ohio State star has impressed in training camp and is expected to be Winston’s go-to target in the passing game. Olave has a great Week 1 matchup against the Falcons, who allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing WRs in 2021. Olave is a solid WR3 play in Week 1 with upside for more if Winston can get him the ball enough.

TE Zach Ertz, Cardinals

Ertz is a veteran TE who has been a consistent producer throughout his career. He’s now in Arizona, where he’ll be the Cardinals’ clear-cut No. 1 TE. Ertz has a great Week 1 matchup against the Chiefs, who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing TEs in 2021. Ertz is a solid TE1 play in Week 1 and should be considered a top-10 TE option for the entire season.

D/ST New Orleans Saints

The Saints defense was one of the most improved units in the NFL last season, and they should be even better in 2022. New Orleans added some key pieces to their defense this offseason, including LB Tyrann Mathieu and S Marcus Maye. The Saints have a great Week 1 matchup against the Falcons, who are one of the worst offenses in the NFL. The Saints defense is a great streaming option in Week 1 and should be considered a top-10 D/ST option for the entire season.