Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings: PPR Edition - Let's Get This Season Started, Guys!
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another thrilling season of gridiron glory and statistical showdowns. You've spent months drafting, trading, and strategizing, and now, the moment you've been waiting for is finally here: Fantasy Football Week 1 Rankings in PPR (Point Per Reception) format! So, let's dive right in and make sure your starting lineups are set to dominate the competition. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football week 1 rankings ppr.
Understanding PPR: A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the rankings, let's briefly recap what PPR is and why it matters. In PPR leagues, not only do you score points for touchdowns and yards, but you also earn points for every reception a player makes. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as pass-catching running backs and wide receivers become even more valuable.
In this article, we'll focus on PPR fantasy football week 1 rankings, providing you with the best starting lineup options based on projected points, matchups, and recent performances. So, grab your virtual helmets and let's get ready to rumble!
Quarterbacks: The Game Managers
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Mahomes is back, and he's hungry for another Super Bowl title. Last season, he threw for over 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns, adding 300+ yards and two scores on the ground. With weapons like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and a healthy Sammy Watkins, Mahomes is a no-brainer as your QB1 in week 1.
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
Jackson didn't just win the MVP in 2019; he redefined the position. He's an elite runner with a cannon for an arm, and with Mark Ingram gone, expect more carries and passing attempts. His week 1 matchup against the Browns presents an excellent opportunity for a huge performance.
3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks
Wilson is always a top-tier fantasy option, thanks to his dual-threat abilities and the Seahawks' pass-heavy offense. With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett forming one of the league's best WR duos, Wilson should have no problem putting up big numbers in week 1 against the Falcons.
Running Backs: The Workhorses
1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
McCaffrey is the consensus RB1 in PPR formats, and for good reason. He's a three-down back who catches passes like a wide receiver, leading the league in receptions (116) among running backs last season. With the Panthers' offense expected to improve, McCaffrey is a locked-in week 1 starter.
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley is back and healthier than ever, looking to bounce back from an injury-plagued 2020 season. With a new head coach and offensive scheme, the Giants are expected to lean on Barkley heavily in week 1 against the Broncos.
3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
Kamara is an elite PPR back, thanks to his pass-catching abilities and the Saints' commitment to getting him the ball. With Michael Thomas likely out, expect Kamara's target share to increase even more. He's an excellent week 1 play against the Packers.
Wide Receivers: The Deep Threats
1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Adams is Aaron Rodgers' favorite target and one of the league's most consistent wideouts. With a full offseason to work with Rodgers and a favorable week 1 matchup against the Saints, Adams is a must-start in all formats.
2. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Hill is a speedster with game-breaking abilities, and he's Mahomes' favorite deep threat. With a healthy Mahomes and no Sammy Watkins to steal targets, Hill is poised for a massive week 1 performance against the Browns.
3. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
Diggs led the league in receptions (127) and receiving yards (1,535) last season, and he's become Josh Allen's go-to target. With a favorable week 1 matchup against the Steelers, Diggs is a solid WR1 play.
Tight Ends: The Red Zone Threats
1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
Kelce is the gold standard at tight end, thanks to his elite route-running, catching, and blocking abilities. With Mahomes throwing him the ball, Kelce is a locked-in week 1 starter against the Browns.
2. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders
Waller is coming off a breakout 2020 season (107 receptions, 1,196 yards) and looks to build on that success in 2021. With a favorable week 1 matchup against the Ravens, Waller is a top-five tight end play.
3. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
Kittle is a matchup nightmare for defenses, thanks to his size, speed, and elite blocking abilities. If he can stay healthy, Kittle is a top-tier tight end in PPR formats. He's a solid week 1 play against the Lions.
Defenses/Special Teams (D/ST): The Game Changers
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' defense is loaded with talent, from Aaron Donald to Jalen Ramsey. With a favorable week 1 matchup against the Bears, the Rams' D/ST is a must-start.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers' defense is always a force to be reckoned with, thanks to their aggressive pass rush and stout run defense. They're a solid week 1 play against the Bills.
3. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens' defense is often overlooked, but they're a talented group that can make life difficult for opposing offenses. They're a sneaky week 1 play against the Raiders.
Kickers: The X-Factors
1. Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons
Koo was one of the league's most accurate kickers in 2020, connecting on 92.9% of his field goal attempts. With a favorable week 1 matchup against the Seahawks, Koo is a top-five kicking option.
2. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs
Butker is a reliable kicker on one of the league's most potent offenses. With a week 1 matchup against the Browns, Butker should have plenty of opportunities to put points on the board.
3. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens
Tucker is one of the league's most accurate and powerful kickers, and he's a solid week 1 play against the Raiders.
Final Thoughts: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em
In conclusion, guys, here are some final thoughts to help you make those tough start 'em, sit 'em decisions in week 1:
Start 'Em:
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers Davante Adams, WR, Packers Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs * Los Angeles Rams, D/ST
Sit 'Em:
Tom Brady, QB, Buccaneers (tough matchup against the Cowboys) Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys (questionable status and tough matchup) Julio Jones, WR, Titans (new team, uncertain role) Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens (tough matchup against the Raiders) * Arizona Cardinals, D/ST (tough matchup against the Titans)
And there you have it, guys! Your comprehensive guide to fantasy football week 1 rankings in PPR formats. With these insights, you're ready to dominate your leagues and start the season off right. So, let's get out there and make some magic happen! Good luck, and happy fantasy footballing!