Our long wait is finally over — Week 1 is here! Excitement for the new NFL season aside, let’s make sure we start our fantasy seasons right. Drafts are done; now it’s time to execute.
If you want to contend for your fantasy football championship in 2022, you have to be diligent about in-season management. And a big part of that is making start/sit decisions.
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To help you start strategizing, I’ve outlined the early version of my fantasy football rankings into tiers so you can better visualize the drop-off in expected production at each position.
As always, there will be a ton of volatility in how I adjust my rankings up until kickoff, so be sure to check my updated ranks before making final decisions. I’ll also publish an updated version of these tiers before Sunday’s kickoff, but for now, let’s dive into the initial version of my Week 1 tiers!
Fantasy Rankings & Tiers
Fantasy QB Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Josh Allen (@ LAR)
Josh Allen opens the season having Tier 1 all to himself. One of the things I will be monitoring early in the season is new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey’s play calling tendencies and if he maintains the pass-heavy approach that Brian Daboll implemented.
Tier 2
Jalen Hurts (@ DET)
Patrick Mahomes (@ ARI)
Lamar Jackson (@ NYJ)
Justin Herbert (vs. LV)
Jalen Hurts opens the season with a mouth-watering matchup against the Lions. Opposing defenses will have their hands full trying to defend A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, all while Jalen Hurts himself is a threat to pull the ball down and run. I have a hard time believing the Lions defense will be up to the challenge in Week 1, so Hurts opens the week as my No. 2 QB.
Tier 3
Kyler Murray (vs. KC)
Kyler Murray might not get off to his usual hot start this season since DeAndre Hopkins is suspended for the first six games, Zach Ertz (calf) is shaping up to be a game-time decision, and Rondale Moore (undisclosed) is also questionable. He’s more of a mid-range QB1 this week.
Tier 4
Tom Brady (@ DAL)
Trey Lance (@ CHI)
Russell Wilson (@ SEA)
Trey Lance is set to take over as the 49ers starting QB this year, but it’s still a bit unsettling that San Francisco wasn’t able to trade away Jimmy Garoppolo. It’s going to be critical for Lance to get off to a hot start and avoid any sort of QB controversy. He opens the season inside my top 10 and the first few weeks will dictate if we can trust him as a top-10 option for the rest of the season.
Tier 5
Dak Prescott (vs. TB)
Joe Burrow (vs. PIT)
Aaron Rodgers (@ MIN)
Matthew Stafford (vs. BUF)
Derek Carr (@ LAC)
Tua Tagovailoa (vs. NE)
A lot of these QBs are dealing with various issues that could impact their final Week 1 rank.
Aaron Rodgers could be without Allen Lazard and Robert Tonyan, both of whom are both shaping up to be game-time decisions. That would be devastating for his value considering they are already trying to replace Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Matthew Stafford is dealing with an elbow injury that could be an issue all season. Thursday night’s matchup against the Bills will give us our first indication whether it’s something we need to worry about short- or long-term effects.
Not only did Dak Prescott lose Amari Cooper to the Browns, but he will also be without Michael Gallup for the first few games. We have to lower our expectations for Dak as a result, especially after losing All-Pro LT Tyron Smith to a significant injury. I’m treating him as a fringe QB1/2 this week against Tampa Bay.
Tier 6
Kirk Cousins (vs. GB)
Jameis Winston (@ ATL)
Kirk Cousins is going to benefit from new head coach Kevin O’Connell’s innovative scheme in 2022, but I would temper expectations a bit for Week 1. The Packers secondary is going to be elite with Jaire Alexander back in the lineup, and the Green Bay offense could dominate time of possession and limit the Vikings‘ overall play volume. I view Cousins as a mid-range QB2 this week.
Tier 7
Matt Ryan (@ HOU)
Ryan Tannehill (vs. NYG)
Carson Wentz (vs. JAX)
Trevor Lawrence (@ WAS)
Justin Fields (vs. SF)
Marcus Mariota (vs. NO)
Marcus Mariota is a sneaky 2QB/Superflex streaming option early in the season. He offers some serious rushing upside and has three quality receiving options in Cordarrelle Patterson, Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Do not be surprised if he posts low-end QB2 numbers in the first half of the season.
However, if/when the Falcons are out of the playoff picture, it’s likely they’ll want to give Desmond Ridder some starts later in the season as they plan for 2023 and beyond.
Tier 8
Daniel Jones (@ TEN)
Jared Goff (vs. PHI)
Jared Goff is going to be a sneaky low-end QB2 this season and with the additions of downfield threats in D.J. Chark and Jameson Williams, we should see more spiked weeks from Goff. His value will tick up once Williams is able to suit up potentially in the second half of the season.
Tier 9
Mac Jones (@ MIA)
Baker Mayfield (vs. CLE)
Mitch Trubisky (@ CIN)
Jacoby Brissett (@ CAR)
Mac Jones and the Patriots offense could struggle out of the gate as they attempt to replace offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. In their preseason dress rehearsal against the Raiders‘ second-string defense, the Patriots starting offense went punt, interception, punt, field goal in their four drives. I would hold off treating Jones as a low-end QB2 until this offense can iron things out.
Mitch Trubisky was announced as the Steelers Week 1 starter, but it’s only a matter of time before we see Kenny Pickett under center. It appears to be Trubisky’s job to lose, for now.
Tier 10
Joe Flacco (vs. BAL)
Geno Smith (vs. DEN)
Davis Mills (vs. IND)
Joe Flacco has been confirmed as the Jets‘ Week 1 starter, with Zach Wilson potentially out until Week 4 at the earliest.
Fantasy RB Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Jonathan Taylor (@ HOU)
Christian McCaffrey (vs. CLE)
Jonathan Taylor is essentially in a Tier all to himself due to his juicy matchup against the Texans. However, a healthy McCaffrey isn’t too far behind. It’s no secret that CMC will be a top 2-3 back as long as he can stay healthy.
Tier 2
Derrick Henry (vs. NYG)
Austin Ekeler (vs. LV)
Dalvin Cook (vs. GB)
Alvin Kamara (@ ATL)
Everyone in this high-end RB1 tier is healthy and ready for a massive workload to begin the year. The odds of a potential suspension for Alvin Kamara in 2022 may have lowered over the past month or so, but it’s still a volatile situation that can change at a moment’s notice. I wouldn’t get too complacent with him.
Tier 3
Joe Mixon (vs. PIT)
Najee Harris (@ CIN)
D’Andre Swift (vs. PHI)
Aaron Jones (@ MIN)
Saquon Barkley (@ TEN)
Leonard Fournette (@ DAL)
Javonte Williams (@ SEA)
Najee Harris injured his foot on Aug. 1. While Mike Tomlin downplayed it at the time as not a “major deal”, it turned out to be a Lisfranc sprain. Once everyone heard it was a Lisfranc injury, it caused a lot of people to panic, as those can be season-ending injuries (like Travis Etienne last season).
However, this appeared to be more of a minor injury, where Harris had enough time to heal and be closer to 100% by Week 1. He was able to return to a full practice just two weeks later on Aug. 15 and then was able to play in the Steelers’ final preseason game and looked totally fine to me.
I think this story blew up because people didn’t find out about his injury until the end of August, but that was actually four weeks after the initial injury, at which point he was almost fully recovered.
Tier 4
Antonio Gibson (vs. JAX)
James Conner (vs. KC)
Nick Chubb (@ CAR)
David Montgomery (vs. SF)
Ezekiel Elliott (vs. TB)
Antonio Gibson will see an increased workload until Brian Robinson is able to return to action. He’s also going to benefit from a potentially positive game script against the Jaguars. J.D. McKissic will eat into Gibson’s usage more whenever the Commanders are an underdog.
I’m viewing Gibson as a mid-range RB2 this week based on the matchup.
Tier 5
Travis Etienne (@ WAS)
Damien Harris (@ MIA)
Elijah Mitchell (@ CHI)
A.J. Dillon (@ MIN)
Josh Jacobs (@ LAC)
Dameon Pierce (vs. IND)
Chase Edmonds (vs. NE)
Clyde Edwards-Helaire (@ ARI)
Devin Singletary (@ LAR)
Cam Akers (vs. BUF)
Miles Sanders (@ DET)
Cordarrelle Patterson (vs. NO)
There is a ton of uncertainty in the RB2 Tier as we await to get our first glimpse as to what their role will be in 2022.
Josh Jacobs has a plus matchup this week against the Chargers run funnel defense. However, Ameer Abdullah and Brandon Bolden will likely spell Jacobs on passing downs and fourth-round rookie Zamir White could eat into Jacobs early-down work. Jacobs will be a dicey low-end RB2 option in Week 1.
The Bills started to use Devin Singletary as a true workhorse back starting in Week 15 last season and he came through, posting the RB2 overall score over the final four games. However, his role in 2022 could be reduced with second-round rookie James Cook taking over as the third-down back and with Zack Moss being back in the good graces of the coaching staff.
I do think the Bills lean heavily on Singletary in Week 1 against the Rams though, and he’s currently in the RB2/3 range in my initial rankings.
Miles Sanders is currently nursing a hamstring injury. That means even if he’s able to suit up in Week 1, his workload could be limited. Be sure to have a backup plan ready to go and check my final rankings before making any sit/start decisions regarding Sanders.
Tier 6
Kareem Hunt (@ CAR)
Rhamondre Stevenson (@ MIA)
Rashaad Penny (vs. DEN)
Tony Pollard (vs. TB)
Melvin Gordon (@ SEA)
Breece Hall (vs. BAL)
Michael Carter (vs. BAL)
Most of these backs will begin the season closer to their floor of expected outcomes. Hunt, Stevenson, Pollard and Gordon will begin the season as RB3/Flex options, but all four of them could provide RB1/2 value if their starter were ever to miss time. These are the most valuable backs to have on your bench to begin the season.
Breece Hall and Michael Carter are expected to split work to begin the season. That makes Hall a very risky RB3/Flex option in Week 1, but he’s too talented to be in a split backfield for long. It might take a few weeks, but his role should expand as the season progresses and I would not be surprised if he’s in the RB2/3 range by Week 4-5.
Tier 7
J.K. Dobbins (@ NYJ)
J.D. McKissic (vs. JAX)
Nyheim Hines (@ HOU)
Darrell Henderson (vs. BUF)
J.K. Dobbins will likely see limited touches, even if he’s able to suit up in Week 1. I would plan on not starting him for the first two or three games of the season.
J.D. McKissic and Nyheim Hines get a downgrade as they are pass-catching backs who won’t be able to provide as much value in what should be positive game scripts against the Jaguars and Texans in Week 1.
Tier 8
Jamaal Williams (vs. PHI)
Raheem Mostert (vs. NE)
Mike Davis (@ NYJ)
This is a sneaky tier to monitor this week. Raheem Mostert could begin the season with a bigger role than we expect. He is a home run-hitting back who could post RB2+ numbers even in a limited role.
If Dobbins ends up getting ruled out for Week 1, Mike Davis could bump into the Tier 6-7 range since he would be the favorite to lead the Ravens backfield in touches.
Tier 9
James Cook (@ LAR)
Kenneth Gainwell (@ DET)
Rex Burkhead (vs. IND)
Alexander Mattison (vs. GB)
Mark Ingram (@ ATL)
Dontrell Hilliard (vs. NYG)
James Robinson (@ WAS)
Zamir White (@ LAC)
Samaje Perine (vs. PIT)
Tyler Allgeier (vs. NO)
Boston Scott (@ DET)
Jeff Wilson (@ CHI)
Most of these backs are high upside backups who should remain on your bench unless their starter misses time. Jeff Wilson should be on everyone’s radar right now just in case Elijah Mitchell ends up having a setback with his hamstring, forcing him to sit Week 1. Wilson would likely step in as the 49ers lead back in that scenario and move up into the Tier 5-6 range.
Fantasy WR Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Cooper Kupp (vs. BUF)
Cooper Kupp is unlikely to replicate his historic 2021 season, but I’m not expecting too much incoming regression for him. He still deserves Tier 1 all to himself until further notice.
Tier 2
Justin Jefferson (vs. GB)
Davante Adams (@ LAC)
CeeDee Lamb (vs. TB)
Ja’Marr Chase (vs. PIT)
Tyreek Hill (vs. NE)
Stefon Diggs (@ LAR)
Tier 3
Mike Evans (@ DAL)
Deebo Samuel (@ CHI)
Michael Pittman Jr. (@ HOU)
Keenan Allen (vs. LV)
A.J. Brown (@ DET)
Tee Higgins (vs. PIT)
Deebo Samuel has missed practice time over the past couple of weeks due to a bruised knee. He’s expected to be fine for Week 1, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the 49ers are a bit cautious with him to begin the season, especially when it comes to giving him designed rush attempts. I’m projecting him closer to a low-end WR1.
Tier 4
D.J. Moore (vs. CLE)
Courtland Sutton (@ SEA)
Brandin Cooks (vs. IND)
Courtland Sutton has been Russell Wilson’s No. 1 target throughout camp and I’m projecting him to open the season as a mid-range WR2.
Tier 5
Terry McLaurin (vs. JAX)
Mike Williams (vs. LV)
Diontae Johnson (@ CIN)
Marquise Brown (vs. KC)
Jerry Jeudy (@ SEA)
Allen Robinson (vs. BUF)
Darnell Mooney (vs. SF)
Amon-Ra St. Brown (vs. PHI)
Jaylen Waddle (vs. NE)
Hunter Renfrow (@ LAC)
Gabriel Davis (@ LAR)
D.K. Metcalf (vs. DEN)
Michael Thomas (@ ATL)
The massive WR2/3 tier has a ton of great Week 1 options. Marquise Brown should be able to offer mid/low-end WR2 value during the first six weeks while DeAndre Hopkins serves his six-game suspension. Allen Robinson’s value should get a significant boost coming over to the Rams. It’s possible he ends up closer to the WR1/2 range in this offense.
I realize I might be the biggest Gabriel Davis fan out there, but I’m tempering my Week 1 expectations for him a bit. He performed much better against man coverage last year, so he could struggle against the Rams’ zone-heavy defense — especially considering he may have to face off against Jalen Ramsey quite a bit. I’m treating him as a high-end WR3 this week and hoping he proves me wrong.
Tier 6
Adam Thielen (vs. GB)
Rashod Bateman (@ NYJ)
Elijah Moore (vs. BAL)
Christian Kirk (@ WAS)
Juju Smith-Schuster (@ ARI)
DeVonta Smith (@ DET)
Amari Cooper (@ CAR)
Tyler Lockett (vs. DEN)
Allen Lazard (@ MIN)
Don’t bench Elijah Moore just because Joe Flacco is getting the Week 1 start for the injured Zach Wilson. When Moore posted the WR2 overall score from Weeks 8-13, he did so with four different QBs under center, including Joe Flacco. In fact, Moore posted a 8/141/1 receiving line in Joe Flacco’s Week 11 start last season. I’m treating Moore as a solid WR3 option for Week 1.
Allen Lazard is shaping up to be a true game-time decision this week due to a foot injury. It would be wise to stash Sammy Watkins or Randall Cobb as a potential flier in case Lazard can’t go. Romeo Doubs should already be rostered in most leagues and could vault into the WR3/Flex discussion if Lazard ends up being ruled out.
Tier 7
Brandon Aiyuk (@ CHI)
Drake London (vs. NO)
Robert Woods (vs. NYG)
Chase Claypool (@ CIN)
Chris Godwin (@ DAL)
Drake London is my favorite rookie WR this season. He reminds me of a blend of Mike Evans and Keenan Allen. However, he could get off to a slow start considering he just returned to practice after missing a couple of weeks due to a knee injury. He’s expected to play in Week 1 against the Saints, but will likely face off against shutdown CB Marshon Lattimore for most of the game. I consider London a high-upside stash on your bench at the beginning of the season; he could pay off in the second half of the season (similar to Elijah Moore/Amon-Ra St. Brown last year).
Tier 8
DeVante Parker (@ MIA)
Kadarius Toney (@ TEN)
Tyler Boyd (vs. PIT)
Julio Jones (@ DAL)
Kenny Golladay (@ TEN)
Rondale Moore (vs. KC)
Jakobi Meyers (@ MIA)
George Pickens (@ CIN)
Corey Davis (vs. BAL)
Marvin Jones (@ WAS)
Julio Jones’ Week 1 rank depends on the availability of both Chris Godwin and Russell Gage. He could be anywhere from a WR3/Flex option to someone we can’t even start in deeper leagues. Be sure to check my updated rankings Sunday morning before making any sit/start decisions involving Julio.
Tier 9
A.J. Green (vs. KC)
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (@ ARI)
Robbie Anderson (vs. CLE)
Chris Olave (@ ATL)
Wan’Dale Robinson (@ TEN)
Garrett Wilson (vs. BAL)
Jahan Dotson (vs. JAX)
Nico Collins (vs. IND)
K.J. Hamler (@ SEA)
This is the range where I like to make my sit/start decisions based on my fantasy team’s win probability for that week. If I’m a large favorite and need to start a WR in this range, I would opt for WRs with a higher floor: Chris Olave, Jahan Dotson or Nico Collins. That trio should be No. 2 or 3 targets in their respective offense. If I am a sizable underdog, I would be much more willing to play WRs with a wide range of outcomes, such as Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Robbie Anderson or K.J. Hamler. Either one of them could haul in a long TD this week, but all three also have very low floors.
Tier 10
D.J. Chark (vs. PHI)
Kendrick Bourne (@ MIA)
Romeo Doubs (@ MIN)
Josh Palmer (vs. LV)
Jalen Tolbert (vs. TB)
Curtis Samuel (vs. JAX)
Isaiah McKenzie (@ LAR)
Parris Campbell (@ HOU)
Romeo Doubs will shoot up into the Tier 8-9 range if Allen Lazard ends up missing Week 1.
Fantasy TE Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Travis Kelce (@ ARI)
Mark Andrews (@ NYJ)
Tier 2
Kyle Pitts (vs. NO)
George Kittle (@ CHI)
Dalton Schultz (vs. TB)
Darren Waller (@ LAC)
George Kittle missed Wednesday’s practice due to a groin injury. It’s something to monitor closely heading into Sunday. Darren Waller has been dealing with a hamstring injury the past couple of weeks, but it isn’t believed to be serious enough to keep him out for Week 1.
Tier 3
Dallas Goedert (@ DET)
T.J. Hockenson (vs. PHI)
Zach Ertz (vs. KC)
Zach Ertz, who has been dealing with a calf injury, was able to return to practice on Wednesday. While it is an encouraging sign for his Week 1 availability, he can’t be considered a slam dunk to suit up quite yet. Second-round pick Trey McBride would likely draw the start if Ertz were ever to miss time.
Tier 4
Albert Okwuegbunam (@ SEA)
Cole Kmet (vs. SF)
Dawson Knox (@ LAR)
Tyler Higbee (vs. BUF)
Albert Okwuegbunam has seen his value shoot up over the past couple of months. Third-round rookie Greg Dulcich was pushing Okwuegbunam to be the Week 1 starter, but a hamstring injury landed him on the IR (meaning he will miss the first four games of the season). Okwuegbunam’s role was also expected to increase following Tim Patrick’s season-ending injury. Therefore, I’m viewing Okwuegbunam as a sneaky low-end TE1 to begin the season.
Tier 5
Pat Freiermuth (@ CIN)
Hunter Henry (@ MIA)
Hayden Hurst (vs. PIT)
Gerald Everett (vs. LV)
Irv Smith Jr. (vs. GB)
I’m a bit cautious with Irv Smith’s Week 1 projection at the moment, considering he has missed the last few weeks due to a thumb injury. If it looks like he will be cleared for his usual full-time role, he could jump up a handful of spots in my rankings.
Tier 6
Noah Fant (vs. DEN)
Mike Gesicki (vs. NE)
David Njoku (@ CAR)
Evan Engram (@ WAS)
Mo Alie-Cox (@ HOU)
Austin Hooper (vs. NYG)
Mike Gesicki’s stock has taken a hit over the past few weeks. New head coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme calls for the TE to line up in and block at times. Gesicki is not a great blocker and he has operated more like a slot WR for most of his career. He was struggling to fit into his new role enough to warrant trade rumors toward the end of camp. I would shy away from starting him until we can see how he does.
Tier 7
Brevin Jordan (vs. IND)
Cameron Brate (@ DAL)
Robert Tonyan Jr. (@ MIN)
Adam Trautman (@ ATL)
Logan Thomas (vs. JAX)
Daniel Bellinger (@ TEN)
Isaiah Likely (@ NYJ)
Jonnu Smith (@ MIA)
Robert Tonyan is someone to monitor early in the season. He may get eased back over the first month or so as he’s returning from a season-ending ACL tear. However, with the Packers‘ WR depth chart in flux following the departures of Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Tonyan could be a sneaky TE option in the second half of the season. Aaron Rodgers has chemistry with Tonyan, especially in the red zone, so he could end up popping up in the TE1/2 discussion.
Isaiah Likely is another one to monitor. I expect the Ravens to carve out a role for him similar to Kyle Pitts/Mike Gesicki, where they line him up at WR at times. He’s too talented to leave on the bench and Baltimore is lacking WR depth behind Rashod Bateman, so it makes sense for them to get creative with Likely. He’s looking like a steal in the fourth round of this year’s draft. Not to mention, he might carry low-end TE1 upside if Mark Andrews ever went down.
Fantasy Kicker Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
Justin Tucker (@ NYJ)
Harrison Butker (@ ARI)
Tier 2
Evan McPherson (vs. PIT)
Daniel Carlson (@ LAC)
Rodrigo Blankenship (@ HOU)
Jake Elliott (@ DET)
Matt Prater (vs. KC)
Matt Gay (vs. BUF)
Tyler Bass (@ LAR)
Mason Crosby (@ MIN)
Ryan Succop (@ DAL)
Tier 3
Wil Lutz (@ ATL)
Dustin Hopkins (vs. LV)
Jason Sanders (vs. NE)
Brandon McManus (@ SEA)
Brett Maher (vs. TB)
Nick Folk (@ MIA)
Greg Joseph (vs. GB)
Randy Bullock (vs. NYG)
Robbie Gould (@ CHI)
Austin Seibert (vs. PHI)
Joey Slye (vs. JAX)
Tier 4
Eddy Pineiro (vs. CLE)
Younghoe Koo (vs. NO)
Graham Gano (@ TEN)
Chris Boswell (@ CIN)
Tier 5
Riley Patterson (@ WAS)
Ka’imi Fairbairn (vs. IND)
Greg Zuerlein (vs. BAL)
Cade York (@ CAR)
Cairo Santos (vs. SF)
Jason Myers (vs. DEN)
Fantasy Defense Rankings & Tiers
Tier 1
San Francisco 49ers (@ CHI)
Tier 2
Denver Broncos (@ SEA)
Indianapolis Colts (@ HOU)
Baltimore Ravens (@ NYJ)
Tier 3
Cincinnati Bengals (vs. PIT)
Tennessee Titans (vs. NYG)
Cleveland Browns (@ CAR)
New Orleans Saints (@ ATL)
Carolina Panthers (vs. CLE)
Washington Commanders (vs. JAX)
Tier 4
Miami Dolphins (vs. NE)
Green Bay Packers (@ MIN)
Buffalo Bills (@ LAR)
Los Angeles Chargers (vs. LV)
Pittsburgh Steelers (@ CIN)
Philadelphia Eagles (@ DET)
New York Jets (vs. BAL)
Atlanta Falcons (vs. NO)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@ DAL)
Jacksonville Jaguars (@ WAS)
Seattle Seahawks (vs. DEN)
Tier 5
Chicago Bears (vs. SF)
New York Giants (@ TEN)
New England Patriots (@ MIA)
Kansas City Chiefs (@ ARI)
Los Angeles Rams (vs. BUF)
Houston Texans (vs. IND)
Tier 6
Dallas Cowboys (vs. TB)
Minnesota Vikings (vs. GB)
Detroit Lions (vs. PHI)
Las Vegas Raiders (@ LAC)
Arizona Cardinals (vs. KC)
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