2025 Fantasy Football QB Start/Sit: Week 1

Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts: The veteran will have his top receivers, Tyreek Hill (oblique) and Jaylen Waddle, available, and last year's leader in running back receptions, De'Von Achane (calf), also is ready to roll. On paper, Indy has upgraded its secondary and has a new defensive coordinator, but those things rarely come together immediately, where as Miami has continuity on its side. QBs averaged 242 passing yards and a score every 13.9 completions vs. the Colts a year ago, and that was facing one of the weakest quarterback schedules. Ten signal callers posted at least 20 fantasy points, and that should be Tua's floor.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings: A new offensive system that is built for aerial success will help the sophomore start the year off on the right foot. Williams looked comfortable in preseason action and has a bevy of weapons at his disposal. While Minnesota is no slouch on defense, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick has familiarity with this carryover group. He was uneven in two matchups, going for 340-2-0 in the first meeting and 191-1-0 in the road trip. Four QBs generated at a hearty 28-plus points vs. the Vikes a season ago, and nine total efforts topped the 20-point plateau.

Week 1 Fantasy Football Sit 'em: Quarterbacks

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons: Just to be clear, sitting Mayfield is a risk given his huge numbers against Atlanta last year, but it's definitely not a crazy notion when you consider the following aspects are working against him. WR Chris Godwin (ankle) isn't ready, and Baker's best pass protector, left tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee), also won't play. The Bucs are on the road against a divisional opponent that dramatically improved its pass rush in the offseason, and Mayfield could be running for his life. Tampa has yet another new offensive coordinator entering the year, which could lead to early hiccups. Play Mayfield if you must, but don't be surprised if the new-look Falcons hold him to fewer than 20 fantasy points.

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Even though KC took a significant step backward vs. quarterbacks from the prior year, this unit still finished just slightly weaker than average. Herbert did not throw for more than 213 yards in either contest, and he failed to toss multiple touchdowns in each of the last three outings against the Chiefs. This go-around, Herbert and Co. head to Brazil to "host" the Chiefs. The travel alone is disconcerting for fantasy purposes, and there's always some degree of worry with field conditions when natural grass/hybrid turf is in play. It's tough to envision Herbert being better than flirting with QB1 stats against this healthy, improved defense.