The question who should I start is dominating conversations as the 2025 NFL season kicks off. Fantasy football managers across the United States are weighing injury updates, practice reports, and matchups to set the strongest possible Week 1 lineups. With opening weekend already bringing drama, here’s the latest breakdown to help guide your decisions.
Jayden Reed’s Injury Raises Tough Choices
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed has become a key focus heading into Week 1. Reed has been dealing with a foot injury and was limited in practice this past week. While the Packers expect him to suit up, his actual game-day workload could be reduced. Fantasy owners asking “who should I start” must weigh the high upside of Reed’s big-play ability against the risk of limited snaps.
For those with safer options on the bench, it may be wise to hold off until Reed proves he’s fully healthy. However, in deeper leagues, his ceiling makes him a potential flex play.
Mike Evans Set to Lead Tampa Bay
Unlike Reed’s uncertainty, Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enters Week 1 with far fewer concerns. After managing his workload during the preseason, Evans is healthy and ready to go against the Atlanta Falcons. He has consistently been a touchdown threat and remains the most reliable target in Tampa Bay’s passing attack.
Fantasy managers debating “who should I start” can safely lock Evans into lineups. His track record and favorable matchup make him one of the most secure Week 1 wide receiver starts.
Kyle Pitts in a Prime Matchup
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts is another name drawing attention. While his career so far has not fully matched early expectations, Week 1 offers a favorable matchup. The Buccaneers struggled against tight ends last season, and Pitts historically performed well against them, putting up big yardage and scores in their meetings.
For fantasy managers needing stability at tight end, Pitts is a strong start this week. His athleticism and usage in red-zone situations give him both a safe floor and explosive upside.
Using Betting Lines for Insight
More fantasy players are turning to betting prop lines as a tool for making start/sit calls. These over/under projections on yardage, receptions, and touchdowns can serve as a window into how oddsmakers view player performance. While fantasy scoring does not always align perfectly with betting outcomes, the numbers provide an additional layer of confidence when deciding who should take a starting spot in your lineup.
Quick Start/Sit Rundown
Here’s a simple Week 1 guide for the most talked-about players:
- Start Mike Evans – Healthy and reliable target with touchdown potential.
- Start Kyle Pitts – Great matchup and likely increased role.
- Be cautious with Jayden Reed – Active but risky; start only if you need upside.
Other Names to Watch
Beyond the headline stars, Week 1 brings additional storylines that may affect fantasy lineups.
- Rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy are generating excitement. While they may not yet be every-week fantasy starters, their early play could influence wide receiver and tight end performances.
- Veteran quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers are in the spotlight. Wilson is battling for stability in New York, while Rodgers enters the season looking to bounce back. Their success will directly impact whether their receiving corps are strong starting options.
- Running backs with fresh workloads, especially rookies, could quickly shift fantasy values. Managers should monitor snap counts closely this weekend to see which new names emerge as trustworthy starters.
Final Thoughts
Fantasy football success often comes down to making the right call at the right time. The question who should I start is never easy, especially with early-season uncertainty. For Week 1, Mike Evans and Kyle Pitts stand out as strong, reliable options, while Jayden Reed offers potential upside but carries risk due to injury.
The season is long, and decisions now can set the tone for the weeks ahead. Trust the latest updates, weigh the matchups carefully, and don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk when your gut tells you to.
Who do you have in your lineup this week? Share your thoughts and let’s see which choices pay off big.