Fantasy Football 2020: Week 1 player rankings for each position

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)

An obvious start and a no-brainer at No. 1. A healthy Mahomes is the best QB in the game, and that applies to fantasy football as well. Set it and forget it.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)

We can expect some regression from Jackson after a ridiculous MVP campaign last year, but the Ravens signal-caller is still a must-start week-in and week-out.

3. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks (at ATL)

Mahomes and Jackson have stolen the spotlight these last couple of years, but Wilson remains in the "elite" category. He has finished as a top-three fantasy QB in four of the last six seasons. Start him with confidence vs. the Falcons.

4. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans (at KC)

Not having DeAndre Hopkins on his side anymore hurts. But Watson, who just signed a $160 million contract extension, is still a top fantasy option. He'll be throwing a ton vs. the Chiefs on Thursday, and we know he can do it with his legs as well, so consider him a must-start.

5. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (at LAR)

No one was jealous of your Prescott pick during your draft, but don't worry. You'll be reaping the benefits soon enough. Prescott is sneakily one of the most consistent fantasy QBs each season and that will continue when Dallas visits the Rams this weekend.

6. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (vs. NYJ)

Say what you will about Josh Allen the real-life QB, but the fantasy Josh Allen is an outstanding option most weeks. Even when things aren't going his way through the air, Allen is a constant threat to punch it into the end zone on the ground as he racked up nine rushing touchdowns last year. He's a fantastic start vs. a depleted Jets defense.

7. Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)

Unlike the guys above him on this list, Ryan is not a threat on the ground. The good news is you can count on him to throw it a ton, and he's one of the best in the biz at doing that. Having Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley doesn't hurt, either.

8. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS)

Wentz still managed to put together a solid fantasy season last year despite not having anyone to throw to. Now that he has some help, expect him to be a consistent top-10 fantasy QB as long as he can stay healthy.

9. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (at NYG)

The word is Big Ben is back at full strength after suffering a season-ending elbow injury last year. Obviously, it's impossible to know how rusty the veteran QB will be until we watch him on Sunday. But with a favorable matchup vs. the Giants, I like Roethlisberger's odds of producing a nice fantasy day.

10. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)

Brees isn't quite the plug-and-play fantasy QB he used to be, but you still could do much worse than the 41-year-old. He's a solid option this week against a vulnerable Tampa Bay secondary.

11. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at NO)

Keep an eye on Mike Evans' status as the star wideout is a game-time decision with a hamstring injury. If he's out, Brady's a fringe starter vs. this rock-solid Saints defense. If he's in, it's still a risky play, but you can head into Week 1 with a lot more confidence.

12. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (at SF)

I love Murray this year. I think he has the chance to be the top fantasy QB of 2020. That being said, he's a risky play this week against a fearsome 49ers defense. You should start him as you probably don't have a better option, but temper your expectations.

1. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers (vs. LV)

The consensus No. 1 overall pick in this year's fantasy drafts is likely to be the No. 1 option among RBs most weeks this season as long as he's healthy. The favorable matchup vs. the Raiders makes Week 1 even more exciting for McCaffrey owners.

2. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (at LAR)

You can always count on 'Zeke to get a heavy workload and make the most of it. He's as safe of a play as it gets this week in L.A.

3. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings (vs. GB)

Cook proved last year what he's truly capable of when healthy. He finished as the No. 5 RB despite missing two games. Look for him to remind the world what he can do in Week 1 vs. the Packers.

4. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders (at CAR)

Jacobs gets a nice matchup vs. Carolina in Week 1 of his sophomore season. The 22-year-old was outstanding as a rookie and should take another step forward if he can get more involved in the passing game.

5. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants (vs. PIT)

Barkley was the No. 2 pick in most fantasy drafts, so it may seem odd to find him down at fifth on this list. The matchup vs. a tough Steelers defense makes Barkley's outlook a bit murky, but he should still get enough touches to produce a solid fantasy day.

6. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)

Kamara remains one of the most dynamic dual-threat RBs in the game league, so you're starting him no matter what. Just keep in mind that Tampa has a rock-solid run defense and could make it difficult on the 25-year-old.

7. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers (at CIN)

Even with Philip Rivers gone, I'm high on Ekeler this season. He burst on the scene as a dual-threat RB in 2019 and should get the bulk of the touches in the Chargers offense in 2020. Cincinnati is a nice matchup to kick things off.

8. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans (at DEN)

Henry is as close as one can get to a lock for double-digit fantasy points. Denver isn't the best matchup for the 2019 rushing leader, but he's an automatic start regardless.

9. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. LAC)

Mixon has rushed for more than 1,000 yards and both of his first two NFL seasons and I expect him to take another step forward with Joe Burrow now at QB for the Bengals. Expect a heavy workload for Mixon in Week 1 as Burrow gets comfortable.

10. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers (at MIN)

It remains to be seen how the addition of A.J. Dillon will impact Aaron Jones' fantasy value, if at all. For now, I like him to put up solid numbers in Week 1 vs. the Vikings.

11. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)

It's impossible to predict how a rookie RB will fare in his NFL debut. That being said, the Chiefs seem to turn everyone into a fantasy star, and I can't see why Edwards-Helaire would be any different.

12. Miles Sanders, Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS)

It's a great Week 1 matchup for Sanders, but it look like Philly may take it easy on his workload to begin the 2020 campaign as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

UPDATE (Saturday, 4 p.m.): Sanders is out for Sunday's game vs. Washington. Boston Scott is slated to be the lead back for Philly and is worth a flex play.

13. James Conner, Pittsburgh Steelers (at NYG)

It's all about health for Conner, who was unable to stay on the field in 2019. Assuming that changes in 2020, he should be considered a top-10 fantasy RB and a reliable start for Week 1 vs. the Giants.

14. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns (at BAL)

Don't sweat the presence of Kareem Hunt. Nick Chubb is still going to be a beast. The Ravens are a difficult matchup for Chubb in Week 1, but that didn't matter last year when he went off against his division rival. Start him with confidence.

15. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks (at ATL)

Carson, who has dealt with a hip injury, says he's "100 percent" heading into this season. We'll just have to wait and see about that, but until we see otherwise he's a must-start in pretty much all fantasy formats.

16. Kenyan Drake, Arizona Cardinals (at SF)

Drake won a lot of people their fantasy leagues last season after joining the Cardinals. While I expect him to be a solid option in 2020, I don't expect him to be the elite RB we saw a year ago. Manage your expectations with Drake, especially in Week 1 vs. a stifling 49ers defense.

17. Mark Ingram II, Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)

Ingram's expectations have been lowered following the addition of rookie RB J.K. Dobbins, but I don't think that's fair. He finished as the No. 8 fantasy RB last season despite his electric QB Lamar Jackson stealing a lot of the goal-line carries. Sure, Ingram is getting up there an age, but don't sell him short until we actually start to see regression.

18. David Johnson, Houston Texans (at KC)

Johnson was a disaster for fantasy owners last season. That being said, the Texans are a nice landing spot for the 28-year-old. Bill O'Brien gives his backs plenty of work and that should only increase with DeAndre Hopkins out of town. Expect a heavy dose of Johnson on the ground and through the air in this Week 1 matchup vs. the Chiefs.

19. Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)

Gurley should get plenty of work with his new offense, not to mention Atlanta's offensive line is far superior to L.A.'s. I expect a solid Falcons debut for the former Rams star.

20. Melvin Gordon, Denver Broncos (vs. TEN)

We have to wait and see how the RB situation shakes out in Denver with Phillip Lindsay likely to get plenty of carries as well, but Gordon should get the bulk of the work. He's a solid RB2 most weeks as long as he's healthy.

21. Le'Veon Bell, New York Jets (at BUF)

The Bills won't be the best matchup for Bell, but it really shouldn't even matter. The Jets' offense runs through Bell, especially with such a weak receiving core. He should have a nice fantasy day based off his heavy workload alone.

22. Raheem Mostert, San Francisco 49ers (vs. ARI)

Picking which 49ers running back will produce is never an easy task. But if you're going to pick one, it's probably Mostert. He was outstanding in 2019 and should pick up where he left off vs. the Cardinals in Week 1.

23. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (at JAC)

Taylor is someone I expect to be a league-winner this season. That said, I think it could be a slow start for the rookie as the Colts probably will give Marlon Mack most of the work out the gate. Still, Taylor's upside is impossible to ignore.

24. Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams (vs. DAL)

Akers, like Taylor, probably will be eased into action and could take a backseat on the RB depth chart. The upside is absolutely there, but don't expect a ton of touches out the gate for the rookie.

1. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)

Thomas' 2019 season was historic, so it's fair to expect some regression from the Saints' star wideout. Still, he's clearly the top fantasy WR and should play like it in New Orleans' opener Sunday vs. Tampa.

2. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)

Jones is about as safe of a play as you can have in fantasy football. The 31-year-old has proven he doesn't even need touchdowns to produce top-tier fantasy numbers, so he's the definition of a set-it-and-forget-it player this year, per usual.

3. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers (at MIN)

Other than Michael Thomas, no wide receiver is going to match Adams' massive target share this season. He's a shoo-in to be a top-five fantasy WR as long as he stays healthy.

4. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)

You know what you're getting with Hill. He's mostly a boom-or-bust receiver who sometimes can win you your fantasy week but comes with a risk of a potential goose egg. I think it'll be the former in this game vs. Houston.

5. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at NO)

It'll be interesting to see how the Tom Brady-Chris Godwin connection works in Week 1, especially if Mike Evans sits out. I see Brady targeting his new favorite toy a ton in what could be a shootout in New Orleans.

6. DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals (at SF)

I'm bullish on the Kyler Murray-DeAndre Hopkins connection this season. However, it could get off to a rough start with a difficult matchup vs. San Francisco. Regardless, Hopkins is a must-start this week and every week.

7. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears (at DET)

Mitchell Trubisky will begin the season as the Bears' starting QB, which doesn't bode well for any of Chicago's offensive players fantasy-wise. On the plus side for Robinson, he's going to get plenty of targets in what shapes up to be a nice matchup vs. the Lions.

8. Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions (vs. CHI)

Golladay should put up big numbers all season long as long as Matthew Stafford stays on the field, but temper your expectations for Week 1. It's a tough matchup this week vs. Kyle Fuller and the Bears.

9. Juju Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers (at NYG)

Smith-Schuster's redemption tour starts on Monday night. After being a fantasy football bust in 2019 due to injuries and a revolving door at the QB position, Smith-Schuster should return to form a sone of the top WR options this year.

10. D.J. Moore, Carolina Panthers (vs. LV)

I don't foresee a stellar display of defense in this game, which means plenty of points are on the table for Moore. The Panthers' No. 1 wideout should be valued much higher in PPR leagues.

11. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings (vs. GB)

Thielen has a somewhat difficult matchup vs. the Packers, but he should see enough targets to put together a solid fantasy day. With Stefon Diggs gone, Kirk Cousins will lean heavily on his No. 1 receiver.

12. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at NO)

Keep an eye on Evans' status heading into Sunday's game as he's questionable with a hamstring injury. If he suits up, you're starting him per usual and watching his chemistry with new QB Tom Brady closely.

13. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)

The Ridley hype train is rolling along and you better believe I'm on board. Both Ridley and Jones should feast in this matchup vs. Seattle.

14. A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans (at DEN)

Coming off a sensational rookie campaign, Brown is expected to be a WR1 in 2020. He'll be faced with a difficult task at Denver in Week 1, but his big-play ability and chemistry with Ryan Tannehill still make him a must-start.

15. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team (vs. PHI)

McLaurin will have his work cut out for him vs. Darius Slay and the Eagles this week, but you're starting him regardless. If Washington is going to have any shot at keeping this game close, they're going to need to get McLaurin the ball.

16. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys (at LAR)

Cooper has been limited in practice lately and on top of that, he'll have to deal with Jalen Ramsey on Sunday. It'd be foolish to bench Cooper, but don't expect him to win your Week 1 matchup.

17. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (vs. DAL)

Don't be fooled by Kupp's slump in the second half of last season. That was more of a reflection of the Rams' overall offensive struggles than Kupp's talent. He's still one of the best WRs out there and should be treated as such in your fantasy lineup.

18. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams (vs. DAL)

Someone is bound to have a big day for the Rams on Sunday, and that someone likely will be either Kupp or Woods. You're starting both and not thinking twice about it.

19. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (at CIN)

Allen is downgraded a bit this week with Tyrod Taylor replacing Philip Rivers. Still, he should be started in all fantasy formats due to the number of targets he'll demand vs. a mediocre Bengals defense.

20. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks (at ATL)

Sunday's Seahawks-Falcons matchup likely will be a high-scoring one, which means Lockett should see plenty of action as Russell Wilson's primary target. He's a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in Week 1.

21. D.J. Chark, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. IND)

Chark dominated the Colts last season and there's no reason to expect anything different in Week 1. Lock him into your WR2 or flex spot.

22. D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (at ATL)

See: Tyler Lockett. Both Lockett and Metcalf should benefit from a matchup in which Russell Wilson probably will have to air it out early and often.

23. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills (vs. NYJ)

We don't know how Diggs will look with Josh Allen as his new QB, but chances are he'll look pretty impressive up against a Jets defense that lacks both Jamal Adams and C.J. Mosley.

24. Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns (at BAL)

You have to start OBJ regardless of the difficult matchup and the major disappointment that was 2019. He still has the potential to win you your week with a huge day through the air. That said, you also need to mentally prepare for a dud. That's what you signed up for by selecting Beckham in your draft.

1. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (vs. ARI)

Kittle is arguably the best tight end in the game and he gets an appetizing matchup vs. the Cardinals in Week 1. Fantasy owners should be salivating.

2. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)

Another obvious start, Kelce is set up for a big day in Thursday night's season opener.

3. Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS)

Ertz will be peppered with targets vs. a weak Washington defense. Like Kittle and Kelce, he's an elite tight end and a weekly must-start.

4. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)

You spent a ton of draft capital on Andrews, therefore you're starting him every week after his breakout 2019 campaign. Expect a nice day vs. a beatable Cleveland defense.

5. Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders (at CAR)

Carolina actually fares pretty well at defending tight ends, but you're still deploying Waller in Week 1. He'll likely get plenty of targets, making him an asset in PPR leagues.

6. Tyler Higbee, Los Angeles Rams (vs. DAL)

Higbee was outstanding in the second half of last season and gets a Week 1 matchup vs. a Cowboys team that was horrendous at defending the tight end position in 2019. Start him with confidence.

7. Hunter Henry, Los Angeles Chargers (at CIN)

When healthy, Henry is indisputably a top-five tight end. Besides the looming risk of a devastating injury, you should feel confident with the Chargers star in your lineup.

8. Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons (vs. SEA)

Just ask Austin Hooper how much Matt Ryan loves targeting his tight end. I'm not saying Hurst will have Hooper's fantasy value in Atlanta, but he's talented enough for it to be possible.

9. Jared Cook, New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)

Cook was stellar for New Orleans last year and gets a nice Week 1 matchup vs. a Tampa Bay team that struggled at defending tight ends in 2019. In a game that could be a shootout, Cook is a must-start.

10. Evan Engram, New York Giants (vs. PIT)

It looks like a difficult matchup on paper, but the Steelers actually were pretty vulnerable against the TE position last year. Add in the fact Engram should get plenty of targets, and that makes him a solid Week 1 start.

11. Noah Fant, Denver Broncos (vs. TEN)

Fant started to heat up toward the end of last season, so the breakout potential is there this year. He gets a solid matchup against Tennessee in Week 1.

12. Rob Gronkowski, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at NO)

Let's be honest: we have no idea how Bruce Arians plans on deploying his tight ends. But there's no denying the Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski connection. In what has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, I like Gronk to find the end zone and therefore be a solid fantasy play even if he doesn't have a huge target share.

1. Buffalo Bills (vs. NYJ)

The Bills boast one of the best defensive units in the game and get an ideal matchup vs. the Jets in Week 1. Expect Sam Darnold to see some ghosts in this one.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (at NYG)

Unless Daniel Jones has learned how to hold onto the football, this is going to be a long night for the second-year QB. The Steelers D is going to be a force to be reckoned with in 2020.

3. New England Patriots (vs. MIA)

Sure, they lost a few players to free agency and opt-outs, but the Patriots should still be one of the top defensive units in fantasy this season. A Week 1 matchup vs. Ryan Fitzpatrick makes them a must-start.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (at WAS)

The Eagles invested in their defense this offseason and we should see that begin to pay off vs. the lowly Washington Football Team in Week 1. Expect a dominant debut from Darius Slay.

5. Baltimore Ravens (vs. CLE)

Will this be a bounceback season for the Browns offense? They still have to prove they've overcome their 2019 woes. Until that happens, we should expect top-tier defenses like the Ravens' to have a field day against them.

6. Indianapolis Colts (at JAC)

Minshew Magic could happen, but chances are the Colts defense will contain this weak Jaguars offense in Week 1. Especially with Leonard Fournette out of the picture.

7. San Francisco 49ers (vs. ARI)

The Cardinals' big-play potential with Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins is worrisome, but the 49ers are one of the best defensive units in the NFL. They should produce a solid fantasy day even if Murray and Hopkins do some damage.

8. Chicago Bears (at DET)

There's reason for skepticism here after the Bears D/ST's lackluster performance in the second half of last season. They fared well vs. the Lions in both of their matchups, though, so you should feel comfortable starting them this week.

9. Los Angeles Chargers (at CIN)

Until we see Joe Burrow light up an NFL defense, the Bengals are a team you should feel confident starting your defense against. That's especially the case with the Chargers, even with Derwin James sidelined.

10. Kansas City Chiefs (vs. HOU)

Don't expect a huge day for this Chiefs D/ST unit, but Watson always is vulnerable to sacks and he'll be without his favorite target DeAndre Hopkins. There's upside here, despite the possibility of a high-scoring affair.

11. Denver Broncos (vs. TEN)

Losing Von Miller hurts, as does losing Chris Harris in the secondary. But the upside is still there with the return of Bradley Chubb.

12. New Orleans Saints (vs. TB)

Will Tom Brady look like vintage Tom Brady vs. a tough New Orleans defense, or will there be growing pains with his new team? I lean toward the latter.