Quarterback and tight end matchups: the positions people seemingly take the most risk with in fantasy football.
Sure, you have the studs that you roster with high draft capital. But what about injuries? Tough defenses against quarterbacks? Exploitable defenses for tight ends?
Thankfully, we have one month before we have to start worrying about bye weeks. And, since it’s Week 1, nearly every starting quarterback is healthy. Tight end? Those tiers, in terms of points per game, are so close that even if you’re rostering someone such as George Kittle, you have options.
But how confident are you with Patrick Mahomes against the Broncos? Jayden Daniels against the Eagles? Jordan Love against the Vikings?
Suddenly, streaming a quarterback – or starting the guy you drafted to be your No. 2 – begins to look intriguing.
So, who are they for Week 1?
Editor’s Note: The majority of point values are based on standard scoring leagues.
Tyler Shough, New Orleans @ Detroit
Tyler Shough scored more than 20 points in six of eight games to end his rookie season last year after winning the starting job in Week 9.
He may be a low-end No. 1 on the road, but Detroit will be missing both starting safeties in Brian Branch (Achilles) and Kerby Joseph (knee). I’m willing to bet the Saints will have to play catch-up, too, which could lead to one of his higher pass-attempt games of the season.
I’d feel better if rookie Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) was in this game, but Shough will have Chris Olave and new running back Travis Etienne. Rookie Bryce Lance also slides in as a starter, the first wide receiver in North Dakota State history to haul in 1,000 yards in each of his last two collegiate seasons.
The Saints also added tight end Oscar Delp, who could appear in three-tight-end sets with starter Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant to help the passing game.
Suddenly, New Orleans has more receiving options than most realize. The Saints also don’t have to win the game; Shough just has to throw.
Tyler Shough is QB 17 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings.
Jacoby Brissett, Arizona @ Los Angeles Chargers
Much like Shough, Jacoby Brissett scored more than 20 points in a majority of his games started (10 of 12) after taking over for an injured Kyler Murray.
And, much like New Orleans, Arizona should find themselves trailing with not many options but to throw, too.
While the Saints have Etienne, it looks like the Cardinals will have a less-than-100% rookie Jeremiyah Love. If that’s the case and they have to rely on a running back, it will be former Falcons back Tyler Allgeier, who has never taken a regular season snap with Arizona.
Thankfully, Brissett has a rapport with stud tight end Trey McBride and found a savior in wide receiver Michael Wilson in an injury-riddled offense one season ago. They helped him average more than 280 yards per game in his 12 games played.
Marvin Harrison Jr. will also be healthy and, in his third season, can finally work to live up to his draft stock.
Khalil Mack should also be out for Los Angeles, making the Chargers have somewhat more predictable coverage, that also must stay honest with three receiving threats.
You should feel comfortable with Brissett throwing for 250 yards and multiple scores, whether in the air or on the ground.
Jacoby Brissett is QB 25 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings.
Cam Ward, Tennessee vs New York Jets
I expect Cam Ward to take a step up this season in Year 2. He has a whole new regime that has done some good things in the NFL, most recently with the additions of wide receivers Wan’Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate.
The Jets enter the season opener on the road with the second-worst pass defense, according to CBSSports.com.
Half of their defensive starters were not on the team one season ago, and the only notable names on the unit to begin the season are safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Joseph Ossai.
After starting and playing in all 17 games last season, Ward only tossed seven interceptions. Interceptions don’t compute in New York, as the team failed to register one all season in 2025-26.
He’ll get needed help from Robinson, who averaged more than five targets per game, including seven with double digits in his career-year with the Giants one season ago. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career and had career highs in touchdowns (4) and yards per reception (11). He will look to build on a team that is hopefully healthier and more pass-heavy.
Tennessee is also honoring former running back Chris Johnson, who recently revealed his ALS diagnosis. If the game needed extra motivation, this will do it.
Cam Ward is QB 31 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings.
Michael Mayer, Las Vegas vs Miami
Michael Mayer is making his debut before Halloween this season, with Brock Bowers (knee) having minor meniscus surgery and already ruled out.
I know you at least chuckled.
Anyway, Bowers owners are not chuckling at the fact that they could be without a guy they spent high draft capital on for multiple weeks at the start of the year. Mayer, is a likely turn for them – and others – who could only have been drafted in the deepest of leagues.
In a struggling receiving corps one season ago, Mayer saw more opportunity with a career-high in targets (50), receptions (35) and yards (328). And when Bowers missed time, Mayer averaged more than seven targets per game.
Receiver Tre Tucker is the only receiver back in Las Vegas, and he will start along with Jalen Nailor, the odd man out in Minnesota, and rookies Jack Bech and Malik Benson. While Tucker is in his fourth year, the argument can be made that he has even less experience than Mayer.
Miami’s defense also has four new starters, and some of the returners left a lot to be desired last season. The Dolphins’ depth is even worse, and they allowed the third-most points to tight ends last season before the offseason changes. Their defense should be on the field frequently with a completely gutted offense outside of De’Von Achane until proven otherwise.
Las Vegas can’t run Ashton Jeanty – who was also recently banged up – all game, and Mayer is its top target.
Michael Mayer is TE 11 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings (because he updated it after the Bowers designation).
Greg Dulcich, Miami @ Las Vegas
On the opposite sideline from Mayer, you’ll see Greg Dulcich.
Like Mayer, Dulcich could be the best receiver on his team, due to experience alone, at least for a few weeks.
Quietly, behind Darren Waller, who is now in Carolina, Dulcich tied a career-high for games played last season during his first season with the Dolphins. His numbers were modest, but he got looks considering he was the No. 5 receiving option on the depth chart and poor quarterback play.
He was raved about as a rookie with the Broncos, but eventually got buried with the team’s own lack of offense and fizzled out for fantasy purposes. But four years of experience at 25, and having familiar faces around him from last season, boost his ceiling.
While making fun of Miami’s four returners, Las Vegas only has six. Of those returning, none are starting linebackers, and neither is its free safety.
Quarterback Malik Willis will undoubtedly be under pressure and will need to complete dump-downs and short-yardage chunk plays to maintain possession. This bodes well for Achane of course, but also for Dulcich.
Greg Dulcich is TE 25 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings.
Mark Andrews, Baltimore @ Indianapolis
Baltimore will have a new-look offense this season under first-year coaches Jesse Minter and Declan Doyle. Which can only be a good things for Mark Andrews.
Andrews averaged less than eight points per game last season…in PPR. But now, with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar shipped off to the Harbaugh brothers, Andrews should be considered the No. 2 receiving option for Baltimore.
Furthermore, Indianapolis allowed the eighth-most points to tight ends last season, and this game could be a shootout depending on what we get from Daniel Jones’ return.
Mark Andrews is TE 20 on The Wolf’s Week 1 rankings.
