For the first time this year, fantasy managers will be able to take place in the beautiful (sometimes infuriating) ritual of setting their lineups. Many fantasy-relevant players take the field on both Thursday (Chiefs vs. Ravens) and Friday (Packers vs. Eagles), so managers should have their lineups set in stone early on in the week.
The most troublesome part of the lineup is often the Flex position. There are typically several worthy candidates, none of which are the clear choice. Without any prior information on these players' performances, making these choices in Week 1 may be as difficult as it gets.
After combing through the Sporting News' rankings, we've identified five different players who you should consider moving into your flex spot this week. If you have been going back and forth about any of these players, save yourself some time and get them into your lineup.
WEEK 1 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy Football Week 1 Flex Finder: Sleepers who can pay off in the Flex position
Brian Robinson Jr., RB, Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are set to undergo some significant offensive changes this season - changes that are set to benefit Brian Robinson. These adjustments primarily revolve around the addition of Kliff Kingsbury as the Commanders' offensive coordinator. Throughout his time in Arizona, Kingsbury's offenses ran at a high pace and featured an effective rushing attack. In Kingsbury's four seasons with the Cardinals, the Arizona offense ranked top-10 in rushing yardage three times and was top-10 in rushing attempts twice. They also operated at the highest pace in the league.
Kliff Kingsbury’s offense ranked first in both situation-neutral pace and no-huddle rate during his four seasons in Arizona.
— Pat Thorman (@Pat_Thorman) January 18, 2024
Cardinals games were top-10 in combined offensive snaps each season. https://t.co/XhvZ5t8VsW
What does a high-paced offense mean for Robinson? Simply put, it means the offense will run more plays, leading to more touches and carries for Robinson. This is a great reason to be optimistic regarding Robinson's season-long outlook. In regards to his Week 1 value, don't be shocked if Robinson sees in the range of 15 touches while Jayden Daniels gets his legs under him in his NFL debut. This game also features a 3-point spread, providing reason to believe that the Commanders can stay in the game and rely on Robinson across four quarters.
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Christian Kirk, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Christian Kirk was shockingly not drafted as a starting receiver in fantasy football this year. His closing ADP (WR33) is almost perfectly aligned with his consensus Week 1 rank - WR32. Kirk is a prime candidate to start the year off hot. He was already expected to take on a significant role in the Jacksonville offense, but he could be relied upon to an even greater degree as Brian Thomas Jr. gets acclimated to the NFL.
The Jaguars' matchup with the Dolphins is also one to get excited about. This matchup boasts the second-highest total (49.5) of the week and could realistically turn into a track meet. The Dolphins feature one of the league's best secondaries, but Lawrence will likely have to drop back at a high rate to keep up with Miami's offense, leading to plenty of targets for Kirk and company. Kirk is a quality Flex option in PPR leagues thanks to this matchup that should be a fertile environment for scoring.
WEEK 1 FANTASY FOOTBALL ADVICE
TNF Start/Sit | Buy Low/Sell High | Sleepers | Busts | Weather | Sunday Start/Sit
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks
After getting out to a slow start to begin his NFL career, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is in a position to jump-start a breakout campaign in Week 1. There is a myriad of reasons to be intrigued to squeeze Smith-Njigba into your lineup. The one highlighted throughout the offseason has been the impending changes coming to the Seattle offense. Ryan Grubb was brought in to be the offensive shot-caller in Seattle. His air raid offense that heavily utilizes 3-WR sets will be an enormously positive change for JSN who was stymied by Shane Waldron's play-calling last season. Expect to see this new scheme rolled out in full force against a Broncos secondary that is rather shaky outside of Patrick Surtain.
It also doesn't hurt that veteran receiver Tyler Lockett has missed practice throughout the latter stages of the offseason. Lockett has indicated that he will take the field on Sunday, but his two-plus weeks of missed practice does nothing but help Smith-Njigba. Many have anticipated that the second-year receiver will surpass Lockett to become the WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Lockett beginning the year banged up will provide Smith-Njigba with a much clearer path to do so.
Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Fans didn't have to wait long for the Arthur Smith Bowl this season - the former Falcons head coach will take on his former team in Week 1. Would it come as a shock to anyone if, after years of complaining about his run-first offense, Smith strolls back into Atlanta and runs the ball down the Falcons' throats for four quarters?
We have anticipated throughout the offseason that Harris would be a high-volume rusher in Smith's offense. But Harris has the opportunity to be a true bell cow in Week 1. The 1B in this backfield, Jaylen Warren, has been tending to a hamstring injury since the Steelers' preseason opener. Warren has emphasized the fact that he will be ready for Week 1, but he has not yet logged a full practice this week. If he's unable to suit up, it's wheels up for Harris. Even if Warren is able to play, Harris remains a viable flex option as Warren will likely be eased back from injury.
WEEK 1 DFS LINEUP STRATEGY
TNF DFS Advice | Sleepers & Values
Zack Moss, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Chase Brown has given fantasy managers every reason to get fired up about his fantasy outlook this season. But it appears that Cincinnati will likely lean on Zack Moss as Brown gets used to more regular playing time at the NFL level. Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had this to say of Moss in a press conference this week:
Bengals OC Dan Pitcher on RB Zack Moss: "I view Zack Moss as an all-around player. He can run any scheme.... You’ll see Zack Moss’ value more that live games are here than you’ve ever seen to this point."
— Ben Baby (@Ben_Baby) September 4, 2024
The Bengals have a very favorable matchup this week in the New England Patriots. The Patriots are starved for talent across the board, including their defense. In fact, their best defensive player, Matt Judon, was shipped off to Atlanta in a trade. Cincinnati should be playing with a lead throughout this contest and we should see a steady dose of Zack Moss on the ground. If Burrow and the offense can provide Moss with the opportunity for a punch-in score, starting him in the Flex will pay off handsomely.
