When it comes to fantasy's highest-scoring position, there isn't quite the same deviation from the top to bottom tiers as there is at RB, WR, and TE, but it still pays to have an elite signal caller leading your fantasy squad. Unless you're a superflex league, chances are you have around two QBs on your roster, easing your weekly start 'em, sit 'em debates. That said, at the end of the day, your goal as a fantasy owner is to start the quarterback who accrues the most points, and our Week 1 fantasy QB rankings serve as a guide to starting your season with a "W."
If you selected a QB relatively early in your draft, say, Joe Burrow (@ Bengals) or Justin Herbert (vs. Dolphins) in the fourth or fifth round, there's no question about who your Week 1 QB1 is. However, deciding which QB to start is significantly more difficult if you opted to wait on a QB and select two mid-tier signal callers like Daniel Jones (vs. Cowboys) and Matthew Stafford (@ Seahawks).
While Week 1 is far and away the most challenging week of the fantasy season with no regular-season data points to aid in the start 'em, sit 'em process, at a position where even the "worst players" don't have nearly as profound "off games," starting a dud QB won't completely derail your chances of getting off to a 1-0 start.
MORE: Watch NFL RedZone live with Sling (50% off first month)
Peruse our Week 1 fantasy QB rankings to reiterate the notion it's unwise to start a potential Week 1 dud like Jimmy Garoppolo (@ Broncos) or Mac Jones (vs. Eagles) and instead opt for potential high-upside plays like Geno Smith (vs. Rams) and Tua Tagovailoa (@ Chargers).
WEEK 1 PPR RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Who are the best fantasy QBs Week 1?
Fresh off his second-ever MVP and Super Bowl title, Patrick Mahomes (vs. Lions) kicks off the 2023 NFL season on Sept. 7 with a favorable matchup. Sure, the Lions' defense is on an upward trajectory, but Mahomes has repeatedly proven that he's matchup-proof.
WEEK 1 STANDARD RANKINGS:
RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Eagles dual-threat superstar Jalen Hurts (@ Patriots) is always a threat to end the week as the overall QB1 and has a chance to be the best fantasy QB in Week 1.
Lamar Jackson (vs. Texans) gets a rankings boost over Josh Allen (@ Jets) this week, as the Ravens are in a much more comfortable position to start the season 1-0, pegged as double-digit home favorites against the Texans. Even in a tough matchup, Allen's ability to extend plays with his legs and create chunk plays through the air gives him a fighting chance to total the most fantasy points among QBs this week, though.
Who are the best fantasy QB waiver pickups Week 1?
A plus-matchup against a lackluster Cardinals defense likely results in Commanders' QB Sam Howell (22% rostered in Yahoo leagues) gaining steam as a waiver-wire add before Week 2. Howell's ability to calmly go through his progressions and make smart reads likely lends itself to a strong TD-to-INT rate in his first full season as the Commanders' QB1.
We'll see how his offensive line holds up, but the talent's there for Bryce Young (20% rostered) to emerge as a viable high-end QB2 as the season progresses, and that could start with a big showing against Atlanta's revamped defense. Green Bay's new QB1, Jordan Love, (31% rostered), also has high-end QB2 upside, which should be on display against a questionable Bears' defense.
Who are the best fantasy QB sleepers Week 1?
There's some overlap between sleepers and waiver wire adds, as the three QBs mentioned above meet the sleeper criteria, but we also think Colts' QB Anthony Richardson (vs. Jaguars) could turn some heads with a strong fantasy showing in his NFL debut. His accuracy is undoubtedly a concern, but his rushing upside gives him a chance to end Week 1 as a top-16 fantasy QB.
Additionally, 49ers QB Brock Purdy (@ Steelers) returns to the field after a shoulder injury derailed San Francisco's hopes of reaching the big game, but his ability to limit turnovers and get the ball in his playmakers' hands makes him a prime Week 1 sleeper candidate.
What are the biggest QB injuries Week 1?
The lone injury situation that fantasy owners need to monitor ahead of Week 1 pertains to Burrow (@ Browns), as he's still recovering from a preseason calf injury. However, with Burrow already returning to practice, he's on pace to be on the field for the Bengals' regular-season opener.
We'll be updating these QB rankings throughout the week, so check back for the latest player movement and analysis.
Fantasy QB Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at quarterback
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring
Rank Player
1 Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Lions
2 Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ Patriots
3 Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. Texans
4 Josh Allen, Bills @ Jets
5 Justin Herbert, Chargers vs. Dolphins
6 Joe Burrow, Bengals @ Browns
7 Justin Fields, Bears vs. Packers
8 Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars @ Colts
9 Dak Prescott, Cowboys @ Giants
10 Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins @ Chargers
11 Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. Buccaneers
12 Geno Smith, Seahawks vs. Rams
13 Deshaun Watson, Browns vs. Bengals
14 Jared Goff, Lions @ Chiefs
15 Daniel Jones, Giants vs. Cowboys
16 Aaron Rodgers, Jets vs. Bills
17 Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. Raiders
18 Matthew Stafford, Rams @ Seahawks
19 Derek Carr, Saints vs. Titans
20 Jordan Love, Packers @ Bears
21 Sam Howell, Commanders vs. Cardinals
22 Anthony Richardson, Colts vs. Jaguars
23 Kenny Pickett, Steelers vs. 49ers
24 Bryce Young, Panthers @ Falcons
25 Brock Purdy, 49ers @ Steelers
26 Desmond Ridder, Falcons vs. Panthers
27 C.J. Stroud, Texans @ Ravens
28 Mac Jones, Patriots vs. Eagles
29 Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders @ Broncos
30 Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers @ Vikings
31 Ryan Tannehill, Titans @ Saints
32 Josh Dobbs, Cardinals @ Commanders
