Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers: Week 1

Draft season is nearly wrapped up, but roster shuffling never stops. Many fantasy managers are still drafting right up until kickoff, while others are already making proactive moves to get ahead of the market. This weekly fantasy football risers and fallers series will track shifting player values throughout the 2025 NFL season. Week 1 is unique - it's the only edition where we don't yet have live regular-season action to analyze. Instead, these moves are based on preseason depth-chart developments, injuries, and shifting team roles that will impact fantasy football value immediately. For a broader view of how each roster is shaping up, check out the NFL team depth charts.

Let's dive into the biggest risers and fallers heading into Week 1.

Fantasy Football Risers

Quarterback

Joe Flacco

Once the Browns traded Kenny Pickett, there was no veteran left to push Flacco. Cleveland's rookie quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders both look like developmental projects. Unless ownership forces a change, Flacco could hold the job for a while. With Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman and David Njoku at his disposal, don't be surprised if Flacco delivers borderline top-15 fantasy production.

Running Backs

Ollie Gordon

Gordon appears ahead of Jaylen Wright as Miami's No. 2 running back. De'Von Achane (calf) looks good for Week 1, but any setback could elevate Gordon into a major volume role. The rookie has a physical running style that should help him succeed behind a weak line.

Keaton Mitchell

Mitchell flashed his pre-injury burst this preseason, and while Justice Hill also backs up Derrick Henry, Mitchell could carve out occasional usage. If he delivers on those touches, his role could expand quickly. Don't forget that Mitchell was looking like a star talent in 2023.

Kalel Mullings

With Tyjae Spears (ankle) on short-term injured reserve, Mullings slots in behind Tony Pollard. Expect 5-8 touches per week if he holds off teammate Julius Chestnut. Mullings had an impressive preseason, so the Titans should have little issue mixing him in for the short term.

Wide Receivers

Hollywood Brown

With Rashee Rice suspended six games, Brown should step in as the No. 2 option. If Xavier Worthy inherits Rice's exact role, Brown still benefits as a vertical and intermediate target. With more receiver volume temporarily available, his fantasy outlook rises.

Tory Horton

Horton earned the No. 3 wideout role after a strong preseason, and if Cooper Kupp starts slowly, Horton could move up the pecking order. Seattle won't be high-volume, but he could emerge as a fantasy contributor.

Elic Ayomanor

The rookie fourth-rounder was a focal point for Cam Ward in preseason. With Tennessee likely playing catch-up, Ayomanor could quickly settle in as the No. 2 receiver. Getting him on a fantasy roster now makes sense for those looking for potential volume.

Tight End

Mason Taylor

The rookie shook off a high-ankle sprain and impressed in camp. Taylor projects as the Jets' No. 2 target behind Garrett Wilson, and Justin Fields has supported tight ends before, which gives Taylor sneaky upside. Taylor was drafted to be a pure pass catcher, and he should get his opportunity to prove his value.

Fantasy Football Fallers

Quarterback

Michael Penix

The Falcons lost right tackle Kaleb McGary for the season, a major blow since Penix is left-handed and relied on McGary as his blindside protector. Penix already had accuracy concerns, and increased pressure could stunt his development in a downfield-based attack.

Wide Receivers

Jakobi Meyers

After Davante Adams was traded last season, Meyers saw heavy volume. But with Amari Cooper now added, and healthy after a serious wrist injury, Meyers' target share is unlikely to remain as high as it was in 2024.

Luther Burden

Despite his second-round draft capital, Burden may open with a limited role. Chicago plans to run frequent two-tight end sets, leaving just two wideouts. Olamide Zaccheaus' excellent preseason also threatens Burden's early-season targets.

Adam Thielen

Thielen goes from a reliable safety valve in Carolina to a lower-priority option in Minnesota. Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will have little time to build chemistry with him, and with T.J. Hockenson commanding middle-field targets coupled with the Vikings emphasizing the run, Thielen is downgraded.

Alec Pierce

Pierce's deep-threat role clashes with new quarterback Daniel Jones, who avoids vertical passing. Jones' reluctance downfield is a poor fit, leaving Pierce's fantasy upside capped. This is unfortunate, because Pierce proved to be an excellent vertical threat over the last two seasons.

Conclusion

This opening week of fantasy football risers and fallers highlights how preseason developments and injuries shift values even before the first kickoff. Flacco's path to starting stability, Gordon's potential handcuff upside, and Brown's temporary role in Kansas City are among the top risers. On the flip side, Penix's protection issues, Meyers' competition for targets and Thielen's move to a less favorable role all create early-season caution flags.

Looking for more analysis of player values? Check this out: 

As Week 1 unfolds, expect this list to evolve based on actual game performance. Stay aggressive on waivers, and don't be afraid to buy into early opportunities or pivot away from fading situations. For help making those weekly calls, lean on RotoWire's fantasy football weekly projections to guide lineup decisions.