Opening week is always exciting, but fantasy owners shouldn’t let draft-day excitement turn into a bad Week 1 lineup decision.
There are plenty of players with legitimate breakout potential who I’d still rather keep on my bench this week. Whether it’s a difficult matchup, an injury concern, a crowded backfield or simply too much uncertainty, these Week 1 fantasy football avoids are players I’m reluctant to trust right away.
That doesn’t mean I’m giving up on them for the season. In many cases, quite the opposite. But Week 1 is about putting your best lineup on the field, and these eight players come with more risk than I’m willing to accept.
Week 1 Fantasy Football Avoids for the 2026 Season
Patrick Mahomes, QB — Chiefs vs. Broncos
Patrick Mahomes is still one of the most talented quarterbacks in fantasy football, but Week 1 presents a particularly difficult situation.
- Mahomes is returning from a knee injury, creating some uncertainty about his mobility and overall effectiveness.
- The Broncos have a tough defense that can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Fantasy recommendation: Keep Mahomes on your bench if you have a viable alternative, as his first game back against Denver carries too much risk for a player likely drafted as a weekly starter.
Jayden Daniels, QB — Commanders vs. Eagles
Jayden Daniels has enormous fantasy upside entering the 2026 season, particularly because of what he can contribute as a runner. Unfortunately, his opening matchup isn’t doing him any favors.
- Daniels faces the Eagles on the road, giving him a difficult environment to begin the season.
- Philadelphia has a strong defense capable of limiting both passing production and rushing opportunities.
Fantasy recommendation: Daniels remains an exciting season-long fantasy option, but fantasy owners should temper expectations and consider a safer quarterback for Week 1.
Jonathon Brooks, RB — Panthers vs. Bears
Few players have generated more offseason excitement than Jonathon Brooks. He’s the kind of underdog story fantasy owners want to root for, but Week 1 isn’t an ideal spot to find out whether the hype is justified.
- Brooks is dealing with a groin issue that creates questions about his availability and workload.
- Even if he plays, he’ll have to rotate in a committee rather than immediately receiving a reliable every-down role.
Fantasy recommendation: Bench Brooks in Week 1 unless your alternatives are limited, then reevaluate his workload and health before trusting him as a regular starter.
MarShawn Lloyd, RB — Packers vs. Vikings
Fantasy owners have been waiting to see what MarShawn Lloyd can do with Josh Jacobs out of the picture, but his first opportunity comes against a defense I’d rather avoid.
- Lloyd faces the Vikings on the road in his first major opportunity for an expanded workload.
- Minnesota’s aggressive defense creates a difficult matchup for a running back whose role is still somewhat uncertain.
Fantasy recommendation: Lloyd is an intriguing upside play for the season, but fantasy owners should keep expectations in check and avoid starting him in Week 1 if possible.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR — Cardinals vs. Chargers
This is an important season for Marvin Harrison Jr., and there’s plenty of reason to believe he can take a major step forward. However, Week 1 doesn’t look like the ideal launching point.
- Harrison faces the Chargers in a difficult opening matchup.
- The Cardinals have already demonstrated their commitment to Michael Wilson, who received an extension, adding another wrinkle to Harrison’s target and production outlook.
Fantasy recommendation: Harrison remains a player worth starting in many leagues because of his talent and upside, but fantasy owners should lower expectations against Los Angeles.
D.J. Moore, WR — Bills vs. Texans
D.J. Moore should be a significant part of the Bills’ offense this season, and there’s a good chance he’ll see plenty of targets. The problem is what happens when those targets meet one of the league’s toughest defenses.
- Moore could receive a healthy target share in his Buffalo debut.
- The Texans present one of the best defensive challenges on the Week 1 schedule.
Fantasy recommendation: Moore is difficult to bench because of his expected volume, but fantasy owners should view him as a lower-end option this week because of the matchup.
Harold Fannin Jr., TE — Browns vs. Jaguars
There are high expectations for Harold Fannin Jr. entering the season, and he has the potential to become an important fantasy tight end. Still, his Week 1 matchup isn’t particularly appealing.
- Fannin faces Jacksonville on the road.
- The combination of a difficult opening environment and uncertainty surrounding his Week 1 fantasy workload makes him a risky start.
Fantasy recommendation: Fantasy owners should consider sitting Fannin in Week 1 and waiting to see how his role develops before making him a weekly starter.
Tucker Kraft, TE — Packers vs. Vikings
Tucker Kraft is another player fantasy owners are excited to see back on the field, but there’s no reason to force him into a Week 1 lineup.
- Kraft is returning from injury, so his workload could be difficult to predict.
- Like Lloyd, he opens the season against an aggressive Vikings defense on the road.
Fantasy recommendation: Bench Kraft in Week 1 if you have a reasonable alternative, then monitor his health and usage before trusting him in future matchups.
The Bottom Line on These Week 1 Fantasy Football Avoids
Week 1 fantasy football decisions shouldn’t be based solely on a player’s name or season-long projection. Matchups, health and expected workload can all make a talented player a poor starting option for a particular week.
Several players on this list could have excellent 2026 fantasy seasons. Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels, Jonathon Brooks, MarShawn Lloyd, Marvin Harrison Jr., D.J. Moore, Harold Fannin Jr. and Tucker Kraft all have reasons for fantasy owners to be interested in them.
But that’s the point of these Week 1 fantasy football avoids: we’re not predicting that these players will fail all season. We’re identifying players who carry enough risk in their opening matchup that fantasy owners should think twice before putting them in the starting lineup.
Think long-term with your roster, but make your Week 1 lineup based on the best situation available.
