The NFL is finally back, and it's time to lock in your starting fantasy football lineup. Our Week 1 fantasy QB rankings will help answer any lingering questions you may have surrounding some start 'em, sit 'em debates. If you drafted one of the top-tier quarterbacks like Josh Allen (@ Rams), Justin Herbert (vs. Raiders), or Patrick Mahomes (@ Cardinals), you're clearly not worrying about who to start, but some of the middle-tier "sleepers" like Trey Lance (@ Bears), Jameis Winston (vs. Falcons), and Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Patriots) warrant a discussion.
Our Week 1 QB rankings don't differ too much from our initial preseason rankings, but a few matchups and injuries to key skill players will always be a factor in a QB's projected performance. On the injury front, Jets QB Zach Wilson is still recovering from a bone bruise and meniscus tear in his right knee. Joe Flacco (vs. Ravens) will start in his place against his former team. Flacco shouldn't be on your fantasy radar unless you're in a superflex or two-QB league. The same goes for guys like Marcus Mariota (vs. Saints) and Davis Mills (vs. Colts), who also have high two-QB appeal because of matchups that were favorable a year ago.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2022 fantasy cheat sheet
Trevor Lawrence (@ Commanders) is primed for a more consistent second season now that he's in a new offensive system that has upgraded weapons. Additionally, the Commanders' defense allowed the most fantasy points per game to QBs last season (23.3), and there's a decent chance that carries over to the early part of 2022. Jameis Winston (@ Falcons), Matt Ryan (@ Texans), and Derek Carr (@ Chargers) also have nice matchups based on last year's stats, but Carr might be the only one that single-QB owners "need" to take a chance with.
Meanwhile, some borderline QBs who might be in line for a rougher Week 1 performance include Matthew Stafford (vs. Bills), Tua Tagovailoa (vs. Patriots), and Baker Mayfield (vs. Browns). Stafford is dealing with a sore throwing elbow and faces an elite Bills defense, making him riskier than usual. If you have an upside or matchup-based option, like Trey Lance (@ Bears) or Carr, you might strongly consider them over Stafford even with Tre'Davious White (knee) out. He's the only upper-tier QB you should really worry about this week, as other guys with tough matchups like Joe Burrow (vs. Steelers), Patrick Mahomes (@ Cardinals), and Tom Brady (@ Cowboys) can still put up big numbers.
Tagovailoa is playing his first regular season game within a new offensive scheme and is matched up against a Patriots defense that held QBs to the second-fewest FPPG output in 2021 (13.5). Mayfield is in a prime revenge spot against his former team, but Cleveland's an under-the-radar defense that's capable of holding him in check. Don't take the risks.
As always, Week 1 is one of the toughest weeks to project, but we considered the key factors when building our QB rankings. This list will matter more or less to you depending on your league size and scoring formats, but in general, QBs see less movement than the other positions with PPR vs standard differences. Week 1 is a time to (mostly) start your studs!
Note: We'll be updating these QB rankings as needed throughout the week, so check back for the latest changes.
These rankings are based on four-point passing TD scoring