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DeShaun Watson tops our Week 1 quarterbacks rankings

Week 1 is all about the young guns in fantasy football. We break down the 25 best quarterbacks heading into Week 1.

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson throws a pass during warmups before a game against the Los Angeles Rams during week four of the preseason at NRG Stadium on August 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The 2019 NFL season is upon us, and that means it’s time to set your fantasy football lineups! Running back and wide receiver are the prolific positions on your roster, but odds are good your quarterback will be your leading scorer week in and week out. We’ve got a full rundown of quarterbacks to consider for Week 1, and a few that might not have as good a matchup as others expect.

Deshaun Watson isn’t a contrarian pick to top the Week 1 QB rankings, with a terrific matchup on the road against the Saints. New Orleans is well known for starting seasons sluggish, and Watson should take advantage as a seven-point underdog at the Super Dome.

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Jameis Winston also stands out in a home matchup against a 49ers’ defense that was historically bad last season. Without Fitzmagic breathing down his neck, the new offense is in Winston’s hands against a weak opponent.

I put a lot of stock in rushing ability, and Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray have just that. Jackson’s in the better spot, playing a terrible Miami defense, and we’ve had the luxury of seeing what he can do in the NFL. That said, I’m not afraid to target Murray in his first career game.

I love the spots for Russell Wilson and Carson Wentz, but you have to proceed with caution on both of them. While they should dominate their matchups against Cincinnati and Washington, respectively, there’s blowout potential that could limit their ceilings.

Finally, you’ll notice I have Patrick Mahomes ranked lower than most. I think a road matchup against the Jaguars is tougher than we’re making it out to be. Jacksonville was the only team to keep Mahomes from throwing a touchdown pass last season.

Week 1 QB Rankings

RK Player Team Opp
RK Player Team Opp
1 Deshaun Watson HOU @New Orleans
2 Jameis Winston TB San Francisco
3 Carson Wentz PHI Washington
4 Drew Brees NO Houston
5 Baker Mayfield CLE Tennessee
6 Lamar Jackson BAL @Miami
7 Kyler Murray ARI Detroit
8 Russell Wilson SEA Cincinatti
9 Patrick Mahomes KC @Jacksonville
10 Cam Newton CAR Los Angeles Rams
11 Kirk Cousins MIN Atlanta
12 Dak Prescott DAL New York Giants
13 Aaron Rodgers GB @DAL
14 Matt Ryan ATL @Minnesota
15 Tom Brady NE Pittsburgh
16 Matthew Stafford DET @Arizona
17 Philip Rivers LAC Indianapolis
18 Jimmy Garoppolo SF @Tampa Bay
19 Ben Roethlisberger PIT @New England
20 Jared Goff LAR @Carolina
21 Nick Foles JAX Kansas City
22 Josh Allen BUF @New York Jets
23 Jacoby Brissett IND @Los Angeles Chargers
24 Joe Flacco DEN @Oakland
25 Mitch Trubisky CHI Green Bay