Fantasy Football QB Rankings Week 1: Who to start, best sleepers, top busts image
Gregory Fisher, Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The 2026 fantasy football season is finally here, and fantasy managers are already facing their first major lineup decisions of the year in Week 1.
Matchups, rushing upside, offensive environment, and expected volume are key factors in choosing which quarterbacks to start. Week 1 also introduces a lot of uncertainty, especially as some quarterbacks are in new offenses or situations.
These rankings are tailored for standard one-quarterback fantasy leagues, considering Week 1 matchups, projected opportunities, rushing potential, and overall fantasy upside. Although several quarterbacks could end the week as QB1, those at the top provide the best mix of safety and high ceiling.
Keep reading for our full breakdown of the quarterback position for the opening week of the 2026 fantasy season.
Fantasy QB Rankings Week 1: Who to start, sit at quarterback
Rank QB Team Opp.
1 Josh Allen Bills at Texans
2 Lamar Jackson Ravens at Colts
3 Joe Burrow Bengals vs. Buccaneers
4 Justin Herbert Chargers vs. Cardinals
5 Jalen Hurts Eagles vs. Commanders
6 Dak Prescott Cowboys at Giants
7 Kyler Murray Vikings vs. Packers
8 Trevor Lawrence Jaguars vs. Browns
9 Jared Goff Lions vs. Saints
10 Caleb Williams Bears at Panthers
11 Jayden Daniels Commanders at Eagles
12 Matthew Stafford Rams vs. 49ers
13 Drake Maye Patriots at Seahawks
14 Jaxson Dart Giants vs. Cowboys
15 Baker Mayfield Buccaneers at Bengals
16 Brock Purdy 49ers at Rams
17 Bo Nix Broncos at Chiefs
18 Patrick Mahomes Chiefs vs. Broncos
19 Tyler Shough Saints at Lions
20 Jordan Love Packers at Vikings
21 Daniel Jones Colts vs. Ravens
22 Bryce Young Panthers vs. Bears
23 Sam Darnold Seahawks vs. Patriots
24 Malik Willis Dolphins at Raiders
25 Aaron Rodgers Steelers vs. Falcons
26 C.J. Stroud Texans vs. Bills
27 Jacoby Brissett Cardinals at Chargers
28 Cam Ward Titans vs. Jets
29 Geno Smith Jets at Titans
30 Kirk Cousins Raiders vs. Dolphins
31 Tua Tagovailoa Falcons at Steelers
32 Deshaun Watson Browns at Jaguars
Week 1 QB Sleepers
Tyler Shough, Saints
Shough is my favorite quarterback sleeper entering Week 1. He's ranked outside the traditional QB1 range, but his rushing ability and the Saints' offensive system give him legitimate upside.
He also finished last season strongly, averaging around 20 fantasy points per game over his final five contests.
Malik Willis, Dolphins
Willis is an intriguing Week 1 sleeper because of his rushing ability. He has averaged more than 40 rushing yards per game for his career, giving him a fantasy floor that many late-round quarterbacks simply don't have.
The matchup against Las Vegas is another reason to like him. If Miami falls behind, Willis could rack up passing attempts while adding valuable rushing production.
Week 1 QB Busts
Drake Maye, Patriots
Maye is not someone fantasy managers should automatically bench if they spent significant draft capital on him. However, expectations should be tempered in Week 1.
Seattle's defense presents a difficult matchup, and Maye will have to deal with a hostile road environment. He's still a season-long QB1, but his Week 1 ceiling is lower than usual.
Brock Purdy, 49ers
I'd be cautious about starting Purdy in Week 1 as San Francisco opens against the Rams.
That doesn't make Purdy a season-long bust. It's more about the matchup and his relatively low rushing floor. If you're choosing between Purdy and a quarterback with more rushing upside or a softer matchup, I'd strongly consider the alternative in Week 1.