Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 7th, 2025, 1:00 ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
Network: FOX
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: START, QB1
Although I’m down on Baker Mayfield compared to the consensus for 2025, consider me a Baker Bro for Week 1. With one of the highest projected game totals of the week and a great matchup, Mayfield is a must-start.
Running Back
Bucky Irving: START, RB1
Rachaad White: FLEX, RB3
The #1 ranked player in my Week 1 FLEX rankings, the ingredients are all ready there for Bucky Irving to prove his rookie breakout wasn’t a fluke with a big-time Week 1 performance. If his increased involvement in the passing game sticks, the sky is the limit for the former Duck this season. Rachaad White is a solid FLEX option with a potential shootout on deck.
Wide Receiver
Mike Evans: START, WR1
Emeka Egbuka: START, Borderline WR2
With no Chris Godwin or Jalen McMillan to start the season, Mike Evans and rookie receiver Emeka Egbuka will be served a hefty helping of targets. The volume will help offset any age-related decline at least for now, but Egbuka could emerge as the best Bucs receiver before the season’s end. He’s a breakout waiting to happen, though with it being the first game of his career, we’re pumping the brakes just slightly and placing him on the WR2/3 borderline. He’s my WR26 this week.
Tight End
Cade Otton: SIT
Ba da ba ba ba, McDouble. He’s a classic TD-or-bust option, and you aren’t starting him in Week 1.
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
Michael Penix Jr: SIT, QB2 (Startable in SuperFlex)
Considering the high projected game total and weapons at his disposal, I want to be higher on Michael Penix Jr. for Week 1. But we saw such a small sample size at the end of last season, and while he flashed some upside, I’m not ready to trust him just yet. He makes for a decent Superflex QB2, but I’m avoiding him in 1QB leagues.
Running Back
Bijan Robinson: START, RB1
Tyler Allgeier: SIT
You don’t need me to tell you to start Bijan Robinson. Did you know Bijan means “hero” in Persian? Oh yeah, Tyler Allgeier is also here. Just not in your lineups.
Wide Receiver
Drake London: START, WR1
Darnell Mooney: SIT
Ray-Ray McCloud III: SIT
A fan favorite that finally broke out in his third season, Drake London is a top-five option in Week 1. The Buccaneers were among the top 10 most fantasy-friendly defenses to opposing wide receivers, and with Darnell Mooney likely out, he could see an even larger target share than usual. With or without Mooney on the field, Ray-Ray McCloud is off the fantasy radar. Mooney’s snaps would probably be limited if he can play.
Tight End
Kyle Pitts: START, TE1
You heard it here first: the redemption tour of Kyle Pitts starts Week 1 in Atlanta. He finally has a competent quarterback throwing him the ball (we think), and the Bucs don’t exactly have the scariest secondary in the land. Especially if Mooney is unable to suit up, Pitts should be the second or third most-targeted player on the Falcons in a game with one of the highest point totals of the week, giving him a chance to start his season strong.