Fantasy News & Analysis

Premium Content Sign Up

Flex rankings for Week 1 of the fantasy season

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - OCTOBER 18:T.Y Hilton #12 and Donte Moncrief #10 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrate after a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 18, 2015 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

The flex position is one of the most crucial in fantasy football. Comparing players across two or three positions presents a whole new wrinkle compared to simple balancing running backs against running backs or wide receivers against wide receivers.

With that in mind, each week I’ll be offering my top 150 flex rankings for the week, putting running backs, wide receivers and tight ends all into the same pile. I’ll include notes on the players who warrant them. Check back each week when you set your lineup.

1. Antonio Brown, PIT (WR1) – He may see a lot of Norman in this one, but Brown is still the top option of the week.

2. Todd Gurley, LA (RB1) – Gets a nice matchup to start the season against a lackluster 49ers defense.

3. Adrian Peterson, MIN (RB2) – Expect Peterson to rack up the carries regardless of who is under center.

4. Julio Jones, ATL (WR2) – The Bucs gave up the eighth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers last season.

5. DeAngelo Williams, PIT (RB3) – Williams was fantasy’s top running back in games he started last season.

6. David Johnson, ARZ (RB4) – Not the best matchup, but the Cards should lean heavily on Johnson.

7. Odell Beckham Jr., NYG (WR3) – Will see Brandon Carr all day, which is a good thing.

8. Lamar Miller, HST (RB5) – Figures to be an every-down work horse for the Texans.

9. Devonta Freeman, ATL (RB6) – Clearly the top option in the Falcons’ backfield. Gets a strong matchup to start the season.

10. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL (RB7) – Tempted to place him higher. Elliott’s coming-out party could be a big one.

11. Mark Ingram, NO (RB8) – Somewhat tough matchup against the Raiders, but Ingram should still get plenty of touches.

12. LeSean McCoy, BUF (RB9) – McCoy averaged 19.8 touches per game last season. That volume should continue this year.

13. DeAndre Hopkins, HST (WR4) – Isn’t likely to see as many targets as he did early last year, but still one of the top wide receiver options.

14. Latavius Murray, OAK (RB10) – Still figures to be a high-volume play in a very favorable matchup.

15. Doug Martin, TB (RB11) – Faces a Falcons defense that gave up the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing running backs last season.

DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL & BETTING WITH AI-POWERED DATA & TOOLS TRUSTED BY ALL 32

Unlimited Fantasy League Sync
Fantasy Start/Sit Line-Up Optimizer & Waiver Wire
WR-CB & OL-DL Matchups, PFF Player Grades, & Premium Stats 2.0 Tools
Nathan Jahnkes Rankings - #1 Most Accurate Last 70 Weeks
PFF Best Bets, Player Props, & Power Ranking Tools
NFL Mock Draft Sim with Trades & Draft Grades

Already have a subscription? Log In

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit