Week 1 Fantasy Streamers: Top QB, TE, and DEF Picks

It’s finally here! Week 1! We made it through the summer, and it’s time to set lineups. Not a lot of people stream in Week 1, and that’s okay. You drafted these guys; start them with confidence. But if you do need some help, I’ve got you covered!

Each week, I highlight five streaming options at QB, TE, and DEF. These players are available in at least 50% of ESPN leagues and can still provide a matchup edge. Let’s dive into this week’s picks and find you the upside you need.

Accountabilty

Am I any good at this? I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves. In this section, you’ll see how my Stream of the Week (SOTW) and Best Pick finish every week. Since I always provide five options, my Best Pick is the one that scores the most points, even if I didn’t designate it as the Stream of the Week. Essentially, Best Pick showcases what streaming is capable of.

Scores and rankings are based on PPR scoring and 4-point passing touchdowns. Although the world uses 6-point passing touchdowns, data providers prefer 4-point systems, and I am trying to keep this simple. The data table will start in Week 2. Today, you just get the explanation

If you want to see my old picks, this link will take you to my past Stream of the Week articles.

Week 1 Fantasy Streamers

Quarterback

Trevor Lawrence vs. CAR

Lawrence was one of my favorite late-round picks all draft season, so it makes sense that he is my Stream of the Week. I practice what I preach, and he is my starter in many leagues for the opener. The best part about Lawrence is that he could take you out of the QB-streaming game altogether. With weapons like Brian Thomas Jr, Travis Hunter, Travis Etienne, and Bhayshul Tuten, we could see Trevor Lawrence crack the Top 10 this season. Regardless, you want to play him in Week 1. The Panthers were one of the worst defenses against fantasy QBs last season, and they did not get much better on that side of the ball.

Other Options

• Russell Wilson @ WAS
• Tua Tagovailoa @ IND
• Sam Darnold vs. SF
• Geno Smith @ NE

Tight End

Hunter Henry vs. LV

Henry actually led the Patriots in targets in 2024, and with Josh McDaniels back in town, things could be better in 2025. McDaniels’ offense is very tight-end friendly, and while Henry is not Rob Gronkowski, it’s not hard to envision him playing that role in this scheme. Overall, Drake Maye and the Patriots offense should be better this year, and Henry should benefit. Henry tends to start hot, and I expect a similarly fast start to this season. The Raiders gave up the third-most points to fantasy TEs last year. While the coaching staff is different, many of the players from that defense are back.

Other Options

• Cade Otton @ ATL
• Zach Ertz vs. NYG
• Chigoziem Okonkwo @ DEN
• Pat Freiermuth @ NYJ

Defense

Arizona Cardinals @ NO

In this section, we pick on bad QBs. I don’t have a lot to say about the Cardinals’ defense. They were pretty much middle-of-the-road in every category last season. But they get Spencer Rattler to open the year. In seven games last year, Rattler threw just four touchdowns against five interceptions. He also fumbled the ball five times. The Cardinals weren’t great, but they did finish in the top half of the league in QB sacks. That kind of pressure against Rattler this week will lead to sacks and turnovers, and in the world of fantasy defense, that’s all you can hope for. The occasional TD is just a cherry on top. The Cardinals also get Carolina in Week 2, so if Bryce Young struggles in the opener, you don’t even have to stream next week.

Other Options

• Commanders vs. NYG
• Buccaneeer @ ATL
• Bengals @ CLE
• Dolphins @ IND

Be sure you’re following Ryan on Twitter! If you’re looking for more, you can find Club Fantasy’s Week 1 rankings here!