Fantasy football flex rankings for Week 1 🏈
Fantasy football flex rankings for Week 1
ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL
Welcome to the 2020 fantasy football season and another weekly incarnation of the flex rankings!
These are, as always, for point-per-reception formats and, of course, are simply one analyst's opinion. These are clearly your fantasy teams, so if you really want to play Austin Hooper over Joe Mixon and Keenan Allen, well, I think it's a bad idea, but it hardly means Hooper can't outscore them. Stuff happens in sports.
Anyway, look for flex rankings every week, and best of luck in what we all hope will be a fruitful, healthy, full NFL season!
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers: The king of the 2019 season should produce monster stats again, but perhaps not that monstrous.
2. Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings: Everyone wants more money, but the bottom line here is that he is playing, and this is a nice matchup.
3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys: This is more about Elliott getting volume, not a weakness on the Rams.
4. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants: Could make the case for Barkley as fantasy's top option too. We have to list all players, you know, not just those starting at No. 20.
5. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: Have to presume major volume is coming his way this and every week. Can Panthers defend?
6. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
7. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans: More touchdowns or receptions in 2020? Remarkably, he had 18 of each last season.
8. Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers: Take the under on 100 receptions, but not much under. Bengals should have issues stopping him.
9. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs: Rookie! Initial volume might be less than expected, but he can break any play for a score.
10. Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles
11. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
12. Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs: Just stay healthy, Patrick Mahomes.
13. Davante Adams, WR, Packers: Adams might have to do it all by himself in the passing game, but he is used to it, and he topped 100 receiving yards in both Vikings games last season.
14. Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals
15. James Conner, RB, Steelers: Coach claims he wants him to have all the touches, which is great for September but a potential durability concern after that.
16. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers
17. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Cardinals: New team, new contract, same ol' numbers.
18. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
19. Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings: Do not forget how productive he can be. Packers shut him out in a game last year, but Thielen was hurt.
20. Aaron Jones, RB, Packers: The Vikings defend, but Jones had no problem with that defense in 2019.
21. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
22. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
23. DJ Moore, WR, Panthers: Could see quite the shootout in this one against Vegas.
24. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers: We presume Godwin over Evans, but there is no indication that will be the case. If you drafted both, play both.
25. Allen Robinson II, WR, Bears: I do not think it matters much which of the quarterbacks throws to Robinson. He'll overcome it.
26. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers
27. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers: Tyrod Taylor knows where to find him, and it's generally not 30 yards downfield anyway.
28. Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions
29. Todd Gurley II, RB, Falcons: Well, his balky knee should be healthy today, at least. No guarantees after that.
30. Cam Akers, RB, Rams: Rookie could see more volume with Darrell Henderson Jr. dealing with a sore hamstring. Akers could also steal the job outright.
31. George Kittle, TE, 49ers
32. Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals: People love him, but playing against the 49ers can be a problem.
33. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks: He had a 100-yard receiving game in Atlanta last season, and that secondary remains problematic.
34. Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
35. Robert Woods, WR, Rams
36. Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys
37. Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos: Figure the Broncos give him a chance to handle major volume right away, perhaps cutting back on the receptions if they must.
38. Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks
39. A.J. Brown, WR, Titans: You do not have to trust Ryan Tannehill versus Denver to trust his top receiver.
40. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: Same deal with Hilton and Philip Rivers. Hilton versus the Jaguars should go well.
41. Devin Singletary, RB, Bills: Has to battle a rookie for touches, so no sure thing.
42. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Jets: Has to battle a coaching staff for touches, so no sure thing.
43. DJ Chark, WR, Jaguars
44. Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
45. Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons
46. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Browns: Should rank better in this space after playing the Ravens.
47. David Johnson, RB, Texans: I have concerns about a player who last looked great in 2016, but the Texans have to show off their new acquisition.
48. Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers
49. Mark Ingram II, RB, Ravens: There is definitely a rookie coming to take his touches, but perhaps not in September.
50. DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
51. Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
52. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington: He had 255 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns in two meetings with the Eagles last season. Should enjoy 2020 as well.
53. Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals: He and Joe Burrow for the next five years, watch out.
54. Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns
55. Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
56. James White, RB, Patriots: Cam Newton throws to running backs, you know.
57. Marlon Mack, RB, Colts: Give the veteran the slight nod initially, but the rookie is going to be special.
58. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts: Taylor figures to get plenty of chances to run all over the Jaguars.
59. Tarik Cohen, RB, Bears
60. Ronald Jones II, RB, Buccaneers: Should see more volume initially, but it's going to be a guess with this backfield for a bit.
61. Chris Thompson, RB, Jaguars: No Ryquell Armstead this week, but Thompson gets all the backfield receptions anyway. Just stay healthy.
62. Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
63. Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills: Has a nice matchup with the beleaguered Jets, but still, not a great value for the season.
64. Darren Waller, TE, Raiders
65. Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles: Eagles are absolutely going to use Dallas Goedert a ton as well.
66. Will Fuller V, WR, Texans
67. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington: Guessing game with the Washington backfield, but sure would rather see Gibson than J.D. McKissic.
68. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions: Johnson gets first shot, but a rookie sure looms, as does future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson.
69. Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants
70. Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: Reminder for PPR: He gets myriad catches.
71. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Show us you can stay healthy and I will rank you better than No. 71. Leaving games early or missing several at a time is a problem.
72. DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
73. Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets
74. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Greatly enjoyed Week 1 versus Washington last season, and then he didn't play another full game. Some risk here.
75. Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers
76. David Montgomery, RB, Bears: Still figures to eventually break out, but quarterback play and Tarik Cohen presence do not help him.
77. Duke Johnson, RB, Texans: If you are not on board with David Johnson, then add Duke Johnson.
78. Phillip Lindsay, RB, Broncos
79. Jordan Howard, RB, Dolphins: Even bad offenses move the football. Would be nice if Howard could catch it.
80. Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Lions
81. Golden Tate, WR, Giants
82. Marquise Brown, WR, Ravens: Did very little against the Browns last season, but I try to avoid reading into that. He was an inconsistent rookie.
83. John Brown, WR, Bills
84. Zack Moss, RB, Bills
85. Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers: Roster him, but keep expectations in check.
86. Nyheim Hines, RB, Colts
87. Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals
88. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Saints
89. Sony Michel, RB, Patriots: Perhaps Damien Harris takes the starting role in October.
90. Boston Scott, RB, Eagles: Eagles indicate Miles Sanders will handle much volume, but we know Scott can catch passes.
91. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders: My sleeper to catch 75 passes this season.
92. Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans
93. Preston Williams, WR, Dolphins: Sophomore seems like a breakout candidate, but wide receiver is plenty deep too.
94. Darius Slayton, WR, Giants
95. N'Keal Harry, WR, Patriots
96. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Raiders
97. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys
98. D'Andre Swift, RB, Lions
99. Latavius Murray, RB, Saints
100. James Robinson, RB, Jaguars
Others: Darrel Williams, RB, Chiefs; J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens; Matt Breida, RB, Dolphins; Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams; Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers; Rob Gronkowski, TE, Buccaneers; Peyton Barber, RB, Washington; Tevin Coleman, RB, 49ers; Robby Anderson, WR, Panthers; Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers; Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs; Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers; Malcolm Brown, RB, Rams; Devine Ozigbo, RB, Jaguars; Parris Campbell, WR, Colts; Anthony Miller, WR, Bears; Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs; Rex Burkhead, RB, Patriots; Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos
ESPN PLUS $ MATERIAL
Welcome to the 2020 fantasy football season and another weekly incarnation of the flex rankings!
These are, as always, for point-per-reception formats and, of course, are simply one analyst's opinion. These are clearly your fantasy teams, so if you really want to play Austin Hooper over Joe Mixon and Keenan Allen, well, I think it's a bad idea, but it hardly means Hooper can't outscore them. Stuff happens in sports.
Anyway, look for flex rankings every week, and best of luck in what we all hope will be a fruitful, healthy, full NFL season!
1. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers: The king of the 2019 season should produce monster stats again, but perhaps not that monstrous.
2. Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings: Everyone wants more money, but the bottom line here is that he is playing, and this is a nice matchup.
3. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys: This is more about Elliott getting volume, not a weakness on the Rams.
4. Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants: Could make the case for Barkley as fantasy's top option too. We have to list all players, you know, not just those starting at No. 20.
5. Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: Have to presume major volume is coming his way this and every week. Can Panthers defend?
6. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints
7. Derrick Henry, RB, Titans: More touchdowns or receptions in 2020? Remarkably, he had 18 of each last season.
8. Austin Ekeler, RB, Chargers: Take the under on 100 receptions, but not much under. Bengals should have issues stopping him.
9. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs: Rookie! Initial volume might be less than expected, but he can break any play for a score.
10. Miles Sanders, RB, Eagles
11. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
12. Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs: Just stay healthy, Patrick Mahomes.
13. Davante Adams, WR, Packers: Adams might have to do it all by himself in the passing game, but he is used to it, and he topped 100 receiving yards in both Vikings games last season.
14. Joe Mixon, RB, Bengals
15. James Conner, RB, Steelers: Coach claims he wants him to have all the touches, which is great for September but a potential durability concern after that.
16. Chris Godwin, WR, Buccaneers
17. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Cardinals: New team, new contract, same ol' numbers.
18. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
19. Adam Thielen, WR, Vikings: Do not forget how productive he can be. Packers shut him out in a game last year, but Thielen was hurt.
20. Aaron Jones, RB, Packers: The Vikings defend, but Jones had no problem with that defense in 2019.
21. Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
22. Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
23. DJ Moore, WR, Panthers: Could see quite the shootout in this one against Vegas.
24. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers: We presume Godwin over Evans, but there is no indication that will be the case. If you drafted both, play both.
25. Allen Robinson II, WR, Bears: I do not think it matters much which of the quarterbacks throws to Robinson. He'll overcome it.
26. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Steelers
27. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers: Tyrod Taylor knows where to find him, and it's generally not 30 yards downfield anyway.
28. Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions
29. Todd Gurley II, RB, Falcons: Well, his balky knee should be healthy today, at least. No guarantees after that.
30. Cam Akers, RB, Rams: Rookie could see more volume with Darrell Henderson Jr. dealing with a sore hamstring. Akers could also steal the job outright.
31. George Kittle, TE, 49ers
32. Kenyan Drake, RB, Cardinals: People love him, but playing against the 49ers can be a problem.
33. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks: He had a 100-yard receiving game in Atlanta last season, and that secondary remains problematic.
34. Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
35. Robert Woods, WR, Rams
36. Amari Cooper, WR, Cowboys
37. Melvin Gordon, RB, Broncos: Figure the Broncos give him a chance to handle major volume right away, perhaps cutting back on the receptions if they must.
38. Chris Carson, RB, Seahawks
39. A.J. Brown, WR, Titans: You do not have to trust Ryan Tannehill versus Denver to trust his top receiver.
40. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: Same deal with Hilton and Philip Rivers. Hilton versus the Jaguars should go well.
41. Devin Singletary, RB, Bills: Has to battle a rookie for touches, so no sure thing.
42. Le'Veon Bell, RB, Jets: Has to battle a coaching staff for touches, so no sure thing.
43. DJ Chark, WR, Jaguars
44. Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams
45. Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons
46. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Browns: Should rank better in this space after playing the Ravens.
47. David Johnson, RB, Texans: I have concerns about a player who last looked great in 2016, but the Texans have to show off their new acquisition.
48. Raheem Mostert, RB, 49ers
49. Mark Ingram II, RB, Ravens: There is definitely a rookie coming to take his touches, but perhaps not in September.
50. DK Metcalf, WR, Seahawks
51. Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
52. Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington: He had 255 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns in two meetings with the Eagles last season. Should enjoy 2020 as well.
53. Tyler Boyd, WR, Bengals: He and Joe Burrow for the next five years, watch out.
54. Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns
55. Kareem Hunt, RB, Browns
56. James White, RB, Patriots: Cam Newton throws to running backs, you know.
57. Marlon Mack, RB, Colts: Give the veteran the slight nod initially, but the rookie is going to be special.
58. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts: Taylor figures to get plenty of chances to run all over the Jaguars.
59. Tarik Cohen, RB, Bears
60. Ronald Jones II, RB, Buccaneers: Should see more volume initially, but it's going to be a guess with this backfield for a bit.
61. Chris Thompson, RB, Jaguars: No Ryquell Armstead this week, but Thompson gets all the backfield receptions anyway. Just stay healthy.
62. Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
63. Stefon Diggs, WR, Bills: Has a nice matchup with the beleaguered Jets, but still, not a great value for the season.
64. Darren Waller, TE, Raiders
65. Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles: Eagles are absolutely going to use Dallas Goedert a ton as well.
66. Will Fuller V, WR, Texans
67. Antonio Gibson, RB, Washington: Guessing game with the Washington backfield, but sure would rather see Gibson than J.D. McKissic.
68. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions: Johnson gets first shot, but a rookie sure looms, as does future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson.
69. Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants
70. Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: Reminder for PPR: He gets myriad catches.
71. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: Show us you can stay healthy and I will rank you better than No. 71. Leaving games early or missing several at a time is a problem.
72. DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins
73. Jamison Crowder, WR, Jets
74. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles: Greatly enjoyed Week 1 versus Washington last season, and then he didn't play another full game. Some risk here.
75. Diontae Johnson, WR, Steelers
76. David Montgomery, RB, Bears: Still figures to eventually break out, but quarterback play and Tarik Cohen presence do not help him.
77. Duke Johnson, RB, Texans: If you are not on board with David Johnson, then add Duke Johnson.
78. Phillip Lindsay, RB, Broncos
79. Jordan Howard, RB, Dolphins: Even bad offenses move the football. Would be nice if Howard could catch it.
80. Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Lions
81. Golden Tate, WR, Giants
82. Marquise Brown, WR, Ravens: Did very little against the Browns last season, but I try to avoid reading into that. He was an inconsistent rookie.
83. John Brown, WR, Bills
84. Zack Moss, RB, Bills
85. Leonard Fournette, RB, Buccaneers: Roster him, but keep expectations in check.
86. Nyheim Hines, RB, Colts
87. Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals
88. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Saints
89. Sony Michel, RB, Patriots: Perhaps Damien Harris takes the starting role in October.
90. Boston Scott, RB, Eagles: Eagles indicate Miles Sanders will handle much volume, but we know Scott can catch passes.
91. Hunter Renfrow, WR, Raiders: My sleeper to catch 75 passes this season.
92. Brandin Cooks, WR, Texans
93. Preston Williams, WR, Dolphins: Sophomore seems like a breakout candidate, but wide receiver is plenty deep too.
94. Darius Slayton, WR, Giants
95. N'Keal Harry, WR, Patriots
96. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Raiders
97. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys
98. D'Andre Swift, RB, Lions
99. Latavius Murray, RB, Saints
100. James Robinson, RB, Jaguars
Others: Darrel Williams, RB, Chiefs; J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens; Matt Breida, RB, Dolphins; Tyler Higbee, TE, Rams; Hunter Henry, TE, Chargers; Rob Gronkowski, TE, Buccaneers; Peyton Barber, RB, Washington; Tevin Coleman, RB, 49ers; Robby Anderson, WR, Panthers; Curtis Samuel, WR, Panthers; Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs; Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers; Malcolm Brown, RB, Rams; Devine Ozigbo, RB, Jaguars; Parris Campbell, WR, Colts; Anthony Miller, WR, Bears; Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs; Rex Burkhead, RB, Patriots; Jerry Jeudy, WR, Broncos