[h=1]Fantasy football flex rankings for Week 1[/h]
ESPN PLUS ($ MATERIAL)
Welcome to another fantasy football season. A staple of our coverage over the years has been the Flex Rankings. In this weekly file, we combine the best of the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends -- do not forget them -- into one handy list for PPR formats to aid in your decision-making.
Some leagues use different stats, and we get that, but ultimately this is simply my list for what I would do in ESPN standard leagues. That is it. In addition, several days remain this week before Sunday and news is always a factor that might affect these rankings. Regardless, enjoy and best of luck not only in Week 1, but all season long.
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</article>1. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants: OK, so the Giants might be a mess again but that did not hamper Barkley last season. Do not overthink this.
2. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints: You might worry about his touches as the season goes on, but not in Week 1.
3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
4. David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: I love his rookie quarterback and believe a big season, and return to top-five relevance, is pending.
5. Todd Gurley II, RB, Los Angeles Rams: Well, he is healthy today. Even with his touches monitored closely, he should score touchdowns. I am more worried about October and beyond. If he runs wild this week, sell high.
6. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans: Stuff changed around him, but we know he is reliable and consistent no matter what.
7. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
8. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: If you have invested before, you know he will show up on injury reports on occasion and the touchdowns could be streaky. And still, he is top 10.
9. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns: Huge season ahead, even as the passing game got the most notice and was upgraded. Perhaps because it was upgraded.
10. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
11. Le'Veon Bell, RB, New York Jets: Same player but totally different franchise. Not too worried, though.
12. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys: He can do much damage playing half the snaps.
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
14. Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: Remember, there is a Thursday night game every week. Make sure your active lineups are filled.
15. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
17. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns: He wants the football, he should get plenty of the football.
18. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
19. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: Looks messy around him but volume should be king here.
20. Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: As with Gurley, he is healthy today. Cannot promise it sticks in two months.
21. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
22. Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings
23. Brandin Cooks, WR, Los Angeles Rams
24. Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
25. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Some concern that Jaylen Samuels cuts into the touches, but not enough to think twice about activating him.
26. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: No concerns that Melvin Gordon is suiting up this weekend. This is clearly not the Elliott situation. It could be a while.
27. Mark Ingram II, RB, Baltimore Ravens: This is not the Saints, but Ingram is an underrated option in a strong offense for him.
28. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
29. Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
30. Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions: I bet Matthew Stafford, presumably healthy now, bounces back nicely.
31. Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams
32. Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders: We all assume a huge workload is pending, but will he catch passes? Not sure.
33. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Detroit Lions
34. Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Had a lost 2018 season and we presume he is gonna be fine. But I have concerns. Again, he should be fine this weekend.
35. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Not sure he is healthy and if this is a blowout, perhaps we find out in his snaps.
36. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
37. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Was actually more productive last season when A.J. Green did suit up, so be careful in your trust here.
38. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Two 1,000-yard receivers on this team.
39. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts: One 1,000-yard receiver on this team. Yeah, even sans Andrew Luck. And by the way, good for Andrew.
40. James White, RB, New England Patriots: When in doubt, in PPR, I believe go with the one that catches the passes.
41. Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots
42. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
43. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers: Guess we find out soon if this season he gets the touches he deserves. Or not.
44. Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears: Again, he catches passes. Lots of passes.
45. David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears
46. Duke Johnson Jr., RB, Houston Texans: We might think Duke's timeshare candidate is not any good, but I doubt the Texans believe it.
47. Damien Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Likewise, the Chiefs made a huge move to add a running back. Williams is more of a flex choice than RB2.
48. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
49. Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
50. DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
51. Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts
52. Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers: I definitely have concerns about overrating him, as the next fellow is bigger and proven in this offense.
53. Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers
54. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Touchdown regression is a thing, but I do think Lockett emerges as a stronger overall option.
55. Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
56. Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: In Nick Foles they trust.
57. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles: Not going to see many double-digit catch games this season, sorry. Too much talent in this offense for that.
58. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
59. Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns: Underrated. Will get his catches. Might not score five times, but 80 receptions are coming his way.
60. Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears
61. Calvin Ridley, WR, Atlanta Falcons
62. Phillip Lindsay, RB, Denver Broncos: Looking forward to seeing how this timeshare works out. The next fellow might be more valuable if used on early downs.
63. Royce Freeman, RB, Denver Broncos
64. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
65. Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Not that you would get much for Howard, but I bet the Eagles share the position in September, but not by November.
66. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills: I think the Bills share the position for a while, too.
67. Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins: There is a pass-catching option in this backfield, but Guice has a bright future unless Adrian Peterson gets in the way. He shouldn't. Tough matchup Sunday.
68. Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Detroit Lions
69. O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
70. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos
71. Josh Gordon, WR, New England Patriots
72. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
73. Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
74. Latavius Murray, RB, New Orleans Saints
75. Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders: The pass catcher in the Oakland backfield.
76. Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Not a popular flex option, but he is the starter and they cannot throw on every down.
77. LeSean McCoy, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid will definitely involve him. So what if McCoy looked awful a year ago.
78. Will Fuller V, WR, Houston Texans: The touchdown fellow, but not a volume receiver.
79. Dante Pettis, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Became overrated because of coach-speak, but who believes that stuff? Pettis is good.
80. Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: Might be healthy today, but good luck in a month.
81. Tyrell Williams, WR, Oakland Raiders: As of today, it appears Antonio Brown will not be playing in Week 1, which is good for Williams, but still, he is not Antonio Brown.
82. Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks
83. Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: It is not all Ekeler this or any week, but Jackson would have to get into the end zone.
84. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Not saying I would look to activate him in fantasy, but he probably plays more than Elliott this week.
85. Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona Cardinals: Gonna be a big season for him, I think. Kyler Murray is ready, though perhaps not in Week 1.
86. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
87. Curtis Samuel, WR, Carolina Panthers
88. Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans
89. Adam Humphries, WR, Tennessee Titans
90. Frank Gore, RB, Buffalo Bills
91. Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
92. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys
93. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
94. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
95. Donte Moncrief, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
96. Dion Lewis, RB, Tennessee Titans
97. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
98. Nyheim Hines, RB, Indianapolis Colts
99. Chris Thompson, RB, Washington Redskins
100. Jamison Crowder, WR, New York Jets
Others: Jared Cook, TE, New Orleans Saints; Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bills; Kalen Ballage, RB, Miami Dolphins; Ty Montgomery, RB, New York Jets; Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams; Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans; John Ross II, WR, Cincinnati Bengals; DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Denver Broncos; Ito Smith, RB, Atlanta Falcons; Ronald Jones, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Green Bay Packers; Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers; Mohamed Sanu, WR, Atlanta Falcons
ESPN PLUS ($ MATERIAL)
Welcome to another fantasy football season. A staple of our coverage over the years has been the Flex Rankings. In this weekly file, we combine the best of the running backs, wide receivers and tight ends -- do not forget them -- into one handy list for PPR formats to aid in your decision-making.
Some leagues use different stats, and we get that, but ultimately this is simply my list for what I would do in ESPN standard leagues. That is it. In addition, several days remain this week before Sunday and news is always a factor that might affect these rankings. Regardless, enjoy and best of luck not only in Week 1, but all season long.
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</article>1. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants: OK, so the Giants might be a mess again but that did not hamper Barkley last season. Do not overthink this.
2. Alvin Kamara, RB, New Orleans Saints: You might worry about his touches as the season goes on, but not in Week 1.
3. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
4. David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: I love his rookie quarterback and believe a big season, and return to top-five relevance, is pending.
5. Todd Gurley II, RB, Los Angeles Rams: Well, he is healthy today. Even with his touches monitored closely, he should score touchdowns. I am more worried about October and beyond. If he runs wild this week, sell high.
6. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Houston Texans: Stuff changed around him, but we know he is reliable and consistent no matter what.
7. Michael Thomas, WR, New Orleans Saints
8. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: If you have invested before, you know he will show up on injury reports on occasion and the touchdowns could be streaky. And still, he is top 10.
9. Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns: Huge season ahead, even as the passing game got the most notice and was upgraded. Perhaps because it was upgraded.
10. Dalvin Cook, RB, Minnesota Vikings
11. Le'Veon Bell, RB, New York Jets: Same player but totally different franchise. Not too worried, though.
12. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys: He can do much damage playing half the snaps.
13. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
14. Davante Adams, WR, Green Bay Packers: Remember, there is a Thursday night game every week. Make sure your active lineups are filled.
15. Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs
17. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Cleveland Browns: He wants the football, he should get plenty of the football.
18. Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
19. Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: Looks messy around him but volume should be king here.
20. Leonard Fournette, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: As with Gurley, he is healthy today. Cannot promise it sticks in two months.
21. Keenan Allen, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
22. Adam Thielen, WR, Minnesota Vikings
23. Brandin Cooks, WR, Los Angeles Rams
24. Chris Carson, RB, Seattle Seahawks
25. James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Some concern that Jaylen Samuels cuts into the touches, but not enough to think twice about activating him.
26. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: No concerns that Melvin Gordon is suiting up this weekend. This is clearly not the Elliott situation. It could be a while.
27. Mark Ingram II, RB, Baltimore Ravens: This is not the Saints, but Ingram is an underrated option in a strong offense for him.
28. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots
29. Stefon Diggs, WR, Minnesota Vikings
30. Kenny Golladay, WR, Detroit Lions: I bet Matthew Stafford, presumably healthy now, bounces back nicely.
31. Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams
32. Josh Jacobs, RB, Oakland Raiders: We all assume a huge workload is pending, but will he catch passes? Not sure.
33. Kerryon Johnson, RB, Detroit Lions
34. Devonta Freeman, RB, Atlanta Falcons: Had a lost 2018 season and we presume he is gonna be fine. But I have concerns. Again, he should be fine this weekend.
35. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Not sure he is healthy and if this is a blowout, perhaps we find out in his snaps.
36. George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers
37. Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Was actually more productive last season when A.J. Green did suit up, so be careful in your trust here.
38. Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Two 1,000-yard receivers on this team.
39. T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts: One 1,000-yard receiver on this team. Yeah, even sans Andrew Luck. And by the way, good for Andrew.
40. James White, RB, New England Patriots: When in doubt, in PPR, I believe go with the one that catches the passes.
41. Sony Michel, RB, New England Patriots
42. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
43. Aaron Jones, RB, Green Bay Packers: Guess we find out soon if this season he gets the touches he deserves. Or not.
44. Tarik Cohen, RB, Chicago Bears: Again, he catches passes. Lots of passes.
45. David Montgomery, RB, Chicago Bears
46. Duke Johnson Jr., RB, Houston Texans: We might think Duke's timeshare candidate is not any good, but I doubt the Texans believe it.
47. Damien Williams, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Likewise, the Chiefs made a huge move to add a running back. Williams is more of a flex choice than RB2.
48. Cooper Kupp, WR, Los Angeles Rams
49. Mike Williams, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
50. DJ Moore, WR, Carolina Panthers
51. Marlon Mack, RB, Indianapolis Colts
52. Tevin Coleman, RB, San Francisco 49ers: I definitely have concerns about overrating him, as the next fellow is bigger and proven in this offense.
53. Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers
54. Tyler Lockett, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Touchdown regression is a thing, but I do think Lockett emerges as a stronger overall option.
55. Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants
56. Dede Westbrook, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars: In Nick Foles they trust.
57. Zach Ertz, TE, Philadelphia Eagles: Not going to see many double-digit catch games this season, sorry. Too much talent in this offense for that.
58. Alshon Jeffery, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
59. Jarvis Landry, WR, Cleveland Browns: Underrated. Will get his catches. Might not score five times, but 80 receptions are coming his way.
60. Allen Robinson, WR, Chicago Bears
61. Calvin Ridley, WR, Atlanta Falcons
62. Phillip Lindsay, RB, Denver Broncos: Looking forward to seeing how this timeshare works out. The next fellow might be more valuable if used on early downs.
63. Royce Freeman, RB, Denver Broncos
64. Miles Sanders, RB, Philadelphia Eagles
65. Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles: Not that you would get much for Howard, but I bet the Eagles share the position in September, but not by November.
66. Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills: I think the Bills share the position for a while, too.
67. Derrius Guice, RB, Washington Redskins: There is a pass-catching option in this backfield, but Guice has a bright future unless Adrian Peterson gets in the way. He shouldn't. Tough matchup Sunday.
68. Marvin Jones Jr., WR, Detroit Lions
69. O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
70. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos
71. Josh Gordon, WR, New England Patriots
72. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
73. Kenyan Drake, RB, Miami Dolphins
74. Latavius Murray, RB, New Orleans Saints
75. Jalen Richard, RB, Oakland Raiders: The pass catcher in the Oakland backfield.
76. Peyton Barber, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Not a popular flex option, but he is the starter and they cannot throw on every down.
77. LeSean McCoy, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid will definitely involve him. So what if McCoy looked awful a year ago.
78. Will Fuller V, WR, Houston Texans: The touchdown fellow, but not a volume receiver.
79. Dante Pettis, WR, San Francisco 49ers: Became overrated because of coach-speak, but who believes that stuff? Pettis is good.
80. Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: Might be healthy today, but good luck in a month.
81. Tyrell Williams, WR, Oakland Raiders: As of today, it appears Antonio Brown will not be playing in Week 1, which is good for Williams, but still, he is not Antonio Brown.
82. Rashaad Penny, RB, Seattle Seahawks
83. Justin Jackson, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: It is not all Ekeler this or any week, but Jackson would have to get into the end zone.
84. Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys: Not saying I would look to activate him in fantasy, but he probably plays more than Elliott this week.
85. Christian Kirk, WR, Arizona Cardinals: Gonna be a big season for him, I think. Kyler Murray is ready, though perhaps not in Week 1.
86. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
87. Curtis Samuel, WR, Carolina Panthers
88. Corey Davis, WR, Tennessee Titans
89. Adam Humphries, WR, Tennessee Titans
90. Frank Gore, RB, Buffalo Bills
91. Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants
92. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys
93. Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos
94. DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
95. Donte Moncrief, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
96. Dion Lewis, RB, Tennessee Titans
97. Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
98. Nyheim Hines, RB, Indianapolis Colts
99. Chris Thompson, RB, Washington Redskins
100. Jamison Crowder, WR, New York Jets
Others: Jared Cook, TE, New Orleans Saints; Cole Beasley, WR, Buffalo Bills; Kalen Ballage, RB, Miami Dolphins; Ty Montgomery, RB, New York Jets; Darrell Henderson, RB, Los Angeles Rams; Carlos Hyde, Houston Texans; John Ross II, WR, Cincinnati Bengals; DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Denver Broncos; Ito Smith, RB, Atlanta Falcons; Ronald Jones, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers; Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Green Bay Packers; Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers; Mohamed Sanu, WR, Atlanta Falcons
