5 Potential Week-Winning WRs for Week 1

The 2025 NFL (and fantasy!) season kicks off tomorrow night! Here are five players you might be hesitant to start in Week 1 who could wind up being the difference-maker you need:

Emeka Egbuka vs ATL

The Falcons’ starting corners are - once again - Mike Hughes and A.J. Terrell, and you better believe Terrell is going to have his hands full with Mike Evans on his side all game. They are the same duo that allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points to wide receivers last year and the most points to WRs lined up on the outside. With Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan both out, Emeka Egbuka ran more than 70% of his routes on the perimeter this season, and he could see legit volume right away in what should be a very high-scoring offense once again in Tampa Bay.

Matthew Golden vs DET

Green Bay has the sixth-highest implied team total this week against the Lions, and with Jayden Reed banged up, he could quickly become Jordan Love’s go-to guy in the passing game. The game also has one of the highest implied totals on the week, according to Vegas, as well, and in Detroit’s first game with their new DC and coming off a 45-point flogging in the NFC Divisional Round last year, Golden could put up numbers in a high-stakes rivalry game.

Stefon Diggs vs LV

There might be some temptation to overthink this one with Diggs being on a new team in a new situation, but don’t get it twisted: Diggs is the clear top option in the Patriots' WR room. The Raiders are starting a rookie at CB on one side and Eric Stokes on the other – not exactly a lockdown group – and with Diggs being cleared comfortably to return from his torn ACL, it’s wheels up for fantasy managers who were able to scoop him up as their team’s WR3.

Josh Downs vs MIA

The Colts’ implied team total this week is right in line with some of the best offenses in the NFL in Week 1, including the Chiefs, Bucs, 49ers, Lions, and Rams, and they’re taking on a Dolphins secondary that’s both extremely banged up and lacking quality and experienced talent. He’s a proven target earner in a slot role that Daniel Jones targeted heavily the last time he was on the field in New York, and he can start hot in a great matchup.

Deebo Samuel vs NYG

Washington has the 4th-highest implied team total for the week and is taking on their divisional rival Giants, who struggled against the screen pass last year – they allowed the 5th-most fantasy points per dropback on screen plays, which is right in Deebo’s wheelhouse. With McLaurin having missed most of the Commanders’ training camp this offseason, Deebo operating as the de facto WR1 until McLaurin is back all the way up to speed could make him a serious value in Week 1.