The Atlanta Falcons will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding WR Darnell Mooney.
Is Darnell Mooney Playing in Week 1?
Update: Darnell Mooney is inactive today and will not play.
Mooney (shoulder) is questionable for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay, with Atlanta coach Raheem Morris expecting the wideout to be a game-time decision, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons’ official site reports.
We’ll continue to monitor the Falcons’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Darnell Mooney in Week 1?
Darnell Mooney is coming off a career year in terms of fantasy production relative to expectation, fantasy points per target, and yards per route. The success was great to see after a pair of down seasons with the Bears, and it resurfaced the idea of him being a legitimate WR2 in a productive offense.
However, any momentum he built entering 2025 was lost with a summer shoulder injury. This offense could undoubtedly use a consistent WR2 to aid Michael Penix Jr.’s development. Still, with Bijan Robinson and, jokes aside, Kyle Pitts viable target earners, I think it’s fair to label Mooney’s 2024 as a ceiling for per-game production.
This is a situation to watch closely. Your IR list spot isn’t overly valuable this early in the season, but should this injury linger, there’s a good chance you will be asked to make a tough decision, and I’m not going to be fighting hard to keep Mooney rostered if that’s the case.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 1 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em article.
Darnell Mooney’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 1
Mooney is projected to score 7.2 points in PPR formats. This includes 2.6 receptions for 35.7 yards and 0.1 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 1 Weather Impact: Falcons vs Buccaneers
Since the Atlanta Falcons play in a dome, there is no weather impact for this Week 1 matchup. Temperatures will be a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind.
