The first week of the NFL season is in the books, and the world of fantasy football is already buzzing with unexpected outcomes. Some preseason darlings failed to deliver, while several under-the-radar players burst onto the scene with impressive performances.
Keeping up with these sudden shifts in player value is key to managing a winning team. Here are the top risers and fallers you need to know about heading into Week 2.
Risers: Justin Fields, New York Jets
Justin Fields announced his arrival in New York with authority, completing 16 of 22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown while adding 12 rushes for 48 yards and two rushing touchdowns in a narrow 34-32 loss to Pittsburgh. The dual-threat production netted 27.2 fantasy points, validating his QB1 potential in his first start for the Jets.
Fields showcased improved decision-making with zero interceptions while demonstrating the rushing ability that makes him a weekly difference-maker. His 72.7% completion rate represented his highest accuracy mark in a game with 20+ attempts since entering the NFL.
FIELDS TO WILSON FOR A JETS TD
PITvsNYJ on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/QOzBNd3rJA
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The performance was particularly encouraging, given Pittsburgh’s aggressive defense, which frequently pressured Fields but ultimately couldn’t contain his mobility. His two goal-line rushing touchdowns highlighted his red zone value, while the connection with Garrett Wilson on a 33-yard scoring strike showed the chemistry developing with his new receivers.
With Breece Hall providing a strong ground game and an improved offensive line, Fields has the supporting cast to sustain QB1 production. Fantasy managers who snagged Fields in the double-digit rounds were quickly reminded that while he may not be the greatest real-life QB, he has always and will continue to be a no-doubt QB1 whenever he starts.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert delivered a masterful performance in the Los Angeles Chargers’ 27-21 victory over Kansas City, completing 25 of 34 passes for 318 yards and three touchdowns while adding seven carries for 32 yards. The 27.9 fantasy points were reminiscent of his first two NFL seasons, when he averaged 20 fantasy points per game.
Despite being viewed as a run-first offense, the Chargers threw the ball 57% of the time in a game they never experienced negative game script. Jim Harbaugh’s offense finally showcased Herbert’s elite arm talent. The quarterback found Quentin Johnston for two touchdown passes, while throwing the third to old friend Keenan Allen.
What made this performance particularly encouraging was Herbert’s efficiency under pressure and his willingness to attack downfield. The Chargers’ offensive line provided better protection than expected against Kansas City’s pass rush, allowing Herbert to work through his progressions and find open receivers.
Managers who drafted him as a high QB2 can feel confident about his weekly ceiling moving forward.
Fallers: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars steamrolled over the Carolina Panthers to open the season. It was an impressive display by Liam Coen’s team. But don’t thank Trevor Lawrence. The team won despite him.
One of the most overrated prospects of all time and one of the most overrated quarterbacks of all time, Lawrence continues to prove year after year that he is nothing more than a low-end NFL starter/high-end backup. He would not still be a starting quarterback if he didn’t have No. 1 overall draft capital.
Trevor Lawrence’s inability to throw with touch costs his team wins every year.. This, paired with his low quarterback IQ is why they consistently disappoint.. #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/mIEo2uaiIF
— Vice (@sportsnweb3) September 7, 2025
Lawrence completed 19 of 31 passes for 178 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. It was a dreadful performance against one of the league’s worst defenses. He consistently missed wide-open targets, much to the frustration of Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter fantasy managers.
In a more competitive game, Lawrence will have to throw more. Perhaps he can play better. It’s hard for him to play worse. He wasn’t drafted to be a starting fantasy quarterback, but was considered a viable late-round dart throw. After one week, he is proving why we ranked him outside the top 20 quarterbacks.
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
Fears about how the Detroit Lions would function offensively with a depleted offensive line and the loss of Ben Johnson were not assuaged in Week 1. Plenty of credit deserves to go to the much-improved Green Bay Packers defense. This was already a pretty strong unit, and then they added Micah Parsons, who was a menace even in limited duty.
Jared Goff has a history of struggling on the road, but this was downright awful. Goff completed 31 of 39 passes for an incredibly inefficient 225 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Everything was underneath, as evidenced by Jahmyr Gibbs’ 10 receptions for a paltry 31 yards.
Goff’s outing should have been even worse, but he was bailed out by a garbage-time drive in which he padded his stats and benefited from a ridiculous one-handed heel-tapping touchdown grab from rookie Isaac TeSlaa.
Better days are undoubtedly ahead, but anyone who drafted Goff hoping for a repeat of 2024 can’t feel good right now.
The first week causes chaos, but smart fantasy managers separate signal from noise. Use these insights to attack the waiver wire and identify trade targets before their values fully shift. Staying proactive is how you build a championship roster, so make your moves before your league mates do.
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