Opening Week, Opening Advantage
The early weeks of the fantasy football season are often the best time to gain a significant advantage. For players like Jalen Hurts, the Eagles quarterback, the initial part of the year looks especially promising. His first three games of the season will be against teams that ranked among the top nine for most fantasy points allowed to quarterbacks in the 2025 season. Hurts faces the Commanders, Titans, and Bears during this stretch, which gives him a prime opportunity to build early momentum and establish a strong fantasy presence.
The Eagles are also under a new offensive coordinator in Sean Mannion, who is expected to bring a system that could breathe new life into the team’s passing game. Hurts has looked leaner and more agile during training camp, and his form could improve in this new environment. While his performance in 2025 fell short of his usual high standards, a favorable schedule combined with better offensive support could lead to a strong rebound season.
Giants QB Gets Lucky Starts, Too
Jaxson Dart, the Giants' quarterback, is also primed for a solid start to the season. While the Rams will present a challenge during the early weeks, the remaining games on Dart’s initial schedule will be against teams with weak secondary defenses. The Cowboys, Titans, and Cardinals all let in a high number of fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks, which gives Dart favorable conditions to perform well.
The Giants have welcomed a new coaching staff and added several new weapons to their offense, including Isaiah Likely and Darnell Mooney. These new additions should make the transition for Dart easier. Additionally, with Malik Nabers expected to be active in Week 1, the Giants offense will have a strong foundation to build from. Nabers’ return adds a reliable target for Dart and could significantly enhance his fantasy potential.
Backs with Soft Starts
For fantasy running backs, a soft early schedule can result in strong early returns. David Montgomery of the Texans is in a favorable position. He is set to face three of the top eight easiest defenses for fantasy running backs from 2025: the Bills, Bengals, and Cowboys. These teams have historically struggled against opposing run games, making them a great opportunity for Montgomery to gain fantasy points.
Montgomery is now expected to be the lead back in Houston and, if he can match the performance Joe Mixon had in the previous season, fantasy owners who draft him will gain a major advantage early in the season.
Omarion Hampton of the Chargers is also set up for success in the early weeks. He will face the first three teams that ranked among the top 10 for fantasy points given to running backs in 2025: the Cardinals, Raiders, and Bills. The Chargers made significant changes to their offense, hiring Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, and also improved their offensive line. These changes, along with a soft early schedule, position Hampton as a potential fantasy starter before many realize his full potential.