Week 1 of the 2026 NFL campaign brought notable fantasy football developments, highlighted by running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Colston Loveland. Jeanty entered the opener against Miami ranked 13th among running backs after putting a late August health concern behind him.
Meanwhile, Loveland entered Chicago's matchup against Carolina ranked third at his position, facing a defense that conceded the second-highest yardage per target to tight ends during the prior year. Despite high expectations for head coach Ben Johnson's squad following their first ten-win season since 2018, and an explosive team offensive display against the Panthers, Loveland experienced significant on-field difficulties.
Elsewhere across early-season projections, Jahmyr Gibbs headlined the top 250 players as running backs swept the first four slots, while Trey McBride topped tight end boards ahead of his game with the Chargers amid an injury to Brock Bowers. At quarterback, Trevor Lawrence held the tenth spot for Jacksonville against a Cleveland squad missing Myles Garrett, following a prior campaign featuring nine ground scores.
Fantasy managers also monitored receiver Jalen Coker as an emerging waiver prospect heading into Week 2.
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