Week 1 Flex Value Starts with Matchups and Usage
The fantasy football flex spot is where strategy meets opportunity. It’s not just about who’s talented—it’s about who’s getting touches, targets, and the right matchups. As of September 5, 2025, coaches have released depth charts, and injury reports are starting to tell us which roles are secure and which are up in the air. Let’s break down the Week 1 landscape to find the flex plays you can trust—and the ones you should fade.
RB Workhorse Watch
Running backs with a clear path to 15+ touches are Week 1 gold. With fresh legs and no bye weeks to worry about, some backs you drafted as RB3s can easily be flexed into starting roles.
| Player | Team | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brian Robinson Jr. | Commanders | vs ARI | Should see high volume against a weak front |
| Javonte Williams | Broncos | vs LV | Off PUP list, trending toward full workload |
| Rachaad White | Buccaneers | @ MIN | Low competition for touches, should catch passes |
WR Volume Predictors
Target share is the holy grail at wide receiver. Week 1 gives us some clarity from preseason usage and beat reports. These receivers may not be household names yet, but their opportunities are real.
Mid-Tier WRs Worth Starting
- Jahan Dotson (Commanders vs ARI) — With Terry McLaurin questionable as of September 5, Dotson could be the WR1 in a juicy matchup.
- Zay Flowers (Ravens vs HOU) — Reports from camp show he’s Lamar’s favorite rookie target. Could lead the team in catches Week 1.
- Jakobi Meyers (Raiders @ DEN) — He’s the clear WR2 in a Josh McDaniels offense. PPR floor is real.
Fading the Hype
- Drake London (Falcons vs CAR) — Arthur Smith’s offense is run-heavy. London could disappear if volume’s not there.
- Skyy Moore (Chiefs vs DET) — Still not a guaranteed top-two option in that offense. Boom or bust to start the season.
Tight Ends You Can Actually Flex
If your TE isn’t one of the elite names, flexing a second tight end usually means betting on a touchdown. But in Week 1, a few options look like they might bring volume as well.
Surprising TE Flex Plays
- Sam LaPorta (Lions @ KC) — Playing in the opener. Early signs show he’s running with the starters and could get red zone looks.
- Juwan Johnson (Saints vs TEN) — Chemistry with Carr was noted all preseason. High snap share expected.
- Jake Ferguson (Cowboys @ NYG) — With Schultz gone, Ferguson slides into a big role in a pass-happy offense.
RB Committees to Navigate Carefully
Platoons are the enemy of flex certainty. When teams split snaps and touches evenly, it’s a guessing game. If you’re forced to start someone from these backfields, watch the injury news and roles closely.
| Backfield | RBs Involved | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Eagles | Swift, Gainwell, Penny | Avoid unless Swift is confirmed starter |
| Dolphins | Mostert, Achane, Wilson (IR) | Mostert viable in deeper leagues |
| Bears | Herbert, Foreman, Johnson | Herbert starts, but leash is short |
Matchups That Inflate Flex Appeal
Certain defenses bleed points to skill players. For Week 1, historical trends and current roster issues tell us which matchups to target.
- Cardinals at Commanders — Arizona is rebuilding and weak against the run and pass. Start all your Washington playmakers.
- Texans at Ravens — Houston’s defense lacks depth. Expect high efficiency from Baltimore’s starters.
- Raiders at Broncos — Denver struggled against slot WRs last year. Meyers could eat if Surtain shadows Adams.
Key Injury Watch List
As of September 5, 2025, these injury situations are directly impacting flex decisions. Make sure to monitor official practice reports before kickoff.
- Terry McLaurin (toe) — Questionable. If out, Jahan Dotson becomes a strong WR2/flex.
- Christian Watson (hamstring) — Limited practice. Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs become flex-worthy if Watson sits.
- Breece Hall (knee) — Expected to be limited. Dalvin Cook could see more snaps in Week 1.
Rookies with Immediate Flex Potential
Every year, a few rookies pop right out of the gate. These guys have momentum and favorable roles heading into their debuts.
- Jordan Addison (Vikings vs TB) — Locked in as the WR2 with Jefferson drawing top coverage.
- Zay Flowers (Ravens vs HOU) — Again, yes, we’re mentioning him twice. The opportunity is that strong.
- Tank Bigsby (Jaguars @ IND) — Will spell Etienne but could carve out a red zone role early.
