The 2025 fantasy football season is finally here. Hopefully, fantasy players came away with the championship title last year. However, it’s time to move forward to this season. So, let’s look at the top streaming quarterback options for Week 1.
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Fantasy Football Quarterback Streamers & Waiver Wire Targets
All the quarterbacks in this article are rostered in under 50% of ESPN leagues.
Trevor Lawrence (JAC) vs. Carolina Panthers (35.7% Rostered)
Unfortunately, Lawrence had a disappointing 2024 season. The former Clemson star finished as the QB27, averaging 14.5 fantasy points per game. He missed seven games because of injury, including the final five with a concussion. However, fantasy players should expect him to get off to a hot start in Week 1. The Jaguars improved their offensive line this offseason. More importantly, they traded up during the NFL Draft for Travis Hunter to pair with Brian Thomas Jr., giving Lawrence two dynamic weapons to take advantage of Carolina’s questionable secondary.
Last year, the Panthers struggled to slow down opposing passing attacks. They surrendered the 10th-most passing yards (3,820) and the most touchdowns (35). More importantly, Carolina gave up 18.4 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the fourth-most in the league. While the team added Tre’von Moehrig this offseason, they still have one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. Furthermore, 2024 sack leader Jadeveon Clowney is no longer with the team. Don’t be surprised if Lawrence has a strong performance in Liam Coen’s first game as a head coach.
Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20.1% Rostered)
Fantasy players only got to see Penix start three games as a rookie. While he averaged 245.7 passing yards, a touchdown, an interception, and 14.2 fantasy points per game in those starts, the former Washington star flashed upside in the final contest. Penix had 312 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a rushing score in Week 18, totaling 25 fantasy points against a bad Carolina Panthers pass defense. More importantly, he has the entire offseason to prepare as the clear-cut starter, building a strong connection with Drake London.
Thankfully, Penix has an excellent matchup against the Buccaneers. Last year, Tampa Bay surrendered 19.6 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the second-most in the NFL. They also gave up 4,147 passing yards, the fourth-most in the league. Furthermore, the Buccaneers struggled against Kirk Cousins last season, surrendering 509 passing yards and four touchdowns in the Week 5 matchup and 276 and four in the Week 8 contest. Tampa Bay should have no trouble scoring on Atlanta’s defense, forcing Penix to match Baker Mayfield throw for throw on Sunday.
Bryce Young (CAR) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (14.8% Rostered)
Young finished last year as the QB20, averaging 13.9 fantasy points per game. Yet, he had a higher average than Drake Maye (13.6) and C.J. Stroud (13). More importantly, the former Alabama star was significantly better following his benching, becoming a borderline must-start quarterback to end last season. Young was the QB6 from Week 13 through Week 18, averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Bo Nix (21.6). Furthermore, the Panthers have set him up for a third-year breakout after adding Tetairoa McMillan in the NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars will have one of the worst pass defenses, if not the worst, in the NFL this season. Jacksonville added Eric Murray and Jourdan Lewis in free agency this offseason. However, Travis Hunter is listed as a backup cornerback on the depth chart. More importantly, DraftKings has the over/under for this game at 46.5 points, the seventh-highest in Week 1. While Young won’t have Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow is a capable slot receiver. Don’t be surprised if this game becomes a shootout between two up-and-coming young offenses.
Joe Flacco (CLE) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (2.3% Rostered)
While Flacco won’t be the Browns’ starting quarterback all season long, fantasy players should jump at the chance to start him in Week 1, especially in superflex leagues. The veteran averaged 1.7 passing touchdowns and 14 fantasy points per game in his six starts for the Indianapolis Colts last year, totaling at least two passing scores in 62.5% of his contests. Furthermore, Flacco was the QB2 over the final five weeks of the fantasy season in 2023 with the Browns, averaging 2.6 passing touchdowns and 21.8 fantasy points per game.
More importantly, this AFC North matchup should be a shootout. DraftKings has the over/under for this game at 47.5 points, the second-highest for Week 1. Meanwhile, the Bengals project to have the worst pass defense in the NFL despite having Trey Hendrickson back on the field. Last year, they surrendered 30 passing touchdowns, the fourth-most in the league. Furthermore, Cincinnati gave up 18.1 fantasy points per game to quarterbacks, the sixth-most last season. Expect Flacco to take advantage of the Bengals’ defense and have at least two passing touchdowns.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
