6 Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers: Week 1 (2026)

The 2026 NFL season is finally here, so it’s time to shift from fantasy football draft content to Week 1 content. In this article, we’re going to focus on risers and fallers heading into the first week of the season. There has already been some key news impacting player value, so let’s get right into it.

Fantasy Football Risers & Fallers: Week 1

Fantasy Football Risers

Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)

Malik Nabers is one of my biggest fades in fantasy football this year, but we have to acknowledge that his value is rising after ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that he’s pretty much good to go for Week 1.

I’m still concerned that Nabers won’t be in full form for several weeks, but there was initially some doubt he’d play in the first week, and that seems to have been addressed here. If Nabers can play like he’s shown in the past, you’ve got yourself a steal here. However, I’m skeptical of that.

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

Emeka Egbuka fell in drafts because everyone was worried about turf toe, even though it was more of a minor toe sprain. The Buccaneers never really mentioned turf toe. It seems that was more of the community overreacting. That’s what happens in fantasy football in the social media age.

Egbuka looks ready to go for Week 1, which is huge news if you bought the dip. He is a top target in a pass-heavy offense. The perfect formula for a ceiling year.

Jeremiyah Love (RB – ARI)

The generational running back prospect dealt with a high-ankle sprain, dropping his draft stock, but Jeremiyah Love is on track to play in Week 1.

That’s huge news in what should be an exciting Cardinals offense stacked with playmakers like Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson. Love was consistently falling to the mid-third round, which was an absolute gift. Congratulations if you bought in at a discount.

Fantasy Football Fallers

MarShawn Lloyd (RB – GB)

MarShawn Lloyd got steamed up in drafts after Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. However, there’s still a chance that Jacobs could play this season. On top of that, reports indicate that the Packers will roll with a committee backfield, which could include Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks.

That means if you paid the premium on Lloyd, you may have made a terrible pick. I still like Lloyd to lead the team in touches, but this is definitely a volatile situation.

Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)

Rome Odunze is a nice target in an ascending Bears offense, but he’s currently dealing with a leg injury that puts his status in question for Week 1.

If you’re in a late draft, it makes sense to let Odunze fall a bit due to the risk that you’ll be without him for the first week. I still have high hopes for Odunze this season, but Luther Burden III is the much better pick. Hopefully, you bought the dip on him.

Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)

Jonathon Brooks is a talented running back, but he can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s dealing with knee soreness, putting his status in doubt for Week 1.

Meanwhile, Chuba Hubbard is ready to go, so Brooks could find himself second in line when he does return. I still like Brooks’ potential in a run-heavy offense, so it’s not a bad idea to put some feelers out to try to buy low here.