Dynasty Domination hinges on proactive moves, and Week 1 presents a crucial window for dynasty fantasy football managers to enhance their contending teams. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, shrewd managers are capitalizing on opportunities to acquire undervalued assets and emerging talents. The focus is on players poised for immediate impact and long-term value, giving you the edge needed for a championship run. This period, often overlooked due to the frenzy of redraft leagues, provides unique “buy-low” chances before player values surge based on early-season performances.
Strategic Advantage: Week 1 Opportunities
Savvy dynasty managers are diving into trade discussions and scouring waiver wires, pinpointing NFL players ripe for acquisition. These targets span established veterans temporarily undervalued to promising rookies and second-year players on the cusp of breaking out. The goal is clear: fortify rosters for a championship push in 2025 and beyond. This strategy exploits the often-reactive nature of fantasy football, where early-season showings can dramatically reshape player perceptions and market values. Analysts like Jonathan Fuller and Jake Trowbridge have been actively identifying key individuals to target, providing valuable insights for dynasty managers.
Key Players to Target Before Values Soar
The impact of this proactive approach is a dynamic shift in player values within the dynasty market. Managers who act decisively can secure talent at a discount, while those who hesitate risk paying a premium later. The emphasis is on players with breakout potential who haven’t yet reached “proven superstar” status or whose prices are already inflated by pre-season hype. Here are some key players to consider:
Quarterbacks
C.J. Stroud (QB, Houston Texans): Despite a disappointing 2024 campaign, Stroud, who turns 24 in October, is currently valued as a QB2 (QB15 in consensus dynasty rankings). With an anticipated increase in passing volume for the Texans, especially given Joe Mixon’s injury, and a potential rebound in efficiency, Stroud could reclaim a top-10 dynasty ranking. This makes him a potentially winning move for both the 2025 season and future championships.
Running Backs
Jaydon Blue (RB, Dallas Cowboys): After recovering from a preseason ankle injury, Blue is poised to enter a backfield lacking a clear-cut starter. According to some analysts, Blue has been a favorite draft target all offseason, indicating potential for a significant role.
Ollie Gordon II (RB, Miami Dolphins): While starting as the fourth running back on the depth chart, injuries to Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison, along with a calf injury to De’Von Achane, could unexpectedly thrust Gordon into a starting role as early as Week 1.
Trey Benson (RB, Arizona Cardinals): Identified as a prime buy-low trade candidate, Benson is a second-year running back with considerable upside. Acquiring him now could pay dividends as the season progresses.
Najee Harris (RB, Los Angeles Chargers): Despite a minor eye injury in training camp, Harris presents a compelling buy-low opportunity. With Jim Harbaugh’s commitment to a run-heavy offense and Harris’s proven track record of consistent 1,000-yard rushing seasons, he could solidify himself as a reliable RB2 with significant touchdown potential.
Woody Marks (RB, Houston Texans): With uncertainty surrounding Joe Mixon’s availability, Marks, known for his pass-catching abilities in college, could see an expanded role in the Texans’ offense. This makes him a valuable stash for dynasty managers.
Wide Receivers
Joshua Palmer (WR, Buffalo Bills): Palmer has demonstrated increased efficiency on a per-route basis in both 2023 and 2024. With Khalil Shakir as the top option and lingering questions surrounding other receivers, Palmer could seize a significant target share in a high-powered Bills offense, transitioning from a bench player to a startable WR3.
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, Indianapolis Colts): Following a disappointing 2024 season hampered by injury and inconsistent quarterback play, a healthy Pittman Jr., now paired with Daniel Jones, has the potential to return to his WR2 or better form. This makes him a prime target for dynasty managers.
Jerry Jeudy (WR, Cleveland Browns): Jeudy’s inconsistent performance last year was largely attributed to quarterback issues. With Joe Flacco starting in Week 12 and limited competition for targets, Jeudy could regain his previous level of strong production, making him a worthwhile acquisition.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith (WR, Los Angeles Chargers): Boasting a 4.37 40-yard dash time, Lambert-Smith possesses exceptional speed and is projected to be on the field for three-wide receiver sets. This offers intriguing upside at a relatively low cost, given Ladd McConkey’s presence on the team.
Emeka Egbuka (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Egbuka’s redraft ADP is considered too low, suggesting significant potential to become the WR1 on his team, possibly as early as Week 1, due to Chris Godwin’s injury. This makes him a high-upside target.
Marvin Mims Jr. (WR, Denver Broncos): Mims averaged a higher fantasy points per route run than several top receivers in the final six games of last season but had low route participation. Facing a vulnerable Titans secondary in Week 1, he could deliver a top-10 performance with explosive plays.
Rashid Shaheed (WR, New Orleans Saints): Shaheed was a productive full-time player last year, and with Kellen Moore designing plays, he could be a significant target against the Cardinals in Week 1. His potential for big plays makes him an intriguing option.
Dont’e Thornton (WR, Las Vegas Raiders): Thornton secured field-stretching duties in the preseason and could benefit from a potentially unhealthy Christian Gonzalez for the Patriots in Week 1. His ability to stretch the field adds a valuable dimension to the Raiders’ offense.
Tetairoa McMillan (WR, Carolina Panthers): McMillan is projected to be a high-volume target earner (10-12 targets) for the Panthers, facing the Jaguars in Week 1. This projected target share makes him a promising addition to dynasty rosters.
Tight Ends
Jake Ferguson (TE, Dallas Cowboys): Following a disappointing 2024 season, Ferguson is a prime bounce-back candidate, particularly with a healthy Dak Prescott at quarterback. This makes him a valuable target for dynasty managers looking for tight end production.
Colston Loveland (TE, Chicago Bears) & Tyler Warren (TE, Indianapolis Colts): Both rookie tight ends were high draft picks (10th and 14th overall, respectively) and are expected to make an immediate impact, potentially becoming focal points of their respective offenses. Their high draft capital suggests significant potential for future production.
Brenton Strange (TE, Arizona Cardinals): Strange is a late-round dart throw with potential for a breakout in 2025, especially with a Week 1 matchup against Carolina. He represents a low-risk, high-reward option for dynasty managers.
Capitalize on the Opportunity
The Week 1 period is a critical juncture for dynasty managers seeking to strengthen their contending teams. Taking proactive steps through strategic trade offers and diligent waiver wire monitoring can yield substantial rewards. By identifying and acquiring undervalued assets and emerging talents, dynasty managers can effectively transform potential weaknesses into championship-caliber strengths. According to FantasyPros, early season trades can significantly impact a team’s long-term success. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and position your team for dynasty dominance.
Sources: Top Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Targets Before Week 1, 2025-09-02; Fantasy Football Week 1 WR Trade Targets Include Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, and Others, 2025-09-01; Fantasy Football Trade Advice for Week 1 (2025) – FantasyPros, 2025-09-03; Predicting Week 1 Dynasty Risers – YouTube, 2025-09-05; Players to Buy Low & Sell High (2025 Fantasy Football) | FantasyPros, 2025-09-04; Fantasy Football 2025: Week 1 Trade Chart and rest of season rankings help you win now before the games begin – CBSSports.com, 2025-09-02; Before the Hype Hits: Smart Dynasty Buys for Fantasy Football Week 1, 2025-08-29; Week 1 Dynasty Notebook: Players to Patch Your Contending Dynasty Team – Fantasy Life, 2025-09-03; Fantasy Football 2025: Fantasy-friendly defenses report for Week 1 – PFF, 2025-09-04; Who are you targeting to buy low after week 1? : r/DynastyFF – Reddit, 2024-09-05; 20+ Players to Add Before Week 1! (Stash Now!) – YouTube, 2025-08-31; 5 Buy Low Sell High Candidates for Fantasy Football Week 1 feat. Jerry Jeudy, 2025-09-03; 7 Players You MUST STASH Before Week 1 | Fantasy Football 2025 – YouTube, 2025-09-01; Dynasty Market Report: 2025 Week 1 – Fantasy Points, 2025-09-05; 30 Players You NEED To Add BEFORE Week 1 | 2025 Fantasy Football – YouTube, 2025-09-03
