Week 1 Inactives: Jeanty, Love, Odunze and More Battle for Fantasy Glory

Prepping for the Fantasy Battlefield

As the sun rises on another NFL season, my competitive spirit kicks in with that familiar thrill of strategy and anticipation. Week 1 inactives are more than just a list of players who won't suit up — they're crucial intel for any fantasy manager looking to outmaneuver their opponents. I've scoured the latest reports, analyzed player statuses, and mapped out who you should be starting and who you'll want to bench.

"The right strategy in fantasy football can be the difference between a winning season and a season of regret."

I'm always bullish on the idea that every game is a chess match. Each lineup decision, each waiver wire pickup, and each injury update could be the key that wins you the championship. Let's dive into the details.

Biggest Concerns Heading into Week 1

Before we jump into individual player analysis, I want to lay out the most critical concerns heading into Week 1. These are the matchups and player statuses that could make or break your season. I've identified some players who are active, some with early starts, late starts, and even those going Sunday night. The goal is to help you identify your flex options and avoid any potential disappointments.

Players with Early Starts

These players will be taking the field early on Sunday, and I'm here to tell you which ones are worth starting and which you should avoid like the plague. Let's break it down:

• Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers, WR): The sophomore receiver returned to full practice this week after a toe injury and is active for Week 1. Egbuka has WR1 upside from last season and should be in your lineup against the Bengals. His presence should boost the Buccaneers' offense.
• Rome Odunze (Bears, WR): Odunze is active after dealing with a calf injury late last week, but still has some risk. He's a high-upside WR3/flex option and could be a solid play against a weak Panthers defense. I'd prefer him over Marvin Harrison Jr., Brian Thomas Jr., Courtland Sutton, and Carnell Tate.
• Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals, WR): Despite learning about the 1 p.m. ET kickoff on Thursday, Chase is active and brings overall WR1 upside. He'll be facing a high-scoring game against the Buccaneers.

Now that we've looked at early starters, let's move to those who will start their games later in the day.

Players with Late Starts

These players are active and should be in play for the late-afternoon games. They're either injury-free or cleared to play:

• Ashton Jeanty (Raiders, RB): After dealing with an ankle injury for most of the preseason, Jeanty practiced in full this week and is active for Week 1 against the Dolphins. He's a fantasy RB1 with top-scoring potential. Miami ranked in the top eight for rushing and receiving yards allowed to backs last season.
• Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals, RB): Love is officially active after dealing with an ankle injury that limited him at practice this week. He's listed as the RB2 on the Cardinals' depth chart and brings explosive running ability and reliable pass-catching skills. Even if he gets limited touches, he should see enough involvement to be started in fantasy.

Now we're turning our attention to players who will take the field for Sunday night games.

Players Going Sunday Night

Sunday night games are where it all comes together — and that means some key players could be making their debuts or returning from injury. Let's check out those who'll be playing in this high-stakes game:

• Malik Nabers (Giants, WR): Nabers is returning from a torn ACL and practiced in full this week, but his status remains 'murky at best.' If he suits up for the Giants, he should start in all fantasy leagues. Although the Cowboys have a new-look defense, they allowed the most yards, touchdowns, and fantasy points to receivers last season.

With the high-stakes Sunday night game looming, you'll want to keep a pivot option available. Options include Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, Pat Bryant, Tyquan Thornton, and Marvin Mims Jr. If Nabers is playing, slide him into your flex spot and check if Jake Ferguson is available.

Ruled Out Before Sunday

Some players have been ruled out before Sunday's games, and you'll need to adjust your lineups accordingly:

• Brock Bowers (Raiders, TE): Bowers underwent meniscus surgery on Wednesday and will miss Week 1. However, sources believe he might be back by Week 2. For a replacement, Juwan Johnson is my favorite waiver wire option — he'll likely be the No. 2 target for the Saints in a game where they'll have to throw often.
• Tua Tagovailoa (Falcons, QB): Atlanta's quarterback has been ruled out after getting added to the injury report due to an oblique injury suffered Thursday at practice. Cooper Rush is active as the 'next man up,' but he shouldn't be started in fantasy leagues — especially since he experienced some discomfort in his back on Saturday.

Who Else We're Monitoring Sunday

These are the players who are active, but may still be questionable. I'm keeping a close eye on their statuses and how they'll impact your lineup:

• Jonathon Brooks (Panthers, RB): Brooks is active for Week 1, but he missed time late in the preseason and was limited to just 12 touches in his first two NFL seasons due to injury. He brings massive upside but also risk.
• Alec Pierce (Colts, WR): The highest-paid free agent receiver in NFL history has started his 2026 season limited in practice and is active for the Colts in Week 1. However, he is a high-ceiling play with some risk due to his multiple injuries this preseason.
• Jakobi Meyers (Jaguars, WR): The receiver had been limited at practice but said that he would be playing in Week 1 and is active. Consider him a flex option who brings more of a 'safe floor' than upside.
• LeQuint Allen Jr (Jaguars, RB): Allen is active after entering the day as a game-time decision. His presence adds another wrinkle into the Jags backfield and makes Bhayshul Tuten a little more volatile. However, given the matchup against the Browns, Tuten remains in play.

In inactive news:

• Ty Johnson (Bills, RB): Buffalo's passing-down back did not practice this week and is inactive. His absence should lead to more passing-down opportunities for James Cook III. Cook is a must-play option despite the tough matchup.
• Alvin Kamara (Saints, RB): Kamara was limited in practice this week and is inactive. Travis Etienne Jr. would have been a strong start regardless, but with Kamara sitting, he brings top-10 RB upside as he will likely handle the bulk of passing-down opportunities.
• Jalen McMillan (Buccaneers, WR): The receiver is inactive for Week 1. However, Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr. could see volume boosts.
• Sean Tucker (Buccaneers, RB): Tampa Bay's RB3 is inactive for Week 1. Without him, goal-line looks should go to Bucky Irving or Kenny Gainwell. Irving is a strong start while Gainwell is a flex option in what could be a high-scoring game.

Let's not forget the late starters:

• Chris Bell (Dolphins, WR): Bell had first-round NFL draft hype before tearing an ACL in college. That injury caused him to miss much of the preseason, but he is active today. The Dolphins announced earlier this week that Bell would start alongside Caleb Douglas and will not be on a snap count. Bell is worth grabbing if he's on your league's waiver wire.
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders, RB): He had been limited in practice this week but is active today. However, given the uncertain usage split between him and Rachaad White and a tough matchup against the Eagles front, it would be wise to sit him if you can. Pivot options include Jordan Mason and J.K. Dobbins.

Finally, let's take a look at Sunday night players:

• Malik Davis (Cowboys, RB): Dallas' RB2 was carted off the practice field Friday. The team has since announced that Davis will have surgery and will be placed on injured reserve. The only other backup RB on their roster headed into the weekend was Emari Demercado, however the team has now elevated Israel Abanikanda from the practice squad. Expect Javonte Williams to handle a lot of work in Week 1.

As we head into the first week of the NFL season, I'm excited for all the action. With so many variables at play — injuries, matchups, and player statuses — this is where your strategy truly comes into play. Stay sharp, stay informed, and keep those lineups optimized!