Top 100 Fantasy Football Rankings 2023: Week 1

We will explore the top 100 fantasy football rankings for the 2023 NFL season.

Bookmark this page as we will provide weekly live fantasy ranking updates and analysis using 4for4’s expert fantasy football rankings, starting with fantasy football rankings week 1.

Jump to Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings

Accuracy can majorly impact league success, and 4for4 features some of the businessโ€™s most accurate rankings and projections.

4for4 offers customized ranks, data-driven content, incredibly helpful tools like Strength of Schedule Hot Spots, the signature metric adjusted-fantasy points allowed, and access to the cutting-edge draft tool Draft Hero. All this and much more is available with a 4for4 subscription.

Top 100 Fantasy Football Rankings For Week 1 2023

Players always emerge as surprises each season as they exceed their average draft position (ADP) and contribute significantly to their fantasy teams. Check out our top 100 fantasy football rankings for 2023 and their current fantasy football points.

No.PlayerFFPts
1Patrick Mahomes22.5
2Lamar Jackson20.8
3Jalen Hurts20.3
4Justin Fields19.7
5Josh Allen19.1
6Justin Herbert18.6
7Trevor Lawrence18.1
8Joe Burrow17.8
9Geno Smith17.6
10Daniel Jones17.6
11Kirk Cousins17.1
12Anthony Richardson16.8
13Sam Howell16.6
14Russell Wilson16.3
15Tua Tagovailoa16.1
16Dak Prescott15.9
17Deshaun Watson15.7
18Jared Goff14.7
19Aaron Rodgers14.1
20Jordan Love14
21Mac Jones13.1
22Baker Mayfield12.8
23Brock Purdy12.7
24Kenny Pickett12.6
25Matthew Stafford12.6
26Derek Carr12.6
27Desmond Ridder12
28Jimmy Garoppolo12
29Ryan Tannehill11.8
30Bryce Young11.8
31C.J. Stroud10.6
32Clayton Tune5.4
33Joshua Dobbs4.3
34Tyrod Taylor0.1
35Austin Ekeler19.3
36Tony Pollard18.5
37Derrick Henry17.5
38Josh Jacobs16.8
39Bijan Robinson16.1
40Christian McCaffrey15.6
41Kenneth Walker15.5
42Nick Chubb15.4
43Saquon Barkley15
44Joe Mixon14.9
45Alexander Mattison14
46Jahmyr Gibbs13.9
47Rhamondre Stevenson13.2
48Rachaad White12.8
49Aaron Jones12.8
50Dameon Pierce12.7
51Cam Akers12.5
52James Conner12.1
53Javonte Williams12
54Isiah Pacheco11.7
55Breece Hall11.7
56Miles Sanders11.7
57Travis Etienne11.6
58J.K. Dobbins11.6
59Khalil Herbert11.4
60James Cook11.4
61Najee Harris11.1
62Deon Jackson11.1
63Jamaal Williams10.9
64David Montgomery10.8
65Samaje Perine10.6
66Raheem Mostert10.3
67Brian Robinson9.8
68Dalvin Cook9.3
69A.J. Dillon9.2
70Antonio Gibson9.1
71Jaylen Warren8.3
72Jerick McKinnon8.2
73Ezekiel Elliott7.7
74Tank Bigsby7.5
75Elijah Mitchell7.3
76D’Andre Swift7.1
77Salvon Ahmed6.4
78Zach Charbonnet6.4
79Gus Edwards6.3
80Evan Hull6.1
81Keaontay Ingram6.1
82Damien Harris5.9
83Kenneth Gainwell5.8
84Chuba Hubbard5.8
85Tyler Allgeier5.5
86Trayveon Williams5.5
87Cordarrelle Patterson5.3
88Ty Chandler5.2
89Sean Tucker4.9
90Clyde Edwards-Helaire4.7
91Kendre Miller4.7
92Joshua Kelley4.6
93Jerome Ford4.2
94Roschon Johnson3.9
95Devin Singletary3.8
96Kyren Williams3.7
97Devon Achane3.7
98Tyjae Spears3.4
99Rashaad Penny3.3
100Deuce Vaughn3.2

WK 1 Fantasy Football Rankings: Expert Analysis of the Top 100

1. Patrick Mahomes: 22.5 FFPts

Patrick Mahomes continues to be a top-tier option for fantasy football in 2023. Even after losing key receiver Tyreek Hill, he put up an MVP season last year with 5,250 passing yards and 41 touchdowns.

Although he’s had some turnovers and his receiving corps has seen changes like the departure of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman, the Chiefs still drafted promising rookie Rashee Rice.

Mahomes consistently scores high in both total points and points per game, making him a solid top-three quarterback choice for your fantasy team.

Use the 4for4 who should I start tool to compare if you should start Patrick Mahomes

2. Lamar Jackson: 20.8 FFPts

Lamar Jackson remains a compelling option in fantasy football for 2023, albeit with some caveats. Despite playing only 12 games in each of the last two seasons due to injuries, his per-game performance still ranks him as a potent QB1 candidate.

Jackson is entering his age-26 season with a new contract and has exciting weapons like Odell Beckham Jr., Rashod Bateman, and rookie Zay Flowers to throw to.

A change in offensive style with new coordinator Todd Monken could affect his rushing numbers but may boost his passing stats.

While health and adjustment to a new offensive scheme present risks, his dual-threat ability and high per-game scoring make him a top-five quarterback with the potential to be the overall QB1.

Start Lamar Jackson in week 1 with confidence, but be mindful of the risk/reward balance.

3. Jalen Hurts: 20.3

Jalen Hurts is a star on the rise in the 2023 fantasy football season. Last year, he made a big leap, completing 66% of his passes and throwing for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns.

His running ability sets him apart; he surpassed 700 rushing yards for the second consecutive year and scored 13 rushing touchdowns.

Hurts is also cautious with the ball, with only eight total turnovers last year. He has a new contract and is solidly the Eagles’ QB for the foreseeable future.

Currently ranked as the top-rated quarterback in many fantasy rankings, ahead of even Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, he offers excellent value.

His whole receiving crew is back, and the Eagles have one of the best offensive lines in the league. While the Eagles face a tougher schedule this year, it could lead to more pass attempts and even higher fantasy numbers for Hurts.

So, grabbing him in the second round could be a smart move for your fantasy team this year.

Use the 4for4 who should I start tool to compare if you should start Jalen Hurts.

4. Justin Fields: 19.7

Justin Fields is a rising star in fantasy football, mainly due to his exceptional rushing skills that almost broke the NFL record last year. Despite challenges in his passing game and missing two games due to injury, Fields finished fifth in overall fantasy points among quarterbacks.

The Chicago Bears have added new talent like WR D.J. Moore, signaling a potential boost in Fields’ passing stats. With his proven rushing ability providing a solid floor, Fields is a top-10 fantasy quarterback option for 2023, and if his passing improves, he could easily break into the top five again.

5. Josh Allen: 19.1

Josh Allen is a top pick in fantasy football, known for his consistent performance with over 4,000 passing yards and at least 35 touchdowns for the past three seasons. However, his tendency to turn over the ball is a concern.

While he’s a strong choice alongside Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts, the decision to draft him depends on your strategy, as he’s expected to be picked in the mid-to-late second round.

With new teammates and a potential shift towards less running, Allen remains a strong but slightly risky option for 2023.

6. Justin Herbert: 18.6

Justin Herbert has a high fantasy upside for 2023, thanks to a favorable schedule and a proven track record for throwing yardage and touchdowns.

His strong supporting cast is back, including Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen, and he’s got a new offensive coordinator in Kellen Moore, who has a history of boosting offenses.

On the flip side, Herbert’s disappointing QB12 finish last season raises some concerns. Contract negotiations could also be a distraction, although Herbert has expressed commitment to his team.

Overall, his Average Draft Position (ADP) as the seventh quarterback is quite reasonable, and he has the potential to be the top-scoring QB this season if all factors align in his favor.

7. Trevor Lawrence: 18.1

Trevor Lawrence has shown promising growth, entering his third NFL season with solid momentum. Last year, he doubled his touchdown count and halved his interceptions, earning him a spot in the top 10 fantasy quarterbacks.

With new additions to the team, including Calvin Ridley, and a focus on offense in the draft, he’s positioned well for 2023. However, unlike other elite fantasy quarterbacks, he doesn’t have much of a rushing game.

Still, he should be a reliable choice and is recommended as the seventh or eighth quarterback to draft. With a strong receiving corps and a high-scoring offensive setup, expect Lawrence to continue his upward trend this season.

8. Joe Burrow: 17.8

Joe Burrow is entering the 2023 season as a solid pick for fantasy football. A strong supporting cast surrounds him, has shown consistent performance and is backed by an improved offensive line.

Although there are concerns about his contract and a somewhat weak tight-end option, his upside far outweighs the downside.

He ranks fourth among fantasy quarterbacks and is a reliable choice with a late-second or early-third-round ADP.

Given his consistency and the strong team around him, his QB5 ADP is well justified. Expect Burrow to maintain his high performance in the upcoming season.

Compare whether you should start Joe Burrow in week 1 with the 4for4 who should I start the tool.

9. Geno Smith: 17.6

Geno Smith’s comeback story is one for the books. He turned his career around in 2022 with an impressive performance, earning him a new contract and a first-round rookie receiver, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to add to his already solid receiving corps.

While there’s talk about regression and a strong set of running backs in Seattle, Smith’s fantasy value shouldn’t be overlooked.

Do you want a quarterback with a strong past season, a good receiving team, and the ability to run the ball? Look no further. Geno Smith’s ADP places him in the 9th or 10th rounds, making him a great value pick.

Smith could very likely finish in the top 12, or even the top 10 quarterbacks, especially when you consider his career-high stats from last year and the Seahawks’ latest draft pick. Don’t sleep on Geno Smith; he could be the fantasy steal of the season.

Compare whether you should start Geno Smith in week 1 with the 4for4 who should I start the tool.

10. Daniel Jones: 17.6

If you’re eyeing a steady but somewhat underrated quarterback for your fantasy football lineup, Daniel Jones deserves attention.

He had a breakout 2022 season with the Giants, achieving career highs in passing and rushing yards. Although he plays in a run-heavy system and has some limitations in his passing game, Jones offers a nice floor thanks to his dual-threat ability.

New tight end Darren Waller and returning wide receivers add value to his prospects. As a late-round pick with the potential to finish as a QB1, Jones offers solid value and reliability for fantasy managers.

Compare whether you should start Daniel Jones in week 1 with the 4for4 who should I start the tool.

Fantasy Football Rankings Guide

When it comes to fantasy football rankings, there are several factors to consider including player performance, team situation, injuries, and potential opportunities.

What Do Fantasy Football Rankings Mean?

Fantasy Football Rankings are more than just numbers; they project a playerโ€™s potential performance.

They take into account past performances, team strategies, player health, and more.

Make sure you understand what the rankings represent before you start drafting.

Read More: A Beginners Guide to Fantasy Football

Why Do You Need Rankings to Play Fantasy Football?

Fantasy football isn’t just a game – it’s a strategy-driven battleground where you try to assemble the ultimate dream team.

Rankings, my friend, are the compass in the chaotic sea of fantasy football. Theyโ€™re more than just numbers. They’re insightful forecasts predicting which real-life players will outshine the rest.

They are the roadmap guiding us through the draft, shedding light on player value, and helping us make strategic picks. But there’s more.

The Different Types of Fantasy Football Rankings

In general, there are two types of rankings:

  • Overall Rankings: A comprehensive list of all players ranked from best to worst. This is your go-to list when deciding the best player to pick at any given time.
  • Positional Rankings: This list categorizes players by their specific positions. Ideal for when youโ€™re looking to fill in a specific position in your roster.

Overall Rankings

Overall rankings are the equivalent of a treasure map in your fantasy football journey. They rank all players from the cream of the crop down to the underdogs.

They can be your go-to playbook during the first phase of the draft. A quick guide helping you to select the players who, irrespective of their positions, promise an excellent performance. But, what happens when these top picks are exhausted?

That’s the problem you see with overall rankings. They don’t tell the whole story. If you only rely on these types of rankings, you might end up with a one-sided team and may not get the results you are looking for with your selected drafting.

Positional Rankings

The strength of positional rankings lies in their focus. Once you have secured the top-tier players using overall rankings, these lists should become your primary guide.

They can help you identify the best available talent for each specific position. But, there’s a catch.

Every league has its own set of rules. The values of positions can fluctuate, making some positions more valuable than others.

That’s why it is important to unite both sets of rankings.

The Importance of Tiers in Fantasy Football Rankings

Rankings play a vital role in fantasy football, guiding team owners in making informed decisions during the drafting process.

However, a linear list of rankings may not comprehensively understand a player’s value.

This is where tiers come into play.

By grouping players with similar projected performances, tiers give you a dynamic range of options.

1. Player Comparison

Imagine being faced with countless players to choose from. Daunting, isn’t it? But don’t worry, tiers are here to simplify your task.

By categorizing players based on their projected performances, tiers make it easier for you to visualize and compare players.

Understanding player value and identifying interchangeable options within each tier becomes a piece of cake.

2. Expanding Your Choices

One of the key advantages of tiers is the flexibility they bring to your draft.

Each tier offers you a wide range of options, allowing for quick adaptability.

So, when your preferred players get snagged by others, you’ll still have a pool of equivalent players to consider. With tiers, you always have a strategic plan, ready to secure the best possible selection for your fantasy team.

3. Spotting Performance Drop-Offs

As you navigate through the drafting process, the significance of tiers becomes clear.

You’ll notice a decline in expected performance when moving from one tier to the next. Tiers highlight these critical drop-offs, enabling you to prioritize positions or players before the talent pool thins out.

That’s your secret to securing players with the highest potential.

4. Balancing Risk and Value

Tiers play a pivotal role in managing risk and maximizing value during your draft. By tracking the number of players left in each tier, you can gauge the urgency to make a pick.

This way, you can balance your desire to secure a favorite player and the risk of missing out on other high-value options.

Plus, tiers can help you spot undervalued players in higher tiers, offering you golden opportunities.

5. Customizing Rankings for Your League

Every league in fantasy football, including yours, has its unique quirks. The scoring systems can vary with some rewarding certain positions more than others.

The rules can be different too, adding that extra twist to your game. The question is, how can your strategy keep up with these varying elements? The answer lies in customizing your rankings.

Customizing rankings is not just about acknowledging the uniqueness of your league. It’s about adjusting your strategy to the rules and scoring systems.

Once you have this information, you need to tweak your rankings accordingly.

Call out: the pro rankings at 4for4 are completely customizable to your league.

Why Should You Use Customized Rankings?

Your overall rankings are not set in stone. They’re a starting point.

As mentioned above, for your league, certain players might hold more value based on the rules.

For example, if wide receivers garner more points in your league, you need to prioritize them in your rankings.

Customizing these rankings will give you an edge when filling specific positions in your roster.

Ultimately, customizing your rankings is about understanding your league and adapting your strategy accordingly.

It’s about using the uniqueness of your league to your advantage.

6. Develop a Draft Strategy Using Rankings

Creating an effective draft strategy is a blend of art and science, a delicate balance of finding the best player available and filling your roster.

On one side, you have the allure of picking the best player available. On the other, the necessity of filling your roster. The challenge is to find a way to do both, and your tool to achieve this is your customized rankings.

When it comes to your draft strategy, the secret sauce is understanding position scarcity. Some positions in your league will have an abundance of talent, while others might be scarce with only a few elite options.

Your job?

Prioritize those positions with fewer top-tier options.

Optimizing Your Pick

While it’s crucial to fill your roster, you should always keep an eye out for exceptional players. If the best player available is significantly better than the rest and fits into your strategy, don’t hesitate to pick them.

Use your customized rankings as a guide to spot these.

It’s all about finding the right player for each position based on your league’s rules and scoring system.

Crafting your draft strategy isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon. It requires considering the best player available, filling your roster, and understanding position scarcity.

This process can be complex, but the results are worth it. With a balanced strategy, you’re not only drafting a team – you’re constructing a winning machine.

Balancing Risk and Upside

Your draft strategy isn’t just about who’s expected to perform well. It’s also about considering potential risks and rewards. Some players offer high potential (high ceiling) with a significant risk factor (low floor).

Your player rankings typically represent an average expected outcome. However, some players carry more uncertainty – they could be breakout stars or busts. Weigh the potential upside against the risk to balance your team composition.

As you navigate your draft, you’ll have to make decisions between picking safe, steady players and riskier ones with a high upside.

The key to success is to find the right balance that aligns with your team’s strategy and risk tolerance.

7. Keep Up with the Latest Fantasy Football News

Fantasy Football player rankings can change throughout the preseason.

Injuries, roster moves, or shifts in team strategies can all affect a player’s value.

How do you stay ahead in this ever-changing game? You’ll need to regularly update your knowledge and adjust your rankings, so be sure to follow along with the latest fantasy football news and player updates.

This regular update of your knowledge will allow you to adjust your rankings and stay on top of your game.

8. Beyond Draft: The Waiver Wire

Keep using the rankings even after the draft. They can guide you in making savvy trades and pickups as player performances fluctuate throughout the season.

Remember, Fantasy Football is as much a game of luck as it is about strategy. Understanding and applying these ranking insights effectively will give you a competitive edge in your league. But at the end of the day, the on-field action on Sundays will always have the final say!

Why You Should Trust Our Fantasy Football Rankings

92% of Our Subscribers Made the Playoffs Last Year

With an impressive track record of being named the most accurate rankings expert not once, but twice (in 2010 and 2014), 4for4’s John Paulsen has consistently proven his unparalleled accuracy. In fact, since 2010, he has finished as a top-10 accurate ranker a remarkable 10 times. 

This level of consistent success is a testament to Johnโ€™s deep understanding of the game, meticulous analysis, and dedication to providing the most reliable rankings possible.

When you subscribe to 4for4, you can trust that John Paulsenโ€™s Fantasy Football Rankings will give you a distinct advantage in your fantasy league, making it hard to find a more reliable and trustworthy source in the industry.

Read more on why you should join 4for4.

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written by

The Bleacher Nation staff has a combined 75+ years of professional and amateur sports coverage experience, including authors who've written for newspapers like the Chicago Sun Times, provided analysis at Regional Sports Networks like NBC Sports Chicago and radio stations like 670 The Score and ESPN1000, and who've hosted their own podcasts and authored their own books on Chicago and Professional sports. BN Staff's speciality lies in Chicago sports, as well as overall coverage of everything happening in the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA, fantasy sports, sports betting, and more.

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