Fantasy Football DvP Mismatch Report For Week 1: Which Players to Play or Avoid?

Matchups cannot be ignored in fantasy football. Identifying a favorable or difficult one can settle your toughest lineup decisions. Week 1 is especially fun because there are no current-season trends. Still, some answers may be hiding in plain sight.

Week 1 Fantasy Football DvP Matchups To Target

TE Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals

Thought I’d hit you with a doozy, but Cade Otton gets possibly my favorite TE matchup of Week 1. Cincinnati upgraded its defense, but that could take time. What better way for Baker Mayfield to attack than by exploiting a defense that finished dead last in fantasy points allowed to TEs?

Doesn’t tickle your fancy? Fantasy football is about scoring points, correct? Why not target a healthy player in Week 1’s highest-projected scoring game? Give me that action. If you’re dealing with TE injuries, Otton makes a solid backup plan. Some Bucs WRs are also nursing injuries. They could be limited or miss the game entirely, creating more opportunities for Otton.

WR Garrett Wilson, New York Jets at Tennessee Titans

The Jets fly into Tennessee to face a Titans team that disappointed during the SHOW portion of the preseason, TELLING us another long season could be ahead. For Garrett Wilson, the runway is clear for takeoff, including against Tennessee’s corners.

Titans DB coach Tony Oden coached the Jets’ secondary from 2021 through 2024. His aggressive philosophy could leave Tennessee vulnerable to Wilson’s elite route running. If the Titans get too aggressive, Wilson could have their secondary singing the Nashville blues.

RB De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins at Las Vegas Raiders

Floundering into 2026 might best describe Miami’s offense. Yo! They made a few plays during the preseason.

Good points made. 👇

"Dolphins only gave fans one complete series with the starters during preseason and it was beautifully scripted.

We have no clue how good, or bad, this team is going to be and it’s kind of exciting." — @JoeRobbie_ of @TheDiveBarPod.

(🎥: @GhostOfAdamGase) pic.twitter.com/a57q2ZAtwQ
— SleeperDolphins (@SleeperMiami) September 1, 2026

I’m still skeptical. Who wouldn’t be with OC Bobby Slowik, passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo, and new QB Malik Willis directing an offense that showed only brief flashes in limited action?

De'Von Achane can keep it afloat. The Raiders surrendered the third-most RB touchdowns last season. Las Vegas improved at linebacker, but Achane remains difficult to contain. HC Jeff Hafley even joked about giving him 40-plus touches. Watch out, LaDainian Tomlinson: your record-setting 48-touch performance might be in jeopardy.

Avoid These Week 1 DvP Matchups

WR Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles

We talkin’ about matchups, not the other aspects of fantasy. Stefon Diggs has one of the worst to open the season.

Philadelphia surrendered only seven WR touchdowns in 2025. Terry McLaurin should remain Washington’s leading target earner, leaving Diggs fighting for opportunities. New OC David Blough has also emphasized RB versatility, creating more target competition.

Diggs will have his moments, but against Philly? We talkin’ avoidance. Oh yeah, and Washington might want to figure out its offensive line before we endorse this offense.

RB RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs

RJ Harvey’s most difficult Week 1 matchup might not be 2025’s fifth-ranked rushing defense. It might be Denver’s coaching staff, led by Sean Payton, and their penchant for KEEPING US GUESSING about the RB rotation.

Denver added Jonah Coleman in the draft, giving fantasy managers another reason to wait and see. I understand OC Davis Webb will call most plays, but come on, Adam Prentice with Harvey in the backfield? That’s ludicrous!

Payton and his staff have kept fantasy managers guessing with their RB usage for years. Harvey has the talent to make an immediate impact, but an unpredictable rotation could prevent him from receiving enough opportunities to deliver in Week 1.