Week 1 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

Peppers & Picks ranks Puka Nacua (LAR WR), our WR1 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 20.8 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. The math is unsexy and convincing: 20.8 points, 108% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 100% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a Nuclear reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Ja'Marr Chase (CIN WR), our WR2 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 19.8 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. 99% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Chase clears the WR bar by about 98%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at Nuclear this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET WR), our WR3 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 19.1 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 100% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 19.1 points, 91% above what the position pays out on average. Sally has him at Nuclear on the Pepper Meter, and she'll wear the result either way.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA WR), our WR4 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 19.1 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. 19.1 projected points is roughly 91% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR4. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 100% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a Nuclear reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks CeeDee Lamb (DAL WR), our WR5 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 17.3 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. 100% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 17.3 projected points is roughly 73% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR5. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at Nuclear this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Justin Jefferson (MIN WR), our WR6 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 17.3 projected points with a nuclear Pepper Meter rating. 100% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Jefferson clears the WR bar by about 73%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at Nuclear this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Drake London (ATL WR), our WR7 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 15.7 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. 15.7 projected points is roughly 57% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR7. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 97% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a On Fire reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Rashee Rice (KC WR), our WR8 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 15.3 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. 15.3 projected points is roughly 53% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR8. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 93% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a On Fire reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Chris Olave (NO WR), our WR9 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.7 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. The math is unsexy and convincing: 14.7 points, 47% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 93% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a On Fire reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Garrett Wilson (NYJ WR), our WR10 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.7 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. 90% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. I have him at WR10 because the projection lands about 47% clear of what a typical WR banks in a week. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at On Fire this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Nico Collins (HOU WR), our WR11 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.6 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. Collins clears the WR bar by about 46%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 97% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a On Fire reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Malik Nabers (NYG WR), our WR12 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.4 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 80% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Fair warning: he carries a questionable tag as of the timestamp below, so re-check before kickoff. Sally has him at On Fire on the Pepper Meter, and she'll wear the result either way.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks George Pickens (DAL WR), our WR13 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.1 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. The math is unsexy and convincing: 14.1 points, 41% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 95% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Add it up and you get a On Fire reading on the Pepper Meter — Sally isn't hedging on this one.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks DeVonta Smith (PHI WR), our WR14 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.1 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. 92% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 14.1 points, 41% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at On Fire this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Zay Flowers (BAL WR), our WR15 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 14.1 projected points with a on fire Pepper Meter rating. 84% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 14.1 projected points is roughly 41% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR15. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. That combination is why the Pepper Meter has him at On Fire this week.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Tetairoa McMillan (CAR WR), our WR16 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 13.9 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. 88% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 13.9 points, 39% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Davante Adams (LAR WR), our WR17 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 13.7 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 85% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. I have him at WR17 because the projection lands about 37% clear of what a typical WR banks in a week. Hot heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Emeka Egbuka (TB WR), our WR18 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 13.5 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. Egbuka clears the WR bar by about 35%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 83% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Ladd McConkey (LAC WR), our WR19 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 13.0 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. I have him at WR19 because the projection lands about 30% clear of what a typical WR banks in a week. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 82% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Tee Higgins (CIN WR), our WR20 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.9 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. Higgins clears the WR bar by about 29%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 74% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Terry McLaurin (WSH WR), our WR21 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.8 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. The math is unsexy and convincing: 12.8 points, 28% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 61% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Jaylen Waddle (DEN WR), our WR22 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.6 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. 69% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 12.6 points, 26% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Rome Odunze (CHI WR), our WR23 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.5 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. I have him at WR23 because the projection lands about 25% clear of what a typical WR banks in a week. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. He's listed questionable as of the update below; my rank assumes he plays, and designations move fast. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks DJ Moore (BUF WR), our WR24 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.4 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 56% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 12.4 projected points is roughly 24% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR24. Hot heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Jameson Williams (DET WR), our WR25 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.3 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 57% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 12.3 projected points is roughly 23% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR25. Hot heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Luther Burden III (CHI WR), our WR26 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.1 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. I have him at WR26 because the projection lands about 21% clear of what a typical WR banks in a week. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. 39% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Courtland Sutton (DEN WR), our WR27 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 12.0 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 35% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sutton clears the WR bar by about 20%, which is why he sits this high on my board. Hot heat, high rank: reliable points without the fireworks.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Carnell Tate (TEN WR), our WR28 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 11.9 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. 32% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. The math is unsexy and convincing: 11.9 points, 19% above what the position pays out on average. He's without an opponent this week, which caps this at a roster-hold conversation. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks Michael Pittman Jr. (PIT WR), our WR29 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 11.6 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. 26% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. 11.6 projected points is roughly 16% more than the WR baseline, and that gap is the entire argument for the spot at WR29. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. Hot on the Pepper Meter reflects a steady weekly floor rather than a boom week — that's still a start.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.

Peppers & Picks ranks DK Metcalf (PIT WR), our WR30 this week for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season against bye, projecting 11.5 projected points with a hot Pepper Meter rating. Metcalf clears the WR bar by about 15%, which is why he sits this high on my board. No game on the schedule this week, so the only decision is who replaces him. 33% of managers already start him, and the depth-chart role behind that number looks stable. Sally keeps the Pepper Meter at Hot here because the ceiling is capped, not the role.

Sally's original analysis from our own projection, usage and status data. Stats and injury designations as of Sep 13, 2:47 AM ET — statuses change fast, verify before kickoff.