The 2026 NFL season will begin in glorious fashion for Seahawks fans, as the team will unveil its second Super Bowl championship banner prior to Wednesday's home opener. The ‘Hawks will host the New England Patriots in a rematch of Super Bowl LX, and the game will also be a showcase for the beginning of the 2026 Fantasy Football season.
Fantasy points will be accrued for the first time this year, as fantasy managers anticipate more statistical surges from Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks defense/special teams. The Seahawks players that are started in fantasy lineups might push your team out to an initial lead, but keep in mind that there are only two games before the busy Sunday schedule. Fantasy wins and losses won't be truly decided until Sunday and Monday night.
We focus heavily on the games that will take place after Wednesday and Thursday, but this first regular season article of 2026 is also an opportunity to highlight a Seahawks rookie that may eventually be bound for fantasy stardom.
At each position in this Week 1 lineup rundown, the featured starters are listed in order of lineup preference. We help you make the best decisions when faced with challenging lineup calls. The analysis leans to Point-Per-Reception (PPR) formats. My full lineup rankings for Week 1 will be available on RotoBaller.com this week.
NFL Week 1: Running Backs To Start
START Bucky Irving/Kenneth Gainwell, Buccaneers: The Tampa Bay backfield may be unpredictable from fantasy perspectives this season, because both RBs may get their air share of touches. But both RBs deserve starting consideration in what could be a higher-scoring game against Cincinnati in the season opener. The Tampa Bay offensive line is one of the best in the league, and Irving deserves RB2 starting consideration, while Gainwell is a viable flex option.
START David Montgomery, Texans: Many didn't draft Montgomery to reserve him in Week 1, but some fantasy players might wonder whether he will be effective enough against the Bills. The Houston offensive line is still an area of concern, and if the Texans are playing catch-up for an extensive period, Montgomery could be pulled off the field on passing downs.
But the matchup against the Buffalo defensive front is not intimidating enough to consider reserving Montgomery. The former Lion and Bear is a tough runner who breaks tackles and battles hard for every yard. Establishing a ground game, which has been a consistent issue for the Texans in past seasons, will be a key to controlling the clock as much as possible, and Montgomery will be up to the task.
START Jadarian Price, Seahawks: The first-round rookie is revving up for his NFL debut against New England this week. Price can help establish a steady ground game right away with his excellent vision and cutback moves, and a solid performance can set up play-action strikes for Sam Darnold. The exciting new Seahawks RB can be started as a flex option, with a potential eye on a eventual RB2 role for fantasy teams. Price should get enough quality touches to be worthy of a starting spot in your lineup this week.
START Rico Dowdle, Steelers: This will be another RB situation that may be difficult to forecast on a week-to-week basis, but Pittsburgh has a good matchup for them to exploit in Week 1. Dowdle is certainly worthy of flex consideration, and he has true upside as a runner, as we saw often enough when he was with Carolina last year. Jaylen Warren will also be in the RB mix, but start Dowdle in any close lineup decisions involving him.
More Fantasy Football Week 1 Start 'Em RB Options: Jeremiyah Love (if he starts with no reported limitations, otherwise consider Tyler Allgeier), Bhayshul Tuten, Jordan Mason, MarShawn Lloyd.
NFL Week 1: Wide Receivers To Start
START Jaylen Waddle, Broncos: This is another case where many drafted the player with the intent to start him regularly, yet there are situations where a starting roster may look so strong, that a fantasy manager might have to make a very tough call. This happens more often in 10-team leagues and leagues where the competition might not be overly fierce.
The Chiefs' secondary lost three key defensive backs during the offseason, and Bo Nix will certainly test the Kansas City pass defense with his newest weapon. The change of scenery could boost Waddle to one of the best seasons of his career, and the ex-Dolphin might be one of the highest-scoring fantasy WRs of the opening week.
START Jameson Williams, Lions: We may see Williams develop into even more of a reliable fantasy starter this season, and with defenses focusing so much on other prime playmakers in the Detroit offense, the speedster can see some open room for big plays. The New Orleans secondary is in a state of transition, and Jared Goff will take advantage by finding Williams downfield a few times against the Saints.
START Quentin Johnston, Chargers: The Arizona pass defense might improve this season, but facing a potent Chargers offense that will be coached up by new coordinator Mike McDaniel is a tough assignment to begin the season. Johnston is Justin Herbert's preferred big-play guy, and the Los Angeles WR can also win on contested catches. Johnston is a matchup play in fantasy football, and he gets a favorable draw in Week1.
START Caleb Douglas, Dolphins: This is a deeper play, especially in highly competitive leagues. This rookie is coming off a strong preseason and is a threat to make downfield grabs as Miami's potential best deep threat. The Las Vegas secondary was a good group to target for fantasy purposes last year and should still be an advantageous matchup for WRs this year. Douglas might catch his first career TD pass in his first pro game.
More Fantasy Football Week 1 Start 'Em WR Options: Chris Godwin, Josh Downs, DK Metcalf, Matthew Golden, Tre Tucker, Wan'Dale Robinson.
NFL Week 1: Tight Ends To Start
Dallas Goedert, Eagles: Washington presents a great opportunity for the Eagles to display a quality passing game right out of the gate. DeVonta Smith should post impressive numbers as the No. 1 WR for Philadelphia this week. Goedert should also be busy as a potential second target for Jalen Hurts, and the Philly TE is a top TD target when the Eagles pass in the red zone. Goedert caught 10 of his 11 TDs inside the 20-yard line last year, and he may catch more than one TD pass in the season opener.
Isaiah Likely, Giants: The former Raven finally gets a chance to be a No. 1 TE for his NFL team. Likely joined his former coach, John Harbaugh, with the Giants, and he is a candidate to post good numbers in the first week of the new fantasy season. The Giants are still settling in with a returning Malik Nabers and other new pieces at WR, and the Dallas defense might get burned the most by Likely.
Fantasy players have long wondered how Likely would fare as a regular NFL starter, and the first returns from the 2026 season may be quite impressive.
More Fantasy Football Week 1 Start 'Em TE Options: Juwan Johnson, Mark Andrews, Terrance Ferguson.
NFL Week 1: Quarterbacks To Start
START Bo Nix: I already recommended Waddle as a slam-dunk starter for Week 1, so Nix is naturally another good starting choice for your fantasy football regular season opener. The Chiefs' pass defense will be tested very often by the QB who led the NFL in passing attempts in 2025. Nix will be able to stretch the field more with Waddle, and a three-TD day will be within reach.
START Baker Mayfield: He is healthy again and should regain his better form right from the start of the 2026 season. The Buccaneers are dealing with injuries at WR, but their group at the position runs deep, and Mayfield has quality options that can step in if needed. Trading offensive punches with Joe Burrow will be a must and Mayfield will be forced to throw quite often.
More Fantasy Football Week 1 Start 'Em QB Options: Matthew Stafford, Caleb Williams, Jaxson Dart.
Recommended Superflex League QB Options: Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Malik Willis.
Week 1 Defenses to Stream: Jacksonville is the No. 1 defense of the week against Cleveland. The Eagles are No. 2, as they will make the season opener difficult for the Commanders. The Chargers' defense will get after the QB after establishing a comfortable lead vs. Arizona. The New York Jets should be able to get consistent pressure against the Tennessee offensive line. Jets-Titans might be one of the lowest-scoring games of Week 1.
Scott Engel's *2026 Fantasy Football rankings are available at RotoBaller.com.* Scott is a member of the inaugural class of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's (FSWA) Hall of Fame. He has been the official Fantasy Football writer for *Seahawks.com* since 2012 and has contributed to game coverages and special projects such as the *Top 50 Seahawks of All Time*. Scott is a Senior Writer at *RotoBaller.com* and a host on SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio. His work has regularly appeared at *CBSSports.com*, *ESPN.com* and The Athletic.
Check out photos of the Seahawks 53-man roster for the 2026 season.
This is a 2026 photo of DeMarcus Lawrence of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker DeMarcus Lawrence (0)
This is a 2026 photo of Julian Neal of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Julian Neal (1)
This is a 2026 photo of Drew Lock of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock (2)
This is a 2026 photo of Nick Emmanwori of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori (3)
This is a 2026 photo of Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4)
This is a 2026 photo of Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5)
This is a 2026 photo of Jalen Milroe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6)
This is a 2025 photo of Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 9, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (7)
This is a 2026 photo of Jadarian Price of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Jadarian Price (8)
This is a 2026 photo of Cooper Kupp of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10)
This is a 2026 photo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
This is a 2026 photo of Ernest Jones IV of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV (13)
This is a 2026 photo of Sam Darnold of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14)
This is a 2026 photo of Tory Horton of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (15)
This is a 2026 photo of Elijah Arroyo of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo (18)
This is a 2026 photo of Julian Love of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20)
This is a 2026 photo of Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21)
This is a 2026 photo of Rashid Shaheed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22)
This is a 2026 photo of Emanuel Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson (23)
Seahawks cornerback Avery Smith (27).
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Avery Smith (36) runs during an NFL preseason football game against the San Francisco 49ers in Inglewood, Calif., Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)
This is a 2026 photo of Nehemiah Pritchett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28)
This is a 2026 photo of Josh Jobe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Josh Jobe (29)
This is a 2026 photo of Drake Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (32)
This is a 2026 photo of George Holani of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back George Holani (36)
This is a 2026 photo of Brady Russell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks fullback Brady Russell (38)
This is a 2026 photo of Ty Okada of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Ty Okada (39)
This is a 2026 photo of Chris Stoll of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41)
This is a 2026 photo of Chazz Surratt of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Chazz Surratt (44)
This is a 2026 photo of Tyrice Knight of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48)
This is a 2026 photo of Patrick OíConnell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Patrick O'Connell (52)
This is a 2026 photo of Olu Oluwatimi of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (55)
This is a 2026 photo of Dante Fowler of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (56)
This is a 2026 photo of Connor OíToole of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Connor O'Toole (57)
This is a 2026 photo of Derick Hall of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58)
This is a 2026 photo of Jalen Sundell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Jalen Sundell (61)
This is a 2026 photo of Christian Haynes of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64)
This is a 2026 photo of Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Charles Cross (67)
This is a 2026 photo of Beau Stephens of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Beau Stephens (70)
This is a 2026 photo of Abraham Lucas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Abraham Lucas (72)
This is a 2026 photo of Josh Jones of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Josh Jones (74)
This is a 2026 photo of Anthony Bradford of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75)
This is a 2026 photo of Grey Zabel of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Grey Zabel (76)
This is a 2026 photo of Bryce Cabeldue of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Bryce Cabeldue (77)
This is a 2026 photo of Eric Saubert of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Eric Saubert (81)
This is a 2026 photo of Montorie Foster of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. (87)
This is a 2026 photo of A.J. Barner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88)
This is a 2026 photo of Nick Kallerup of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Nick Kallerup (89)
This is a 2024 photo of Jarran Reed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90)
This is a 2026 photo of Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91)
This is a 2026 photo of Mike Morris of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94)
This is a 2026 photo of Brandon Pili of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Brandon Pili (95)
This is a 2026 photo of Rylie Mills of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the roster as of June 8, 2026. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Rylie Mills (98)
This is a 2024 photo of Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
