As the first weeks of the NFL season unfold, fantasy managers are hunting for undervalued assets that can deliver outsized points before the league settles into its rhythm. This guide spotlights four offensive playmakers and a defensive unit whose schedules and role expectations point to early-season upside.
Early-Season Targets
Quarterback Jaxson Dart has emerged as a red-zone catalyst for his team, posting a 70% completion rate inside the 20-yard line during the preseason. Analysts project him to crack the top three at his position by Week 5, thanks to a slate of opponents whose secondaries rank 20th or lower, a scenario that historically yields higher touchdown rates for mobile quarterbacks.
Running back David Montgomery, now in Houston, is expected to reclaim a dominant red-zone role despite a shared backfield with Woody Marks. Advanced metrics from the previous season show Montgomery’s efficiency in short-yardage situations, and the Texans’ offensive scheme is trending toward a run-heavy approach that could amplify his scoring chances.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers is entering what many insiders call a breakout phase. His target share has risen steadily, and early-season matchups against bottom-half secondaries suggest a trajectory toward a 30%+ share of his team’s passes. The favorable schedule positions him as a high-upside flex option in the first month.
Tight end Dallas Goedert continues to serve as Jalen Hurts’ primary red-zone anchor. In 2023 he logged a career-best 11 touchdowns, and his EPA per target remains among the best at the position. With the Eagles’ offense emphasizing tight-end usage, Goedert’s reliability in scoring situations makes him a staple starter in most formats.
Defensive Play: Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense, anchored by cornerback Devon Witherspoon and edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, boasts a deep rotation that should translate into early-season pressure. Upcoming games against Arizona and Washington feature second-string offensive lines, a factor that could boost sack and turnover totals for a unit already ranked among the league’s top defenses.
For fantasy leagues that reward weekly point spikes, stashing these players now can pay dividends when the standings tighten. Monitoring usage trends and injury reports will be essential, but the early-season outlook favors the quartet of Dart, Montgomery, Flowers, and Goedert, alongside the Seahawks’ defensive playmakers.