Best Ball Week 1 Targets: How to Identify the Best Players to Draft for Week 1 Best Ball
Early-season schedule analysis: before best ball drafts, managers can check each team’s early-season schedule (weeks 1–4) for favorable matchups. An RB playing against three bottom-five run defenses in weeks 1–4 has higher expected production early and will accumulate more best ball points during that stretch than an RB with three top-five run defense matchups. Early-schedule advantage creates real point production that compounds — week 1–4 points count as much as week 14–17 points in total-season scoring.
Week 1 Target Quick Reference
| Week 1 targeting factor | How to identify | Why it matters | Mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Favorable early schedule (weeks 1–4) | Check opponent pass/run defense rankings in the preseason | Early weeks’ points accumulate the same as late-season points — schedule edge in weeks 1–4 is a free points bonus | Ignoring schedule at the draft — two otherwise equivalent RBs have different early-season floors based on opponent quality |
| Confirmed starter (no camp competition) | Training camp reports — confirmed role, no open competition | Confirmed starters have 0 early-season floor risk; uncertain roles create week 1 uncertainty | Drafting a player with an unresolved camp competition at the same price as a confirmed starter — the competition risk is real and unpriced |
| Training camp standout (underpriced) | Beat reporter updates from team’s training camp | Players ahead of schedule or exceeding expectations may not have their ADP updated to reflect performance | Waiting for final depth chart announcement — by then the market has already priced in the camp report |
| High-volume passing team receiver | Pre-season pass attempt projections, air yards leaders | Pass-heavy teams generate more targets in all weeks, but especially week 1 when defenses are still adjusting | Assuming run-heavy teams produce WR1 output — consistent pass volume is required; week 1 on a run-first team is a dead week for receivers |
| Returning injury at full health | Training camp medical reports; practice participation | A WR or RB returning from injury who looks healthy in camp enters week 1 with a full target share they were temporarily unable to use — underpriced if the market still applies injury discount | Drafting injured players at full ADP — wait until camp confirms full health before paying full pre-injury price |
| Roster clarity post-cut day | Final depth charts released after preseason final cuts | Post-cut clarity confirms roles — if a competing player is cut, the target’s role is 100% confirmed for week 1 | Drafting before final cuts if a position battle is unresolved — wait for cut day and then target the winner at a discount |
Training Camp Clarity as Week 1 Value
Confirmed roles. Players who enter week 1 with confirmed starting roles — clearly established as the starter through training camp reports, no competition for their job, and the team’s only option at their position — have higher week 1 expected value than players whose roles are uncertain. When drafting in best ball, confirmed starters at their position are lower-variance selections for the early season. Targeting confirmed starters who also have favorable week 1–2 matchups maximizes early-season floor.
Training camp standouts. Training camp reports sometimes identify players who are outperforming expectations — a rookie who is already ahead of schedule, a veteran who is looking explosive in drills, a depth player who has emerged as the clear secondary option. These training camp standouts can be drafted slightly below their eventual production level if the rest of the market has not yet priced in the camp reports.
High-Volume Early Opportunities
Target volume leaders. Receivers on teams that project to pass at high rates (air yards leaders, pass-oriented offenses) will see more targets early in the season. Checking which teams are expected to lead the league in pass attempts — based on their offensive philosophy, QB situation, and projected opponent scoring pace — identifies which receivers and tight ends will have the most opportunity volume in the early weeks.
For how early-season targeting fits into complete best ball draft strategy, see: Best Ball Draft Strategy: How to Build a Winning Best Ball Fantasy Football Roster.