The 2024 NFL season kicks off Thursday in Kansas City, home of the defending Super Bowl champions, with the Chiefs hosting their AFC Championship contenders. As excitement builds for the new season, fantasy football managers are gearing up for the challenge ahead. Here are the opening rankings, projections, and some early waiver-wire tips to give you a competitive start in Week 1.**Quarterback Rankings**1. Patrick Mahomes (KC) - Against a strong contender, Mahomes is poised to start the season on fire.2. Josh Allen (BUF) - Consistently dynamic, Allen against a rebuilding defense could yield huge points.3. Jalen Hurts (PHI) - With his dual-threat capability, Hurts will be a handful for any defense.**Running Back Rankings**1. Christian McCaffrey (SF) - Dual-threat running backs like McCaffrey are indispensable, contributing both rushing and receiving yards.2. Derrick Henry (TEN) - The "King" still dominates the ground game and remains a reliable fantasy option.3. Austin Ekeler (LAC) - His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes Ekeler an asset in PPR leagues.**Wide Receiver Rankings**1. Justin Jefferson (MIN) - Jefferson's route-running and reliability make him a top target for Kirk Cousins.2. Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - His explosive playmaking skills can change the outcome of a game in a single play.3. Tyreek Hill (MIA) - Consistently among the fastest and most elusive players, Hill is a deep-threat superstar.**Tight End Rankings**1. Travis Kelce (KC) - Kelce remains Patrick Mahomes' go-to weapon, especially in red-zone situations.2. Mark Andrews (BAL) - As Lamar Jackson's primary target, Andrews is consistently among the top performers.3. George Kittle (SF) - Kittle’s ability to block and catch makes him a versatile fantasy choice.**Projections for Key Players**Patrick Mahomes is projected to lead all quarterbacks in fantasy points for Week 1, with an expected performance of over 300 passing yards and multiple touchdowns. Jalen Hurts is anticipated to have a strong showing with his added rushing yards boosting his total score.For running backs, Christian McCaffrey is projected to earn over 25 fantasy points, thanks to a favorable matchup and his proficiency in the passing game. Similarly, Austin Ekeler is expected to shine in both rushing and receiving against a vulnerable defense.Wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase are projected to deliver massive performances, with over 100 yards receiving each and the strong potential for multiple touchdowns. Travis Kelce leads the tight end projections with an expected high-volume target share in a potentially high-scoring game.**Early Waiver-Wire Tips**1. **Jerick McKinnon (KC)** - With the Chiefs’ affinity for spreading the ball and McKinnon’s usage in the red zone, he’s a valuable addition.2. **Romeo Doubs (GB)** - Doubs has shown strong chemistry with new starting QB Jordan Love and could be a breakout candidate.3. **Hayden Hurst (CAR)** - As a reliable tight end for rookie QB Bryce Young, Hurst is a smart pick for anyone needing depth at the position.**Conclusion**As the 2024 NFL season begins, fantasy football managers should rely on the opening rankings and projections to set their lineups confidently. Keep an eye on early waiver-wire picks like Jerick McKinnon and Romeo Doubs, as these players could provide an unexpected boost to your roster. With careful strategy and a keen eye for emerging talent, you can start your fantasy season off on the right foot.This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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