Zay Flowers or Jerry Jeudy: Which WR should I start in Week 1 Fantasy Football?

Jerry Jeudy's time with the Denver Broncos wasn’t the dream scenario it once seemed it could be. But moving to the Cleveland Browns has appeared to work wonders. Meanwhile, Zay Flowers has continued to improve, leaving fantasy managers with a tough decision. Without a 2025 sample size, making the call can feel like throwing darts in the dark.

Still, some tools and analysis can help. Here’s a look at whether to go all-in on Flowers or Jeudy in Week 1 of the NFL season.

Is Jerry Jeudy a good pick for fantasy football Week 1?

Jerry Jeudy is a solid option, but he comes with a major question. In 2024, he logged a career-high 90 catches for 1,229 yards. It was his first season since things went south in Denver, suggesting he had extra motivation to prove his former team wrong.

With a full season between his Denver exit and today, the question is whether he can attack 2025 with the same energy. Sportskeeda’s Who Should I Start tool says yes, at least for Week 1. Jeudy is projected to score 14.2 fantasy points against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Is Zay Flowers a good pick for fantasy football Week 1?

Zay Flowers improved in his second season, topping his rookie-year receiving total by 200 yards. But the arrival of DeAndre Hopkins raises questions about whether his targets will take a hit as early as Week 1. Flowers finished 2024 with 1,059 yards and four touchdowns.

According to Sportskeeda's free Who Should I Start tool, the receiver will start his third season on a solid pace with 13.7 points against the stiff Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football. The Baltimore Ravens' addition of Derrick Henry should keep Buffalo’s defense honest, opening up space for Flowers and helping counteract any loss in targets to Hopkins.

Who to pick between Jerry Jeudy and Zay Flowers for Week 1?

Both players have a good case, but with the Cleveland Browns facing the Bengals’ shaky secondary, the edge goes to Jeudy. He’s projected to outscore Flowers by half a point, making him the safer Week 1 start.

Jerry Jeudy vs Zay Flowers - Sportskeeda's Who Should I Start Tool

Jeudy has raised questions in his time in the league, but with the Bengals' infamous defensive woes in play, Week 1 is too good of an opportunity to pass up.