London’s Week 1 Outlook is bright as fantasy football managers gear up for the 2025 NFL season. All eyes are on Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London, and this article provides a crucial injury update and start/sit advice to help you make informed decisions for your Week 1 lineup. With the Falcons hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, London’s performance is highly anticipated.
Drake London: Injury Update
Good news for fantasy managers: Drake London is entering Week 1 fully healthy and ready to play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to recent reports, there are no new injury concerns for London as the 2025 season kicks off. This clean bill of health is a significant boost, considering London’s past injury history.
While London has dealt with injuries in the past, including a concussion and an ankle fracture during his college career in 2021, and a mild hamstring strain in April 2022, he has overcome these setbacks. More recently, he dealt with a hamstring strain in Week 16 and a hip injury in Week 13 of the 2024 season but was cleared to play. The absence of any current injury worries makes him a reliable option for your Week 1 lineup.
Start/Sit: London’s Week 1 Projection
Drake London is projected to perform as a solid mid-range WR1 in Week 1. Fantasy football experts widely consider him a top-10 wide receiver option for the opening week. Projections estimate around 10.2 PPR fantasy points against the Buccaneers, including approximately six catches and 70 yards, with nearly a 40% chance of scoring a touchdown, according to multiple fantasy football outlets.
Some projections are even more optimistic. For example, some forecasts predict London to score 17.5 points in PPR formats, with 6.6 receptions for 83.6 yards and 0.4 touchdowns. These higher projections reflect the confidence in London’s role as the primary target in the Falcons’ offense.
London’s 2024 Performance and 2025 Outlook
London solidified his status as a top fantasy receiver in 2024, developing a strong rapport with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. This connection is expected to carry over into the 2025 season, making London a key asset for fantasy teams. Despite a quiet Week 1 performance in 2024 (3.5 fantasy points), London’s production increased significantly as the season progressed, particularly as his chemistry with Penix grew.
Matchup Analysis: London vs. Buccaneers
The matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers presents an intriguing scenario. The Buccaneers’ secondary is now heavily reliant on Jamel Dean, a physical cornerback known for his ability to match up against bigger receivers. Dean’s physicality can be challenging, but he has also been vulnerable to double moves. This suggests that London, with his size and route-running ability, could exploit mismatches and create opportunities for big plays.
Week 1 Start/Sit Recommendation
Considering his current health, established role as the Falcons’ primary target, and strong connection with Michael Penix Jr., Drake London is a recommended start in all fantasy formats for Week 1. His size and red-zone involvement give him significant touchdown upside, making him a valuable play in both PPR and standard leagues. You can confidently slot him into your starting lineup, expecting a strong performance to kick off the 2025 season.
According to PFSN, CBSSports.com, RotoBaller, and Sports Illustrated, London is poised to exceed expectations in Week 1. These sources highlight his potential for significant yardage and touchdown production, reinforcing the recommendation to start him in all formats. The consensus among fantasy experts is that London’s role in the Falcons’ offense and his chemistry with Penix make him a reliable and high-upside option.
In conclusion, Drake London’s positive injury update, favorable projections, and strong connection with his quarterback make him a must-start player for Week 1 of the 2025 fantasy football season. His potential for significant production and touchdown opportunities solidify his position as a valuable asset for fantasy managers looking to start the season strong.
