Liz Loza Sep 9, 2026, 10:58 AM ET Close Liz Loza is a writer for fantasy football and betting at ESPN and host of the "Facts vs. Feelings" podcast. Liz also appears on "Fantasy Football Now" and contributes to the "Fantasy Focus Football" podcast. Do you remember your first live concert? Your first kiss? Your first fantasy football team? Chances are subsequent events have become increasingly enlivening, enjoyable and engaging.

Still, there's something unique about a person's inaugural anything. Even if a "first" isn't the "best," it forever holds a special place in our memories. Quite literally.

Because the human brain is hardwired to recognize novelty, firsts are cognitively processed alongside surges of dopamine, which root deeply into our consciousness. That's why I know every word to "Forever in Blue Jeans." It explains the warm-cheeked nostalgia I feel whenever "spin the bottle" is referenced. And how come I'll be glued to No. 11's jersey retirement in Week 7.

Each of those occurrences proved to be major milestones. Some that I've chased, others that I've grown from, and all of which I appreciate. They're also instances that I refuse to stop having.

There exists no limit to the number of "firsts" we're able to acquire. Perhaps the happenings become more niche with time, but that doesn't mean they evaporate. For instance, I recently had the pleasure of hosting the Disney Storyliving community at Cotino's debut fantasy football draft party.

For those who haven't Googled what this is yet -- because I initially had to -- it's a residential community in the California desert that includes a man-made turquoise lagoon. I had definitely never paddleboarded at a beach in the desert before. The property holds a number of group activities and for the first time, it offered its residents a fantasy football league.

Some participants brought veteran experience, coming with their own curated notes and cheat sheets. Others were there to smash the nacho bar and roster a QB in the first round. Regardless, everyone enjoyed themselves.

Within a few picks, strangers realized they were neighbors, group chats had been created, and regular trash talk was promised. The virtual game had, once again, and for the first time for these participants, helped to build a social network and facilitate connection. As we set our lineups in anticipation of Week 1 -- and a first Wednesday night start to the season -- let's remember this is our premier matchup in a series of 17 (or 18, for you sickos).

We're allowed to get excited. To catalog the following rushes, receptions and registered points with the same sensorial glee used to construct our current rosters and remember the bangers from seasons past. It might not be the most successful first voyage, but that doesn't mean it won't be memorable.

Here are some facts that support how I feel about these players in Week 1. Jaxson Dart, QB, New York Giants Nothing screams "football is back" like an NFC East rivalry game. There's also no better time to employ a dual-threat QB with a proclivity toward finding the blue tent than in Week 1.

Dart's legs are fresh and his matchup is prime. The Boys' five most generous outings versus opposing quarterbacks -- each of which went over 29 fantasy -- came against four plus athletes ... and Russell Wilson. In an offense led by a healthy Malik Nabers (who earned a 32.5% target share), Wilson threw for 450 yards, three TDs, and added 23 rushing yards.

Even supposing Nabers is limited, Dart represents a definitive upgrade over Wilson. His dynamism figures to shine against a Dallas defense that surrendered the third-most rushing yards to QBs in 2025. As a rookie, Dart led all quarterbacks by averaging an astounding 34.8 rushing yards per game, while also ranking as the QB2 in explosive runs of 12-plus yards (11) in Weeks 4 through 18.

Furthermore, Dart surpassed 19 fantasy points in all four of his divisional starts last year, giving him top-five positional appeal to start the 202...