Week 1 Revenge Games: 7 Players Out to Torch Their Ex-Teams

Seeking revenge on a former lover, friend, or employer can take many forms, depending on the level of the breakup, falling out, or layoff/firing. There’s the popular sexy revenge body, the hotter or younger lover method, or, for business purposes, getting retribution by being highly successful at your next venture.

In the NFL, that translates to a player having themselves a day against a former team they’ve played for. I outlined what I found from 10 years of data in the article Revenge Games: 10 Years of Data on Fantasy Breakouts vs. Former Teams, and this weekly column will dive into who’s seeking retribution each week.

Still not a 4for4 subscriber? Use Code JEN25 for 25% off any plan!

Here are the Week 1 skill players with contests against their prior NFL employers.

Quarterbacks

Justin Fields (NYJ) vs. Steelers

After three seasons in Chicago, Justin Fields joined Pittsburgh last year via trade and started six contests, playing in 10 total. He posted 1,106 passing yards with five touchdowns and one interception, along with an additional 289 rushing yards and five scores via his legs. He got the start in Week 1 due to an injury to Russell Wilson’s calf and remained there for six contests until being demoted once Wilson’s calf was healed. Fields was used in four other games and in their wild-card tilt as part of package plays, but did not return to the starting role in 2024.

Now a member of the New York Jets and armed with a two-year, $40 million contract, Fields is the clear starter with no competition like he experienced last year with Wilson. The Jets are three-point underdogs at home in this one, and the Steelers defense is formidable, but Fields has top 15 potential with a bump to maybe fantasy QB1 status given the revenge aspect.

Aaron Rodgers (PIT) @ Jets

On the other side of the field, Aaron Rodgers is facing his 2024 team, now a member of the Steelers. We all experienced and lived through the ridiculously drawn-out wait for him to make a choice this summer, but Rodgers did finally land in Pittsburgh in June.

The 41-year-old sustained an Achilles injury on the fourth snap of the 2023 season for New York, then returned last year to play all 17 games, ending as the QB22 in fantasy points per contest, QB15 overall.

The blood was pretty bad between Rodgers and the Jets during his two-year tenure, and he was let go to seek new employment. We can expect an angry Rodgers for this first matchup, which may turn back the clock a tad. He’s likely not putting up fantasy QB1 numbers, but a QB2 performance in superflex or 2QB leagues could come out of the desire for retribution.

Sam Darnold (SEA) vs. 49ers

In case your mind needs a refresher, Sam Darnold was a member of the 49ers in 2023, where he served as the backup to Brock Purdy. He got one start in Week 18 when they rested Purdy, where he had 208 combined yards and two touchdowns against the Rams.

While he may not be that vengeful against San Francisco since he only had a cup of coffee with them, Darnold is still a decent option in 2QB and Superflex leagues, as this is a divisional contest at home.

Running Backs

Miles Sanders (DAL) @ Eagles

This is a fun revenge scenario as Miles Sanders began his career and played for the Eagles from 2019-2022 before a two-year stint in Carolina. Javonte Williams is listed as the starter for Dallas in Week 1, but that backfield is not cemented, and they could give Sanders some extra love against his former team and NFC East rival.

If you’re in need of a flex play already and are deciding between Sanders and someone else, he could be a sneaky revenge seeker.

Wide Receivers

Jakobi Meyers (LV) @ Patriots

This could be a double-revenge scenario, as Jakobi Meyers requested a trade that was not granted, and he’s playing against a New England team he was a part of from 2019-2022. As the slot receiver for the Raiders, Meyers will likely be second in targets behind TE Brock Bowers, and the Pats were in the middle of the pack against WRs in 2024.

Fire Meyers up as a low-end WR2 this week as he’ll likely have some sort of chip on his shoulder and will be out for redemption.

Mack Hollins (NE) vs. Raiders

He did operate as one of Drake Maye’s top targets this preseason, but was likely leap-frogged by Kayshon Boutte for that X spot opposite Stefon Diggs. Mack Hollins is probably not fantasy relevant this week, despite him playing a Las Vegas team he was on in 2022, but I couldn’t leave him off the revenge list.

Tight End

Austin Hooper (NE) vs. Raiders

It’s highly doubtful anyone reading this has Austin Hooper on their roster; however, he could be a dart throw if you’re in a massive 18 or 20-team league and need a body, or if your league hoards TEs and you missed out.

Hooper finished last season with 45 catches for 476 yards and three scores while sharing TE duties with Hunter Henry, averaging 5.1 in half-PPR scoring per game to Henry’s 7.0. The position room is still the same, but Hooper is a veteran pass catcher for Drake Maye, and he lets the Patriots run 12 personnel sets, so he could produce something against his former employer from 2023.