Introduction: Welcome back, as I hope you all are doing well! Week 1 of the NFL season is now in the books and with that comes a mix of reactions. In the land of fantasy football, the majority of fantasy mangers are feeling multiple ways. Whether it be overreacting to a player's performance, being higher or lower on a player than you were prior to Week 1, or wanting to forget about the week all together, it can get crazy to say the least.
Personally my Week 1 could have gone a lot better, as I made my fair share of not so great lineup decisions. With that being said, this is where we live and learn from our mistakes, shake it off, and adjust for Week 2. Remember it is just Week 1, there are 16 games left on the schedule. Below, you will find my reactions from Week 1 as well as my initial thoughts and top waiver wire adds for Week 2. Most importantly though, I hope you all enjoy reading my article!
Jahmyr Gibbs Impresses Despite Limited Action:
Starting with Thursday's opener, Lions rookie Jahmyr Gibbs shined in his debut and made the most of his limited touches. Despite only being on the field for 27 percent of Detroit's offensive snaps, Gibbs ran the ball for an efficient six yards per attempt on eight carries, as he also caught two receptions for 18 yards.
Overall I felt Detroit's offense was more explosive when the Alabama rookie was on the field, as I felt he should have had more opportunities. As the season goes on, expect Gibbs to see his workload increase each week, as I am very confident in the rookie running back to end the year as at least a top 15 fantasy running back.
London Concerns:
Disappointment is the word that comes to mind here. We all knew the Atlanta Falcons offense was going to be run-heavy with OC Arthur Smith running the show, but I did not think it would be this bad. To keep it simple, receiver Drake London was only targeted ONCE even though he was on the field for 90 percent of Atlanta's offensive snaps. A big zero beside the name of London in fantasy lineups is the last thing I expected to see at the conclusion of Week 1.
So much for being Atlanta's "alpha" receiver I guess, as quarterback Desmond Ridder looked uncomfortable throwing the ball all afternoon. Moving forward I have zero and I mean zero confidence in London, as he is a deep bench option moving forward and borderline droppable. The whole Atlanta passing offense is something that I want no part of (yes, no Kyle Pitts as well), as only Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are the two that I am interested in going into Week 2.
Personally, I want to deeply apologize if you read my article that I published last Wednesday saying that London would be a potential year two breakout candidate. For those of us who started him in Week 1, we have to shake this one off, move on, and keep our head up, there is nothing left to say.
Addison and Flowers Terrific in Debuts:
Getting back on the positive side of things, Minnesota's Jordan Addison and Baltimore's Zay Flowers both looked terrific in their NFL debut.
Beginning with Addison, Kirk Cousins looked his way six times, while the USC product hauled in four of those targets, including a 39-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Ending the day with 16.10 fantasy points in PPR formats, look for the dynamic rookie to be on the field more often than 56 percent of the time as he was during Week 1, as he should take over as the WR2 in the Vikings offense rather quickly.
Addison is an exciting high-end WR3/flex play moving forward in a pass-heavy Minnesota offense, as they travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Thursday night to kickoff Week 2.
Zay Flowers decided he wanted to become Baltimore's top receiving option right from the opening kickoff, as he was on the field for 84 percent of Baltimore's offensive snaps. Targeted 10 times and catching nine of those Lamar Jackson thrown passes, the rookie receiver was Lamar's favorite option on the afternoon, as fellow receiver Rashod Bateman was only targeted three times.
Granted, Baltimore tight end Mark Andrews was inactive in the opener, as it will be interesting to see moving forward how much of a change Flowers sees in the passing game with the Ravens top option on the field at 100 percent.
Similar to Addison, Flowers is a confident WR3/flex play going into Week 2 on the road against Joe Burrow and the Bengals in what should be a pass-heavy contest.
Burrow's Bengals Rusty in Cleveland:
For those of you who know me, you know that Joe Burrow is my favorite player in the NFL.
On Sunday afternoon I was sporting my Burrow jersey and had my Joe Burrow bobblehead in front of the TV ready for a Bengals victory... except that was not the case. In fact, this past Sunday was the worst game I have ever seen Joseph Lee Burrow play in college or the pros.
Whether it was the massive 5-year $275 million contract he signed the previous day getting to his head, the weather conditions, or the calf injury he suffered during training camp, he looked terrible. As a result, Joey B threw for only 82 yards on 45 percent passing (14/31) finishing with 3.18 fantasy points. There is simply no excuse. As a result, Joe looking terrible meant the whole Cincinnati offense was also terrible.
Ja'Marr Chase had 39 yards receiving on five receptions, while Tee Higgins was targeted eight times without hauling in a catch. Higgins putting up a goose egg is surprising to say the least, but do not sell him for someone else who is no where near his value after just one game. Rather, be patient with the Bengals WR2 as he will pay off sooner rather than later.
When it comes to Burrow I never seem to lose faith because I have seen him do things over the last five years that have been spectacular, as I tell anyone that he is indeed "the man." With that said, continue to start Joe Burrow in fantasy as a locked and loaded QB1 every week, as he should be treated as such.
Do not worry, this high-powered Bengals offense will bounce back, it is only a matter of time.
Dolphins vs. Chargers Lives Up to Expectations:
The game of the day to say the least, as some people in the fantasy community called it a fantasy goldmine.
Miami's Tyreek Hill had the fantasy performance of the week in which he caught 11 receptions on 15 targets for a mind-blowing 215 yards and 44.50 fantasy points, while Tua Tagovailoa threw for an astounding 466 yards and three touchdowns. This whole Miami offense played fast, as Tua Tags has a lot of upside this season if he can just stay on the field.
Austin Ekeler did Austin Ekeler things for the Chargers, racking up 164 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown. Los Angeles receiver Mike Williams had to leave the game in the second quarter to be evaluated for a concussion, but was able to return.
Aaron Rodgers Likely Out for Season:
Good grief. Only four snaps into his Jets debut on Monday Night Football and quarterback Aaron Rodgers is likely out for the season with an Achillies tear. Well this was unexpected to say the least, as Zach Wilson is now at the helm for the Jets moving forward.
The fantasy impact on leading receiver Garrett Wilson in my opinion obviously gets bumped down. Normally, I would be panicking, but Wilson proved he could produce during his rookie of the year campaign when he had a mix of Joe Flacco, Mike White, and Zach Wilson as his quarterbacks.
Obviously, we will have to wait and see how Garrett performs moving forward, although he did make a tremendous touchdown grab late in the game. For now I would keep him in lineups as a solid WR2/fringe WR1 despite a tough matchup next week in Dallas.
Breece Hall is still that dude. The second-year running back looked really impressive in Week 1 that including a big 83-yard run in the first half. By halftime, Breece had 109 rushing yards on two attempts.
Anyone who said Hall would do nothing this season at this point is wrong, as he ended the opening contest with 127 rushing yards on 10 carries. Sure, Dalvin Cook is a pain in the Jets backfield, but I have so much confidence in Breece The Beast this season that he should get a lot stronger as the season goes along. Hall should be considered an RB2/flex play option for now, although it would not surprise me one bit if he is back in the fantasy RB1 conversation sooner rather than later. Simply put, Hall's fantasy upside is through the roof and downright insane to say the least.
As for Buffalo, quarterback Josh Allen did not look his best, as he threw three interceptions and also fumbled the ball, causing a fourth turnover. Stefon Diggs caught a touchdown pass and reeled in 102 receiving yards on 10 receptions resulting in 26.20 fantasy points.
Adam's Week 1 Quick Reactions:
-Kansas City's Ka'Darius Toney cannot catch a football.
-Atlanta's Tyler Allgeier still has fantasy value despite rookie phenom Bijan Robinson in the fold.
-San Francisco's Brandon Aiyuk is a potential breakout candidate after Sunday's 32 point fantasy performance. Aiyuk is a must-start option going forward.
-Pittsburgh's Najee Harris is a concern with handcuff Jaylen Warren slowly gaining momentum in the Steelers backfield.
-Jacksonville's Calvin Ridley is back like he never left after missing all of last season due to gambling. Tallying 8 receptions on 11 targets and a touchdown, Calvin ended his day with 24.10 fantasy points.
Ridley is a locked in WR1 option moving forward in what should be a shootout against the Chiefs in Week 2.
-Travis Etienne dominated the Jacksonville backfield in Indianapolis.
-Indianapolis' Deon Jackson was not impressive one bit.
-Philadelphia's Kenneth Gainwell led the backfield in touches, not D'Andre Swift.
Edit: Gainwell did not practice Monday or Tuesday in preparation for Thursday night's game against Minnesota due to a rib injury, as he is considered questionable at the time of publishing. Be sure to monitor his status up to Thursday night's kickoff.
- Do not worry about tight end Dallas Goedert's Week 1 performance, he will be fine moving forward.
-Washington's Brian Robinson Jr. was superior to his running mate Antonio Gibson.
-Green Bay's Jordan Love threw for three touchdowns.
-Raiders Jakobi Meyers catching two touchdowns in Week 1 was a fluke.
-Chicago's Roschon Johnson impressed in his NFL debut tallying 17.50 fantasy points, despite getting garbage time minutes.
-Seattle's offense was a disappointment.
-Dallas' defense put on a clinic against the Giants, putting up 40 fantasy points.
Other Week 1 Notes:
-Steelers receiver Diontae Johnson left the game Sunday with a hamstring injury and will most likely be out for the next few weeks. As a result, second-year receiver George Pickens would be the top option in the Pittsburgh offense. Tight end Pat Friermuth also left the game with a chest injury, but head coach Mike Tomlin is hopeful that the tight end can suit up for next Monday night's game against the Browns.
-Broncos receiver Jerry Jeudy missed Week 1, but could be on track to suit up for Week 2. As a result, Courtland Sutton would drop back down to a WR4 or bench option.
Adam's Week 1 Fantasy Stud of the Week: Tyreek Hill: WR- MIA
Adam's Week 1 Fantasy Dud of the Week: Drake London: WR- ATL
Adam's Week 2 Waiver Wire Adds:
With Week 1 complete, below you will find a few of my top priority waiver wire adds as we prepare for Week 2.
Puka Nacua: WR- LAR: In the absence of leading receiver Cooper Kupp, the rookie out of BYU made the most of his NFL debut. Catching 10 receptions on 15 targets, while totaling 21 fantasy points, Puka will be a popular add this week in the wide receiver department.
Kyren Williams: RB- LAR: Williams, the second year back out of Notre Dame, found the end zone twice on Sunday, while carrying the ball 15 times for 3.47 yards per attempt. Meanwhile while Cam Akers outworked Kyren by seven carries, he was far less effective. A touchdown seemed to salvage Cam's fantasy day. Being a Cam Akers owner myself, I was able to grab Kyren Williams off the waiver wire this week just to be safe. Any Akers owners who are out there, I would recommend doing the same.
Justice Hill: RB- BAL: With J.K. Dobbins tearing his Achillies on Sunday, this leads to Baltimore having to lean on Hill or most likely a RBBC (Running Back By Committee). Hill scored twice in the opener and is worth a speculative add in leagues. Although keep in mind that the Ravens may turn to "Gus Bus", Gus Edwards or veteran Melvin Gordon who they brought up off the practice squad on Sunday. They could also sign free agent Kareem Hunt as an alternative option.
Hayden Hurst: TE- CAR: While the majority of fantasy managers were looking to Juwan Johnson, Isiah Likely, or Luke Musgrave to replace their injured starting tight end this week, it was Hurst who was the most impressive. Catching five receptions on seven targets, including Bryce Young's first career touchdown pass, Hurst had himself a day in the ATL. Anyone who is in need of a tight end this week due to an injury, look for Hurst on your waiver wire.
Tyjae Spears: RB- TEN: In deeper leagues I am looking at Tyjae Spears, the rookie out of Tulane this week as a potential waiver wire add. Derrick Henry's handcuff had a successful day, as he totaled 27 yards on only three carries. Believe me, I know it does not sound like a lot, but we know King Henry has an injury history, and with that Spears is a great stash if you have bench space.
Other Waiver Wire Adds to Consider this Week:
Rashid Shaheed: WR- NO
Romeo Doubs: WR- GB
Joshua Kelley: RB- LAC
Hunter Henry: TE- NE
Jordan Love: QB- GB
Final Thoughts: I hope you all enjoyed reading my Week 1 Fantasy Football Reactions post as well as briefly looking ahead to Week 2.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any fantasy football related questions, as I would be more than happy to help!
See you on the Gridiron
Adam
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