What a first week! We saw the start of what could be one of the best NFL seasons to date. We had some upsets, some overtime games, some blowouts, and some fantasy football heartbreak. It’s always fun to celebrate your early predictions, but let’s not overreact to what was really just week 1.
The Good
Antonio Gibson – MY GUY! Antonio Gibson looked absolutely beautiful out there. He managed to handle a 89% opportunity share while racking up what felt like his floor of 11.8 PPR points. He was very efficient, and once Washington figures out that offense, the RB1 season is coming.
Jalen Hurts/DeVonta Smith – This pairing was in a lot of my DFS lineups, and the future is nothing but bright for these two young stars. The question surrounding Hurts and his long term stability still scares some, but with his performance last week those whispers should settle down. Smith looked outright unguardable. His route running looked flawless. He’s quickly becoming one of the better route runners in all of football, and it’s wheels up from here on out!
Tee Higgins/Ja’Marr Chase – Both these WRs are studs. Both of these WRs had alpha written all over them. All the signs of major success from these two were there, and in Week 1 we saw Joe Burrow absolutely sling that thing. In an exciting OT thriller, this offense found a way to put more than enough on the board. Both these WRs scored over 15, and thrived off Burrow being back healthy!
Arizona Cardinals – This team came to play. From Kyler Murray miracles to DeAndre Hopkins touchdowns, they are right back where they left off. They now have weapons outside of those two players, with big weeks coming from rookie Rondale Moore and Christian Kirk. Kyler Murray was already my QB1 in fantasy football dynasty, but the upside for this offense is unlimited. Edmonds and Conner both had a role. Edmonds seems to be safer with the pass-catching upside, and Conner will need TDs to remain relevant. Exciting Sunday for an exciting team!
Denver Broncos – As someone who had beat the drum all offseason for Teddy Bridgewater to play, he made an immediate impact on the field. His connection to Jeudy was prevalent, before Jeudy suffered a gruesome injury that will keep him sidelined 4-6 weeks. Jeudy now becomes an instant buy in fantasy football dynasty leagues, as managers may be looking to sell him a little cheaper after this news. Outside of Jeudy, this offense looks ready to churn in a division with the Chiefs and Chargers, and with guys like MG3 and Albert O producing, there’s no telling where this team can go.
The Meh
Jets/Panthers – This game didn’t really catch my eye. Whatever we expected to happen, happened. Whether that be Corey Davis season in New York, or CMC’s return for the crown, it was pretty much all expected. I didn’t see a lot from Zach Wilson or Sam Darnold that made me convinced they were stable assets in dynasty, but the upside in both remains to be seen. Excited to see how both of these teams shape up in the coming weeks.
Dolphins/Patriots – This game didn’t have me excited until the final three plays. I didn’t see what I wanted to see in Tua or his weapons, I didn’t see what I wanted to from New England and rookie QB Mac Jones. All in all, these players held their value, and within a few weeks I expect to get the answers I’m looking for.
Steelers/Bills – Josh Allen has to be better. His play almost warranted a slot in the bad, but with what I saw from Diggs/Beasley I figured it was okay to call them meh. Not at all what I expected from the Bills or Steelers, and really wish that Chase Claypool would be more involved. Najee Harris did get all the work, so excited to see his role throughout the course of the year.
Seahawks/Colts – They almost made it in the good section, but a lackluster day from the Colts WRs made them drop. Michael Pittman was rarely used, and with Taylor/Hines operating the way they were, I don’t see the upside in Pittman. Unless the scheme of this team changes, the future for Pittman might not be as glorious as once dreamt of. Taylor seemed just fine after Hines’ extension, and burst for over 17 fantasy points. The Seahawks did Seattle things, I knew this is how it would be. Talk to me in Week 10.
The Bad
Jaguars – This team is bad. Trevor Lawrence isn’t the generational talent the entire world thought, and his weapons aren’t as highly touted as we’d hope. Just a bad day drowned out with the tears of a humiliating loss to a bad Texans team.
Brandon Aiyuk – Where did you go? Somebody send his mom a letter please. I’m holding in fantasy football dynasty leagues, but if the right offer (Higgins, Jeudy, Claypool) came I’d jump right on it. Please come back Aiyuk.
Saquon Barkley – It was bad, but expected. His role is obviously going to grow, and once it does I expect the gamescripts to favor him better. The Saquon show is just beginning. If you can buy low you absolutely do it. I expect a little more next week.
Matt Nagy/Chicago Bears – You are bad at your job. Start Justin Fields. David Montgomery looks like a beast. I am happy to have bought low through all the noise, and am stoked for his incoming RB1 year. But that doesn’t matter because they need to start Justin Fields.
Aaron Rodgers – What a troll. This guy controls the entire fate of the Packers. He looked awful, as did the entire Packers team. They made the Saints offense look like a freight train, and got smoked. Do I have any worries? Absolutely. I’ll hold everyone in this game (both sides) until further notice.
Ezekiel Elliott – He just didn’t look right. Nothing he did showed me why he deserved to be picked where he was in fantasy football drafts. He needs to get better, and do it quick. I’m holding, but am shopping offers to see what the price is. This scared me.
Derrick Henry/Titans – I’ve received countless amount of hate for my ranking of Derrick Henry, but man this week was rough. For the people who haven’t sold, sell. He’s 27. It doesn’t get better than last year.
What a week 1 it was! I’m pumped up to breakdown all my thoughts heading into Week 2 on Thursday! If your enjoying this series, make sure you let me know in the comments, or on Twitter @Matt2Frosty! Have a good one!
