Here's a look back at Week 1's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 1 RECAP
Bills 31, Rams 10: It’s concerning Allen Robinson was a complete afterthought with Van Jefferson out of the lineup — he had one reception for 12 yards on just two targets — especially with a come-from-behind game script.
Saints 27, Falcons 26: I’d keep my eye on Juwan Johnson, who is clearly the receiving tight end for New Orleans — despite most of the attention garnered by Taysom Hill. Johnson ran a route on 80% of the pass plays and finished third in targets (five).
Bears 19, 49ers 10: David Montgomery remains the starter — he out-snapped and out-touched Khalil Herbert — but Chicago turned to the Virginia Tech product to close out San Francisco. He produced 45 yards and the game-sealing TD on just nine carries and could earn a more even share of the backfield as the season progresses.
Steelers 23, Bengals 20 (OT): Najee Harris reaggravated the Lisfranc injury he suffered in training camp and it sidelined him in overtime against Cincinnati. It sounds like he’s going to be fine, but it’s concerning, and if you didn’t handcuff him in the draft, it’s certainly time to do so. Jaylen Warren took all of the other snaps in place of Harris while he was still healthy, including all of the reps in overtime.
Eagles 38, Lions 35: No one ran the ball more than Philadelphia in 2021, and that continued against Detroit where it ran 39 times against 32 passes. The good news for those who invested in AJ Brown is it appears Jalen Hurts will make a concerted effort to involve his new playmaker despite the run-heavy approach. Brown produced the second-most targets (13) and receptions (10) of his career while tying his career-high of 155 receiving yards.
Dolphins 20, Patriots 7: Ty Montgomery played eight of nine snaps on third down for New England, making the Pats’ backfield an absolute nightmare for fantasy purposes. Montgomery’s move to injured reserve on Tuesday should clarify the situation a bit and enhance Rhamondre Stevenson’s opportunity in the pass game.
Ravens 24, Jets 9: Michael Carter received all of the goal-line and short-yardage work for New York, producing 100 total yards on 17 touches (including seven receptions) against heralded rookie Breece Hall’s 61 total yards on 12 touches (including an equally impressive six receptions). My point here is Hall won’t have this backfield handed to him. The talented Carter is a viable flex option with upside going forward, especially in PPR.
Commanders 28, Jaguars 22: Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are the only quarterbacks who topped Carson Wentz (313 passing yards and four TDs) Week 1 in fantasy.
Browns 26, Panthers 24: It wouldn’t hurt to send a trade offer to whoever drafted Christian McCaffrey just in case they are worried after one game.
Colts 20, Texans 20 (OT): Rex Burkhead out-snapped preseason darling Dameon Pierce 47-to-19 despite Houston leading Indianapolis 20-3 into the fourth quarter. I expected Burkhead to be involved in the pass game, especially if the Texans were facing a deficit, but this made no sense at all.
My Usual Week 1 Boilerplate: I feel like I don’t need to remind those who have played fantasy football before not to overreact after the first week. We’re all known for being cool, calm and collected at all times. Wait, what? We’re not? We’re actually loose cannons who probably need to visit a rage room. Yeah, that sounds about right. Take a breath and repeat after me, “Talent will win the day in the end.”
Giants 21, Titans 20: Saquon Barkley only appeared in 15 games the last two season due to various injuries, but he appeared explosive once again against Tennessee. Barkley was the overall RB1 with 194 total yards on 24 touches and a touchdown. His Per 17 Games averages his first two seasons (2018-19): 2,034 total yards on 364 touches (84 receptions) and 13 touchdowns.
Vikings 23, Packers 7: Justin Jefferson is really, really, really good.
Chiefs 44, Cardinals 21: Isiah Pacheco led Kansas City in rushing attempts (12) and yards (62) while scoring its only rushing touchdown. The vast majority of his snaps came in the fourth quarter with them trying to salt away the game, but the production is indicative of what we can expect if he ever cuts into Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s playing time — who, by the way, was quite good against Arizona (he was RB5 in standard formats and RB6 in PPR).
Chargers 24, Raiders 19: Pro Bowler Keenan Allen suffered a hamstring injury and you never know how that’s going to go. Joshua Palmer showed he was more than capable of filling in if either Allen or Mike Williams went down in 2021. He was fantasy’s WR30 the final five games (four starts) of the season in standard formats (WR33 in PPR).
Buccaneers 19, Cowboys 3: Adding injury to insult, Dak Prescott will miss 6 to 8 weeks following surgery on his thumb, which means I’m downgrading all of Dallas’ skill players until we see how backup Cooper Rush performs (or Jerry Jones trades for Jimmy Garoppolo).
Seahawks 17, Broncos 16: Javonte Williams (58%) and Melvin Gordon (41%) split backfield snaps in Week 1, but Williams got elite usage as a receiver. Not only did he lead the team with a 29% target share — 11 receptions on 12 targets — he ran a route on 62% of the dropbacks. Williams has top-10 potential if this continues.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here’s my best bets for Week 2:
L.A. CHARGERS AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).
Who to start: Joshua Palmer (LAC) showed his rookie season, he was more than capable of filling in if either Keenan Allen (hamstring) or Williams went down — Palmer was fantasy’s WR30 the final five games (four starts) of 2021 in standard formats (WR33 in PPR). Both JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) are premium flex options with upside after impressive performances in the opener against at Arizona.
Who to sit: The Chargers D/ST got off to a good start Week 1 — finishing tied for the fourth-best defense in fantasy — but I’d only recommend them against Mahomes if there isn’t a better streaming option available to you. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC), Mecole Hardman (KC) and Skyy Moore (KC) remain boom-or-bust options without increased volume — they received 11 targets combined Week 1.
Sleeper: Gerald Everett (LAC) finished as the overall TE4 last week and could see more targets with Allen sidelined.
N.Y. JETS AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Nick Chubb (CLE), Kareem Hunt (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: Elijah Moore (NYJ) is a solid flex option with upside after receiving seven targets Week 1. Both Breece Hall (NYJ) and Michael Carter (NYJ) merit flex consideration and have upside if they’re both going to be heavily involved in the pass game (both received nine targets last week). I’m not sure Amari Cooper (CLE) is an obvious starter after his Browns debut, but the matchup is almost too good to pass up — the Jets secondary allowed three touchdowns to wide receivers against Baltimore. A robust volume (11 targets) last week deserves to be monitored, but for now it makes Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) a worthy flex option with a premium matchup.
Who to sit: It’s tough to trust Corey Davis (NYJ) or Garrett Wilson (NYJ) with this matchup, but both received solid target share last week and deserve flex consideration if you’re desperate. Weak volume (one target) makes David Njoku (CLE) touchdown-dependent.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) warrants TE1 consideration after receiving seven targets and scoring a touchdown against the Ravens.
WASHINGTON AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Terry McLaurin (WAS), Antonio Gibson (WAS), D’Andre Swift (DET), TJ Hockenson (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET).
Who to start: Impressive usage (11 targets and four carries) makes Curtis Samuel (WAS) a premium flex option with upside. Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are the only quarterbacks who topped Carson Wentz (WAS) — 313 passing yards and four TDs — in Week 1. The Commanders D/ST deserves streaming consideration. Logan Thomas (WAS) deserves streaming consideration after receiving six targets last week. DJ Chark (DET) earned flex consideration with 52 yards and a TD on four receptions — his eight targets suggest there’s upside here.
Who to sit: I want to see Jahan Dotson (WAS) do it consistently — the two touchdowns made for an impressive debut though and are indicative of what he’s capable of — before I elevate him from boom-or-bust option. Jamaal Williams (DET) remains touchdown-dependent outside of deeper leagues.
Sleeper: JD McKissic (WAS) maintains flex value (especially in PPR formats) against a defense that allowed three touchdowns to running backs last wee.
TAMPA BAY AT NEW ORLEANS
Obvious starters: Leonard Fournette (TB), Mike Evans (TB), Tom Brady (TB), Buccaneers D/ST, Alvin Kamara (NO), Michael Thomas (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Julio Jones (TB) is a WR3/flex option after he looked explosive for the first time in a long time against Dallas in the opener. Jameis Winston (NO) has thrown 16 touchdowns against only three interceptions in eight games as the Saints starting quarterback and is fantasy’s QB7 headed into Week 2. Jarvis Landry (NO) led New Orleans or tied for the lead in receiving yards, receptions, targets, routes run and offensive snaps against Atlanta — he was overall WR22 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR).
Who to sit: I’m fading Chris Godwin (TB) until we know his hamstring is healed. I’m also out on Russell Gage (TB) while he’s dealing with a hamstring ailment. Kyle Rudolph (TB) and Cameron Brate (TB) are both touchdown-dependent. Chris Olave (NO) remains a boom-or-bust option until further notice. Despite a successful opening week — Taysom Hill (NO) finished as the overall TE3 on five touches (four carries) with 81 rushing yards, including a 57-yard TD — there are safer tight end options out there.
Sleeper: Juwan Johnson (NO) is clearly the receiving tight end for the Saints — Johnson ran a route on 80% of the pass plays and finished third in targets (five).
CAROLINA AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (CAR), DJ Moore (CAR), Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: The Panthers D/ST deserve streaming consideration despite a road matchup against an improved offense. Daniel Jones (NYG) is a solid streaming option if you lost Dak Prescott to injury.
Who to sit: Robbie Anderson (CAR) remains the quintessential boom-or-bust option with DeSean Jackson not on a roster. Baker Mayfield (CAR) is serviceable, but there is more upside elsewhere. I’m fading both Kenny Golladay (NYG) and Kadarius Toney (NYG) until we see more consistent usage.
Sleeper: Sterling Shepard (NYG) usually produces when healthy and he received more volume Week 1 than Golladay and Toney combined — four targets to two.
NEW ENGLAND AT PITTSBURGH
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Steelers D/ST.
Who to start: With Ty Montgomery sidelined (and his potential targets vacated), Damien Harris (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) are premium flex options with upside until we receive more clarity on how this backfield will work. Jakobi Meyers (NE) maintains flex value in PPR formats.
Who to sit: I’m fading Mac Jones (NE) until his “back issue” improves. DeVante Parker (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option. Hunter Henry (NE) and Jonnu Smith (NE) remain touchdown-dependent. The six carries were interesting, but Chase Claypool (PIT) remains boom-or-bust until further notice. We need to see higher volume before we can utilize George Pickens (PIT). Mitchell Trubisky (PIT) feels like a boom-or-bust option at quarterback — it’s rare I use that to describe signal callers.
Sleeper: I anticipate a bounce-back performance from the Patriots D/ST after laying an egg in South Beach.
INDIANAPOLIS AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Colts D/ST.
Who to start: Nyheim Hines (IND) maintains premium flex value in PPR formats. Matt Ryan (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that got toasted by Carson Wentz last week. Mo Alie-Cox (IND) could be a factor in the red zone against a defense that allowed four receptions for 68 yards to tight ends last week. Christian Kirk (JAC) is a solid WR3/flex option with WR2 upside after an impressive Jaguars debut — six receptions (12 targets) for 112 yards. Both James Robinson (JAC) and Travis Etienne (JAC) deserve flex consideration despite the difficult matchup.
Who to sit: There will be better weeks to utilize Trevor Lawrence (JAC). Both Marvin Jones (JAC) and Zay Jones (JAC) are touchdown-dependent options against a tough defense.
Sleeper: Evan Engram (JAC) faces a defense that allowed four receptions for 60 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends last week.
MIAMI AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Chase Edmonds (MIA), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: Both the Dolphins D/ST and Ravens D/ST are viable options this week. Rashod Bateman (BAL) maintains WR3/flex value as Jackson’s No. 1 wide receiver.
Who to sit: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA) is an effective passer, but it remains to be seen if that will translate into fantasy-worthy production. Mike Gesicki (MIA) looks like a touchdown-dependent option in Mike McDaniels’ offense. Raheem Mostert (MIA) remains a boom-or-bust option. I’m fading JK Dobbins (BAL) until he handles a full workload. Devin Duvernay (BAL) has graduated into a boom-or-bust option. Mike Davis (BAL) remains touchdown-dependent.
Sleeper: Double-digit touches should help Kenyan Drake (BAL) produce flex-worthy value — he finished with 12 against the Jets.
ATLANTA AT L.A. RAMS
Obvious starters: Kyle Pitts (ATL), Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Darrell Henderson (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Rams D/ST.
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) deserves flex consideration after he produced five receptions (seven targets) for 74 yards in his debut against the Saints. Allen Robinson (LAR) maintains his WR3/flex value despite the dud in the opener.
Who to sit: Hard to trust Cam Akers (LAR) after he only had three carries for no yards against the Bills.
Sleeper: Marcus Mariota (ATL) finished as Week 1’s QB10 on the strength of 72 rushing yards and a touchdown on a robust 12 carries (he also passed for 215 yards).
SEATTLE AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Deebo Samuel (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Game script could lead to more volume for Tyler Lockett (SEA), who has eight touchdowns in 13 games against the 49ers. Double-digit touches make Rashaad Penny (SEA) a viable flex option despite the difficult matchup. I expect a breakout performance for Trey Lance (SF) in good weather against a defense that allowed 340 passing yards Week 1. Brandon Aiyuk (SF) could take on the role of WR1 with Samuel supplementing the run game and San Francisco’s All-Pro tight end limited or out. Jeff Wilson (SF) has produced at a high level before — he scored 10 touchdowns on just 139 touches in 2020 — and he will receive plenty of opportunity to do so again.
Who to sit: It was an impressive win on Monday night for Geno Smith (SEA), but you’re not trusting him in your fantasy lineup. It’s hard to trust Noah Fant (SEA) against the Niners’ linebackers. It’s looking like George Kittle (SF) will be sidelined another week.
Sleeper: Kenneth Walker (SEA) is healthy and ready to go and could provide lottery ticket value if you’re desperate this week.
CINCINNATI AT DALLAS
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Dalton Schultz (DAL).
Who to start: Tee Higgins (CIN) is currently in the NFL’s concussion protocol, but you’re starting him if he’s active on Sunday. Tyler Boyd (CIN) will have WR3/flex value if Higgins is limited or out. The Bengals D/ST are a solid streaming option with the Cowboys starting their backup quarterback. Tony Pollard (DAL) maintains flex value in an offense that could turn run-heavy with Dak Prescott sidelined. The Cowboys D/ST could be a solid streaming option at home against an offensive line that was supposed to be better than it showed Week 1.
Who to sit: I’m fading Michael Gallup (DAL) until we see him test his knee and how this offense will function without Prescott.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CIN) was third on the team in routes while drawing a 15% target share against Pittsburgh.
HOUSTON AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Brandin Cooks (HOU), Javonte Williams (DEN), Russell Wilson (DEN), Jerry Jeudy (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST.
Who to start: Double-digit touches (he had 12 in Week 1) should help Dameon Pierce (HOU) produce flex-worthy value. Rex Burkhead (HOU) maintains flex value in deeper PPR formats. Melvin Gordon (DEN) remains flex-worthy after solid usage (14 touches) against Seattle. Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN) deserves streaming consideration in PPR formats after a borderline TE1 performance Week 1 — five receptions on six targets.
Who to sit: Nico Collins (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust option. This is a difficult matchup to trust Davis Mills (HOU) despite a solid performance against Indianapolis to begin the season.
Sleeper: OJ Howard (HOU) faces a defense that allowed eight receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns to tight ends last week.
ARIZONA AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI), Davante Adams (LV), Darren Waller (LV).
Who to start: Josh Jacobs (LV) maintains RB2 upside against a defense that allowed three touchdowns to running backs against Kansas City. Hunter Renfrow (LV) maintains his flex value in PPR formats. Derek Carr (LV) faces a defense that allowed 360 passing yards and five touchdown passes in Week 1.
Who to sit: I’m fading Rondale Moore (ARI) until we see him test his hamstring. AJ Green (ARI) is a boom-or-bust option. Brandon Bolden (LV) only has value in the deepest PPR formats.
Sleeper: Ameer Abdullah (LV) could see more volume in the pass game if Bolden is limited or out with a hamstring injury.
CHICAGO AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: David Montgomery (CHI), Aaron Rodgers (GB), Aaron Jones (GB), AJ Dillon (GB), Packers D/ST.
Who to start: Darnell Mooney (CHI) maintains WR3/flex value against a defense that allowed 15 receptions, 234 yards and two touchdowns to wide receivers in Week 1. An active Allen Lazard (GB) has WR3/flex value with upside.
Who to sit: Cole Kmet (CHI) is touchdown-dependent after receiving one target against San Francisco. Khalil Herbert (CHI) remains touchdown-dependent despite looking very good against a tough 49ers defense. Robert Tonyan (GB) remains touchdown-dependent. Sammy Watkins (GB), Randall Cobb (GB), Romeo Doubs (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) are all boom-or-bust options — Cobb does have seven touchdowns in 10 career starts against the Bears.
Sleeper: The game script should favor Justin Fields (CHI) finishing with a solid stat-line after he produced two clutch touchdowns in the second half on a rain-soaked field against a defense that dominated the Bears for most of the game to pull out a victory Week 1.
TENNESSEE AT BUFFALO
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Gabriel Davis (BUF), Bills D/ST.
Who to start: Robert Woods (TEN) deserves flex consideration despite only two targets in Week 1. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) deserves streaming consideration considering the possibility of a game-script that calls for him to keep pace with Allen. Devin Singletary (BUF) maintains flex value against a defense that struggled to contain Saquon Barkley last week.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains a boom-or-bust option. Austin Hooper (TEN) remains touchdown-dependent. Dontrell Hilliard (TEN) only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats. Dawson Knox (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent after receiving only two targets last week. Zack Moss (BUF) remains touchdown-dependent until we see if he’ll receive consistent usage in the pass game. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) and Jamison Crowder (BUF) are boom-or-bust flex fliers in deeper PPR formats.
Sleeper: Kyle Phillips (TEN) produced 66 yards on six receptions (nine targets) in his debut and faces a defense that allowed 19 receptions to wide receivers in Week 1.
MINNESOTA AT PHILADELPHIA
Obvious starters: Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN), Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (MIN) maintains flex value in a potentially high-scoring affair. Kirk Cousins (MIN) deserves streaming consideration after an efficient performance (277 yards and two TDs) against a solid Green Bay defense. DeVonta Smith (PHI) maintains flex value despite failing to catch a ball on four targets last week.
Who to sit: KJ Osborn (MIN) is a boom-or-bust option after receiving four targets Week 1. Irv Smith (MIN) remains touchdown-dependent. I’m fading both the Vikings D/ST and Eagles D/ST this week. Boston Scott (PHI) remains touchdown-dependent.
Sleeper: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) could produce flex-worthy value in deeper PPR formats.
