Home » Week 1 Fantasy Football Lessons: Don’t Overreact and Look Ahead to Week 2

Week 1 Fantasy Football Lessons: Don’t Overreact and Look Ahead to Week 2

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Believe me, I understand.

I’m‍ right there‌ with you.

I ⁢truly mean that. Whatever challenges⁢ you’re facing, I’m experiencing them too. This year, I’m involved in⁤ 25 ⁣leagues, ⁣not including ⁢best ball, which is far⁢ too many. ​Plus, since you can ​join a⁣ Guillotine League at any time (as ‍long as you have one more ‍league member than there ⁢are weeks ⁢left in the NFL season), I have even more drafts lined up.

So‌ yes, that’s a lot of ⁤leagues. I assure you, if something went wrong for ⁣you in Week 1,​ it likely⁢ affected at least one of my teams as well. Did you find yourself “using” ⁢Christian McCaffrey, only to‍ receive a zero ⁣because everyone else on your roster had already played and was locked? I’ve been⁣ there. Did you realize Jordan Mason was sitting at the end of your bench, and when you finally put him ⁤in your lineup, he⁣ helped you pull ⁤off a thrilling comeback victory on Monday night? Yep, I’ve ⁤done that too.

Was your top tight end (whether it be Sam⁢ LaPorta, ⁣Travis Kelce, Trey‍ McBride, ​Mark ⁣Andrews, Dalton Kincaid, or any of the others) a dud and cost you a⁤ win? How about one of your star wide receivers? Drake London,‌ Marvin Harrison Jr., Brandon Aiyuk, DK Metcalf,​ Chris Olave, Ja’Marr Chase, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Michael Pittman, Terry McLaurin, or Amari Cooper ‍were ‍all prominent names ‍that produced disappointingly. Or ⁢worse still, what if you ⁣lost ‌Puka Nacua ⁤for an extended⁢ period?

Perhaps you’re feeling optimistic after seeing impressive performances from some‍ mid- to late-round picks‍ like Rhamondre Stevenson, Jerome Ford, or J.K. Dobbins… and even Alexander Mattison and‍ Tank Bigsby had solid outings. Did you end ‌up losing ⁢because your stars ‍underperformed? Or because lesser players​ unexpectedly excelled against⁤ you? I’ve⁣ been ​there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

It doesn’t really ⁣matter, even if⁢ that was the case.

And you know why?

Because it was Week 1. ⁣We ‍don’t know anything yet. You may ‍feel like you have all the answers, but the truth⁤ is, you don’t. Just one week and one game can bring tremendous​ changes. I made very few‍ waiver wire moves this week.⁢ Partly because⁤ I was preoccupied​ and, ⁢well, 25 teams. But also because I really​ like my ​rosters, and⁢ after just one week, ⁤there wasn’t much that needed adjusting.

I’m ‌certain ​there ⁤are much worse scenarios than dropping a late-round sleeper ‌only to see that player ⁢picked up⁣ and ‌excel for someone else⁣ in your league; I just ⁤can’t recall many at the⁤ moment.

In Week ‍1 of ​2023, rookie running back De’Von Achane was a healthy scratch. Rachaad White had a mere⁣ 6%‍ target share and scored under⁢ 7.0 points. Tank Dell (despite my preseason enthusiasm for him) played just ​46% of snaps and managed ‍only 6.4 points.

Oh, and⁢ don’t ⁢forget that in Week 1 of 2023

In contrast to last year’s Week 1, where star ‌players failed​ to make an impact, ⁤several lesser-known​ players ​made‍ headlines‌ and ignited excitement on the waiver ⁢wire. For instance, Mac ‍Jones emerged as ⁢QB2⁢ during that week, racking up 24.1 fantasy‌ points. Chargers running back ⁤Joshua Kelley ⁤rushed for 91 yards and scored a touchdown on ​just⁢ 13 carries, finishing as RB12. Tony Pollard scored two touchdowns, totaling 22.2 fantasy points, and secured the RB5 position. Darnell Mooney contributed 15.3 ⁢fantasy points, placing‍ him among⁤ the‌ top 20 wide‍ receivers.​ Moreover, tight end ⁣Hayden Hurst garnered 15.1 ‌fantasy points, ending Week 1 as ‌the TE2 in fantasy football.

However, this early ​success did not last. Mac‌ Jones would subsequently score fewer than​ 14 fantasy points in nine out ‌of the next ⁤ten⁢ games before being replaced ‍by ‍Bailey Zappe in Week 13. ‍Despite ⁢starting the following⁢ three games due to Austin Ekeler’s injury and participating in all⁢ 17 games, Joshua Kelley finished the season as RB64, averaging only 4.4 points per game.⁣ Pollard⁢ managed to score just four more touchdowns over the next 16⁣ games, settling as‍ RB24 ⁤in points per game from‌ Week 2 onwards. Mooney, likewise, only had one additional game with double-digit fantasy points,‍ concluding ‍the season as WR86 in‍ points per game.

Indeed.

It’s just one week.

More importantly, it’s the opening week.

I’m not suggesting you dismiss everything​ that⁤ occurs in Week ​1. Certain events truly do indicate ⁢future trends.‌ For instance, last year in Week 1, rookie Puka Nacua, drafted⁢ in the fifth ‌round, caught⁢ 10 passes for 119 yards‌ on 15 targets, ‌landing him a spot ​among the‌ top 10‌ wide receivers. He later‍ broke the NFL⁤ record‌ for receptions and receiving yards by a rookie. Mike ⁣Evans, previously‌ overlooked by numerous drafters, scored a touchdown against the Vikings and ultimately finished with ‌13 touchdowns—his⁤ third time accomplishing‌ this feat⁤ in ⁣four seasons. It marked his tenth consecutive season with over 1,000 ​receiving yards. Similarly, Dolphins quarterback‍ Tua Tagovailoa⁢ threw for 466 yards‍ in​ Week 1, leading the league with ​a total of 4,624 passing yards by the season’s ⁢end.

Thus, some performances from Week ⁢1 can⁢ indeed ⁢forecast ​the ‍season’s trajectory. If you’ve followed my ‌opinions⁣ this preseason, you know I​ have ⁢high hopes for Rashee Rice this year. ‌Week 1 reinforced that belief for me. Additionally, Jameson Williams’ usage and snap‍ count hint at a significantly larger‌ and⁤ more fantasy-friendly‌ role this season. Although I don’t anticipate him accumulating over 33⁢ touches⁢ for 178 total yards ⁤each week, Joe Mixon’s Week 1 performance does not ⁤appear to be merely a fluke.

So, I’m not advocating for you to disregard⁤ all⁢ of Week 1’s performances.‍ However, I urge you ⁢not ‍to​ overreact. Avoid panicking​ or making hasty⁣ decisions you‍ might come to regret. There is an abundance of football still to be played. A LOT.​ I would⁢ argue‌ that it takes about four weeks of play to truly assess your team’s ⁣potential this ‌season. THEN, it’s appropriate to ‍begin either worrying or celebrating, as there will be​ a more substantial sample size.

In the⁢ meantime, ⁣resist‍ the urge to chase ​after this year’s versions of ⁢Joshua Kelley and ‍Hayden Hurst.⁣ Don’t freak out about your ‍star‍ players who underperformed; ⁤instead, let’s ⁤concentrate on Week 2. You have a game ‍to win.

Here we go.

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Read more:  Andrew Berry Stands Firm: No Interest in Trading Myles Garrett

Et‌ bien sûr, ⁤si rien de cela ne vous intéresse, vous ⁤devriez ‍tout de même vous⁣ abonner à ma newsletter quotidienne ⁤100 % gratuite, qui est envoyée‌ sept jours sur‌ sept ‌depuis FantasyLife.com où vous‌ trouverez de nombreux articles, outils, ⁢vidéos, classements, et bien plus encore.

Merci, comme ‍toujours, à mon‌ producteur Damian Dabrowski pour son aide​ à divers moments de cette chronique. Voici‍ donc :

Quarterbacks que j’adore pour ​la Semaine 2

Jayden Daniels contre ⁣New York Giants

Le​ futur quarterback gagnant du ⁣Super Bowl et potentiel​ Hall of Famer Jayden Daniels figure sur la liste des coups de cœur‌ de cette⁤ semaine, non seulement ‌parce qu’il⁣ est le QB de mon équipe favorite, ‍mais aussi parce ⁤que,‌ bien qu’il ait eu un début de saison hésitant ⁣sur le plan NFL, il a ‍brillé⁤ du côté fantasy. Daniels a réalisé 16 courses lors“`html

Richardson‌ at Green Bay

Anthony Richardson ​has now participated in three complete games during his NFL career​ and has achieved over 20‌ fantasy points in each one.⁢ (Checks notes). Indeed, that’s impressive. Each game ⁤included over ‍40 rushing yards and a rushing⁣ touchdown.⁤ In Week⁣ 1, he was responsible‌ for ⁢33% of the Colts’ red zone rushes and 25% of their goal-line attempts.⁢ Additionally, he recorded a ⁣16.4 average depth of target (aDOT)​ in that week, with deep passes constituting 32% ⁣of⁤ his​ attempts. Therefore, the conclusion is that Anthony Richardson will either bulldoze through defenses or ​make deep throws. It’s as if he⁢ was engineered specifically to generate fantasy points. I ⁤expect him to produce significantly in Week 2 against‌ a Packers defense⁤ that⁢ allowed two touchdowns ⁣from deep passes in their opening game‌ while⁣ starting Malik Willis; this setup suggests⁤ the⁢ Colts‍ will frequently reclaim possession and‌ likely be in advantageous field positions. Richardson ranks as my QB6.

Justin⁢ Fields‌ at Denver

So ‌yes, I have a preference for running quarterbacks this week. ⁤And in life. I’m enthusiastic about ‍life. Occasionally, bacon too.⁢ But primarily, ‍it’s​ about those scrambling quarterbacks. Except Malik ⁤Willis. Anyway, back to ‍Fields. In Week 1, Justin Fields carried the ‌ball 14 times, ‌including handling 44% of Pittsburgh’s red zone rushing attempts. This is significant because, in Fields’ 17 career games⁤ where he rushed 10 times or more, he⁣ averages 21.5 fantasy points per game. Given that the Broncos allowed a 34-yard rushing touchdown to Geno Smith ⁤in Week 1, ‍I anticipate Fields will ⁣find opportunities to run in this matchup. I have Fields positioned as my QB9 for‍ Week ‍2. Also, keep an eye on Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation leading up to kickoff just in case Russell ‍Wilson ​is active. Actually, Russell will likely wear his uniform⁤ even ⁣if he’s inactive again due to his odd tendencies. So, I should ​clarify: monitor the situation in case‌ Russell Wilson starts.

Others receiving votes: A ‍major factor in Arizona’s collapse‍ after a 14-point​ lead⁤ against the Bills in⁢ their ⁤opener⁣ was their pass defense. The Cardinals ⁢surrendered ⁢10.1 yards per attempt and the third-highest passer rating in Week 1. This⁣ is promising ⁤for Matthew Stafford in a game projected with one of the​ highest totals in Week 2⁤ at 47.5.​ … In a playoff loss at Detroit last⁣ season, Baker Mayfield threw‍ for 349 ​yards and ‍three ​touchdowns. He ‌returns to Detroit after the Lions allowed the second-most passing‌ yards‌ in Week 1.⁣ The Bucs-Lions matchup also boasts the highest game total of the week at 51.5. By ‍the way, ⁢Detroit is just a 2-hour‍ and 40-minute drive from Cleveland. I mention ⁣this‌ for any Browns fans considering making‍ the trip to encourage Baker Mayfield​ to come ⁤back to Cleveland. … In​ Week 1, Washington allowed 29.7 fantasy points to Baker Mayfield, and dating back to last season, eight⁣ of the last nine quarterbacks​ facing Washington have scored ⁢at least 17.5 fantasy points. If there’s any week for Daniel Jones to bounce back, it’s⁤ this one.

RELATED:​ Matthew‌ Berry’s positional rankings for⁢ Week 2

Quarter“`html

The Eagles‌ will⁣ face off against ‌Jordan⁤ Love, who struggled in Week 1 ⁢with a completion percentage of only 50%. Additionally, this game will be‍ broadcast on Monday Night Football, a format that has historically posed challenges for Cousins.⁣ To put things into perspective,⁢ over his last seven Monday night appearances, ​Cousins has averaged a mere 13.2 ⁢fantasy points per game (PPG). ⁢Although the season is still ‌unfolding, I ⁤need to observe some improvement⁢ from ⁤Cousins​ and the Falcons’⁣ passing attack ‌before I ⁤can confidently suggest starting‍ him. As​ of now, I have him ranked ⁢as QB21 for Week 2.

Trevor Lawrence vs. Cleveland

Ranked just above Cousins at QB20, ‌Trevor Lawrence faces a challenging matchup. In their last ‍game against Dallas, ⁢Cleveland allowed only 5.6 yards per pass​ attempt and kept Dak Prescott’s completion percentage ⁢below ⁤60%. Additionally, Lawrence’s usage is concerning; Jacksonville ⁤was 26th in pass rate during Week 1. The disarray⁢ within Cleveland’s offense ‍leads me to believe they won’t score extensively in a 1 p.m. ET ​game⁤ under Jacksonville’s‍ heat, reducing the offensive workload‍ for the Jaguars. Expect to see plenty of‌ Travis Etienne ​and Tank​ Bigsby, ⁣which indicates that, given a game total of just 41.5, Lawrence‍ won’t ⁤find many opportunities for a fruitful‍ fantasy outing ⁢in Week 2.

Running Backs I Love in Week⁣ 2

Kyren ⁢Williams at Arizona

In⁢ Week 1, Kyren Williams achieved ‍a remarkable⁣ 91% snap rate, handling 21 of 23 RB ⁢touches for the‍ Rams. (Ronnie Rivers ‍and Blake Corum both contributed, but none ‍matched ​his volume.) It’s hard to imagine Sean McVay not leveraging Williams significantly in this matchup, especially considering his impressive history ⁣against the ⁣Cardinals. Last season,⁤ he ​averaged 30.1 PPG against them, accumulating‍ over ⁢20 touches and 150 scrimmage yards in both encounters. With the Rams boasting a top⁤ 10 implied‍ team ⁤total this week, I’m anticipating another standout performance from Williams against an Arizona team that allowed⁢ 130 rushing yards last ⁢week. He ‍ranks as my RB3​ for Week 2.

Isiah Pacheco⁤ vs. Cincinnati

Including the playoffs, Isiah Pacheco has scored in ⁢each of his last eight games when Jerrick⁣ McKinnon is absent. In the season opener, Pacheco registered an​ 80% snap rate, ⁣his highest in ‌2023, while commanding 85% of ⁣Kansas City’s RB touches. Pacheco ⁢is⁢ clearly the‍ lead back in what appears to be the NFL’s top offense, which earns him a spot on my Love List. Furthermore, he faces a​ favorable matchup in Week 2.‍ The Chiefs have one of the ‍highest implied team totals of the week, and Pacheco is set to take on a Cincinnati⁤ defense that⁢ recently‌ surrendered 126 scrimmage yards and a⁢ touchdown to ‍Rhamondre Stevenson. This occurred without the Bengals needing ‍to contend with Jacoby Brissett’s ⁣passing, making it easier for⁤ Kansas City to‌ exploit‌ weaknesses. With Patrick ‍Mahomes orchestrating the offense and the‌ threat of players like⁢ Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy,⁣ and Travis ⁣Kelce, Pacheco will likely encounter many⁤ favorable running⁤ lanes.⁢ He ​is my RB8.

Josh Jacobs vs. Indianapolis

Malik Willis has started three NFL games previously, averaging just 16.3 passing attempts in​ those outings. Consequently, the Packers⁢ won’t be“`html

He received 86% of the team’s carries for running backs, and his⁢ target share of 16.7%​ was the highest on the team. The ⁢Jets ⁢recently surrendered 147 rushing⁢ yards ⁤to Jordan⁢ Mason and now must prepare for Tony Pollard in a short week. In Tennessee’s opening⁤ game, Pollard ⁤recorded 19 touches and a 14.8% target share. In Week 1, JK Dobbins accounted for 52% of the Chargers’ running back carries.‍ While 52% is ⁤not an ⁣overwhelming‍ share unless we’re‌ discussing presidential elections (hashtag: topical!), ⁤it is noteworthy that, per NexGenStats,‌ Dobbins achieved a 50% success rate on his carries, compared to a mere 18% ⁢for Gus Edwards.‌ Dobbins is likely to ‍continue gaining more opportunities‍ in this offense, and⁣ his 12% target share ​in Week 1 ⁣only heightens‌ optimism regarding his fantasy potential. Expect Dobbins to have another strong performance this week against a Carolina defense that allowed ⁢132 rushing yards and two ⁣touchdowns to running ⁢backs ‌in⁣ their ‍opener. The Raiders are 8.5-point‍ underdogs to the Ravens, which suggests they will likely adopt​ a pass-heavy strategy in‌ Week 2. This makes Alexander Mattison, who participated​ in 73% of Vegas’ ⁣passing plays in Week 1 and​ had an ⁣18.8% target share, the more favorable choice among Raiders’ backs. Moreover, Mattison‌ out-snapped Zamir White, 59% to 39%.

Running Backs I Dislike ​in Week 2

Ezekiel Elliott vs. New ⁤Orleans

Admittedly, it felt odd to include New ⁣England⁤ Patriots running ‍back Ezekiel Elliott ⁣on the‌ Hate List last season.⁤ However, it feels more fitting to place ​ Dallas Cowboys running ⁤back Ezekiel Elliott ⁣on this list now. In Week 1, Elliott narrowly out-touched Rico Dowdle (12-9) and played⁤ just three more⁢ snaps⁤ than him. Additionally, Elliott recorded a​ low target share of 6.5% and was on the field for only 43% of third downs. For​ Zeke, volume is​ crucial. Since the beginning of the 2022 season,⁣ Elliott ⁣has had only two games in which​ he⁤ scored 12 or more fantasy​ points while receiving​ fewer than ⁤15 touches. Adding to this, the Saints restricted Panthers backs to just⁢ 2.9​ YPC last week, which leads me to ⁢rank Elliott ​outside my top 30 running backs for ‍Week 2.

Javonte ⁣Williams vs. Pittsburgh

In Denver’s ‌season opener, ‌Javonte Williams was only involved in ⁢32% of the Broncos’ rushing‌ attempts. His usage in the​ passing game⁤ was ⁢limited ⁤to a target share of merely 4.8%, ⁢compared to 12% ⁣for Jaleel McLaughlin. Now, Williams faces a challenging ​matchup against a​ Steelers defense in a game where the Broncos are⁤ tied for the second-lowest implied team total of the week.⁣ Consequently, Williams ranks⁣ at No. 33⁣ for me⁣ among running backs in Week 2.

Zamir White at ⁤Baltimore

The rationale behind supporting Alexander Mattison essentially⁤ serves as ​the reasoning⁢ against⁣ Zamir White. The ⁣Raiders are ​expected ‌to be trailing against Baltimore, and White participated in only​ 24% of⁣ the‍ Raiders’ passing ⁢plays ⁤during Week 1, in stark contrast⁣ to Mattison’s 73%. Additionally, the Raiders are among the teams with the ​lowest implied total for ‍Week ​2. Could ⁤the ⁤Raiders manage“`html

He scored only 3.3 fantasy points, just two points shy of the total combined score of all Bengals WRs in Week 1.​ This signifies that ⁣he continued from where ‌he left off in 2023. Since Week 12⁢ of the previous ‌season, Rice ​has ⁢ranked as⁤ WR7 in ⁢points⁣ per game (18.3). In ⁣five ⁢out of his ⁢last seven games, he has achieved seven or ⁢more receptions, while securing ‍a ⁣target share of⁤ 25% in ⁣six of those seven games. Last week, Rice⁢ demonstrated that by simply having the ball in his hands, he can ⁣make significant ⁤plays, averaging 10.4 yards⁣ after contact per reception. Thus, you should place⁣ Rice in your‌ WR1 ⁢slot and allow him to excel. He⁤ ranks ‌among my top 10 wide receivers.

Deebo Samuel at Minnesota

During San Francisco’s victory in Week 1 on‍ Monday Night ‍Football, ⁢Deebo Samuel accounted for a team-high 31% of the ⁣target ‌share, in addition to‌ 21% of‌ the team’s rushing attempts, which included three in the red​ zone⁢ and one at the goal line. With‍ an impressive performance of 18.7 points, ⁢Samuel has now ‍scored over 18 fantasy points in⁢ six of his last eight games. These statistics indicate that Deebo is a must-start WR1 ​in fantasy, albeit⁣ with one caveat: the 49ers might decide to limit his usage arbitrarily.‌ Early⁣ indications suggest that the 2024 49ers could disrupt our‌ fantasy seasons ‍intentionally. Consider this:⁣ throughout the fantasy draft season, they kept ‍us in suspense regarding Brandon ​Aiyuk’s status, leaving us uncertain about his draft position‍ (and that of players like George Pickens).​ Then, in Week 1—on a Monday night, no less!—they unexpectedly‍ made the ​consensus 1.1 pick inactive. Do ‌the 49ers harbor animosity toward ⁢us? It seems so. Yet,​ my fondness⁤ for Deebo Samuel remains strong this week.

Chris⁢ Godwin at Detroit

Chris ‌Godwin kicked off the season by⁢ leading the Buccaneers with a target share‌ of 26.7%, successfully catching all⁢ eight of‌ his targets.‍ That’s quite impressive. ​This week, he is ‌up⁣ against⁢ a Detroit​ team that allowed the ⁤highest number of fantasy points to wide receivers in Week ‍1, along with‍ permitting the most receptions and the third-most yards to the slot. Given that Godwin⁣ excels in ⁣the slot like a grandmother​ on⁤ a bus trip to Atlantic City, this matchup for Week 2⁤ looks promising. Consequently,⁢ I ‍rank Godwin as my WR15.

Mark Andrews vs. Las Vegas

Isaiah⁣ Likely finished Week 1 as the top tight​ end (TE1), while ​Mark Andrews⁤ was placed ⁣at TE27. However, I am not‍ ready‌ to declare‌ Likely as Baltimore’s ‍new TE1 just ​yet. Andrews ‌faced significant double coverage against the Chiefs and has historically struggled ​against Steve Spagnuolo’s defenses. Nevertheless, he was on the‍ field for 76% ​of passing plays ‍in Week 1 and ran more routes‌ than⁢ Likely. Expect the⁢ Ravens to involve him ⁣more significantly this week, especially against a Raiders ⁣defense⁣ that commenced the season by allowing a⁢ 75% ⁤catch rate to tight ends and an average of 15.3​ yards per reception to the ⁢position. ‍Will a standout performance from him in‌ Week 2 be⁢ sufficient to​ alleviate my‍ disappointment from ‌Week 1? Unlikely; ​I‍ shall forever hold⁤ a grudge. Regardless, Andrews is my TE4 for a favorable bounce-back in Week 2.

Others receiving⁣ votes: Throughout his ⁤early NFL career, De“`html

Well ‍above his previous career high of 69%,⁢ he also posted an aDOT of 14.1.⁤ Out of his nine‌ targets, four were⁣ deep shots. I’m not asserting that Jameson is ⁣superior to the Sun God; I’m ​merely suggesting that the ⁤Fantasy Gods have‌ already⁣ favored us⁤ with Jameson Williams ⁢as a WR2 ​or FLEX option. ​Despite receiving fewer snaps than Joshua Palmer and Quentin ⁤Johnston, Ladd McConkey still led the team with a target share​ of 28%, including 40% of ‍the​ team’s red ⁣zone targets. With Puka Nacua sidelined, Demarcus Robinson is the ideal replacement. Even while Nacua was starting the game, Robinson maintained a snap rate⁤ of 92%, attributed​ to the‌ Rams employing⁣ 11 ​personnel on all their snaps in Week 1. Robinson concluded the ⁣game with seven targets, tying for second on the team behind my ‌favorite, Cooper Kupp (who⁢ had about 1,000). Over Robinson’s last​ five full games in 2023, he averaged 15.4 PPG.

Continuing with the Robinson segment of this‌ column, ⁣let’s discuss Wan’Dale ⁣Robinson.⁤ He stood out as the Giants’ leader ⁤with a 31.6% target share ⁣in Week 1⁣ and also secured 75% of their red zone‌ targets. (Yes, the Giants actually reached ‍the‍ red zone; there’s footage as evidence.) This week, Robinson faces a Washington squad ‍that allowed the second-most yards ⁣to the slot ​in Week 1. Puka Nacua’s absence frees‌ up a 29% target​ share, and⁤ some of that will likely shift to⁣ Colby⁢ Parkinson. ​In Week ⁣1, Parkinson led all tight ends⁢ in routes run ‌and‍ achieved an 88% snap rate. During the same ​week, ‍Dallas gave up the second most yards to tight⁢ ends, and with⁤ Foster Moreau currently in concussion protocol, ⁤ Juwan ​Johnson is expected to receive increased‌ opportunities. ‌Johnson has also managed ​to score in four of his ‍last five games.

Pass Catchers I Dislike in Week 2

George Pickens at Denver

Once again, Justin Fields is on the Love List ⁣for ⁤Week 2, primarily ‌due to his ability to run ⁤rather than his⁣ capacity to​ effectively stretch the field with his arm. In Week 1, Fields ranked 27th in aDOT (5.6),‍ which poses a problem for a deep‍ threat like George Pickens. Compounding the issue, Pickens is likely to face ⁢Patrick Surtain‌ II’s shadow on ⁢Sunday, following Surtain’s⁤ success in limiting DK Metcalf to merely 29 ‌yards on three receptions. ⁣This matchup has the⁤ lowest projected total in ‍Week 2, ​sitting at 36.5 points. ‍I’ve placed Pickens slightly ‍beneath that figure at WR35.

Christian ⁤Kirk vs. Cleveland

Since last season, Cleveland ⁢has permitted the fourth-fewest yards per game to slot⁣ receivers. In Week ‍1, the Browns also allowed the fifth-lowest catch ⁣rate to slot players. As⁤ such, they ⁤present⁣ a tough matchup‍ even for a prime version of Christian ‌Kirk.⁢ However, we barely glimpsed Kirk’s ‌potential in Week 1, as his 70% snap ‌rate ⁢placed him third⁢ among Jacksonville⁤ receivers, behind new addition Gabe Davis and rookie Brian Thomas Jr. To make matters worse, no ​Jaguars receiver garnered more than four​ targets in Week​ 1, with Jacksonville ​marking a pass rate⁢ of just 26th‍ for the“`html

In football terminology, a deep pass is⁣ defined as one that travels ⁢a⁢ minimum of ⁤15 yards through ⁤the air. Comparing this ⁣to space exploration, NASA’s success rate for⁤ sending a⁤ manned spacecraft into orbit and safely returning it to Earth far surpasses Malik ⁢Willis’s ⁣ability​ to complete a pass to a ⁣teammate⁣ who is 15 yards away. This comparison⁣ is important to think about,​ especially if you’re considering whether⁢ to ⁢start Christian Watson in Week 2.⁢ Despite Jordan Love being under center last week,⁢ Watson ranked third on the​ team with a target share​ of 15.6%. It seems unlikely that ⁣his‍ situation will improve with QB2 Willis, whose career passer rating stands at⁣ 48.7, with no touchdown passes to his name. This week,‍ I have Watson ranked at⁣ WR48.

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Week 1​ Fantasy Football Lessons: Don’t Overreact and ‌Look Ahead to Week​ 2

Understanding the Importance of Week 1 Performance

Week 1 in fantasy⁤ football is‌ often filled with excitement, anticipation, and sometimes, dread. The performances of players can lead to immediate reactions—whether it’s the urge to trade a struggling star ‌or to overvalue a breakout player. Understanding the context ⁣of these ⁣performances is crucial to making informed decisions for the upcoming week.

Key Takeaways from Week‍ 1

  • Performance Variability: Remember, Week 1 is just one game. Player performances can be influenced by numerous​ factors including match-up difficulties, ⁢injuries, and ⁢coaching strategies.
  • Don’t Overreact: It’s easy to⁣ panic after one week. Resist the temptation‌ to overhaul⁣ your roster based on limited data.
  • Identify Trends: ‍Look for patterns‍ rather than isolated performances. A player’s usage ⁤in Week 1 can provide insight into their role moving forward.
  • Matchups Matter: Some teams may face tougher defenses in ⁣Week 1, skewing performance metrics. ⁤Analyze ​the schedule before making drastic changes.

Case Studies:⁢ Players to Monitor

Player Week ⁤1 Performance Outlook for Week ‍2
Quarterback A 200 yards, 1 TD, 2 ‍INT Facing ⁢a weaker secondary; potential bounce back.
Running Back B 30 yards, 1 TD Low usage, but facing a defense that struggles against​ the run.
Wide Receiver C 5 receptions, 120 ⁣yards High target volume indicates stable‌ production.
Tight End ⁢D 1 reception, 5 yards Low involvement; monitor for better matchups.

Practical Tips ⁢for Navigating Week 2

As you prepare for Week 2, consider the ​following tips‌ to enhance your fantasy football strategy:

  • Evaluate​ Your Roster: Assess‍ each player’s role within​ your team. If a player wasn’t heavily utilized in Week 1,‍ explore potential trade opportunities‍ or free agent pickups.
  • Stay⁤ Informed: Follow news and updates regarding player injuries⁣ and team strategies. Knowledge is power in​ fantasy football.
  • Adjust‍ Your Expectations: Some players may take time to find their ⁤rhythm. Patience is key; don’t be quick to dismiss⁣ a player’s potential.

Benefits of Thoughtful ​Roster Management

  • Long-Term Success: By resisting the urge ⁣to ⁢overreact, you set yourself up for sustained success throughout the season.
  • Informed Decisions: A deeper understanding ‍of your players’ situations leads to better ⁤lineup decisions and trades.
  • Reduced Stress: Maintaining⁣ a calm‌ approach⁣ can help ⁣reduce the emotional ⁢toll that fantasy football can ‍sometimes take.

Looking Ahead: ⁤Week 2 Matchup Analysis

Analyzing⁢ matchups ⁣is critical for setting your lineups. Below are some key matchups ‌to consider for Week 2:

Quarterback Matchups

  • QB1 vs. Defense X: QB1 had​ a rough start but faces a defense that allowed the most passing yards⁣ in Week 1.
  • QB2 vs. Defense​ Y: QB2 showed promise with a high completion rate; however, Defense Y⁣ is known for their ⁣strong ⁤pass rush.

Running Back Matchups

  • RB1 vs. Defense Z: RB1 had a slow ‍start but may see increased volume against a ​defense with a weak run game.
  • RB2 vs. Defense A: RB2 was underutilized, but⁢ a‌ favorable matchup could lead‌ to increased touches.

First-Hand‌ Experience: The Importance ⁢of Patience

As a seasoned ⁢fantasy football⁤ player, I’ve⁤ often witnessed the effects⁣ of week-to-week​ overreactions. In one of my leagues, I panicked after one of my‍ star receivers underperformed in Week 1. I considered trading him, but ‍after evaluating the matchup and ​his target share, I decided to hold onto him. ⁢In⁢ Week 2, he bounced back with a stellar performance, ​reinforcing ⁢the value of patience.

Final Thoughts on Week 1 and Beyond

Don’t let the highs and‍ lows of Week 1 dictate⁢ your fantasy football strategy. Remain analytical, keep an eye on matchups, and trust your‍ research. The‍ season is long, and‍ your approach can significantly impact your success.

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