Fantasy Football Week 1 Stock Report
As the opening weekend of the NFL season draws to a close, we reflect on notable performances that have influenced fantasy football stock. From promising new talents to disappointing veterans, Week 1 offered several surprises that shape our outlook heading into Week 2.
Risers in the Running Back Category
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
McCaffrey proved he’s not just back but also stronger than ever, dominating on Sunday. His impressive stats included 142 scrimmage yards coming from both rushing and receiving. With 22 carries and nine catches, he displayed elite usage and reminds us why he’s in a league of his own.
Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Etienne captivated fans with his transformative performance, handling 19 out of 29 team touches. He tallied 156 scrimmage yards with an average of 8.9 yards per carry. This breakout performance solidifies his role as the lead back in what appears to be his backfield to command.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
Williams showcased his potential with a two-touchdown game against the Eagles. Though not known for explosive runs, he proved effective at the goal line, making him a key player in Dallas’ run game. If he continues this trend, he could emerge as a consistent RB2.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
With Tyjae Spears out, Pollard stepped up, dominating the workload with 19 touches. Despite the defeat, his offensive presence was a silver lining for the Titans. He is positioned well for future games and should remain a focal point of their offense.
Risers in the Wide Receiver Category
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
Pearsall made his mark with 108 receiving yards in the game. Filling in for injured teammates, he managed to lead the team by a wide margin in air yards. Should he continue this trend, he could soon occupy a vital role within the 49ers’ offense.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
In a fantastic showing, Flowers registered a new career high of 143 receiving yards, becoming the focal point of Baltimore’s passing attack. The significant share of Jackson’s targets suggests that Flowers has the potential for sustained productivity this season.
Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills
Coleman dazzled with eight catches for 112 yards and a touchdown in a high-scoring affair against his opponents. His capacity for big-play potential indicates he will continue to be a threat in the coming weeks.
Players to Watch Moving Forward
Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets
Fields delivered an impressive performance, completing 16 of 22 passes and adding two rushing touchdowns. His success not only raises his stock but hints at elite quarterback potential this season.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Making history as one of the few rookie tight ends with seven catches in a debut, Warren established himself as a player to watch for fantasy managers. His versatility and involvement suggest a notable upside.
Stock Decliners
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Despite a goal-line touchdown, Jeanty’s average of 2.0 yards per carry raises red flags. His inability to impact the passing game makes him less favorable heading into Week 2.
Cincinnati Bengals Offense
Miserable is an understatement for the Bengals’ performance on Sunday. Burrow’s struggles and an underwhelming output from key receivers underscore the need for immediate adjustments on both sides of the ball.
Concerns for Multiple Offenses
The Lions, Texans, and Dolphins offense showed signs of struggles that could affect player value moving forward. Each of these teams faced significant challenges with their offensive line and overall production.
Outlook Ahead
As we look ahead to Week 2, the fantasy landscape will undoubtedly shift. Managerial decisions will be critical as players respond or regress from their early-season performances.
By staying alert and making adjustments based on these observations, fantasy enthusiasts can gain an edge. Power rankings and player stock will fluctuate as we dive deeper into the season.