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Around the League: Fantasy Football Week 1 Reactions

Around the league: fantasy football Week 1 reactions. Here is what happened fantasy-wise in Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season.
Eagles Depth Chart

Now that Week 1 of the 2021 NFL season has concluded, let’s go around the league and recap all of the important fantasy football Week 1 news from an exciting week of football.

Fantasy Football Week 1 Reactions

Philadelphia 32, Atlanta 6

Eagles:

  • Jalen Hurts: 27/35, 264 yards, 3 TDs, 62 rushing yards
  • Miles Sanders: 74 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 39 receiving yards
  • Devonta Smith: Six receptions, 71 receiving yards, TD
  • Jalen Reagor: Six receptions, 49 receiving yards, TD
  • Dallas Goedert: Four receptions, 42 receiving yards, TD
  • Zach Ertz: Two receptions, 23 yards (injured, hamstring)
  • Philadelphia Eagles DEF/ST:  Three sacks

Falcons:

  • Matt Ryan: 21/64, 164 yards, eight rushing yards
  • Mike Davis: 49 rushing yards, three receptions, 23 receiving yards
  • Cordarrelle Patterson: 54 rushing yards, two receptions, 13 receiving yards
  • Calvin Ridley: Five receptions, 51 receiving yards
  • Kyle Pitts: Four receptions, 31 receiving yards
  • Atlanta Falcons DEF/ST: Sack

Recap:  The Eagles dominated from start to finish, with Hurts executing the RPO to perfection. Philadelphia’s defense repeatedly pressured Matt Ryan with three sacks and nine quarterback hits. Rookie wideout DeVonta Smith scored a receiving touchdown and led the team in targets (eight). Jalen Reagor and Dallas Goedert also scored, with veteran Zach Ertz leaving the game with a hamstring injury. This could be a huge benefit to Goedert moving forward.  Philadelphia running back Boston Scott was active but did not see the field on offense. Miles Sanders was productive in his 47 snaps and rookie Kenneth Gainwell saw 25 snaps as the primary backup. Gainwell also scored a touchdown on his third-quarter eight-yard run.

The Falcons offense couldn’t score a touchdown, despite playing at home against a mediocre Eagles defense. Atlanta’s Mike Davis was on the field for the majority of the game, regardless of the deficit. Calvin Ridley had three receptions on the opening drive and mysteriously only two the entire rest of the game. Kyle Pitts was disappointing but did see eight targets, tied for a team-high with Ridley. Atlanta’s defense again looks like one of the league’s worst, with just one sack and one quarterback hit on Hurts.

Pittsburgh 23, Buffalo 16

Steelers:

  • Ben Roethlisberger: 18/32, 188 yards, one TD
  • Najee Harris: 45 rushing yards, one reception, four receiving yards
  • Diontae Johnson: 5 receptions, 36 receiving yards, TD
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster: Four receptions, 52 receiving yards
  • Chase Claypool: Three receptions, 45 receiving yards
  • Pittsburgh Steelers DEF/ST: Three sacks, eight QB hits, blocked punt TD

Bills:

  • Josh Allen: 30/51, 270 yards, TD, 44 rushing yards, fumble lost
  • Devin Singletary: 72 rushing yards, three receptions, eight receiving yards
  • Stefon Diggs: Nine receptions, 69 receiving yards
  • Cole Beasley: Eight receptions, 60 receiving yards
  • Emmanuel Sanders: Four receptions, 52 receiving yards
  • Gabriel Davis: Two receptions, 40 receiving yards, TD
  • Buffalo Bills DEF/ST: Two sacks, Six QB hits

Recap:  One of the big surprises of the day, especially after Buffalo held Pittsburgh to just 22 plays and 37 total yards in the first half. The Steelers DEF/ST scored a huge blocked punt touchdown in the fourth quarter to essentially put the game away. Both defenses were dominant, and Buffalo held Pittsburgh leading rusher Najee Harris to just 2.8 yards per carry. Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson made this fantastic five-yard touchdown catch to give Pittsburgh the lead for good.

The Zack Moss “healthy scratch” surprised everyone, but led to a solid day from Devin Singletary against a stout Pittsburgh run defense. If Matt Breida (four rushing yards) can’t be relevant when Moss is out, when can he be? Diggs and Beasley combined for 27 targets, clarifying the Buffalo WR2 debate. Josh Allen salvaged a disappointing line with 44 rushing yards, with his only touchdown going to Gabriel Davis.

Cincinnati 27, Minnesota 24

Bengals

  • Joe Burrow: 20/27, 261 yards, two TDs
  • Joe Mixon: 127 rushing yards, four receptions, 23 receiving yards, TD
  • Ja’Marr Chase: Five receptions, 101 receiving yards, TD
  • Tee Higgins: Four receptions, 48 receiving yards, TD
  • Tyler Boyd: Three receptions, 32 receiving yards
  • CJ Uzomah: Two receptions, 35 receiving yards
  • Cincinnati Bengals DEF/ST: Three sacks, eight QB Hits, fumble recovery

Vikings:

  • Kirk Cousins: 36/49, 351 yards, two TDs
  • Dalvin Cook: 61 rushing yards, six receptions, 43 receiving yards, TD, fumble
  • Adam Thielen: Nine recs, 92 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Justin Jefferson: Five receptions, 71 receiving yards
  • K.J. Osborn: Seven receptions, 76 receiving yards
  • Tyler Conklin: Four receptions, 41 receiving yards
  • Minnesota Vikings DEF/ST: Five sacks, seven QB hits

Recap:  Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow looked sharp in his first game back from a torn ACL, especially on this connection with rookie Ja’Marr Chase.

Joe Mixon shook off a slow start to finish with 150 total yards and a score. Tee Higgins was seen leaving the field on a cart, but only received an IV and should be good for Week 2. The Bengals defense also surprised with three sacks, eight quarterback hits, and a fumble recovery. Despite that fumble, Dalvin Cook received his normal heavy workload (20 carries, seven targets). Kirk Cousins produced another solid performance, without a turnover. Thielen converted nine of his ten targets for 92 yards and two scores. Jefferson was less productive on his nine targets than second-year Miami-product K.J. Osborn. Tyler Conklin is certainly worth a waiver wire claim.

San Francisco 41, Detroit 33

49ers:

  • Jimmy Garoppolo: 17/25, 314 yards, TD, fumble
  • Elijah Mitchell: 104 rushing yards, TD
  • Raheem Mostert: 20 rushing yards (injured)
  • Jamycal Hasty: Three rushing yards, TD, one reception, 15 receiving yards
  • Deebo Samuel: Nine receptions, 189 receiving yards, TD, fumble
  • George Kittle: Four receptions, 78 receiving yards, fumble
  • Trent Sherfield: Two receptions, 23 receiving yards, TD
  • Brandon Aiyuk: Zero receptions
  • San Francisco 49ers DEF/ST: Three sacks, INT, nine QB hits

Lions:

  • Jared Goff: 38/57, 338 yards, three TDs, INT
  • Jamaal Williams: 54 rushing yards, eight receptions, 56 receiving yards, TD
  • D’Andre Swift: 39 rushing yards, eight receptions, 65 receiving yards, TD
  • TJ Hockenson: Eight receptions, 97 receiving yards, TD
  • Tyrell Williams: Two receptions, 14 receiving yards
  • Quintez Cephus: Three receptions, 12 receiving yards, TD
  • Detroit Lions DEF/ST: One sack, one QB hit, three fumble recoveries

Detroit slammed through with a backdoor cover after San Francisco led 38-10 in the third quarter. This game featured multiple surprises including 49ers rookie running back Trey Sermon being a healthy scratch, Raheem Mostert leaving with a first-quarter injury, and Brandon Aiyuk failing to record a reception in 26 snaps. Deebo Samuel picked up the slack with a monster performance, while sixth-round rookie Elijah Mitchell was the star of the show.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff tallied a great stat line as a result of garbage time. Jamaal Williams is clearly going to be a presence and was even the lead running back to start the game. Swift received more than double the snaps, but was that a result of the game script?

T.J. Hockenson seems ready for a monster season and will be Jared Goff’s security blanket, and it will clearly be hard to trust any Detroit wide receiver moving forward.

Arizona 38, Tennessee 13

Cardinals:

  • Kyler Murray: 21/32, 289 yards, five total TDs, 20 rushing yards, one INT
  • Chase Edmonds: 63 rushing yards, four receptions, 43 receiving yards
  • James Conner:  53 rushing yards
  • DeAndre Hopkins: Six receptions, 83 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Christian Kirk: Five receptions, 70 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Rondale Moore: Four receptions, 68 receiving yards
  • AJ Green: Two receptions, 25 receiving yards
  • Arizona Cardinals DEF/ST: Six sacks, two fumble recoveries, INT, nine QB hits

Titans:

  • Ryan Tannehill: 21/35, 212 yards, two TDs, 17 rushing yards, INT, two fumbles lost
  • Derrick Henry: 58 rushing yards, three receptions, 19 receiving yards
  • A.J. Brown: Four receptions, 49 receiving yards, TD
  • Julio Jones: Three receptions, 29 receiving yards
  • Anthony Firkser: Three receptions, 19 receiving yards
  • Tennessee Titans DEF/ST: Two sacks, INT, three QB hits

The winning differential was the surprise here. Arizona was only a 2.5-point underdog, but thoroughly dominated the Titans. Murray posted five touchdowns, with two each to Hopkins and Kirk. Rookie Rondale Moore was heavily involved, which is a great sign for things to come. Chandler Jones recorded five sacks and benefited from J.J. Watt’s presence on the defensive line.

Tannehill grinded his way to a mediocre fantasy performance, but three turnovers is very frustrating. Brown’s touchdown salvaged a bad day, and Julio Jones’ game was shocking given the poor Arizona pass defense. Henry will recover, but his lack of receiving production underlies the importance of a positive game script.

Seattle 28, Indianapolis 16

Seahawks:

  • Russell Wilson: 18/23, 254 yards, four TDs
  • Chris Carson: 91 rushing yards, three receptions, 26 receiving yards
  • Tyler Lockett: Four receptions, 100 receiving yards, two TDs
  • DK Metcalf: Four receptions, 60 receiving yards, TD
  • Will Dissly: Three receptions, 37 receiving yards
  • Gerald Everett: Two receptions, 20 receiving yards, TD
  • Seattle Seahawks DEF/ST: Three sacks, 10 QB hits, one fumble recovery

Colts:

  • Carson Wentz: 25/38, 251 yards, two TDs, fumble lost
  • Jonathan Taylor: 56 rushing yards, six receptions, 60 receiving yards
  • Nyheim Hines: 34 rushing yards, six receptions, 48 receiving yards
  • Zach Pascal: Four receptions, 43 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Michael Pittman Jr.: Three receptions, 29 receiving yards
  • Parris Campbell: One reception, 24 receiving yards
  • Jack Doyle: Three receptions, 21 receiving yards
  • Mo Alie-Cox: Zero receptions
  • Indianapolis Colts DEF/ST:  3 sacks, 7 QB hits, fumble recovery

Recap:  Russell Wilson put on an efficiency clinic, posting four touchdowns in just 23 pass attempts.  Chris Carson’s fumble woes continue, but his 5.7 yards per carry and three receptions more than compensated. Tyler Lockett dominated and DK Metcalf added a late score.

Both were superb on just five targets each. Newly-acquired Gerald Everett found the end zone, and Pete Carroll’s defense continues to find ways to pressure the quarterback.

Carson Wentz was solid but needed to be better to keep this game close. Taylor struggled on the ground but his six receptions provides exciting promise for fantasy players. Hines is going to be relevant all season as an explosive safety valve. Michael Pittman lacked burst and was outproduced by Zach Pascal who had two touchdowns. Parris Campbell was a big disappointment in a game the Colts mostly trailed. Indianapolis’ defense will have better days, especially at home.

Los Angeles Chargers 20, Washington 16

Chargers:

  • Justin Herbert: 31/47, 337 yards, one TD, fumble lost
  • Austin Ekeler: 57 rushing yards, TD
  • Larry Roundtree III: 27 rushing yards
  • Keenan Allen: Nine receptions, 100 receiving yards
  • Mike Williams: Eight receptions, 82 receiving yards
  • Jared Cook: Five receptions, 56 receiving yards
  • Jalen Guyton: Three receptions, 49 receiving yards
  • Los Angeles Chargers DEF/ST: One sack, seven QB Hits, one fumble recovery

Washington:

  • Ryan Fitzpatrick: 3/6, 13 yards (injured)
  • Taylor Heinicke: 11/15, 122 yards, 17 rushing yards, TD
  • Antonio Gibson: 90 rushing yards, three receptions, 18 receiving yards, fumble lost
  • Terry McLaurin: Four receptions, 62 receiving yards
  • Logan Thomas: Three receptions, 18 receiving yards
  • J.D. McKissic: Eight rushing yards, zero receptions
  • Washington Football Team DEF/ST: Two sacks, five QB hits, fumble recovery, INT

Recap: The Chargers earned an unconventional but impressive road victory. Ekeler’s goal-line touchdown overshadowed a bizarre receiving day (zero receptions). Allen and Williams totaled 25 of the 47 targets, with the latter having the more productive day. Jared Cook is a solid weekly tight end fantasy option, and keep an eye on Larry Roundtree’s opportunities.

The Fitzpatrick injury hurts Washington, who is projected to be out 6-8 weeks (hip). Will Washington rely on Taylor Heinicke or former Ron Rivera quarterback Cam Newton? Gibson dominated the rushing opportunities, garnering 20 of the 23 attempts. Only 21 total pass attempts limited all receiving production, but Thomas did tally the only Washington touchdown. McKissic’s lack of involvement is a huge boost to Gibson moving forward.

Carolina 19, New York Jets 14

Panthers:

  • Sam Darnold:  24/35, 279, two TDs
  • Christian McCaffrey: 98 rushing yards, nine receptions, 89 receiving yards
  • DJ Moore: Six recs, 80 receiving yards, 14 rushing yards
  • Robby Anderson: One reception, 57 receiving yards, TD
  • Terrace Marshall: Three receptions, 26 receiving yards
  • Carolina Panthers DEF/ST: Six sacks, 10 QB hits, INT

Jets:

  •  Zach Wilson: 20/37, 258 yards, two TDs, INT
  • Tevin Coleman: 24 rushing yards
  • Corey Davis: Five receptions, 87 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Braxton Berrios: Five receptions, 51 receiving yards
  • Tyler Kroft: Three receptions, 26 receiving yards
  • Michael Carter: Six rushing yards, one reception, 11 receiving yards
  • New York Jets DEF/ST: Sack, eight QB Hits, fumble recovery

Recap:  New York could not get their run game going all day, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. Left tackle Mekhi Becton was carted off the field with a knee injury, crippling the protection for quarterback Zach Wilson. The rookie did manage two touchdowns, both to Corey Davis. Rookie running back Michael Carter was a huge disappointment, as was the Jets pass pressure against a poor Carolina offensive line.

The Sam Darnold “Revenge Game” had an added twist, with this 57-yard touchdown strike to former Jet Robby Anderson.

McCaffrey was back to his old dominant self, and Moore and Marshall combined for 14 targets. The Panthers defense was much better than expected with six sacks and an interception.

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Houston 37, Jacksonville 21

Texans:

  • Tyrod Taylor: 21/33, 291 yards, 40 rushing yards, two TDs
  • Mark Ingram: 85 rushing yards, TD
  • Philip Lindsay: 25 rushing yards, TD
  • David Johnson: 10 rushing yards, three receptions, 18 receiving yards, TD
  • Brandin Cooks: Five receptions, 132 receiving yards
  • Pharaoh Brown: Four receptions, 67 receiving yards
  • Nico Collins: Reception, seven yards
  • Houston Texans DEF/ST: Sack, four QB hits, three INTs

Jaguars:

  • Trevor Lawrence: 28/51, 332 yards, three TDs, three INTs
  • James Robinson: 25 rushing yards, three receptions, 29 receiving yards
  • Carlos Hyde: 44 rushing yards, two receptions, 14 receiving yards
  • DJ Chark: Three receptions, 86 receiving yards, TD
  • Marvin Jones: Five receptions, 77 receiving yards, TD
  • Laviska Shenault: Nine rushing yards, seven receptions, 50 receiving yards
  • Chris Manhertz: Reception, 22 receiving yards, TD
  • Jacksonville Jaguars DEF/ST: Sack, six QB hits

Recap:  Houston proved the wrong team was favored in this game. Tyrod Taylor was exceptional and still had his deep ball touch with Brandin Cooks. The other receiving options are very limited, thus all three running backs (Ingram, Lindsay, David Johnson) found the end zone. Houston’s defense won’t have many days like this, but three interceptions is a strong performance in any week.

Jacksonville’s offense was a mess against a subpar Houston team. Lawrence found fantasy relevance late, but three interceptions on only four QB hits is unacceptable. James Robinson getting outperformed by Carlos Hyde was shocking. Chark caught a bomb to salvage his day and Shenault was missing for most of the game after four receptions in the first quarter. Marvin Jones added a score, but how much of the offensive production was a direct result of a garbage time?

Kansas City 33, Cleveland 29

Chiefs:

  • Patrick Mahomes: 27/36, 337 yards, 18 rushing yards, four TDs
  • Clyde Edwards-Helaire: 43 rushing yards, three receptions, 29 receiving yards
  • Tyreek Hill: 11 receptions, 197 receiving yards, TD
  • Travis Kelce: Six receptions, 76 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Mecole Hardman: Three receptions, 19 receiving yards
  • Kansas City Chiefs DEF/ST: Two sacks, five QB hits, fumble recovery, INT

Browns:

  • Baker Mayfield: 21/28, 321 yards, INT
  • Nick Chubb: 83 rushing yards, two receptions, 18 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Kareem Hunt: 33 rushing yards, three receptions, 28 receiving yards, TD
  • David Njoku: Three receptions, 76 receiving yards
  • Jarvis Landry: Five receptions, 71 receiving yards
  • Anthony Schwartz: Three receptions, 69 receiving yards
  • Austin Hooper: Three receptions, 27 receiving yards
  • Cleveland Browns DEF/ST: Two sacks, six QB Hits

Recap: Cleveland got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 22-10 halftime lead. Chubb was dominant with 83 yards on 5.5 yards per carry and two touchdowns. Odell Beckham was a late scratch after pregame warmups, leading to tight end David Njoku’s performance as the leading Cleveland receiver. Kareem Hunt added a late touchdown to substantiate the “revenge game” narrative. 

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led a furious second-half comeback, finishing with 337 passing yards and four total touchdowns. Tyreek Hill translated 15 targets into 11 receptions for 197 receiving yards, and a 75-yard touchdown. Travis Kelce contributed two touchdowns with six receptions on seven targets. Clyde Edwards-Helaire did receive the majority of the carries, but failed to convert that into fantasy production. Neither defense provided much fantasy wise, as evidenced by the 62-point total, easily cresting the over. 

Miami 17, New England 16

Dolphins: 

  • Tua Tagovailoa:  16/27, 202 yards, two TDs, INT
  • Myles Gaskin: 49 rushing yards, five receptions, 27 receiving yards
  • DeVante Parker: Four receptions, 81 receiving yards
  • Jaylen Waddle: Four receptions, 61 receiving yards, TD
  • Mike Gesicki: Zero receptions
  • Miami Dolphins DEF/ST: Zero sacks, nine QB hits, two fumble recoveries 

Patriots:

  • Mac Jones: 29/39, 281 yards, TD
  • Damien Harris: 100 receiving yards, two receptions, 17 receiving yards, fumble lost
  • James White: 12 rushing yards, six receptions, 39 receiving yards
  • Rhamondre Stevenson: Two rushing yards, reception, nine receiving yards, fumble lost
  • Nelson Agholor: Five receptions, 72 receiving yards, TD
  • Jakobi Meyers: Six receptions, 44 receiving yards
  • Jonnu Smith: Five receptions, 42 receiving yards
  • Hunter Henry: Three receptions, 31 receiving yards
  • New England Patriots DEF/ST: Two sacks, Four QB hits, INT

A back-and-forth game that featured two strong defenses essentially ended with a Damien Harris fumble on the nine-yard line with three minutes left in regulation. That fumble overshadowed a strong game from Harris, who was also featured in the passing game. Mac Jones completed 29-of-39 pass attempts for a 74.4% completion percentage. This is the highest ever completion percentage by a quarterback in his debut with at least 39 pass attempts. Nelson Agholor and Jakobi Meyers combined for 16 targets, with Agholor catching Mac Jones’ first career touchdown pass

 

Miami struggled against the Patriots defense all day, but the Tagovailoa-Waddle connection started strong with the Dolphins only passing touchdown. DeVante Parker still seems like the WR1 and fantasy players should take note of Mike Gesicki’s reception-free performance.

New Orleans 38, Green Bay 3

Saints:  

  • Jameis Winston: 14/20, 148 yards, five TDs
  • Alvin Kamara: 83 rushing yards, three receptions, eight receiving yards, TD
  • Tony Jones: 37 rushing yards, reception, three receiving yards
  • Deonte Harris: Two receptions, 72 receiving yards, TD
  • Marquez Callaway: Reception, 14 receiving yards
  • Juwan Johnson: Three receptions, 21 receiving yards, two TDs
  • Adam Trautman: Three receptions, 18 receiving yards
  • New Orleans Saints DST/ST: Two sacks, seven QB Hits, two INTS, fumble recovery

Packers:

  • Aaron Rodgers: 15/28, 133 yards, two INTs
  • A.J. Dillon: 19 rushing yards, reception, seven receiving yards
  • Aaron Jones: Nine rushing yards, two receptions, 13 receiving yards
  • Davante Adams: Five receptions, 56 receiving yards
  • Randall Cobb: Reception, 32 receiving yards
  • Marquez Valdes-Scantling: Three receptions, 17 receiving yards
  • Robert Tonyan: Two receptions, eight receiving yards
  • Green Bay Packers DST/ST: Zero sacks, three QB hits, 

Recap: This was a dominant performance by New Orleans from start to finish. The Saints defense forced Aaron Rodgers into a career-worst performance.

Rodgers was so bad that Aaron Jones’ horrific game was overshadowed. The Saints run defense was superb again, just one year after ranking second in DVOA per FootballOutsiders. When Rodgers struggles, the receivers will also. Davante Adams tied with Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the team lead in targets (seven). Green Bay’s defense looks soft yet again.

Jameis Winston was the star of the game with five touchdown passes, including this 55-yard touchdown to Deonte Harris.

New Orleans lead wide receiver Marquez Callaway suffered the Jaire Alexander treatment, and Adam Trautman remains a fantasy mystery. Alvin Kamara was solid and Tony Jones has fully replaced Latavius Murray as the short-yardage, grind the clock back. Consider adding 2020 UDFA tight end Juwan Johnson, who has wide receiver eligibility in many leagues. FFantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1. Fantasy Football Week 1.

Denver 27, New York Giants 13

Broncos:  

  • Teddy Bridgewater: 28/36, 264 yards, 19 rushing yards, two TDs
  • Melvin Gordon III: 101 rushing yards, three receptions, 17 receiving yards, TD
  • Javonte Williams: 45 rushing yards, reception, -4 receiving yards
  • Jerry Jeudy: Six receptions, 72 receiving yards
  • Noah Fant: Six receptions, 62 receiving yards
  • KJ Hamler: Three receptions, 41 receiving yards
  • Tim Patrick: Four receptions, 39 receiving yards, TD
  • Albert Okwuegbunam: Three receptions, 16 receiving yards, TD
  • Denver Broncos DEF/ST: Two sacks, two QB Hits, fumble recovery

Giants:

  • Daniel Jones: 22/37, 267 yards, 27 rushing yards, two TDs
  • Saquon Barkley: 26 rushing yards, reception, one receiving yard
  • Sterling Shepard: Seven receptions, 113 receiving yards, TD
  • Darius Slayton: Three receptions, 65 receiving yards
  • Kenny Golladay: Four receptions, 64 receiving yards
  • Kadarius Toney: Two receptions, -2 receiving yards
  • New York Gians DEF/ST: Two sacks, six QB hits, fumble recovery

Recap: The Broncos controlled this game throughout, with a meaningless end-of-game score by the Giants softening the score discrepancy. Teddy Bridgewater is the perfect quarterback for this offense. He brings a high completion percentage and makes safe throws to a myriad of offensive options. Jerry Jeudy suffered a high-ankle sprain, limiting a potentially huge performance. Noah Fant was uncoverable and was Bridgewater’s safety valve. Melvin Gordon had this late touchdown run to overshadow Javonte Williams’ higher carry total.

Daniel Jones had a crucial fumble that essentially put the game out of reach. Kenny Golladay had a decent game after missing the preseason with a hamstring injury. Saquon Barkley had a limited workload which was expected, but rookie Kadarius Toney suffered from low volume and poor performance.

Los Angeles Rams 34, Chicago Bears 14

Rams:  

  • Matt Stafford: 20/26, 321 yards, three TDs
  • Darrell Henderson: 70 rushing yards, one reception, 17 receiving yards, TD
  • Sony Michel: One rush, two rushing yards
  • Cooper Kupp: Seven receptions, 108 receiving yards, TD
  • Van Jefferson: Two receptions, 80 receiving yards, TD
  • Robert Woods: Three receptions, 27 receiving yards, seven rushing yards, TD
  • Tyler Higbee: Five receptions, 68 receiving yards
  • Los Angeles Rams DEF/ST: Three sacks, three QB hits, fumble recovery, INT

Bears:

  • Andy Dalton: 27/38, 206 yards, 13 rushing yards, INT
  • Justin Fields: 2/2, 10 yards, three rushing yards, TD
  • David Montgomery: 108 rushing yards, reception, 10 receiving yards, TD
  • Damien Williams: 12 rushing yards, four receptions, 28 receiving yards
  • Marquise Goodwin: Four receptions, 45 receiving yards
  • Cole Kmet: Five receptions, 42 receiving yards
  • Allen Robinson II: Sixreceptions, 35 receiving yards
  • Darnell Mooney: Five receptions, 26 receiving yards
  • Jimmy Graham: One reception, 11 receiving yards
  • Chicago Bears DEF/ST: Three sacks, three QB Hits

Recap:  The Rams offense looked exactly how you would expect with a upgrade to Matthew Stafford at quarterback. Cooper Kupp had only three touchdowns in 2020, but he found the end zone in the Rams first game of the 2021 season. Darell Henderson is the clear lead running back, with Michel getting just one carry. Tyler Higbee and Robert Woods were both solid.

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David Montgomery was outstanding for Chicago with 108 rushing yards on 6.8 yards per carry. The Rams elite pass defense limited both Robinson (35 receiving yards) and Mooney (26).  Both will see much better days, especially if Justin Fields correctly becomes the starting quarterback. Andy Dalton’s next start should be his last.

Las Vegas 33, Baltimore 27

Raiders:  

  • Derek Carr: 34/56, 435 yards, six rushing yards, two TDs, INT
  • Josh Jacobs: 34 rushing yards, one reception, six receiving yards, two TDs
  • Kenyan Drake: 11 rushing yards, five receptions, 59 receiving yards
  • Darren Waller: 10 receptions, 105 receiving yards, TD
  • Bryan Edwards: Four receptions, 81 receiving yards
  • Hunter Renfrow: Six receptions, 70 receiving yards
  • Kenyan Drake: Five receptions, 59 receiving yards
  • Zay Jones: Two receptions, 46 receiving yards, TD
  • Henry Ruggs: Two receptions, 46 receiving yards
  • Las Vegas Raiders DEF/ST: Three sacks, seven QB hits, two fumble recoveries

Ravens:

  • Lamar Jackson: 19/30, 235 yards, 86 rushing yards, TD, two fumbles lost
  • Ty’Son Williams: 65 rushing yards, three receptions, 29 receiving yards, TD
  • Latavius Murray: 28 rushing yards, TD
  • Marquise Brown: Six receptions, 69 receiving yards, TD
  • Sammy Watkins: Four receptions, 96 receiving yards
  • Mark Andrews: Three receptions, 20 receiving yards
  • Baltimore Ravens DEF/ST: Three sacks, seven QB hits, INT

Recap:  This game had one of the craziest endings you will ever see in an NFL game. After Derek Carr’s inexplicable interception on the one-yard line in overtime, Lamar Jackson’s second lost fumble gave the Raiders one more chance which they didn’t squander. Derek Carr had a high passing total, but his fantasy performance was saved by that game-winning lob to Zay Jones. Jacobs struggled against the Baltimore run defense, but still converted two touchdowns. Darren Waller was a PPR monster with 19 targets. Bryan Edwards gets the award for the most bizarre state line of Week 1.

https://twitter.com/RandleRant/status/1437623359542546434?s=20

It was nice to see Henry Ruggs used late, but his production will be volatile all season. Kenyan Drake was a solid producer in the passing game and would have RB1 upside if Jacobs ever gets hurt. Lamar Jackson always brings a high fantasy floor with his rushing total (86 yards), but the fumbles are an issue. Ty’Son Williams produced but Latavius Murray had more carries (10 to 9). Marquise Brown shook off injury concerns for a solid Week 1 performance, and Sammy Watkins compensated for the surprisingly minimal output from Mark Andrews.

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Mike Randle

Mike Randle

Mike Randle is a fantasy football fanatic. He is Team Manager for the LWOS Fantasy Football Department and contributes to Dynasty Trade Calculator. Mike also hosts the Pickin' Up the Blitz Fantasy Football Podcast. He is a happily married father of two beautiful children.

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