Week 1 is always a big equalizer. For those who lose, a roster that appeared unbeatable suddenly looks vulnerable – those with Christian McCaffrey or Puka Nacua on their rosters are already apoplectic.
The good news is that if fantasy managers don’t panic, they will find out what sort of team they will have by the end of September – good, bad, or meh. However, for those off to a bad start, it’s hard to find solace.
Fantasy football risers
Baltimore Ravens TE Isaiah Likely – What makes Likely’s Week 1 performance so impressive was that the Ravens were treating their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs like a playoff game. Mark Andrews was targeted only twice. Likely was targeted 12 times, catching nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. Waiver-wire order will be important in tight end-mandatory leagues later this week.
Indianapolis Colts WR Alec Pierce – For a guy who was expected to be mired behind Michael Pittman Jr., Adonai Mitchell and Josh Downs, Pierce caught only three passes in Week 1, but two of those were catches of 57 and 60 yards – the latter being a touchdown. He’s averaged 15 yards a catch in his first two seasons as a designated downfield receiver. If this is his role, he’s a one-trick pony to consider getting on your roster.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy – Worthy only touched the ball three times against the Ravens, but scored two touchdowns – one rushing and one receiving. He was viewed as a WR4 in 12-team leagues on draft day, so Worthy is already on a lot of rosters. The problem now will be to the decision whether to start him or bench him moving forward.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield – Granted, Mayfield was at home against the Washington Commanders, but Sunday’s win showed why he deserves to be on fantasy rosters. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Rachaad White are all go-to receivers, and Mayfield was on point with each. There are a lot of QBs rated higher, but he plays in the weakest division in the NFL and will have more positive matchups like he did in Week 1.
Tennessee Titans RB Tony Pollard – The conventional wisdom was that Tyjae Spears had a leg up to be the featured back post-Derrick Henry. Apparently not. Pollard had 16 carries for 82 yards, while Spears had just four rushes. Tennessee’s coaching staff made it clear Pollard is the choice to be the featured back. Until he takes a backward step, it’s Pollard’s job to keep.
Fantasy football fallers
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow – The Bengals were the biggest favorite (8 points) of Week 1 but were owned at home by the New England Patriots. It wasn’t the lack of touchdowns that was troubling. It was that Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes and gained just 164 yards. His wrist doesn’t look 100%. On the road against the Chiefs next week might get some to pull the plug on Joe … at least for next week.
Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry – There was reason for concern that Henry coming to the Ravens was a round peg in a square hole. Lamar Jackson doesn’t line up under center. Henry doesn’t line up seven yards deep standing next to his quarterback. In a critical Week 1 conference game, Justice Hill was on the field for more plays (43) than Henry (37). It’s hard to imagine Henry being a matchup-based pick, but it may be that way.
Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. – For all the rookies who look back on their first NFL game with joy, Harrison won’t be one of them. He was targeted just three times in a game his team was winning and wasn’t called on late to bring the Cardinals back. Kyler Murray isn’t a deep-downfield passer, and that’s Harrison’s strong point. One catch for four yards doesn’t keep you in lineups when you have other viable options.
Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert – Herbert lost his top three receiving threats in the offseason (Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams). His first game without the three of them resulted in 144 passing yards and one TD. He’s going to stay a QB2 for some time and may only be a fantasy starter by force, not choice.
Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams – Williams won his first NFL game, but it wasn’t because of him. He was drafted to be a savior for a franchise that has never had an elite fantasy quarterback. The result of Williams’ debut was 93 yards passing, 15 yards rushing, and no touchdowns. Whoever the other QB on fantasy rosters along with Williams is, he can feel secure that he will be the starter moving forward until something changes.
