Week 1 Recap
As week two of the NFL season begins, we must first address week one. As a Packer fan, I will begin there. Aaron Rodgers looked more comfortable in Matt Lafleur’s offense in year two and continued to look to his number one target, Davante Adams. This connection seems poised to have a strong season and on the verge of the fabled Rodgers Nelson connection that we all miss. Young wide receivers, Allen Lazard and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, look ready to compliment Adams and become contributing members while being potential fantasy starters. The overall offense seemed to be fairly balanced with the run and pass game. Aaron Jones still has his place as the lead back, with Jamaal Williams and rookie AJ Dillion spelling Jones.
The Vikings showed some promise in the loss. The connection between Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen is a top connection in the league, as was evidenced by the amount of times Cousins leaned on his star wide receiver who had a great day against the Packers defense, grabbing 6 receptions and notching two touchdowns and 110 yards. Dalvin Cook and the run game still seem to be the focus for the Vikings offense regardless of what happened in week one. As for the defense, without Danielle Hunter the Vikings could do little in the way of making Rodgers uncomfortable and allowed their young corners to be picked apart. Teams with a solid line and a strong wide receiver should be looked at against this defense, which is why I like T.Y Hilton and Paris Campbell.
The battle between Matt Ryan and Russell Wilson produced top performers among both teams. The Seattle Seahawks allowed Wilson to control the offense and he dictated the pace of the game. Wilson was the top Quarterback in week one passing to whoever he wanted. If the Seahawks allow Wilson to have control, I would suggest buying in on his weapons. On the other side Ryan looked very good in his own right. The running game got going with the new addition Todd Gurley II, who gained 56 yards on the ground and netted a touchdown, while both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley had great days with over 100 yards each. Calvin was the second highest performing Wide Receiver this week notching 9 receptions, 130 yards and 2 touchdowns on the day and looked to be the go to target for Ryan. A theme throughout this game was how little each defense seemed to do. Both quarterbacks had their way through the air and a Hail Mary by Ryan late in the 4th quarter was the only interception.
The surprise of the week came during the Eagles and Washington Football Team game. After starting the game out hot with 17 points before the half and Carson Went looking to Dallas Goedert more than Zach Ertz, as what seems to be a changing of the guard. Boston Scott and Corey Clement couldn’t get anything going on the ground for the Eagles, but that could be attributed to the Washington defensive front, which loaded with first rounders, or maybe when Miles Sanders returns this could change. The Washington Football Team stormed back and scored 20 unanswered points. The connection between Dwayne Haskins and Terry McLaurin seems to be an emerging duo that could help provide those much needed points. As for the running game, more is needed before a true fantasy point machine is established but the tandem of Antonio Gibson and Peyton Barber looks promising. Gibson, who was a do it all player at Memphis, is bringing that same skill set to the offense in Washington and someone I think is worth a spot on rosters.
Top Performers (PPR Leagues)
QB:
1) Russell Wilson (31.78) 2) Aaron Rodgers (30.76) 3) Josh Allen (28.18)
4) Lamar Jackson(27.50) 5) Kyler Murray (26.30)
RB:
1) Josh Jacobs (35.90) 2) Christian McCaffrey (28.50) 3) Ezekiel Elliot (27.70)
4) Nyheim Hines (27.30) 5) Malcom Brown (26)
WR:
1) Devante Adams 41.60 2) Calvin Ridley (33.90) 3) Adam Thielen (31)
4) DeAndre Hopkins (29.1) 5) Darius Slayton (28.20)
TE:
1) Dallas Goedert (24.10) 2) Mark Andrews (22.80) 3) Noah Fant (19.10)
4) Travis Kelce (17) 5) T.J. Hockenson (16.60)
DST:
1) Washington Football Team (15) 2) Ravens (15) 3) Saints (15) 4) Chargers (11)
5) Patriots (11)
Week 2 Loves
QB:
Josh Allen (Bills)- Allens dual threat ability mixed with Miami’s lack of defense is a recipe for success. With the addition of Stefon Diggs and the continued rapport with John Brown should allow Allen to have a good day.
RB:
Derrick Henry (Titans)- Henry had 116 yards in week one versus Denver. The workhorse back should be able to keep up his impact and run through the Jaguars defense. Last week the Jaguars were against the Colts who lost starter Marlon Mack for the year with an achilles injury and had to turn to Nyheim Hines and rookie Jonathon Taylor.
WR:
Davante Adams (Packers)- Yes this is a homer pick, but based on how Adams has faired against the Lions in the past and with the Lions trading Darius Slay during the offseason it is up to Desmond Trufant to guard Adams.
TE:
Mark Andrews (Ravens)- In the redzone or as a safety valve Andrews seems to be who Lamar Jackson is looking for. Last week Houston gave up 6 receptions for 50 yards to Travis Kelce. This stat line provides some optimism for starting Andrews.
DST:
Rams- Based on how often the Washington Football Team was able to get to Wentz, I think a superstar in Aaron Donald and the rest of the defense to have an impact.
Week 2 Hates
QB:
Tom Brady (Buccaneers)- Call me crazy or a Tom Brady hater but he doesn’t look as impactful as he once was with the Patriots. Brady has all the weapons to succeed but things didn’t seem to come together like they should have.
RB:
Malcolm Brown (Rams)- The Eagles front is stout versus the run. Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson and the rest of the defensive line should be able to hold Brown to a lesser state line and impact.
WR:
DJ Moore (Panthers)- Week one against the Raiders did not look too appealing. Although Moore led the team with 9 targets this resulted in 4 receptions for 54 yards, not a stat line I am willing to start. Until Teddy Bridgewater and Moore improve their chemistry together, it’s a no for me.
TE:
Zach Ertz (Eagles)- This one hurts since Ertz has been a consistent player at the tight end position, but it seems Wentz and the Eagles are turning towards Goedert. Goedert had more targets, receptions, and yards. While both notched a touchdown it seems Ertz may not be the go to anymore.
Boom or Bust
Marquez Valdes-Scantling- MVS had 4 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, however this stat line could have been a lot larger. MVS dropped a 60 yard bomb from Rodgers and an easy 5 yarder that could’ve turned into more. Drops are always an issue with MVS but the big play ability is there and could result in huge points for little investment.
Henry Ruggs III- Derek Carr looked adamant at taking the deep shot and Ruggs is the willing participant for this. The Las Vegas Raiders are being creative with their use of Ruggs by getting him involved with designed runs. With Ruggs’ blazing speed and ability to take the top off of a defense, this has the potential for huge numbers. With Chucky and the Raiders love for speed Ruggs has the ability to be a Boom.
Jalen Reagor- Wentz targeted the rookie burner on multiple occasions but only netted 1 reception for 55 yards. An over throw by Wentz to an open Reagor could’ve resulted in a huge 75 yard touchdown. I suggest monitoring the rapport between these two going forward before diving in. Until a bigger sample size is shown this is a bust for me.
J.K. Dobbins- With little to his yardage numbers and 2 touchdowns his points look better than they could have been. With Dobbins getting the bulk of the snaps at running back for the Ravens this might be an indication on how the team wants to proceed forward and that is with Dobbins over Mark Ingram. If Dobbins becomes the featured back and they feel comfortable using him around the goal line, Dobbins will be a necessary addition and starter. However, Mark Ingram’s duty last year was the bell cow and was the back used primarily in the redzone so stay vigilant. Dobbins is worth an addition.
Peyton Barber- Similar to above Barber’s stat line was heavily influenced by his two goal line touchdowns. Barber’s lack of rushing yards could be due to the Eagles having a stout front that is good against the run, but also attributed to Gibson seeming to be the front runner for the primary back position. I don’t think Barber is worth an addition to the roster.
Logan Thomas- With the Tight End position being limited and everyone scraping the bottom of the barrel 13.70 points looks great, however once you look at the film it becomes apparent that the points came from a redzone touchdown and the stat line becomes a little more suspect. This might be his intended use and is worth monitoring, but be weary if Logan doesn’t score the stat line becomes 5 or 6 points. Logan is worth an addition due to the tight end market being so barren.
Sleepers
Antonio Gibson- As the rookie running back gets more comfortable and settles in he could become the primary back in Washington. He seemed to be the primary back for Washington in the game against the Eagles and has the hands to be an asset in the passing game.
Jerry Jeudy- Another rookie wide receiver but one who was the most pro ready coming out during this past year. With Jeudy’s route running ability and athletic traits he could emerge as a weapon for Drew Lock with Courtland Sutton being questionable.
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