Week 1 Fantasy Football Busts
Week 1 is officially in the books and it’s time to evaluate some of the surprise poor performances around the NFL in Week 1. Several superstars who were expected to do big things fell flat on their faces. Will these players continue to struggle or will they right the ship? Let’s take a look at the Week 1 fantasy football busts and what we should do in Week 2. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) – The Ravens may have defeated the Houston Texans comfortably but there are many things to address in Baltimore. First of all, Baltimore’s running attack took a major hit as JK Dobbins went down with a season-ending torn Achilles. With Gus Edwards and Justice Hill filling in, it will be even more important for Lamar Jackson to bounce back after a dreadful debut to the season. Although he was efficient, finishing 17 of 22 on dropbacks, Jackson only accumulated 169 passing yards. He added 38 rushing yards on six attempts but fumbled twice, one resulting in a turnover. Despite not having Mark Andrews on the field, Jackson had one of the juiciest matchups heading into the opener but failed to live up to the hype. He produced two turnovers (one interception and a fumble) and failed to find the end zone. Jackson did develop a nice rapport with rookie wideout Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. even showed a few flashes. That said, fantasy owners will be hoping for a much better outing from their star quarterback on Sunday. Things will only get tougher for Jackson in Week 2 as the Ravens host their AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals. However, Jackson should get back on track despite a difficult matchup. Deshaun Watson’s numbers against the Bengals in poor weather should be encouraging for Jackson owners and the return of Mark Andrews should help the electric signal caller get back on track in Week 2. Fantasy owners shouldn’t overreact to Jackson’s dismal Week 1 performance. There are brighter days ahead. Week 2 Decision: Start Running Back D’Andre Swift (Philadelphia Eagles) – I am the first to admit that Swift’s Week 1 performance has me shaking in my boots. I thought he would be one of the biggest steals in fantasy football. But the Eagles didn’t give Swift the rock. The newest addition to the Philadelphia offense only managed two touches for a meager three yards. Despite the fact that Rashaad Penny was a healthy scratch. Surprisingly, it was Kenneth Gainwell who absolutely dominated the touches in the backfield. We knew Gainwell would start but he also finished with 74 all-purpose yards on 18 touches. While we expected the Eagles to utilize Gainwell from time to time, nobody in their right mind expected that much of a difference in the workload. Swift only played approximately 35% of the Lions’ offensive snaps in 2022 and most thought that number would increase in his first year in Philly. However, the dynamic running back played just 19 of a possible 66 offensive snaps in Sunday’s 25-20 victory over the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, Gainwell turned his 41 snaps into a fairly productive outing and Boston Scott was even slightly in the mix (eight snaps). We will have to wait another week to see if Swift can get out of the dog house. However, I would recommend taking a wait-and-see approach after his uneventful Week 1 outing. Fantasy owners simply cannot trust him heading into Week 2 even if Penny is a scratch again against the Minnesota Vikings. It also doesn’t help that the Vikings allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in Week 1. Even if that was against the lowly Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rachaad White finished with just 39 rushing yards on 17 carries as Tampa’s RB1. Things aren’t looking good for Swift heading into Week 2. Week 2 Decision: Sit Wide Receiver Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals) – Higgins entered the season as perhaps the most talented WR2 in the entire NFL. Unfortunately, the weather was bad in Cinatinnati’s season-opening loss to the Cleveland Browns. And Higgins finished with an embarrassing goose egg. However, it was encouraging to see Burrow target the versatile wideout eight times despite missing each connection. I wouldn’t overanalyze this one. Joe Burrow is still an elite quarterback despite his terrible Week 1 performance. Higgins should still be the second option in the passing game behind Ja’Marr Chase. The volume was there so there’s no reason to get too worried just yet. Fire Higgins up in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens. It’s not an easy matchup but Higgins can only improve from here, right? Week 2 Decision: Start Tight End Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles) – It’s very surprising to see two members of the defending NFC Champions on this list. But Dallas Goedert was Week 1’s biggest bust at the tight end position after finishing with a whopping 0 fantasy points on just one target. The Patriots did a very good job defending Goedert but the weather didn’t do the big tight end any favors. The rain limited the Eagles’ offensive game plan and forced them to be an even more run-heavy team than they perhaps would have liked. That said, head coach Nick Siraianni made a point to mention Goedert’s lack of involvement in his post-game interview. “We can’t go a game without getting Goedert the football,” he said. Fantasy managers can rest assured that the Eagles will be working all week to find ways to get their playmaker the ball more in open space. Although Goedert will always be third in the pecking order behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, Goedert should bounce back in Week 2 in what could be a high-scoring affair against the Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy owners should still start him with confidence as he should produce top-six numbers from the competitive tight end position. Week 2 Decision: Start The 2023 NFL season is underway but it’s not too late to get
Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 1
As we saw on Thursday Night Football, expect the unexpected in fantasy football. That’s especially true in the opening week, where it is more difficult to predict outcomes. However, we will try to dig deep to find our favorite Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week 1. The great thing about Week 1 is everyone has championship aspirations. However, now isn’t the time to get cute with lineups. Finding unheralded sleepers in Week 1 is merely looking for flex options or players who are in a good position to out-produce their weekly projections. Subsequently, now isn’t the time to get cute with lineups and overanalyze things. Stick with your studs. You drafted them for a reason. However, if you are in a deep league or got bitten by the injury bug, here are some fantasy football sleepers: Week 1 to consider. Quarterbacks Sam Howell (Washington Commanders) – Howell looked good this summer in Eric Bieniemy’s offense. The sophomore signal-caller has been deemed a season-long sleeper and is primed to get off to a good start. In addition to having a deep group of skill position players as a supporting cast, the Commanders are seven-point home favorites against an undermanned Arizona Cardinals club. Howell’s lone start last year resulted in a QB7 finish. A repeat of QB1 numbers is certainly a possibility. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts) – Indy’s passing game could be a mess. However, that doesn’t mean that Richardson won’t get off to a fast start. The Colts have an inviting home matchup against a Jacksonville squad that surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last season. Also, Jacksonville was particularly vulnerable on the ground, allowing the third-most rushing yards (469) to the position. Daniel Jones (New York Giants) – Jones experienced a late-season reinsurance under Brian Daibol to close out last year. A rejuvenated Jones has added muscle and additional confidence entering the 2023 campaign. If Jones continues to be a rushing threat and with the addition of Darren Waller, look for a 20-plus fantasy performance on Sunday Night Football. Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks) – Most fans believe Smith’s success last year was a fluke. Meanwhile, the Seahawks added Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Zach Charbonnet in the draft. Also, they will march out one of the most underrated offensive line groups. Smith went for a cool 367 and 3 TDS in his last matchup vs. the Rams. Running Backs Raheem Mostert (Miami Dolphins) – Rookie running back De’Von Achane was gaining a lot of steam in drafts prior to an injury. And since then, veteran Raheem Mostert has surged in drafts by sharp high-stakes players. Mostert looked spry in the final preseason game and knows the offense well. The week 1 matchup against the Chargers could be the shootout of Week 1. Also, Mostert could get the full allotment of touches. Samaje Perine (Denver Broncos) – New Denver head coach Sean Peyton signed free-agent RB Samjae Perine on the first day of free agency. The Broncos are not going to give Javonte Williams a full run coming off ACL surgery in Week 1. Also, Perine has the chance to get tons of work vs. the Raiders. Perine is more than just a change-of-pace option. He can grind out tough yards and should be a viable red-zone threat in Payton’s scheme. Jamaal Williams (New Orleans Saints) – Alvin Kamara is suspended and Kendre Miller has a hamstring injury. That puts Williams in line for a heavy workload in Week 1. New Orleans hosts a tough Tennessee run defense on Sunday. However, Williams is a volume play that could see upwards of 20 touches. Also, fantasy footballers are well aware of his nose for the end zone. Williams should contend from RB2 numbers. Well ahead of his tenth-round ADP. Wide Receivers Josh Palmer (Los Angeles Chargers) – It’s Palmer, not Quentin Johnston who will open the season as LA’s WR3. Palmer has been ahead of the rookie all offseason. Also, this is a fantastic matchup for the entire Chargers’ offense. Miami’s secondary was already a mess and now they’ll be missing Jalen Ramsey for most of the season. At 49 points, this AFC battle has the highest over/under on Sunday’s slate. I love the Chargers overall and think Palmer was one of the most underrated wideouts on draft day. Subsequently, I think he gets off to a solid start in 2023. Isaiah Hodgins (New York Giants) – Hodgins was the featured wide receiver down the stretch for the Giants in the 2022 season. But many fantasy players have ignored Hodgins in August drafts. Hodgins could continue to prosper with QB Daniel Jones and Brian Daboll’s innovative playcalling. Also, this Sunday night NFC East grudge match has all the makings of another slugfest. K.J. Osborn (Minnesota Vikings) – The Vikings will look to establish themselves as an elite passing team. Minnesota selected USC WR Jordan Addison with their first-round pick to help bolster the offense. It may take some time for Addison to reach his full workload and snap counts as he navigates the transition from college to the NFL. It wouldn’t be a surprise if veteran K.J. Osborn should take advantage of Week 1 playing time in another potential shootout. Tight Ends Isaiah Likely (Baltimore Ravens) – Given the injury status of Mark Andrews, Isiah Likely could be in line for a double-digit fantasy game with major upside. The Ravens will make a major effort to push the ball downfield under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. Likely, a 2022 fantasy draft darling should definitely be in lineups in Week 1 if The Ravens play it safe with Andrews. In fact, Likely should be on fantasy radars even if Andrews is active. Gerald Everett (Los Angeles Chargers) – Reverting back to that Chargers/Dolphins game, Miami also struggled to defend tight ends. In fact, the Dolphins allowed the second-most receptions (100) and fourth-most touchdowns (10) to tight ends last season. Everett himself saw eight targets when these two teams squared off in Week 14. Everett
Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 1
The long wait is over! Another fantastic fantasy football season has arrived. While that means all is good, many early drafters already need to explore FullTime‘s Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Week 1. Whether you drafted Jonathan Taylor, had some unfortunate injuries, or are just looking for depth, being proactive even before the season begins is a great way to increase your odds of winning. Also, it can give you a leg up on your opponent. However, be cautious with your FAAB spending this early. The championship is 17 weeks away. Be proactive, but also budget wisely. Here are the top fantasy football waiver wire: Week 1 players to target. FAAB denotes Free Agent Acquisition Budget Deon Jackson (RB) Indianapolis Colts (10 % FAAB) – It’s a new regime in Indy so there’s no guarantee that Jackson will be used in the same way he was last year when Jonathan Taylor was absent. However, sans Taylor and Zack Moss, there is a good chance Jackson will see double-digit touches against Jacksonville. In the four games Jackson surpassed 10 touches in a game last season, he averaged 17.7 fantasy points per game. Raheem Mostert (RB) Miami Dolphins (10% FAAB) – With Jeff Wilson on IR, Mostert and De’Von Achane (10% FAAB) will lead Miami’s backfield for at least the first four weeks of the season. Mostert quietly posted RB26 numbers last season and should get the most touches against the Chargers. Achane is the upside play and offers the most long-term potential. Marvin Mims (WR) Denver Broncos (10% FAAB) – The analytics crowd has been on Mims all offseason. However, his ADP remained well outside the top 150. That all changed when Jerry Jeudy went down. Mims has now screamed up draft boards. He’ll open the season in the starting lineup against a vulnerable Raiders’ secondary. Mims will remain in three-wide sets. He’s got a clear path to top 50 numbers. Marvin Mims is going to open the season as a starter for Denver after a rocky offseason for that position group. There’s a chance if he develops, he ends it established as the best WR on the roster. Some #ReceptionPerception positive Indicators on Mims… – 72.2% success rate… pic.twitter.com/VEmb6BdZQB — Matt Harmon (@MattHarmon_BYB) August 28, 2023 Kenneth Gainwell (RB) Philadelphia Eagles (8% FAAB) – I like all of Philadelphia’s backs at cost. However, Gainwell has the lowest ADP of the trio. Plus, he was receiving plenty of first-team reps all preseason. I’m not sure I buy into the RB1 rumors. After all, the Eagles will rotate all three backs and have Jalen Hurts dominating goal-line looks. However, Gainwell largely went un-drafted early on and has proven to be a reliable pass-catching weapon. My numbers still project D’Andre Swift to lead this backfield. But Gainwell is a priority add in free agency. Nico Collins (WR) Houston Texans (6% FAAB) – Collins quietly was targeted at an impressive rate last season. And that has only multiplied with Houston’s new regime. C.J. Stroud proved to be very accurate all summer and Collins was unquestionably Stroud’s primary read. Collins should contend for top-40 fantasy numbers and is still widely available in many leagues. Brock Purdy (QB) San Francisco 49ers (5% FAAB) – After trading Trey Lance to Dallas, there is zero doubt of who San Francisco’s starter is. Also, Purdy is fully healthy and will open the season in Pittsburgh against a Steelers’ secondary that ceded the 13th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks a year ago. Including the postseason, Purdy posted top-10 fantasy numbers in his last five starts of 2023. A top-15 season is in play. Deuce Vaughn (RB) Dallas Cowboys (5% FAAB) – Most people draft in August, so Vaughn’s breakout summer likely means he was selected. However, Vaughn might have gone undrafted in early leagues. The Cowboys manufactured touches for the diminutive Vaughn and he delivered throughout the preseason. Dallas has shown a penchant for using multiple backs. If the continues, Vaughn has a chance to play his way into the flex conversation in larger leagues. At the very least, he is a desirable hand-cuff pick for Tony Pollard managers. Sam Howell (QB) Washington Commanders (4% FAAB) – Howell looked good this preseason and has some intriguing weapons in place. Even better, he’ll open the season at home against a horrid Arizona club that looks like they won’t be able to sustain drives or stop anybody. Howell has solid streaming value in the opener. Hunter Henry (TE) New England Patriots (4% FAAB) – With Bill O’Brien back as the play-callers, it is thought that the wide receiver-thin Patriots will employ a two-tight end offense. This could be similar to the strategy that O’Brien championed in his first run as the club’s offensive coordinator. Henry will fill the Rob Gronkowski role in that scenario. Also, Henry has flashed good chemistry with QB Mac Jones all summer. With his solid red-zone skills, Henry could compete for TE1 numbers. Noah Fant (TE) Seattle Seahawks (3% FAAB) – Fant was TE17 last season but is almost completely being ignored on draft day. Granted, the arrival of Jaxon Smith-Njigba is playing a large role in that. However, Fant’s role should remain largely unchanged. He might not see a steep decline in the 63 targets he earned in 2022. Isaiah Hodgins (WR) New York Giants (3% FAAB) – Handicapping the Giants’ receiving corps is tricky. Also, the Giants ranked just 26th in passing last season. Hodgins is currently the club’s No. 1 wideout. Along with teammate Darius Slayton (1% FAAB), Hodgins is worth a speculative bid to see how things shake out in New York. Romeo Doubs (WR) Green Bay Packers (3% FAAB) – Although he’s dealing with a hamstring injury, Doubs boasted a 12% target share from Jordan Love in the preseason. Of course, we’ll have to monitor the injury report for the season opener. However, even if Doubs is limited against the Bears, he should be rostered in most formats. My projections are favorable for Green Bay in 2023. That’s why