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Usage Notes: Week 1



By Kevin Scott | 9/14/21 |

Many fantasy seasons have been wrecked by Week 1, but not in the way you might think. For fantasy players passionate about the game, terrible results in the first week of the season can seem crushing. “After all the work I put in this offseason!”, they might say. “Maybe I’m just not cut out for this after all” might be the prevailing feeling for many.

But the season is only tanked after one week if you give into these kinds of thoughts. Remember, it’s just one week! Those who prevail at fantasy football over the long haul are those who are willing to grind and to keep on fighting for wins. You don’t need to go undefeated to win the trophy and they don’t crown the champion after one or two weeks.

So let’s grind. This weekly article is all about helping you notice the things many others will miss. It is about digging into the data of what happened during each week to find players you can pick up, or players you need to start, or players you can move on from. We will look at snap and usage data, as well as the stats, to find these important nuggets.

One-week samples are quite limited in what they can teach us, but we can certainly still learn from them. Below I’ll give some important notes for each of the major skill positions but remember: don’t overreact in either direction. If you crushed it, keep grinding. If you got crushed, keep grinding.

Najee Harris

Running Back

  • Ezekiel Elliott’s poor performance in Week 1 has many who invested a first-round pick in him concerned. While it was an ugly fantasy output, Elliott received 79% of the designed carries and was on the field for 83% of the offensive snaps. The Cowboys decided to try to beat the Bucs with a quick-passing game, and it looked like the correct strategy. Elliott should be fine and he looked quicker than he did in 2020.

  • Tony Pollard played on 20 offensive snaps (Elliott played on 70). Pollard did receive 7 touches on those snaps, so the Cowboys certainly made an effort to get him involved. But so far, it looks like his role will be similar to last season (spell Elliott and on some long-down-and-distance situations). If you are desperate for a running back to start, he should get 7-10 touches per game. But barring an Elliott injury it does not look like his role is going to grow exponentially this season.

  • Ronald Jones again found himself in Arians’ doghouse after an early fumble. He ended up playing only 6 snaps for the whole game. If this plays out like last season, Jones will be back out there next week. You should not drop him at this point. The issue with the Bucs backs is that you never know who to play, but that was the case coming into the season. Wait this one out and see how it develops.

  • Because of Jones’ miscue, Leonard Fournette ended up being the workhorse back in Week 1. He played on 65% of snaps, getting 9 carries (32 yards) and 7 targets (5-27). He did not score, so it was still a disappointing output. I think his week-to-week usage will be frustrating, and I would move away from him if you are able. Based on his Week 1 usage, it might be a nice time to trade him if someone is interested.

  • Giovani Bernard is still working his way into the offense but it was clear he will be the main third-down back, as well as the long-down-and-distance back. This is a valuable role in a Brady-led offense, so despite Bernard playing on only 26% of snaps and only getting 3 targets (2-12), I am still high on his potential. Watch over the next couple weeks to see how this all pans out.

  • Miles Sanders looked quick and dynamic on Sunday, making impressive cuts and making defenders miss. He played on 66% of snaps and received 19 touches, going for 113 total yards. If this usage continues, he will likely be a steal where he was being drafted.

  • Behind Sanders it was not Boston Scott but Kenneth Gainwell getting the work. He played on 35% of snaps and got 11 touches – and scored. Gainwell will be one of the top adds in most leagues, and based on this usage I would say it is a smart pick up. The coaches could switch to Scott, but assuming this usage stays the same, Gainwell could be a nice option as he looked quick and dynamic.

  • Mike Davis had a promising start for the Falcons, and almost scored on an early drive. He looked strong and was running well then the whole team fizzled. He did receive 6 targets, catching 3 for 23 yards, which helped his stat line. But he ended the day with 15 rushes for only 49 yards. The Falcons must improve as an offense for Davis to be a worthwhile start, so those with Falcons players must just hope this team plays better offense in Week 2.

  • After Zack Moss was a surprise inactive in Week 1, Devin Singletary played on 75% of snaps and received 14 touches (11-72, 3-8). The Bills continued to be a passing offense, but this makes Singletary very worthy of an add if he is on your wire.

  • Najee Harris had both a promising and concerning first game. He played on every single offensive snap, which is remarkable in today’s NFL. That alone makes him incredibly valuable, with huge upside. However, he ran for only 45 yards on 16 carries, showing how poor the Steelers offensive line is. He also only caught one ball for 4 yards on 3 targets. If you drafted him, don’t be concerned. Big days are coming when the Steelers face softer defenses.

  • So far you do not want any Jets running backs, and cannot start any of them until one emerges. They split the touches and the snaps three ways, and nobody produced more than 26 yards. Stay away for now, but hold onto Michael Carter. He has the most upside if he were to emerge. For Week 1, it was Ty Johnson who played the most snaps (54%).

  • Christian McCaffrey looked to be back to his old self. He played on 89% of snaps and received 30 total touches, even leading the team in targets with 9 (26% target share).

  • What a great start for Joe Mixon. He played on 78% of the snaps and rushed the ball 29 times. He went for 127 yards and a score on those runs, and also caught all 4 of his targets for 23 yards. It looks like Mixon could finally become a stud if this usage continues.

  • After Trey Sermon was a surprise inactive and Raheem Mostert was injured early in the game, it was rookie Elijah Mitchell who had a huge day for the 49ers. On 64% of snaps, he rushed the ball 19 times for 104 yards and a score. It remains to be seen whether Sermon enters the picture again but one thing we know is that Shanahan is not going to tell us anything. I would add Mitchell this week, but don’t spend too much of your budget on him. He is a nice young player, but the volatility among these backs is going to be difficult to deal with.

  • Jamaal Williams played on 35% of snaps, while D’Andre Swift played on 68%. Swift received a whopping 11 targets to lead the team, catching 8 for 65 yards and a score. Williams also received 9 targets and caught 8 for 56 yards and Williams scored on the ground. In essence, both backs were incredibly useful options. Since Detroit does not have good receiving options, the backs will both be very involved in the passing game. With Detroit likely to be trailing in most games, both backs are very good options.

  • The Jaguars were a mess from start to finish, which severely limited the potential for James Robinson to get going on the ground. He finished with only 5 carries. However, he played on 64% of snaps, compared to Carlos Hyde’s 34%. He also received 6 targets, catching 3 for 29 yards. These are good signs, but Hyde was still involved, and received 11 touches to Robinson’s 8. I anticipate Robinson will move into a bigger role but I would hold off on starting him if you can for a week or two to see how things shake out.

  • Mark Ingram surprisingly got the huge bulk of the carries for the Texans, going 26-85-1. He played on 46% of snaps, far more than either Lindsay or David Johnson. He is worth a pick-up in case this usage continues, but he will be difficult to trust. The Jaguars somehow made the Texans look decent, but this team will likely struggle to move the ball most weeks. I would bid a small amount for Ingram if you do bid on him.

  • Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines were the only two backs to play for the Colts, and they split snaps relatively equally (55% to 45%). Taylor received 23 touches and Hines received 15, so both were heavily involved both rushing and receiving. This makes Hines potentially one of the steals of your draft, and worth a weekly start if the trend continues.

  • Chase Edmonds and James Conner also split snaps fairly evenly (58% to 49%). Edmonds rushed 12 times for 63 yards and Conner rushed 16 times for 53 yards, but it was Edmonds who received the passing down work (4 receptions for 43 yards). That work is quite valuable in this offense and should mean that Edmonds has more overall value if he continues getting early down work as well.

  • Austin Ekeler playing on 58% of snaps is not too concerning, nor is the fact that he only received 15 carries. What is concerning is that he did not receive a single target. Most of his value has come through receiving during his career, so this is something to watch. If he continues not to be involved in the passing game, he is someone to trade if you can. For now, keep playing him and hope he gets more involved through the air.

  • Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt split the snaps down the middle (53% to 47%). Chubb received 15 carries and 2 targets, while Hunt only received 6 carries and 3 targets. Those numbers will be closer in many games, but both were still productive and scored against KC. Both are solid weekly starts behind this excellent offensive line.

  • Fantasy managers are again freaking out about Clyde Edwards-Helaire, after he went for only 72 total yards in Week 1. Still, he played on 72% of snaps and was essentially the only back involved. There will be quiet games for him, but keep the faith – there will be big games too.

  • Myles Gaskin was certainly the main back for the Dolphins, playing on 54% of snaps and dominating touches. He still didn’t do much as the Patriots defense played well, but he has a lot of upside and is a nice trade target if a manager is down on him.

  • James White played on only 37% of snaps, but he got basically all of the passing down and long-down-and-distance work. This led to 7 targets, and he caught 6 of them for 49 yards. It is likely White is available in many leagues, and in PPR leagues he should retain steady value.

  • Meanwhile, promising rookie back Rhamondre Stevenson barely got on the field, and only received 1 carry and 1 target. It is likely his role will grow, but we cannot be sure of anything with a Belichick team. You will need to be patient with this situation, and wait on Stevenson.

  • I would advise completely ignoring Week 1 when it comes to Aaron Jones. The entire Packers team was out of sorts, particularly Rodgers, with nothing clicking. Jones should turn it around as soon as Rodgers does.

  • Tony Jones played on 35% of snaps behind Kamara, and rushed 11 times for 50 yards. That’s a good sign for those who invested in him this pre-season. Still, it was a very strange game, so wait to see if it continues before you stick him in your lineups.

  • Melvin Gordon got the headlines with his long TD run, but interestingly he and Javonte Williams both played the same number of snaps (50% each). Gordon had 14 touches and Williams had 15. If this split continues, both have nice weekly upside. If one starts taking over, he would become very valuable.

  • Saquon Barkley played on only 48% of snaps, and did not factor in the game much at all. He went 10-26 on the ground. The Giants need to figure out a way to get him more involved quickly, but perhaps he is still not 100% healthy. Part of the challenge in Week 1 was that the Broncos defense is very good, but it doesn’t get any easier with Washington in Week 2.

  • Damien Williams played on 43% of snaps, and got most of the passing-down work. He received 5 targets and caught 4 for 28 yards. He also got 6 carries. He is going to be involved for the Bears, and is a great stash in case Montgomery gets injured.

  • It was Darrell Henderson’s backfield in Week 1. He played on 94% of snaps and got all but one carry. However, don’t bank on this continuing, as Michel is still learning the offense and McVay loves to change things up. Still, it was encouraging if you drafted Henderson, as he was also productive (16-70-1) on the ground.

  • It started out as the Ty’Son Williams show for the Ravens, but he was slowly phased out in favor of Latavius Murray in the second half. By the end of the game, Williams played 51% of snaps, Murray 31%, and Trenton Cannon 13%. Williams and Murray both scored, but it looks like as soon as Murray is fully up to speed, this is going to be his backfield. I would sell Williams if you get someone interested due to the nice statistical output.

  • Josh Jacobs finished with two touchdowns, but he only received 10 carries, which he took for 34 yards. Further, he only played on 52% of snaps. Kenyan Drake played on 48% of snaps and received 6 carries himself. More importantly, Drake received virtually every snap in long-down-and-distance situations and clear passing downs, and he was effective catching the ball (5-59). This will likely mean Drake has more value than Jacobs, since targets are worth more than carries. I’d consider targeting Drake in a trade if you need a RB in PPR leagues.
CeeDee Lamb

Wide Receiver

  • What a Week 1 for Amari Cooper! His whopping 16 targets will likely be his highest number for the season, and was due to the Cowboys’ pass-heavy game plan. They decided to stay away from the middle of the field, due to the strength of the Bucs’ defense there, and instead pass to the edges. It worked for the most part, despite the loss. Cooper played on 88% of snaps and looked healthy.

  • CeeDee Lamb played on 73% of snaps, (13 fewer than Cooper). However, he was just as involved, receiving 15 targets. Together Lamb and Cooper received 53% of Dak’s throws. Lamb had a great fantasy game, but it could have been bigger, as he had two bad drops and a third that should have also been caught. Still, you can see he is very dynamic and a weekly must-start. With Michael Gallup (calf) getting injured late in the game, both Cooper and Lamb should continue to be featured.

  • Don’t overreact to Mike Evans’ slow game in Week 1. He had 2 or 3 passes tipped by the defense, which could have resulted in big gains. Also, Gronkowski took two red-zone touchdowns, and those will often go to Evans. His day is coming. He played on 94% of snaps and the Cowboys looked to be shading the defense his way, forcing other guys to beat them.

  • Antonio Brown played on 65% of snaps, and was essentially on the field only in 11 personnel packages (3 wide receivers). That’s what we expected. Still, he was very productive and clearly has a good connection with Brady. He received 7 targets, a 14% target share, and turned those into 5-121-1. There will be days when he catches 3-45, since there are lots of mouths to feed in this offense. But, he is worth a flex start most weeks.

  • Chris Godwin received a whopping 14 targets in Week 1, an elite 28% target share. Since he basically plays every snap (98% in Week 1), he should be a very reliable weekly starter.

  • DeVonta Smith played the most snaps (62) of any Eagles skill player (87%). He also led the team in targets with 8 (23% target share), going 6 receptions for 71 yards and a score. In his first game in the NFL he looked the part of a No.1 receiver.

  • Jalen Reagor is more likely to be on your wire, and he impressed in Week 1 as well. He caught all 6 of his targets and scored. This is not a high-volume passing offense, but Reagor is a great athlete and can score from anywhere on the field.

  • It was a very disappointing Week 1 for Calvin Ridley. He tied for the team-lead in targets with 8 and played on 85% of snaps, but only produced 5-51. It was an awful day for the Falcons as a team, and they produced less than 300 total yards of offense. You have to stay the course and hope their offense improves.

  • Stefon Diggs did not go off, but he did receive 14 targets, good for a 27% target share. He finished with 9 receptions for 69 yards. Much bigger days are ahead.

  • Meanwhile, it was Cole Beasley getting a massive target share, going 8-60 on 13 targets. I thought we might see Emmanuel Sanders as the second option in this offense, and that still might be the case in future weeks, but Beasley looks like he will remain heavily involved. It is worth noting that all three of those receivers played on more than 90% of snaps, with Gabriel Davis (the only one who scored) at 51%. With the volume of passing the Bills do, all four options should be rostered.

  • JuJu Smith-Schuster played on 53-of-58 snaps (91%), and received a 25% target share. He only caught 4-52 but it was a positive start.

  • Meanwhile, Chase Claypool played on 67% of snaps and received 5 targets (3-45). This was a slow start for the second-year player, but I anticipate he will receive more looks as we go along. He would be a nice trade target after the slow start.

  • Diontae Johnson remained Ben’s primary option, receiving 10 targets despite having to leave the game for a bit in the first half. He finished 5-36 with a score. If he can stay healthy, much bigger days are coming – but that seems like a very big “if.”

  • Corey Davis continued to look the part on Sunday. He had a 19% target share and turned his 7 targets into 5-97-2. He also played on 89% of snaps.

  • The flip side is Elijah Moore, who struggled in his debut. Despite playing on 86% of snaps, he caught only 1 of his 4 targets, for negative yardage. I believe in Moore’s talent and think this was a case of the rookie jitters. Hold onto him if he’s on your roster, and if someone drops him this week, I’d definitely pick him up.

  • D.J. Moore was clearly the leading receiver for the Panthers. He played on 81% of snaps and received 8 targets (6-80) and a carry for 14 yards. He should be an excellent weekly start.

  • Robby Anderson also played 81% of snaps, but he only received 3 targets. However, the one he caught went for a long touchdown. This was similar to how Anderson’s stats looked the last time he played with Darnold in New York, while last season with the Panthers he was used more like a possession receiver. Watch carefully in the next few weeks to see if he receives more targets in the short and intermediate areas.

  • Terrace Marshall Jr. played on 53% of snaps, as the third receiver, and received 6 targets. His production will likely be uneven early this season, but he has nice upside in this offense.

  • Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson both played on virtually every snap (94% and 92%), and they received 10 and 9 targets respectively. Thielen scored two touchdowns and caught 9 of his targets, so it was a big day for him. Jefferson almost scored, and his big days are coming. Both are excellent weekly starts.

  • K.J. Osborn looks to have won the third receiver job in Minnesota. Most have still not heard of him, but he played on 81% of snaps and received 9 targets, catching 7 for 76 yards. There will be games when the Vikings run the ball better and Cousins does not throw 49 passes like he did in Week 1, but Osborn is a name to know if you need receiving help. For PPR leagues, he could be a Cole Beasley type producer if he is able to hold off Dede Westbrook.

  • After all the negative talk surrounding Ja’Marr Chase this offseason, he came out and balled in Week 1. He led the receivers in snaps, playing on 90%, and also led them in all other categories, finishing with 5 receptions for 101 yards and a score on 7 targets. That’s a 26% target share, phenomenal for a rookie in his first game. I will be starting him with confidence moving forward.

  • Tee Higgins also had a nice game, and it looks like he and Chase will each be the main producers this season. He received 5 targets and caught 4 for 58 yards and a score.

  • Deebo Samuel reminded everyone that he’s a very good player on Sunday. He received a ridiculous 46% target share on Sunday, and caught 9 of those 12 targets for 189 yards and a score. That sort of production will not be typical, but if you drafted Samuel you are a happy camper right now. Just play it carefully, as Brandon Aiyuk should re-enter the picture moving forward.

  • Aiyuk played on only 47% of snaps and did not receive a target. Aiyuk’s hamstring injury along with a nice training camp from Trent Sherfield, limited Aiyuk. Remember, this is a one-week sample. Wait a couple weeks and see what happens before you make any drastic moves.

  • D.J. Chark played on 84% of snaps and received 12 targets. Unfortunately he dropped several of them and only ended up catching 3 but he did salvage his day with a long touchdown.

  • Marvin Jones and Laviska Shenault also both received heavy targets (9 each). If the Jaguars continue to struggle and trail in games, all three should remain heavily involved. Jones actually played the most snaps (91%), so he is definitely worth a pick up if he snuck through to your wire.

  • Brandin Cooks looks to be the only Texans skill player worth rostering, as we suspected. He played on 78% of snaps and caught 5 of 7 targets for 132 yards. The Texans will likely have a tougher time moving the ball in future weeks, but Cooks should still get garbage time receptions either way.

  • Michael Pittman Jr. and Zach Pascal both played almost every snap, but neither produced much outside of Pascal’s two scores. It was a very disappointing result for those who drafted Pittman, and you must hope the Colts passing offense starts clicking.

  • I was surprised by the volume Christian Kirk got in Week 1, playing on 57% of snaps and catching 5 balls for 70 yards and two scores. Obviously the touchdowns come and go, but he was more involved than I thought he would be. Rondale Moore did get more involved as the game went on, also finishing with 5 targets (4-68). I believe Moore will take more of this work as the season progresses, so be cautious when it comes to Kirk.

  • The Titans offense seemed to be totally out of sorts on Sunday, likely because Tannehill had been out on the Covid list leading up to Week 1. The loss of OC Arthur Smith could not have helped either. Better days are likely ahead for both Julio Jones and A.J. Brown. Brown salvaged his day with a second-half touchdown, but still only finished with 4 receptions for 49 yards. Jones only had 3 catches for 29 yards. Don’t panic on either, and wait to see how the next couple weeks shake out.

  • It was a very encouraging week for Mike Williams, who received 12 targets, a 26% target share. He caught 8 of them for 82 yards and a score. This lends some credence to the offseason idea that he would play the “Michael Thomas role” in this new offense. He is worth weekly starting consideration if this continues.

  • Don’t get overly concerned about Terry McLaurin. The Washington offense got thrown out of sorts when Ryan Fitzpatrick left with injury, and the Chargers defense played well. Further, Washington throw only 21 total passes, which helps explain why McLaurin only caught 4 balls. Better weeks are likely ahead, even with Fitzpatrick likely out for a few weeks.

  • Tyreek Hill looked like the best receiver in Week 1, catching 11 of 15 targets for 197 yards and a score. The extra targets, including some closer to the line of scrimmage, means he has grown into a complete receiver. No other Chiefs wide receiver is worth starting, including Mecole Hardman, until they perform consistently.

  • Jaylen Waddle had a nice debut, playing on 80% of snaps and catching 4 of 6 targets for 61 yards and a score. He looks to have to picked up the pro game quickly, and is worth an add if he is available in shallower leagues. Next week Will Fuller returns from suspension, so it will be interesting to see if Waddle or Devante Parker loses targets as a result.

  • The Patriots played a base 12 personnel offense, with Agholor and Jakobi Meyers playing virtually every snap. Agholor received 7 targets (5-72-1) and Meyers received 9 targets (6-44). Both should be dependable week to week.

  • Marquez Callaway caught only 1 ball for 14 yards, but don’t be too concerned. Winston only had to throw 20 passes in this blowout, and better days are ahead statistically for the Saints passing game.

  • Courtland Sutton played on 80% of snaps, leading Denver receivers, but only caught one ball for 14 yards. That is concerning, but do not drop him. It could have been that he had Bradberry covering him for much of the day, and he is still getting up to speed after his ACL injury. With Jerry Jeudy out for a few weeks due to a high-ankle sprain, Sutton may actually be a sneaky start in Week 2.

  • Sterling Shepard played on 95% of snaps for the Giants, and received a 24% target share. He caught 7 of his 9 targets for 113 yards and a score. Kenny Golladay heated up as the day went on, and finished with 4 receptions on 6 targets for 64 yards (on 85% of snaps). Golladay will be their number one option over the course of the season, but don’t forget about Shepard.

  • Don’t worry about Allen Robinson. He was facing a strong defense in Week 1 and received 11 targets, playing on 91% of snaps. If Fields gets in as QB soon, that will make him even more dangerous.

  • It looks like Cooper Kupp is Matthew Stafford’s favorite target. He received a whopping 10 targets on only 26 passes (38% target share), catching 7 for 108 yards and a score. He also was inches from a second score. Robert Woods will remain involved, but it looks like Kupp might be the top WR to roster from the Rams.

  • It wasn’t a big day for Darnell Mooney, but don’t miss the fact that he played every single snap in Week 1. He received 7 targets and caught 5 for 26 yards. He could explode when Fields becomes the starter, and would be a sneaky trade target this week.

  • Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins had nice showings in Week 1. Brown played on 69% of snaps and caught all 6 of his targets, and scored. Watkins caught 4 of his 8 targets for 96 yards (a 27% target share). While Rashod Bateman remains out, both are intriguing flex plays.

Tight Ends

  • Rob Gronkowski was one of the surprises of Week 1. He looked a bit washed last season, but was back to vintage Gronk against the Cowboys. He received 8 targets and caught all of them, for 90 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, he played on 88% of snaps, while Cameron Brate played on 28% and O.J. Howard played on 9% (and neither received a target). You can target him in leagues where you need a tight end, but maybe wait until he has a down week and then try to get him.

  • Dalton Schultz looks like he will remain the starter at tight end for the Cowboys, for now. He played on 68% of snaps, while Blake Jarwin played on 57%. Schultz received 6 targets (6-45) and Jarwin received 4 (3-20). It’s possible Jarwin takes more of the work as the season goes on, as he’s still likely recovering from his knee injury. Schultz is a decent pick-up if you are in need of tight end help.

  • It is still a timeshare between Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert, but things appear to be shifting Goedert’s way. Goedert played on 73% of snaps and Ertz played on 58%, and Goedert received 5 targets to Ertz’ 2. Ertz should only be a desperation start, but Goedert is a middle-of-the-pack option.

  • Kyle Pitts did not produce much in the way of statistics, but he did tie for the team-lead in targets with 8. He also played on 68% of snaps. That is very impressive for a rookie tight end in his first game. Keep the faith and hope the Falcons improve as a team.

  • Hayden Hurst might be a player to keep an eye on if you are desperate for a tight end. He played on 60% of snaps and caught all 4 of his targets for 28 yards.

  • Dawson Knox is another one to keep an eye on if you’re desperate. He played on 56% of snaps and caught all four of his targets for 41 yards. However, he is very difficult to trust since the Bills have so many weapons.

  • Interestingly, rookie Pat Freiermuth played two more snaps for the Steelers than Eric Ebron (29-27), and both had one reception. Keep an eye on this situation to see if Freiermuth snaps increase as the weeks move on.

  • Tyler Kroft is yet another tight end to keep in mind if you’re desperate. He played on 66% of snaps and received 5 targets, going 3-26.

  • T.J. Hockenson received 10 targets and caught 8 of them for 97 yards and a score. He played on 85% of snaps. Hockenson could finally move into the top three tight ends this season, if Detroit is going to be trailing and needing to throw on a weekly basis.

  • George Kittle played on all but 3 snaps and received a 20% target share. Unfortunately, that only equated to 5 targets (4-78). He looks healthy so if you drafted him early don’t be concerned.

  • Some players have fantasy value due to situation, and that may be the case with James O’Shaughnessy. He received 8 targets, catching 6 of them for 48 yards. Since the Jags may trail often, he might be worth a pick up if you are desperate for a tight end.

  • Gerald Everett scored in his first game with the Seahawks, and he had a second touchdown called back. Some might see that he only had 2 receptions and think he won’t produce this season, but Wilson only threw 23 passes against the Colts. Big games are likely coming for Everett.

  • Jared Cook fit right into the Chargers offense in Week 1. He caught 5 of 8 targets for 56 yards, and played on 58% of snaps. He could turn out to be a great late-round value.

  • With Odell Beckham Jr. out, it was David Njoku who led the Browns in receiving, catching 3 of 5 targets for 76 yards. The Browns like to spread the ball around, and Njoku is unlikely to lead the team in any receiving category again this season. Still, it is possible that he remains involved and splits snaps with Austin Hooper and Bryant.

  • Noah Gray had some buzz in the preseason, and some thought he might get significant snaps next to Kelce. That didn’t happen in Week 1, as he only played on 7 snaps. Blake Bell played on 19 snaps and looks to be ahead of Gray for now.

  • Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry played over 70% of snaps in the Patriots’ 12-personnel base offense. Smith caught all 5 of his targets for 42 yards and Henry caught all 3 of his targets for 31 yards. Since both will be on the field, each should be nice weekly options (especially against softer defenses).

  • Juwan Johnson caught two touchdowns, but Adam Trautman played on 82% of snaps and received 6 targets, very promising numbers. Trautman may be dropped in many leagues, and he is worth scooping up if you need a tight end.

  • Noah Fant led the Broncos in targets on Sunday with 8, catching 6 for 62 yards. That is an excellent start with Bridgewater at the helm and Fant looked agile and strong. He is a solid weekly start.

  • Cole Kmet was very involved for the Bears, catching 5 of 7 targets for 42 yards. He played on 74% of targets and is clearly their top tight end.

  • It was a nice start for Tyler Higbee, in the post-Gerald Everett era. He received 6 targets, second on the team, and caught 5 for 68 yards. He also played on 100% of snaps. It looks like he might be a steal in the middle rounds.

  • Mark Andrews had a slow game, with only 5 targets (3-20), but the whole Ravens offense struggled in Week 1. He was on the field for 81% of snaps and better days should be ahead.

  • Meanwhile, Darren Waller led the league with 19 targets in Week 1 and finished with 10 receptions for 105 yards and a score. Even in the ridiculously long game, he played on all but 5 snaps.

Kevin Scott is a fantasy pro who has made over $100,000 playing fantasy football. Catch his podcast "Grinding the Data" and you can follow him on Twitter @kevinscottff.