Dominate Your League

Dynasty | Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson had one carry for -2 yards in his NFL debut. Dynasty Analysis: In other words, you gained six more feet than Johnson did today while you were sitting on your couch. Congratulations on your performance. Jaylen Warren (13 touches) and Kenneth Gainwell (10) were both way ahead of Johnson on the day. It's not time to panic just yet but any idea Johnson would somehow be an early-season candidate for fantasy points was quickly put to rest. He'll remain a solid stash on fantasy benches for the time being.

Dynasty | Steelers receiver DK Metcalf had four catches for 83 yards on seven targets to lead Pittsburgh to a win over the Jets. Dynasty Analysis: Metcalf also had an untimely drop in the game. Ultimately, it was a solid performance for the new alpha WR1 for the Steelers and the fact Aaron Rodgers (four touchdown passes) looked this good is obviously a positive sign. Metcalf should provide borderline WR1 value this year and today was a decent debut for him on his new team.

Dynasty | Jets running back Breece Hall had 107 rushing yards, two catches and 38 receiving yards in a loss to the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets lost a heartbreaker but it was hardly the fault of Hall, who looked as explosive as we've ever seen him. Left for dead by a lot of dynasty managers, Hall ripped off a number of chunk plays and looks like a natural fit next to Justin Fields. It's only one game, but the idea of Hall returning to his RB1 form sure looks less like a pipe dream after today.

Dynasty | Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt had 82 rushing yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. Dynasty Analysis: Austin Ekeler started the game and had the first six carries of the game before "Bill" came in and sparked the Washington offense, posting his yardage on just ten carries. It was a solid performance for the rookie, who certainly looked the part. Even better, Chris Rodriguez was a healthy inactive on the week and JCM looked like the Commanders best option. The buying window has closed, folks.

Dynasty | Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter had six catches for 33 yards in his NFL debut. Dynasty Analysis: He played sparingly on defense but led the team in targets with eight. It's clear the Jags want to use him on offense as much as possible and find situations to utilize him on defense when necessary. It really looks like he'll be a major part of things as a receiver, playing next to Brian Thomas Jr. This was a solid start for Hunter, who looks the part of an elite NFL athlete.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. had a monster game in his team's 26-10 Week 1 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Etienne Jr. rushed 16 times for 143 yards and added three catches for 13 yards as well. It wasn't clear coming into the season how Jacksonville would split backfield work between running backs Etienne Jr., Tank Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen Jr. However, it was Etienne Jr. who dominated touches in Week 1. His 16 carries were almost double what Jacksonville's other three backs earned combined (nine). Allen Jr. was also the only other Jaguars running back to earn a target, so Etienne Jr. looks like he could be in line for a three-down role. As long as he continues to work in a clear lead role, Etienne Jr. could provide fantasy RB2 production going forward.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was the central focus of his team's offense in a 17-13 49ers' win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1. McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 69 yards and caught nine passes for 73 yards, a comforting sign for fantasy managers who might have been worried that a lingering calf issue would lead to San Francisco limiting his touches early in the season. The 49ers lost two offensive weapons in George Kittle (groin) and Jauan Jennings (shoulder) during the game. If Kittle and Jennings miss time going forward, San Francisco could be forced to lean on McCaffrey just as heavily in the weeks to come. As long as he's on the field, he's a must-start fantasy running back with game-breaking upside.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan had five catches for 68 yards in a loss to the Jaguars in week one. Dynasty Analysis: It was a solid performance for McMillan considering how poorly Bryce Young and the offensive line of the Panthers played. The rookie led the team in catches, yards, and targets, showing he really is the WR1 for the team this early. McMillan should have some better days and this debut really showed he belongs in lineup considerations moving forward.

Dynasty | Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson had 27 rushing yards, six catches, and 24 receiving yards in a loss to the Raiders. Dynasty Analysis: Henderson looks explosive but the Pats just didn't have the game script to use him much as Drake Maye threw the ball a whopping 46 times. He and Rhamondre Stevenson (11 touches) split time about evenly today but that's going to change should Stevenson remain ineffective. Henderson wasn't able to break free for much but you can tell when watching that his talent translates to the next level. The buying window will close soon.

Dynasty | Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson had 29 rushing yards, eight catches and 64 receiving yards in a loss to the Bengals. Dynasty Analysis: While all the talk about Browns rookies has swirled around Shedeur Sanders and Quinshon Judkins, Sampson looked the part today as he repeatedly made plays for the Browns. He was significantly more effective than Jerome Ford and even if Judkins makes his debut next week, Sampson looks like a player worth having on any dynasty roster. His rookie value certainly shot up after such a solid opener.

was almost expected. Some dynasty managers were disappointed in his landing spot initially but Egbuka has quickly proven he's good enough to perform on any depth chart in the world. He tied journeyman Sterling Shepard for second on the team with six targets and certainly made the most of them. The sledding will become tougher when Chris Godwin comes back but Egbuka looks like a stud in the making. Today's performance really did seem pre-ordained.

Dynasty | Giants quarterback Russell Wilson completed 17-of-37 passes for 168 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 21-6 loss to Washington. Dynasty Analysis: Giants fans will be calling for Jaxson Dart after this one but it would be shocking to see New York make a change this quickly. Still, Wilson looked more like the Broncos version than the Seahawks version today, struggling to make any big plays on the afternoon. He did add 44 rushing yards but it won't mask his 59.3 QBR. He should be under center next week against Dallas but will need to be a lot better to keep this job for long.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Jaguars running back Travis Etienne had 143 rushing yards in a blowout win against Carolina. Dynasty Analysis: The rushing total is the second-highest of his NFL career and he posted his damage on a whopping 8.9 yards per carry. This was a major statement game for Etienne, who failed to have a single 100-yard game last year and is now just 400 or so yards short of his total for the entire 2024 season. While this needs to be taken with a grain of salt, this was an enormous development for any dynasty manager who held on to Etienne, hoping for a bounceback. He isn't quite in the roster lock discussion as of yet but another performance like this would do it. His arrow is pointing up for sure.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Panthers quarterback Bryce Young completed just 18-of-35 passes for 154 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions in a blowout loss to the Jaguars. Dynasty Analysis: Young was solid in the second part of last season but this looked way too much like the Bryce Young labeled a bust early in his career. The Panthers have hitched their wagon to him and have to certainly hope for better but he's firmly on dynasty benches after today's performance that can only be labeled as putrid. He's going to be on benches next week in most leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty had 38 yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut. Dynasty Analysis: The touchdown saved his day as he only had two catches for two additional yards on the day. Jeanty will undoubtedly have better days and his touchdown run illustrated his power but this wasn't a great fantasy day to start his career. Dynasty managers have no need to panic as he's locked in as a top-ten asset.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Jets quarterback Justin Fields completed 16-of-22 passes for 218 yards, 48 rushing yards, three total touchdowns and no turnovers in a loss to Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: The Jets lost a heartbreaker (as they tend to do) but this wasn't the fault of Fields. He looked the part of a franchise player in this one, completing passes on time and running when things broke down. Fields simply looked as good or better than he ever has in this one and anyone who has held on to him through the years has to feel pretty good about his Jets debut. He'll be a QB1 next week as his dynasty value starts to point back up.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr completed 27-of-42 passes for 298 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, adding 21 rushing yards and another score on the day. Dynasty Analysis: Penix simply looked poised and in control on the day and while the Falcons lost the game, they have to feel good about their future. While not a must start at the moment, you could certainly do worse for a QB2 and a few more days like this will vault him into QB1 consideration. Penix just seems like a player who understands the game, doesn't force passes and has complete control. Kirk Cousins can feel pretty comfortable cashing checks at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught six of eight targets for 80 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins. Although tight end Tyler Warren led the team in targets and catches, Pittman led the team in receiving yards and was also the only Colt to catch a touchdown pass on Sunday. He was one of several Colts players to exceed their fantasy projections amidst a staggering 33-8 Indianapolis victory. Pittman benefited from playing against a subpar Dolphins defense, and things could get more difficult for him next week against the Denver Broncos. Nevertheless, Pittman's strong start to the season puts him in the low-end WR2 conversation for fantasy football going forward.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 69 yards and caught nine of his 10 targets for 73 yards in a 17-13 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1.

Fantasy Spin: McCaffrey entered the game battling a calf injury, but it didn't stop him from handling 31 total touches. After his injury-filled 2024 campaign, there has to be some lingering concerns about McCaffrey's health, but he at least appears to be at full strength for the time being.

From TheHuddle

Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton posted six receptions for 61 yards on nine targets in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans.

Fantasy Spin: Sutton picked up right where he left off last season. He had five or more receptions in nine of his final 10 regular-season games, and he had six touchdowns in the final eight outings. He has emerged as a legit low-end WR1 or must-start WR2 in all fantasy leagues of 12 or more teams.

From TheHuddle