Key Takeaways
- Jameson Williams had an impressive Week 1 performance (5 catches, 121 yards, 1 TD) and could be a breakout player this season if utilized similarly going forward
- Keon Coleman led Bills WRs in snaps, targets, and yards in Week 1 despite low overall passing volume - he's an intriguing upside play
- The entire Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense, including Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and rookie Jalen McMillan, showed promise in Week 1 and are worth monitoring
- Christian McCaffrey is considered a "long shot" to play in Week 2 due to injury, making Jordan Mason a strong start if McCaffrey sits
- Joe Mixon looked rejuvenated in Week 1 and could finish as a top-5 RB if his heavy workload continues
- Rookie TE Dalton Kincaid had a quiet Week 1 but remains a recommended start against Miami in Week 2
- Jonathan Taylor's usage (96% snap share) was encouraging in Week 1 despite some concerns about his receiving work and goal-line touches
- Rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr. showed impressive route-running and big-play ability in Week 1 and has WR1 upside this season
Introduction
In this episode, fantasy football experts Andy, Mike, and Jason recap the key takeaways from Week 1 of the NFL season and preview the upcoming Thursday Night Football matchup between the Bills and Dolphins. They discuss players they feel good and bad about after Week 1 performances, analyze emerging young talents, and provide start/sit advice for Week 2. The hosts also answer listener questions about waiver wire moves, trade offers, and lineup decisions.
Topics Discussed
Week 1 Player Takes (5:30)
The hosts discuss players they feel good and bad about after Week 1 performances:
- Joe Mixon - Looked rejuvenated with 30 carries and efficient running. Could finish as a top-5 RB if usage continues.
- Kyren Williams - Dominated Rams backfield with 90% of carries and 100% of RB targets. Usage was higher than expected.
- Marvin Harrison Jr. and other early round WRs - Struggled in Week 1, validating strategy of targeting RBs early in drafts instead.
- Cooper Kupp - Looked great before Matthew Stafford's injury and should be a top-tier WR when healthy.
- Tony Pollard - Won the timeshare battle in Week 1 and looked better than Ezekiel Elliott.
- Cincinnati Bengals - Looked very bad in Week 1 loss to Browns, validating some preseason concerns.
Hungry For More: Emerging Players (15:55)
The hosts highlight young players who showed promise in Week 1 that they want to see more from:
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions (16:40)
- Had 5 catches for 121 yards and a TD in Week 1
- Showed elite speed and big-play ability
- Could be a breakout star if utilized similarly going forward
- "If Ben Johnson uses him the way they used him in Week 1, Jameson's the thing this year." - Andy Holloway
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills (20:10)
- Led Bills WRs in snaps, targets, and yards despite low overall passing volume
- Showed versatility being used all over the formation
- Has upside to be Bills' WR1 this season
- "The utilization was there, the talent is there. This is a highly drafted rookie wide receiver who on Week 1 was there." - Jason Moore
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offense (22:20)
- Chris Godwin - 8 catches, 89 yards, 1 TD. 55% of snaps from slot.
- Mike Evans - 2 TD catches, showing great chemistry with Baker Mayfield
- Jalen McMillan - Rookie WR who started and had a 32-yard TD catch
- Entire offense looked better than expected in Week 1 win
NFL News (25:35)
The hosts discuss key injury news and updates:
- Raheem Mostert - Ruled out for Week 2 Thursday night game
- De'Von Achane - Game-time decision for Week 2, practiced in limited fashion
- Christian McCaffrey - Considered a "long shot" to play in Week 2 due to injury
- David Njoku - Ruled out for Week 2
Thursday Night Preview: Bills at Dolphins (33:50)
The hosts preview the Week 2 Thursday night matchup between the Bills and Dolphins:
- DraftKings line: Dolphins -2.5, O/U 49 points
- Both teams overcame 17-3 deficits to win in Week 1
- Josh Allen dealing with minor hand injury but expected to play
- Jaylen Waddle cleared concussion protocol and will play
- Dalton Kincaid recommended start despite quiet Week 1
- Keon Coleman intriguing upside play but risky start in most leagues
Mailbag Questions (43:00)
The hosts answer listener questions on various fantasy football topics:
Malik Nabers FAAB Bid (43:25)
- Listener asking if they should use all their FAAB on Nabers who was dropped
- Hosts unanimously agree to use 100% FAAB to acquire Nabers
- "The players like Malik Nabers should never be on waivers." - Jason Moore
Jonathan Taylor Outlook (48:00)
- Concerns about lack of targets (0) and being out-rushed by QB Anthony Richardson in Week 1
- Positive: 96% snap share shows he's still the clear lead back
- Expect more variability week-to-week but still a strong RB1
- "He is a great player. He's on the field. He will have his moments." - Jason Moore
Brian Thomas Jr. or Ladd McConkey Rest of Season? (53:05)
- Hosts unanimously prefer Brian Thomas Jr.
- Thomas showed elite route-running and big-play ability in Week 1
- Has potential to be Saints WR1 and finish as a top-24 WR
- "Brian Thomas could be easily a top 24 wide receiver this season. But his upside, if he hits, I mean, I think wide receiver one is in the range of outcomes." - Jason Moore
Chris Godwin or Stefon Diggs in Week 2? (54:25)
- Hosts prefer Chris Godwin vs Lions over Stefon Diggs vs Bears
- Godwin's Week 1 usage (55% slot snaps) and matchup are encouraging
- Bears defense looks improved and could limit Diggs
Conclusion
The Fantasy Footballers provided valuable insights on emerging young talents like Jameson Williams, Keon Coleman, and Brian Thomas Jr. who showed promise in Week 1. They emphasized the importance of reacting to new information while not overreacting to single-game performances. Key takeaways include Christian McCaffrey likely missing Week 2, Joe Mixon's resurgence, and the entire Buccaneers offense exceeding expectations. The hosts also gave start/sit advice for the Thursday night Bills-Dolphins game and answered listener questions to help fantasy managers optimize their lineups for Week 2.