-
NFL NationESPN
Every Tuesday during the NFL season, our team of NFL Nation reporters answer fantasy football questions. Following an entertaining and unexpected Week 1, here’s what they had a to say.
Do you feel more motivated by the production than the low target share (16%)? Gabe Davis?
You shouldn’t be too concerned about Davis receiving only four receptions against the Rams. He will still be a valuable player in the Bills’ offense, and will receive lots of targets. However, he won’t get as many targets as he used to. Stefon Diggs Over the course of the season. It can be quite a gamble to play with other Bills players on a weekly basis, as the ball will likely be distributed around like it was against the Rams. But Davis will still get his chances. — Alaina Getzenberg
David Montgomery Kahlil H. Herbert earned more than a snap edge.
With Luke Getsy calling plays, Week 1 demonstrated how different the Bears’ running attack can look. While Montgomery is Chicago’s leading rusher (17 carries against San Francisco) was undisputedly the most important, Herbert proved that he can provide the offense with plenty of variety by running nine times for 45 yards (5.0 yards each attempt) and a 3-yard touchdown. This split should be more consistent week to week than last year, when Herbert had to shoulder more work after Montgomery’s knee injury (Week 8-5) but it declined the rest of the season (22 total rushing attempts Week 9-17). — Courtney Cronin
Should anything be taken into account when examining the 11 targets Donovan Peoples-Jones (the only Browns player to receive more than 25 yards)
The Browns’ passing attack does not merit the fantasy investment, except maybe widerout Amari CooperHe remains the No. 1 target for QB Jacoby Brissett Despite Sunday’s performance, Cooper had just three catches for 17 yard but was penalized by a pass interference that resulted in a TD. Peoples Jones finished the game with just six receptions of 60 yards, even with 11 targets. His game was a highlight of his great play, with multiple diving and difficult grabs. It is surprising, however, how limited Cleveland’s passing attacks seem to be without a quarterback. Deshaun WatsonCooper is the only one who can guarantee consistent fantasy production. — Jake Trotter
Does the Dak Prescott Potential for injury vault Tony Pollard In the weekly flex conversation (run heavier, more checks downs), Ezekiel Elliott (Can only handle so much)
It’s a great idea that the Cowboys would be more open to running with Dak Prescott, but it’s not clear how Pollard is affected. It could have a greater impact on Elliott. It could be argued that he should have received more work vs. Tampa Bay. The Cowboys will not give Pollard a larger role until he improves as a pass protector. With the current state of the receiver corp and the willingness to use Elliott or Pollard together on the field more, Pollard is always at risk of making a catch or breaking a long run. — Todd Archer
Did you see enough? James Robinson To make him the leader of a possible committee?
Absolutely. Robinson was a very fit athlete and he did a lot of individual work during camp and preseason. How would he look? He was fine. He ran 6.0 yards on average and scored twice with 12 touches. Travis Etienne had four runs and two catches. While I expect him to get more practice, Robinson will be his backup. — Michael DiRocco
The Davante Adams/Derek Carr Narrative seems to be true. Are you able to think about it? Hunter Renfrow Continues to be an odd man out?
Yes, in a word. Renfrow may have had a spectacular 103-catch year, but the proof was in Adams’ target distribution in the season opener. Adams’ 17 targets accounted for 48.6% of QB Derek Carr’s targets. Renfrow and TE are both very good. Darren Waller Waller had six targets, while Renfrow had only 21 yards. Renfrow was not reached until the final quarter. Carr is certain to have an uncanny relationship with Renfrow, particularly on third down. They did however convert a clean fourth down against the Chargers. Adams has a stronger connection, at least for the moment. — Paul Gutierrez
How much should fantasy managers pay attention to dud performances Cam Akers Allen Robinson Thursday Night?
Akers’ performance can be hard to overlook, and Rams coach Sean McVay said that he wanted to see “an enhanced level of urgency” from Akers. McVay also stated at that news conference that he is confident Akers will be “that guy that we all saw at the right times.” Don’t let that discourage you. The rookie is complicating the Rams’ running back situation. Kyren Williams A high ankle sprain caused him to miss the season opener. He will be out six to eight weeks. Los Angeles has no other options than Akers. Darrell Henderson Jr. McVay said that he hopes to give Robinson “more opportunities” in the future. His role is less important to me, particularly since the Rams offense was unable to compete against a strong Bills defense Thursday night. — Sarah Barshop
Tyreek Hill The target share was dominated by a single week. Should we expect this to continue?
Mike McDaniel stated after the game that he expected it. Jaylen Waddle Hill was more involved in passing than his four catches and five targets. Hill’s usage is in line with the Miami offense’s summer experience, which has been a willingness to channel things through Hill. Although there may be instances when one receiver is more effective than the other, this offense is built on creating space after each catch. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
It is Taysom Hill Will it be a weekly thing? Five touches isn’t a lot, but enough to make it a viable fantasy TE.
Hill managed to do a lot in 17 snaps. While that was third among TEs overall, it was the most impressive among them all. He also essentially took the offense off his back in the first quarter. Hill demonstrated that he was a special player in his “do everything” role many years ago. It would be surprising if Saints didn’t continue to trust him as he develops into a tight end. — Katherine Terrell
While it is only one game, we can count on “elite”. Saquon Barkley being back?
Barkley will be elite if he stays healthy. Every indication we have seen from Week 1 is that Barkley is. He is a fantasy star if he’s on the field with the same type of speed, confidence, and explosion that we witnessed in Tennessee while compiling 194 yards, then you should have him on your team regardless of the matchup. With his talent and incredible workload, he’s a top-five fantasy runningback. Barkley was the Giants’ leading receiver, with six catches and seven targets. Let’s pray he stays a healthy. — Jordan Raanan
What do you think about the creative uses of Chase Claypool Is it here to stay?
Yes. Matt Canada’s offense has a reputation for creative use of the ball. Calvin Austin III Claypool started the year as an IR player and is best suited to perform end arounds or jet sweeps. Claypool held the ball and the Steelers offense was unable to sustain drives or move the ball. However, it was more successful. Although it might not be possible at this volume every week, Claypool will continue to use those concepts — and Claypool. — Brooke Pryor
Antonio Gibson He led the Commanders in receiving yards and rushing. He almost lost his job. Should we feel good that he is still in this position or should we look to make a move after this strong season?
Gibson will be a vital part of this offense. However, the carries are likely to decrease. Brian Robinson returns. Although it was obvious that Robinson had been appointed primary ball carrier, the Commanders wanted to keep Gibson on the receiving sidelines. They love giving him the ball in space. It will be hard to predict who will have big games this week as Washington boasts more playmakers than usual. Gibson will get more touches. — John Keim