Winsto’s (attempted) Wisdom—Week 1 Reaction

By Winsto

Random Observations

  1. Tua Tagovailoa had a solid game against New England, but it just seems like he could have accomplished so much more. Considering the weapons he has, his fantasy day just seems disappointing. I “think” that will be the case more often than not this season.
  2. If I am a David Montgomery owner, I am concerned.  Not only did Khalil Herbert outproduce Montgomery, but Chicago run Herbert when the game was on the line.  I am not certain Herbert is better than Montgomery in general, but in the mud, maybe. 
  3. Dallas’s offense is going to suffer with Prescott’s injury, but it was not like it looked great beforehand.  If I have CeeDee Lamb, Ezekial Elliot, and even Tony Pollard, this simply not good.  Dalton Schultz, however, “may be” okay, assuming Cooper Rush may try to use him as his security blanket.
  4. Aaron Rodgers has to throw the ball to someone.  There is a receiving vacuum in Green Bay.  Someone has to catch the ball.   Whoever can gain the trust of Rodgers (and actually get open) would be the target monster on that offense.  If I had the space on my fantasy bench, Christian Watson would be on it.  Despite the drop for the long touchdown pass and missing most of the preseason, only Sammy Watkins out-snapped him at wide receiver, and that was only by 1 snap.

Buying--players who had good games in Week 1

  1. Julio Jones, WR (TB)–played on 52%, which was 2nd highest amongst receivers.  Chris Godwin expected to miss some time, so there is an opening here, as long as Jones stays healthy.
  2. Taysom Hill, TE? (NO)–played 26% of snaps.  If your league has Hill listed as a TE, then there is value here.  Is he a full-time player?  No, but the snaps that he may take are fairly valuable.  Are we positive that New Orleans will continue special packages where Hill lines up at QB?  No, but they may.  If you have a tight end who is basically touchdown or bust, I would consider Hill.  And, if something were to happen to Jameis Winston and New Orleans is forced to start Andy Dalton (who is the direct back-up, not Hill, at QB) could you not imagine New Orleans using even more packages for Hill?  I can.
  3. Gerald Everett–played 66% of snaps.  Look, any time a tight end gets some looks and a touchdown, you take notice.  As long as Donald Parham is out, Everett should continue to get looks from Justin Herbert, which tends to lead to fantasy points.  If you do not have a top 8 tight end, he may be someone to consider.

Not Buying--players who had good games in Week 1

  1. Dontrell Hilliard, RB (Ten) played on only 18 % of snaps.  His fantasy points were fluky, and that may have been his best game all season.  You cannot rely on him for fantasy points.  Now, with all of that said, he does appear to be the receiving back and Derrick Henry’s back-up.  If your goal is to have a lottery ticket (back-up running back), then there are worst options.
  2. DeAndre Carter, WR (LAC)—played on 37% of snaps, and that is with Keenan Allen leaving the game.  He is 29 years old, and he has never had more than 296 yards receiving in a season.

Not Buying, Yet?--players who had good games in Week 1

  1. Carson Wentz, QB (Was)–played on 100% of snaps.  Just when I thought I was out, he is pulling me back in, at least a little.  Lest we forget, a few years ago, during Philadelphia’s championship season, he was on his way to winning the MVP award until injury.  Yes, he has not played the same since.  I get it, but it  does look like has some talented pass catchers.  I just need to see more before I consider him as an option.
  2. Devin Duvernay, WR (Bal)–played on 52% snaps.  This is his third year.  Maybe he can have a breakout.  The problem is Baltimore’s passing game can barely support one fantasy relevant wide receiver.
  3. O. J. Howard, TE (Hou)–played on 17% of snaps.  Did he play only 17% of the snaps because he is the 3rd tight end or because he was only signed by Houston 11 days ago.  I need to see more.
  4. Robbie Anderson, WR (Car)–played on 100% of snaps.  Aside from the 75 yard TD reception, his stats would not be noticed, BUT, that is part of Anderson’s game.  I am not sure Carolina can support to fantasy relevant pass catchers, and D. J. Moore is not going away.
  5. Jahan Dotson, WR (Was)–played on 88% of snaps.  Dotson has talent.  The question is this: do you think Wentz can support Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson for fantasy production?  I am not ready to say yes to that question.

And Finally, Don't Lose Hope

For all of you who started Alvin Kamara, D. J. Moore, Kyle Pitts, Breece Hall, Mike Williams, Dameon Pierce, Hunter Renfroe, DeVonte Smith, and/or any of the players in that San Francisco-Chicago mud-fest of a game, do not lose hope.  It was one game.  Remember, fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint.