RADIO
If you like offensive football, Week 1 of the NFL season was underwhelming. Only two quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards. Similarly, just two quarterbacks had more than two passing touchdowns.
Part of the issue with Week 1 was the collective struggle of offensive line units across the league. Just nine teams finished the week with an average PFF grade above 70.0. Things will get better, but identifying good or bad matchups in the trenches can be an early edge to exploit in fantasy.
Below you’ll find the best and worst offensive line performers from Week 1 and the teams to target in fantasy for Week 2. Check out the units to target and avoid in your fantasy lineups below.
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Champ of the Week
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts may not have walked away from Week 1 with a victory, but their offensive line stood up to a difficult test against a strong Texans defensive front.
Anthony Richardson's arm is insane. pic.twitter.com/nvr1yAzHV3
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 8, 2024
Indianapolis’ five starting offensive linemen finished the week with an average PFF pass-blocking grade of 79.9, run-blocking grade of 78.0, and overall grade of 81.7. The group didn’t allow a single sack and combined to give up five pressures (three by right tackle Braden Smith).
Despite the strong statistics, there is still room for growth, especially in the run game. Indianapolis entered the season with a strong unit and five returning starters and should continue to round into form.
Chump of the Week
Los Angeles Rams
This isn’t necessarily the Rams’ fault. Los Angeles entered Week 1 missing both starting tackles. During the game, the team also lost a starting guard (Steve Avila) and its backup tackle (Joe Noteboom). The results weren’t ideal against a stout Lions defensive line.
Aidan Hutchinson vs. LA's backups was a massacre. One of the best pass rushing performances you'll ever see pic.twitter.com/CVK7ICWBE9
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) September 9, 2024
The collective Rams offensive line allowed two sacks, eight quarterback hits, and 23 pressures against Detroit. The tackle position was especially brutal with the combination of AJ Arcuri, Warren McClendon Jr., and Joe Noteboom having a PFF grade and pass-blocking grade below 34.0.
When healthy, the Rams have one of the most formidable offensive lines in the NFL. Unfortunately, this unit is far from healthy and it will continue to have an impact on the running and passing game going forward.
Matchups to Target
Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
The Chargers' highly touted tackle duo played extremely well in their first game. The combination of Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater gave up just one pressure against the Raiders. The pair each had a pass protection grade above 76.0.
Rashawn Slater locked up Crosby in a way seldom ever seen. Incredible game and way to kick off the season. Slater's anchor is uniquely strong. pic.twitter.com/sPvQs9fKPW
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) September 9, 2024
Unfortunately, the interior offensive line was not as successful. The combination of Zion Johnson, Bradley Bozeman, and Trey Pipkins III finished with a PFF grade below 56.0 and accounted for six of the team’s seven pressures.
Thankfully, the Chargers' interior offensive line has a bounce back in store against a bad Panthers defensive line missing their best player (Derrick Brown). Carolina generated just four pressures and one sack against a bad Saints offensive line.
Justin Herbert won’t get many passing attempts but should have plenty of time to attack the defense through the air. Expect another solid day from the Chargers backfield after the Saints averaged 4.9 yards per carry in Week 1.
Start your Chargers skill players without reservation in Week 2. Both Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins have plenty of appeal in the run game as well.
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets
The Titans offensive line was not up to the task against the Chicago Bears. No Titans offensive lineman finished with a PFF grade above 67.0. The collective unit allowed two sacks and 15 pressures against a questionable Chicago Bears defensive line.
The Bears were able to utilize a strong secondary to keep Will Levis in the pocket to generate pressure. Levis had the ninth-most time to pressure (2.9 seconds). Based on Week 1, he should have a better time in Week 2.
Tennessee gets a matchup against a Jets defense that struggled to generate pressure against the 49ers in Week 1. New York’s defensive linemen generated just 13 pressures and one sack against a 49ers offensive line lacking top-end talent outside of Trent Williams.
More importantly, the Jets couldn’t stop the 49ers' rushing attack. Jordan Mason got an impromptu start after Christian McCaffrey was ruled out and finished the game with 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown and averaged 1.8 yards before contact (14th).
The Titans have a good offensive line but struggled with Chicago’s aggressive defense. Things should be better in Week 2.
Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It isn’t shocking that Detroit has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. It will have a chance to take advantage of a strong matchup against the Buccaneers in Week 2.
The Buccaneers defensive linemen had just 11 pressures and one sack against a bad Washington offensive line in Week 1. The team had a lot of success with its linebackers blitzing but needs more from its unit in the trenches.
Conversely, the Lions performed well against a solid Rams defensive line in their first game without Aaron Donald. Detroit’s five linemen gave up just two sacks and 10 pressures, finishing with a 72.1 pass protection grade on PFF.
Detroit finished Week 1 averaging 5.3 yards per carry on 31 rushing attempts. The Lions were able to impose their will with David Montgomery in overtime and gave Jared Goff time to attack the secondary with Jameson Williams (five receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown).
David Montgomery : 17 carries for 91 yards (Game-winning 1-yard TD run in OT)
Jahmyr Gibbs : 11 carries for 40 yards & a TD; 4 catches for 34 yards on 6 targets pic.twitter.com/373vIr6hyz— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) September 9, 2024
Expect the Lions to own the line of scrimmage in Week 2.
Matchups to Avoid
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals defensive line is as bad as we expected. Unfortunately, the Rams offensive line is injured and will struggle to take advantage of their weakness.
Arizona generated just 11 pressures and two sacks against Buffalo in Week 1. No player had more than two pressures on the defensive line.
Los Angeles has more than enough talent to win the game, but expect another ugly effort in the running and passing game, especially if the unit is still missing several starters and is once again relying on subpar backups.
Denver Broncos vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Denver’s offensive line was able to keep Bo Nix from taking a sack in Week 1 but allowed a combined 18 pressures and five quarterback hits.
Only one starter (right tackle Mike McGlinchey) finished with a PFF grade above 59.0. All five starters allowed at least two pressures. The unit will also enter Week 2 with left tackle Garett Bolles questionable to play due to an ankle injury.
Mike Macdonald said yesterday he wants to see Boye Mafe become a true three-down defender who can be "out there in all different situations."
Plays like this against the run will make it hard to take him off the field. #Seahawks pic.twitter.com/BeeRebscyi
— Corbin K. Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) September 10, 2024
Seattle has a formidable defensive line, but the Steelers have one of the best front sevens in the entire NFL. Pittsburgh did an excellent job against one of the better offensive lines in the league in Week 1 (Atlanta).
Two players (T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward) posted a PFF grade above 89.0. Five of their defensive linemen had at least two pressures. All three of their sacks came from the defensive line.
This is a rough matchup for the Broncos if their offensive line is fully healthy. It could be another long day in the pocket (and run game) with a matchup against the Steelers on the horizon.
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Patriots were able to outlast the Bengals in Week 1, wrecking many survivor pools for NFL bettors. However, this was far from a great game for their offensive line.
Upon rewatch I thought Lou cooked a little with his run game stunts and blitzes. BJ Hill was very good and played a ton of snaps inside and outside. I was impressed with Zach Carter and Jay Tufele as the depth DTs as well. pic.twitter.com/6TgJvwWPhR
— mike (@bengals_sans) September 9, 2024
Starting left tackle Chukwuma Okorafor was benched after 12 snaps. He finished with a 0.0 PFF pass-blocking grade and allowed three pressures on six protection snaps. The collective group didn’t allow a sack but did give up 13 pressures in a game where they attempted just 29 passes.
Seattle poses another tough matchup for the team on the offensive line. Seattle had 29 pressures and two sacks against the Broncos in Week 1. Edge-rusher Boye Mafe (nine pressures and a sack) single-handedly wrecked the Denver game plan.
The Seahawks also have a strong interior presence with Leonard Williams (six pressures), Dre’Mont Jones (three pressures), and rookie Byron Murphy II (two pressures). This game has the makings of a defensive slugfest, which isn’t great for fantasy.
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