RADIO
Let’s ignore the fact that many of Week 1’s games were underwhelming and bask in the fact that the NFL is officially back. As expected, many offenses struggled to get things going early in the season, leading to many slow games. At least we did get some fireworks from the matchup between the Chargers and Dolphins.
Like anything else, offensive line play was rough to start the season. Plenty of teams rested starters throughout the preseason, leading to teams struggling in the run game and opening up lanes for rushers on defense. Unfortunately, at least one team lost a significant offensive lineman for the season when Cleveland’s right tackle Jack Conklin tore his ACL and MCL against the Bengals.
Now that we have some actionable NFL data, this article can start to take shape. Below, you’ll find the best and worst performers of Week 1 and the teams to target or avoid in fantasy in Week 2.
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Champ of the Week
Detroit Lions
Nobody should be surprised to see the Lions showing up in this category. It certainly won’t be the last time we see them as the top offensive line of the week this season.
The right side of Detroit’s line combined to allow zero sacks or pressures against a Chiefs defense lacking star defensive tackle Chris Jones. Only left guard Jonah Jackson finished with a PFF grade below 69.0 in the team’s first game. The Lions allowed Jared Goff to get sacked just one time and helped the combination of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combine to average 4.5 yards per carry.
This unit wasted no time picking up where they left off.
Chump of the Week
Pittsburgh Steelers
Several teams (Chicago, both New York teams, and Cincinnati come to mind) could have occupied this spot this week. Unfortunately for Steelers fans, their offensive line struggled the most of any team in Week 1.
Pittsburgh’s starting offensive line averaged a 38.3 pass-blocking grade and a 47.5 overall grade, according to PFF. As a collective unit, the team allowed two sacks, 17 hurries, and 22 pressures against the San Francisco 49ers. Just one player (right tackle Chukwuma Okorafor) finished with a PFF grade above 55.0, and his availability in Week 2 is uncertain thanks to a late-game concussion.
If he’s out, Pittsburgh will need Dan Moore Jr. (nine pressures) to improve in a hurry and first-round developmental rookie Broderick Jones to acclimate quickly. Unfortunately, that will be easier said than done against Cleveland’s imposing defensive line in Week 2.
Teams to Target in Week 2
Detroit Lions vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Lions are poised to dominate on the ground once again against a seemingly overmatched Seattle defensive line. The Seahawks entered Week 1 poised to dominate a Los Angeles Rams offensive line that lacked experience and talent. Instead, the Seahawks found themselves on the receiving end of arguably the most surprising Week 1 loss.
Seattle generated just 11 pressures against an inexperienced Rams line. The only player on their team who finished with a PFF pass-rushing grade above 62.0 was cornerback Tariq Woolen. The team did slightly better against the run, but the combination of Kyren Williams and Cam Akers isn’t nearly as talented or explosive as David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.
Detroit should roll up front again in Week 2.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Chicago Bears
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were widely expected to be one of the worst teams in the NFL in the wake of Tom Brady’s retirement and the slew of veteran pieces that the team cut or let walk in free agency. And they still could be. But a surprising win against the Vikings at least makes us take them seriously for one more week.
Tampa Bay got a solid performance from their offensive line against an unspectacular Minnesota defensive line in Week 1. The Buccaneers’ five starting linemen combined to allow just one sack and four pressures on their way to a 72.4 average PFF pass-blocking grade. While the team left plenty to be desired in the run game, it was still an overall solid showing.
Now, they get a matchup against a Chicago Bears defensive line that struggled mightily against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Chicago’s defensive line generated just six pressures and one sack against Jordan Love, allowing him to throw for 245 yards and three touchdowns in a big win. Baker Mayfield should have plenty of time to feed Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in Week 2.
Teams to Avoid in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
Things were bad for the Steelers’ offensive line in Week 1 (see above). They have the potential to get much worse in Week 2.
Pittsburgh has a matchup on tap against a Cleveland Browns defensive line that consistently disrupted Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense in Week 1. Both Myles Garrett and Za’Darius Smith generated six pressures and finished with PFF pass-rushing grades above 84.0 against the Bengals. Additionally, five different defensive linemen finished with PFF run defense grades above 60.0.
The Steelers gave up a combined 22 pressures against the 49ers in Week 1 and could be missing their starting right tackle. Things can get bad in a hurry for Kenny Pickett, Najee Harris, and Jaylen Warren once again in Week 2.
Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions
The Seahawks entered the season as one of the most likely offensive lines to ascend behind two young tackles and some savvy free-agent additions. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck and the team may be starting two backup tackles in Week 2.
That is terrible news for Geno Smith in a game against the Detroit Lions. The Lions feature a strong defensive end rotation led by Aidan Hutchinson (seven pressures) and Charles Harris (four pressures). The team didn’t sack Patrick Mahomes in Week 1 but kept him under consistent pressure to help the Lions win on Thursday Night Football.
Geno Smith has plenty of weapons at his disposal, but the time to take deep shots just may not materialize against a very strong Lions defense.
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