X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Week 1 Outliers Analysis - We Must Overreact!

Week 1 of the 2020 NFL season brought unexpected fantasy football surprises and busts. Mike Riggall analyzes overreactions to Odell Beckham, Nyheim Hines, Robby Anderson, and more.

In Week 1, the quarterback position was rather stable as Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray finished inside the top-five. Through Sunday's games, Gardner Minshew II finished as QB12 which surprised most, while Dak Prescott and Patrick Mahomes underwhelmed just a little, finishing as QB2's. Tight end was a little less predictable as David Njoku, Logan Thomas and O.J. Howard all finished inside the top-10. Some of the usual studs such as Zach Ertz, Darren Waller and George Kittle were each involved in their respective offenses, but had modest days and finished as TE2's.

At wide receiver, Davante Adams led the way with 41.60 points, hauling in 14 of his 17 targets for 156 yards and two touchdowns. John Brown was thought to be the forgotten man in Buffalo after the signing of Stefon Diggs, but Brown was the recipient of 10 targets, finishing as a top-15 receiver. One of the main offseason discussions at the wide receiver position was whether Cooper Kupp would play enough snaps to be a viable WR2 if the Rams deployed 12-personnel a majority of the time, and the answer was yes, as both Kupp and Robert Woods played at least 84% of the snaps in Week 1.

Josh Jacobs was dominant in Week 1, toting the ball 25 times, scoring three touchdowns while hauling in four passes for 46 yards, finishing as RB1 on the week. Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, Nyheim Hines and Malcolm Brown rounded out the top-five running backs for Week 1. Joe Mixon's performance for the Bengals was underwhelming, but he did carry the ball 19 times against a dangerous Chargers Defense which is a good sign for his future outlook. Week 1 is now in the rearview mirror, and now we need to look ahead and evaluate how to move forward to Week 2.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Odell Beckham Jr., Cleveland Browns

Week 1 Stats: 10 targets, 3 catches, 22 yards

Odell Beckham Jr. was clearly Baker Mayfield's favorite target in Week 1 with 10, while Jarvis Landry received six targets. Beckham did have a couple drops, but in fairness to him, Mayfield was inaccurate at times against the Ravens and he was interfered with a few times by Marlon Humphrey, which took away a few potential big plays.

Bottom Line: I know that this may be an unpopular opinion, but Beckham is a buy-low candidate. I understand the common narrative is that Beckham simply isn't the same and he won't do well for the Browns, but his performance would have been much better if not for the pass interference against him, and you need to remember the Ravens have a very good defensive backfield. Give it a little more time before you give up on Beckham.

 

Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1 Stats: 5 targets, 5 catches, 47 yards, 1 TD

Keelan Cole was clearly the Jaguars No. 2 option in the passing game in Week 1, playing 66% of the Jaguars snaps, compared to 84% for D.J. Chark, 62% for Laviska Shenault Jr. and just 32% for Chris Conley.

Bottom Line: Keelan Cole was relevant in 2017 and then he fell off the map when Blake Bortles began to struggle and never regained his form. Cole is worth an add in deeper leagues and may have some value down the stretch. Stay tuned and monitor the Jaguars snap counts.

 

Robby Anderson, Carolina Panthers

Week 1 Stats: 8 targets, 6 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD, 2PT

Robby Anderson exploded in Week 1, but a majority of his production came on his 75-yard touchdown. On that play, Anderson caught the ball about 26 yards down the field, the Raiders defensive back took a poor angle trying to meet Anderson at the ball, completely missed, and Anderson took the ball 49 yards after-the-catch for the touchdown. At first glance you would think that this is a typical boom-or-bust performance from Robby Anderson, coming through because of one big play, but that wasn't the case. Anderson played on 82% of the Panthers snaps, was targeted eight times in the game, compared to nine for DJ Moore and eight for Curtis Samuel.

Bottom Line: In shallower leagues, if Anderson is on the waiver wire, he is definitely worth a bench spot. If you are in a tough spot in Week 2, Anderson could serve as your WR3 or a flex, but personally, I want to see how Teddy Bridgewater distributes the ball in Week 2 and see a larger sample before I trust him in my lineups.

 

Mark Ingram II, Baltimore Ravens

Week 1 Stats: 10 carries, 29 yards

J.K. Dobbins was a Week 1 darling for the Ravens, scoring two touchdowns, but if he didn't score twice, his day would have been sub-par, rushing for just 22 yards on seven carries. Mark Ingram had an underwhelming day, but he still led the Ravens backfield in carries with 10, compared to seven for Dobbins and just four for Gus Edwards. It's early, but this may be a committee moving forward as Ingram played 21 snaps, Dobbins played 23 snaps, and Gus Edwards played on 15 snaps.

Bottom Line: The Browns were pretty tough against the run in Week 1 and the Ravens ran just over 50 plays in the game which doesn't bode well for volume running. The Ravens backfield is shaping up to be somewhat of a committee which is concerning, but as of now Ingram still looks to be the leader of that committee. Hold steady for now, but if Ingram has a big game in the next few weeks you may want to consider selling high.

 

Peyton Barber, Washington Football Team

Week 1 Stats: 17 carries, 29 yards, 2 TD, 1 target

After Adrian Peterson was cut from the roster, most thought that Antonio Gibson would be the primary ball-carrier for Washington. That was not the case, Bryce Love was a healthy scratch, and Peyton Barber toted the rock 17 times.

Bottom Line: Barber is not an exciting player and he's only rostered in 3% of Yahoo leagues. While carrying the ball 17 times, Barber averaged just 1.7 yards-per-carry. You know what you're getting with Barber, and you should only add him to your roster if you're absolutely desperate and don't mind playing him and hoping for a touchdown.

 

Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 16 Stats: 24-of-42 passing, 270 yards, 2 TD, 1 carry, 2 yards

Carson Wentz was supposed to tear up the Washington defense in Week 1 with all of the new receiving threats on the Eagles, but that didn't happen. Wentz was constantly under duress by the Washington front seven and looked to be somewhat out of sync at times.

Bottom Line: Wentz is a high-end quarterback with solid weapons, unlike 2019. It's early, and you should remain patient, because once Wentz settles in he'll be great.

 

Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals

Week 1 Stats: 5 targets, 4 catches, 33 yards

As I speculated in my wide receiver matchups piece from Week 1, Tyler Boyd saw a lot of coverage from Chris Harris Jr. in Week 1 which gave him trouble. On another note, Burrow was under duress for much of the day, taking unnecessary risks, and at times he was trying to be a hero. While Burrow was a little shaky in his first start, that's expected, and he did show glimpses of his potential, showing us why he was selected first overall in the NFL draft.

Bottom Line: Hold steady on Tyler Boyd if you have him on your team, and if the Boyd-manager is restless, consider buying low. This was likely Boyd's toughest matchup of the season.

 

Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

Week 1 Stats: 10 carries, 60 yards, 1 target, 1 catch, 6 yards, 1 fumble lost

Nick Chubb played on just 48% of the Browns snaps in Week 1 finishing as RB47 on the week. Chubb was never really able to get going in this one as the Ravens led for the entire contest, forcing the Browns to throw the ball more than they would have liked. The Browns also turned the ball over some, including a Baker Mayfield interception and a Chubb fumble which likely cost Chubb some rushing volume.

Bottom Line: Nick Chubb had a difficult matchup and the game script didn't help. This was likely Chubb's worst game of the season and he's a prime buy-low candidate.

 

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts

Week 1 Stats: 7 carries, 28 yards, 1 TD, 8 targets, 8 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD

Nyheim Hines was very involved in the Colts offense in Week 1, scoring a touchdown on the ground and through the air. Hines had a role from the start of the game, but when it was all said and done, Hines and Taylor both ended up with 15 touches.

Bottom Line: Hines has a role in this offense. We spent the entire offseason speculating whether Austin Ekeler would continue his 2019-form, but we should have looked to Hines as Philip Rivers' new Austin Ekeler. Hines is rostered in just 19% of Yahoo leagues and he's a must-add in PPR leagues.

 

Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team

Week 1 Stats: 8 targets, 4 catches, 37 yards, 1 TD

Logan Thomas has been an intriguing player ever since he entered the league out of Virginia Tech and attempted to switch from quarterback to tight end. The stars aligned in Week 1, Thomas finally got his shot in Washington, playing 74% of the snaps in Week 1 and appears to be involved in the passing game.

Bottom Line: Logan Thomas led all Washington tight ends in snaps and looks to have a legitimate role in the offense. That being said, Thomas should only be started in deeper leagues or if you're desperate, as there's still plenty of viable, more proven options out there.

 

Jordan Akins, Houston Texans

Week 1 Stats: 2 targets, 2 catches, 39 yards, 1 TD

As always, Jordan Akins looked great when he had the ball in his hands. Akins is very athletic, and he played 81% of the offensive snaps compared to Darren Fells who played on just 42% of the offensive snaps. Akins came through because he scored and although he played on 81% of the Texans offensive snaps, he has teased us before and let us down after blowing up the week before.

Bottom Line: Deshaun Watson simply doesn't throw the ball to his tight ends with regularity. Unless you're extremely desperate at the position or in an extremely deep league, Akins should probably remain on the waiver wire unless he earns a more consistent role.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Griffin Conine

To Have Shoulder Surgery On Tuesday
Luke Keaschall

Twins Prospect Luke Keaschall Suffers Broken Forearm
Logan Gilbert

Leaves Friday's Start With Forearm Tightness

Vikings Select Tai Felton To Finish Day 2

Seahawks Select Quarterback Jalen Milroe With The 92nd Pick Overall

Browns Select Dillon Gabriel 94th Overall

Packers Pick Savion Williams At No. 87 overall

Steelers Snag Kaleb Johnson In Round 3

Broncos Select Wide Receiver Pat Bryant With The 74th Overall Pick

Texans Select Jaylin Noel With 79th Pick

Lions Select Wide Receiver Isaac TeSlaa With The 70th Overall Pick
Jack Leiter

To Start On Sunday

Patriots Add Wide Receiver Kyle Williams In Round 3

Browns Draft Harold Fannin Jr. With 67th Pick
Garrett Mitchell

Makes Early Exit
Luke Keaschall

Removed Early On Friday
Blake Snell

Likely Avoids Major Injury
Cole Ragans

Dealing With Mild Groin Strain

Broncos Add RJ Harvey To Backfield With 60th Pick

Raiders Select Jack Bech With 58th Pick

Chargers Add Wide Receiver Tre Harris In Round 2
Detroit Lions

Lions Acquire 57th Pick From Broncos

Seahawks Draft Elijah Arroyo 50th Overall
Carolina Panthers

Panthers Acquire 51st Pick From Broncos
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Snag Will Johnson At No. 47

Jets Add A Pass-Catcher With Mason Taylor At No. 42

Rams Select Terrance Ferguson With 46th Pick
Houston Texans

Texans Acquire 48th Pick From Raiders, Draft Aireontae Ersery

Saints Snag Tyler Shough At No. 40
Brenton Doyle

Out For Personal Reasons On Friday
Brandin Podziemski

Not On Injury Report For Game 3
Jimmy Butler III

Warriors Optimistic About Jimmy Butler III Playing Saturday
Jae'Sean Tate

To Remain Out Saturday
Jock Landale

Unavailable For Game 3
Terry Rozier

Out On Saturday
Jrue Holiday

Ruled Out For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Orlando
Kevin Love

To Miss Saturday's Game
Jaylen Brown

Available For Friday Night's Game 3 Against Magic
Gary Payton II

Iffy For Saturday's Action
Jayson Tatum

Officially Available On Friday For Game 3 Against Magic
Will Smith

Back From Injury On Friday
Luke Kennard

Questionable For Game 4 On Saturday
Darius Garland

Listed As Questionable For Game 3
Ja Morant

To Miss Game 4 On Saturday
Rui Hachimura

Available For Game 3 In Minnesota
Aaron Ekblad

Available To Return Saturday
Erik Swanson

Ryan Burr Progressing
Daulton Varsho

To Return On Tuesday At The Latest
Max Scherzer

Takes Positive Step On Friday
Aleksander Barkov

Questionable For Saturday
Gabriel Landeskog

Set For Larger Role In Game 4
Calvin Pickard

To Start Game 3 For Oilers
Randy Arozarena

Resting For First Time This Year
Jonas Siegenthaler

To Play Limited Minutes In Game 3
MLB

Red Sox-Guardians Game Postponed On Friday
Luke Hughes

Remains Out On Friday
MLB

Tigers-Orioles Postponed On Friday
Patrik Laine

A Game-Time Decision Friday
Yainer Diaz

Out On Friday Against Royals
Iván Herrera

Ivan Herrera Hopes To Start Rehab Assignment Next Week
Salvador Perez

Sitting Out For First Time This Season
Jaylen Brown

Questionable For Game 3 On Friday
Brendan Donovan

Back In Action On Friday
Jimmy Butler III

Could Miss Game 3 On Saturday
Coby Mayo

Getting On A Roll At Triple-A
Carlos Prates

Looks To Remain Undefeated In The UFC
Ian Machado Garry

Set For UFC Kansas City Main Event
Cade Cunningham

Collects Double-Double In Loss
Jalen Brunson

Drops 30 Points In Game 3
Karl-Anthony Towns

Leads All Scorers In Game 3 Victory
Zhang Mingyang

Scheduled For Co-Main Event
Anthony Smith

Set For His Final UFC Bout
David Onama

Set For Featherweight Bout
Giga Chikadze

Looks To Bounce Back
Abus Magomedov

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Michel Pereira

Returns To Action At UFC Kansas City
Nicolas Dalby

An Underdog At UFC Kansas City
Randy Brown

A Favorite At UFC Kansas City
Andre Muniz

Set To Open Up UFC Kansas City Main Card
Ikram Aliskerov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Sergei Bobrovsky

Shuts Out Lightning In Game 2
Cam Fowler

Finishes Thursday's Win With Five Points
Robert Thomas

Posts Four Assists In Game 3 Win
Pavel Buchnevich

Celebrates Hat Trick During Four-Point Performance
Dylan DeMelo

Battling An Illness
Marcus Johansson

Exits Early Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Hurt In Game 2
Jrue Holiday

Tagged As Questionable For Friday
Jayson Tatum

Likely Out Again On Friday
Anthony Cirelli

Good To Go Thursday
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Looks To Bounce Back In Game 2
Rasmus Ristolainen

To Miss Training Camp
Jonas Siegenthaler

Returns To Practice
Aliaksei Protas

Traveling With Capitals
Gabriel Vilardi

Still Out On Thursday
Max Pacioretty

Set To Join Maple Leafs Lineup For Game 3
Cam Davis

Looking For Better Fortunes At TPC Louisiana
Adam Svensson

Making Third Apperence At Zurich Classic
Max Greyserman

Aiming For Similar Success At TPC Louisiana
Lee Hodges

A High-Upside Player In New Orleans
PGA

Nico Echavarria Looks To Ride Off Of Elite Putting In New Orleans
Gary Woodland

A Player Worth Watching In New Orleans
Max McGreevy

Returns To The Zurich Classic Of New Orleans
Rasmus Hojgaard

In Search Of Consistency Ahead Of Zurich Classic
Sam Stevens

A Boom-Or-Bust Candidate In New Orleans
Nicolai Hojgaard

Looking To Turn Season Around At Zurich Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks To Sway A Hot Putter In Teams Favor At Zurich Classic
Akshay Bhatia

Looking To Bounce Back At TPC Louisiana
Carson Young

Looks To Turn Things Around At TPC Louisiana
Erik Van Rooyen

Looking For Momentum In Louisiana
Andrew Novak

Making Start At TPC Louisiana After Near Miss At Harbour Town
Ben Griffin

Making Third Career Start At Zurich Classic
Taylor Moore

Competing With A New Teammate In New Orleans
Wyndham Clark

Making Return To New Orleans
Kurt Kitayama

Teeing It Up Again In New Orleans
Collin Morikawa

Back At Zurich Classic For Fifth Time
Thomas Detry

Making Third Appearance At New Orleans Team Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF