Week 1 of the NFL was much anticipated, and it did not disappoint. We had some surprise victories and some startling fantasy performances. The rookies came out to play, and I had to make some heavy changes to my rankings. The lack of training camp was supposed to be a deterrent to immediate fantasy success, but these guys blew those expectations out of the water. In the coming weeks, look for them to rise in the rankings as they get more comfortable in the NFL. Let’s take a look at this week’s top 10.
1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs Last Week: 1
Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed 25 times for 138 yards and one touchdown in the Chiefs’ Week 1 win over the Texans on Thursday night. CEH out-carried Darrel Williams 25 to 7, including getting most of the goal-line work. Though he failed to punch in 5 times from the one, it is an encouraging sign that he is getting these opportunities. CEH only had 2 targets in the passing game, but you can expect that to improve during the course of the season.
2. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts Last Week: 2
Taylor rushed 9 times for 22 yards and caught 6 targets for 67 yards. Those numbers are projected to go way up with the unfortunate news of Marlon Macks‘ season-ending injury. JT should split snaps with Nyheim Hines in the passing game, but he should get the bulk of the rushing attempts. Head coach Frank Reich named Taylor the starting running back for the remainder of the season, He has RB1 upside, and should be starting in your lineup the remainder of the year.
3. J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ravens Last Week: Unranked
Mark Ingram started the game at RB for the Ravens, but Dobbins was the more valuable back, as he turned his goal-line carries into touchdowns. While only getting 7 carries, it is clear that he is the future of this backfield. If he can continue turning his opportunities into scores, he will eventually overtake Mark Ingram for the lead role. Combine that with at least some role in the passing game, and Dobbins looks like a future superstar.
4. Joe Burrow, QB, Bengals Last Week: 3
Burrow completed 23 of 36 passes for 193 yards and one interception in Sunday’s 16-13 loss to the Chargers while also running the ball eight times for 46 yards and a touchdown. He had his struggles early on, as the rookie misfired on a couple of passes. He showed off his versatility when he scampered 23 yards for the first TD of his career. In the 2nd half, he seemed to settle down, and he was making smart choices, even throwing the would-be game-winner that was overturned. He has running value and is only going to improve from here on out.
5. Laviska Shenault Jr, WR, Jaguars Last Week: Unranked
Shenault recorded three receptions on four targets for 37 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Colts while also adding two rushes for 10 yards. Shenault recorded his first career TD in his first NFL game, taking a slant to the house. While he is listed as a WR, he really is an offensive weapon for the Jags. He is being used as a WR/RB hybrid, and don’t be surprised if he has a few throws here and there this year. The Jaguars are a team that’s lacking playmakers after DJ Chark, so Shenault has the opportunity to carve out a huge fantasy role in that offense.
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6. Joshua Kelley, RB, Chargers Last Week: Unranked
Kelley carried the ball 12 times for 60 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s 16-13 win over the Bengals. Kelley garnered a surprising amount of work in week 1, showing the faith that the coaching staff has in him. Kelley was in contention with Justin Jackson for the backup job all throughout training camp, and while Jackson did see two carries in the first half, it was quickly apparent Kelley’s nimble running style was the more productive option, to the point that Jackson was completely phased out of the offense by the third quarter. Perhaps not surprisingly, Kelley took a similar role to now-Broncos running back Melvin Gordon later in the contest, working in a one-two combo with Austin Ekeler that resulted in a couple of red zone carries, including his first career touchdown on a well-designed zone run.
7. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Cowboys Last Week: Unranked
CeeDee Lamb started in the slot in his first NFL game and did not disappoint. He was targeted six times, catching five passes for 59 yards. He flashed some of that YAC ability that he is famous for. While he was third in the WR pecking order in terms of snaps, he made the most of his chances. His stock is only going to increase, as the Cowboys should be running more 3 WR sets with the apparent injury to Blake Jarwin. If Lamb gets the increase in the opportunity that comes with more snaps, he could challenge for the Rookie WR1 for the year.
8. James Robinson, RB, Jaguars Last Week: Unranked
Jacksonville Jaguars undrafted free agent running back James Robinson came out of nowhere to become the starting running back for the Jags in Week 1. In the War Room Live Thursday podcast, neither Jay nor I had done much research on him and said that he wasn’t to be trusted. Well, he is proving us wrong. He had a very respectable game, carrying the ball 16 times for 62 yards and adding in a reception for 28 yards. If he continues to see that kind of workload and hold off Chris Thompson, he could be one of those diamonds in the rough league winners this year.
9. Zach Moss, RB, Bills Last Week: Unranked
Buffalo Bills running back Zack Moss looks to be poised to take the starting RB job in Buffalo. He rushed for 11 yards on nine carries with three receptions for 16 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 victory over the New York Jets. He matched Devin Singletary on rushing attempts and seems to be the option near the goal line. It will be interesting to see going forward how the snaps are distributed, but Moss is a player to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
10. Jalen Reagor, WR, Eagles Last Week: Unranked
Reagor was targeted three times in Week 1, catching one pass for 55 yards. He could have had a much better day but was overthrown on a deep ball by Carson Wentz. Reagor showed off his impressive burst and acceleration and made a beautiful over the shoulder grab for his only catch. The state of the Eagles’ offense is a concern, but Reagor should still be able to carve out a decent stat line as he gets more playing time. He led the Eagles wide receivers in snaps, so as he tracks towards full health from his shoulder injury, he should quickly assume the mantle as the Eagles #1 WR.
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