Week 1 Winners & Losers: Biggest Takeaways From Every Game! + Early Waiver Wire & More! (09/13 Fantasy Football Podcast)

AJ Brown could be out six weeks with an injury.

AJ Brown could be out six weeks with an injury suffered in Week 1, a significant absence for the Eagles' passing game.

Aaron Jones had no receptions in Week 1 despite being a pass-catching back; source notes this is unusual for Jones. Game context: only 24 total pass attempts for the Packers (19 from Watson, 5 from Hertz), limiting opportunity.

Antonio Williams was encouraged and surprised when Traylon Burks was inactive, suggesting Williams could see increased opportunity in the backfield.

Robinson was one of the top five running backs in Week 1, part of a star-studded group that included Derek Henry, Jameer Gibbs, DeAndre Swift, and Ashton Gentry.

Allen handled nine of 12 third-down snaps for Green Bay in Week 1, a surprising result that contradicts pre-game expectations; he also scored a touchdown on a short-yardage play that was called back.

Breece Hall operated as a bell cow back in Week 1, which aligns with preseason expectations. He caught only two passes, which was slightly disappointing, but the Jets were up big in the second half and didn't need to throw frequently. The source projects Hall as a borderline RB1 for the rest of the season based on his workhorse role.

Hall had all three of Green Bay's snaps inside the five-yard line in Week 1, securing the goal-line role; he was a winner in Week 1 and has a great early season schedule, though Braylon Allen handled nine of 12 third-down snaps, indicating a committee approach.

Brian Thomas Jr. left the game but returned in Week 1.

When Brock Bowers returns from injury, Jaxon Smith-Njigba may see reduced involvement in the passing game; the Raiders offense may feature both tight ends, especially given what they paid Mayer, limiting target distribution.

Bryce Young, a former number one pick, came out as the number three quarterback in Week 1 rankings behind Caleb Williams and Josh Allen; a Panthers beat reporter who has covered the team for 20-25 years predicted Young would have a big year, a take that was not taken seriously.

In a Superflex league, the source would have Bryce Young over CJ Stroud, though both are projected for 190 points this week. Carolina's next three games are against Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit, followed by a bye.

In a Superflex league, CJ Stroud is projected for 190 points this week, though the source would prefer Bryce Young. The source notes they might lose the matchup despite equal projections.

Caleb Douglas is in consideration for early waiver wire pickups after having a big game in Week 1.

Douglas had a strong out-of-nowhere week-one performance but is not expected to sustain it; the speaker does not view him as a reliable waiver wire option compared to Devon Vele, suggesting his breakout is less sustainable.

Caleb Williams, a former number one pick, made a huge statement in Week 1 and is the number one quarterback in the rankings so far.

Carnell Tate was only 19% started in Week 1 against Tennessee, a low snap share that could lead to league-wide drops if he has another bad game or two. The speaker suggests the Titans offense is ugly and players from it should not be started.

Carson Wentz, rostered in only 1% of leagues, scored 25-26 fantasy points in Week 1 despite playing poorly and being extremely inaccurate; he made five starts last year and scored more than 19 points only once (19.3), making his Week 1 performance a notable outlier.

Wentz should be at the top of the most-added players list in Superflex leagues after his strong Week 1 performance with the Vikings. The source notes that Justin Jefferson averaged 16.6 PPR points per game in their five starts together last season, and if told Wentz would be the Vikings QB, they would have drafted Jefferson higher.

Chigoziem Okonkwo got hurt late in the game on the offensive line in Week 1.

Godwin posted four catches for 40 yards on four targets in Week 1 against a Tampa Bay defense that was very good against wide receivers. The source was high on Godwin for this specific week expecting a shootout, but is now slightly concerned. Baker Mayfield had only 28 pass attempts and was turnover-prone, limiting Godwin's opportunity.

Expected to be a low-end wide receiver three next week after disappointing Week 1 performance; speaker was higher on him pre-game expecting a shootout but Baker Mayfield held the ball longer than anticipated.

Chris Olave left the game but returned in Week 1.

Olave put up huge numbers in week one despite being on and off the field three different times and not playing in the preseason, demonstrating his elite production capability; however, there is a world where he misses time, which would elevate Devon Vele to the Saints' number-one target.

Olave was the fifth-highest scoring wide receiver in Week 1, part of a diverse group of top performers that included Jalen Coker, Christian Watson, Justin Jefferson, and Amon Ross St. Brown.

Christian Watson delivered a top-12 wide receiver performance in Week 1, matching the preseason ceiling discussed by the source ("if everything goes right, he's a borderline top 12 wide receiver"). He is the clear WR1 for the Packers. The source notes he disappeared in the second half for a while but remains confident in his role, though he expressed interest in monitoring snap splits next week to understand how much of the Packers' pass-heavy approach (they threw 35+ times) was scheme-driven versus game script.

Watson was the second-highest scoring wide receiver in Week 1, behind Jalen Coker and ahead of Justin Jefferson, Amon Ross St. Brown, and Chris Olave.

Watson is the clear wide receiver one on a weekly basis for Green Bay and has top 12 upside; the Packers threw the ball 35 times in Week 1 and had a 70% pass rate in the first half, indicating a pass-heavy approach that benefits Watson's ceiling despite Golden out-targeting him.

83% route run rate and 20% target share in Week 1; now two years removed from ACL tear, which is when players typically perform at their best. Source projects potential for top-12 wide receiver season, describing it as "an absolutely smash season."

Source advises against selling Watson for players in the same draft range; would only trade him for significantly better options like Jamar Chase. Not interested in downgrade trades to players like Luther Burton.

Christian Watson posted an 83% route run rate in Week 1 against Minnesota, demonstrating strong involvement in the offense. He also had a 20% target share, which could be acceptable if the Packers throw the ball frequently. Now two years removed from his ACL tear (compared to eight months last season), Watson should continue to improve as he gains further distance from the injury.

Heath identified Colston Loveland as the biggest loser of week one despite being a third-round pick. Loveland scored zero fantasy points in a game where the Bears offense scored 59 points total, highlighting a complete absence of involvement in an explosive offensive performance.

In Week 1, Loveland wasn't targeted for a large portion of the game despite the Bears scoring 59 points and having the ability to do anything offensively; Kalief Raymond was the high target getter instead, raising concerns about Loveland's role in the offense.

After Week 1's disappointing performance, Parker Washington. Let's is downgrading Loveland from a high-end tight end one to a low-end tight end one, though cautioning against overreaction and noting he should still be started.

Despite scoring zero points in Week 1 despite the Bears scoring 59 points, Loveland is viewed as a core piece of the offense with significant upside; the speaker believes he will be one of the better players on the team and would not sell low on him given the offensive potential under Ben Johnson.

Loveland is expected to be clearly better going forward; the source prefers Loveland over Dallas Goddard and Kyle Pitts rest of season, citing thin evidence coming into the year but strong upside. The Bears' poor defense will force them to chase in games, creating passing opportunities for Loveland.

Loveland scored zero points in Week 1 and had an extremely thin profile, making him a loser in the opener; the question of whether to apply a buy-low label remains uncertain given his lack of involvement.

Despite preseason hype as a focal point of the offense, Loveland was not a factor in Week 1 against Tennessee, scoring zero points. The speaker expresses concern about his role establishment, noting that while not recommending drastic action, the team should not assume he's an established superstar after one game where he failed to produce.

DJ Moore is a must-start option moving forward. The Bills attacked Houston's secondary with Moore on multiple downfield throws, not just one or two. He caught a 43-yard touchdown (though fluky off a missed interception by Reed Blankenship) and his usage in the passing game was very interesting, opening up everything underneath for other receivers.

DJ Moore left the game but returned in Week 1; had a huge game despite the injury scare.

Speaker was way off on DJ Moore's Week 1 performance; he played well with an incredible catch for a touchdown, though most of his damage came in the first half; his strong performance opens up opportunities for Kincaid and Shakir in the Bills offense.

Swift had a great role early in the game with 56% snap share to Monongai's 44%, though the split was larger in the first three quarters. The run offense remains the best part of the Lions offense, and Swift should be viewed as a high-end RB despite Monongai carrying more late-game work.

Dallas Goddert was a major contributor to Jalen Hurts' 30-point Week 1 performance; speaker suggests Hurts should buy Goddert a steak dinner for the output.

Kincaid was described as insanely good in Week 1, finishing among the top tight ends alongside Trey McBride, Dallas Goddard, Mike Kosicki, and Pat Friermuth.

Kincaid doubled his snap count from training camp and played 52 snaps in Week 1, a really high share. He's a must-start option moving forward; the Bills' new offensive approach under Joe Brady opened up the passing game, with Kincaid catching a touchdown on a post route and benefiting from downfield throws to DJ Moore.

Kincaid was described as 'insanely good' in Week 1, signaling strong early-season performance and potential for sustained production.

Benefits from DJ Moore's strong Week 1 performance and the Bills' more open offensive approach under Joe Brady; heard all training camp that Kincaid was playing more snaps and doubling his snap count, suggesting increased role in the offense.

Waller should have had a touchdown callback in week one, indicating he was in the end zone but the play was negated; this suggests he was involved in the Panthers' passing game but was denied a scoring opportunity.

Montgomery scored three touchdowns in Week 1 despite not being great per carry. The snap split with Woody Marks was 51% to 49%, but Montgomery got the edge in goal-line work (3 of 3 inside the 5 vs. Marks' 0). The source is banking on Montgomery scoring one touchdown most weeks going forward, making him a reliable red-zone asset despite the snap split.

Achane had 11 carries for 36 yards and four catches for 30 yards on five targets out of 27 pass attempts (18.5% target share) in Week 1; the source notes this target share is 'very good' but expresses concern about the Dolphins' offensive line being 'one of the worst I saw all day' and the team overall being poor.

DK Metcalf is identified as a player who blew an opportunity in Week 1 and is now viewed as a sell-high candidate; the Steelers' offense was not good, and the speaker does not feel confident about starting any Steelers players moving forward given their poor offensive performance and difficult upcoming schedule.

Dylan Sampson left in the first quarter of Week 1.

Garrett Wilson had a solid Week 1 performance with six catches on seven targets for 79 yards against Tennessee, demonstrating consistent target volume and efficiency in the Jets offense.

Davis did not touch the ball in Week 1 for Green Bay, addressing pre-game concerns that he would handle third-down duties; he was active but not involved in the game plan.

Jamar Chase had a terrible game in Week 1.

Jamar Chase had a terrible game in Week 1, setting up a discussion about his performance and outlook.

Chase was notably not one of the top five wide receivers in Week 1, which the source found surprising given his elite status.

Had his worst game in his last 63 games with two catches for 12 yards on four targets in Week 1; speaker notes he is coming off a hyper-extended injury and advises not to panic, as long as Burrow and Chase are on the field there will be opportunities for huge games given their draft capital and upside.

Gibbs was one of the top five running backs in Week 1, part of a star-studded group that included Derek Henry, DeAndre Swift, Ashton Gentry, and Bijan Robinson.

Coker is positioned as a potential starter in three-receiver leagues; the speaker is excited about his involvement as a concentrated target weapon and believes this emergence could happen as early as week two, suggesting significant upside in deeper formats.

Coker was the top-performing wide receiver in Week 1, ahead of Christian Watson, Justin Jefferson, Amon Ross St. Brown, and Chris Olave.

Coker is being discussed as a potential waiver wire pickup to replace Quentin Johnston; one source voice says 'I would drop Quentin Johnston for Jalen Coker,' suggesting Coker has more upside than Johnston in the Chargers offense.

Jalen Hurts scored 30 fantasy points in Week 1 in a new-look Eagles offense, but the speaker was disappointed in the performance; the offense looked disjointed, he was under pressure frequently, and he held the ball too long, checking down or running instead of looking downfield between the numbers. The speaker notes he should credit Dallas Goddert for much of the 30-point output and did not think Hurts played well, though the offense's dysfunction rather than Hurts' play was the primary issue.

Hurts threw 24 passes in Week 1, providing context for Dallas Goddard's five targets and the Eagles' passing volume.

Conner is being recommended as at least a low-end number two running back or flex-range option in the Cardinals offense following Week 1; the source notes 'You're probably starting Love as at least, you know, a low-end number two running back flex range' in the context of the Cardinals' improved run game and offensive performance.

Don't panic on James Cook despite limited touches in Week 1. The source believes he's going to be fine and views Week 1 as a signal of the Bills' new offensive philosophy rather than a permanent shift away from the running back. The offense will be more in Josh Allen's hands, but Cook remains part of the plan.

Jared Goff played poorly in Week 1, though he did not score 30 fantasy points like Jalen Hurts despite a similar poor performance.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was going in the first round before the ankle injury, top 10 pick in some ADPs. The speaker prefers him over Achan now, suggesting the ankle injury may have been minor and the market has overreacted to his draft cost.

Against Miami in Week 1, Jaxon Smith-Njigba got off to a good start and the Raiders leaned into him; the speaker notes this was likely the easiest matchup the Raiders face all year, suggesting his elevated role may have been matchup-dependent rather than sustainable.

Jaden Reed should benefit from the Packers' run game struggles, as the team will likely need to rely more on the passing game. This could lead to increased opportunities for Reed as the offense adjusts.

Jaylen Warren caught five passes in Week 1, suggesting a defined role in the Steelers' passing game and potentially establishing him as a target-dependent back despite the team's overall offensive struggles.

Jonathan Brooks is viewed as a loser from Week 1; the speaker speculates he may not have been fully healthy and suggests he looks more like a handcuff moving forward, though he is not being dropped.

Jordan Love could have a big day in Week 2 against the Jets, who came into Week 1 with a suspect secondary and lost two defensive backs (Minka Fitzpatrick and Jarvis Brownlee) during the game.

Jordan Love looked good for most of Week 1 against Minnesota until the end of the game, when he threw an interception that was off a tip. The Packers' offensive line was completely destroyed by Minnesota's defense, limiting Love's ability to execute the offense effectively.

Jordan Mason scored in Week 1 but had no receptions; source notes both he and Aaron Jones are touchdown-dependent and will struggle in games without scoring plays. Neither caught a pass despite being capable pass-catchers.

Tyson is absent from the Saints' receiving core due to an unspecified injury; his return timeline is unknown, and his absence is a key reason Devon Vele is expected to remain heavily involved in the Saints' passing game.

Josh Allen is the number two quarterback in Week 1 rankings behind Caleb Williams.

Had one of his best games in Week 1 against a tough Houston defense that has had his number before; speaker notes this was as good as he's ever seen Allen play, making it a fun performance to watch from a great player.

Josh Jacobs is expected to return from injury, and until he does, the Packers' running game will likely struggle. The team could have difficulty running the ball effectively in the interim.

Jefferson finished third among wide receivers in Week 1 and performed very well with Carson Wentz, averaging 16.6 PPR points per game in their five starts together last season. The source notes that if told Wentz would be the Vikings quarterback, they would have drafted Jefferson, suggesting strong upside with Wentz at QB.

Johnson was held out of the preseason along with Olave, Vele, and others on the Saints, suggesting the team was cautious with his availability heading into week one.

Johnson caught a late-game touchdown in Week 1, providing a lucky fantasy boost for those who rostered him.

Khalif Raymond is being discussed as a waiver wire option, though the source prefers Kendrick Bourne and notes that Raymond is in a better offense than Bourne, but still leans toward Bourne being more likely to produce.

Katron Allen came in and took over Ja'Cory Krosky Merritt's role after Merritt fumbled late in Week 1, rather than Rashad White taking over.

Katron Allen came in and really took over Rashad White's role in Week 1, suggesting a significant shift in the backfield workload distribution.

Katron Allen suffered a wrist injury and will be out; he came into the game in the second half against Philadelphia but was limited to one carry before exiting.

Kendre Lambert-Smith left the Chargers game with an injury in Week 1; unclear if he returned.

Kendra Miller handled 30% of snaps and scored a touchdown in Week 1, possibly after Travis Etienne was banged up or removed himself from the game. Miller's touchdown came from eight yards out, suggesting he may have received goal-line opportunities when Etienne was unavailable.

Kendrick Bourne is being considered for waiver wire pickup, though the source expresses some hesitation, noting that Bourne seems equally questionable as Khalif Raymond but that Bourne is more likely to produce going forward.

Kendrick Bourne emerged as a competing receiver in the Cardinals offense in Week 1, creating a three-receiver mix that differs from last year's two-to-three receiver setup. His presence may complicate target distribution for Marvin Harrison Jr.

The source explicitly advises not to buy into Kendrick Bourne yet post-Week 1, grouping him with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Wilson as wide receiver three options but with a cautionary tone: 'I wouldn't buy into Kendrick Bourne just yet.'

Kenneth Gainwell is identified as potentially filling a short-area target role for the Steelers, though the speaker has not yet seen definitive evidence of clear role separation among the team's running backs.

Kyle Pitts scored the same number of fantasy points as Colston Loveland in Week 1, but Parker Washington. Let's views Loveland's underperformance as more concerning because Pitts has the excuse of a terrible quarterback and abnormal offensive scheme, whereas the Bears scored 59 points.

Pitts had a worse Week 1 than Loveland and Goddard; the source would not trade either Loveland or Goddard for Pitts, indicating diminished confidence in Pitts rest of season.

Kyler Murray left Week 1 with a concussion; the Cardinals play Chicago next week.

The Vikings are not committed to Kyler Murray long term, and the team chose him for a reason. The source hopes to see great production from both Kyler and Justin Jefferson, but notes that if Kevin O'Connell feels Carson Wentz is his best quarterback, he will probably stick with Wentz.

Lamar Jackson had an amazing game but the Ravens essentially shut down the offense in the second half, with only five pass attempts in the second half during the game of the week.

Marshawn Lloyd is the likely lead back for the Packers in Josh Jacobs' absence, but is at best a flex option given the team's overall run game struggles and the expectation that Jacobs will return.

Marvin Harrison Jr. had a very limited role in Week 1 despite being a high draft pick for the Cardinals. The source notes his minimal involvement in a game where Trey McBride dominated with 13 targets, suggesting Harrison Jr. may not be the primary target in the Cardinals' offense as expected.

Marvin Harrison Jr. received only three targets on 37 pass attempts in Week 1 against the Chargers. Source expresses concern, noting not only the low target volume but also the emergence of Kendrick Bourne as a competing receiver, a situation different from last year's two-to-three receiver setup.

Harrison Jr. and Kendrick Bourne are still in wide receiver three discussions post-Week 1; the source groups them together as secondary receiving options in the Cardinals offense, noting 'Wilson, Marvin, I wouldn't buy into Kendrick Bourne just yet, are probably still in the wide receiver three discussions.'

Matthew Golden got off to a good start in Week 1 against Minnesota, suggesting he could be a player to monitor going forward as the Packers' offense develops.

Dominated Jamar Chase in Week 1, suggesting he may have a larger role in the Bengals offense than expected; at 4% rostered, he is not a recommended add in standard leagues.

Nico Collins had a strong Week 1 performance with 7 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown despite being shadowed by Christian Benford, who the source felt did a pretty decent job in coverage.

Omar Cooper Jr., Jets wide receiver, left with an ankle injury in Week 1.

Dave Richard identified Parker Washington as the biggest winner of week one after the receiver was the clear number one target for Jacksonville in training camp, beating double teams against Tampa. In week one against Cleveland, Washington posted 6 targets, 5 catches, 83 yards, and 1 touchdown for 19 PPR points. Richard called him "a stud, a must start, a superstar" and emphasized the Jacksonville offense looked great through the air despite Trevor Lawrence throwing only 23 pass attempts.

Friermuth was a top-five tight end in Week 1, part of a non-chalky group of TE performers that included Trey McBride, Dallas Goddard, Mike Kosicki, and Dalton Kincaid.

Freiermuth is ranked as a top-five tight end following his Week 1 performance.

Johnston had a poor Week 1 performance with two catches for 17 yards on six targets for the Chargers; the source entertains dropping him for Jalen Coker, though notes the Chargers' overall poor performance (only 22:29 of possession time) and potential injury to McConkie as context.

Quinchon Judkins is identified as a Week 1 loser after recording 50 total yards and two catches despite 73% start rate; the speaker is officially nervous about his ability to overcome what appears to be a hopeless Browns offensive situation, particularly given he received only two targets and two catches when the offense was expected to lean on him in the passing game.

Saquon Barkley suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1.

Stefan Diggs was only starting in 7% of leagues but had 9 targets, 4 catches for 55 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against Philadelphia. The speaker questions whether Diggs could be the best wide receiver on the Commanders this year, suggesting upside relative to his low ownership.

T.J. Hockenson had five targets, four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Source expresses more interest in him than the previous week, noting his target volume slightly exceeds Mike Gusecki's.

Tony Pollard received only 53% of snaps in Week 1 against Tennessee, a concerning sign that prompted the speaker to not rank him as a top 30 running back. The concern stems not just from the matchup but from what happens when the Titans fall behind; TyJ Spears played 12 of 17 snaps in the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach, suggesting a timeshare that could limit Pollard's ceiling.

Travis Etienne handled 58% of snaps in Week 1 but the source expresses concern about his role, noting he had only one snap inside the five-yard line. Etienne caught seven passes but may have been banged up or removed himself from the game, allowing Kendra Miller to score a touchdown from eight yards out. This suggests potential red flags for Etienne's goal-line role and durability.

Trevor Lawrence, a former number one pick, made a huge statement in Week 1.

McBride is a starting-caliber tight end in the Cardinals offense post-Week 1; the source explicitly states 'You're starting McBride' in the context of the Cardinals' improved offensive performance and run game.

Parker Washington. Let's acknowledges being significantly wrong about Trey McBride's season outlook, contrasting him with Colston Loveland's single-game underperformance; McBride's poor performance represents a fundamental projection miss rather than a one-week variance.

Trey McBride earned 13 targets in Week 1 and posted 9 catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, making him a clear winner despite preseason debate about benching him for Christian Watson. The source credits McBride with a strong performance and notes he deserves recognition as a winner, particularly given Marvin Harrison Jr.'s limited role in the Cardinals offense.

McBride was the top-performing tight end in Week 1, ahead of Dallas Goddard, Mike Kosicki, Dalton Kincaid, and Pat Friermuth.

Tucker Kraft played about two-thirds of snaps for the Chargers and had three catches for 65 yards on six targets in Week 1. Solid early-season performance suggests meaningful role in the offense.

Woody Marks split snaps nearly evenly with David Montgomery (49% to 51%) but has no goal-line role; Montgomery got all three red-zone touches (3 of 3 inside the 5). The source explicitly states the Jaguars do not want Marks near the goal line if they can help it, limiting his upside despite the snap share.

Jay Flowers on one hamstring in one half is better than Devante Smith; speaker backs Flowers despite the hamstring injury concern.

Despite a hamstring injury that might cause him to miss some time, Parker Washington. Let's backs Jay Flowers, asserting that 'Jay Flowers on one hamstring in one half is better than Devante Smith,' indicating confidence in his talent and upside.