Real, meaningful football is back! As usual, week 1 in the NFL is well on its way to giving us plenty of story lines in fantasy football to talk about all week. There were definitely some solid contributions from some surprising places including an impressive showing from the usually fantasy-helpless Jacksonville Jaguars. Stay tuned for continuing coverage on our fantasy football page throughout the week of who’s for real and who’s a one-week fluke. In the meantime, here’s a quick rundown of the top performers from the early games in week one.
Matt-Ryan-QB-Atlanta Falcons
Ryan had a huge game against the Saints in an overtime shootout at the Georgia Dome. He finished with a massive 448 yards passing to go with a trio of scores and 15 yards rushing. Ryan had a great start to the season and looks ready to bounce back now that his weapons are back and healthy.
Le’Veon Bell-RB-Pittsburgh Steelers
Bell had a big game totaling 197 all-purpose yards against the Browns. Bell ran 21 times for 109 yards and a touchdown and added 88 yards on six catches. Even though he lost a touchdown to LeGarrette Blount, Bell still had massive numbers and looks to be an every down back in Pittsburgh.
Mark Ingram-RB-New Orleans Saints
Ingram rushed for a pair of scores against the Falcons in the second half finishing with 60 yards on 13 carries and one catch for a yard. Ingram looks like he’ll be the goal line option for the Saints and could be a nice flex play going forward.
A.J. Green-Cincinnati Bengals
Green and the Bengals put up numbers late and edged out the Ravens in Baltimore. Green finished with 131 yards and a touchdown on nine targets.
Knowshon Moreno-RB-Miami Dolphins
Moreno led the Dolphins with an inspired performance against New England. Moreno finished with 134 yards and a touchdown in his Miami debut.
Houston Texans D/ST
The Texans blocked a punt and recovered it for a touchdown while pressuring Robert Griffin III all day long. They finished the day with three sacks, and a pair of fumbles recovered, Jadeveon Clowney was forced to leave the game with an injury, but this unit looks like they’ll be a solid one for the Texans this season.
Jake Locker-QB-Tennessee Titans
Locker was efficient going 22-33 for 266 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the Titans win in Kansas City. It was a great start to the season for Locker who added 17 yards on the ground and could be a sign of good things to come for Locker if he can stay healthy.
Allen Hurns-WR-Jacksonville Jaguars
Hurns came into the league this year as an undrafted free agent out of Miami and made a huge splash in his first NFL game. He and the Jags got off to a fast start against the Eagles, but struggled in the second half. Hurns finished with four catches for 110 yards with a pair of receiving TDs, but all of his points came in the first half.
Cordarrelle Patterson-WR-Minnesota Vikings
Patterson was a huge part of the Vikings attack and hit on one of his big plays that make him a fantasy stud when he’s at his best. Patterson finished with 102 yards rushing including a touchdown and catching three passes for 26 yards.
Minnesota Vikings D/ST
The Vikings defense dominated the Rams all day long and added a pick-6 late to turn it into an elite day. They allowed just six points to the St. Louis patchwork offense while picking off both Shaun Hill and Austin Davis and added five sacks.
Steve Smith-WR-Baltimore Ravens
Smith had a good first game for the Ravens getting targeted an incredible 15 times hauling in seven catches for 118 yards. Smith also found the end zone in his Ravens’ debut and looks to be very plugged in to Gary Kubiak’s scheme.