Fantasy Football 2019: What we learned in Week 1

With all but two games in the books for Week 1, what did we take away from those games for fantasy football going forward?

With the Packers defeating the Bears on Thursday, the fantasy football season is underway. There were 13 games played on the first Sunday of the season. There were some big plays early and some surprising performances throughout.

While it is just the first week, these performances could be indicators of what we could see for the rest of the season, good or bad. Whether it’s a running back getting a lot of carries, a quarterback under consistent pressure or a defense allowing touchdowns, we could be seeing more of the same.

Now, this isn’t an overreaction piece. Like I said, it is just one week. If your star player didn’t score 20 points, it’s not the end of the world. There are 12 or 13 more weeks to bounce back and make the playoffs. Relax and enjoy the ride.

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Here is what we learned after the Week 1 slate of games.

DeSean Jackson is a top-30 WR

In his first game with the Eagles since 2013, Jackson was targeted early and often by Carson Wentz. He caught the first pass for the Eagles in this game. Jackson went deep down the middle and caught a pass for a 51-yard touchdown. He had a second one for 53 yards in the third quarter.

Alshon Jeffery was a target at the start of the second half and caught the second touchdown. The other pass catchers were absent for about three quarters.

Jackson still has speed and will be the Eagles deep threat opposite of Jeffery. Nelson Agholor is going to have to fight for targets.

His fantasy scoring will come from the big plays but he’s going to be on the field a ton to rack up the receptions.

Lamar Jackson can throw

The talk this offseason was how many running plays are the Ravens going to run. With Jackson’s legs, the addition of Mark Ingram, and lack of star receivers, that was a serious conversation. After the first quarter of play against the Dolphins, those talks stopped.

In the first half, Jackson completed 10-for-11 passes (10 in a row) for 210 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed three times for six yards in the game.

The breakout star was Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who had four receptions for 147 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Mark Andrews had a great game with eight catches, 108 yards and a score.

I expect him to rush a bit more but gameflow dictated differently. We even had a Robert Griffin III sighting. For those worried about Jackson being a one-dimensional quarterback should ease up knowing that he can throw and throw far.

Baker under pressure

Everyone, including myself, was hyping the Browns up this offseason. They improved both the offense and defense. With the rest of the division looking questionable, the Browns were looking like the favorites.

The Browns scored a touchdown on their first drive, a Dontrell Hilliard four-yard run. Everyone was ready for the Browns to keep the scoring going. That wouldn’t be the case.

They would then punt on their next four drives and then let up a safety. In the second half, the Browns drives went as follows: punt, touchdown, interception, interception, turnover on downs, interception, and turnover on downs.

Baker Mayfield went 25-for-38 with 285 yards, a touchdowns and three picks. He was sacked five times. Outside of the two touchdown drives, none of the other Browns’ drives netted more than 35 yards.

The Browns face the Jets in Week 2, which could be a get-right game. They then have the Rams and Ravens after that. I wouldn’t want to have Mayfield as my only quarterback.

Other notes: Dede Westbrook will be just fine with Gardner Minshew under center. The Cowboys offense will be a threat with Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup (someone to add now), Jason Witten and Ezekiel Jackson. Melvin Gordon plans to report between Week 6 and 8; do the Chargers need him?

Next. Fantasy Football: Make or break season for 3 quarterbacks. dark

It is just Week 1 but with all of training camp and preseason, this is what each team had planned for their first game. It may not have been pretty but that’s what we got. It’s important for you not to overreact. I’ll have another piece about that and which players to add or leave on the waiver wire out Tuesday. Thanks for stopping by FanSided Fantasy!

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