OK, my dear people, we need to do our best and not overreact in Week 1 (I’m sure this is the first time you’ve heard this). Try really, really hard, OK? It’s just one game and your fantasy team is still as good as you thought it was after making the final pick.

OK, I lied, maybe it isn’t, but there is still a lot of football left. Maybe Bryce Young, Deshaun Watson and Kirk Cousins ​​can get better? Who knows? Even if it’s just a week, we have some Answers, let’s look at them now.

Replenish stock

Cooper Kupp, WR, Rams

Football on Sunday evening on NBC provided images of Kupp’s massive comeback to fantasy elite. He had a whopping 21 tackles, went 14-110-1, and finished Week 1 as the WR2 (MNF pending). This is all the more significant because Puka Nacua was carried off with a knee injury in the loss to the Rams. This is a devastating blow to a Rams offense that had high hopes for 2024. Kupp was drafted nearly two rounds after Nacua at the start of fantasy draft season, and while the gap closed as the season went on, Kupp should now be treated as the WR1 in fantasy again, as evidenced by the attention and chemistry between him and Matthew Stafford.

JK Dobbins, RB, Chargers

This season was all about the Chargers running, running, running. Some people said, “Nah, you still have Justin Herbert.” Dobbins was the Chargers’ best offensive weapon, going 10-135-1, with his 61-yard run being the highlight, making him the RB4 in the fantasy series in Week 1 (MNF pending). His old running mate in Baltimore, Gus Edwards, carried the ball 11 times for 26 yards. Either way, the run was established and it’s clear that Dobbins is the running back to have in the Chargers’ backfield. He’ll be a top priority on waivers if he’s not already parked on someone’s roster in your league.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills

Coleman was praised more for his personality than his game all summer, as critics criticized his inability to break away from defensive backs. Josh Allen didn’t seem to get that, as he targeted the rookie wide receiver on five of his 23 pass attempts. Coleman was the Bills’ best receiver with 51 yards on four catches and had one pass in the end zone that was incomplete. In the future, Coleman will likely get into the red zone with his high-level catching skills. The Bills’ receiver room is still difficult to gauge, but you should definitely bet on the young guy.

Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders

The Raiders couldn’t do much on offense, but made sure their rookie tight end got his chance. Bowers led the team in targets (eight) and receptions (six) and gained 58 receiving yards in his debut. He also played 68% of the snaps despite missing most of the preseason with a foot injury. This could potentially be a floor stat, as the Raiders will certainly look to increase his usage. Many felt the Raiders would “run the ball into the ground,” which is what they want to do, but you can’t do that if you’re not winning.

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Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans

Last week I wrote about how Tony Pollard’s stock was rising, and he proved it, going 16-82-1 while adding another 12 yards on three pass catches. Spears was negatively impacted by this, as he only had eight total touches for 32 yards. Despite being the more efficient runner, Spears fell behind Pollard, who had a resurgent opening game and quite frankly carried the Titans’ offense. We’ll likely see Spears get more opportunities in the future, but with Pollard accounting for 61.5% of the Titans’ runs, it’s very clear who Tennessee’s leading running back is right now.

Diontae Johnson, WR, Panthers

Johnson was one of my favorite players selected in the fantasy draft this season, but the Panthers offense was tough to watch in Week 1. Johnson had six somewhat decent passes (20% target share) but only caught two of them for 19 yards. A big reason for that was Bryce Young’s miserable day, completing 13 of 30 passes for 161 yards and two interceptions. There wasn’t a single Panthers skill player who could be effective in their loss to the Saints. There is still some hope for Johnson, as Adam Thielen could succeed with Young at quarterback in 2023, but there is certainly reason to be concerned after the Panthers’ Week 1 performance.

Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

In pretty much the same scenario as above, Nabers didn’t get going due to inefficient quarterback play (Daniel Jones completed 22 of 42 passes for 186 yards and two interceptions). Unlike Johnson, Nabers managed 66 receiving yards on five catches (on seven targets), but he could have done much better. Eventually, the Giants’ rookie wide receiver will make spectacular plays on the ball no matter how bad Jones is, but you want to see a consistent rhythm. A 16% target share for Nabers is alarming, but it’s only Week 1. For comparison, Wan’Dale Robinsin had a 28% target share.

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens

Talking about Andrews here isn’t scaremongering, but rather praise for the Ravens’ other tight end. Isaiah Likely’s rise (which began in 2023) might put a damper on Andrews’ days as an elite fantasy tight end, but both can still be productive. The Ravens still don’t have a top-tier fantasy receiver (Zay Flowers is loaded) and that gives both Andrews and Likely a chance to flourish, just maybe not what you’re used to seeing from Andrews. In fact, I’d almost be shocked if Andrews puts together another nearly 1,000-yard season with Likely around.