Oh, it was worth the wait. The brand of NFL football that was on display yesterday was ideal for Fantasy Football. This week on the Fantasy Stock Watch, we break down best Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers from Week 1.
In Week 1, it is hard to decipher if a guy is for real or not. Alex Armah and Anthony Sherman both had touchdowns today. They are both fullbacks so don’t even think about it. Phillip Dorsett, however, had a touchdown as well. He is one of my Fantasy Football risers because he was targeted seven times and looks like he will be a viable option for Tom Brady all season.
Fantasy points were being given out as frequently as Oprah gives away things (you get Fantasy points, you get Fantasy points, EVERYONE gets Fantasy points!). But, there were also some stinkers that we need to talk about too.
Let’s get right into the Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers in Week 1.
Week 1 Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers
Patrick Mahomes/Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs offense is as advertised. The young quarterback on this squad was seemingly made for Fantasy Football and he is paired up with the most explosive player in football, Tyreek Hill.
The Chargers secondary is good. Like, really good. Yes, Joey Bosa didn’t play and I do think Patrick Mahomes would have been under duress if he did. But, we saw a hell of a performance on Sunday against the likes of Casey Hayward who was the second highest graded cornerback since Darrelle Revis in 2009 according to Pro Football Focus.
Mahomes was 15 of 27 for 257 yards with 4 touchdowns on Sunday. He also ran the ball five times for 21 yards (and almost scored a running touchdown on the half-yard line).
Tyreek Hill had seven catches for 169 yards and two touchdowns and added a 91-yard punt return touchdown. The dude is lethal and is by far the fastest player on the field at all times.
The Chiefs offense has a shot at jumping out to a big lead early in games every time they step onto the field. However, the defense is just as likely to get burned in the first quarter. Either scenario is optimal for Fantasy points.
Trade for Tyreek if you can and if somehow Patrick Mahomes was not drafted in your league- pay.all.the.FAAB.
Carlos Hyde, Cleveland Browns
The Browns were a hot topic of discussion this offseason. It makes sense as they signed three key free agent starters at the three most premier positions in football.
The idea that Tyrod Taylor- and not Baker Mayfield- would be the starter for the Browns was only recently common knowledge. Some of us at FantraxHQ including myself understood this for a while.
What we also understood is that Tyrod Taylor is a run-first quarterback who is best suited for a run-first offense. Todd Haley was the offensive coordinator for the Steelers for years which, contrary to popular belief, is a run-first offense.
The Browns spent a second-round draft pick on Nick Chubb out of Georgia who was a consensus Top 5 running back in this year’s draft class. Along with Duke Johnson, Carlos Hyde entered as what looked to be a running back-by-committee.
Hyde had 22 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown in a rainy and sloppy game in Cleveland. He is the clear RB1 in this offense that looks to create gaps that fit Hydes style. Chubb and Johnson only combined for nine total touches.
As long as he is healthy, Hyde is a volume play with high upside as he is in a clear Fantasy friendly offense. The Browns will be exciting all season long and Hyde will be a big part of what their success.
Kenny Stills, Miami Dolphins
I love to say I told you so. Kenny Stills has a legit opportunity to be a star in his current role. Right now, Stills is the No.. 1 wide receiver in the pass-happy Miami Dolphin offense.
Last week, I called my shot on the Fantrax Bold Predictions piece saying that Stills would finish as a WR2. And boy, did he look like it on Sunday.
While the Dolphins seemed to have control most of the game, it was a strange game after all. Officially the longest game in NFL history, because of delays due to lightning, The four hours of total delay time should be considered.
Stills was electric. He scored a touchdown in the first half but was used later in clutch situations and hauled in a 75-yard touchdown pass with a beautiful over-the-shoulder-catch in the fourth quarter.
Even when Devante Parker comes back, I still believe Stills remains as the No.1 option. Stills is a home-run threat every week and should be flexed when the matchup is right.
Kenny Stills could be a league winner this year which makes him one of the best waiver wire adds and one of the best performers of all of the Week 1 Fantasy Football Risers.
Phillip Dorsett/Chris Hogan, New England Patriots
Two Weeks ago I had Chris Hogan listed as my 112th best player in Fantasy Football. I got some heat from this and I folded.
The logic didn’t add up. Hogan was a WR1 before he got hurt last season and he is the clear No. 1 WR for the Patriots while Julian Edelman serves his four-game suspension…Right?
I have never viewed Chris Hogan as an overly talented football player. He does not make plays for the ball in 50/50 situations that demonstrate elite level skills. While he can run well after the catch, his separation techniques and route running are average.
That being said, he is going to have his games. I still think he is playable in each game while Edelman is out. But, this season it will be hard to decide who will be the touchdown scorer on a given week between Cordarrelle Patterson, Hogan, and Dorsett.
Dorsett might be different. Dorsett was targeted 59 times by Andrew Luck in 2016. That was enough volume to show the world that he could play. Now he finds himself in the Brandin Cooks role from last season.
Dorsett ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. But, where he impressed on the field (besides how often he was on it) was with his route running. Dorsett caught all seven of his targets and was found in the back of the end zone for a touchdown against the Texans on Sunday. Dorsett’s role is safe even when Edelman comes back. But, there will be even fewer targets to go around (Hogan caught one of five targets for 12 yards) when the target-monster himself is inserted into the lineup.
Be careful with Chris Hogan this year and play him based on the matchup and situation. He cannot be viewed as a must-start every week.
Ready to amp up your Fantasy Football prep even more? Check out The Fantasy Black Book Show, where Joe Pisapia, Scott Bogman, and The Welsh bring the goods every week.
Agreed and good points made. Mostly ont the Dorsett in new england getting 7 targets. But i still think its Gronk all day in the redzone. However I like dorsett over guys like hogan who you never know when he is going to get a redzone look if at all.