Redemption for Rodgers, Newton
These players saw their fantasy values increase or decrease most based on their performances in Week 1:
Sizzlers
QB Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: Rodgers threw for four scores and would have easily surpassed 400 yards if receiver Marquez ValdesScantling hadn’t dropped a potential big gainer.
QB Cam Newton, New England Patriots: This isn’t Tom Brady’s offense anymore as New England implemented a scheme that closely resembled what Newton ran in Carolina. Rushing for 75 yards and two touchdowns was a pleasant surprise.
QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: The second-year pro found instant chemistry with stud receiver DeAndre Hopkins (14 catches, 151 yards) and rushed for 91 yards against what’s supposed to be a solid San Francisco 49ers defense.
RB Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders: Jacobs’ three rushing TDs were icing on the fantasy cake to go along with his 139 total yards vs. Carolina.
WR Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons: He and Julio Jones both had at least 130 receiving yards, but Ridley found the end zone twice. QB Matt Ryan could be in for a huge year.
Fizzlers
WR Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees was pressured into making quick throws to his backs and tight end, leaving Thomas with few opportunities. An ankle sprain is ominous, given his draft position.
WR Odell Beckham, Cleveland Browns: Beckham was targeted 10 times but wasn’t able to convert them into meaningful production, with just three receptions for 22 yards.
WR Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: His one catch was for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter, but his other three targets didn’t amount to much. Perhaps a hamstring injury had something to do with it.
WR Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals: The return of A.J. Green definitely impacted Boyd’s looks, and QB Joe Burrow’s rookie butterflies didn’t help either.
WR Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: After inking a new contract, Allen caught just four passes for 37 yards as the offense sputtered under new quarterback Tyrod Taylor.