Fantasy Football Week 1 Recap: Kupp Shines, White Struggles, and Dobbins Makes a Comeback

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ICARO Media Group
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10/09/2024 18h00

In an exciting week of fantasy football action, several players stood out with boom or bust performances. Let's take a closer look at some of the key takeaways from Week 1.

Cooper Kupp of the Los Angeles Rams delivered an impressive performance, returning to form after an injury-plagued 2023 season. Kupp saw a remarkable 21 targets, showcasing his strong connection with quarterback Matthew Stafford. With teammate Puka Nacua now on injured reserve, Kupp's potential skyrockets even higher. Fantasy managers should definitely consider picking him up as he offers considerable upside in all fantasy leagues.

On the other hand, Zamir White of the Las Vegas Raiders struggled in Week 1. Despite receiving 13 rushing attempts, White managed only 42 yards and committed a costly fumble. Alexander Mattison out-snapped White, capturing 61% of the snaps compared to White's 39%. It is concerning to see White's lackluster performance, and fantasy managers may want to exercise caution when considering him for their lineups until his role in the offense becomes clearer.

In Baltimore, the Ravens' backup tight end, Likely, gave fantasy managers something to get excited about. Despite competing with Mark Andrews for targets, Likely showcased his potential by securing 26.6 PPR points. Although Andrews played slightly more snaps, the gap between them has closed significantly compared to last season. Given his high-scoring performance, Likely is a valuable backup tight end worth picking up in fantasy leagues. However, it is recommended to wait and see how the rotation between Likely and Andrews shakes out before confidently starting him.

J.K. Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers had a remarkable comeback performance in Week 1. After enduring multiple season-ending injuries, Dobbins impressed with 135 rushing yards and 22.9 PPR fantasy points. Despite initial concerns that Gus Edwards would handle the majority of the workload, Dobbins proved himself by playing 59.3% of offensive snaps and outperforming Edwards in every aspect. Fantasy managers would be wise to jump on the J.K. Dobbins train as he looks to be a high-end flex play or mid-tier RB2 going forward.

On the wide receiver front, Marvin Harrison Jr. of the Arizona Cardinals had a disappointing start to his fantasy season, accumulating only 1.4 PPR points in Week 1. Despite playing the most snaps among Cardinals receivers, Harrison only saw three targets. However, there is still optimism for his future contributions, as he was targeted for a potential game-winning touchdown that went unfulfilled. Fantasy managers who believe in Harrison's potential should consider acquiring him at a low value from those willing to sell after his Week 1 performance.

Finally, Drake London of the Atlanta Falcons had a lackluster outing, amassing only 3.5 PPR points. The Falcons' offensive game plan was not conducive to London's success, as they heavily relied on the running game instead. The dominant performance of T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh Steelers defense also limited quarterback Kirk Cousins' opportunities to connect with his receivers. While fantasy managers should monitor London's progress, there is no immediate cause for concern.

In conclusion, Week 1 of fantasy football brought forth both impressive and disappointing performances. Cooper Kupp showcased his elite status as a wide receiver, while Zamir White struggled to make an impact. J.K. Dobbins made a strong comeback, and fantasy managers should keep an eye on the development of Marvin Harrison Jr. and Drake London. As the season progresses, these players will undoubtedly shape the landscape of fantasy football.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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