When assessing our fantasy football teams, we often get too caught up in the raw results rather than the manner in which those results came about. One way to improve your roster is to find players who can provide sustainable production over the course of the season. Production in fantasy football is often tied to opportunity. To that end, each week I will take a look at snap counts, touches, and targets for each NFL team. This will help you determine whether a player who had a big game was a bit lucky or if he was seeing an increase in playing time or opportunities. This should also assist you in identifying some waiver wires pickups or potential trade targets. Here is my Week 1 snaps, touches, and targets report for the skill players of all 32 NFL teams.
NFL Week 1 Snaps, Touches, and Targets Report
Did your road to the championship hit a few bumps in Week 1? Head on over and check out our Week 2 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Adds to help right the ship!
Arizona Cardinals (89 plays)
BACKS
David Johnson – 77 snaps, 18 carries, 7 targets
Chase Edmonds – 10 snaps, 1 carry, 1 target
RECEIVERS
Larry Fitzgerald – 85 snaps, 13 targets
Christian Kirk – 83 snaps, 12 targets
Damiere Byrd – 78 snaps, 7 targets
KeeSean Johnson – 68 snaps, 10 targets
Andy Isabella – 7 snaps, 0 targets
Trent Sherfield – 5 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Maxx Williams – 22 snaps, 1 target
Charles Clay – 14 snaps, 1 target
This game was a bit of a perfect storm for passing volume. Arizona fell behind early and had to speed up the pace to catch up. They also played a full 70 minutes, which adds to their totals. Those who rostered David Johnson must be thrilled. Arizona never had the ball while leading and yet he had 18 carries, 15 of which occurred in regulation. He will get plenty of touches in this offense. Kliff Kingsbury made good on his promise to utilize plenty of four-wide receiver sets. Damiere Byrd is worth a speculative add, particularly if you own Andy Isabella or can otherwise afford a drop. Kingsbury’s Air Raid system does not yield fantasy-friendly results for tight ends and that was certainly the case in Week 1.
Atlanta Falcons (78 plays)
BACKS
Devonta Freeman – 39 snaps, 8 carries, 4 targets
Ito Smith – 39 snaps, 6 carries, 1 target
Keith Smith (fullback) – 6 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Mohamed Sanu – 66 snaps, 6 targets
Calvin Ridley – 61 snaps, 6 targets
Julio Jones – 53 snaps, 11 targets
Justin Hardy – 22 snaps, 5 targets
Russell Gage – 13 snaps, 1 carry, 2 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Austin Hooper – 62 snaps, 9 targets
Luke Stocker – 22 snaps, 1 target
Atlanta was behind early and playing in catchup mode, which rendered the running game useless. Devonta Freeman should get a much larger share of the workload than Ito Smith when a positive game script is in play. The passing game in Atlanta still goes through Julio Jones. Jones managed to salvage an otherwise disappointing day with a touchdown in garbage time. The Falcons could not generate anything down the field, which worked out great for Austin Hooper. In his last 32 games, he has 128 receptions but totaled just 1,135 yards in the process. That is an average of just 8.87 yards per catch.
Baltimore Ravens (77 plays)
BACKS
Gus Edwards – 29 snaps, 17 carries, 0 targets
Mark Ingram – 25 snaps, 14 carries, 0 targets
Justice Hill – 23 snaps, 7 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Seth Roberts – 52 snaps, 1 target
Willie Snead – 50 snaps, 3 targets
Chris Moore – 32 snaps, 0 targets
Miles Boykin – 18 snaps, 1 target
Marquise Brown – 14 snaps, 5 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Nick Boyle – 43 snaps, 3 targets
Hayden Hurst – 43 snaps, 4 targets
Mark Andrews – 32 snaps, 8 targets
Baltimore only threw the ball 25 times as they shellacked Miami 59-10. Nine of Gus Edwards’ 17 carries occurred in the fourth quarter when the game was well in hand. I still expect Mark Ingram to get most of the work early in the year. Marquise Brown crushed his NFL debut with four catches for 147 yards and two touchdowns. That level of production is not sustainable, particularly on just 14 snaps. On the bright side, I do expect he and Miles Boykin to see the field more when the Ravens need to throw. Nick Boyle and Hayden Hurst were tasked with run blocking quite a bit. I may have been a bit too low on Mark Andrews coming into the year. Eight targets in a game your team wins by seven touchdowns is very encouraging, to say the least.
Buffalo Bills (69 plays)
BACKS
Devin Singletary – 48 snaps, 4 carries, 6 targets
Patrick DiMarco (fullback) – 38 snaps, 0 carries, 2 targets
Frank Gore – 19 snaps, 11 carries, 0 targets
T.J. Yeldon – 2 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
John Brown – 59 snaps, 10 targets
Cole Beasley – 48 snaps, 9 targets
Zay Jones – 29 snaps, 5 targets
Robert Foster – 15 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Dawson Knox – 38 snaps, 2 targets
Lee Smith – 28 snaps, 0 targets
Tommy Sweeney – 23 snaps, 2 targets
If I am a Devin Singletary owner, I am very happy. Buffalo trailed for 52:34 of this game, and T.J. Yeldon saw the field twice. Singletary did not get a lot of touches, but he made the most of them. I would not anoint him a 20-touch candidate going forward, but his involvement was encouraging. Buffalo’s tight ends were in the game quite a bit in place of Zay Jones and Robert Foster considering the circumstances. John Brown and Cole Beasley look like the only pass catchers worthy of fantasy consideration for the moment in Buffalo.
Carolina Panthers (67 plays)
BACKS
Christian McCaffrey – 67 snaps, 19 carries, 11 targets
Alex Armah (fullback) – 12 snaps, 1 carry, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
D.J. Moore – 63 snaps, 10 targets
Curtis Samuel – 62 snaps, 4 targets
Jarius Wright – 40 snaps, 1 target
Chris Hogan – 5 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Greg Olsen – 63 snaps, 9 targets
Chris Manhertz – 18 snaps, 0 targets
Ian Thomas – 4 snaps, 1 target
So much for offseason reports suggesting Ron Rivera may look to lighten the load for Christian McCaffrey. The third-year star never came off the field and saw an NFL-high 29 touches in Week 1. The Panthers wideouts did not make any big plays, but they were on the field plenty and will have better weeks. I thought Greg Olsen would be eased into action a bit but that was hardly the case. The veteran saw nine targets and sat on the sideline for only four plays. Now he is at less than full strength and Carolina plays on Thursday. I think the coaching staff should have gone a little easier on him and McCaffrey given the short turnaround.
Chicago Bears (73 plays)
BACKS
Tarik Cohen – 51 snaps, 0 carries, 10 targets
Mike Davis – 41 snaps, 5 carries, 7 targets
David Montgomery – 28 snaps, 6 carries, 1 target
RECEIVERS
Allen Robinson – 70 snaps, 13 targets
Taylor Gabriel – 67 snaps, 5 targets
Javon Wims – 21 snaps, 0 targets
Cordarrelle Patterson – 20 snaps, 1 carry, 3 targets
Anthony Miller – 16 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Adam Shaheen – 34 snaps, 2 targets
Ben Braunecker – 10 snaps, 0 targets
This was an ugly offensive performance all around by the Bears. David Montgomery saw a much lighter workload than most of us anticipated. Mike Davis was the primary beneficiary of this game plan. It looks like he may be a thorn in Montgomery’s side for the foreseeable future. Tarik Cohen was Chicago’s de facto slot receiver in this game. It does not appear that Anthony Miller was fully healthy. Hopefully he and tight end Trey Burton will be at full strength sooner rather than later. Allen Robinson was all over the field in this one. He looks like the player he was before tearing his ACL two years ago. Drafters who bought in may have secured a bargain.
Cincinnati Bengals (77 plays)
BACKS
Giovani Bernard – 48 snaps, 7 carries, 3 targets
Joe Mixon – 29 snaps, 6 carries, 3 targets
Samaje Perine – 1 snap, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Damion Willis – 69 snaps, 5 targets
John Ross – 63 snaps, 12 targets
Tyler Boyd – 61 snaps, 1 carry, 11 targets
Alex Erickson – 11 snaps, 4 targets
Pharoh Cooper – 8 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
C.J. Uzomah – 54 snaps, 5 targets
Tyler Eifert – 38 snaps, 6 targets
Drew Sample – 3 snaps, 0 targets
Giovani Bernard saw more action than anticipated because of a Joe Mixon injury. However, Mixon is still the man here if he is healthy. Raise your hand if you had Tyler Boyd finishing third on his team among wideouts in snaps and receiving yards, or second in targets. It’s not as though he was ignored by Andy Dalton. Far from it. The breakout candidate had 11 targets and a rushing attempt. But John Ross stole the show in Seattle. The former first-round pick had 158 yards after totaling 210 over his first 16 games. We need more evidence before declaring this a full-fledged breakout, but Ross is worth a flyer while A.J. Green remains sidelined. C.J. Uzomah may also have more of a role in this offense than we expected. Cincinnati looks like they are limiting Tyler Eifert’s snaps to keep him healthy.
Cleveland Browns (73 plays)
BACKS
Nick Chubb – 51 snaps, 17 carries, 4 targets
Dontrell Hilliard – 13 snaps, 1 carry, 2 targets
D’Ernest Johnson – 9 snaps, 1 carry, 2 targets
RECEIVERS
Odell Beckham – 73 snaps, 11 targets
Jarvis Landry – 73 snaps, 1 carry, 7 targets
Damion Ratley – 35 snaps, 2 targets
Rashard Higgins – 32 snaps, 3 targets
TIGHT ENDS
David Njoku – 66 snaps, 6 targets
Demetrius Harris – 13 snaps, 1 target
It was encouraging that Nick Chubb saw so much work in a game Cleveland lost by 30. The game did not get out of hand until late, but Chubb got plenty of looks regardless. Of course, Dontrell Hilliard scored on his lone carry. It was the first “vulture” of 2019. Odell Beckham’s usage was also a good sign. He was said to be at less than 100-percent health heading into Week 1 but never came off the field. He and Jarvis Landry should dominate targets within the receiving group, with David Njoku likely a distant third.
Dallas Cowboys (68 plays)
BACKS
Ezekiel Elliott – 37 snaps, 13 carries, 2 targets
Tony Pollard – 22 snaps, 13 carries, 0 targets
Jamize Olawale (fullback) – 16 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Michael Gallup – 53 snaps, 7 targets
Amari Cooper – 52 snaps, 9 targets
Randall Cobb – 48 snaps, 5 targets
Tavon Austin – 25 snaps, 1 target
Devin Smith – 6 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten – 45 snaps, 4 targets
Blake Jarwin – 27 snaps, 3 targets
Dalton Schultz – 9 snaps, 0 targets
This game was basically a perfect scenario for Dallas. Following Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout over a new contract, the last thing they wanted to do was run him into the ground right away. Dallas got ahead early and did a great job of managing his workload. Elliott should ramp it up in the coming weeks and be a fantasy stud. Michael Gallup made those calling for a breakout look quite smart in Week 1. Gallup roasted the Giants for 158 yards while catching all seven of his targets. Cooper, Cobb, Witten, and Jarwin all caught touchdown passes, so it was a productive day all around.
Denver Broncos (64 plays)
BACKS
Phillip Lindsay – 34 snaps, 11 carries, 6 targets
Royce Freeman – 30 snaps, 10 carries, 1 target
Devontae Booker – 1 snap, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Courtland Sutton – 57 snaps, 8 targets
Emmanuel Sanders – 57 snaps, 7 targets
DaeSean Hamilton – 49 snaps, 4 targets
Tim Patrick – 8 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Noah Fant – 52 snaps, 1 carry, 5 targets
Jeff Heuerman – 21 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
Troy Fumagalli – 10 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
The Broncos were playing from behind throughout the entire game, so the fact that Royce Freeman saw 30 snaps and 11 touches was a good sign. It was thought that Devontae Booker would cut into the passing game but that did not happen. This is a two-man show, at least until Theo Riddick returns. Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders both had big games. They racked up 19.0 and 19.6 PPR points, respectively. DaeSean Hamilton will continue to be PPR viable during bye weeks. But he does not score or stretch the field enough to be relevant barring an injury to either Sutton or, more likely, Sanders. We know Joe Flacco loves his tight ends, so Noah Fant should have better days. He should be considered only a middling TE2 for fantasy purposes, however.
Detroit Lions (88 plays)
BACKS
Kerryon Johnson – 50 snaps, 16 carries, 2 targets
C.J. Anderson – 26 snaps, 11 carries, 0 targets
Nick Bawden (FB) – 22 snaps, 0 carries, 1 target
Ty Johnson – 8 snaps, 1 carry, 0 targets
J.D. McKissic – 5 snaps, 0 carries, 2 targets
RECEIVERS
Kenny Golladay – 86 snaps, 9 targets
Marvin Jones Jr – 71 snaps, 1 carry, 4 targets
Danny Amendola – 47 snaps, 13 targets
TIGHT ENDS
T.J. Hockenson – 64 snaps, 9 targets
Jesse James – 51 snaps, 1 target
Logan Thomas – 7 snaps, 0 targets
Kerryon Johnson did see 18 touches. Still, owners would have liked to see a bit more considering the number of plays and positive game script. C.J. Anderson saw a few more carries than Johnson owners are comfortable with. We knew that T.J. Hockensen and Danny Amendola could have larger roles than anticipated, but I doubt even their most fervent supporters expected them to combine for more than half of the team’s targets. We have likely seen their most productive game of 2019, they are certainly worth adding where available. Hockenson projects to be a future stud at the tight end position. Perhaps his learning curve will not be as steep as imagined.
Green Bay Packers (64 plays)
BACKS
Aaron Jones – 38 snaps, 13 carries, 1 target
Jamaal Williams – 26 snaps, 5 carries, 2 targets
Dan Vitale (FB) – 11 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Davante Adams – 62 snaps, 8 targets
Marquez Valdes-Scantling – 42 snaps, 1 carry, 6 targets
Geronimo Allison – 32 snaps, 0 targets
Trevor Davis – 19 snaps, 1 target
Jake Kumerow – 1 snap, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Jimmy Graham – 35 snaps, 6 targets
Marcedes Lewis – 34 snaps, 3 targets
Robert Tonyan – 20 snaps, 1 target
Squaring off against Chicago on the road is never an easy task. I think that the Packers skill position players will see better days, though facing Minnesota in Week 2 is another tall order. Aaron Jones did not have the most productive day on the ground, but at least he gained positive yardage. The same cannot be said for Jamaal Williams, who parlayed five carries into zero yards. Geronimo Allison was not targeted, but I would try to hold on to him before declaring him a lost cause.
Houston Texans (67 plays)
Duke Johnson – 42 snaps, 9 carries, 5 targets
Carlos Hyde – 25 snaps, 10 carries, 1 target
RECEIVERS
DeAndre Hopkins – 66 snaps, 13 targets
Will Fuller – 65 snaps, 3 targets
Kenny Stills – 28 snaps, 3 targets
DeAndre Carter – 28 snaps, 1 target
TIGHT ENDS
Jordan Akins – 47 snaps, 2 targets
Darren Fells – 34 snaps, 1 target
Carlos Hyde and Duke Johnson both looked good running the football. As long as both backs produce, this could be close to an even split on the ground. Johnson should outperform Hyde in the passing game, as the 5-1 advantage in targets would suggest. DeAndre Hopkins is going to keep dominating targets regardless of who is healthy or who else Houston adds. Hopkins was targeted on 13 of the 20 throws intended for wide receivers in Monday night’s loss. Slot man Keke Coutee was out for this one which was too bad considering an exploitable matchup.
Indianapolis Colts (63 plays)
BACKS
Marlon Mack – 48 snaps, 25 carries, 0 targets
Nyheim Hines – 17 snaps, 4 carries, 4 targets
RECEIVERS
T.Y. Hilton – 56 snaps, 9 targets
Devin Funchess – 36 snaps, 5 targets
Chester Rogers – 25 snaps, 0 targets
Zach Pascal – 23 snaps, 0 targets
Parris Campbell – 18 snaps, 1 carry, 1 target
Deon Cain – 11 snaps, 2 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Jack Doyle – 43 snaps, 2 targets
Eric Ebron – 25 snaps, 3 targets
Mo Alie-Cox – 13 snaps, 1 target
The fantasy eulogies of Marlon Mack and T.Y.Hilton appear to be a bit premature. I thought those who downgraded Mack following Andrew Luck’s surprise retirement were making a huge mistake. Why wouldn’t Indianapolis feature their running game more to showcase their talented running back and outstanding offensive line? That’s exactly what happened in Week 1. Mack received 25 carries even though the Colts never led. He will get a ton of carries this year. Hilton will not be a top-5 fantasy WR each week, but he is still a fine WR2. The rest of the receiving corps will remain inconsistent and are matchup plays.
Jacksonville Jaguars (58 plays)
BACKS
Leonard Fournette – 50 snaps, 13 carries, 6 targets
Ryquell Armstead – 8 snaps, 1 carry, 1 target
RECEIVERS
Dede Westbrook – 48 snaps, 1 carry, 6 targets
Chris Conley – 44 snaps, 7 targets
D.J. Chark – 41 snaps, 4 targets
Keelan Cole – 12 snaps, 0 targets
Marqise Lee – 12 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
James O’Shaughnessy – 38 snaps, 5 targets
Geoff Swaim – 29 snaps, 4 targets
Seth DeValve – 8 snaps, 0 targets
This game got out of hand early, especially once quarterback Nick Foles was lost due to injury. Leonard Fournette should get all the work he can handle provided Jacksonville can remain competitive. D.J. Chark had a monster game in a great matchup. He was still just third among receivers in snap count and targets, so I would temper the enthusiasm a bit. The Jaguars figure to employ a more conservative gameplan with new quarterback Gardner Minshew in the fold. Both James O’Shaughnessy and Geoff Swaim could see decent volume, but will likely cannibalize each other for fantasy purposes.
Kansas City Chiefs (68 plays)
BACKS
Damien Williams – 45 snaps, 13 carries, 6 targets
LeSean McCoy – 20 snaps, 10 carries, 1 target
Anthony Sherman (FB) – 10 snaps, 1 target
Darwin Thompson – 2 snaps, 1 target
RECEIVERS
Sammy Watkins – 65 snaps, 11 targets
Mecole Hardman – 53 snaps, 1 target
Demarcus Robinson – 43 snaps, 2 targets
Tyreek Hill – 12 snaps, 1 carry, 2 targets
Byron Pringle – 3 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Travis Kelce – 50 snaps, 8 targets
Blake Bell – 33 snaps, 1 target
The Kansas City Chiefs did not miss a beat offensively despite a tough matchup in Jacksonville and the loss of Tyreek Hill. Both Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy were effective, with McCoy more productive on the ground. Both may see a slight uptick in work with Hill out for the next few weeks. Sammy Watkins had a career day and also may be more prominently featured. Talent has never been a question for the oft-injured wideout. If he can stay healthy, he can put up monster numbers. Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson could be DFS dart throws in good matchups, but are not involved enough to trust in redraft leagues.
Los Angeles Chargers (64 plays)
BACKS
Austin Ekeler – 48 snaps, 12 carries, 7 targets
Justin Jackson – 16 snaps, 6 carries, 3 targets
Derek Watt (FB) – 15 snaps, 2 carries
RECEIVERS
Keenan Allen – 53 snaps, 10 targets
Mike Williams – 41 snaps, 3 targets
Travis Benjamin – 31 snaps, 3 targets
Dontrelle Inman – 27 snaps, 1 target
TIGHT ENDS
Hunter Henry – 58 snaps, 5 targets
Virgil Green – 27 snaps, 1 target
Sean Culkin – 1 snap, 0 targets
Those who invested in Austin Ekeler could not have asked for much more. Ekeler was stellar in Week 1, recording three total touchdowns. As a Justin Jackson truther, I was hoping for closer to an even split, rather than the 19-9 advantage in touches and targets that Ekeler enjoyed. Given Ekeler’s prowess on Sunday, I would expect a similar ratio going forward. Mike Williams left this game with a knee injury so keep an eye on him heading into this week.
Los Angeles Rams (77 plays)
BACKS
Todd Gurley – 54 snaps, 14 carries, 1 target
Malcolm Brown – 21 snaps, 11 carries, 0 targets
Darrell Henderson – 2 snaps, 1 carry, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Robert Woods – 73 snaps, 2 carries, 13 targets
Brandin Cooks – 71 snaps, 6 targets
Cooper Kupp – 69 snaps, 10 targets
Josh Reynolds – 25 snaps, 2 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Tyler Higbee – 40 snaps, 5 targets
Gerald Everett- 30 snaps, 1 target
Todd Gurley looked good when given the opportunities. But so did Malcolm Brown. Brown appears to be Gurley’s true handcuff, as Darrell Henderson barely saw the field. Gurley had 15 touches and targets. That is enough for him to do damage, but perhaps not enough to be considered a top-10 fantasy back each week. He should still be started in all formats as long as he is on the field. Despite much speculation to the contrary, the three primary wideouts all saw the field for at least 90 percent of snaps. None had a particularly great game, but their numbers will come.
Miami Dolphins (50 plays)
BACKS
Kenyan Drake – 27 snaps, 4 carries, 3 targets
Kalen Ballage – 20 snaps, 5 carries, 1 target
Mark Walton – 4 snaps, 1 carry, 0 targets
Chandler Cox (FB) – 3 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
DeVante Parker – 38 snaps, 7 targets
Allen Hurns – 35 snaps, 3 targets
Jakeem Grant – 30 snaps, 3 targets
Preston Williams – 21 snaps, 5 targets
Albert Wilson – 6 snaps, 1 carry, 4 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Mike Gesicki – 34 snaps, 6 targets
Nick O’Leary – 20 snaps, 0 targets
Durham Smythe – 12 snaps, 0 targets
I don’t know how much stock we can put into Miami’s player usage. After all, they lost 59-10 and were down by 21 after the first quarter. Then again, the Dolphins do not figure to be very competitive this season. A similar scenario may play out when they host the New England Patriots this week. Kenyan Drake may be their top running back, but he is not a trustworthy option. Albert Wilson was heavily involved early but left due to injury just as quickly. Rookie Preston Williams made a nice touchdown grab and could see a boost if Wilson misses time. Miami’s receivers may benefit from extended garbage time throughout 2019.
Minnesota Vikings (53 plays)
BACKS
Dalvin Cook – 36 snaps, 21 carries, 2 targets
C.J. Ham (FB) – 22 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
Alexander Mattison – 12 snaps, 9 carries, 0 targets
Ameer Abdullah – 4 snaps, 2 carries, 0 targets
Mike Boone – 2 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Adam Thielen – 47 snaps, 3 targets
Stefon Diggs – 32 snaps, 2 targets
Chad Beebe – 14 snaps, 1 target
Olabisi Johnson – 7 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Kyle Rudolph – 53 snaps, 0 targets
Irv Smith – 26 snaps, 0 targets
Brandon Dillon – 7 snaps, 0 targets
Positive game flow resulted in Kirk Cousins attempting just 10 passes in Minnesota’s Week 1 victory. Dalvin Cook was the star of the show, rushing for 111 yards and two scores. Cook will be an elite fantasy running back for as long as he can stay healthy. Needless to say, the Vikings pass-catchers had little impact on this game. Adam Thielen, Stefon Diggs, and Kyle Rudolph will see more volume going forward.
New England Patriots (70 plays)
BACKS
James White – 33 snaps, 4 carries, 7 targets
Rex Burkhead – 32 snaps, 8 carries, 8 targets
James Develin (FB) – 32 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
Sony Michel – 23 snaps, 15 carries, 0 targets
Brandon Bolden – 1 snap, 1 carry, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Julian Edelman – 67 snaps, 1 carry, 11 targets
Phillip Dorsett – 61 snaps, 4 targets
Josh Gordon – 47 snaps, 4 targets
Jakobi Meyers – 8 snaps, 1 target
Gunner Olszewski – 1 snap, 0 targets
TIGHT END
Ryan Izzo – 45 snaps, 2 targets
It looks like Rex Burkhead is back once again to throw cold water on all of our James White and Sony Michel shares. Burkhead led the backfield in combined touches and targets. This is going to be a tricky situation for fantasy players to navigate. Nobody devises more opponent-specific game plans than Bill Belichick. Philip Dorset was the receiving star, but do not expect a repeat performance anytime soon. With Antonio Brown set to debut on Sunday, Dorsett will go back to being a bit player. Ryan Izzo was the only tight end who saw action but was not a factor. Given the number of options the Patriots have at running back and receiver, I doubt any tight end becomes relevant at any point this year.
New Orleans Saints (66 plays)
BACKS
Alvin Kamara – 50 snaps, 13 carries, 8 targets
Latavius Murray – 18 snaps, 6 carries, 3 targets
Zach Line (FB) – 10 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Michael Thomas – 59 snaps, 13 targets
Ted Ginn Jr – 49 snaps, 7 targets
Tre’Quan Smith – 42 snaps, 2 targets
Keith Kirkwood – 12 snaps, 0 targets
Deonte Harris – 1 snap, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Jared Cook – 42 snaps, 3 targets
Josh Hill – 32 snaps, 1 target
Taysom Hill also saw 15 snaps because, well, I don’t know why exactly. Naturally, he caught a touchdown pass and had two carries. Latavius Murray also had a touchdown but was not as involved as I had expected from a volume standpoint. Ted Ginn continues to be used more than Tre’Quan Smith despite the latter going earlier in fantasy drafts. Jared Cook was quiet in his Saints debut but he will be fine.
New York Giants (69 plays)
BACKS
Saquon Barkley – 55 snaps, 11 carries, 6 targets
Wayne Gallman – 14 snaps, 2 carries, 3 targets
Elijhaa Penny (FB) – 6 snaps, 2 carries
RECEIVERS
Sterling Shepard – 68 snaps, 7 targets
Cody Latimer – 61 snaps, 8 targets
Bennie Fowler – 50 snaps, 5 targets
Russell Shepard – 9 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Evan Engram – 53 snaps, 14 targets
Rhett Ellison -22 snaps, 2 targets
Eric Tomlinson – 2 snaps, 0 targets
The Giants were manhandled by the Cowboys in the season opener. That prohibited Saquon Barkley from seeing a ton of volume. This scenario is why many shied away from Barkley with the top pick in drafts. Evan Engram was a target magnet in Week 1 and that should remain the norm for the time being. The club is said to have big plans for their star tight end this season. New York also lacks playmakers beyond Barkley. With Golden Tate suspended and Sterling Shepard in the league’s concussion protocol, Engram should be heavily involved this week.
New York Jets (72 plays)
BACKS
Le’Veon Bell – 72 snaps, 17 carries, 9 targets
Ty Montgomery – 5 snaps, 2 carries, 0 targets
Trenton Cannon – 1 snap, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Robby Anderson – 69 snaps, 7 targets
Quincy Enunwa – 66 snaps, 3 targets
Jamison Crowder – 65 snaps, 1 carry, 17 targets
Josh Bellamy – 6 snaps, 1 target
TIGHT ENDS
Ryan Griffin – 68 snaps, 4 targets
Trevon Wesco – 5 snaps, 0 targets
Daniel Brown – 2 snaps, 0 targets
Le’Veon Bell was not exactly eased into action after missing the 2018 season as had been discussed. Bell played every snap and saw a combined 26 touches and targets. That is in line with the workload Bell saw in his days in Pittsburgh. Bell was one of two players who were featured by the Jets, who were intent on trying to dink and dunk Buffalo to death. The other was Jamison Crowder. Crowder had 14 receptions on 17 targets. That is eye-popping usage, especially when you consider New York led for most of the contest. I would not expect another 14 grabs anytime soon, but those in PPR leagues should start Crowder until further notice.
Oakland Raiders (58 plays)
BACKS
Josh Jacobs – 43 snaps, 23 carries, 1 target
Alec Ingold (FB) – 15 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
Jalen Richard – 9 snaps, 1 carry, 0 targets
DeAndre Washington – 5 snaps, 2 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Tyrell Williams – 55 snaps, 7 targets
Ryan Grant – 41 snaps, 4 targets
Hunter Renfrow – 16 snaps, 3 targets
J.J. Nelson – 8 snaps, 0 targets
Dwayne Harris – 2 snaps, 1 target
TIGHT ENDS
Darren Waller – 58 snaps, 8 targets
Foster Moreau – 32 snaps, 2 targets
Oakland scored an opening upset victory against the Denver Broncos due to a balanced effort and impressive performances from their playmakers. Rookie running back Josh Jacobs ran for two touchdowns, Tyrell Williams had a big first day as Oakland’s new number one receiver, and Hard Knocks standout Darren Waller lived up to the preseason hype. Those three players are likely to be featured whenever Oakland is in a ballgame. I would expect Jalen Richard and Hunter Renfrow to be more involved this week when the Raiders figure to be playing from behind against Kansas City.
Philadelphia Eagles (75 plays)
BACKS
Miles Sanders – 36 snaps, 11 carries, 2 targets
Darren Sproles – 23 snaps, 9 carries, 3 targets
Jordan Howard – 17 snaps, 6 carries, 3 targets
Corey Clement – 3 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Alshon Jeffery – 60 snaps, 1 carry, 6 targets
Nelson Agholor – 60 snaps, 5 targets
DeSean Jackson – 52 snaps, 10 targets
Mack Hollins – 10 snaps, 0 targets
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside – 5 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Zach Ertz – 62 snaps, 7 targets
Dallas Goedert – 41 snaps, 3 targets
Darren Sproles was used a bit more than expected since the Eagles surprisingly fell behind. I do expect Sproles to be utilized a fair amount this season. It’s a similar scenario to the one in New England. Sproles is a swiss army knife whose presence may limit the ceiling of Miles Sanders. There are many mouths to feed in Philadelphia. I still believe Sanders is the best back in the bunch, but he will have some down weeks. DeSean Jackson balled out in his return to the Eagles. I would not expect 10 targets to be the norm, however. Dallas Goedert does not figure to be a trustworthy start in any given week, but he will have his share of productive games. Philadelphia uses two tight ends more than any team in the league.
Pittsburgh Steelers (69 plays)
BACKS
James Conner – 32 snaps, 10 carries, 4 targets
Jaylen Samuels – 23 snaps, 2 carries, 2 targets
RECEIVERS
JuJu Smith-Schuster – 62 snaps, 8 targets
Donte Moncrief – 62 snaps, 10 targets
Ryan Switzer – 46 snaps, 6 targets
James Washington – 36 snaps, 6 targets
Diontae Johnson – 25 snaps, 5 targets
Johnny Holton – 8 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Vance McDonald – 49 snaps, 4 targets
Xavier Grimble – 2 snaps, 0 targets
Pittsburgh was thoroughly trounced by New England, which greatly reduced the number of running plays. We were all rooting for Juju Smith-Schuster to score a garbage-time touchdown, but then when he got hurt instead of scoring, we bemoaned the fact that he was playing in a meaningless situation. We’re the worst. James Washington and Diontae Johnson saw added looks due to Pittsburgh being way behind in the second half but appear to be behind both Donte Moncrief and Ryan Switzer in the pecking order. Tight end Vance McDonald did not see all of the snaps, but we expected that going into the year. He will still be a productive fantasy tight end in most weeks.
Seattle Seahawks (53 plays)
BACKS
Chris Carson – 41 snaps, 15 carries, 7 targets
Rashaad Penny – 14 snaps, 6 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Tyler Lockett – 48 snaps, 2 targets
DK Metcalf – 41 snaps, 6 targets
Jaron Brown – 41 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Will Dissly – 27 snaps, 2 targets
Nick Vannett – 24 snaps, 2 targets
Rumors of an increased role in the passing game for Chris Carson appear to have been confirmed in Week 1. The running back led the team in both receptions and targets. He is well in front of Rashaad Penny in Seattle’s backfield. This game was back and forth throughout, yet Seattle attempted just 20 passes. Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett are going to have to carry over their hyper-efficient numbers from last year to once again be considered weekly starters at their respective positions.
San Francisco 49ers (68 plays)
BACKS
Kyle Juszczyk (FB) – 32 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
Matt Breida – 30 snaps, 15 carries, 1 target
Raheem Mostert – 20 snaps, 9 carries, 1 target
Tevin Coleman – 18 snaps, 6 carries, 2 targets
RECEIVERS
Deebo Samuel – 60 snaps, 3 targets
Marquise Goodwin – 50 snaps, 3 targets
Richie James – 26 snaps, 2 targets
Kendrick Bourne – 17 snaps, 3 targets
Dante Pettis – 2 snaps, 1 target
TIGHT ENDS
George Kittle – 62 snaps, 10 targets
Ross Dwelley – 12 snaps, 0 targets
Levine Toilolo – 11 snaps, 0 targets
Tevin Coleman suffered an ankle injury which cut his 49ers debut short. He is likely out through the team’s Week 4 bye. Matt Breida saw extended run as a result and should lead the backfield in touches for as long as Coleman is sidelined. Raheem Mostert is most likely relegated to backup duties, though he did look good in Week 1. Much was made throughout training camp about the role Dante Pettis would have in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Shanahan appeared to be trying to motivate Pettis, but last week’s usage suggests otherwise. Pettis was on the field for just two plays. That does not sound like someone with an important role in the offense.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (70 plays)
BACKS
Dare Ogunbowale – 27 snaps, 0 carries, 5 targets
Peyton Barber – 25 snaps, 8 carries, 4 targets
Ronald Jones – 22 snaps, 13 carries, 1 target
T.J. Logan – 1 snap, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Chris Godwin – 64 snaps, 6 targets
Mike Evans – 60 snaps, 5 targets
Breshad Perriman – 45 snaps, 5 targets
Bobo Wilson – 6 snaps, 0 targets
Justin Watson – 1 snap, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
O.J. Howard – 55 snaps, 5 targets
Cameron Brate – 31 snaps, 2 targets
Antony Auclair – 13 snaps, 0 targets
Tampa Bay utilized all three of their running backs in last week’s loss. Given the way quarterback Jameis Winston played, they may need to ramp up their usage. While preseason darling Dare Ogunbowale led the backfield in snaps, it was Ronald Jones who stood out. The second-year back had the best game of his young career on Sunday and could see a bigger role if his strong play continues. Mike Evans had a down game as he battled through an injury and illness. I am not necessarily worried about O.J. Howard, but Winston has always had a thing for Cameron Brate. Brate had two touchdowns called back last week and can make fully investing in Howard a bit problematic at times.
Tennessee Titans (61 plays)
BACKS
Derrick Henry – 36 snaps, 19 carries, 2 targets
Dion Lewis – 26 snaps, 3 carries, 4 targets
David Fluellen – 4 snaps, 0 carries, 0 targets
RECEIVERS
Corey Davis – 45 snaps, 0 targets
Tajae Sharpe – 30 snaps, 0 targets
A.J. Brown – 26 snaps, 4 targets
Adam Humphries – 22 snaps, 1 target
Darius Jennings – 5 snaps, 0 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Jonnu Smith – 37 snaps, 1 carry, 1 target
MyCole Pruitt – 34 snaps, 0 targets
Delanie Walker – 29 snaps, 6 targets
Anthony Firkser – 9 snaps, 0 targets
Sunday’s game was another example of why it is so hard to bench someone with Derrick Henry’s upside. Many who rostered Henry benched him for fear of him not producing in a tough matchup. Not only did he produce, but he finished the week as the overall RB3. Oddly enough, it was a 75-yard touchdown reception that accounted for much of his damage. Corey Davis laid a goose egg on owners in Week 1. He was not even targeted as Tennessee threw the ball just 24 times. Davis has a tough schedule to start the year. He may be best served on fantasy benches for the time being. Delaine Walker is still a stud. He caught two touchdown passes in his first action since Week 1 of last year.
Washington (67 plays)
BACKS
Chris Thompson – 43 snaps, 3 carries, 10 targets
Derrius Guice – 24 snaps, 10 carries, 3 targets
RECEIVERS
Trey Quinn – 65 snaps, 6 targets
Terry McLaurin – 62 snaps, 7 targets
Paul Richardson – 52 snaps, 7 targets
Kelvin Harmon – 15 snaps, 2 targets
TIGHT ENDS
Vernon Davis – 55 snaps, 7 targets
Jeremy Sprinkle – 14 snaps, 1 target
Unfortunately for Derrius Guice and his fantasy owners, his grand return to the stage was short-lived. He suffered a knee injury and may be out a while. Adrian Peterson was a healthy scratch in Week 1 but he will resume the role he held last year as Washington’s early-down back. Chris Thompson is still the preferred option for me in PPR leagues. Terry McLaurin had a terrific NFL debut with 125 yards and a touchdown. Washington is not exactly flush with talented receivers, so McLaurin can make a name for himself in short order. Vernon Davis filled in for the injured Jordan Reed and had a highlight-reel touchdown catch and run. He could be in line for another big game this week if Reed cannot return to action.
Mick Ciallela has been writing for FantraxHQ since July 2017. He has also written for Bleacher Report. He is a lifelong sports fan and has been an avid fantasy sports player for many years. Mick was the Overall Champion of both the 2016 Football Challenge – Roto and 2017 Play 3 Football contests hosted by CDM Sports. Mick was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York and currently resides in New London, Connecticut.
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