Notable Injuries from week 1:
- AJ Brown (Ankle)
- Zay Flowers (Hamstring)
- Ladd McConkey (Chest)
- Ja’Kobi Lane (Wrist fracture)
- De’zhaun Stribling (Deltoid ligament)
- Sam Darnold (Hip)
- Kyler Murray (Concussion)
Kaelon Black (Rostered in 15.4% of ESPN leagues)
It’s over. Christian McCaffrey has been replaced as the RB1 in San Francisco.
While that is highly unlikely, Kaelon Black showed why he should at least be rostered as a handcuff to CMC in the opening game against the Rams. Black rushed for 65 yards and brought in 1 catch for 5 yards. He even managed to out carry CMC 14 to 10. However, it was a blow out type game and it is likely that the 49ers wanted to keep CMC fresh especially when you consider the long trip to Australia. Consider Black a good handcuff option.
Jalen Coker (Rostered in 50.7% of ESPN leagues) Genius Pick of the Week
If for some weird reason Coker is still available in your league, now is the time to try and pick him up. Rostered in 50.7% of ESPN leagues, Coker is just above my cutoff for this list but he is worth the mention. Against the Bears Coker lit the defense up to the tune of 33.8 fantasy points. Kudos to the managers out there that started or flexed him. Coker saw 9 targets which he was able to turn into 8 receptions, 138 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Quite the stat line for an undrafted wide receiver. A lot of hype surrounded Coker through the end of last season and I’m happy to see that carry over into the new season. While 2 touchdowns is unlikely week to week, the flex appeal is there.
Caleb Douglas (Rostered in 15.5% of ESPN leagues)
Before drafts I had a pretty clear rule to not draft any Dolphins players not named De’Von Achane. And for the most part that rule seems to have done me well for week 1. After watching the Dolphins against the Raiders on Sunday, I do have to admit I like the look of Caleb Douglas. He fell just shy of 100 yards bringing in 5 of 7 targets for 94 yards. That was good for a respectable 15.4 points. Important to note that even as a rookie he held a commanding share of the targets (26%). Someone has to catch the ball in Miami and the Dolphins will likely continue to play from behind for the foreseeable future which usually means a lot of passing. I’ll gladly pick up the rookie with some flex appeal.
Juwan Johnson (Rostered in 51.6% of ESPN leagues)
Just over my usual cutoff, Juwan Johnson is one of those guys that isn’t the “sexy” play but is one that can give you fringe top 10 upside. On Sunday against the Lions, Johnson started slow but managed to finish with 14.4 fantasy points thanks to 3 catches on 7 targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. The Saints like to air it out and Johnson has proven himself as a safe outlet for Shough. The tight end position is also feast or famine in most cases so I like the 7 targets. The Saints are not a deep team at the receiver position and with Olave’s injury history, Johnson could prove to be an excellent option should he miss time at any point.
Bryce Young (Rostered in 11.2% of ESPN leagues)
My glorious king delivered on Sunday. While 59 points allowed on defense is inexcusable, Bryce Young delivered offensively throwing for 361 yards and 3 touchdowns. He even punched one in on a gutsy goal line dive. I tweeted about it but it is tough the defensive issues overshadowed a great performance from a guy who has been slandered for his QB play since coming into the league. For fantasy, I see the potential. 3 soft defenses in the Falcons, Browns and the lions over the next 3 weeks signals to me that Young could do some damage. Especially if Coker continues to be an asset for this Panthers team.
Drew Lock (Rostered in 0.1% of ESPN leagues)
Alrighty, this is for you sickos out there who feel like living dangerously. In the absence of Sam Darnold, I thought Drew Lock played a solid game of football against one of the league’s better defenses. 187 yards and 1 touchdown at an accurate clip (72.7 completion %) is nothing to scoff at. What I find appealing is that the Seahawks next two games are against some less than stellar defenses. The Cardinals and Commanders both offer appealing match ups that Lock could exploit. Especially with the weapons at his disposal. Like I said, this is for the sickos out there but should Darnold miss the next couple, get a bit crazy perhaps.
Carson Wentz (Rostered in 0.1% of ESPN leagues)
Another sicko pick, Carson Wentz went crazy in a big win over the Packers. 3 touchdowns on 133 yards is crazy work. The kicker with Wentz is that I just watched my Panthers hang 37 on the Bears. If Jalen Coker can go for 2 touchdowns, so can Justin Jefferson. The only note to make here is that you will need to keep an eye on Kyler Murray and his journey through the concussion protocol. Should he miss time.
*Point totals mentioned assume full point PPR scoring.
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