Written By: Cameron Schoffro
Edited By: Jovan Popovic
Every football season, some players exceed the expectations set by fantasy owners, while others fail to reach them. With the insight provided by the first slate of games, here are the conclusions I drew for the rest of the season:
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Jalen Hurts - Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback
Hurts has more rushing upside than just about anybody in the NFL not named Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray, which makes him an invaluable threat to his offence. When your quarterback can turn a broken play into a 20-yard run, you have a difference-maker on your hands. This isn't to discredit his pass game, he can launch deep shots downfield. The emergence of rookie wideout Devonta Smith could elevate Hurts' performance to the next level, but I'll elaborate on him later.
Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys Quarterback
After a devastating season-ending injury last year, the Cowboys' quarterback looks like he is picking up exactly where he left off. Dak was on pace to break the passing yards record and his season-opening performance against the defending Super Bowl champions was par for the course. He threw for more yards than anybody through week one. Prescott is the perfect field general for his high-octane offence, he's surrounded by some of the league's best receivers, and with their help, expect him to challenge for records and MVP buzz.
D'Andre Swift - Detroit Lions Running Back
Swift is a speedy, agile back who can shoot through gaps in the line with ease. However, the Lions aren't good. By swapping quarterback Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff, Detroit conceded any hopes of playoff contention this year. However, due to this downgrade, Swift will have an even higher workload since Head Coach Dan Campbell will want to keep the ball out of Goff's hands as much as possible. Also, Swift will see lots of action in the passing game since Detroit's receivers are unproven; Goff will find him in low-risk check-down throws where he has the ability to make big plays out of nothing.
Joe Mixon - Cincinnati Bengals Running Back
Mixon is incredibly talented; injuries seem to be the only barrier between him and superstardom. He's an every-down back with receiving ability. His quarterback, Joe Burrow, looked very capable in his first game back from a torn ACL. If the Bengals' offence can become competent, Mixon will finally be seen as the elite talent he is.
Keenan Allen - Los Angeles Chargers Wide Receiver
Everything is pointing upwards for the star-studded Chargers offence. With a new coach, revamped offensive line, and quarterback Justin Herbert asserting himself as a star, Allen will be the primary target in a lethal offence. Allen's combination of top-notch route running and steady hands makes him one of the most underrated receivers in the league. If he sees increased volume this year, he'll be regarded as a top-tier receiver.
Devonta Smith - Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver
It would be easy to write off Smith due to his slim frame and the injury concerns that come with it. But the Heisman winner's talent is undeniable. In his first NFL game, he showcased his unbelievable ability to create separation en route to a touchdown. Smith has little competition for targets; he can step into the Eagles' offence and immediately be the number one option. With this opportunity, Devonta ought to be the most productive receiver in his rookie class.
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Aaron Rodgers - Green Bay Packers Quarterback
Aaron looked dejected in his first action since his feud with Packers management. Surely he will bounce back after the worst performance of his career, but this display of apathy may continue throughout the season. Rodgers spent the offseason on vacation and hosting Jeopardy; rather than training and preparing for the season. The reigning MVP possesses all the talent in the world, but the question lies in his desire to take the franchise he has publicly disparaged back to contention.
James Robinson - Jacksonville Jaguars Running Back
Robinson had a great season last year as an undrafted rookie, but with a new coach, Urban Meyer, he is not going to have the same opportunity. Meyer spent a first-round pick drafting a replacement, Travis Etienne. Although Etienne is out for the season, Robinson will not see the same workload as last year. In Jacksonville's season opener, he only had 8 touches, which is a substantial reduction from his average of 21 last year. Robinson is still a great player, but his situation no longer favours him.
Najee Harris - Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back
Pittsburgh attempted to strengthen their run game by selecting Harris in the first round, but unfortunately, the offensive line is holding them back. When facing Buffalo's average run defence, Harris averaged a measly 2.8 yards per carry. He wasn't able to accelerate through the gaps the offensive line created before they dried up. Sometimes, the Bills rushers would blow up the play entirely. Harris is a good pass-catcher, and his physicality is impressive, but he isn't explosive enough to live up to his first-round expectations.
Mike Evans - Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver
In the season opener, Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs took Evans out of the game almost entirely. Evans is still the primary option on the Buccaneers, which will find him in unfavourable matchups against his opponent's best defenders. Chris Godwin and a rejuvenated Antonio Brown will take targets away. Tom Brady will not force passes to Evans if he fails to create separation, as he did against Dallas; he will find the open receiver. Evans has to accumulate more yards after the catch if he wants to be the big play receiver on the Buccaneers.
Julio Jones - Tennessee Titans Wide Receiver
Julio has been arguably the most dominant receiver in the NFL for the past decade, but his Titans debut may be cause for concern. His counterpart, AJ Brown, is a budding star and appears to be the focal point of the passing game, all while Derrick Henry is in the backfield. Due to an embarrassment of riches in offensive weapons, Julio may have to take a back seat in the offensive scheme. In the first week, he only caught three of his six targets with no receptions over ten yards. Maybe he needs to develop chemistry with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, or else he won't achieve the same volume or efficiency as he did in Atlanta.
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