Week 1 of the NFL season delivered plenty of surprises, from dominant defenses to struggling star quarterbacks. In this NFL recap, we'll break down every game and highlight the key fantasy football takeaways. Whether it was Christian McCaffrey shaking off injury concerns or the Chargers leaning far more pass-heavy than expected, there were lessons for managers in every matchup. For deeper roster context, check the NFL depth charts and compare these reactions with the latest weekly projections to prepare for Week 2.
Cowboys at Eagles
Cowboys
Dak Prescott had chances for a bigger night, but CeeDee Lamb's drops and a couple missed end-zone throws to Jake Ferguson kept the passing attack in check. Instead, Dallas relied on its ground game, piling up 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Javonte Williams. While the interior offensive line looks powerful, this game came against a compromised run defense missing Jalen Carter (ejection). I still trust Prescott and his pass catchers, but view Williams as more of a matchup-dependent play.
Eagles
The Eagles leaned hard on Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts in the run game, even after all the preseason talk of becoming more pass-heavy. Dallas sat back in zone, and Hurts never found rhythm with his wideouts. A.J. Brown didn't get a single target until the final drive, and DeVonta Smith saw just three short looks. Brown and Smith are too talented to bench, but managers need to brace for volatility until the passing game finds balance.
Chiefs at Chargers
Week 1 of the NFL season delivered plenty of surprises, from dominant defenses to struggling star quarterbacks. In this NFL recap, we'll break down every game and highlight the key fantasy football takeaways. Whether it was Christian McCaffrey shaking off injury concerns or the Chargers leaning far more pass-heavy than expected, there were lessons for managers in every matchup. For deeper roster context, check the NFL depth charts and compare these reactions with the latest weekly projections to prepare for Week 2.
Cowboys at Eagles
Cowboys
Dak Prescott had chances for a bigger night, but CeeDee Lamb's drops and a couple missed end-zone throws to Jake Ferguson kept the passing attack in check. Instead, Dallas relied on its ground game, piling up 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Javonte Williams. While the interior offensive line looks powerful, this game came against a compromised run defense missing Jalen Carter (ejection). I still trust Prescott and his pass catchers, but view Williams as more of a matchup-dependent play.
Eagles
The Eagles leaned hard on Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts in the run game, even after all the preseason talk of becoming more pass-heavy. Dallas sat back in zone, and Hurts never found rhythm with his wideouts. A.J. Brown didn't get a single target until the final drive, and DeVonta Smith saw just three short looks. Brown and Smith are too talented to bench, but managers need to brace for volatility until the passing game finds balance.
Chiefs at Chargers
Chiefs
The Chiefs were without Rashee Rice (suspended) and quickly lost Xavier Worthy (shoulder) to injury, leaving Patrick Mahomes thin at receiver. Kansas City leaned pass-heavy, but the offense looked flat. Travis Kelce caught a 37-yard TD on busted coverage yet drew just four targets, suggesting he could be a player to sell high in fantasy football. Hollywood Brown stepped up with 10 catches for 99 yards and looks like a WR2 while others are sidelined. Isiah Pacheco shared work with Kareem Hunt, making him only a low-end flex unless Pacheco sees a higher share of the work.
Chargers
Many expected OC Greg Roman to emphasize the run, but the Chargers instead went heavy through the air despite leading most of the game. Keenan Allen (10 targets, 68 yards, TD) and Ladd McConkey (nine targets, 74 yards) both benefited from volume, though McConkey's production could shrink if pass attempts dip. The real splash came from Quentin Johnston, who posted 79 yards and two scores as the deep threat. He's still boom-or-bust, though waiver bids will spike this week. If this pass-heavy approach continues, Justin Herbert could be in for a big season.
Buccaneers at Falcons
Buccaneers
The post–Liam Coen offense looked flat, with the screen game and rushing attack lacking punch. Bucky Irving salvaged his day with a late score but managed just 45 yards on 18 touches, leaving him more floor than ceiling. Rookie Emeka Egbuka made headlines, turning six targets into 67 yards and two touchdowns. Egbuka looks like an upside top-32 WR. Baker Mayfield threw for only 167 yards but added three scores and 39 rushing yards, keeping him in the QB1 mix.
Falcons
Bijan Robinson showed his dual-threat ability, catching six passes for 100 yards and a score despite just 2.0 yards per carry behind a shaky line. Drake London had 15 targets but was held to 55 yards by quarterback inaccuracy, giving him a safe floor. Rookie QB Michael Penix piled up 298 passing yards and two total TDs in comeback mode, but his accuracy issues suggest a volatile season ahead for the QB.
Steelers at Jets
Steelers
Aaron Rodgers tossed four TDs in a win but still wilted when under pressure, raising long-term concerns. The ground game sputtered, with Jaylen Warren inefficient but salvaging his day with a receiving TD. Kenneth Gainwell's usage makes little sense, while rookie Kaleb Johnson barely factored in. DK Metcalf managed 83 yards in a tough spot and remains the only trustworthy weekly receiving option in a likely volatile offense.
Jets
Breece Hall erased any backfield concerns, dominating touches and racking up 145 scrimmage yards. Garrett Wilson proved matchup-proof again with 95 yards and a score, cementing his top-15 WR status. Justin Fields quieted doubters, producing three TDs and 48 rushing yards despite the matchup. While inconsistency is possible, Fields looks like a strong weekly fantasy starter. The Jets' stars delivered, and the offense is centered around them.
Bengals at Browns
Bengals
A rare early season win meant little for fantasy managers, as Joe Burrow threw for just 113 yards and one score. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for only five catches and 59 yards, while Chase Brown's TD saved an otherwise forgettable outing. This looks like a fluke dud rather than a trend, and Cincinnati's stars remain locked in as long-term fantasy starters.
Browns
Joe Flacco's two picks weren't his fault, as receivers failed to secure the ball, but the overall passing attack showed promise. Cedric Tillman and Jerry Jeudy both delivered, while rookie TE Harold Fannin surprisingly out-targeted David Njoku. If the trend holds, Njoku's fantasy stock dips. Fannin is worth a look on waivers. Reports suggest Quinshon Judkins could return soon, potentially giving Cleveland a balanced attack and reducing Flacco's burden.
Giants at Commanders
Giants
Outside of Malik Nabers and Wan'Dale Robinson in PPR formats, New York's offense looked broken. Tyrone Tracy was bottled up, and likely offers only flex value. Russell Wilson struggled, managing some rushing production but failing to convert in the red zone. In superflex leagues, Jaxson Dart may be worth a preemptive claim, as Wilson's time as a starter could be short if this level of play continues. On the other hand, the Giants' offensive line is so bad (especially Sunday without Andrew Thomas), the team might not want to subject Dart to a pounding every week.
Commanders
Jacory Croskey-Merritt emerged as the early down back, finishing with a strong line thanks to a late long run and TD. With Chris Rodriguez inactive, the rookie is the clear lead RB. The star of the game was Deebo Samuel, who recorded 96 total yards and a rushing score on eight touches, looking like a reliable weekly WR3. Terry McLaurin's slow start was expected after missing camp, but volume should rebound. The Commanders' offense wasn't explosive, but this was a divisional battle, where games often get messy.
Panthers at Jaguars
Panthers
Bryce Young looked shaky, completing little more than 50 percent of passes for 154 yards and two interceptions. His 40 rushing yards offered fantasy relief, but overall QB concerns remain. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan drew nine targets but turned them into just 68 yards, confirming a low-ceiling role in this offense (totally due to the QB). Chuba Hubbard dominated the backfield, adding a receiving score to 16 carries, solidifying his status as a volume-based RB2.
Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence once again looked unsettled, but Jacksonville's weapons still found ways to contribute. Rookie Brian Thomas was heavily targeted (seven), but his one catch for 11 yards highlighted the problem. The receiver was fortunate to score on a nine-yard run. Thomas is elite but will have questions until Lawrence figures out how to optimize him. Travis Hunter impressed in his debut, catching six of eight targets, showing reliability but limited yardage (33). While Hunter is a PPR flex for now, his involvement was encouraging. The true star was Travis Etienne, who exploded for 143 yards on 16 carries, including a 71-yard run, and should hold the lead back role for at least the next few weeks, if not longer.
Dolphins at Colts
Colts
Daniel Jones delivered a big opener, passing for 272 yards and a score while adding two rushing TDs. Michael Pittman led with 80 yards and a touchdown, while Tyler Warren chipped in another 76 yards. Josh Downs was quiet in his return but should ramp up. Facing Miami was a cake matchup. I'd start the Indy passing game weapons as usual in Week 2, but I need to see them do this well again before trusting them as more. Jonathan Taylor logged 18 carries, with DJ Giddens getting 12 touches in garbage time once the blowout was secure. Taylor remains locked in as a clear RB1.
Dolphins
A nightmare opener saw Tyreek Hill (40 yards) and Jaylen Waddle (30 yards) limited to eight total catches. Tua Tagovailoa tossed two interceptions, lost a fumble and had just 114 passing yards. The passing game looks like last season's disappointment, making Hill more WR3 than elite and Waddle merely a flex. De'Von Achane managed 11 total opportunities, salvaging his fantasy day with a receiving touchdown. Achane remains an RB1.
Raiders at Patriots
Raiders
Geno Smith shredded the Patriots for 362 yards, locking onto Brock Bowers (103 yards) and Jakobi Meyers (97 yards). Bowers' knee injury will need monitoring, but his usage was elite. Otherwise, this passing game looks strong. Rookie Ashton Jeanty had volume but struggled for just 38 rushing yards, though he salvaged his day with a short TD. His workload makes him a weekly start, but efficiency concerns are fair.
Patriots
The rushing attack sputtered, with Rhamondre Stevenson leading with seven carries, and rookie TreVeyon Henderson producing only 51 yards on 11 touches. Henderson looks headed toward a timeshare after failing in a soft matchup. Kayshon Boutte was the bright spot, posting 103 yards on eight targets, and should be a waiver target. Hunter Henry continued his chemistry with Drake Maye, delivering 66 yards on eight targets, keeping him in the TE1 conversation.
Cardinals at Saints
Cardinals
Marvin Harrison led Arizona with 71 yards and a TD, but his usage leaned heavily on low-percentage downfield targets, echoing last year's concerns. Trey Benson's 52-yard run boosted an otherwise quiet rushing attack. Kyler Murray, Trey McBride and James Conner were serviceable but unimpressive. This offense looked sluggish, with Harrison as the lone consistent fantasy starter and everyone else matchup-dependent.
Saints
Spencer Rattler aired it out 46 times, spreading volume between Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Juwan Johnson. All three offered PPR floor viability, while Alvin Kamara managed just 57 yards on 13 touches but salvaged his day with a score. Rattler's efficiency is questionable, but high passing volume should keep his receivers in play weekly. Kamara remains a safe RB2, but the lack of dominance was disappointing.
Lions at Packers
Lions
Detroit's revamped interior offensive line looked overwhelmed, and without Ben Johnson's scheme, Jared Goff struggled against Green Bay's upgraded pass rush. The Lions failed to score a touchdown until garbage time, with Sam LaPorta the only strong fantasy option among the WR/TE. Jahmyr Gibbs caught 10 passes but produced limited yardage, while Jameson Williams was invisible without a vertical game. David Montgomery could also suffer if inside running lanes remain clogged. Williams, in particular, looks risky. Not all matchups will be this tough, so keep trusting Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and LaPorta.
Packers
Green Bay dominated defensively, but fantasy production stayed muted in the blowout. Josh Jacobs salvaged his day with a late TD, offering a solid floor despite modest yardage. Jordan Love threw two touchdowns but didn't reach 200 yards, spreading limited targets across his receivers. Jayden Reed gutted it out through a foot injury for 45 yards and a score. Matthew Golden looks miscast as a downfield option given Love's limitations, so fantasy managers should use caution when setting lineups with him. With a defense capable of controlling games, the Packers' offense may stay run-focused and low volume. Weekly upside may be hard to come by for the passing attack.
49ers at Seahawks
49ers
Christian McCaffrey erased injury fears with a full workload, totaling 142 yards thanks to heavy receiving usage against stacked boxes. He remains a high-end RB1, though health should be monitored. Both George Kittle (hamstring) and Jauan Jennings (shoulder) exited with injuries, thinning the passing game. Ricky Pearsall stepped up, catching four balls for 108 yards, and could see expanded volume if Kittle misses time. Expect McCaffrey and Pearsall to carry the offense short-term.
Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba dominated, hauling in nine passes for 124 yards, while the rest of Seattle's receivers combined for just 26 yards. He's locked in as a PPR WR1. Kenneth Walker disappointed again, managing just 24 total yards on 13 touches, while Zach Charbonnet outproduced him with 47 yards and a TD on 12 carries. A backfield shift may be coming, with Charbonnet trending upward. Sam Darnold struggled in his debut, showing the volatility expected now that he's not in Minnesota anymore.
Texans at Rams
Texans
Houston's offensive line issues were exposed by the Rams' pass rush, with C.J. Stroud limited to 188 yards and no wideout topping 32 yards. Nick Chubb was the lone bright spot, rushing 13 times for 60 yards despite negative game script. Fortunately, he looked healthier than expected and is a viable flex. Stroud and Nico Collins should rebound in softer matchups, but this offense could struggle against elite defensive fronts.
Rams
Matthew Stafford looked healthy enough, and Puka Nacua punished the Texans for 10 receptions and 130 yards. Davante Adams added 51 yards despite limited preseason reps with Stafford, suggesting bigger games ahead. Kyren Williams was inefficient once again, but his touchdown salvaged his fantasy day. He profiles as the same high-volume, TD-dependent back we saw last season. Against weaker defenses, this passing game should produce multiple fantasy starters weekly.
Titans at Broncos
Broncos
Despite controlling the game, Denver's offense underwhelmed. Bo Nix threw 40 times but managed just 176 yards and two picks, looking unsettled for much of the day. The ground game improved in the second half, with J.K. Dobbins logging 16 carries and a score, establishing himself as an RB2. RJ Harvey flashed with a 50-yard run but remains more of a flex. Courtland Sutton (61 yards, TD) remains the steadiest receiving option.
Titans
Cam Ward was overwhelmed in his debut against Denver's defense, and the Titans managed only field goals. Tony Pollard provided the lone fantasy value, producing 89 yards on 19 touches while remaining the focal point of the offense. Calvin Ridley caught four passes for 27 yards in a brutal matchup, but his role remains strong. Ridley should bounce back quickly and profiles as a reliable WR3 with upside most weeks. Pollard looks to be a weekly RB2.
Injuries
Brock Bowers (knee) left early, though he suggested afterward it wasn't serious.
George Kittle (hamstring) was quickly ruled out.
Jauan Jennings (shoulder) was forced from the game and remained sidelined.
Kalel Mullings (ankle) went down in the first half and did not return.
Evan Engram (calf) exited with an injury and did not return.
Conclusion
That wraps up our NFL weekly recap, and if Week 1 taught us anything, it's that roles and usage can shift fast. Some stars looked shaky, while contributors like Ricky Pearsall, Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Quentin Johnston made early noise. Fantasy managers should stay flexible, trust volume where it exists, and watch how injuries reshape depth charts in the weeks ahead. The season is only beginning, and these NFL game recaps set the stage for what promises to be another unpredictable year.
