Many figured that Travis Kelce’s absence would be a dream for a couple of Chiefs receivers in Thursday night’s opener, but it turned into a nightmare instead.
Kadarius Toney had one carry for minus-one yard and one reception for one yard on five targets, four of which he flat-out dropped – including one that went for a game-changing pick-six.
Skyy Moore played the second most snaps of any WR in the first half, but while nine other Chiefs got at least one target, Moore did not. For the game, Moore came up empty on his three targets while getting one rush for four yards. He also had a big fourth-quarter catch called back for a hold at the line.
In all, 11 different Chiefs had a reception with Kelce out. The biggest benefactor was Rashee Rice with the rookie making three catches for 29 yards and a TD in his first career game.
Patrick Mahomes put up a respectable 20.5 points without his top target, but sure could’ve used Kelce and some more sure hands out there.
LIONS’ ROARING BACKFIELD
After swapping out their entire backfield this off-season, there was much anticipation to see how the Lions would roll out free-agent acquisition David Montgomery and first-round pick Jahmyr Gibbs.
Well, for the first week at least, the veteran seems like the lead back – but don’t write off Gibbs.
Montgomery played 77% of Detroit’s offensive snaps, while Gibbs played 27%. Monty had 21 carries for 74 yards and a TD, but didn’t see a target in the passing game.
Gibbs, on the other hand, had nine touches for 60 total yards and looked pretty electric.
Both backs should be looked at as weekly starting options in fantasy, at least in the FLEX spot depending on your roster.
WHAT’S UP WITH KUPP?
It’s never a good sign when a veteran player has to fly halfway across the country to get a nagging injury re-evaluated and that’s what has happened with Cooper Kupp.
While we all know how amazing the Rams receiver can be when he suits up, his hamstring injury could now potentially send him to the IR and he has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Seattle.
Los Angeles is already short on offensive weapons and this does no favours for QB Matt Stafford. Look for Van Jefferson and TE Tyler Higbee to get a boost in targets while Kupp is out. Third-year WR Tutu Atwell steps up into a starting role while Puka Nacua is an option in very deep leagues.
BY THE NUMBERS
On Jordan Love’s 37 dropbacks in the pre-season, tight end Luke Musgrave had an 84% route participation and a 22% target share. He could be in for a big role if Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs are both ailing … Carolina’s Jonathan Mingo ran a route on 94% of Bryce Young’s dropbacks in the pre-season and could be in line for a huge role considering the injuries in Carolina’s WR corps … Cardinals QB Kyler Murray remains on the PUP list and will miss at least the first four weeks.
SIT/START
Start Geno Smith, QB, SEA vs. LAR
With the big exception of Aaron Donald, the Rams don’t have a lot going on in terms of defence this year.
Sit Aaron Rodgers, QB, NYJ vs. BUF
Rodgers is going to be under pressure a lot in his Jets debut behind a very shaky offensive line.
Start Raheem Mostert, RB, MIA at LAC
The Chargers had one of the league’s worst run defences over the last two seasons.
Sit Najee Harris, RB, PIT vs. SF
The 49ers defence ranked second in the league in rushing yards allowed last year and Harris averages just 3.9 YPC.
Sit James Cook, RB, BUF at NYJ
He has seemingly been handed the starting job, but what his time share and role are remain to be seen.
Start Jahan Dotson, WR, WAS vs. ARI
With Terry McLaurin slowed by a toe injury, Dotson should be in line for a big week against the lowly Cards.
Sit Zay Flowers, WR, BAL vs. HOU
With Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. slated to start, early season targets could be rare for rookie.
STAT CORNER
The Titans’ leading receiver in 2022 was Robert Woods, who has been cut. He had 527 yards, the fourth fewest by a team’s leading receiver in the last 15 years.
ADD OF THE WEEK
Juwan Johnson, TE, NO
With many fantasy players looking for a Kelce replacement, Johnson was one of the best options left on most waiver wires.
DROP OF THE WEEK
Greg Dulcich, TE, DEN
A popular sleeper pick, Dulcich has been listed as the second-string TE behind Adam Trautman on the Broncos depth chart.
WAIVER-WIRE DEFENCE
Washington Commanders
If you’re looking for a quick fix in Week 1, the Commanders have a great defensive line and are playing host to a Cardinals team that can barely decide on who the starting QB is.