Fantasy Vibes: Week 1

File under In-Season Check Ins

I’m a touch behind here because I’ve ruminated a bit on what to write on now that the season has started.

Start/Sit feels grossly overdone. You won’t be getting traditional binary stuff like that here.

The offseason is so incredibly interesting to me in a number of ways as we try to discern which players will start, which coordinators, coaches, and teams will be an edge for us in Fantasy.

But what now then?

Which brought me to, ok, I just like breaking things down by teams anyway, so here’s an aggregate list of the players/teams I have in managed leagues. Doesn’t matter whether the players are starting or on the bench. Here’s my personal thoughts now that we’re past Week 1 (and jussssst started Week 2).

Atlanta

Bijan Robinson

Vibes: So Good.

I understand the ‘concerns’ on the workshare, but when Bijan rips off an amazing run and TD to start the game, and how good he looks doing it, nothing to sweat about. Still a top 5 RB and will be for the season.

Chicago

Luther Burden III

Colston Loveland

Rome Odunze

Vibes: Mixed.

Ben Johnson knows how to scheme, lead, and play call. Week 2 will be a much better barometer for Chicago. They’ll face the Lions and it will be a question of who can outsmart and outplay who. I feel like the ‘player edge’ goes to Detroit, but the ‘coaching edge’ will go to Chicago. Super interested in this game. Not starting any Bears until we see if they can avoid another 4th quarter meltdown.

Cincinnati

Chase Brown

Vibes: The Usual.

Yes, Cincy won the game, but it was pretty much an early-Bengals-season ‘meh’ affair. Still high on Brown with all the workload he’ll get.

Cleveland

Harold Fannin Jr.

Jerry Jeudy

Vibes: Mad Scientist.

Fannin looked good, how good and for how long will remain to be seen, but starting him a bunch this week. I don't think the Browns are going to do anything mindblowing this season, but I’ll still keep these pieces.

Dallas

George Pickens

Vibes: Ace in the Hole.

I (smartly it seems) sat Pickens across all leagues Week 1. My theory was a) he’s still new to the team and b) Philly usually has a pretty good defense. Glad I did. Was a touch surprised by how many targets Lamb got compared to Pickens, but I was even more surprised by the clutch plays Lamb let slip through his fingers. I still think Pickens is an October surprise and once we get into some softer defenses (around that time) will be starting him for sure.

Denver

JK Dobbins

RJ Harvey

Vibes: Establish that Run, yo.

You can tell I have the highest confidence in the run game here, so continuing to look forward to how this plays out. Dobbins may have the edge, but it’s a long season.

Green Bay

Josh Jacobs

Tucker Kraft

Vibes: Frisky.

I love this defense. I know we’re not talking defense, but I mean, c’mon. Regardless how many points they score I may just go green across the board if I can because I really do love this defense. Jacobs will have the workload and just needs the right opportunity to go nuclear. Kraft just went nuclear. I committed the cardinal sin of dropping him in one league where I needed the slot, but I’ll try and scoop him back if possible. My only complaint about mid-range TEs is they are going to be exactly that, boom or bust. But with Reed out and the momentum push, Kraft could be the answer each week.

Houston

Nico Collins

Jayden Higgins

CJ Stroud

Vibes: Ruh-roh, Raggy.

Oh boy. Had a fun conversation with my father about Houston where commented “They’ve got no run game,” to which I retorted “Exactly, that’s why they should be passing!” But when Nico is barely seeing the ball, we’re off to a rocky start. They better find some answers and quick, or all my Texans bags are toast.

Jacksonville

Travis Hunter

Bayshul Tuten

Vibes: Tricksy.

There’s a lot of ifs here. I still expect Hunter to have some solid games and Tuten is a Bigsby Goes Down (ok, goes elsewhere), but these are kind of like the Pickens position. Fire when ready, and I’m not ready yet. (Neither are they). I’ll test the waters with some Hunter this week, but I’m expecting more than what we’re getting so far.

Las Vegas

Brock Bowers

Aston Jeanty

Vibes: Jackpot, baby.

Vegas will hang with the league. That’s all I ask here. Plenty of opps for these two and Bowers knee doesn’t sound like anything serious. Same ‘concerns’ of splits like with Bijan for Bowers and Mayer, but same answer. Even if he gets less targets he’s going to maximize the ones he does get. Jeanty should grow into his role as well.

Los Angeles (C)

Keenan Allen

Omarion Hampton

Justin Herbert

Ladd McConkey

Vibes: BOLT UP.

This is what I’ve been hoping for from the Chargers. Speaking of growing into roles, Hampton needs to do the same. But Herbz, Keenan, McConkey-Conk, lights out. Love to see it. Love this stack.

Los Angeles (R)

Blake Corum

Vibes: Bench Warmer.

Keeping him as insurance.

Miami

Ollie Gordon II

Jaylen Waddle

Vibes: Get the Plunger.

Because this shit stinks right now. I’m not giving up yet because diamonds need extreme conditions. But if things continue to unravel, I’m outsville.

New England

TreVeyon Henderson

Vibes: Patience.

His time will come.

New York Giants

Jaxson Dart

Vibes: Loosen Up.

Dart will start. Not a matter of if, but when.

San Francisco

Christian McCaffrey

Ricky Pearsall

Brock Purdy

Vibes: It Pays to Have the Right Equipment.

Yes, Purdy is out for a bit, (welcome to IR!), but if there were any two other Niners I would want to have, it’s these two. CMC is a tsunami of Fantasy points and Pearsall has chemistry with Mac Jones as well as Purdy. Yes, the entire franchise could go off the rails if more injuries occur so early, but if we have the few pieces that matter, we’re moonwalkin’ y’all.

Seattle

Kenneth Walker III

Vibes: Womp-womp. I’m hoping for a trade or a shift in snaps. Otherwise we’re dead-man-Walkin’ here.

Tampa Bay

Emeka Egbuka

Mike Evans

Bucky Irving

Vibes: Fire the Cannons

Similar to SF, these are the pieces I want. Egbuka lives up to my (and everyone elses’) expectations and Bucky and Mike look sharp. Set sail, me hearties.

Washington

Jayden Daniels

Deebo Samuel

Vibes: Happy Days (Mostly)

I was cursing at my television in last night’s game, until after and I saw both these guys walked away (again) with some solid points. It’s been said, but if this is Daniel’s floor, look out. It’s only up from here. Austin Ekeler may have had a season (career?) ending injury and I want to spend the last line saying we’re collectively thinking of, and pulling for, him and wishing him well. He is a great player and a really nice guy.

Here’s to Champions,

Mike