Week 1 Studs & Duds + Panic Players, Deep Breaths!

Fantasy Football show for Sep 8, 2025. Reactions to Week 1 of fantasy football! Find out which dud performances are the most concerning, and which top scorers are a sign of things to come. Plus, injury updates and the first 2025 edition of Monday Punday! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Podcast Overview and Team Dynamics

“Welcome to the Fantasy Footballers Podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.”

• The podcast introduces the hosts and sets the stage for a recap of Week 1 in the NFL, building excitement about the weekend’s games and reactions.
• Andy Holloway expresses enthusiasm about analyzing the performances from the weekend, emphasizing the importance of not overreacting to early season outcomes.

Week 1 Reactions: Games and Expectations

“This is the weekend of reacting, not overreacting.”

• The hosts discuss the significance of Week 1 and the reactions that emerge from the games, pointing out that while there were surprising performances, fans should not rush to conclusions.
• The conversation takes a closer look at the key matchups from the weekend, like the anticipation surrounding the Monday Night Football game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears.

Highlights and Lowlights: Performance Insights

“We had big-time wide receivers that struggled.”

• Attention turns to notable performances from players, categorizing them into “studs” and “duds” for the week, reinforcing the rollercoaster nature of fantasy football.
• The hosts remark on unexpected struggles from star players, indicating that even top talents can have off days, which emphasizes the unpredictable elements of fantasy football.

Injuries and Player Health Update

“We had a calf that held up.”

• The discussion reveals insights into player health, notably referring to a player whose injury status was a concern but ultimately did not hinder his performance.
• They delve into the topic of injury risks in fantasy football, cautioning listeners about players who might be dealing with health issues as the season progresses.

Monday Punday Segment: Humor Amidst Analysis

“It was great to see the responses from the weekend.”

• In a lighter segment, the hosts engage in puns reflecting the players’ performances, showcasing the fun side of fantasy football discussions.
• This segment balances serious analysis with humor, highlighting fan engagement and the creativity of the fantasy football community.

Injury Updates and Player Performance

“Xavier Worthy dislocated his shoulder right out of the gate.”

• Xavier Worthy’s shoulder dislocation raises concerns regarding his ability to play this season. Although dislocations often require surgery, there is a possibility he could return to play with a brace after some healing time. The prognosis is pending further medical evaluation.
• George Kittle’s recent hamstring injury is a disappointing development, especially since he had already caught a touchdown before leaving the game. Throughout his career, Kittle has faced injuries repeatedly, appearing on injury reports 19 times, with five of those related specifically to hamstrings. However, he has a history of returning quickly from such injuries, often missing no more than one game at a time.
• The game also saw Juwan Jennings suffer a shoulder injury, leading him to join Kittle in the MRI room for evaluation. This situation left the team relying on a less experienced backup tight end, Tonjes McBasketball, who surprisingly scored the game-winning touchdown, despite the poor quality of the pass.

Observations on Team Strategies Post-Injury

“We are hoping that this will be a brief absence, if any at all.”

• With Kittle and Jennings potentially sidelined, the San Francisco 49ers may need to shift their offensive strategy, heavily involving Christian McCaffrey given his central role in the team. There is speculation about how effective they can remain without their star tight end.
• Evan Ingram and Brock Bowers also left their respective games with injuries, adding to the ongoing concerns about player health in the league. Bowers reportedly indicated he felt fine, although his injury was concerning during the game due to its non-contact nature.
• In a notable injury situation, Drake London from the Falcons left the game with a shoulder injury, suspected to be an AC joint sprain. This may impact his availability for upcoming games, and his absence affects the usage patterns of other players, such as Kyle Pitts, who had a strong performance in the same game.

Positives and Quarterback Studs of the Week

“We are into the studs. Top five quarterback scorers on the week.”

• In a week filled with surprises, Jason reveals the standout performances of quarterbacks, starting with Josh Allen, who dominated the scoring in four-point passing leagues.
• Following Allen, Justin Fields and Daniel Jones made headlines with their performances, although Fields’ success came as less of a surprise compared to Daniel Jones, who was somewhat unexpected in his high ranking.
• Fields displayed an impressive skill set, demonstrating accuracy, zip on his passes, and the ability to navigate both collapsing and outside-the-pocket situations. Despite the Bears’ loss, his performance was noteworthy, and there is optimism that this season could see him becoming a top-tier quarterback.

Quarterback Strategy and Future Outlook

“My hope for Justin Fields is he’s on a team that wants him.”

• The discussion around Justin Fields highlights the potential for significant progression, as he is now part of a system that actively supports his development, contrasting with his previous experiences in Chicago where he lacked sufficient supporting talent.
• The segment moves to discuss Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert as well, with Herbert’s performance being particularly exciting due to an increase in both passing and rushing attempts, suggesting an evolution in the offense that could bode well for his future fantasy football potential.

Impacts of Week One on Running Backs

“Derrick Henry, if you missed it, you should go back and watch all the highlights from the game.”

• Derrick Henry made a significant impact as one of the top running backs of the week, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force. This week illustrated the continued relevance of veteran players in fantasy leagues, as Henry delivered standout performances despite any doubts about his age and recent performance trends.
• The discussion highlights his game usage, with intriguingly low rushing attempts during key moments, raising questions about game management strategies that seem to limit star players like Henry during crucial drives.

Top Performers of the Week

“Bichon was number two. He got it done in the passing game.”

• Bichon Robinson had an impressive week, finishing as the second-ranked player, showcasing his versatility by contributing significantly in the passing game.
• Javante Williams made a strong effort as well, ranking third with two touchdowns to secure his position.
• James Cook and Christian McCaffrey rounded out the top five, with McCaffrey receiving high volume despite not scoring any touchdowns, making 32 opportunities and 10 targets in the game.

Analysis of Christian McCaffrey’s Impact

“Their answer was just…three-fourths of every play was in the hands of Christian McCaffrey.”

• The 49ers relied heavily on McCaffrey during their game, which was particularly notable due to the absence of several key players like Iyuk and Kittle.
• With a total of 32 opportunities, McCaffrey was a central figure in their offensive strategy, performing exceptionally even without a touchdown.

Travis Etienne’s Notable Performance

“Travis Etienne had 16 for 143 against Carolina.”

• Travis Etienne delivered one of the best performances of his career, achieving the second-highest rushing total of 143 yards, aided by Carolina’s ineffective tackling.
• His snap percentage was significant, with 61% of the snaps compared to his teammates, indicating he is the primary starting running back for the team and should be a confident start against upcoming opponents, like the Cincinnati Bengals.

Chuba Hubbard’s Usage

“Even in a super negative game script, Chuba Hubbard was on the field 67% of the snaps.”

• Despite a difficult game situation, Chuba Hubbard remained involved, indicating trust in his abilities to contribute even when the team was struggling.
• His performance featured a solid showing, including a receiving touchdown, which offers optimism for his potential as a contributing player moving forward.

Brees Hall’s Impressive Return

“He’s auditioning for his free agency.”

• Brees Hall’s performance was eye-catching, as he rushed for 107 yards and demonstrated noticeable speed, hinting at a recovery from prior injury issues.
• His effectiveness in the game, including catching passes, shows he may flip the narrative surrounding him from previous months, leading to renewed interest among fantasy managers.

Concerns about Devon H.E.N. and the Dolphins’ Offense

“Devon H.E.N. had four targets, which is usually in games with Tua.”

• Devon H.E.N.’s reduced involvement in the passing game raised questions, especially given the Dolphins’ unexpected offensive struggles.
• The team’s overall performance, contrasted with previous expectations, suggests a need for adjustments in usage and strategy, particularly in aligning with Tua’s throwing capabilities.

J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey’s Role Clarification

“Harvey looked like he has juice.”

• J.K. Dobbins managed to score and carry the ball effectively, but R.J. Harvey’s electrifying performance indicates he may soon challenge for more playing time.
• Dobbins’ role may remain secured for now, but Harvey’s emerging presence could complicate season-long expectations for both players as the season progresses.

Fantasy Football Players with Potential

“You have Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Nico Collins, Tyreek Hill, T. Higgins, and many others making a significant impact.”

• Several players have emerged as valuable assets in fantasy football, highlighting their potential for the current season. Players such as Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyreek Hill are recognized for their explosive capabilities and consistent performance in fantasy scoring.
• Among these, one standout player is Kuge, who leads the field with four touchdowns, indicating his central role in his team’s offensive strategy, particularly in red-zone situations.

Emeka Ibuka’s Performance Evaluation

“I was a little bit disappointed in the utilization throughout.”

• Emeka Ibuka had an impressive start with two touchdowns in his NFL debut, but concerns arose regarding his overall target share, which didn’t meet expectations given the game’s context. The team often needed to throw the ball, yet Ibuka wasn’t as frequently targeted compared to other players, leading to mixed feelings about his utilization.

Insights on Quarterback Performances

“Mike Evans was not good.”

• The analysis of quarterback performances includes Baker Mayfield, whose play was deemed less than stellar despite some touchdowns. The ongoing evaluation of quarterback dynamics considers various factors such as team changes, with Mayfield’s history of adjusting to new offensive coordinators playing a significant role in his performance assessments.

Breakout Candidates and Target Shares

“Keon Coleman was 8 for 112 and a touchdown on 11 targets.”

• Keon Coleman showed promise by capturing 8 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown, demonstrating a solid target share and indicating his potential as a primary receiving option for his team. Meanwhile, players like Debo Samuel and Garrett Wilson also had noteworthy performances, suggesting they could be key contributors as the season progresses.

Tight End Performance Analysis

“I was super disappointed in week one from the Chiefs was Travis Kelsey.”

• Travis Kelsey’s week one performance raised eyebrows, as he managed only four targets, despite ending with a touchdown. Such performances prompt concerns regarding the tight-end position and its evolving dynamics, with several other players, like Mark Andrews, also underperforming but still holding potential as the season moves forward.

Rising Stars in Fantasy Football

“Harold Fannin ended up with nine targets for the Browns.”

• Harold Fannin’s emergence as a rookie tight end, achieving nine targets in his first professional game, presents a challenge for established players like David Njoku. His performance reflects not only his skill but also a possible shift in target allocation within the team’s offense.

Introduction to Fall and Football

“Fall is here, and for those who are in the know, that means that football is around the corner.”

• The hosts open the show discussing the seasonal arrival of fall, which signifies the start of the football season.
• They highlight the return of the popular pumpkin spice latte (PSL) from Starbucks as a hallmark of fall, equating its enjoyment with the excitement of football.

Performance Analysis of Joe Burrow

“They had seven yards in the second half of the game and they won. They got dominated by the Cleveland Browns.”

• The hosts express frustration over Joe Burrow’s performance, noting that he only managed 113 passing yards in the game against the Cleveland Browns.
• They argue that despite Burrow’s struggles, the Browns demonstrated strong offensive capabilities and should have won their matchup convincingly.

Quarterback Struggles and Game Expectations

“Trevor Lawrence…this game did have a super long lightning delay.”

• The conversation shifts to Trevor Lawrence’s underwhelming performance, which culminated in just 178 yards and a touchdown.
• The hosts point out that weather interruptions, such as lightning delays, may have affected offensive performance, but ultimately Lawrence’s shortcomings must be acknowledged.

Evaluation of Kenneth Walker’s Role

“Kenneth Walker…10 carries, 20 yards. That’s not the problem. 40% of snaps. That’s the problem.”

• The discussion turns to Kenneth Walker, whose limited carries and lower snap percentage raise concerns among the hosts.
• They note a potential timeshare scenario with Charbonnet, with Charbonnet’s superior performance suggesting he may be better suited for the new offensive system.

David Montgomery’s Game Impact

“David Montgomery…only 37% of snaps. The game script was definitely more Jameer Gibbs oriented.”

• David Montgomery’s performance is critiqued, highlighting that he saw a significant drop in snaps as the game highlighted the role of Jameer Gibbs.
• The hosts note that the Lions’ offense needs to be highly productive for Montgomery to be a viable fantasy option in the future.

Player Matchup Considerations

“Next week, I think he is an absolute flex play.”

• The discussion revolves around player matchups for the upcoming week, particularly highlighting the potential of certain players like Dobbins. The analysts consider Dobbins a viable flex play against Indianapolis despite uncertainties regarding his performance. Flex plays are crucial for maximizing fantasy points, showing the importance of considering matchups.

Insights on Rookie Running Backs

“I don’t pull a red alarm on rookies getting off to a slow start.”

• The analysts express patience regarding rookie running backs like Travion Henderson, Amarian Hampton, and Caleb Johnson. They note that it’s common for rookies to take time to acclimate to the NFL, suggesting that fantasy managers should not overreact to underwhelming week one performances. The importance of monitoring these players as the season progresses is emphasized.

Concerns Regarding Established Players

“It’s one week—wide receivers will all have some down weeks.”

• Established wide receivers like AJ Brown, Jamar Chase, and Terry McLaurin experienced disappointing performances during week one. The analysts highlight that disappointing starts can happen and caution viewers not to panic. They emphasize that while it’s crucial to monitor performance trends, it’s premature to make drastic changes, as it’s only the first week of the season.

Rookie Quarterback Struggles and Offensive Line Issues

“C.J. Stroud did not deal with pressure well.”

• The analysts discuss the struggles of rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud, particularly how poor offensive line performance hindered his ability to make plays. They express concern about his tendency to retreat instead of stepping into the pocket under pressure. Addressing these issues is vital for Stroud’s development and the effectiveness of the overall Houston offense.

Episode Overview

“Thank you for listening to another episode of the Fantasy Footballers Podcast.”

• The hosts express their gratitude to the audience for tuning in, highlighting the community aspect of the podcast.

Community Engagement

“Join our fantasy football community on jointhefoot.com.”

• The podcast encourages listeners to engage further by joining their fantasy football community. This platform provides resources, advice, and interaction with other fantasy football enthusiasts.

Social Media Presence

“Follow us on Twitter at the FFBallers.”

• The hosts promote their social media presence on Twitter, inviting listeners to follow their account for additional fantasy football insights and updates.

Call to Action for Content

“All thoughts on joining the Super Fantasy, more music on jointheof.”

• The hosts mention upcoming discussions and content, emphasizing the importance of connection for better fan engagement and content enrichment.

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