In a triumphant return like a phoenix rising from the ashes, football enthusiasts all over the nation eagerly welcomed the start of the season as if drawn by a magnetic force to their favorite spot to watch the games, whether it be a cozy couch or a secluded basement.
The adrenaline-filled Week 1 brought with it a wave of surprises as several teams seemed to struggle to find their footing right out of the gate. The lackluster passing performances only added to the chaos, indicating that most teams were not quite firing on all cylinders in the season opener.
However, despite the slow start, the undeniable excitement of football’s return could not be dampened. As we embrace the new season, we also gather valuable data that can be utilized to fine-tune our fantasy lineups for Week 2. This season, we will be delving into the week-to-week snap counts, opportunities, routes, and targets provided by each team’s backfield, in an effort to equip fantasy managers with a deeper understanding of their roster options.
Without further ado, let’s delve into the statistics.
“Fantasy managers stashing Trey Benson will have to exercise some patience here,” noted one expert. The highly-touted rookie, drafted in the second round, was gradually eased into his NFL debut, operating as the RB3 behind Emari Demercado, a second-year UDFA. While Demercado may not hold onto the starting spot for long, Benson’s fantasy value remains limited as long as James Conner dominates the snaps and opportunities in the Cardinals’ backfield. Despite a respectable fantasy performance in Week 1 (17.3 PPR), Conner’s average of 3.1 yards per carry leaves room for improvement. A few more lackluster weeks on the ground could present opportunities for Benson, even if they are restricted to early downs.
Turning our attention to the Atlanta Falcons, the team showcased a dynamic offensive attack in Week 1.