Week 1 of Fantasy Football just wrapped up. With this being my first year participating in a league and someone who just suffered a bad beat (losing by less than 1 point!!), here are some updates and what to know going forward to have a successful season.
Post-Week 1 Updates
Several players had an amazing week, some more shocking than others. The top scorer of this week was unsurprisingly Josh Allen, with 38.76 points. Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka though lit up the scoreboard with 23.6 PPR points for the Buccaneers, catching two touchdowns. Justin Fields, now with the Jets, scored nearly 30 fantasy points. And the curveball this week was Daniel Jones, throwing for 272 yards and adding two rushing touchdowns.
If you missed out on these players in your draft, don’t worry, the waiver wire has some good finds. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw for 298 yards and added a rushing touchdown, making him a solid pickup. With Xavier Worthy injured, Hollywood Brown stepped up for the Chiefs with 99 yards on 16 targets. And for those in need of a tight end, Harold Fannin Jr. saw plenty of targets.
Smart Strategies to Win
Now is also the time to make good strategic moves! Don’t panic if your star players like Joe Burrow or Tyreek Hill underperformed this week. Week 1 rust is real. They’re still elite talents!
Second, play the matchups. Look ahead to Week 2 defenses. For example, Fields faces a tougher test against Buffalo than he did this week with Pittsburgh.
Third, monitor injuries closely. Luckily, Brock Bowers’ questionable knee will not hold him back from playing in Week 2, but George Kittle is predicted to be out for the next couple weeks from a hamstring injury.
Finally, don’t be afraid to bench a star if they’re facing a top-tier defense. Use matchup tools and defensive rankings to make informed decisions, especially when choosing between flex options.
Final Tips
Winning your fantasy football league takes more than just a good draft; it’s a season-long commitment. Injuries, baller performances, and depth chart changes happen every week, and people who react quickly will do better. Stay informed and trust your instincts!
Week 1 is just the beginning. Whether you’re 1–0 or 0–1 (like me), the path to avoiding fantasy punishment takes a lot of preparation and a little bit of luck. Stay sharp, stay active, but most importantly have fun!