An unusual number of upsets yesterday. I see 9 road teams winning this week, and two others (Giants and Bengals) who absolutely should have. And a lot of injuries. Let's get into it.
Giants at Commanders: Kickers can be important. So it was that the Giants lost this game largely because Washington kicked 6 field goals and Graham Ganon injured his hamstring on the opening kickoff (he also entered the game with a groin injury, so New York could have had a second kicker on their roster in case they needed him, which they did). New York went for 2 points after all three of its touchdowns (failing each time, because they're a lesser offense), including in a situation where an extra point would have given them a late 4-point lead. And unsuccessfully tried to convert a few fourth downs in field goal range. Good news: Malik Nabers breakout game against a bad Washington pass defense happened. Brian Robinson looked great for the Commanders, sadly no touchdowns, but you can't have everything.
Raiders at Ravens: This knocked out one of my Survivor Pool entries and presumably that of many others. So much for the idea that an 0-1 team at home and on extra rest would never come up short against a lesser opponent. Two takeaways, one, the Raiders have some ability to play defense right now, they frustrated Baltimore (not Zay Flowers) for much of this game. And two, Brock Bowers is really really good. Quiet game for Isaiah Likely and a better one for Mark Andrews. In general, they're two of the top 3 options in the passing offense, and the order might change on a weekly basis.
Chargers at Panthers: So yeah thumbs up on J.K. Dobbins going forward. Gus Edwards still played plenty, but not surprising that Dobbins was better; he's more talented. That stuff still matters. Perhaps the more surprising element from the game was the Quentin Johnston breakout, happening in part because the starters from a year ago are gone and two of the projected guys ahead of him this year (Palmer, Chark) are hurt. Johnston should be added on the off chance he can build on this going forward. No, I haven't said anything about Carolina yet. It's looking bad for the Bryce Young offense. Still.
Saints at Cowboys: Another of the unexpected games from the weekend. Dallas playing so well in Cleveland last week had it seeming like their defense was just fine. It did not look it against Alvin Kamara and the Saints, with a touchdown bomb to Rashid Shaheed thrown in for good measure. Dallas' committee backfield expanded even more, although maybe best not to read too much into a game that was over by halftime. Luke Schoonmaker had a nice week, should be added in TE-premium formats for sure and maybe PPR too.
Buccaneers at Lions: Another surprise from the weekend. Lions rolled up lots of yards and most fantasy choices were good (most except Sam LaPorta), but scored only 16 points against a Bucs defense that is looking pretty good at the moment, even with some injuries. Some clock mismanagement before the half which Dan Campbell took the blame for, but I'm not sure it's fair to say that's why they lost. Whatever. Bucs offense had more underachievers than normal, with Rachaad White and Mike Evans disappointing. White picked up a groin injury but returned, so we can't blame that yet. Not much involved as a receiver, which was surprising.
Colts at Packers: Colts were actually favored in this game, but nothing about it was too surprising. Green Bay defense a little better than expected, but Anthony Richardson is still a developing quarterback, hitting on a couple of deep balls last week doesn't change that. Packers ran a tough, with Josh Jacobs doing what he does and Malik Willis playing within himself, which meant Green Bay's best receiver was No. 4 Dontayvion Wicks. Come back soon, Jordan Love.
Browns at Jaguars: Evan Engram injured a hamstring in pregame warmups. What are players doing in pregame warmups that result in injured hamstrings. I guess running, but presumably not full-speed, right? A last-minute development that doubtless screwed some teams. Both offenses pretty disappointing, with Cleveland surprisingly starting D'Onta Foreman over Jerome Ford and giving him more carries, Amari Cooper apparently not interested in joining the season (I believe he has 5 catches on 17 targets so far), the Jaguars getting a couple big plays out Brian Thomas and a touchdown out of Travis Etienne, but not much else. Losing Engram didn't help, but still. Rough start for Jacksonville's offense.
49ers at Vikings: We're not done with upsets yet. San Francisco looked like world beaters against the Jets but was outplayed by Sam Darnold and the Vikings, with both Minnesota running backs (Aaron Jones and Ty Chandler) putting up good numbers. Minnesota also hit on an unlikely play, of course, which helped a lot (97-yard touchdown catch for Justin Jefferson). Jordan Mason, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all had nice numbers, but they were playing uphill all day and it wasn't enough. Brandon Aiyuk a nonfactor, again.
Seahawks at Patriots: Sort of low-scoring, defensive struggle, close. Seahawks pulled it out, they have a little more veteran talent here and there. Big game for Hunter Henry, I don't want to underestimate it but I'm not sure it wasn't a one-time, matchup based thing. New England won't be throwing a ton of touchdowns. Pats could easily have won this game; had a late field goal blocked, let Geno Smith lead a couple of late field goal drives. Antonio Gibson finished with more rushing yards than Rhamondre Stevenson on half as many carries. Zach Charbonnet looked as ordinary as he always has but volume and opportunity count for a lot. DK Metcalf had a big game, hopefully not benched for too many people.
Jets at Titans: Breece Hall and Braelon Allen had good games, the passing game basically didn't. I think maybe as Aaron Rodgers gets healthier (maybe?) there will be more, but it doesn't seem like there will be enough big passing game for say Garrett Wilson to really be as great as where he was drafted. Or Rodgers. But it's early. I do think the Titans defense, which added a lot of talent, is better than expected. And their offense is worse.
Rams at Cardinals: Cooper Kupp leaves early with an ankle injury, and the offensive line woes for the team continue. I guess the answer to the question we debated here over the weekend as to which Rams reserve receiver would be best might be...all of them? Not if the teams is as dysfunctional as it was yesterday. Rough outing for the offense against a defense that seemingly isn't very good, though 5 sacks dispute that. Marvin Harrison had big game; see he's fine. But things aren't looking good for LA, and they face the 49ers this week.
Bengals at Kansas City: So Kansas City won this game due to a pass interference penalty on 4th and forever in the final seconds. I'm sure there were plenty of "the league wants Kansas City to win" cries, but what are you gonna do, Mahomes and Rice made a play and the Bengal defender clocked him early. Time things a little better, and either it's a win or we can at least all blame the refs. (Like with South Carolina's loss to LSU, for instance.) Isiah Pacheco left with an ankle injury on a late carry where he seemed to get stood upright and then bent in half, not good. Quiet game for most Bengals skill guys, though at least those who started Burrow are happy. Mahomes threw a couple of picks and it probably should have been 3, so KC was a little fortunate again.
Steelers at Broncos: Kind of seems like Bo Nix isn't ready to play, but I guess there's no putting that back in the box. High on lots of throws, with a bad end-zone pick when it was still a close game. He doesn't have much at receiver, and arguably his more talented players (like Greg Dulcich) were dropping easy passes left and right. Quiet day for George Pickens, but ohsoclose to much more. He had a sweet touchdown and another long reception wiped out by penalties. Still think he's an every week start, imagine if he had a better quarterback. I guess Justin Fields keeps starting, but mostly because there's little reason to think Russell Wilson would be better if he's ever healthy.
Bears at Texans: With the Bears having added a lot of offensive talent in the offseason, the thinking was that Caleb Williams would immediately hit the ground running. But things can be tough for rookie quarterbacks, as we're seeing thus far, plus one of those big name additions is hurt (Keenan Allen) and another seems to be overrated (D'Andre Swift). Houston's offense didn't do as much as you'd like if you had those players, but Joe Mixon got banged up and the Bears defense has some abilities. But another big game for Nico Collins and one of those really good kickers, Ka'imi Fairbairn. Houston wins.
Monday, Monday: So no A.J. Brown, which means we should be getting a heavy dose of DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley, with Jahan Dotson maybe stepping up. Or will we see yet another road victor? Based on what the Falcons showed in the opener, it seems unlikely. But probably close. Philadelphia 24, Atlanta 20.
