How to Deal With the Week 1 Booms

Sammy Watkins:  

Watkins had a dominate performance against Jacksonville. Ending with 9 catches on 11 targets for 198 yards and 3 TDs, Watkins is the top-scoring WR in week 1. You should hold onto Sammy Watkins and consider him a weekly starter. Watkins played the best football of his carrier on Sunday and looked dominant with the ball in his hands. During the game, his teammate Tyreek Hill left the game early with what was apparently a very scary injury that is expected to keep him out for a few weeks. This makes Watkins the top target for last season’s MVP, Patrick Mahomes.

That role in Andy Reid’s offense is fantasy gold. Unless the offer is too good to refuse, hold onto Watkins to help your championship push. Should you try to acquire Sammy Watkins? That entirely depends on cost. This would be buying Watkins at his peak value so he won’t come cheap. The price is likely too high to make a move for Watkins so it’s best to wait unless you find the perfect deal.  

Marquise Brown:  

If you actually started Brown this week you must be some sort of fantasy football prophet. Brown exploded in his first game with 4 receptions for 147 yards and 2 TDs including 2 40+ yard receptions. So now what? It’s time to shop Marquise Brown. He may become a big play threat for the Ravens but this week’s big performance came on about 11 snaps for Brown. If you have leaguemates that are dazzled by the big box score performance you may be able to secure some great value for Brown. Don’t sell Brown for nothing but if you can get a 1^st round pick or some key depth it’s definitely a move to consider.  

Derek Henry

Henry had a big game this week. Henry recorded 84 yards rushing with a TD as well as one catch for 75 yards and a TD. Though Henry is an established piece of his offense I say you should use this performance to trade Derrick Henry. This is not the rebirth of Derrick Henry in Tennessee. Do not expect him to rip off 75 yard reception every game. He will go back to his plodding and may be good for 1-2 more big games this season. Make a move now while he is riding high on this performance. Don’t expect these performances to continue. If you fell into the Derrick Henry trap, get out now while you have a shot.  

Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler took over as the lead back for the Chargers with Melvin Gordon continuing his holdout. Ekeler excelled in week 1 and though he only accumulated 58 yards rushing his 6 receptions for 96 yards and 3 total TDs helped him finish as one of the top scoring RBs of the week. Ekeler could be the real deal this season. Though Gordon will likely be back at some time this season, until then Ekeler looks to be a dependable weekly starter. His usage this week points to a player that is worth holding onto for this season. If your team needs a third RB keeping Ekeler or even making a move to grab him could provide a serious boost to your roster. Beware his long-term value though as there’s a chance the starting RB for the Chargers next season will come out of the 2020 draft class.  

Evan Engram

Engram Looked like the real deal this week. Engram had 14 targets this week and turned those targets into 11 receptions for 116 yards and a TD. That volume for him is ridiculous but looks like it could be his usage for this season. The Giants will be playing from behind and the ball will be in the air. Engram is as possibly the best receiver on the Giants roster and should be heavily relied upon. Engram could finish the season as a top 5 TE and should be held onto.  There’s not much of a reason to move on from Engram unless your team is in complete tear down form. If you own Engram keep him in your lineup and enjoy.  

John Ross

Remember when John Ross set a record at the NFL combine with the fastest 40-yard dash time in combine history? Ross then became a top 10 pick in the draft but has since failed to live up to his draft position. This week Ross finally gave the Bengals a taste of the potential they hoped he could unlock. Ross caught 7 of his 12 targets for 158 yards and 2 TDs. Despite this top performance, it is not time to rush out to acquire Ross. He will not be a reliable starter yet. Ross could build into a top receiver still but this game is not indicative of him hitting that point yet.

The Bengals threw the ball over 50 times. Also, if you review Ross’s TD’s the first was on a flea flicker and the second should have been intercepted had the defender timed his jump better. Neither play showed anything that appeared replicable. Couple this with the eventual return of AJ Green and it looks like Ross could easily fall back into irrelevance quickly. If you have shares of Ross and are able to find a deal for him, don’t hesitate. Accept the deal and move forward with your team. Ross could be a decent roster stash if he’s available, just don’t expect Ross to become an elite asset immediately. 

With a little more clarity on these Week 1 booms hopefully you can start wheeling and dealing your one and done player and holding your season long breakouts to find your way to a championship.