What We Saw Roundup – Week 1

A new format including all the NFL Week 1 nuggets and nuance from around the NFL – Here's What We Saw!

Brett Ford
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AFC

Writer: Brett Ford (@FadeThatMan)

Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry (BAL) vs. IND: 24 Carries, 144 Yards, 3 TDs, | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 19 Yards

King Henry is aging like a fine wine and the Ravens’ new coaching regime showed no signs of looking to limit his touches as the Ravens did a season ago during the abysmal start to the year. Henry toted the ball 24 times, tied for the fifth-highest total of carries in a game since joining the Ravens. Though he wasn’t as involved in the passing game as managers may have felt they were promised, the game script lent itself to pounding the rock. According to NFL stats, Henry gained 110 yards before contact as the Ravens’ front five cleared the way for him, the third-most single-game yards before contact total of  his career.

 

Justice Hill (BAL) vs. IND: 6 Carries, 18 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

Hill was in the game for 31 snaps, ran 17 routes and carried the ball six times. He’ll still be involved in this offense – probably more than Henry managers will like to see – but the hope is that Henry’s usage remains elite in high-leverage areas while leaking over into the pass-down snaps and taking some of them from Hill as the offense evolves.

 

Buffalo Bills

James Cook III (BUF) vs. HOU: 13 Carries, 57 Yards, Fumble | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 12 Yards

With Ty Johnson missing this game with an injury, Cook was more involved in the passing game. Cook recorded four or more targets just four times last season, so to see him involved on passing downs is encouraging. Against a stout rushing defense, Cook averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry, but was vultured in the red zone as his quarterback sniped the only goal line carry for a score.

Ray Davis (BUF) vs. HOU: 1 Carry, 3 Yards

Frank Gore Jr. (BUF) vs. HOU: 1 Carry, 3 Yards

Gore actually out-snapped Davis as cook’s backup, and was on the field for 10 snaps to Davis’ five. Neither of them appear to be any sort of threat to Cook’s playing time or usage. It will be interesting to see how things change if and when Johnson returns.

Ty Johnson (BUF) vs. HOU: Did not play

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown (CIN) vs. TB: 16 Carries, 56 Yards, TD | 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 22 Yards

The most encouraging thing about Brown’s usage on Sunday is that he was on the field for every two-minute drill snap, something that only happened in one game last year (which Perine missed with an injury). With 22 routes run and 22 opportunities for touches (16 carries, 6 targets) Brown was one of the highest-utilized backs in the league this week. Managers surely would like more production and maybe an explosive play or two (his longest gain on a single play was 13 yards), but having him on the field for more passing downs will be a major boon over the course of the season.

Samaje Perine (CIN) vs. TB: 5 Carries, 20 Yards | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 30 Yards

We saw Perine to begin the third drive of the game, but it was Brown in the backfield once the Bengals reached the red zone on that drive. With a 28% snap share and only eight touches, Perine is a clear spell back behind Brown with very little concern for vulturing usage at this point of the season.

 

Cleveland Browns

Quinshon Judkins (CLE) vs. JAX: 12 Carries, 33 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 17 Yards

Nothing doing today for the Browns as they fell behind early and the game script tipped away from the running backs. Judkins maintained his role from last year of early-down usage, while heading to the sidelines for passing downs and two-minute drills. Sampson went down with an injury early on and there may have been hope that Judkins would absorb the passing-down snaps. Unfortunately for Judkins managers, Todd Monken and crew had other plans.

Dylan Sampson (CLE) vs. JAX: Left game in first quarter

Sampson was seen on crutches after the game and will likely be re-evaluated in the coming hours. Expect him to miss time moving forward.

Raheim Sanders (CLE) vs. JAX: 1 Carry, 1 Yard | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Sanders was used in what we can assume would have been Sampson’s role, playing on most passing downs, including third downs and the two-minute drill. He ran 13 routes in Sampson’s absence and could be seen as potentially useful handcuff, especially with his history of short-yardage usage a season ago.

 

Denver Broncos

The Broncos travel to Kansas City on Monday night to face the Chiefs. Both of those teams will be covered in our Monday Night edition of What We Saw, published on Tuesday morning.

 

Houston Texans

David Montgomery (HOU) vs. BUF: 20 Carries, 60 Yards, 2 TDs | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 19 Yards, TD

There were several plays in which the Texans offensive line allowed penetration into the backfield, but Montgomery made the first man miss and turned the broken play into a solid gain. He’s always been a shifty back and excels at breaking tackles and yards after contact. The Le’Veon Bell style jump cut behind the line of scrimmage worked to get him extra time to find the holes his line created against the Bills’ front. He out-snapped Marks for most of the game (including 13 of the first 15 offensive snaps) but with the Texans trailing, Woody was on the field for 17 of the final 20 snaps.

The big news out of Houston was Montgomery’s receiving touchdown. A play clearly designed for Monty to sneak out of the backfield against the flow of the play, it created a wide open look for the running back who caught it and scooted into the end zone untouched, a well-designed and well-executed score for the running back.

 

Woody Marks (HOU) vs. BUF: 9 Carries, 42 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards

50/50 split? Well, yes but no. Marks finished with one more snap than Montgomery but not all offensive snaps are created equal. Marks was on the field for 17 out of 20 plays down the stretch as the Texans chased the game while trailing. Marks was a serviceable spell back to Montgomery but this was not nearly an even split from a usage standpoint. Managers should be looking more at the 23-10 touch ratio than they do the 20-19 snap share (in favor of Marks).

 

Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor (IND) vs. BAL: 19 Carries, 98 Yards, 2 TDs, Fumble (Lost) | 4 Targets, 3 Receptions, 23 Yards

It’s refreshing to see a real bell cow running back in action. Taylor had almost every running back opportunity for the Colts and ran an impressive 22 routes as well. Despite a tough matchup and a game script that lent itself to the pass game, Taylor still managed to power his way into the end zone for a pair of touchdowns. Of all the second-tier (behind Gibbs and Bijan) running back performances in Week One, Taylor’s may have been the most reassuring for those who drafted him.

Seth McGowan (IND) vs. BAL: 1 Target, 1 Reception

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Bhayshul Tuten (JAX) vs. CLE: 15 Carries, 66 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 22 Yards

Chris Rodriguez Jr. (JAX) vs. CLE: 6 Carries, 23 Yards 

It’s fascinating the way that the Jaguars ran out their backs in the season opener against the Browns. The early-down work was split nearly 60-40 with Tuten owning a 23-16 advantage in snaps over Roriguez. Rodriguez was on the field for five out of nine short yardage snaps, including the team’s only goal line snap, while Tuten played more third downs than the other backs, but barely. It’s safe to say that things might go a little bit differently in a closer matchup, and managers of both Tuten and Rodriguez are looking at more questions than answers after watching them both against the Browns. One of the most ambiguous backfields in the league stays relatively ambiguous for another week.

Amber Abdullah (JAX) vs. CLE: 4 Carries, 32 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception

Abdullah earned some run in the backfield after the game was well out of reach, and likely won’t see much action in non-blowouts.

 

Kansas City Chiefs

The Broncos travel to Kansas City on Monday night to face the Chiefs. Both of those teams will be covered in our Monday Night edition of What We Saw, published on Tuesday morning.

Las Vegas Raiders

Ashton Jeanty (LVR) vs. MIA: 23 Carries, 102 Yards | 6 Targets, 6 Receptions, 45 Yards, 2 TDs

Hot Dang! Jeanty looked pretty darn healthy in his 2026 season debut after the wild lower-body injury and ensuing prayer circle at preseason practice just a few weeks ago. According to Nathan Jahnke of PFF.com, Jeanty has a 77.4% snap share before garbage time and finished with a 66.2% snap share on the day. He dominated early downs and short yardage snaps and was on the field for 61.5% of third downs as well. With 20 routes run and six targets, Jeanty picked up where he left off last season in the passing game and found the end zone through the air twice, first scoring on an option route against a linebacker and then leaking out of the backfield on a dump off and beating the defender to the pylon for his second score.

Mike Washington Jr. (LVR) vs. MIA: 7 Carries, 41 Yards

If this backfield was a committee, Washington was the guy in the group presentation who did… like… one slide and still got to put his name on the project. The rookie finished with just 13 snaps and seven touches, not nearly the role that managers may have fantasized about when they drafted him (especially in that crazy two hour stretch when everyone thought Jeanty was seriously injured). Washington could end up as a valuable handcuff later in the season, but for now he’s just a stash play behind one of the league’s top running backs.

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton (LAC) vs. ARZ: 12 Carries, 43 Yards, TD, Fumble (Lost)

Hampton dominated the snaps in the Chargers’ backfield on Sunday, earning a 62% snap share including 74.3% of early down snaps. Slightly concerning was his lack of involvement in the passing game, especially with the hype that McDaniel brought with him having turned De’Von Achane into a pass catching maven with the Dolphins. At least Hampton ran 14 routes, the most of any Chargers running back, but none of them generated a target. He scored an early touchdown, finding the end zone on an ANGRY run over and through Cardinals defenders to tie the game in the early going. The Chargers’ offense looked disjointed in general and may still be adjusting and learning McDaniel’s offense. In a game where nobody though game script would go against them, the Chargers were playing from behind for most of the game. Hopefully they’ll depend more heavily on their star running back in games where they have the lead.

 

Keaton Mitchell (LAC) vs. OPP: 4 Carries, 9 Yards

Despite a paltry stat line, Mitchell was on the field for 17 snaps, establishing himself as the clear RB2 in this offense. He was in the backfield for 66% of third downs and 50% of two-minute drill snaps. Though he’s not the exclusive passing-down back, he’s certainly carved out a role in that niche for now.

 

Miami Dolphins

De’Von Achane (MIA) vs. LVR: 11 Carries, 36 Yards | 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 30 Yards

The Raiders defense is not supposed to be very good, and yet the Dolphins offensive line couldn’t get any push and the explosive Achane (who averaged 5.7 yards per carry a season ago) was held to just over 3.0 yards per carry. The involvement is elite: 85.5% of snaps, 29.1% of all the Dolphins plays went through him. That’s awesome stuff, but it doesn’t matter if the explosive plays aren’t there because the offense around him is putrid. And also working against him is the fact that his offense has moved from the least-mobile quarterback in the NFL to one of the best runners at the position across the entire league. It could be a long season for Achane managers unless the offense around him begins to improve quickly.

Jaylen Wright (MIA) vs. LVR: 1 Carry, -1 Yard

He and Ollie Gordon II both dressed and participated. That is the extent of their relevance this week.

 

New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) vs. SEA: 18 Carries, 51 Yards | 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 44 Yards

Elite volume against a tough, tough matchup. Stevenson established himself as the clear RB1 in New England with Henderson sitting out. The only problem with Stevenson is that he looked slow and inefficient, despite the heavy dose of carries and targets. At this point, it almost feels as if head coach Mike Vrabel is starting him to spite fantasy managers everywhere. The worst part is that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels must be in on it too, because instead of giving Stevenson the only goal line chance that the Patriots had all night, they designed a touchdown catch for back up tight end Eli Raridon instead. Yeah, it’s going to be a long season.

TreVeyon Henderson (NE) vs. SEA: Did Not Play

Missed this game due to injury.

Corey Kiner (NE) vs. SEA: 6 Carries, 11 Yards

Utilized more than most folks expected after just recently being acquired in a trade, Kiner looked like a serviceable change of pace back to spell Rhamondre but isn’t really fantasy relevant even with Henderson missing time.

 

New York Jets

Breece Hall (NYJ) vs. TEN: 22 Carries, 102 Yards, TD | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 16 Yards

The Jets ran the football with reckless abandon, and to great success, against a below-average Titans defense, with Hall being the major beneficiary. Toting the ball 22 times tied his season high in carries from a year ago, while he topped the century mark in rushing yardage for just the fourth time since the beginning of the 2023 season. Hall capitalized on excellent offensive line play and followed his blockers to a big fantasy day.  The only knock on his performance was that tight end Kenyon Sadiq vultured a goal line carry with a three-yard end-around for a score. Hall managed to find the paint later in the game, though, scampering untouched around the left side for six.

 

Braelon Allen (NYJ) vs. TEN: 10 Carries, 40 Yards | 1 Target

Allen served as a clear RB2, playing in a similar role to what we saw from Isaiah Davis last season. Davis was dressed but didn’t get an offensive snap, indicating that Allen has leapfrogged him on the depth chart. With a near 40% snap share and a 33% opportunity share, Allen is a fine handcuff but nothing more at the moment. With how outstanding this Jets offensive line looked though, if Hall were to miss time, I’d be all over Allen or whomever took over as the Jets’ RB1.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. ATL: 10 Carries, 46 Yards, Fumble (Lost) | 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 27 Yards

Rico Dowdle (PIT) vs. ATL: 8 Carries, 15 Yards | 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards

So what did we learn about the Steelers’ backfield after Week One? I literally have no idea what’s going on in this backfield. Warren and Dowdle alternated drives to begin the game, with Warren getting the start and then split snaps later on. Dowdle was on the field for more of the early downs (25-17), but Warren earned more carries. Similarly, Dowdle was on the field for more passing downs (13-6), but Warren ended up with more targets and receptions. Dowdle was completely ineffective in the running game while Warren averaged 4.6 yards per carry, but Warren also lost a fumble (though it didn’t seem to affect his playing time). We need more time to see this committee really shake out into defined roles. Right now, the vibes suggest Warren is in the lead, but there’s not much else to go on other than that.

 

Tennessee Titans

Tony Pollard (TEN) vs. NYJ: 7 Carries, 35 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, -1 Yard

Tyjae Spears (TEN) vs. NYJ: 3 Carries, 12 Yards | 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards

The Titans were one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL in Week One, losing at home to the New York Jets and not looking particularly competitive at any point of this game. That meant that the game script did Tony Pollard no favors as it tilted toward the passing attack, meaning that Tyjae Spears was on the field more often than his backfield mate. Pollard dominated early downs, leading the snap share, 23-13, while Spears served as the third down and two-minute drill back on nearly every opportunity. Neither back was particularly effective in their limited chances as the Titans offense looked disjointed and disorganized. In a scenario where Spears begins to outperform Pollard, it will be interesting to see if the Titans lean toward a hot hand approach or stick with the current pecking order. Right now, Pollard is the more valuable fantasy asset, but the bar is set extremely low for Spears.

NFC

Senior Writer: Benjamin Haller (@benjaminhaller1)

Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love (ARI) vs. LAC: 11 Carries, 41 Yards, TD | 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards

Welcome to the NFL, Jeremiyah Love! A brilliant start for the top rusher in rookie drafts, Love was involved early and often as he capped off an opening 11-play, 70-yard drive with a lovely run to the outside to score his first pro touchdown in his first quarter of football. Love saw his running mate, veteran Allgeier, get the start but it was a healthy split for the majority of the contest. And it was effective. His ability to run on the outside was the key takeaway as we know Allgeier is much more effective between the numbers. So, don’t expect workhorse workload from the rookie. This will be a split backfield with plenty of opportunity.

Tyler Allgeier (ARI) vs. LAC: 17 Carries, 61 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 9 Yards

Starting as the more experienced back, Allgeier led the team in carries and yards and also saw a couple of looks on routes out of the backfield. The former Falcons’ rusher was underused and under-appreciated in Atlanta, and hopefully that changes in Arizona. If this usage is to go by, then it is a promising sign. Allgeier did lose the snap count in the red zone with Love notching two of the three looks and running in for a score. Worth noting as we go through the first four weeks of the season.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson (ATL) vs. PIT: 21 Carries, 83 Yards | 10 Targets, 8 Receptions, 90 Yards, TD

173 total yards and a score was a near-perfect return for one of the top fantasy picks in drafts. The focal point of this offense, it didn’t matter that the Falcons lost two quarterbacks in the last week and had to resort to Cooper Rush as the starter. Robinson is one of the rare players who is immune to issues around him, which makes him so valuable. All his attributes were on show in a terrific 23-yard catch-and-run touchdown grab late in the first quarter, which actually served as Atlanta’s only touchdown despite Bijan running hard against a stout Steelers defensive front. He often took dump-offs behind the line and juked around multiple Steelers to turn nothing into healthy gains in the passing game.

Brian Robinson Jr. (ATL) vs. PIT: 9 Carries, 31 Yards

In comparison to the other two big-volume running backs in Week 1 (Gibbs, Swift), everyone will see this stat line and think, “just give those touches to Bijan” – and they are 100% right!

 

Carolina Panthers

Chuba Hubbard (CAR) vs. CHI: 10 Carries, 41 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 38 Yards, TD

Hubbard delivered an outstanding fantasy performance despite the loss, as this game delivered 96 total points and 1,046 total offensive yards. Hubbard caught a pass from Bryce Young to open the scoring in the first quarter before rumbling in from short yardage late in the third quarter to tie what turned out to be a thrilling contest to the end. With a number of weapons now competing for touches, Hubbard made a statement with a dynamic, versatile performance that showed why he is the fantasy asset to own in Carolina.

 

Jonathon Brooks (CAR) vs. CHI: 4 Carries, 14 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 48 Yards

Early season hype about Brooks’ role as a fantasy sleeper was curtailed quickly as Hubbard dominated the share of snaps and proved way more effective in key situations. The presence of AJ Dillon as a short-yardage option also limits Brooks’ potential at this early stage.

 

AJ Dillon (CAR) vs. CHI: 5 Carries, 28 Yards

 

Chicago Bears

D’Andre Swift (CHI) vs. CAR: 18 Carries, 124 Yards, 3 TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 10 Yards

It was a ruthless game plan from Ben Johnson, and everyone in fantasy appreciated it. We were all too low on Swift coming into the season, and his big contract extension has already been repaid with interest in this dominant performance that also left room for running mate Monangai too. Swift was aggressive, powerful, nifty, and intelligent as he executed every run with determination. His three scores were a career high on the ground, and the Panthers had no answer. The fact that he was still pounding the rock with his team up 15 with less than four minutes left in the ball game shows how serious his Bears team is.

Kyle Monangai (CHI) vs. CAR: 10 Carries, 100 Yards, TD

It wasn’t all Swift as Monangai earned a 38% carry share evenly across the game. His big 61-yard dash for his touchdown came at the end of the third quarter with the game still very much in the balance as the Panthers slugged it out with a gutsy performance. However, Monangai broke their resolve by doing what he does best, punching a hole in the heart and running through it. After seeing 169 touches in his rookie season, expect a bump in both usage and production if this sample size is to be trusted.

 

 

Dallas Cowboys

Javonte Williams (DAL) vs. NYG: 12 Carries, 41 Yards, TD | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 31 Yards, TD

A productive fantasy day for Williams overshadowed a dreadful Cowboys offensive performance in an opening week loss to the Giants. Williams hit paydirt on the ground and through the air to salvage an otherwise average effort from Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense. Williams scored a crucial 1-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter with the game on the line; however, he was held under four yards per carry as the Cowboys struggled to just 69 yards on 18 attempts (3.8 yards per carry). Williams saw significant red zone opportunities with four rushing attempts, capitalizing on one for the score, showing his value in goal-line situations. Williams caught a 17-yard score late in the game but was then called for taunting, which meant Brandon Aubrey missed the extra point and made it almost impossible for the Cowboys to win the game. So, selfish move.

 

Emari Demercado (DAL) vs. NYG: 2 Carries, 7 Yards

 

Detroit Lions

Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) vs. NOS: 29 Carries, 156 Yards, 2 TD, Fumble (Lost) | 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 30 Yards

Gibbs showed why he was one of the top picks off the board in fantasy drafts in the Lions’ thrilling (if not fortunate) 31-30 overtime win over the Saints with 34 total touches and 186 yards to go along with two 1-yard rushing touchdowns. In a game that featured over 600 passing yards, Gibbs still managed to put up huge numbers on the ground thanks to his volume. 31.10 fantasy points (in Yahoo!) in Week 1? What more can you ask! He did lose a fumble, which will have zero impact on his usage going forward, so forget I even mentioned it.

 

Sione Vaki (DET) vs. NOS: 2 Carries, 7 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 11 Yards

 

Green Bay Packers

MarShawn Lloyd (GB) vs. MIN: 13 Carries, 37 Yards | 1 Target

Yikes. We thought this might be bad without Josh Jacobs. But this bad? With a combined 20 attempts for 66 yards at a paltry 3.1 yards per carry, neither back showed anything close to NFL quality. The offensive line of Green Bay struggled mightily throughout this contest, and after the half, Jordan Love was completely overwhelmed by the Vikings defense. The Packers tried to escape through the air, negating any opportunity for Lloyd to make an impact.

 

Chris Brooks (GB) vs. MIN: 7 Carries, 29 Yards | 1 Target

It was Brooks who got the start but offered nothing on the ground, with his lone long run of 14 yards going unnoticed as his first touch of the game. After that, it was six further carries for 15 yards. Brooks disappeared after halftime alongside Lloyd.

 

Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams (LAR) vs. SF: 11 Carries, 41 Yards, TD | 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 24 Yards

It’s hard to read much into the overall performance from the moribund Rams in Melbourne after only arriving a day prior to the game and sleeping for the majority of that. Williams saved his fantasy performance by scoring the Rams’ only touchdown with a five-yard burst up the middle in the first half, but otherwise he was just about ok. The more worrying factor is the potential emergence of Corum as a viable competitor for carries. He out-carried his running mate by just one touch, but Corum did look more explosive on runs outside the zone. What is certain is that the lead back will handle all the work as a pass-catcher for the Rams. However, that wasn’t exactly used as an alternative in this game.

 

Blake Corum (LAR) vs. SF: 10 Carries, 54 Yards

An impressive showing from Corum on just 13 snaps. His ability is there, and he has threatened to break out the last few years without actually doing so. Over the second half of last season, he started to share the workload on the ground with Williams, and it looks like Sean McVay is sticking to that blueprint going into 2026. It will be interesting to see how game script affects this. Corum hardly saw a touch in the second half as the Rams fell behind quickly and waved the white flag. His limitations in the passing game and Williams’ effectiveness there make him a risky fantasy asset.

 

Ronnie Rivers (LAR) vs. SF: 5 Carries, 19 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

Do not read anything into this stat line, as the Rams waved the white flag in Melbourne with the game lost in the final quarter.

 

Minnesota Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. (MIN) vs. GB: 12 Carries, 40 Yards, TD | 1 Target

After three quarters, it looked like the Minnesota offense was stuck in the rut of last season with the quarterback position in flux, the running game struggling to find an identity, and the elite receivers searching for answers. Then everything changed, and a three-touchdown spell in the fourth quarter turned the tide for Kevin O’Connell‘s men. After Mason was the first back given the opportunity in the red zone, Jones came in after a penalty put the Vikings at the 3-yard line, and he made it count with a patient run to the outside for a score. However, the next time at the goal line, it was Mason who punched it in. Jones ended up with 43% of the offensive snaps, with 12 carries, five routes, and one target. It’s a co-starter situation in Minnesota.

 

Jordan Mason (MIN) vs. GB: 15 Carries, 59 Yards, TD

It was a near split in terms of carries with no apparent strategy beyond a take-it-in-turns approach. Mason had the slight edge with 48% of the snaps, 15 carries, five routes, but zero targets. It was Mason who made the splash play that ignited the offense – a 28-yard run that inspired the Vikings’ first touchdown in that spell in the fourth quarter that turned the tide. Mason was then rewarded with a carry at the goal line after the immense Vikings defense strip sacked Jordan Love. Mason hit pay dirt as it turned into an unlikely but happy day in the offices of the running back-by-committee movement. We love a lead back for fantasy purposes, but there is also something beautiful about a complementary tandem like Jones and Mason.

 

New Orleans Saints

Travis Etienne Jr. (NO) vs. DET: 9 Carries, 46 Yards | 9 Targets, 7 Receptions, 32 Yards

The Saints gave Etienne a lot of money to give their rush attack a renewed vigour with the injury issues around Alvin Kamara and the lack of production from Kendre Miller. In a game that the Saints could have easily won, Etienne played his part without being spectacular on the ground. He actually set a new career high in receptions as Tyler Shough attempted 56 passes as part of a big second-half comeback. Etienne was used as a chip-away receiver after the Saints found themselves down by two scores for the majority of the second half. Despite ceding carries to Miller, it was Etienne on the field in the majority of short-yardage and third-down situations.

 

Kendre Miller (NO) vs. DET: 9 Carries, 30 Yards, TD

Miller split carries with Etienne on the ground, which will surprise and annoy most fantasy managers given Miller has only been a letdown so far in his NFL career. Recording only one score in each of his past three seasons, it will only irk those who bought into Etienne that it was actually Miller who registered the team’s only rushing score of the game as he broke out to the right of the offensive line and easily beat the defender to run the ball in from eight yards in the third quarter after Etienne had converted on third down to get his team into the red zone.

 

New York Giants

Cam Skattebo (NYG) vs. DAL: 18 Carries, 81 Yards, TD

The league is just more fun with Skattebo playing in games. After his promising rookie season ended with a horrific injury, Skattebo looked pumped up and ready to contribute from the off. His aura and performance delivered in all aspects, and a determined barge for eight yards to seal the game at the end was the perfect way for him to exhibit his impact. The second-year back is cemented as the focal point of the run game, and he came up with big plays when his team was either in a hole or needed a spark. Skattebo got the Giants going with a short-yardage touchdown after a beautifully crafted 10-play, 83-yard drive in the first quarter. He also handled 70% of carries but did not see work out of the backfield in the pass game.

Devin Singletary (NYG) vs. DAL: 6 Carries, 16 Yards | 4 Targets, 4 Receptions, 22 Yards, TD

Singletary is the veteran leader on the offense and the primary option out of the backfield for Dart, who swung a pass to him on the sideline in the fourth quarter to seal the win as Singletary jogged in unopposed from nine yards out.

 

Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) vs. DAL: 2 Carries, 14 Yards, Fumble (Lost)

A bad day at the office for a man who is on the roster bubble as he fumbled away his second touch of the game in the third quarter deep in Cowboys territory. Luckily, the Giants defense bailed him out with an interception on the next drive.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Saquon Barkley (PHI) vs. WAS: 15 Carries, 83 Yards | 2 Targets, 1 Reception, -3 Yards

When you consider that 42 of Barkley’s 83-yard total came from one big run in the first half where he burst out from traffic thanks to a beautiful jump cut and streaked away before being caught by two Commanders defenders, it was a disappointing outing from the star back. Barkley (and the Eagles) looked a little stunted and scrappy throughout this season opener, and the stat line reflects that. The Eagles offensive line struggled to stop the blitz, and Barkley saw more defenders in his face than at any time in 2025. Also, the Eagles ran only one play inside the Commanders’ 10-yard line, which limited Barkley’s potential to hit the end zone. Jalen Hurts rushed seven times in this game, above his per-game average in 2025, so that is something to also monitor as the season progresses.

 

Tank Bigsby (PHI) vs. WAS: 1 Carry, 3 Yards

Will Shipley (PHI) vs. WAS: 2 Carries, 4 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 8 Yards

 

Seattle Seahawks

Jadarian Price (SEA) vs. NEP: 10 Carries, 52 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards

It was a small sample size, but it was exciting. His first carry was an explosive 13-yard run that showed off his power and speed. And his ability to cut and see lanes was immediately evident as he saw more touches through the first half. The negatives, however, were that he did not play on a single third or fourth down, and Price saw just one of the Seahawks’ three short-yardage carries in the contest. This could be a case of easing the rookie into his pro career. Or it could be that Drew Lock had to handle the majority of the snaps and the two haven’t worked together much. The big positive is opportunity. Price will be given that, and this taster feels like just the beginning.

George Holani (SEA) vs. NEP: 8 Carries, 29 Yards | 1 Target

The clear third-down back option for Seattle did his job nicely in the season opener. Holani is a specialist in pass protection so it will be interesting to see how his role is affected by Price’s impact as the season progresses. Holani isn’t likely to see more looks so his fantasy value is extremely limited.

 

Emanuel Wilson (SEA) vs. NEP: 2 Carries, 3 Yards

 

San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey (SF) vs. LAR: 10 Carries, 68 Yards | 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 20 Yards

Nobody was surprised to see CMC get the start for the 49ers in Melbourne; however, the world did take notice when Black out-touched him and out-performed him at the half as the run game looked to show the beleaguered Rams some different looks. It was reported after that Head Coach Kyle Shanahan stated that CMC had played through cramps, so that could also explain his unusual split load. And with the game effectively won late in the third quarter, Black was left to see out the game as San Francisco rightly chose to protect their star runner. Still, it was an underwhelming fantasy line, but there shouldn’t be any long-term concerns.

 

Kaelon Black (SF) vs. OPP: LAR: 14 Carries, 65 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

I was boots on the ground in Melbourne, and Black’s dynamic first-half performance certainly caught the eye in the sun at the MCG. The rookie third-round pick looked explosive in outside zone runs and bullied defenders after contact with his speed and determination. The Rams defense was noticeably “still on the plane,” but Black looked the real deal and could see a complementary role behind CMC that deserves fantasy attention.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving (TB) vs. CIN: 8 Carries, 45 Yards, TD, Fumble (Lost) | 7 Targets, 7 Receptions, 48 Yards

After a down year in 2025, Irving looked to establish his hold as the lead runner despite the offseason acquisition of Gainwell. However, he once again showed his mediocrity with a pedestrian performance, albeit against a rejuvenated Bengals defensive line. His major blunder was a first-quarter fumble on his own 33-yard line after a seven-yard catch, which the Bengals turned into a touchdown. With his team down two scores, he was primarily used out of the backfield in the second half. His touchdown at the end of the first half came after five straight pass plays to get the Bucs back into the contest. The Bengals were probably expecting a pass, and Irving took advantage, rumbling in from 10 yards out.

 

Kenny Gainwell (TB) vs. CIN: 5 Carries, 15 Yards | 1 Target, 1 Reception, 3 Yards

Somewhat surprisingly, Gainwell failed to see any sustained opportunity in this game despite Irving’s costly first-quarter fumble and his versatility as a pass-catcher. The veteran back was being talked of as a fantasy sleeper, but if he is to play second fiddle to Irving all season, then chances will be slim. Baker Mayfield also ran in for the team’s second rushing score of the day.

 

Washington Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) vs. PHI: 16 Carries, 63 Yards, TD | 1 Target, 1 Reception, -7 Yards

In a tough, narrow loss to a heavily favored division rival, the Commanders were more committed to the ground game (32 carries vs. the Eagles’ 25) and generated nine rushing first downs, but the 4.1 yards per carry hurt them, as did their inability to make an impact in the red zone. Of the seven rushing attempts inside the Eagles’ 20-yard line, only Croskey-Merritt managed to hit paydirt, and that was from one yard out. The sophomore runner ran hard but was effectively bottled up inside the numbers, with 11 of his carries failing to generate more than 3 yards. With veteran White and rookie flier Allen given 11 touches between them, it is certainly a risk to rely on Croskey-Merritt as a bona fide lead runner, a role he lost at times last year as the Commanders look for the best way to work around Jayden Daniels’ talents.

 

Rachaad White (WAS) vs. PHI: 7 Carries, 22 Yards | 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 5 Yards

The former Buccaneers veteran was the clear preferred option on third or fourth down but failed to impact the game in any significant way.

Kaytron Allen (WAS) vs. PHI: 4 Carries, 16 Yards

 

 

Series Navigation
Introduction
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

Brett Ford

Writer, Editor and Podcast host for QBList.com, Ravens fan, Cool Dad