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
What We Saw 3 Hours Ago
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Introduction
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

AFC

Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews (BAL) vs. IND: 6 Targets, 4 Receptions, 49 Yards

Matthew Hibner (BAL) vs. IND: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 13 Yards

Durham Smythe (BAL) vs. IND: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

With Isaiah Likely departing for the New York Giants, many expected Mark Andrews to take on a larger role in the passing game, and for the most part, he delivered. Andrews saw a solid snap share and route participation and tied for the team lead in targets with Zay Flowers, who left the game early with a hamstring injury. Should Flowers miss time, Andrews should see an increased target share with very few other reliable receiving options on the team. As of right now, Andrews is an every-week starter at TE.

 

Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid (BUF) vs. HOU: 6 Targets, 5 Receptions, 130 Yards

Dawson Knox (BUF) vs. HOU: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards

One of the most efficient tight ends in the league, Dalton Kincaid had a tough test against the Texans’ defense in Week 1. He reeled in a great catch in the second quarter and continued to build from there, getting chunk plays in crucial moments to keep the Bills moving en route to an impressive victory in Houston. Kincaid has been rumored to see an increased snap share this season, and sure enough, he was on the field for nearly 75% of Buffalo’s snaps in Week 1. If this trend continues, Kincaid could be in for a huge season. Kincaid gets the porous Lions defense in Week 2 and should be ranked as a top-five option for the week.

 

Cincinnati Bengals

Mike Gesicki (CIN) vs. TB: 7 Targets, 5 Receptions, 78 Yards, TD

Drew Sample (CIN) vs. TB: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 19 Yards

Tanner Hudson (CIN) vs. TB: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 4 Yards

You know football is back when you look up from your couch to see Mike Gesicki performing the most despicable griddy known to man. He was missed on another attempt near the end of the first half. The result is impressive for Gesicki, but it’s important to note that he was only on the field for about 30% of snaps. When combined with underwhelming stat lines for the team’s dynamic duo at receiver, we may have already seen Gesicki’s best game of the season from a fantasy standpoint. He should not be a priority in your waiver-wire claims this week.

 

Cleveland Browns

Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) vs. JAX: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 21 Yards

Blake Whiteheart. (CLE) vs. JAX: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 14 Yards

It was an unmitigated disaster for the Browns in Jacksonville, and not even standout second-year tight end Harold Fannin Jr. was spared from the results of Deshaun Watson‘s terrible quarterback play. What’s worse is that Fannin was out-targeted by the Browns’ two rookie receivers, KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. While it was overall a disappointing first game for Fannin, it might be a good time to buy low or add him if a frustrated manager drops him. Per PFF’s Nathan Jahnke, Fannin was on the field for the vast majority of 12 personnel and third-down snaps, meaning he’s at least on the field for high-value opportunities. A change at QB would improve his outlook, but we know Fannin is talented enough to have spike weeks. Blake Whiteheart caught the first pass of the season from Watson and was never heard from again.

 

Houston Texans

Dalton Schultz (HOU) vs. BUF: 8 Targets, 4 Receptions, 35 Yards

Marlin Klein (HOU) vs. BUF: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 16 Yards

Foster Moreau (HOU) vs. BUF: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 15 Yards

Cade Stover (HOU) vs. BUF: 1 Target, 1 Reception, -2 Yards

The most Dalton Schultz stat line to have ever Dalton Schultzed, except for perhaps a few more targets than we’re used to. Schultz is the definition of a bye-week fill-in that you hope finds the end zone, but he’s rarely going to be an exciting starting option. This is more of the same that we’re used to seeing, for better or for worse.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Tyler Warren (IND) vs. BAL: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 13 Yards, TD

Drew Ogletree (IND) vs. BAL: 1 Target, 0 Receptions

Tyler Warren salvaged his fantasy day with a garbage-time touchdown but was otherwise quiet in a day the Colts struggled to get anything going through the air, even while playing from behind the entire day. Warren was nonetheless heavily involved in terms of snaps played, routes run, and targets, so he should stay in your lineups for now unless you have a more appealing option like Dalton Kincaid for when the Colts travel to Kansas City in Week 2.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

Brenton Strange (JAX) vs. CLE: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 23 Yards, TD

Nate Boerkircher (JAX) vs. CLE: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards

Quintin Morris (JAX) vs. CLE: 1 Target, 0 Receptions

Brenton Strange tied with Brian Thomas Jr. for second on the team in targets and was the recipient of Trevor Lawrence‘s third touchdown pass of the first half. Second-round pick Nate Boerkircher didn’t make a splash in the box score, but he was drafted to be a blocking tight end rather than a receiving threat. Strange is widely available in fantasy leagues, and even if he isn’t worth an add just yet, keep an eye on his usage to see if his red zone role remains.

 

Las Vegas Raiders

Michael Mayer (LVR) vs. MIA: 7 Targets, 6 Receptions, 32 Yards

For as long as Brock Bowers is sidelined (which may only be this week), Michael Mayer will be a serviceable tight end streamer. He paced the Raiders in targets and was the most productive receiver for Las Vegas not named Ashton Jeanty. It’s easy to forget that Mayer was touted as a highly athletic prospect when he came into the league since a generational draft pick followed him the next year, but Kirk Cousins and/or Fernando Mendoza are likely the best quarterbacks he’s had in his career. When Bowers returns, however, Mayer should retreat to your bench (but hold him if you can).

 

Los Angeles Chargers

Oronde Gadsden (LAC) vs. ARI: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 32 Yards

David Njoku (LAC) vs. ARI: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 58 Yards

This tight end room is going to be nearly impossible to predict on a week-to-week basis. Charlie Kolar is listed as the team’s TE1, but it was TE2 David Njoku who paced this group in receiving. Oronde Gadsden had some moments in 2025, and he made the most of his limited opportunities in this contest, but none of this group should be rostered, let alone started, for fantasy purposes unless we see consistent patterns emerge. A sample size of one game is not enough to recommend adding Njoku.

 

Miami Dolphins

Greg Dulcich (MIA) vs. LV: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards

Will Kacmarek (MIA) vs. LV: 1 Target, 0 Receptions

In the same way that Trey McBride is a no-doubt starter every week, the Dolphins TEs are firm sits. Don’t think about this group more than you have to.

 

New England Patriots

Hunter Henry (NE) vs. SEA: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 26 Yards

Eli Raridon (NE) vs. SEA: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 2 Yards, TD

Just as we all expected, the first touchdown of the 2026 NFL season went to … Eli Raridon?!? A cool moment for the rookie, but not much to write home about in non-dynasty leagues, as he only ran 10 routes compared to Hunter Henry‘s 25. Speaking of Henry, it may be an underwhelming stat line, but he may see an increased role while A.J. Brown heals from his high ankle sprain. He’s a sneaky target in free agency if you need a speculative add at TE.

 

New York Jets

Kenyon Sadiq (NYJ) vs. TEN: 3 Targets, 3 Receptions, 21 Yards | 1 Carry, 3 Yards, TD

Mason Taylor (NYJ) vs. TEN: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, -2 Yards

Kenyon Sadiq missed out on preseason action while tending to a groin injury, and although Mason Taylor was on the field more often, Sadiq showed why he’s already the preferred fantasy option in this group. The hyper-athletic rookie took an end-around into the end zone for his first career touchdown to open up the scoring in this contest and showed plenty of burst and power in the process. If the Jets can … somehow … continue to get Sadiq involved in creative ways, he could become a fantasy-viable tight end this season. If you have the bench space, he could be worth a speculative add in deeper leagues.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pat Freiermuth (PIT) vs. ATL: 5 Targets, 5 Receptions, 46 Yards, TD

Darnell Washington (PIT) vs. ATL: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 18 Yards

Muuuuuuth! It’s easy to forget that Pat Freiermuth was once viewed as an up-and-coming tight end, but inept QB play and crowded TE rooms have made that time feel like a distant memory. It seemed like the Steelers were intentional on making Freiermuth more involved, especially in the red zone, and Muth might be worth a look as a streamer when bye weeks roll around. We’ll keep an eye on this usage, and if it continues, he could enter weekly starter consideration. Darnell Washington still gets my vote for my favorite play from this group on Sunday, though. Please enjoy the following stiff arm:

 

Tennessee Titans

Gunnar Helm (TEN) vs. NYJ: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 28 Yards

Daniel Bellinger (TEN) vs. NYJ: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 7 Yards

A truly abysmal game for the Titans was felt in all stages of the offense. I’m a big believer in Gunnar Helm, and it was encouraging to see him thorougly outpace Daniel Bellinger as the team’s TE1, but that won’t matter if Cam Ward and the rest of the Titans’ offense can’t figure out a way to push the ball downfield. We’re still in the wait and see (and pray) stage here.

 

NFC

Arizona Cardinals

Trey McBride (ARI) vs. LAC: 13 Targets, 9 Receptions, 95 Yards, TD

Death, taxes, and Trey McBride being an elite fantasy tight end. McBride looked every bit as good as he did when he finished 2025 as the TE1 overall, dominating target share and making a stingy Chargers defense look silly. You truly don’t need me here — just plug him into your lineup every week and reap the benefits.

 

Atlanta Falcons

Kyle Pitts Sr. (ATL) vs. PIT: 1 Target, 0 Receptions

“Someone once told me, ‘Time is a flat circle.’ Everything we’ve ever done or will do, we’re gonna do over and over and over again.” — Rust Cohle

It feels like a cruel joke by the Fantasy Gods until you remember that Cooper Rush was under center on the road in Pittsburgh. Rush did miss Pitts over the middle for what would have been a big gain, but the lone target in a game Atlanta trailed all day in was not encouraging. It’s hard to say if things will be much better with Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. at quarterback, but things quite literally cannot get worse.

 

Carolina Panthers

Tommy Tremble (CAR) vs. CHI: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 25 Yards

Darren Waller (CAR) vs. CHI: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 28 Yards

The first Carolina touchdown of the season went to Darren Waller! … until it didn’t. Offensive pass interference on the veteran negated the score, and he finished the day with a modest 28 yards. Waller played 14 fewer snaps than Tommy Tremble, but both ran 18 routes, meaning Waller is primarily being utilized on passing downs and may evolve into the best tight end to roster on this team if his role increases. Still, the best tight end on the Panthers is unlikely to be a useful fantasy asset. Monitor Waller’s role, but leave Tremble and the rest on waivers.

 

Chicago Bears

Colston Loveland (CHI) vs. CAR: 2 Targets, 0 Receptions

Cole Kmet (CHI) vs. CAR: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 35 Yards, TD

This summer has been full of hype for Colston Loveland, so naturally, he was completely held out of the box score in a game where the Bears scored a whopping 59 points. Instead, it was Cole Kmet who found the end zone on a gorgeous throw from Caleb Williams. Loveland did get an end zone target later in the contest but was unable to bring it in.

Let’s remind ourselves: this is Week 1 of a 14-game regular season for fantasy football. The results for Loveland are truly disappointing, especially within the context of this offensive explosion. But from Weeks 9-18 in 2025, Loveland was the TE2 in PPR formats. If Loveland’s manager is panicking after one week, it’s a great time to swoop in with a trade offer.

 

Dallas Cowboys

Jake Ferguson (DAL) vs. NYG: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 6 Yards

Brevyn Spann-Ford (DAL) vs. NYG: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards

Luke Schoonmaker (DAL) vs. NYG: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 12 Yards

The Cowboys’ offense was largely abysmal on Sunday night, and Jake Ferguson was not spared by Dak Prescott‘s poor QB play. He almost found the end zone on a short goal-to-go situation, but a nice tackle from the Giants defense kept him from hitting paydirt. Ferguson should be close to the TE1/2 borderline most weeks, but he’ll likely have to find the end zone to return value. That won’t happen often if the Cowboys’ top two receivers are on the field.

 

Detroit Lions

Sam LaPorta (DET) vs. NO: 8 Targets, 5 Receptions, 48 Yards

Brock Wright (DET) vs. NO: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 5 Yards

It’s an encouraging day from a volume standpoint for Sam LaPorta, who essentially matched Jameson Williams as the Lions’ top target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. It’s no secret that offensive coordinator Drew Petzing worked wonders with Trey McBride while in Arizona, so the 2023 TE1 could be poised for a big season. It’s worth mentioning that LaPorta was dealing with a hip injury during the preseason, so his usage could increase further as he gets healthier.

 

Green Bay Packers

Tucker Kraft (GB) vs. MIN: 6 Targets, 3 Receptions, 65 Yards

Jonnu Smith (GB) vs. MIN: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 50 Yards

If there were any doubts about Tucker Kraft‘s ability to handle a full workload to begin the season, those should be all but silenced. Kraft played approximately two-thirds of snaps for the Packers and made a couple of great grabs en route to a respectable Week 1 stat line. He should be in your lineups every week without hesitation moving forward. Jonnu Smith, meanwhile, is a great depth piece for the Packers at TE but is not a worthwhile fantasy option.

 

Los Angeles Rams

Colby Parkinson (LAR) vs. SF: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 6 Yards

Tyler Higbee (LAR) vs. SF: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards

Davis Allen (LAR) vs. SF: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 13 Yards

Terrance Ferguson (LAR) vs. SF: 1 Target, 0 Receptions

FOUR tight ends received a target in this blowout, with the most exciting option, Terrance Ferguson, failing to bring in his lone target. While this feels like a game you can throw out with the Rams’ strange approach to playing a game in Australia, it doesn’t feel like any of these tight ends should be rostered, let alone started, for the time being.

 

Minnesota Vikings

T.J. Hockenson (MIN) vs. GB: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 36 Yards, TD

Josh Oliver (MIN) vs. GB: 4 Targets, 2 Receptions, 22 Yards

The last two years have been rough for T.J. Hockenson after suffering an ACL-MCL injury in 2024 and having No. 9 as his QB for much of 2025. While Sunday’s stat line wasn’t eye popping, it was still a step in the right direction for Hock. He doesn’t have the same speed or explosiveness that made him an elite tight end, but with better QB play, he could return to startable status.

 

New Orleans Saints

Juwan Johnson (NO) vs. DET: 7 Targets, 3 Receptions, 54 Yards, TD

Noah Fant (NO) vs. DET: 8 Targets, 4 Receptions, 33 Yards, TD

Juwan Johnson was completely held out of the box score until a minute left in the game, when he scored the game-tying touchdown to send the game into overtime. He nearly had a second game-tying score in overtime, but the ball was knocked out of his hands, and Noah Fant scored on the very next play. Though Fant out-targeted Johnson, the latter should be the preferable fantasy option based on his track record and familiarity with Kellen Moore‘s system. Johnson should be on the TE1-2 borderline most weeks, especially while Jordyn Tyson is out.

 

New York Giants

Isaiah Likely (NYG) vs. DAL: 8 Targets, 8 Receptions, 78 Yards, 2 TD

Theo Johnson (NYG) vs. DAL: 1 Target, 1 Reception, 9 Yards

Oh man, does it feel like the Isaiah Likely breakout is truly happening or what? Likely was a favorite target of Jaxson Dart in the first half, finding him for chunk plays and capping the first-half scoring with a beautiful pass to the back of the end zone. Dart found his new favorite toy again for a second score later in the contest. Likely was reeling in everything thrown his way, making impressive catch after impressive catch. If he can maintain this kind of usage, he has the potential to finish as a top five tight end.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Goedert (PHI) vs. WAS: 5 Targets, 4 Receptions, 77 Yards, 2 TD

Dallas Goedert reeled in a career-high 11 touchdowns in 2025, and while it felt unlikely he would replicate that performance in 2026, we may need to recalibrate our expectations after an excellent Week 1 performance. Goedert caught two touchdowns, the second of which was a catch-and-run where he diced the Commanders’ secondary and tumbled into the end zone. The Eagles still won’t be a high-volume passing offense, but targets in this team are concentrated, and Goedert has a huge role where scoring opportunities are considered. He should remain in your lineups against the Titans in Week 2.

 

Seattle Seahawks

AJ Barner (SEA) vs. NE: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 13 Yards

There isn’t a fantasy-viable tight end in Seattle, though AJ Barner is the man to roster if you’re in a super-deep league. Barner does have a small wrinkle of extra appeal as the team’s designated tush push option, but that doesn’t magically turn him into a weekly option. He can safely be left on waivers for now, especially with Sam Darnold slated to miss time.

 

San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle (SF) vs. LAR: 5 Targets, 2 Receptions, 12 Yards

Luke Farrell (SF) vs. LAR: 2 Targets, 2 Receptions, 19 Yards

George Kittle understandably had modest production after suffering an Achilles injury last season, so he clearly isn’t 100% just yet. He was on the field for just under 50% of snaps, while his normal workload tends to be above 75%. Kittle should be a solid TE1 for most of the season, but until his route participation increases, it might be wise to see what options are available on the waiver wire.

Jake Tonges was also injured in the first half during this contest, meaning Luke Farrell is the next man up if Tonges is forced to miss time. He won’t be an appealing fantasy option as long as Kittle is on the field.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cade Otton (TB) vs. CIN: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 26 Yards

In a crowded receiver room on a team with multiple pass-catching backs, there won’t be very many weeks that Cade Otton is fantasy-viable. If there’s one positive to take from this week, it’s that he was on the field for all but one snap. Still, this performance is about what you can expect most weeks. Otton should remain on waivers.

 

Washington Commanders

Chig Okonkwo (WAS) vs. PHI: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 16 Yards

John Bates (WAS) vs. PHI: 3 Targets, 2 Receptions, 13 Yards

The Chig Okonkwo breakout is on hold, at least for now. Okonkwo was outpaced by three Commanders recievers in targets, including rookie Antonio Williams. Okonkwo is best left on waivers for the time being.

Series Navigation
Introduction
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends

Brett Ford

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