2026 Week 1 Fantasy Football Wrap-Up: Every Game

Week 1 gave us 16 final scores, several league-winning performances, and enough surprise usage to make every preseason depth chart feel temporary.

This recap covers every game from the opening slate. Player scores use PPR scoring. A low score is treated as a meaningful disappointment only when the player entered the week with a playable projection. That keeps the focus on actual misses rather than backups who were never expected to produce.

The comparison point is the final Gridiron Value Avalanche projection locked before Week 1. One game should change our understanding of a player’s role, but it should not erase the larger sample that produced the original projection.

Seahawks 13, Patriots 10

Jaxon Smith-Njigba supplied the only true fantasy ceiling in a low-scoring opener. He caught eight of 11 targets for 122 yards and a touchdown, finishing with 26.2 PPR points against a 19.1-point projection. The quarterback change did not reduce his involvement, which may be the most encouraging part of the performance. Rhamondre Stevenson also delivered a useful 14.5 points through 95 scrimmage yards and five receptions.

The quarterback results were much shakier. Sam Darnold left after producing only 0.5 points, while Drew Lock stepped in and scored 12.8. Drake Maye salvaged 9.8 points with 47 rushing yards, but three interceptions buried what had been a 19.7-point projection. A.J. Brown also finished well below expectation with three catches for 26 yards and 5.6 points.

Fantasy winners: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (8-122-1 receiving, 26.2 PPR); Rhamondre Stevenson (18-51 rushing, 5-44 receiving, 14.5); Drew Lock (187 passing yards, one TD, 13 rushing yards, 12.8)
Fantasy disappointments: Sam Darnold (13 passing yards, 0.5 PPR); Drake Maye (178 passing yards, one TD, three INTs, 47 rushing yards, 9.8); A.J. Brown (3-26 receiving, 5.6)

49ers 27, Rams 7

Brock Purdy controlled the game with 205 passing yards and three touchdowns, producing 21.1 fantasy points. Deebo Samuel added 18.0 PPR points, catching six passes and scoring once. The 49ers did not need Christian McCaffrey to carry the entire offense, and he settled for 13.8 points despite 88 scrimmage yards and five receptions.

Los Angeles never found a passing rhythm. Matthew Stafford finished with 155 yards, no touchdowns, one interception, and only 4.1 points. Puka Nacua’s nine targets became five catches for 74 yards and 12.4 points, well below his 19.7-point projection. George Kittle was the other major miss, catching two of five targets for 12 yards and 3.2 points.

Fantasy winners: Brock Purdy (205 passing yards, three TDs, 29 rushing yards, 21.1 PPR); Deebo Samuel (6-48-1 receiving, 12 rushing yards, 18.0)
Fantasy disappointments: Matthew Stafford (155 passing yards, zero TDs, one INT, 4.1 PPR); Puka Nacua (5-74 receiving, 12.4); George Kittle (2-12 receiving, 3.2)

Cardinals 26, Chargers 14

Trey McBride opened the season with a statement: nine catches, 95 yards, one touchdown, and 24.5 PPR points. He more than doubled his 12.1-point projection and looked like the centerpiece of the Cardinals’ passing game. Ladd McConkey also converted a strong role into 19.2 points, while Kendrick Bourne caught all eight of his targets for 75 yards and 15.5 points.

The Chargers’ other expected starters did not keep pace. Justin Herbert finished at 13.3 points, nearly seven below projection. Quentin Johnston caught two of six targets for 17 yards and 3.7 points. Omarion Hampton scored a touchdown but received no passing-game work, leaving him at 8.3 points against a 16.5-point projection.

Fantasy winners: Trey McBride (9-95-1 receiving, 24.5 PPR); Ladd McConkey (5-82-1, 19.2); Kendrick Bourne (8-75, 15.5)
Fantasy disappointments: Quentin Johnston (2-17 receiving, 3.7 PPR); Omarion Hampton (12-43-1 rushing, 8.3); Justin Herbert (209 passing yards, one TD, one INT, 29 rushing yards, 13.3)

Steelers 20, Falcons 13

Bijan Robinson was the game. He turned 21 carries, 10 targets, and 173 scrimmage yards into 31.3 PPR points. The receiving workload is what makes the performance especially valuable: Robinson can produce an elite week even without a rushing touchdown. Pat Freiermuth also beat expectation with five catches, 46 yards, a touchdown, and 15.6 points.

Atlanta’s passing game failed its first test. Drake London managed two catches for 29 yards and 5.5 points. Kyle Pitts drew one target, caught nothing, and scored 0.0. On the Pittsburgh side, DK Metcalf needed 10 targets to produce four catches, 40 yards, and 8.0 points. Rico Dowdle was similarly quiet with 21 scrimmage yards and 4.1 points.

Fantasy winners: Bijan Robinson (21-83 rushing, 8-90-1 receiving, 31.3 PPR); Pat Freiermuth (5-46-1 receiving, 15.6)
Fantasy disappointments: Kyle Pitts (zero catches on one target, 0.0 PPR); Drake London (2-29 receiving, six rushing yards, 5.5); DK Metcalf (4-40 receiving, 8.0); Rico Dowdle (8-15 rushing, 2-6 receiving, 4.1)

Ravens 41, Colts 23

Derrick Henry immediately answered every age-related concern. He ran 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns, added a 19-yard reception, and finished with 35.3 PPR points. Zay Flowers added 26.0 points on five catches for 150 yards and a touchdown. Lamar Jackson scored 25.0, while Jonathan Taylor kept Indianapolis competitive with 121 scrimmage yards, two touchdowns, and 25.1 points.

There were few true fantasy failures in such a productive game. Daniel Jones was the largest miss among projected starters, scoring 9.0 points with 166 passing yards and an interception. Josh Downs caught two passes for 37 yards and 5.7 points. The Colts’ peripheral passing options were usable only in deeper formats.

Fantasy winners: Derrick Henry (24-144-3 rushing, 1-19 receiving, 35.3 PPR); Zay Flowers (5-150-1 receiving, 26.0); Jonathan Taylor (19-98-2 rushing, 3-23 receiving, 25.1); Lamar Jackson (324 passing yards, one passing TD, 40 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 25.0)
Fantasy disappointments: Daniel Jones (166 passing yards, one TD, one INT, 9.0 PPR); Josh Downs (2-37 receiving, 5.7)

Bills 36, Texans 31

Josh Allen produced the elite quarterback week fantasy managers drafted him for. He threw for 334 yards and two scores, ran for two more, and finished with 35.7 points, more than 16 above projection. David Montgomery scored three touchdowns on his way to 28.9 PPR points. Nico Collins delivered 21.2, and DJ Moore reached 21.0 with 100 receiving yards and a touchdown.

James Cook was the most notable quiet name, producing 69 scrimmage yards and 9.9 points in a game where Buffalo scored 36. Dalton Schultz received eight targets but turned them into 35 yards and 7.5 points. Woody Marks also fell below expectation at 5.0 points.

Fantasy winners: Josh Allen (334 passing yards, two passing TDs, 23 rushing yards, two rushing TDs, 35.7 PPR); David Montgomery (20-60-2 rushing, 3-19-1 receiving, 28.9); Nico Collins (7-75-1 receiving, 21.2); DJ Moore (5-100-1 receiving, 21.0)
Fantasy disappointments: James Cook (13-57 rushing, 3-12 receiving, 9.9 PPR); Dalton Schultz (4-35 receiving, 7.5); Woody Marks (9-42 rushing, one catch for minus-two yards, 5.0)

Bears 59, Panthers 37

This was the fantasy eruption of the week. Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns, then added 65 rushing yards and two more scores for 37.3 fantasy points. Jalen Coker caught eight of nine targets for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and 33.8 PPR points. D’Andre Swift scored three rushing touchdowns and finished with 32.4, while Bryce Young answered with 361 passing yards, four total touchdowns, and 31.4.

Almost everyone with a meaningful role scored, but Colston Loveland was the glaring exception. He caught none of his two targets and finished at 0.0 against an 11.4-point projection. Rome Odunze produced 7.2 points, and Tetairoa McMillan’s five catches for 75 yards resulted in a merely adequate 10.5 in a 96-point game.

Fantasy winners: Caleb Williams (269 passing yards, two passing TDs, 65 rushing yards, two rushing TDs, 37.3 PPR); Jalen Coker (8-138-2 receiving, 33.8); D’Andre Swift (18-124-3 rushing, 1-10 receiving, 32.4); Bryce Young (361 passing yards, three passing TDs, 10 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 31.4)
Fantasy disappointments: Colston Loveland (zero catches on two targets, 0.0 PPR); Rome Odunze (2-52 receiving, 7.2)

Jaguars 34, Browns 10

Trevor Lawrence threw four touchdowns without an interception and finished with 26.1 fantasy points. Parker Washington converted six targets into five catches, 83 yards, a score, and 19.3 PPR points. Denzel Boston was the deep surprise, turning two catches into 59 yards, a touchdown, and 13.9 points.

Cleveland offered little dependable production. Jerry Jeudy caught two passes for 26 yards and 4.6 points. Harold Fannin Jr. finished with 4.1, and Quinshon Judkins needed 14 touches to reach 7.0. Chris Rodriguez Jr. scored only 2.3 points. The Browns’ offensive environment, not just one individual result, was the concern.

Fantasy winners: Trevor Lawrence (245 passing yards, four TDs, 26.1 PPR); Parker Washington (5-83-1 receiving, 19.3); Denzel Boston (2-59-1 receiving, 13.9)
Fantasy disappointments: Jerry Jeudy (2-26 receiving, 4.6 PPR); Harold Fannin Jr. (2-21 receiving, 4.1); Quinshon Judkins (12-33 rushing, 2-17 receiving, 7.0)

Giants 28, Cowboys 20

Jaxson Dart looked comfortable immediately, throwing three touchdowns and adding 54 rushing yards for 26.6 fantasy points. Isaiah Likely caught all eight of his targets, scored twice, and finished with 27.8 PPR points. Javonte Williams added two touchdowns and five receptions for 24.2 points.

The down side was severe. Tyrone Tracy Jr. finished at -0.6 points, more than 13 below projection. George Pickens managed three catches for 28 yards and 5.8 points. Jake Ferguson caught two passes for six yards and 2.6 points. CeeDee Lamb scored and reached 15.4, but his 44 receiving yards kept the result from becoming a true ceiling game.

Fantasy winners: Isaiah Likely (8-78-2 receiving, 27.8 PPR); Jaxson Dart (230 passing yards, three TDs, 54 rushing yards, 26.6); Javonte Williams (12-41-1 rushing, 5-31-1 receiving, 24.2)
Fantasy disappointments: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (2-14 rushing, -0.6 PPR); George Pickens (3-28 receiving, 5.8); Jake Ferguson (2-6 receiving, 2.6)

Vikings 39, Packers 22

Christian Watson produced one of Week 1’s biggest ceiling games with six catches, 147 yards, two touchdowns, and 32.7 PPR points. Justin Jefferson answered with eight catches, 92 yards, two touchdowns, and 31.2. Jordan Love threw for 387 yards and scored 19.5, while Carson Wentz tossed three touchdowns in relief and reached 19.2.

The Packers’ volume did not reach everyone. Jayden Reed caught three of seven targets for 20 yards and 5.0 points. Aaron Jones scored a touchdown but caught no passes and finished with 10.0. Kyler Murray’s appearance ended after 18 passing yards, an interception, and -0.4 points, making him the largest projected miss in the game.

Fantasy winners: Christian Watson (6-147-2 receiving, 32.7 PPR); Justin Jefferson (8-92-2 receiving, 31.2); Jordan Love (387 passing yards, two TDs, one INT, 19.5)
Fantasy disappointments: Kyler Murray (18 passing yards, one INT, nine rushing yards, -0.4 PPR); Jayden Reed (3-20 receiving, 5.0); Aaron Jones (12-40-1 rushing, zero catches, 10.0)

Raiders 27, Dolphins 13

Ashton Jeanty looked every bit like a franchise back. He handled 23 carries, caught all six of his targets, scored twice through the air, and totaled 32.7 PPR points. Caleb Douglas delivered the unexpected receiving line with five catches for 94 yards and 14.4 points.

Miami’s expected centerpiece never found a ceiling. De’Von Achane finished with 66 scrimmage yards, four catches, and 10.6 points, nearly 12 below projection. Malik Washington caught three of eight targets for 6.3, while Tre Tucker produced 4.7 for Las Vegas. The Raiders won comfortably without needing a large passing total.

Fantasy winners: Ashton Jeanty (23-102 rushing, 6-45-2 receiving, 32.7 PPR); Caleb Douglas (5-94 receiving, 14.4)
Fantasy disappointments: De’Von Achane (11-36 rushing, 4-30 receiving, 10.6 PPR); Malik Washington (3-53 receiving, 6.3); Tre Tucker (2-27 receiving, 4.7)

Lions 31, Saints 30 (OT)

Jahmyr Gibbs received a true workhorse load: 29 carries, five catches, 186 scrimmage yards, two touchdowns, and 33.6 PPR points. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 10 passes and scored twice for 28.7. Chris Olave was equally impressive with 10 catches for 182 yards and 28.2, while Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns on his way to 23.2.

Jameson Williams was the clear miss in a game full of offense. Nine targets produced four catches, 45 yards, and 8.5 points. Jared Goff’s two touchdowns kept him at 16.4, but 206 passing yards left him below projection. Sam LaPorta caught five passes for 48 yards and finished at 9.8.

Fantasy winners: Jahmyr Gibbs (29-156-2 rushing, 5-30 receiving, 33.6 PPR); Amon-Ra St. Brown (10-67-2 receiving, 28.7); Chris Olave (10-182 receiving, 28.2); Tyler Shough (410 passing yards, three TDs, two INTs, 23.2)
Fantasy disappointments: Jameson Williams (4-45 receiving, 8.5 PPR); Sam LaPorta (5-48 receiving, 9.8)

Jets 23, Titans 10

Breece Hall handled 22 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown, adding two catches to finish with 19.8 PPR points. Garrett Wilson was steady rather than explosive, catching six of seven targets for 79 yards and 13.9. Kenyon Sadiq supplied the surprise touchdown and scored 11.4 points.

Tennessee’s backfield was the major fantasy problem. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears each scored 4.4 points, combining for only 58 scrimmage yards. Geno Smith threw for 215 yards with no touchdowns and finished at 9.3, while Cam Ward reached only 11.7. The low total matched an offense that never threatened a useful fantasy environment.

Fantasy winners: Breece Hall (22-102-1 rushing, 2-16 receiving, 19.8 PPR); Garrett Wilson (6-79 receiving, 13.9); Kenyon Sadiq (3-21 receiving, three rushing yards and one rushing TD, 11.4)
Fantasy disappointments: Tony Pollard (7-35 rushing, one catch for minus-one yard, 4.4 PPR); Tyjae Spears (3-12 rushing, 2-12 receiving, 4.4); Geno Smith (215 passing yards, zero TDs, seven rushing yards, 9.3)

Bengals 33, Buccaneers 27

Bucky Irving turned eight carries and seven catches into 20.3 PPR points, using receiving volume to overcome a modest rushing workload. Chase Brown scored and caught five passes for 18.8, while Mike Gesicki delivered the position-winning surprise with five catches, 78 yards, a touchdown, and 18.8.

Ja’Marr Chase was the shock of the game. He caught two of four targets for 12 yards and 3.2 points, more than 15 below projection. Tee Higgins finished at 8.9, and Joe Burrow’s 254 yards and one touchdown yielded only 14.2. Baker Mayfield scored 11.6 after failing to throw a touchdown.

Fantasy winners: Bucky Irving (8-45-1 rushing, 7-48 receiving, 20.3 PPR); Chase Brown (16-56-1 rushing, 5-22 receiving, 18.8); Mike Gesicki (5-78-1 receiving, 18.8)
Fantasy disappointments: Ja’Marr Chase (2-12 receiving, 3.2 PPR); Tee Higgins (3-59 receiving, 8.9); Baker Mayfield (216 passing yards, zero passing TDs, 30 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 11.6)

Eagles 24, Commanders 22

Jalen Hurts supplied three passing touchdowns and 46 rushing yards for 24.7 fantasy points. Dallas Goedert caught four passes for 77 yards and two touchdowns, producing 23.7 PPR points. Jayden Daniels kept Washington close with two passing scores and 31 rushing yards, finishing at 17.7. Antonio Williams added 16.4 on only four targets.

Terry McLaurin was the largest miss, catching two passes for 14 yards and 3.4 points. DeVonta Smith reached only 8.3 despite six targets. Saquon Barkley ran for 83 yards but lost receiving yardage and did not score, leaving him at 9.0. The rushing efficiency was fine; the missing touchdown and passing work were not.

Fantasy winners: Jalen Hurts (203 passing yards, three TDs, 46 rushing yards, 24.7 PPR); Dallas Goedert (4-77-2 receiving, 23.7); Jayden Daniels (164 passing yards, two TDs, 31 rushing yards, 17.7)
Fantasy disappointments: Terry McLaurin (2-14 receiving, 3.4 PPR); DeVonta Smith (3-53 receiving, 8.3); Saquon Barkley (15-83 rushing, one catch for minus-three yards, 9.0)

Chiefs 31, Broncos 10

Kenneth Walker III closed Week 1 with 173 rushing yards, two total touchdowns, three catches, and 34.1 PPR points. Patrick Mahomes added three total touchdowns and 21.7 fantasy points. Evan Engram caught a touchdown and finished with 14.3, while Travis Kelce turned three catches into 71 yards and 10.1.

Denver’s passing game collapsed. Bo Nix threw for 131 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, scoring 5.4 points against a 17.3-point projection. Courtland Sutton caught two passes for 11 yards and 3.1. Jaylen Waddle was even quieter with one catch for two yards and 1.2 points. Xavier Worthy finished with 4.8 on six targets.

Fantasy winners: Kenneth Walker III (23-173-1 rushing, 3-18-1 receiving, 34.1 PPR); Patrick Mahomes (184 passing yards, two passing TDs, 23 rushing yards, one rushing TD, 21.7); Evan Engram (4-43-1 receiving, 14.3)
Fantasy disappointments: Bo Nix (131 passing yards, one TD, one INT, two rushing yards, 5.4 PPR); Jaylen Waddle (1-2 receiving, 1.2); Courtland Sutton (2-11 receiving, 3.1)

The Week 1 fantasy scoreboard

The largest performances came from Caleb Williams (37.3), Josh Allen (35.7), Derrick Henry (35.3), Kenneth Walker III (34.1), Jalen Coker (33.8), Jahmyr Gibbs (33.6), Ashton Jeanty (32.7), and Christian Watson (32.7).

The most damaging misses among expected starters were Ja’Marr Chase (3.2), Bo Nix (5.4), Colston Loveland (0.0), Matthew Stafford (4.1), Drake London (5.5), Terry McLaurin (3.4), Jaylen Waddle (1.2), and Kyle Pitts (0.0).

The best Week 1 takeaway is not to chase every touchdown. Volume gives the performance staying power. Smith-Njigba’s 11 targets, Robinson’s 10 targets, Gibbs’ 34 opportunities, Jeanty’s 29 touches, Olave’s 13 targets, and McBride’s 13 targets matter more for future decisions than the final score alone.

Use the weekly projection board to see how those roles changed the Week 2 outlook, and compare the new forecast with the locked Week 1 numbers in Model Proof.

Five Week 2 matchups worth watching

Lions at Bills: the slate’s biggest scoring environment

The market total sits at 53.5, the highest of Week 2, after both teams supported multiple fantasy starters in the opener. Avalanche projects Josh Allen for 20.4 points, Amon-Ra St. Brown for 15.2, and Jahmyr Gibbs for 14.2. The interesting question is whether Buffalo can force Detroit into another aggressive script, or whether the Bills control the game and limit the Lions’ total possession count.

Commanders at Cowboys: two quarterbacks with ceiling paths

Washington-Dallas carries a 50.5 total and gives both quarterbacks multiple ways to score. Dak Prescott is projected for 18.9 points, Jayden Daniels for 16.4, and CeeDee Lamb for 16.5. Daniels’ rushing ability keeps his ceiling alive even if Dallas controls the ball, while Prescott gets a direct chance to rebound from the Week 1 loss.

Vikings at Bears: can the Week 1 explosions survive?

Caleb Williams and Justin Jefferson were two of the opening week’s biggest winners. Williams now projects for 16.8 points with a broad 3.3-to-29.8 outcome range, while Jefferson sits at 12.9 after his two-touchdown opener. The 48.5 game total gives both offenses room, but this matchup should tell us whether Chicago’s 59-point eruption created a new baseline or a one-week ceiling.

Bengals at Texans: the Ja’Marr Chase response game

Chase’s four-target opener was one of Week 1’s clearest failures, but Avalanche immediately returns him to 18.9 projected points, the WR2 range for the week. Joe Burrow projects for 16.0, Nico Collins for 14.3, and the game total is 46.5. The result matters, but Chase’s target count may be the single most important usage number in this matchup.

Giants at Rams: Monday night is loaded with fantasy questions

Puka Nacua leads the entire Week 2 model at 22.0 projected PPR points, with Matthew Stafford at 18.3 and Kyren Williams at 16.8. On the other side, Jaxson Dart projects for 14.3 after scoring 26.6 in his opener. The model expects Los Angeles to recover, but another efficient Dart performance would quickly change how the Giants’ offense is valued.

The complete slate and updated ranges are available on the Week 2 projection board. The official NFL Week 2 schedule lists kickoff times and broadcast information.

Final game scores were verified against the official NFL Week 1 scoreboard. Fantasy totals and pregame expectations come from Gridiron Value’s finalized Week 1 PPR data and Avalanche projection run 221.