Dynasty Fantasy Football Top Performances and News: Anthony Richardson, Bucky Irving, Xavier Worthy, Brock Bowers, Rome Odunze and More
Taking a look at some news surrounding young and promising NFL players.
Dynasty fantasy football leagues involve a lot less roster transactions than standard leagues, so there’s a lot of patience involved. Struggling players are afforded a few more weeks on rosters, especially if they are younger.
Let’s take a look at how some young and promising dynasty players fared in week 1, along with looking at any relevant news involving those players.
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Quarterback Performances
Anthony Richardson is a second-year NFL player, but was the youngest starting quarterback in week 1. He made some incredible plays and nearly led the Colts past the Texans.
Richardson only completed 9-of-19 passes, but the completions went for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw a pick. Richardson added 56 yards and a score on six rushing attempts.
I think eventually the passing will come around, and if it does, Richardson is going to be one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the league because of his rushing ability.
Caleb Williams struggled in his NFL debut. He completed 14 of his 29 passes for 93 yards, with no scores or picks. Williams added 15 yards on five rushing attempts.
The Bears somehow beat the Titans still, but Williams’ struggles possibly showed that it’ll take him some time to adjust to the league. Start a different quarterback, if you can, during that learning period.
Bryce Young was terrible in week 1, completing 13 of his 30 passes for 161 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He did rush for a touchdown on the ground.
This is a make-or-break season, in my eyes, for Young, and it got off to a rough start. His dynasty value continued to fall, and if he doesn’t get things going soon, he might lose his starting job forever.
Bo Nix also threw two picks on Sunday. He was 26-of-42, but went for only 138 yards. Nix rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown on five carries.
Much like in the case for Williams, I’d try to bench Nix until he shows he can put up even average fantasy numbers. It might take some time.
Jayden Daniels had the best showing amongst the rookie quarterbacks. He was 17-of-24 passing for 184 yards, with no scores or interceptions. Daniels rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts.
Daniels is a fantasy quarterback you can trust immediately because of his rushing ability. It might take some time for his passing to come around, but he’s capable of at least average fantasy outings every week because of his rushing ability.
Will Levis is the final QB I want to talk about. He completed 19 of his 32 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. Levis rushed for 36 yards on four attempts.
Levis made some terrible decisions, and for a player fighting for his NFL life, those aren’t going to help him. He should be given the season, or most of it, to try to right the ship, but if he doesn’t, the Titans won’t have any problem moving on after this season.
Running Back Performances
Not many rookie running backs got a lot of work in week 1.
Bucky Irving had a nice debut for Tampa Bay. He rushed nine times for 62 yards.
His dynasty value is definitely on the rise after that showing, as he looks like the RB1 of the future for the Bucs, and it might not take the entire season to take that role from Rachaad White if Irving keeps running that well.
Tank Bigsby was really only a dynasty option because he’s 23 years old and the backup to a workhorse, but he turned heads in week 1. He rushed 12 times for 73 yards.
Bigsby looked better than Travis Etienne and many are wondering if Bigsby could now take over as the team’s top back at some point this season. I’m not there yet, but Bigsby might be at least a starting option in some deeper dynasty setups this season.
I also want to hit on Kyren Williams, who had 18 carries for 50 yards and a touchdown.
Backup RB Ronnie Rivers only played seven offensive snaps, while Blake Corum didn’t get any. Those who were worried about Williams’ long-term outlook can breathe a sigh of relief for now.
Wide Receiver/Tight End Performances
Xavier Worthy made the most of his three touches in the NFL season-opening game, scoring twice. One came on the ground, while the other was through the air.
We don’t know what the Chiefs’ offense will look like at full strength, as Marquise Brown missed week 1, but Worthy is simply too dynamic to not be involved. He was a great long-term option, and will be a starting option this season too now.
Malik Nabers had a solid opening game, making five grabs on seven targets for 66 yards.
The Giants’ offense looks like it’s going to be a mess this season, but Nabers showed he’s still a decent starting option. If New York can get a franchise quarterback soon, Nabers has a chance to be one of the best fantasy options in the game.
Brock Bowers was the best rookie tight end in week 1. He went for 58 yards on six catches and eight targets.
The Raiders’ offense might not be too great this season, but there’s room for Bowers to still be fantasy relevant this season. If Davante Adams or any other offensive playmakers are traded, Bowers could really be heavily utilized.
Brian Thomas Jr. caught all four of his targets for 47 yards and a touchdown in week 1.
There’s enough pass catchers to go around in Jacksonville, but Thomas looks like he’ll be at least somewhat involved in his rookie season. His dynasty stock could rise quickly.
Jayden Reed had 138 receiving yards on four grabs and six targets in week 1, along with adding a 33-yard rushing touchdown.
The Packers have young playmakers all over the place, but Reed looked like the best of the bunch in week 1. His progress might be halted if Jordan Love misses some games, but because he can deliver as a runner and pass catcher, I like Reed over the team’s other options.
Jameson Williams is the last pass catcher I want to talk about today. He went for 121 receiving yards and a touchdown on five catches and nine targets, while adding in a 13-yard run.
Williams has all the talent in the world, but simply hasn’t been on the field enough. His dynasty stock could rise in a hurry with more strong play this season.
Dynasty Player News
Jordan Mason took full advantage of Christian McCaffrey missing week 1, and now might be in line to make another start or two. McCaffrey has Achilles tendonitis, and the Niners will likely play things very safe with the elite back.
The 25-year-old Mason could really improve his long-term value by playing well with McCaffrey out. It could lead to Mason getting a starting job with another team.
So, I’m all for adding Mason and starting him when McCaffrey is out, but Mason could also be worth stashing in case he does indeed land a starting job with another franchise.
Malik Willis is another backup who could earn himself a starting role with a strong showing or two in the coming weeks. He will start for the Packers if Jordan Love isn’t cleared.
Willis started three games for the Titans in 2022, going 1-2 in those starts. He hasn’t made a start since and looks like a career backup, but a couple big games could change that in a hurry.
He’s not one I’d feel great about starting, but I’d be fine at least stashing him to see if he excels in a starting role.
Jordan Addison is dealing with an ankle injury and dealing with “significant” soreness. The Vikings said they would be careful with their young receiver, so don’t be surprised if he misses a week or two.
With a suspension possibly looming, this season is quickly starting to look bleak for Addison. Hopefully he’s able to get back on the field soon and avoids a suspension, otherwise his long-term value will take a significant hit.
Rome Odunze is another rookie who got hurt in week 1. He has an MCL sprain and is considered week to week.
After Williams struggled in week 1, Odunze’s fantasy outlook didn’t look great, and it won’t improve if he’s not practicing or playing. I still like Odunze long term, but this injury could make him a non-factor for the 2024 season.
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