Fantasy Football: 10 biggest reactions to NFL Week 1

• Kyren Williams and Kenneth Gainwell lead their teams: Most backfields had a predictable leader, but the Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles surprised many fantasy managers in Week 1.

• Several big-name receivers ran a surprisingly low number of routes: Multiple receivers didn’t play as much as usual, which could be a sign of things to come.

• Chigoziem Okonkwo plays an every-down role: The Titans’ tight end received the playing time every fantasy manager was hopeful for, just without as many targets.

Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

PFF's fantasy football recap focuses on player usage and stats, breaking down all the vital information you need to achieve fantasy success in 2023. Here, we touch on only players who are relevant in fantasy football leagues.

These are my 10 biggest reactions to the games from the Sunday slate. To get a more in-depth breakdown, check out my full Sunday recap.

J.K. Dobbins suffers an Achilles injury: Coach John Harbaugh confirmed after the game that Dobbins tore his Achilles, which will likely cost Dobbins the rest of his season.

• Dobbins had dominated offensive snaps in the first half, playing 23-of-29 snaps. He hadn’t played more than 50% of Baltimore's offensive snaps in a game since 2020 and never more than 66%. This could have been his best offensive snap rate had he not suffered his injury.
• Gus Edwards was the second running back to play an offensive snap, but Justice Hill also received early-down snaps in the first quarter.
• The Ravens used both Hill and Edwards significantly after the injury.
• We can expect Edwards to lead the team in carries going forward but only with a slight edge over Hill, who will be used more in passing situations.
• It’s certainly possible the Ravens look elsewhere for another running back, but it might not be that likely considering how long both Hill and Edwards have been on the team.
• Melvin Gordon III is on the practice squad, will likely be elevated to the active roster and play at least a few snaps each week going forward.
• Keaton Mitchell was an undrafted rookie with a lot of hype. He’s on injured reserve now, but he could be back as soon as Week 4.
• Hill and Edwards are worth waiver wire pickups if you’re looking for a running back sooner rather than later, as either could be a fantasy starter in a good matchup. Mitchell is worth a stash in deeper leagues.

Kyren Williams leads the Los Angeles Rams‘ backfield: Cam Akers started for Los Angeles, but Williams entered the game for the second play and was the Rams' leader in every situation.