After just one week of NFL action, it’s clear that some players are already busts and need to be dropped immediately. While overreactions are common early in the season, the following analysis makes a convincing case to move on from these duds.
Jahmyr Gibbs
Gibbs looked great in his first start, averaging 7.5 yards per touch. But he barely got any touches, clearly way behind David Montgomery. Don’t panic on this talented rookie. He will eventually get more touches and be great this year. Jahmyr Gibbs showed promise even without the fantasy results. Please don’t give up on him after just one game.
Skyy Moore
Moore laid a big goose egg despite playing almost every snap. Five other Chiefs pass catchers had more targets than him. This is not what we wanted to see, especially with Travis Kelce out. Not looking good for the supposed second year breakout. Dare I say borderline droppable in shallower leagues.
Chiefs Backfield
This looks like a full three-headed monster between Pacheco, CEH, and McKinnon. Pacheco had the most carries but CEH was close behind. Yes, Pacheco got involved a bit in the passing game but we can’t count on that weekly. Avoid this messy committee backfield if possible. Maybe Pacheco can pull away eventually, but big concerns for now.
Rachaad White
White was the workhorse with 17 carries in his first start, which is great. But only two catches on 32 Baker Mayfield passes is not what we expected. This was a smash matchup but it didn’t happen. Mildly panicking on White after this dud.
Bengals Pass Catchers
Zero catches for Tee Higgins and only one for Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow understandably looked rusty without preseason but come on, it’s the Bengals. Better days ahead for Chase and Higgins. Don’t panic on these guys.
Christian Kirk
One catch for nine yards on three targets. Not what we wanted. But next week he could easily catch two touchdowns. Feast or famine with Kirk. Don’t panic after one bad week.
Drake London and Kyle Pitts
Only one target for London and the Falcons only threw 18 times while pounding the run. Not encouraging even in a blowout win. Panic levels high for these two young stars. Don’t overreact but be very worried.
Adam Thielen
With other pass catchers hurt, Thielen did nothing. He’s complete dust like we said all offseason. Please drop Adam Thielen immediately. This washed up vet doesn’t need to be rostered.
J.K. Dobbins
A moment of silence for Dobbins’ knee injury. Such bad luck for this talented back.
D’Andre Swift
Only one carry and two targets while Davis took over the backfield. Swift might be droppable if this lack of usage continues. Very worrying week one.
Javonte Williams
A rough 17 touches for only 57 yards. Looked indecisive and didn’t cut well. The ACL recovery may be slowing him more than expected. Serious concerns about Javonte in the short term.
Geno Smith
After last year’s breakout, Smith laid an egg at home on Monday night. Maybe he was just a one year wonder. If he was your QB1, time to panic and pick up a waiver wire replacement.
Cam Akers
Akers had 22 carries but only averaged 1.3 yards per carry. Goal line vulture Williams scored twice. Can’t feel good about Akers after this dud despite high volume.
Jalen Hurts
No need to panic after one bad game against the Pats defense. Hurts is still the guy in Philly and will bounce back.
Dallas Goedert
A goose egg for an elite TE is brutal but better days ahead. Don’t make any rash moves because of one dud.
So in summary, while it’s easy to overreact after week one, several players showed truly concerning usage and performance. Don’t hesitate to drop or trade busts like Thielen, Dobbins, or Swift if the early trends continue. But give stars like Chase, Hurts and Kirk more time before taking any drastic measures.