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Falcons drop opener; Kirk Cousins, Raheem Morris turn page to Philly

Sun Sep 8 6:28pm ET
Field Level Media

Ten points is not what Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins had in mind for their opening act with the Atlanta Falcons.

Even with a backup quarterback at the controls for the Pittsburgh Steelers, there was never an evident comfort zone for the Falcons and Morris in the regular-season opener Sunday.

"We turned the ball over in the second half, hitting people in the face and some of the things of that nature. We can't do that," Morris said after the 18-10 loss. "We've got to play better all across the board - some of the blocking, some of the protection, being comfortable. All those things come into play."

Morris said frustration from wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts won't be charted as negatives, but competitors "wanting to make a difference."

Cousins debuted for the Falcons and was intercepted twice and sacked twice. Pitts scored the Falcons' only touchdown -- a 12-yard reception -- and had three catches for 26 yards. London caught two passes for 15 yards.

"All these things are the same. They're all learning episodes. They're all learning opportunities," Morris said. "Whether you win, whether you lose, they're all the same for us coaches, right? You've got to learn from wins, you've got to learn from losses, and we will certainly learn from this loss."

Atlanta led 10-9 at halftime but didn't score in the final 30 minutes.

Morris wasn't ready to offer a grade on any individual performance postgame. He said Cousins not being comfortable in the pocket isn't entirely a Falcons' issue.

"You know, it's the Pittsburgh Steelers. They're a good defense. You got T.J. Watt out there, you've got [Alex] Highsmith out there. You've got a bunch of good cover guys. You've got a bunch of good guys across the board. Maybe he didn't get comfortable. Those are things you have to evaluate when look at the tape. We've got to get comfortable, and we've got to do it with an urgent manner."

The Falcons play the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday night, an environment Cousins knows well from his days with the Minnesota Vikings and Washington.

He'll do a self-scout on Sunday night and get ready to turn the page to Philly.

"I'll watch it pretty quick here to try to start to unpack what took place. Probably send a couple of voice memos to coaches just to kind of give some thoughts that I have, off the cuff, after I watch it. Maybe they converse back, and we just kind of start to begin that analysis," Cousins said.

"But it's a process that will go through tomorrow. I never really sleep great after games regardless, win or loss. You just have to move forward now, and that's the mental, physical, emotional toughness of playing in the NFL you've got to have. You have to move forward and play your best football next week regardless of what happened today."

If the Falcons are looking for positives, they can start with their 36-year-old quarterback's last outing against the Eagles.

In Week 2 last season with the Vikings, Cousins threw four touchdown passes and completed 31 of 44 attempts for 364 yards in a 34-28 loss at Philadelphia.

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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Ja'Lynn Polk Sep 8 5:30pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk hauled in his lone target for a gain of six yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Fans and fantasy managers alike were curious to see where Polk would rank in the pecking order, and now we have our answer. At best, he's the No. 3 receiver behind Demario Douglas and K.J. Osborn. It's worth noting that Tyquan Thornton saw more volume than him, too. Polk is avoidable in redraft leagues and nothing more than a bench stash in deeper dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyquan Thornton Sep 8 5:20pm CT
Tyquan Thornton

New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton caught two of three targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. His 17-yard reception tied the Patriots' longest gain from scrimmage. Although it was a promising performance from the young receiver, he can't be trusted in fantasy football going forward. For starters, he remains behind Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, and possibly Ja'Lynn Polk in the pecking order. Furthermore, the Patriots aren't expected to throw enough this season to support meaningful fantasy production from a depth receiver like Thornton. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

K.J. Osborn Sep 8 5:20pm CT
K.J. Osborn

New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn led the team with three receptions on six targets during Week 1 versus the Cincinnati Bengals. He finished the game with a total of 21 receiving yards. The former Viking operated as the Patriots' No. 2 receiver, putting to bed any speculation that rookie Ja'Lynn Polk may open the year in that role. Even with solid volume, Osborn will be tough to trust going forward. We don't have enough confidence in this run-heavy Patriots offense yet, meaning Osborn can't be depended on for consistent production going forward.

From RotoBaller

Demario Douglas Sep 8 5:20pm CT
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas caught two of his three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Douglas finished fifth on the team in terms of receiving yards and tied for third in targets. It's an interesting and noteworthy outcome given that Douglas was expected to be Jacoby Brissett's top target this year. One game is too small of a sample size to rule that out, but it likely means that Douglas can be benched in fantasy football for Week 2. For Douglas to get back on the fantasy radar, he'd likely need at least four or five catches per game given that he's not a major YAC guy.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 8 5:10pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett completed 15 of 24 passes for 121 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He also rushed seven times for an additional 32 yards on the ground. On one hand, the Patriots' offense went run-heavy, giving Brissett very little fantasy value. On the other hand, the veteran played clean football and did enough to lead the underdog Patriots to a victory. Additionally, he showcased more mobility than expected with his 32 rushing yards. All in all, Brissett remains off the fantasy radar but will continue to offer a poised veteran presence under center.

From RotoBaller

Austin Hooper Sep 8 5:10pm CT
Austin Hooper

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught two of his four targets for 31 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The veteran finished led the Patriots in receiving yards, but this level of production isn't enough to put him on the fantasy radar going forward, especially since he remains behind Hunter Henry on the depth chart. Instead, Hooper will merely offer a reliable veteran presence in two-tight end sets, giving Brissett a solid outlet on short and medium passes.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 8 5:10pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (hand) was injured during Sunday's win over the Arizona Cardinals. The signal-caller injured his left hand. However, he didn't seem too concerned, although he will likely get an X-ray as a precaution. There should be an update on his health soon. But an injury to Allen's non-throwing hand won't necessarily keep him off the field when the Bills meet the Dolphins for Thursday Night Football. Still, if he can't suit up for that one, Mitchell Trubisky would likely take over under center.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 8 5:10pm CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught two of his three targets for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He continues to give the Patriots a reliable veteran presence at tight end, and while his fantasy production is somewhat dependent on touchdowns, he's still a solid bench option in deeper leagues. The biggest factor holding Henry back is the Patriots' commitment to the running game. New England passed just 24 times on Sunday, which likely isn't enough volume to allow Henry to produce on a consistent basis. He's a fringe top-24 tight end heading into next week against Seattle.

From RotoBaller

Antonio Gibson Sep 8 5:00pm CT
Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed seven times for 18 yards during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He did not command a target in the passing game. Unsurprisingly, Gibson played behind Rhamondre Stevenson and was far less efficient than the workhorse back. What's peculiar, though, is that Gibson didn't get any looks in the passing game; he averaged three catches per game over his final two seasons with the Washington Commanders. Gibson's next chance to make an impact will come in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. For now, he can be benched in most 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Keion White Sep 8 4:50pm CT
Keion White

The New England Patriots defense forced two fumbles, tallied three sacks, and allowed just 10 points during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Keion White led the way defensively with 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. New England performed better than expected as they were massive underdogs and managed to defeat the Bengals on the road. This result should provide some optimism for Patriots fans and fantasy managers heading into the team's Week 2 clash against the Seattle Seahawks. They'll be worth starting in most leagues next week.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 8 4:50pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson rushed 25 times for 120 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 1 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Stevenson also got involved in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for an additional six yards through the air. The Patriots' offense ran through Stevenson on Sunday, and it seems to have been a recipe for success as they pulled off the upset win. He has continued to prove himself as a talented runner, receiver, and blocker, giving him plenty of fantasy value over the rest of the season. He ranks as a very strong RB2 option heading into next week's home opener against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 8 4:50pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) isn't believed to have suffered a significant injury, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. The wideout injured his left ankle during training camp. However, he tweaked his right ankle in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Of course, fantasy managers will know more when the team gets back to Minnesota, where Addison is anticipated to get another evaluation. If he can't go for the Week 2 matchup with the 49ers, Josh Oliver would likely slide into the No. 2 spot behind Justin Jefferson, giving him a small upside for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 8 4:40pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle hauled in all five of his targets for 108 yards in Sunday's 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. On the Dolphins' first play of the second quarter, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit Waddle short right for a 12-yard gain, but he exited the game afterward and was checked for a concussion. Fortunately for the fourth-year wideout, he was cleared to return to play and finished the game with the second-most yards and third-most receptions on the team. His big play of the day came in the third quarter when Tua found Waddle on a deep crosser that flipped the field for a 63-yard gain. He would also snag another grab that went for 20 yards. Despite the offense's slow start, both superstar wideouts were able to eclipse 100 yards in an encouraging first performance. The Alabama product will look to keep rolling in Week 2 on a short week when he and the Fins square up against their division rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 8 4:30pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill caught seven of 12 targets for 130 yards and a touchdown in the Fins' 20-17 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cheetah got himself into trouble before the game even started, as it was reported police temporarily detained him in a traffic incident just one block away from Hard Rock Stadium. While it was nothing, the Dolphins' offense began the game a bit flat as most of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's passes were short completions that relied on their recipients' yards-after-catch ability. Hill entered the half with an un-Tyreek-like five receptions for 29 yards, but the veteran wideout could only be contained for so long. On Miami's third possession of the second half, Tua hit his No. 1 target on a deep crosser that turned into an electric 80-yard score. He would then add a 21-yard catch on the team's final drive before Jason Sanders drilled a field goal attempt with time expiring to give the Dolphins the win. Hill will be on a short week of rest ahead of a juicy matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 8 4:20pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert rushed six times for nine yards in the Dolphins' 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He added two receptions for ten yards on three targets. Oof. Miami couldn't get anything going on the ground as Jeff Wilson Jr. led all rushers with 26 yards and a long gain of 14. It's a bit of a letdown for Mostert as his committee-mate De'Von Achane out-touched him 17-to-8 and out-gained him 100-to-19 while plunging in a one-yard score. It's too early to tell whether this distribution of touches is a trend or an anomaly in Miami's backfield. Still, it's an intriguing development after head coach Mike McDaniel endorsed the tenth-year vet as the team's lead back during the off-season. Mostert and the Fins will be on short rest this week as they're slated to square off against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. Expect a lot of action as this matchup presents a robust 51.5 combined point total.

From RotoBaller

Geno Smith Sep 8 4:20pm CT
Geno Smith

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle George Fant (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the Broncos. The situation certainly didn't look good, as the veteran couldn't put weight on his leg. He also needed assistance to the locker room. Fant, who signed with the team in March, was brought in to bolster an offensive line that isn't loaded with talent. With that said, there will likely be an update soon. However, any injury to the offensive line isn't good news for Geno Smith and company.

From RotoBaller

Andrei Iosivas Sep 8 4:10pm CT
Andrei Iosivas

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Andrei Iosivas had three catches for 26 yards in Sunday's loss to New England. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) out, and Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) cleared to suit up at the last minute, Iosivas couldn't take advantage. In all fairness, it wasn't a good day for the entire team, so the wideout can't take all the blame for the underwhelming performance. At any rate, Higgins and Chase aren't a lock to be available in Week 2 versus the Kansas City Chiefs. If they don't play, Iosivas remains in the flex conversation, even if his fantasy ceiling isn't as high as it was entering the opener.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 8 4:00pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane rushed 10 times for 25 yards and one touchdown in their 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. He also hauled in all seven of his targets for 75 yards. The Dolphins run game couldn't get much going against a tough Jags' front seven that allowed a long gain of just 14 on the ground to backup Jeff Wilson Jr. However, it was a busy game for Achane, as he led all Miami rushers in carries and was second on the team behind Tyreek Hill with his seven targets. It's an encouraging outing for the second-year speedster, as he out-carried and out-targeted his running mate Raheem Mostert by four and out-gained him 100-19 in total yardage. The Texas A&M product's highlight of the day came on Miami's first drive when Tua Tagovailoa hit him on a swing pass to the right side of the field. Achane followed his blocks perfectly, bobbing, weaving, and breaking tackles en route to a 39-yard gain. It will be a short week of rest for him and the Dolphins, as they are slated to take on the Buffalo Bills this coming Thursday on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 8 4:00pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (right ankle) will be re-evaluated when the team returns home, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Head coach Kevin O'Connell noted that Addison injured his left ankle in training camp, but this new injury is to his right ankle. Addison departed Week 1 after catching three passes for 35 yards. Jalen Nailor will likely operate as the Vikings' No. 2 receiver if Addison misses time, but the bulk of his targets might instead get dispersed to Justin Jefferson, Johnny Mundt, and Josh Oliver.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 8 3:40pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness, hold-in) was cleared to suit up shortly before the meeting with the Patriots. Unfortunately, it didn't matter, with Cincinnati dropping Week 1 to New England. Tee Higgins (hamstring) wasn't available. However, while there was a chance of a limited workload for Chase, fantasy managers were still happy to see the green light. Overall, it wasn't a bad game for the wideout, amassing a game-high six grabs for 62 yards. Still, fantasy managers were expecting more from the former LSU Tiger. At any rate, Chase's availability for Week 2 isn't guaranteed if he doesn't get the new contract he desires. Yet, if he's on the field against the Chiefs, he's still a must-start, considering he'll get it together at some point.

From RotoBaller