After an exciting first week of football, there are many takeaways to be had. Let’s take a closer look at players whose stock either jumped or fell.

Winners:

The Baltimore Ravens

Wow! What a performance by the Ravens in Miami …oh wait, Miami traded away their best players for a shot at Tua Tagovailoa in next years draft. Nevertheless, what the Ravens did yesterday to the Dolphins was special. 59-10 doesn’t just happen out of nowhere. “Lamar Jackson can’t throw, he should be a running back” was put to rest early. The Sophomore QB tossed 5 TDS on a perfect passer rating. Rookie WR Marquise Brown dazzled with 4 catches for 147 yards and 2 scores on just 14 snaps! It was an easy test, but the Ravens are for real. 

Sammy Watkins

Watkins was the recipient of the first Mahomes TD of the season. He wound up catching two more TDs that game to go along with nearly 200 yards receiving. Tyreek Hill sustained a shoulder injury and is expected to miss some time. Watkins is a borderline  WR1 until the return of Hill. 

Dalvin Cook

Cook proved most advocates right on Sunday, as the third year back looked terrific in his season debut against the Falcons. Cook diced up the Atlanta defense for 111 yards on the ground and 2 TDs. The Vikings look to have a much better grip on the run game this year, which will only lead to Cook’s success. 

DeSean Jackson

In Jackson’s first game back with Philly, he put on a show. Connecting with Carson Wentz on two deep ball TDs, D-Jax ended the day with over 150 receiving yards and 8 grabs on 10 targets. Jackson looked like the #1 WR in the Eagles offense, and although he won’t produce like this every week, it’s a great sign to see success this early. Classify Jackson as a strong WR2 now. 

Losers:

The Cleveland Browns

The Browns had a very disappointing home opener to the Tennessee Titans. They let Derrick Henry go wild and didn’t show much resilience after a rough start. Baker Mayfield and the offense struggled mightily, but don’t be too worried if you are a Nick Chubb or Odell Beckham Jr. owner. Tennessee deserves some credit here for their underrated defensive unit. It will be interesting to see how first year HC Freddy Kitchens rallies the troops for next week. 

O.J. Howard

After receiving massive hype during the offseason, Howard had a pitiful week 1 performance. He had four receptions for 32 yards and a fumble. He also had a few drops while fellow TE Cameron Brate shined with a touchdown score. Not much time for Howard to regroup with Carolina on TNF. Owners have to feel dicey starting Howard with the great LB core of the Panthers. 

Cam Newton

Speaking of the Panthers, Cam Newton finds himself as a week 1 Fantasy loser. The Carolina QB had a tough start to his 2019 campaign as he hurled for 239 yards and an INT. He didn’t account for any TDs and also lost a fumble in their 30-27 loss. Known for his ability to run, Cam had -2 rushing yards on only three attempts as well. Newton is a very risky week-to-week start in any fantasy league. 

Sony Michel

As the Patriots demolished the Steelers on Sunday Night Football, Michel fantasy owners were losing their minds. If you said the Patriots would beat the Steelers 33-3, I would have guaranteed a good game from Sony Michel. The Patriots offense has always been like this though, as their game plan changes week to week. Don’t be too concerned about Michel, as the Patriots know how valuable the run game is for Tom Brady and their success.