NFL Week 1 Fantasy Surprises & Disappointments: Darnold, Dobbins Among Breakout Performers

NFL Week 1 Fantasy Surprises & Disappointments have our attention before Week 2 of the NFL season begins. 

Week 1 of the NFL and fantasy football delivered plenty of surprises, from shocking upsets to lopsided victories. Some players met or exceeded the preseason fantasy hype, while others left managers disappointed with underwhelming performances.

So, who were Week 1’s biggest surprises and fantasy disappointments?

Week 1 Fantasy Surprises

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

J.K. Dobbins was one of the feel-good stories of Week 1, making a triumphant return after years of battling through lower-body severe injuries. He stayed healthy and delivered a monster performance, racking up 135 yards on just ten carries, including a rushing touchdown.

Dobbins flashed his big-play ability with runs of 12, 46, and 61 yards, reminding everyone of his explosive potential. Though his three receptions totaled just four yards, his involvement in the passing game was still encouraging.

Dobbins is a priority waiver target for fantasy managers and is worth a significant FAAB investment. With a favorable Week 2 matchup against the Panthers, he’s already a strong RB2 option and could evolve into a weekly must-start if he continues to perform at this level.

Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings

Sam Darnold appears poised for a breakout season, and it’s about more than just his impressive 13-of-14 first-half performance against the Giants. His 151 passing yards and a touchdown in the first half, leading to a 28–6 victory, were just the beginning.

Darnold’s 113.2 passer rating in his former home stadium signals a fresh chapter in his career. Now, under the guidance of Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell and surrounded by elite talent like Justin Jefferson, Darnold is in a perfect position to reach his potential.

Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions

After a challenging start to his career, Jameson Williams entered his third year with something to prove as a former first-round pick. A torn ACL hampered his rookie season in college, and a suspension derailed the start of his 2023 campaign. Even upon returning, he struggled to find his rhythm. However, in Week 1 of 2024, Williams reminded everyone why he was a first-round talent. He led all Lions receivers with 121 yards, making big plays of 36, 52, and 28 yards, including a 52-yard touchdown.

Williams’ performance showcased his deep-threat potential, as well as his versatility, as he caught three passes across the formation and gained extra yards after the catch. Displaying the same speed and grit that made him a college standout, he even chipped in with a 13-yard carry, setting career highs in receiving and total yards from scrimmage. His touchdown marked the fourth of his NFL career, signaling a promising start to 2024.

Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans

Many expected Joe Mixon to be a solid fit in Houston, but few anticipated the blazing start he delivered. Mixon exploded in the Texans’ 29-27 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts, piling up nearly 160 rushing yards. While it’s unlikely he will sustain that torrid pace all season, he’s already on track to join an exclusive group of Texans running backs who have surpassed 1,000 yards in a season.

In the franchise’s 22-year history, only five players have hit that mark: Arian Foster (four times), Domanick Williams (twice), Steve Slaton, Lamar Miller, and Carlos Hyde. Mixon appears poised to add his name to that list if he continues performing at this level.

Week 1 Fantasy Disappointments

Top-12 ADP Tight Ends

Despite the tight end position being as deep as ever in fantasy football, several top players underwhelmed in Week 1. Of the top-12 ADP tight ends, only one found the end zone. Fantasy managers who invested in early-round picks like Sam LaPorta, Mark Andrews, or Trey McBride were likely left frustrated.

However, Brock Bowers was the lone standout, surpassing 50 receiving yards. While the overall production was disappointing, there’s no need for panic. Most of the top tight ends still had solid route participation, and except for injuries to Jake Ferguson and David Njoku, there’s optimism for improvement in the weeks ahead.

Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons boldly moved by signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal to revitalize their offense. However, his debut on Sunday didn’t deliver the expected results. Many hoped Cousins would unlock the potential of the Falcons’ offensive weapons, but Week 1 proved to be a rough start.

Despite a 10-9 halftime lead, the Falcons faltered in the second half, managing just three first downs and 51 total yards en route to an 18-10 loss. In his first game since tearing his Achilles with the Vikings last season, Cousins went 16-of-26 for 155 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. The 36-year-old’s lack of preseason reps was evident as he struggled to find his rhythm.

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals took Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, counting on him to make an immediate splash. Viewed as a top-20 fantasy asset, his Week 1 outing was underwhelming.

In a 34-28 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Harrison saw only three targets from Kyler Murray, hauling in one catch for four yards. His meager 1.4 PPR fantasy points disappointed managers who started him in 96% of Sleeper Fantasy leagues.

While Harrison’s long-term potential is undeniable, his quiet debut has raised questions. The rookie may need more time to adjust to the NFL before reaching his expected fantasy heights.