Dynasty Film Review: Week 1 (Fantasy Football)
We finally experienced real NFL football this past weekend! – Borg, Betz, and Jason are here to recap some film for Dynasty takes! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
In this episode, Borg, Betz, and Jason discussed the overreactions following Week 1. They emphasize that a single game doesn’t define a player’s long-term value, encouraging listeners to be level-headed. Jason highlights that even top WRs like A.J. Brown have off games, and Betz advises against abandoning preseason projections. While cautioning against panic, they did discuss the Miami Dolphins‘ low play count and Tua Tagovailoa‘s poor performance as a possible exception to the ‘don’t overreact’ rule, suggesting some performances might be a sign of deeper issues.
Borg reminds us about the Ultimate Dashboard as a tool for fantasy managers to find moves across their many leagues, especially when it comes to waivers.
In this series, I will recap the weekly Dynasty podcast and then add in my film review takes.
Weekly Rewind
The guys dive into three players analyzing their Week 1 performances from a dynasty perspective.
J.J. McCarthy (Vikings)
Rookie QB J.J. McCarthy‘s debut was a game of two halves. While his first half was poor with a horrible pick-six, he showed impressive flashes of arm talent and mobility in the second half. His rushing ability will be a key factor for his fantasy value. Betz noted the fast-paced offense created a “sped-up internal clock” for the rookie, but his ability to overcome it shows his upside. Borg also highlighted some “big boy” throws in his NFL debut that were present in his Michigan film.
A lot to like about this play when things started getting going for the Vikings
• Ryan Kelly 💪
• Strong pass protection from Donovan Jackson and Brian O’Neill
• Great throw by J.J. McCarthy with a defender closing
• Sideline catch by Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/XolroAVkWT— Sean Borman (@SeanBormanNFL) September 10, 2025
Jayden Higgins (Texans)
Jason talks about rookie WR Jayden Higgins, whose 43% snap share was disappointing. However, after watching the film, Jason came away impressed. Higgins led the team in receiving yards and showed great hands and route running. Jason compares the situation to Justin Jefferson, who also started his career behind an unheralded player. He advises against cutting Higgins in redraft leagues, believing his talent will eventually win out. Higgins only has to beat out Justin Watson and Xavier Hutchinson, neither of whom has done much with their NFL careers. The biggest concern is the quality of the offense with a downgraded offensive line from 2024 that impacts C.J. Stroud’s ability to deliver the ball and sustain drives.
Cam Ward (Titans)
Borg discusses rookie QB Cam Ward. There are many opinions spanning from blaming the environment (coaching, drops, etc.) or blaming Ward himself. While he showed flashes of arm talent on short throws, he was ineffective throwing over 10 yards and did not attempt to run the ball. Kyle is concerned about Ward’s long-term fantasy value if he doesn’t become a mobile QB. Every single first-round QB who saw less than 10% of their team’s rushing yards in college never ended up rushing for more than 400 yards in the pros. With a ton of pressure presented by the Denver Broncos‘ defense, Borg is reluctant to assess Cam Ward on the Week 1 tape alone. Kyle asks, “If he doesn’t add rushing, what is his likelihood of entering the top-6 QBs?” Jason compares Ward’s Week 1 performance to Bo Nix‘s rookie debut, suggesting the coaching staff may be overly cautious early on, but the offense could open up later in the season.
My Week 1 Film Take
Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers)
My eye was on a few receivers’ performances in Week 1, including Egbuka and Keon Coleman (at the end of this recap). Egbuka’s debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a resounding success, highlighting his immediate transition to the NFL and promising significant value for dynasty. His mature understanding of route-running that we heard about all summer was proven true. His ability to use his stem to manipulate DBs and create separation, along with excellent zone awareness in finding soft spots, are heavy contributors to his prowess. He also showcased a reliable and expansive catch radius, securing two TDs from different alignments, which speaks to his versatility and earned trust with Baker Mayfield. It’s only a one-game sample, but Egbuka’s technical proficiency and immediate on-field production suggest he is a high-floor rookie who could be a valuable and consistent fantasy contributor for years to come. Honestly, he is one that I would overpay for now, as I have heard it said, “an overpay today is an underpay tomorrow.”
I love what they did on this Mills concept. Egbuka's use of hips, head, and shoulders at the break ensured he took advantage of the middle of the field, abandoned by the deep safety who was worried about the Evans Dig route. pic.twitter.com/oibev04DeA
— Vernon Meighan (@FFB_Vern) September 10, 2025
Overreactions
Kenneth Walker & Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks)
The hosts debate the Seahawks’ backfield split. Charbonnet led in snaps (58% to 40%) and carries (12 to 10), and Betz believes the 50/50 split is here to stay, citing a scheme change that favors Charbonnet. How real is this? Is it part of a management plan for Walker’s foot issue, or is this what the coaching staff wants? Charbonnet led all RBs in success rate for week one, while Walker was dead last in RYOE per attempt. Betz’s bold take during the offseason is that Charbonnet would surpass Walker in 2026 startup ADP because of this year’s performance. Based on Week 1, it could be happening already. Jason expresses concern that if the split continues, both players will be bad for fantasy, as neither will get enough workload to be a consistent weekly start. Jason highlights that there is little motivation for Seattle to change anything about this split.
Detroit Lions Offense
Jason addresses the overreaction to the Lions’ offense, which struggled after losing their center, Frank Ragnow, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. He argues that the Green Bay Packers‘ defense is elite (especially after the acquisition of Micah Parsons) and that the Lions’ offense will regress but not be bad. He also notes that the split between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery still made Montgomery relevant. Jason remains confident in the skills position players for the rest of season. Borg poses a dynasty value check on David Montgomery, and Jason suggests holding him if you have him. However, Montgomery could also be a savvy acquisition if fantasy managers are panicking from Week 1’s results. The same question was posed to Betz regarding Jameson Williams. Betz recommends we “zoom out” and consider the recent contract, which indicates their confidence in him to command the offense in the future. In a little “this or that” exercise, Betz took Jamo over Rome Odunze and Ricky Pearsall, but still leaned toward Devonta Smith.
Indianapolis Colts Offense
The guys praised the Colts’ offense, with Kyle praising rookie TE Tyler Warren as a dynasty asset. Jason and Betz agreed that Warren is the next top TE after Brock Bowers and Trey McBride. This has led to concern for WR Josh Downs. Jason recommended getting out on Downs, distinguishing slot-only WRs from versatile ones (like Keenan Allen), noting the former’s inconsistent week-to-week value. The hosts also discussed Michael Pittman, noting his value is up, especially with Daniel Jones at QB, giving him top-20 upside.
Deebo Samuel & Terry McLaurin (Commanders)
The hosts discuss the potential for a target share issue in Washington’s passing game. Deebo Samuel had a strong Week 1 (7 recs, 77 yards on 10 targets, plus a rushing TD) with a diverse route tree, while Terry McLaurin‘s four targets were on deep throws(18.5 aDOT). Betz believes Samuel fits the new scheme well, which could affect McLaurin’s consistency. He suggests that if you are not a contender, it might be a good time to trade Samuel while his value is high.
Aaron Rodgers (Steelers)
While he had an impressive stat line of four TDs and zero interceptions, Jason cautions that his underlying metrics and overall play were not as strong as the box score suggests. He warns that this level of performance is not sustainable, and his dynasty value is more about being a relevant QB rather than a top-tier fantasy superstar.
Harold Fannin Jr. (Browns)
Jason highlights rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. of the Cleveland Browns. Despite going undrafted in most rookie drafts, he led the team in targets on 55(!) snaps. Jason cautions against overspending to acquire him (especially given his upcoming opponents: Packers, Lions, Vikings), but advises paying attention to his usage.
Los Angeles Chargers Offense
Betz believes that the Chargers’ offense is a legitimate contender, and Jason believes their pass-heavy approach is “here to stay”. Borg cites Justin Herbert‘s excellent Week 1 performance, which included a perfect passer rating in the intermediate area of the field, as evidence that the team is building the offense around his strengths. Herbert’s fantasy outlook is exciting, and being favored in their next 10 games supports Jason’s assertion that he could be a dark horse MVP candidate. For dynasty managers, be patient with rookies like Tre Harris, as his long-term value is high even if he is currently buried on the depth chart. Keenan Allen‘s contract is only for this year, which could provide an opportunity next season.
My Week 1 Slight Overreaction
Keon Coleman (Buffalo Bills)
Keon Coleman‘s Week 1 performance against the Ravens (11 targets, 8 recs, 112 yards, TD), despite a 1-game sample size, offers a powerful glimpse into his potential as a complete WR and a cornerstone for dynasty. While anointing him as the WR1 Buffalo needed is a little premature (full disclosure, I have a minor bias), I think such an “overreaction” would only be a slight one. Coleman consistently manipulated DBs in routes. One notable play on a critical 17-yard reception on a deep over route, he used a series of “stair steps” to create space before completing a diving reception (clip in X post below). He is showing improved footwork at the break point as well with a “2-step snap down” on a deep hitch route and catch in the zone soft spot.
Coleman showed he can win against both Man and Zone coverage. While there was a minor “concentration drop” on an early quick screen, he more than made up for it with several “good hands” and “great concentration” catches, including a score where he adjusted to a tipped ball. The scramble drills highlighted Coleman as a go-to target for Josh Allen. The fact that he was targeted on crucial plays, including a third-and-9 conversion and a game-winning TD drive, underscores the trust the Bills’ coaching staff and QB already have in Coleman. Given that there are still plenty of doubters out there, you may be able to get access to the upside at a reasonable price!
Despite what some metrics out there are saying about Coleman's performance, he had a good night despite a slow start in targets. This play further demonstrates his football IQ in the scramble drill and his connection with Josh Allen… He is definitely a riser in my book. pic.twitter.com/1gPp8j8YGt
— Vernon Meighan (@FFB_Vern) September 10, 2025
Don’t panic, consider the context, and take a breath before making any big moves. Use the tools, read the articles, and then take action.
Week 2 starts tomorrow with two exciting 1-0 teams in the Packers and Commanders!