With one week of utilization data, player usage offers opportunities on the dynasty landscape. Here is an early look (expect multiple check-ins throughout the season) at the key players on each NFL team and their usage.
RUNNING BACKS
Denver: The key stat is 50% route share for Samaje Perine compared to Javonte Williams' 30%. This squeezes Williams' PPR upside, and this was without Jerry Jeudy out and Greg Dulcich in an ancillary role. Williams had elite upside entering the season, but Week 1 was a step in the wrong direction with his utilization.
Detroit: Jahmyr Gibbs' debut was sizzling on a per-touch basis, but the overall usage was lackluster, especially the key stat, his 25% route share. Expect that to grow quickly and stick with Gibbs in lineups as a pop game is coming soon, but David Montgomery looks to have a full Jamaal Williams-type role, and Gibbs is the dynamic 1B with routes to gain before an elite ceiling is unlocked.
Pittsburgh: In a game where the Steelers were throttled, Najee Harris' 45% route share is a tough number, with Jaylen Warren at 35% routes. The split discussed leading up to the season was present in Week 1. Ideally, the offense overall improves (Diontae Johnson is set to miss time, however) but the split makes Harris as a top-12 fantasy option dicier as a projection based on utilization.
Jacksonville: Travis Etienne had elite utilization in Week 1, pointing to an elite ceiling possibility this season. 83% route share in addition to his nearly 70% of running back carries and Tank Bigsby would have to steal all of the goal-line looks to have a graphic effect on Etienne this season.
Chicago: Khalil Herbert with a 30% route share is very concerning as Roschon Johnson surged into the RB2/3 role right alongside the losing-ground D'Onta Foreman. Johnson could challenge Herbert in future weeks to make it a full-blown committee, or worse for Herbert, soon.
Arizona: The offense overall may struggle, but James Conner has the utilization to be a strong RB1 with 70% routes and 75% carry share for the backfield.
LA Rams: Cam Akers' anemic route share (<10%) was one of the most alarming stats to come out of Week 1 at any position. While having a 60/40 split edge in carries technically makes Akers the RB1, Kyren Williams had a massive edge in routes and the passing game. Akers is an exit player to add to bigger deals in dynasty. Remember, the Rams tried to move on from Akers before the deadline last season and yet had breakout buzz, yet again, heading into Week 1.
Miami: Raheem Mostert had quality utilization with 67% routes and 80% carries. Even though Miami wants to pass the ball all over the yard in a typical week, Mostert still has RB1 upside until DeVon Achane challenges that market share.
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