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 Back Utilization
Underrated Workhorse Profiles
Chuba Hubbard, Panthers: With 80% rushing share and 50% route share, the offseason addition of Rico Dowdle had no impact on Hubbard being a fantasy auto-start on his market share of the backfield alone.
Tony Pollard, Titans: Tennessee struggled mightily with rookie Cam Ward in his first NFL start against Denver. However, Pollard's 90% rushing and 68% route share marks are elite. Be patient with Pollard for better days (and matchups).
Javonte Williams, Cowboys: 75% rushing and 78% route share. Two rushing scores buoyed Williams' fantasy performance. Williams' advanced data suggests he is the same old Williams, a shell of his early career self. However, Williams firmly has the lead job, and Dallas looks promising in the pass game.
D'Andre Swift, Bears: Questions abound with Caleb Williams, but Swift solidified the lead role with 100% rushing and 68% route share. Kyle Monangai was the RB2 and of minimal importance in the rotation. Roschon Johnson is still working back from an injury.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Giants: With a 67% rushing and 69% route share, Tracy is one of the most underrated lead backs in fantasy. The stink of Russell Wilson's Week 1 performance bled over to Tracy. Cam Skattebo is challenging Devin Singletary for the RB2 role, but Tracy is safe for now as the entrenched starter.
Flipping Depth Charts
Zach Charbonnet played more third-down, goal-line, and two-minute snaps than Ken Walker III as the RB1 in Seattle.
J.K. Dobbins was easily over RJ Harvey in Denver. Dobbins had triple the rushing attempts of RJ Harvey, while they split routes.
Jordan Mason had a 65-35 rushing share edge over Aaron Jones Sr., while Jones was fortunate to survive fantasy-wise with a receiving touchdown on his 52% route share.
Austin Ekeler had a massive route edge over Jacory Croskey-Merritt, but, notably, Croskey-Merritt was the leading rusher (50%) compared to Ekeler's 30% in Washington.
Some were optimistic that Kaleb Johnson would have a role in Pittsburgh's backfield, but Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell were the clear RB1 and RB2. Johnson also fumbled on special teams in Week 1.
Dylan Sampson was featured in Cleveland with 20 combined rushing attempts and targets. The role may be short-lived with Round 2 rookie Quinshon Judkins signed and ramping up towards his NFL debut.