"You only have one chance to make a first impression" - Judy Sheindlin.
First impressions are so important. If this is the first thing you have read of mine, you have the impression that I am the type who starts fantasy football articles with random quotes.
First impressions stick.
I listened to Todd McShay's podcast for the first time this week. McShay's reputation for draft content is well established, though most of my exposure has been through tightly produced ESPN content. McShay made a throwaway comment about Columbus, Ohio, as a top 14 population city being unbelievable.
I am a Columbus resident. I now think McShay hates my city. One comment that likely did not register when McShay made it bled into my interpretation of the rest of the episode.
For many, the opening of the season is the first real impression of the rookie class. Everyone knows the names and has spent endless hours in the summer speculating about these players. But seeing them in an NFL game is that first impression.
We have heard it all. Omarion Hampton looks slow. Ashton Jeanty seems small. TreVeyon Henderson is lost.
These impressions are hard to shake.
Quentin Johnston has had an excellent start after a strong second season in 2024. People still think he will drop everything.
But first impressions are only one part of the picture. Matthew Stafford was "injury-prone" before he played every game in 10 of 11 seasons. Josh Allen would never be accurate before he elevated to a savant level.
Johnston, Troy Franklin, Kyle Pitts Sr., and Rome Odunze are all showing that the first impression may be wrong.
Find those situations and find value.
Week 3 brings a full slate of 16 games. The Bills showed they still own the Dolphins. Fifteen games remain. Time to touch them all.
Number Watch
QB Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh - 1 Passing Touchdown
Rodgers tied Favre in Week 2; one more passing touchdown moves him past, into sole possession of fourth place. Rodgers needs 42 yards to pass Philip Rivers for 6th on the all-time yardage list. Fifth place is approaching as well; he needs 689 yards to reach Ben Roethlisberger.
RB Derrick Henry, Baltimore - 2 Rushing Touchdowns
Henry sits two touchdowns behind Walter Payton for 5th on the all-time rushing touchdown list. Henry has 2 rushing touchdowns in consecutive games, hitting the mark in Week 18 of 2024. His 2-touchdown performance broke a tie with LaDainian Tomlinson for the most back-to-back two-touchdown games. Henry has hit two touchdowns in three straight or more twice in his career. Priest Holmes is the only player in NFL history to have three streaks of 3+ games.
QB Russell Wilson, NY Giants - 250 Passing Yards
I apologize for besmirching Wilson's name before Week 2. Wilson's 450 yards were the second most of his career. He needs 250 to pass Fran Tarkenton, who held the NFL record for 17 years.
QB Joe Flacco, Cleveland - 61 Passing Yards
Flacco can leapfrog two places on the career passing yardage list, from 18th into 16th. He needs 47 to reach Vinny Testaverde's career mark and 61 for Carson Palmer. The Browns face the Packers, a difficult matchup for Flacco.
WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas - 100 Receiving Yards
Lamb has hit 100 receiving yards in four straight games. Michael Irvin holds the Cowboys record with seven straight, while Adam Thielen and Calvin Johnson share the NFL record at eight.
RB Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia - 200 Rushing Yards
Barkley played the Rams twice in 2024 and topped 200 yards in both games. Henry recorded four consecutive 200-yard games against the Texans, the NFL record vs one opponent.
RB Josh Jacobs, Green Bay - 1 Rushing Touchdown
Jacobs is looking to extend an 11-game streak of a rushing touchdown. Twelve games would tie Jacobs with LaDanian Tomlinson for the fourth most. John Riggins holds the record at 15.
