Fantasy: 3 Players That Dominated Lineups in Week 1

The first football Sunday has come to pass of yet another glorious NFL season, which means it's the beginning of a long love/hate relationship with your fantasy team!

Join me weekly as we breakdown the top three fantasy standouts of each week, along with some honorable mentions. Scores will be taken from a points per reception league format (PPR) and will cover multiple positions.

Let's get started.

3. RB Saquon Barkley

New York Giant's running back Saquon Barkley showed flashes of his older self this past Sunday after finishing with a monstrous 33.4 fantasy points, which helped to victory over the Tennessee Titans, 21-20.

Barkley had a commanding 18 carries for 164 yards on the ground, six catches for 30 yards, and a rushing touchdown. He also finished his campaign with a game-winning 2-point conversion.

The offensive back had 82.8% of snaps which was the most by any running back in Week One and ranked No. 1 in fantasy points within his position (fourth overall).

It is unclear at this time if Barkley can sustain this level of play throughout the season, but he will continue to be relied upon heavily in the Giants offense this year barring any unforeseen injury.

2. QB Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes began his season firing on all cylinders. He led his club to a whopping 44-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Mahomes finished as the No. 1 quarterback this week in overall fantasy points with a dominant 34.9. The 26-year-old put up 360 yards passing, with five touchdowns, and completing 30-out-of-39 of his passes with zero interceptions.

Any fantasy owner that was lucky enough to have drafted Mahomes should look forward to another great season.

1. WR Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings young star receiver Justin Jefferson showed fans on Sunday why he was selected top 10 in virtually all fantasy leagues this season regardless of format.

Jefferson ended his campaign with an astounding 39.4 fantasy points, which was ranked No. 1 in WR and overall points for Week One.

He led his club to a 23-7 blowout victory against their division rival Green Bay Packers, catching nine passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns.

The former LSU national champion was targeted 11 times on Sunday and fantasy managers can prepare for ruling performances like this to come as Jefferson will continue to be regarded as an elite WR1 option until further notice.

Vikings get right to business.

Justin Jefferson TD ♨️

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/AaIr4YKNr9
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 11, 2022