Fantasy Football Studs & Duds: Week 1

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) pulls in a touchdown as Indianapolis Colts inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (50) defends in the second quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High . Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy Studs:

Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson torched the Giant’s secondary on Monday night, totaling 7 receptions for 164 yards and 2 touchdowns. It always helps to have an elite quarterback like Matthew Stafford who loves to get you the ball whenever, wherever. We expect nothing less from the dynamic duo. Calvin Johnson is a fantasy stud through and through.  

Julius Thomas

As much as it pains me to admit, Julius Thomas looked like a BETTER version of himself. Think of it this way; his number are about as good as Calvin Johnson, the best receiver in the NFL today. Thomas caught 7 balls for 104 yards and 3 touchdowns; Indy is gonna have a long year defensively if their linebackers continue to cover they way they did (or didn’t) Sunday night. Julius Thomas may be tied for first place with Calvin Johnson for the fantasy stud title but he was a man on a mission Sunday.  

Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell must’ve heard the potential good news about the NFL’s changing policy on DUI arrests, as he ran for 109 yards He looked nimble, powerful, and speedy against a weak Browns defense. Would be unreasonable to handcuff Blount and Bell this week? Ahh, I see what you did there…Bell has earned the title of fantasy stud.  

Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford looked like a new man on MNF. He ran around in the pocket throwing accurate passes and even ran for a score? Stafford completed 22 passes for 346 yards and a combined 3 touchdowns, including one rushing touchdown. Detroit could be a playoff worthy team if they could just get a defensive backfield. But who needs that when you can score at will with Calvin Johnson? Total fantasy stud!

Minnesota Defense

Minnesota has a monster day against St. Louis. They gathered 5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and one touchdown while allowing only 6 points. Not sure if this is all on the Vikings defense though, I would expect nothing less from a defense playing against two backup quarterbacks. The offense may have received all the credit today but this Vikings defense was a fantasy stud on Sunday.