As the 2026 NFL season kicks into gear on this September 14, the fantasy football landscape is already shifting. Week 1 provided a treasure trove of usage data that can make or break your season. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, several overlooked statistics reveal which players are poised for breakouts and which may be traps. Let's dive into the numbers that matter most for your Week 2 lineups and beyond.
Dalton Kincaid: The Route Running Revelation
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid ran routes on 69% of the team's passing plays in Week 1, a mark higher than any he posted in 2025. For a tight end, that's elite; for Kincaid, it's a game-changer. As a former first-round pick, Kincaid's career has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent usage. Before his knee injury last season, he was at 60% routes, which made him a mid-level TE1. After the injury, that number plummeted to 44%. If this ~70% route share holds, Kincaid could be the steal of your draft. His yards per route were top-three in the NFL among all players, not just tight ends, and he's part of one of the league's most explosive offenses. He opened the season with 130 receiving yards against a stout Texans defense, signaling a potential breakout.
Bucky Irving: Workhorse in the Making
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving dominated the backfield touches in Week 1, out-targeting Kenny Gainwell 7-1 (and it would've been 8-1 without penalties). Gainwell, a backup, was on the field for only 18% of snaps that resulted in a touch, while Irving commanded 47%. Irving also handled both red-zone carries, one of which went for a touchdown. With Sean Tucker still sidelined, Irving looks every bit the workhorse with elite receiving potential. This kind of volume is gold in fantasy, and it's time to buy in before his price skyrockets.
Chuba Hubbard: Red-Zone Gold
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard saw three golden opportunities in Week 1: two red-zone targets and a goal-line attempt. These are the highest-value touches for a running back, and Hubbard converted two into touchdowns. Despite Chicago's defensive struggles, Hubbard's workload (71% of RB touches) keeps him in the weekly flex conversation, provided he holds off Jonathon Brooks. Before his injury last season, Hubbard averaged nearly 20 touches per game over the first few weeks. His volume and red-zone role make him a stable Week 2 play.
Jameson Williams: Route Running Machine
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams ran routes on 90% of passing plays in Week 1, a top-10 mark among all receivers. Only six wideouts drafted ahead of him had a higher percentage. While his 6.5 fantasy points may have frustrated managers, his usage confirms his top-30 draft status. Williams was one yard shy of a touchdown that would've silenced doubters. His route share jumped from under 80% in 2024 to near 90% in 2025, and that trend continued in Week 1. If leaguemates are panicking, pounce on the opportunity to acquire a WR2/3 with upside.
Travis Etienne Jr.: Fool's Gold?
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. ran routes on only 37% of passing plays in Week 1, a concerning number for a supposed bellcow. The rushing split was even (nine attempts each for Etienne and Kendre Miller), but the passing-game work is misleading. Etienne's eight targets came on a day when the Saints dropped back to pass 62 times. In a more typical game with 40 dropbacks, Etienne would've seen around 15 routes. His eight targets are nice, but so were Noah Fant's (eight), Juwan Johnson's (seven), and Devaughn Vele's (nine). This is a situation to monitor closely.
Drake London: Slot Usage Dip
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London ran only 21% of his routes from the slot in Week 1, a significant drop from his 2025 usage. Under new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski, London's slot volume has decreased, making him more volatile while Michael Penix Jr. is out. In 2025, London's per-route production from the slot was elite, and his yards per route ranked third. As an outside receiver 80% of the time, he'll rely on Cooper Rush or Tua Tagovailoa to deliver accurate targets. If your team is stacked after a Week 1 win, buying low on London could pay off once Penix returns. But for now, temper expectations after a disappointing showing against a Steelers defense missing Joey Porter Jr.
Jalen Coker vs. Tetairoa McMillan: Target Battle
Since Week 13 of the 2026 season, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker has seen 45 targets compared to Tetairoa McMillan's 41. Coker has outscored McMillan in fantasy in six of those seven games. This isn't a knock on McMillan, who remains a solid asset, but Coker is legit. He's still available on waivers in about 40% of leagues, and his production should continue. Don't sleep on him.
Jeremiyah Love: Rookie Rising
New Orleans Saints rookie running back Jeremiyah Love split red-zone touches evenly with Tyler Allgeier (5-5) in Week 1. For a rookie coming off injury, that's a win. Love's talent is undeniable, and his role should only grow. Even on a limited 43% snap share, he racked up 15 fantasy opportunities and 12 points. He's a name to stash and potentially start in deeper leagues.
Jaylen Warren vs. Rico Dowdle: Route Split
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren ran 13 routes to Rico Dowdle's 21 in Week 1. Warren's six targets are encouraging, but his snap share was under 40% in a pass-heavy game (40 attempts). A fumble doesn't help his case. While Warren outperformed Dowdle, his usage is concerning. Monitor this backfield closely.
Jaxson Dart: Running QB Upside
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart had 11 rushing attempts in Week 1, including five designed runs. This is a significant uptick from last season, when his designed runs dipped to 1.8 per game after Brian Daboll's firing. Dart's rushing production led to a big fantasy day, and his passing looked sharp. He's firmly a top-10 QB with top-five weekly upside. The Rams present a tougher test in Week 2, but a favorable schedule follows.
Marshawn Lloyd: Packers' RB Split
Green Bay Packers running back Marshawn Lloyd handled 65% of the team's RB touches in Week 1. In the first half, carries were split 4-4, but Lloyd took nine of the final 12 carries. Chris Brooks's pass protection kept him on the field against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense. However, zero receptions and shaky offensive line play limit Lloyd to flex consideration for now. The Jets defense in Week 2 should be a softer matchup.
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