Week 1 box scores can create some excellent buying opportunities for fantasy owners. A poor stat line doesn’t always mean a player performed poorly, just as a strong fantasy performance doesn’t guarantee continued production.
The best fantasy football players to buy are often those whose underlying usage looks better than their box score suggests. Here are six players worth targeting before their fantasy value catches up.
True Buy-Low Targets: Exploit Box Score Panic
Drake London (WR – Falcons)
Drake London caught just two passes for 29 yards in Week 1, but the bigger problem was the Atlanta passing game. Cooper Rush averaged just 3.5 air yards per attempt, severely limiting the offense’s downfield potential.
If Michael Penix Jr. takes over, London’s upside could change quickly.
Why buy London now?
- Bad QB environment: Rush’s lack of downfield passing limited the entire offense.
- Box-score panic: Two catches for 29 yards could create a buying window.
- Quarterback upside: Penix brings significantly more downfield potential.
- Established talent: London has already shown he can handle heavy receiving volume.
- Cheap acquisition: A WR3-level offer could be enough to get the deal done.
Fantasy recommendation: London is an aggressive buy-low target for fantasy owners willing to bet on his talent and a potential improvement at quarterback.
Terry McLaurin (WR – Commanders)
Terry McLaurin finished Week 1 with only two catches for 14 yards, but the matchup against Philadelphia provides plenty of context.
More importantly, McLaurin remained Washington’s primary outside receiver, leading the team’s wide receivers in snaps and routes run.
Why buy McLaurin now?
- Difficult matchup: Philadelphia is a tough opponent for perimeter receivers.
- Strong role: McLaurin remains Washington’s alpha outside receiver.
- Route volume: His usage indicates the opportunity is still there.
- Established production: One poor game doesn’t erase his track record.
- Better matchups ahead: His upcoming schedule offers opportunities for a rebound.
Fantasy recommendation: McLaurin is a strong buy-low target for fantasy owners who are willing to look beyond his ugly Week 1 box score.
Colston Loveland (TE – Bears)
Colston Loveland was completely shut out in Week 1 despite Chicago scoring 59 points. That looks terrible on the surface, but his underlying usage was much more encouraging.
Loveland led all Bears pass-catchers in routes run and posted a 90% route participation rate. Caleb Williams also missed him on two opportunities, including one near the end zone.
Why buy Loveland now?
- Extreme box-score panic: Zero catches in a 59-point game creates a major buying opportunity.
- Strong route involvement: He led Bears pass-catchers in routes run.
- 90% route participation: His role was already significant.
- Missed big plays: Williams had multiple opportunities to connect with him.
- Touchdown upside: His red-zone involvement should eventually produce results.
Fantasy recommendation: Loveland is an ideal buy-low target for fantasy owners who believe his Week 1 zero was an outlier.
Stock Headed Up: Buy Before the Price Explodes
DK Metcalf (WR – Steelers)
DK Metcalf caught four passes for 40 yards in Week 1, but his underlying opportunity was much better. Aaron Rodgers attempted 40 passes, while Metcalf recorded 171 air yards.
Even more encouraging, his slant route rate jumped to 23.8%, up from 13.8%. That’s an especially interesting development with Rodgers at quarterback.
Why buy Metcalf now?
- High passing volume: Pittsburgh showed it can support significant receiver volume.
- 171 air yards: The big-play opportunities were already there.
- More slants: His route mix could lead to easier PPR production.
- Rodgers connection: Metcalf’s usage fits well with Rodgers’ willingness to target slants.
- Reasonable price: Four catches for 40 yards isn’t likely to command an elite trade price yet.
Fantasy recommendation: Metcalf is a buy-before-the-breakout target who could become significantly more expensive once the volume turns into production.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB – Patriots)
TreVeyon Henderson’s injury absence in Week 1 doesn’t change the appeal of his long-term opportunity. His ability to contribute as both a runner and receiver gives him multiple paths to fantasy relevance.
His touch share should grow as the season progresses and he becomes healthy, potentially turning him into a reliable RB2/FLEX option.
Why buy Henderson now?
- Dual-threat ability: He can contribute as both a runner and receiver.
- Growing role: His workload has room to increase throughout the season.
- Receiving upside: Safety-valve targets can provide valuable PPR production.
- Backfield upside: He has tremendous talent upside that we’ve only caught glimpses of.
- Early buying window: Fantasy owners can acquire him before the workload increase becomes obvious.
Fantasy recommendation: Henderson is a patient buy for fantasy owners willing to wait for his workload to grow.
George Kittle (TE – 49ers)
George Kittle played just 46% of San Francisco’s offensive snaps in his return and finished with 12 receiving yards. The limited workload makes the box score less concerning.
The bigger takeaway was his immediate involvement: Kittle received four targets on the opening drive.
Why buy Kittle now?
- Limited snaps: His 46% participation rate leaves plenty of room for growth.
- Immediate targets: Four opening-drive targets showed he’s still part of the plan.
- Ramp-up coming: More snaps should mean more routes and targets.
- Elite ceiling: Kittle remains capable of difference-making fantasy production.
- Temporary discount: His current value may reflect his limited Week 1 workload.
Fantasy recommendation: Kittle is a prime buy-now target for fantasy owners who can acquire him before his snap count and production return to normal.
The Best Fantasy Football Players to Buy Before Week 2
Week 1 is a small sample, so fantasy owners shouldn’t let one box score dictate their evaluation of a player.
The best fantasy football players to buy before Week 2 are often the ones whose opportunity remains strong despite disappointing production. London, McLaurin and Loveland fit that profile, while Metcalf, Henderson and Kittle offer the potential for their workloads to grow.
Look beyond the fantasy points. Targets, routes, snaps and offensive opportunity can reveal a player’s future value before the box score does.
For fantasy owners willing to act early, Week 2 can be an excellent time to buy before the market catches up.
