Fantasy Football Panic Meter After Week 1: Kenneth Walker, David Njoku and More

After checking in on some of the surprise fantasy football performers in week 1, let's now change our focus to fantasy players who underformed in week 1.

We'll offer up a panic meter ranking from 1-10 to let you know how worried you should be about certain guys - 10 is the highest level of concern.

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Wide Receivers

Ja'Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown are a couple big-name fantasy wideouts I want to discuss after week 1.

Chase was the No. 1 draft pick most often leading up to this season. Naturally, he struggled mightily in week 1.

He had 26 yards on two catches and five targets in the team's win over Cleveland. Chase was on the field for 45 of the team's 52 offensive snaps, so it's not like he got hurt or something.

That's a low snap total for an offense, but it was still weird to see Chase struggle so much. Really, the whole Bengals' offense was underwhelming - more on that later.

I'm not all that concerned about Chase, and would only put his panic meter at a 2. It really probably is closer to a 1, but after being the top pick, it's fair to give him a 2.

It will only go up if he struggles again in week 2 against the Jaguars.

St. Brown was held to 45 yards on four catches and six targets in the team's loss to Green Bay in week 1.

He was on the field for 63 of the team's 67 offensive snaps, and still couldn't do much despite the team throwing the ball 40 times. It was an all-around struggle for the Lions' offense in their first game without Ben Johnson.

St. Brown is still the clear leader for targets and production amongst the Detroit pass catchers, but after the departure of Johnson, this is a bit more concerning in my eyes. I'd put his panic meter at a 3 for now.

ARSB could get right back on track in week 2 against the Bears, but Chicago slowed Justin Jefferson and company in week 1, so it's not a very good matchup on paper.

I'm definitely a little concerned about St. Brown after spending such an early pick on him.

Running Backs

Omarion Hampton and Kenneth Walker III are the backs we'll discuss today.

Hampton was held to 48 yards on 15 rushing attempts in the Friday game against the Chiefs. He added 13 receiving yards on two catches and targets for a little more fantasy production.

I was worried about Hampton's usage with Najee Harris around, but the rookie played 52 of the team's 65 offensive snaps, while Harris got just 12 snaps and two touches. 

Harris could get more involved over time, especially if Hampton isn't delivering better numbers on the ground. For now though, my panic meter on Hampton is just a 2.

I think he'll get going in week 2 against the Raiders. If he doesn't, then his fantasy owners might have something to worry about.

Walker only had 20 rushing yards on 10 carries. He caught all three of his targets, but for just four yards.

He was outplayed by No. 2 back Zach Charbonnet. He had 12 rushes for 47 yards and a score. Charbonnet played 30 of the team's 52 offensive snaps, while Walker played just 21.

Even if the backfield flips back in his favor moving forward, the week 1 usage and production is extremely concerning. I have Walker's panic meter at a 7 already.

His fantasy owners are likely scrambling for another viable fantasy back option heading into week 2. Walker isn't a safe starting option against the Steelers, and he could end up being dropped if he doesn't deliver much in that game either.

Quarterbacks

Joe Burrow and Bo Nix are the quarterbacks we'll talk about today. 

Burrow played in the preseason to try and offset some of the previous year's struggles early in the season. It didn't help apparently, because Burrow and the Bengals' offense struggled in week 1.

Burrow completed 14 of his 23 passes for 113 yards, a score and no picks. He rushed twice for three yards and was sacked three times.

It's hard to be overly concerned with Burrow or this offense, especially because this is a trend continuing from previous years. If he doesn't get rolling in week 2 against Jacksonville, then maybe we have to worry a bit more.

I'd put his panic meter at just a 2 though, and I fully expect a monster showing in week 2.

Nix struggled in a tough week 1 clash against the Titans. He completed 25 of his 40 passes for 176 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions.

He rushed eight times, but for just 18 yards. Nix was only sacked once, but that resulted in a lost fumble.

It was a forgettable week for the Denver offense, but again, it was a bit tougher matchup. Tennessee might not fare well overall, but that defense might keep them in most games.

I'd only put Nix's panic meter at a 3. I expect him to fare better against the Colts in week 2. 

Tight Ends

T.J. Hockenson and David Njoku are the two tight ends we need to discuss after week 1.

Hockenson and the Vikings' offense was held in check for three or so quarters on Monday night, but the unit put it together in the fourth quarter to take down the Bears.

Hockenson finished with 15 yards on three catches and four targets. He was on the field for 80% of the team's offensive plays, which was less than wideouts Jefferson and Jalen Nailor.

What's maybe most concerning is how J.J. McCarthy looked for most of the game. He will dictate how well guys like Jefferson and Hockenson look. 

What else is concerning is that Jordan Addison missed this game (and the next two) with his suspension. If Hockenson cannot deliver now, what's going to happen when Addison is back? Remember, the Vikings also traded for Adam Thielen, and he didn't do much Monday night either.

I wasn't as high on Hockenson as others were coming into the season, and that was before Thielen was added to the roster. If you can't tell yet, I'm pretty concerned about Hockenson. I'd put his panic meter at a 5 already.

We'll see if Hockenson can ease the mind of his fantasy owners more in week 2 when he battles the Falcons.

Njoku was held to just 37 yards on three grabs and six targets in week 1 against Cincy.

While six targets seems like a good amount, when his team threw 45 times, it's a pretty underwhelming mark actually. He was fifth on the team in targets, which is even more concerning.

Another big issue is that No. 2 tight end Harold Fannin Jr. was targeted nine times, and got eight touches in total. He went for 66 total yards on seven receptions and a rushing attempt.

Njoku played 64 of the team's 76 offensive snaps, while Fannin took the field for 55 snaps. It appears that both guys are going to be heavily involved for an offense that's searching for playmakers.

Anyways, I'm somewhat concerned about Njoku and would put his panic meter at a 4. If Cleveland keeps losing and starts looking toward the future, I wouldn't be shocked if Njoku was traded before this season's deadline.

That's a ways off from potentially happening most likely, but it makes sense the more you think about it. Who knows what team he could end up on.

That's speculation though. What isn't speculation is that Njoku struggled in week 1 and now has competition for snaps and targets at the same position.

There's room for Njoku and Fannin to both be very involved, but the rookie's presence is going to cap Njoku's fantasy ceiling. I'm worried about him, and need a bounceback showing from him in week 2 against Baltimore to ease my concerns.