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🏈 Isaiah Likely's & Other Takeaways from the Season Opener

A look at Ravens vs Chiefs, an early season strength of schedule analysis, and deeeeep dives.

Good morning.

Last night had it all… a weather delay, Taylor Swift in the house, Chris Collinsworth obsessing over Mahomes, and the Ravens being a toe away from a comeback for the ages (Rex Ryan would be proud).

We are so back it’s not even funny.

Today's newsletter highlights:

  • 🏈 Football is BACK

  • 🧐 Early Season Strength of Schedule Analysis

  • 🤿 Malik Washington & Other Deeeeep Dives

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NFL KICKOFF 🏈 

Isaiah Likely Shines, but Ravens Fall Short

Isaiah Likely // USA Today Sports

Although the Chiefs won 27-20, Ravens TE Isaiah Likely stole the fantasy spotlight. The 3rd year TE exploded for nine catches on 12 targets for 111 yards and one TD. Rumors of the Ravens using two TEs definitely came to fruition…

While we shouldn’t overreact and assume Likely will out-target Mark Andrews this much every week, it’s clear that he’ll have a large role in the offense.

On the Chiefs side of things, rookie Xavier Worthy flashed his big play ability with two TDs (one rushing and one receiving), while Rashee Rice (seven catches for 103 yards) looked every part of a potential 2nd year breakout candidate. Travis Kelce disappointed (three catches for 34 yards), but don’t write him off after one week.

On the ground, it was refreshing to see Isiah Pacheco play nearly 80% of the team’s snaps (per PFF’s Nathan Jahnke), as Samaje Perine and Carson Steele were barely involved.

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FROM THE EXPERTS 🧐

Early Season Strength of Schedule

Defenders like Myles Garrett can wreak havoc on fantasy performances // ClevelandBrowns.com

While some experts think strength of schedule is important, others throw it out the window because of all the variability that can happen with defenses throughout the year.

While it may be hard to predict for the full season, the quality of defenses can be fairly predictable for the start of the year — before injuries occur.

Recently, RotoBaller’s Scott Rinear did a thorough analysis of each position’s early season strength of schedule. We’re going to go through each position and highlight some of Rinear’s key takeaways.

If you’d like to read his work in totality, click HERE.

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