Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we look at breakout performances from the weekend and analyze their fantasy football potential for sustained success. We will rank these performances from 1-5 based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Justin Fields (QB – NYJ)
Stats:
- 16-of-32 for 218 Passing Yards
- 1 Passing Touchdown
- 12 Rushing Attempts
- 48 Rushing Yards
- 2 Rushing Touchdowns
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB2 (29.5 fantasy points)
Analysis: In his first start with the New York Jets, Justin Fields reminded fantasy managers why he is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the league. Facing his former team, Fields completed 16-of-22 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown, adding 48 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.
The Jets leaned into Fields’ mobility, calling designed runs and letting him operate outside the pocket, where he consistently punished defenders with his legs and extended plays with ease. Fields also showed improved poise in the pocket and a willingness to take what the defenders gave him, a promising sign for his long-term viability as a passer.
With favorable matchups ahead and no threat to his starting job, Fields is locked in as a top-10 fantasy quarterback with weekly top-five upside. His rushing floor remains elite, and if the Jets continue to scheme around his strengths in the passing game, Fields could flirt with league-winning production.
Heat Index: 5
Running Back
Travis Etienne (RB – JAX)
Stats:
- 16 Rusingh Attempts
- 143 Rushing Yards
- 3 Receptions
- 13 Receiving Yards
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB6 (17.1 fantasy points)
Analysis: Travis Etienne opened the 2025 season with a bang, torching the Carolina Panthers for 156 total yards in Jacksonville’s 26-10 win. He rushed 16 times for 143 yards and added 13 receiving yards, showcasing the burst and vision that made him a fantasy star in 2023.
Etienne entered training camp locked in a three-way battle with Tank Bigsby and rookie Bhayshul Tuten, but his Week 1 usage indicates that he remains the Jaguars’ preferred option. While the backfield rotation wasn’t entirely phased out, Etienne saw most of the high-leverage snaps.
If this trend holds, Etienne could re-emerge as a reliable RB2 with upside, particularly in PPR formats. His combination of burst, receiving chops and potential workload makes him one of the few backs in a committee who can still deliver consistent fantasy value week over week.
Heat Index: 4
Wide Receiver
Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)
Stats:
- 5 Receptions
- 79 Receiving Yards
- 2 Touchdowns
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR2 (22.4 fantasy points)
Analysis: Quentin Johnston turned heads in Week 1 with a pair of touchdowns against the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 79 yards on five catches in one of the most efficient outings of his young career. It was an encouraging start, especially given his uneven usage and drop concerns in 2024. However, fantasy managers should be cautious before declaring a breakout.
Johnston finished with fewer targets than Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, and his touchdowns came on well-designed plays rather than consistent volume. The Chargers’ offense remains crowded, and Johnston’s role could fluctuate weekly depending on game script and matchup.
For now, Johnston profiles as a boom-or-bust WR4 with spike-week potential. He’s worth a speculative add in most formats, but managers should temper expectations until we see sustained usage and target consistency.
Heat Index: 2
Tight End
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE – CLE)
Stats:
- 7 Receptions
- 63 Receiving Yards
- 1 Rushing Attempt
- 3 Rushing Yards
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE9 (10.1 fantasy points)
Analysis: Harold Fannin Jr. made an immediate impact in his NFL debut, showing why he was one of the most hyped rookie tight ends coming out of camp. In Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Fannin hauled in seven receptions for 63 yards, leading the team in targets and operating as a reliable safety valve for 40-year-old Joe Flacco.
Despite being listed behind David Njoku on the depth chart, Fannin played a significant role in Cleveland’s passing attack. His route participation was higher than expected, and he lined up in the slot on multiple snaps, hinting at a hybrid usage that could make him a PPR asset.
Fannin’s sticky hands and smooth route running translated seamlessly from his record-setting final college season at Bowling Green, where he posted an absurd 117 receptions for 1,555 yards. While he carries more risk than others on this list, Fannin has the talent and opportunity to be more than just a one-week wonder.
Heat Index: 2
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