NFL Player News

As a Fantasy owner I'm disappointed in Andy Dalton's Week 1 outing against Chicago because of the two interceptions he had, but there's so much to like about what he did. 

Dalton completed passes of 21, 42 and 45 yards to A.J. Green, flexing his arm and proving he's not a weak thrower. Green's an easy and obvious target for him as evidenced on his two touchdown passes (a 2-yard job and a 45-yard bomb).

He also made very nice use out of both of his tight ends, hitting Tyler Eifert and Jermaine Gresham five times each for a combined 82 yards. And while he didn't throw much to his running backs, in time he'll hit mainly Giovani Bernard for some screens and dump-off passes. 

The thing that stood out to me is that Dalton leaned on his surrounding talent to complete 26 of 33 passes (78.8 pct.). That's a very nice improvement. Though he didn't win the game, he didn't exactly cost the Bengals the game either. He's probably not a great Fantasy starting option in Week 2 vs. the Steelers but at least you know when a favorable matchup comes around he's going to be incredible. Unless you have a rock-solid quarterback on your roster, keep Dalton around. 

The Jaguars announced Sunday night quarterback Blaine Gabbert required 15 stitches to close the laceration on his right hand, which he sustained in the fourth quarter Week 1 vs. Kansas City. The cut on his hand was near the top of his pinkie finger.

Jets quarterback Geno Smith made his NFL debut on Sunday during a home start Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although it was a hard-fought contest, Smith is now 1-0 as a starting QB in the NFL after the 18-17 comeback win.

Smith brought the Jets to within 14-12 in the second quarter with his first NFL touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow. It was a 7-yard TD. The rookie finished the game 24 for 38 for 256 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Smith also led the Jets in rushing with 47 yards on six carries.

Smith, who did lose a fumble early in the game, orchestrated a drive in the final seconds to ended in a field goal to win the game for the Jets in his first start in the NFL. He'll make his second NFL start Week 2 at New England in a tough matchup.

Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton got off to a bit of a rocky start in Week 1 against the Bears Sunday, in a 24-21 loss.

Dalton was up-and-down to start the game, as he had a pair of interceptions to along with a pair of touchdown passes in the first half. He had neither in the second half, and finished with solid numbers overall.

Dalton completed 26 of 33 passes for 282 yards, an average of 8.5 yards per attempt. Both of his touchdown passes went to A.J. Green.

Dalton will take on the Steelers in Week 2, in the home opener. 

Ryan Tannehill got stronger as the opener went along on Sunday. He guided the Dolphins to two touchdown drives in the second half to lead them to a 23-10 victory in Cleveland.

Tannehill completed 24 of 38 passes for 272 yards and a perfect 34-yard scoring strike that hit wide receiver Brian Hartline in stride down the left sideline in the third quarter to give Miami the lead for good. His numbers were impressive considering he received strong pressure from the Browns most of the way.

His most impressive touchdown march was achieved midway through the fourth quarter when he completed 6 of 8 passes for 78 yards in just over five minutes.

Tannehill will take the Dolphins to Indianapolis next Sunday. The Colts yielded 217 passing yards in their first-game defeat of Oakland.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford got off to a bit of a sloppy start in Week 1 Sunday against the Vikings, but he kept airing it out and finished with a solid line in a 34-24 win.

Stafford racked up 201 passing yards in the first half, but was not particularly sharp overall. He threw the ball 28 times in that half, with an interception and no touchdowns. He was far more efficient in the second half, completing 10 of 15 passes for 156 yards and two scores, without turning the ball over.

Stafford finished with 357 yards on 28 of 43 passing, with two touchdown passes and one interception. His next matchup is with the Cardinals on the road in Week 2. 

Jaguars coach Gus Bradley said quarterback Blaine Gabbert left Week 1 vs. Kansas City in the fourth quarter with a cut on his throwing hand. Bradley said Gabbert's injured right thumb was OK.

Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert left Sunday's game against the Chiefs later in the fourth quarter after apparently re-injuring his right thumb. Gabbert came into the game as questionable with a right thumb injury.

Gabbert had a brutal day before leaving the game. He led no scoring drives in a 28-2 loss. He completed 16 of 35 passes for 121 yards and two interceptions. One of his interceptions was returned for a 10-yard touchdown by Tamba Hali. Gabbert, who was replaced by Chad Henne, also lost a fumble and had four carries for 16 yards.

The Jaguars play at Oakland Week 2.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson had a nice start to the year, but only tossed one touchdown against the Panthers.

Wilson completed 25 passes in 33 attempts for 320 yards. He tossed a 43 yards touchdown to Jermaine Kearse for his only touchdown of the game. Wilson also had 7 rushing yards on 5 attempts. He'll face off against the 49ers next week.

The Raiders' inactives for Week 1 at Indianapolis include quarterback Matthew McGloin, defensive lineman Ryan Robinson, offensive lineman Menelik Watson (knee), offensive lineman Antoine McClain, defensive lineman Brian Sanford, wide receiver Juron Criner and tight end David Ausberry (shoulder).