NFL 2018: Falcons vs Eagles, Highest Fantasy Scores (Half PPR)

The 2018 NFL season kicked off last night, with the Atlanta Falcons visiting the Philadelphia Eagles. The highly anticipated kick-off was delayed due to storms around the Philadelphia area. When they did eventually get going, it was a slow start, with both offenses looking a little rusty.

The second half was more entertaining, with the Philadelphia Eagles hanging on for a narrow win. Here I take a look at the highest scoring players from a fantasy perspective.

Julio Jones - 23.00 Fantasy Points

Julio Jones was the best WR in this game by far. He started off strongly with 2 catches and a carry on the opening drive. Last season, fantasy owners were left frustrated by Jones’s struggles to get into the endzone. Last night was no different as the Falcons decided to take Julio off when they entered the 10 zone.

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An odd choice considering Jones is a 6’3 monster. Despite the lack of RedZone chances, Julio racked up 10 reception for 169 yards as well as 1 rush for 11 yards. That’s a huge game considering all of the other Falcons receiving options combined for just 82 yards. Julio showed why he is still one of the elite receivers in this league.

Jay Ajayi - 20.20 Fantasy Points

Ajayi was the benefactor of some goal-line work, something he hasn’t had much experience with in his career so far. Now the power back for the Eagles after LeGarrette Blount’s departure, Ajayi scored two touchdowns, whilst adding 62 yards on the ground from 15 attempts.

Despite the impressive points tally, there will be some concern from Ajayi owners because he was on the field for just 39% percent of the snaps. Coach Pedersen used a real committee approach, with Corey Clement and Darren Sproles receiving their share of opportunities also. Keep an eye on Ajayi’s snap count over the next few games to see if he gains a more prominent role in this offense.

Tevin Coleman - 11.00 Fantasy Points

Tevin Coleman outscored fellow RB Devonta Freeman, due to running in a 9-yard touchdown in the second half. Coleman was actually pretty ineffective with his rushes carrying the ball 9 times for just 19 yards.

He also caught one of his two targets for 26 yards. Coleman is a player you can usually start in your FLEX most weeks, yet he could be in line for a larger workload next week. Freeman came out of the game late in the 4th quarter due to a knee injury.

There is no word yet on the severity of the injury, but it is something to definitely keep an eye on. If Freeman has to miss time, then Coleman is a high-end RB2 every week.

Nelson Agholor - 9.50 Fantasy Points

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It was a busy night for Nelson Agholor. The defacto WR1 in the Eagles offense, with Alshon Jeffrey still missing with injury, Agholor was targeted 10 times by Nick Foles. Agholor turned those 10 targets into 8 catches, but only accumulated 33 yards at a very low 4.1 yards per catch.

His career average is 11.7 yards per catch, so this last night’s total can be put down to Nick Foles' reluctance to push the ball downfield. Still, Agholor returned a decent total for fantasy owners, who have him in any type of PPR league.

Matt Ryan - 8.84 Fantasy Points

Matt Ryan was poor last night. There is no other way to say it. Ryan completed just 21 of 43 pass attempts, 0 TDs and 1 interception. His inability to find his receiving options in the redzone really showed, with the Falcons scoring just 1 TD on 12 of their drives.

Ryan looked flustered under pressure from the Eagles' impressive pass rush. He was wayward on too many passes, including the last play of the game, which could have been a game-winner for the Falcons if executed correctly. Rookie wideout Calvin Ridley, who was much hyped this offseason, finished without a catch on 2 targets.

8.84 points is a poor return for his fantasy owners, leaving them under pressure before the Sunday games have even started.