Week 1 winners and losers: Caleb Williams and Josh Allen dominate; Ja'Marr Chase disappoints - ESPN

Week 1 of the 2026 fantasy football season was one for the ages, with huge scoring performances by Caleb Williams, Josh Allen and Derrick Henry. On the flip side, fantasy stars Ja'Marr Chase, Drake London and James Cook III were among the biggest disappointments.

Who were the big winners and losers around the league during the opening week of the fantasy football season?

Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft offer their analysis.

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Ranking winners | Ranking losers
Biggest injuries and what's next

Williams led all quarterbacks in the early window with 37.26 points as the Bears offense dropped 59 on Carolina. Yes, we saw Williams' rare playmaking ability — as a runner and thrower — but don't forget about the efficiency from the pocket, as he completed 72.4% of his passes. He'll be a top-five QB in my ranks for the Week 2 home opener against the Vikings. — Bowen

Allen's 35.66 fantasy points are 15.06 more than any quarterback scored in a game last season against the Texans, this year's No. 1 defense drafted on average. It extended his record to nine career games with at least two passing and two rushing touchdowns (Steve Young is next closest with four), and it saw him display good rapport with new No. 1 receiver Moore, who scored 21.0 fantasy points. And let's also send a little love Dalton Kincaid's way, as the tight end scored 18.0 points. This offense is humming, and it should keep up the big scores in Week 2 against the Lions. — Cockcroft

Henry led all running backs in the early window with 35.3 points, rushing for 144 yards and three scores on 24 carries. He also caught one pass for 19 yards. He had some runways to get rolling on in this one, too. There was open daylight in offensive coordinator Declan