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Facts vs. Feelings: Week 1 Fantasy Takeaways for Week 2

ESPN NFL •
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You may have mixed feelings about these Week 1 performances, but let the facts guide you to wise Week 2 decisions.

Sometimes we get tricked into thinking "new" means "better." It's called newness bias. According to behavioral scientists, seeing something marketed as new causes our brains to temporarily suspend critical thinking. But as much as we crave novelty, we secretly rely on the familiarity of old.

So, try not to be shocked when veteran backs D'Andre Swift, David Montgomery, and Derrick Henry each manage a hat trick on the same Sunday. Or when a consistent chain mover like D.J. Moore locks in as a downfield threat. Maybe resist the urge to reach for toolsy young receiver Luther Burden III in favor of leaning into the value provided by a proven red zone threat like Mike Evans.

Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers, has delivered 18 or more fantasy points in 26 of his past 41 games. He has three or more passing touchdowns in four of his past five regular-season outings. Purdy has also cleared 20 rushing yards in four of his past five games. Fresh off a dominant 21-fantasy-point performance in the opener, expect him to keep it rolling into Week 2. The 49ers opened as a massive 13.5-point favorite over the Dolphins.

Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders, looked 100% healthy, shredding the Dolphins defense with three runs of 10 or more yards. The sophomore back also dazzled through the air, reeling in two grabs over 10 yards that both went for touchdowns.