Welcome to the Panic Meter, Blitz Sports Media’s essential guide to navigating the fantasy football frenzy, penned by @RollCoveragePod. In the electrifying whirlwind of the upcoming season, where every snap crackles with potential, this meter cuts through the hype to spotlight genuine red flags from fleeting flukes. Get ready for in-depth breakdowns on the players you should absolutely hold steady—the resilient vets and breakout stars poised to turn your roster around and propel you toward championship glory.
Bryce Young
Marching into Jacksonville, Bryce Young hoped to continue the momentum of last season, where he was able to have an explosive performance versus their division rival Atlanta Falcons. Instead, it was a nightmare that echoed his rookie campaign, going just 18 of 35 for 154 yards with 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, and a lost fumble. His snap count was full-game at 100%, but the output translated to dismal fantasy points: roughly 10.16 in standard scoring (6.16 from yards, 4 from TD, -4 from INTs, -2 from fumble, 4 from rushing) and slightly higher in PPR due to minimal receiving involvement. This pales in comparison to his 2024 per-game averages of 171.6 passing yards, 60.9% completion, 1.07 touchdowns, and 0.64 interceptions over 14 games, where he averaged about 13.9 fantasy points per game (PPG). Against the Jaguars, who ranked dead last in passing yards allowed (257.4 per game) and 26th in passing touchdowns conceded (29) in 2024, Young was expected to exploit a weak secondary but instead posted a -13.1 completion percentage over expected (CPOE) per Next Gen Stats.
Several theories explain this poor showing, backed by evidence. First, offensive line woes persist despite additions. Young faced pressure on 40% of dropbacks per PFF, leading to hurried throws and the fumble—mirroring 2024 when Carolina ranked 31st in pass-block win rate. Second, scheme changes under Dave Canales haven’t fully clicked; the run-first approach (only 35 attempts) limited opportunities, and Young’s deep-ball accuracy dipped, with just 4.4 yards per attempt vs. the Jaguars’ man coverage, where he historically struggles (50% completion in 2024). Third, lingering injury concerns for Young, dealing with minor ankle tweaks in preseason, potentially affecting his mobility, though he rushed for 40 yards—his highest since Week 16, 2024. Fourth, target competition, rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan drew nine targets for 68 yards, stealing red-zone looks, as Young’s TD pass went to Chuba Hubbard instead.
Panic meter: 7/10. Hold for now, but monitor closely; bench for streamers like Geno Smith if Week 2 disappoints, or sell high after a rebound game.
A.J. Brown
A.J. Brown’s Week 1 vanishing act against the Dallas Cowboys was a fantasy nightmare, especially for those who drafted him as a top-10 WR. He recorded just one catch on one target for eight yards, no touchdowns, and a full snap share (around 80-90%, per reports). This yielded a measly 0.8 fantasy points in standard and 1.8 in PPR—his lowest since a 2021 injury game. Compared to his 2024 averages: 5.15 catches, 83 yards, 0.54 TDs per game over 13 contests, good for 11.5 PPG in PPR. FantasyPros consensus projections for 2025 pegged him as WR9, with season expectations of 80+ receptions, 1,124 yards, and 7 TDs, implying 13-15 PPG. The Cowboys, who allowed 26 receiving TDs (tied for most) and seven 100-yard games to WRs in 2024, were a favorable matchup ranking at 17th in yards allowed to the position.
Plausible explanations include, first, the injury concerns. Brown missed the preseason with the injury, potentially limiting explosiveness—his PFF grade was middling at 54.1. Second, scheme shifts; new OC emphasized run (Saquon Barkley 150+ yards), reducing pass plays to 25 (league-low in 2024), with Brown’s target share dropping to 4% from 34.6% last year. Third, there is competition between DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert combined for 10 targets, diluting shares in a condensed game script. Fourth, matchup specifics; Cowboys’ man coverage (Brown’s 38.7% target rate vs. man in 2024) was negated by Philly’s lead, leading to conservative play-calling. For optimism, comps like Mahomes‘ 2018 WR Tyreek Hill (low Week 1, then exploded) vs. busts like Odell Beckham Jr. 2020 (faded post-injury). Schedule eases down the stretch with the Chiefs (14th vs. WRs), Giants (22nd), Commanders (19th)—all allowed 1,500+ yards to WRs in 2024. Team chemistry with Hurts (career-high target share to Brown) and regression in run efficiency could boost passes. Panic if targets stay low; WRs with <2 targets in Week 1 average 8.5 PPG next four weeks.
Panic meter: 6/10. Hold and start confidently; monitor targets, but don’t sell—boom weeks ahead.
Kenneth Walker
Kenneth Walker III’s Week 1 dud against the San Francisco 49ers amplified fears from his injury-shortened 2024, leaving fantasy owners questioning his RB1 viability. He managed 20 yards on 10 carries (2.0 YPC), no touchdowns, and minimal receiving (assume 0, as not detailed), with full snaps (~70%). Fantasy points: around 2.0 standard, 2.0 PPR—his worst since 2023. This contrasts with his 2024 averages: 52.1 rush yards, 27.2 rec yards, 0.64 TDs per game over 11 contests, for 12.3 PPG. Consensus projections slotted him as RB15, with 1,000+ rush yards, 8-10 TDs expected, implying 13-15 PPG. The 49ers ranked 18th in rush yards allowed (124.6/game) and 30th in rush TDs (24) in 2024, a middling matchup Walker should have exploited.
First, coaching changes to new OC Klint Kubiak’s zone scheme (58% outside zone in 2024) hasn’t suited Walker’s power style, leading to 2.0 YPC vs. 49ers’ stout front (8th in run defense EPA). Second, injury hangover; foot issues limited preseason, possibly sapping burst—PFF grade low, missed tackles forced zero. Third, committee rise for guys like Zach Charbonnet could steal touches, as Walker saw only a 50% share. Fourth, environmental; tough matchup exacerbated inefficiencies, like low yards before contact (49ers ranked high in missed tackles late 2024). Optimism from comps like Saquon Barkley 2022 (slow start, then RB1) vs. Ezekiel Elliott 2020 (declined). Schedule woes like the Broncos (23rd vs. RBs), Lions (8th but high TDs), and Giants (25th). Darnold’s play-action boosts runs; Walker led the NFL in missed tackles forced/att in 2024. Panic if <10 carries; RBs with <3 YPC Week 1 average 10.8 PPG next four.
