Week 1 fines centered on Chicago and Philadelphia, led by Cole Kmet’s $17,389 penalty for a leg whip on a D’Andre Swift rush. Noah Sewell followed with $6,174 for a hip-drop that wasn’t penalized in real time, and Jakorian Bennett hit $23,186 for a hip-drop. Jalen Carter’s week’s pay and ejection also factor into the league’s discipline narrative. For fantasy, watch Kmet’s target share and Bears’ blocking discipline, plus how the Eagles’ backfield roles shift as penalties influence on-field usage.

Week 2 RBs sit on the cusp of bigger roles. Warren could seize control in Pittsburgh if Gainwell fumbles, while Dobbins remains the Broncos’ clear lead back with primary red-zone duties. Mason projects as the Vikings’ early-down and goal-line option, and Henderson’s role in New England is tempered by Stevenson’s volume. Montgomery faces a potential drop in workload, and Henderson’s PPR upsides are subtle at best.

Volume and consistency drive the bets here. Expect Warren and Mason to push for more responsibility if efficiency improves; Dobbins’ job appears secure for now; Henderson remains a high-risk, high-reward bench option. Monitoring Week 2 game scripts will be key to capitalizing on these backfields.

Week 1 exposed a shifting NFL RB landscape. Chase Brown and Tony Pollard led their teams with workhorse workloads, logging over 80% of rushing attempts and the vast majority of scrimmage touches, signaling sustained high-volume roles to come.

Travis Etienne asserted himself as Jacksonville’s true bell cow after Tank Bigsby shipped out, while Kenneth Walker III ceded prominent work to Zach Charbonnet in Seattle. Jordan Mason surfaced for Minnesota, and Week 2 matchups loom as fantasy managers chase these trendlines.

Brian Flores flipped the Bears game plan in Chicago, dialing up pressure that helped Minnesota rally from a 17-6 hole. Caleb Williams started hot, but the Vikings’ defense and late-run game adjustments turned the tide for a 27-24 win. J.J. McCarthy avoided mistakes late, while Jordan Mason’s second-half bursts and Aaron Jones’ TD connection with McCarthy supplied the offense Minnesota needed. Myles Price sparked special-teams relevance, and Nailor’s DPI moment gave Minnesota the short-field edge down the stretch.

The win showcased Flores’ blitz-heavy second-half blueprint, Mason’s improved off-tackle rhythm, and Price’s punt-return spark, all while Wright’s punting remained a concern with field-position swings. Vikings bettors and fantasy managers will watch how this balance translates into Week 2 with Mason and Jefferson driving the aerial and ground facets.