Week 1 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Wide Receiver: Willie Snead

Willie Snead, WR, New Orleans Saints
9 Receptions, 172 Yards, 9 Targets, 1 Touchdown
Performance: 100, NEP: +19.00

Continuing our string of great players performing in tightly-contested games, Snead turned in a remarkable Week 1 performance. While the New Orleans Saints may have lost in one of the gutsiest calls of the week, the Saints couldn't have asked for more from Snead. He finished the day catching all 9 of his targets for 172 yards and a score.

Snead's biggest play of the game was a field-changing 57-yard reception in the fourth quarter. Drew Brees was able to split two defenders and hit Snead in stride in a wild that play that got the Saints in the red zone. Following the hit by D.J. Hayden, Snead fumbled the ball forward and teammate Michael Thomas was able to recover and keep the drive alive for New Orleans. Snead was also able to fake a drag route in the red zone earlier in the game, pivot back to Brees, and get open for a quick one-yard strike for the touchdown.

Snead finished the day as one of this week's biggest fantasy producers, racking up 32.2 fantasy points. He and teammate Brandin Cooks both finished as top-five wide receivers this week as Brees connected with them often in this shootout. Dating back to last year, Snead has been a much bigger factor at home, averaging 15.7 fantasy points at home versus 9.6 on the road.