Week 1 Recap: Erik Opens With a Statement

Last season, Erik’s campaign was defined by frustration — an 0–8 start that spiraled into the infamous ukulele busking punishment on State Street. Week 1 of 2025 delivered a different story. Erik came out swinging, grabbing a 128.38–103.38 victory over AJ and planting an early flag that he won’t be walking any half marathon inside Gordon Dining Hall this year.

Erik’s win was anchored by a pair of stars. Wide receiver Puka Nacua torched Houston for double-digit catches and 130 yards, finishing with 23.1 points and setting the tone for the matchup. At quarterback, Baker Mayfield provided balance with 22.6 points, tossing three scores and adding yards with his legs. But the true heart of Erik’s roster came from his Broncos defense, a unit he’s stood by through ups and downs. Denver’s pass rush suffocated Tennessee, piling up sacks and turnovers en route to a whopping 18 fantasy points.

AJ’s side wasn’t quiet. Jalen Hurts did his usual dual-threat damage, accounting for two rushing touchdowns and nearly 25 points. Travis Kelce reminded everyone why he’s still the premier tight end in fantasy, finding the end zone and delivering another solid 12.7 points. Yet beyond those two, AJ’s lineup couldn’t keep pace. Key running backs stumbled in the low-teens, and the depth Erik lacked last year suddenly appeared in force.

The result was decisive: Erik not only picked up his first win of the season but matched his entire win total from the first half of 2024 in one afternoon.

What It Means

• Erik shakes off the ghosts of last season’s 0–8 nightmare. A balanced lineup and a resurgent Broncos defense make him a dangerous draw.

• AJ has stars in Hurts and Kelce, but he’ll need more consistent production across RB and WR slots if he wants to avoid falling behind in the standings.

Week 1 belonged to Erik. From the basement to the headlines, he’s already rewritten the script.