WEEK 2 RECAP
Eagles 34, Vikings 28: Talk about a tale of two weeks! D’Andre Swift had three total yards on two touches in Week 1 as Kenneth Gainwell’s primary backup. Swift finished with 181 total yards and a touchdown in 31 touches (three receptions) against Minnesota with Gainwell sidelined with a rib injury last week. What happens when Gainwell is healthy?
Falcons 25, Packers 24: Despite solid usage (with and without Aaron Jones), AJ Dillon has continued his inefficient ways from the beginning of last season, averaging a minuscule 2.6 yards per carry. Dillon is a drop candidate if this continues much longer.
Bills 38, Raiders 10: James Cook produced an impressive 159 total yards on 21 touches (four receptions) in the blowout of Las Vegas, and is the overall RB17 in standard formats (RB9 in PPR) through two games, but it was clear Sunday he isn’t the primary goal-line back. This could limit his overall ceiling if Damien Harris and Latavius Murray continue to split those opportunities.
Ravens 27, Bengals 24: Ja’Marr Chase is currently the overall WR74 in standard formats and has failed to eclipse double-digit points in PPR through two games. It’s a massive disappointment for someone who was actually selected first overall in some drafts. It may get worse before it gets better with Joe Burrow reaggravating his calf injury and Jake Browning waiting in the wings.
Seahawks 37, Lions 31 (OT): Josh Reynolds followed up an 80-yard game against the Chiefs in the opener with two TDs against Seattle. Reynolds has actually been more productive in fantasy than Amon-Ra St. Brown through two games. He’s the overall WR9 in standard formats (WR12 in PPR). His more heralded teammate is the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR). Reynolds’ role will likely take a hit once Jameson Williams returns in a month from suspension, but he’s a WR3/flex with upside in the short term.
Titans 27, Chargers 24 (OT): I faded Joshua Kelley as a replacement for an injured Austin Ekeler last week because I believed L.A. would rely on Justin Herbert’s arm to carry the day against a beatable Tennessee defense. Kelley finished with 39 yards on 13 carries and no receptions.
Buccaneers 27, Bears 17: D’Onta Foreman was a healthy scratch against Tampa Bay. That leaves Roschon Johnson splitting time with Khalil Herbert. The rookie remains the primary third-down back, and has eight receptions this season, tied for fifth-most among running backs. The atrocious Bears defense should help keep Johnson plenty busy going forward.
Chiefs 17, Jaguars 9: There appears to be no rhyme or reason to Kansas City’s wide receiver rotation. Skyy Moore led the team in receiving yards (70) against Jacksonville thanks to a 54-yard catch and scored a TD, but actually saw his playing time decrease from Week 1.
Colts 31, Texans 20: Houston’s Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Robert Woods are all viable fantasy assets with rookie QB CJ Stroud playing at a high level to begin his NFL career. Stroud is averaging 313 yards and completing 63.7 percent of his es after two games. The three receivers finished Week 2 as the overall WR5, WR17 and WR36 in PPR formats.
49ers 30, Rams 23: Christian McCaffrey played 100 percent of his team’s offensive snaps for the first time since 2019. While McCaffrey has looked like the best running back in the NFL, it would make sense for Kyle Shanahan to carve out 5-10 touches per game for Elijah Mitchell in order to keep CMC fresh (and healthy) going forward.
Giants 31, Cardinals 28: Saquon Barkley suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter at Arizona. Early reports have Barkley escaping serious injury, but he’ll likely miss a few games at least. Matt Breida started last year’s regular season finale against the Eagles, producing only 40 total yards, but had seven receptions. The G-Men have a tough matchup at San Francisco on Thursday night, but follow that up with the Seahawks and Dolphins.
Cowboys 30, Jets 10: Brandin Cooks’ injury meant more opportunities for CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard in the game with Michael Gallup receiving only two targets for the second straight week. Gallup doesn’t need to be on your roster at this point.
Commanders 35, Broncos 33: Rookie receiver Marvin Mims Jr. produced two receptions over 50 yards, but he only ran six routes. Mims is a stash candidate in hopes Sean Payton and Russell Wilson utilize one of the few explosive players on their offense more often.
Dolphins 24, Patriots 17: Raheem Mostert is the overall RB4 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) with 177 total yards and three TDs in the first two games. This has me salivating as someone who invested heavily in Jonathan Taylor at a significantly discounted price in most drafts. I’m currently burning incense and trying to will Miami to trade for Taylor.
Saints 20, Panthers 17: Tony Jones Jr. is likely New Orleans’ starting running back by default at Green Bay with Alvin Kamara suspended and a faulty hamstring possibly sidelining Jamaal Williams. Jones scored both TDs for the Saints on Monday night. I’m sure Taysom Hill will factor in somehow as well — Hill had 75 rushing yards against Carolina — but I’m most excited to see a healthy Kendre Miller suit up for the first time.
Steelers 26, Browns 22: Nick Chubb is done for the season after suffering a terrible leg injury on Monday Night Football. Jerome Ford produced 131 total yards, three receptions and a touchdown — he barely missed a second TD by an inch — after Chubb left the game. GM Andrew Berry signed free agent Kareem Hunt to bolster a depleted backfield, but Ford is talented enough to keep this job and perform at a high level going forward. I wrote this about the former Cincinnati Bearcats tailback in my draft evaluation in 2022: “The Alabama transfer possesses NFL size and athletic ability with soft hands and the speed to create explosive plays as a catcher.”
Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.
Here’s my best bets for Week 3:
N.Y. GIANTS AT SAN FRANCISCO
Obvious starters: Darren Waller (NYG), Christian McCaffrey (SF), Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST.
Who to start: Brandon Aiyuk (SF) is questionable with a shoulder injury he suffered against the Rams, but the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) should be in your lineup if he’s active — unless you have an equally elite option. Brock Purdy (SF) is a borderline QB1 against a Giants rush that hasn’t recorded a sack this year.
Who to sit: Six of the eight quarters Daniel Jones (NYG) has played this season have been terrible, plus Saquon Barkley and Andrew Thomas being out will make this matchup even more difficult then it already was. Matt Breida (NYG) may see decent usage in Barkley’s absence, but a matchup against his former team won’t do him any favors. Parris Campbell (NYG) remains TD-dependent with five receptions for 23 yards in two games. Darius Slayton (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust option. The Giants D/ST is the lowest scoring defense in fantasy through two games. Elijah Mitchell (SF) is TD-dependent with McCaffrey hogging touches.
Sleeper: Jauan Jennings (SF) would have flex appeal in deeper leagues if the Niners decide Aiyuk needs a week off to rest his shoulder.
TENNESSEE AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Derrick Henry (TEN), Amari Cooper (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) maintains his WR3/flex upside with an average of nine targets per game. Deshaun Watson (CLE) faces a defense that has allowed exactly 305 ing yards in two straight games to begin the season. Jerome Ford (CLE) finished Week 2 as the overall RB6 in fantasy after replacing an injured Nick Chubb, and I’m rolling with him despite a difficult matchup. Elijah Moore (CLE) has WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
Who to sit: Treylon Burks (TEN) remains boom-or-bust with seven targets in two games. I’m fading Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season. David Njoku (CLE) is TD-dependent with only seven targets in two games.
Sleeper: Explosive rookie Tyjae Spears (TEN) could see double-digit touches if Henry’s toe injury flares up on Sunday.
ATLANTA AT DETROIT
Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET).
Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Tyler Allgeier (ATL) is a flex with an average of 17 touches per game. Sam LaPorta (DET) is the overall TE9 in standard formats (TE4 in PPR) through two games. Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB11 through two games. Josh Reynolds (DET) has at least four receptions, 80 yards or a TD in both games this season.
Who to sit: Mack Hollins (ATL) remains TD-dependent with exactly three receptions in two straight games. David Montgomery (DET) hasn’t practiced this week with a thigh injury.
Sleeper: Desmond Ridder (ATL) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
NEW ORLEANS AT GREEN BAY
Obvious starters: Chris Olave (NO), Saints D/ST.
Who to start: Michael Thomas (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside with at least five receptions, 55 yards and eight targets in both games this season. Taysom Hill (NO) has been limited in practice with a knee injury, but if he’s active, he’ll likely be a factor in the run game. Both Aaron Jones (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) are obvious starters if either is active. The Packers D/ST is a solid streaming option at home.
Who to sit: Jamaal Williams (NO) will likely miss some time with a hamstring injury. Juwan Johnson (NO) remains TD-dependent with only eight targets in two games. Derek Carr (NO) is the overall QB28 through two games. Rashid Shaheed (NO) faces a defense allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Tony Jones Jr. (NO) scored twice in relief against the Panthers, but only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. AJ Dillon (GB) is the overall RB42 through two games. I’m fading Jordan Love (GB) against a defense yet to allow over 200 yards ing or multiple TD es in a game this season. Romeo Doubs (GB) is TD-dependent with only eight targets in two games. Jayden Reed (GB) is TD-dependent with only six receptions this season and fewer than 50 yards in both games. I’m fading Luke Musgrave (GB) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to tight ends this season.
Sleeper: A healthy Kendre Miller (NO) is making his NFL debut against a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
DENVER AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Javonte Williams (DEN), Jerry Jeudy (DEN), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA).
Who to start: Courtland Sutton (DEN) maintains flex appeal with at least five receptions, 66 yards or a TD in two straight games. Russell Wilson (DEN) is the overall QB5 through two games. Jaylen Waddle (MIA) is an obvious starter if he makes it through the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. Raheem Mostert (MIA) has at least 50 total yards and a TD in two straight games. The Dolphins D/ST is a solid streaming option in its home opener.
Who to sit: Samaje Perine (DEN) only deserves flex consideration in the deepest PPR formats with at least three receptions in both games this season. I’m fading the Broncos D/ST against a high-powered offense on the road. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust option until we see him receive a consistent target share. Dynamic rookie De’Von Achane (MIA) could see higher usage this week, but it’s too early to trust him in your lineup.
Sleeper: Adam Trautman (DEN) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
L.A. CHARGERS AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: Keenan Allen (LAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC), Justin Jefferson (MIN), TJ Hockenson (MIN), Kirk Cousins (MIN).
Who to start: Joshua Kelley (LAC) deserves flex consideration against a defense allowing 166 rushing yards per game. Jordan Addison (MIN) has at least 61 yards and a TD in both games this season.
Who to sit: There’s currently “no timeline” for Austin Ekeler (LAC) to return from an ankle injury. Quentin Johnston (LAC) remains a boom-or-bust option with only five targets in two games. Gerald Everett (LAC) remains TD-dependent against a defense that has allowed only eight receptions for 41 yards to tight ends in two games. I’m fading both Alexander Mattison (MIN) and Cam Akers (MIN) until we see how the touches are divided up.
Sleeper: KJ Osborn (MIN) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season.
NEW ENGLAND AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE), Patriots D/ST, Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST.
Who to start: Hunter Henry (NE) is the overall TE1 in standard formats (TE2 in PPR) after producing at least five receptions, 52 yards and a TD in both games this season. Both Breece Hall (NYJ) and Dalvin Cook (NYJ) have flex value against a defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs this season.
Who to sit: JuJu Smith-Schuster (NE) only has flex value in deeper PPR formats against the Jets secondary. Ezekiel Elliott (NE) is TD-dependent with 17 touches in two games. Mac Jones (NE) only has value in superflex formats this week. Mike Gesicki (NE) remains TD-dependent with only nine targets in two games. Allen Lazard (NYJ) has produced exactly two receptions on four targets in back-to-back games without Aaron Rodgers (mostly).
Sleeper: Kendrick Bourne (NE) maintains flex appeal despite the difficult matchup with at least nine targets in each game this season.
BUFFALO AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Bills D/ST, Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS).
Who to start: Gabe Davis (BUF) maintains WR3/flex upside against a defense allowing the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Commanders D/ST is the fifth-highest scoring defense in fantasy and have scored double-digit points in both games this season.
Who to sit: Both Dalton Kincaid (BUF) and Dawson Knox (BUF) are TD-dependent against a defense that has allowed only eight receptions for 44 yards to tight ends in two games. Damien Harris (BUF) and Latavius Murray (BUF) remain TD-dependent lottery tickets with their usage around the goal-line in this high-powered offense. I’m fading both Terry McLaurin (WAS) and Jahan Dotson (WAS) in a low-volume offense against a good Bills secondary. Antonio Gibson (WAS) is TD-dependent with only nine touches in two games. Curtis Samuel (WAS) remains a boom-or-bust option with only 10 touches in two games.
Sleeper: Sam Howell (WAS) is the overall QB12 in fantasy and he is a threat with his legs — two rushing TDs in three career starts.
HOUSTON AT JACKSONVILLE
Obvious starters: Travis Etienne (JAC), Trevor Lawrence (JAC), Calvin Ridley (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).
Who to start: Nico Collins (HOU) is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) through two games. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense allowing the sixth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. CJ Stroud (HOU) could be a sneaky streaming option if his shoulder is fine. Christian Kirk (JAC) maintains WR3/flex upside with Zay Jones potentially out with a knee injury. The Jaguars D/ST are a streaming option against an offensive line that has allowed at least five sacks in both games this season.
Who to sit: I’m fading Dameon Pierce (HOU) against a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to running backs this season. Devin Singletary (HOU) remains TD-dependent with only 12 touches in two games. Tank Dell (HOU) has been limited in practice with a thigh injury so I’m being cautious.
Sleeper: Robert Woods (HOU) has at least six receptions and 57 yards in both games this season.
INDIANAPOLIS AT BALTIMORE
Obvious starters: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL).
Who to start: Zack Moss (IND) deserves flex consideration after receiving 22 touches — and producing 107 total yards and a TD — in his 2023 debut. Zay Flowers (BAL) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR37 in standard formats (WR27 in PPR). The Ravens D/ST remains a solid streaming option at home. Gus Edwards (BAL) maintains flex appeal (in standard formats) with decent usage and the possibility Justice Hill is out with a turf toe injury.
Who to sit: Anthony Richardson (IND) remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in his first two games. I’m fading a productive Colts D/ST against Jackson on the road. Odell Beckham Jr. (BAL) hasn’t practiced yet with an ankle injury he suffered against the Bengals.
Sleeper(s): Gardner Minshew (IND) produced 171 yards and a TD on 19-of-23 ing in relief of Richardson against the Texans. Rashod Bateman (BAL) faces a defense allowing the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and Beckham could be out.
CAROLINA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Miles Sanders (CAR), Kenneth Walker (SEA), DK Metcalf (SEA), Tyler Lockett (SEA).
Who to start: Adam Thielen (CAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. The Seahawks D/ST is a streaming option at home against a rookie QB traveling from the east coast.
Who to sit: DJ Chark Jr. (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until we see more consistent target share (he had one target against the Saints). Chuba Hubbard (CAR) only has value if Sanders is limited or out with a pectoral injury. Bryce Young (CAR) has yet to for multiple TDs or top 153 ing yards. Jonathan Mingo (CAR) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions for 43 yards in two games. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) faces a defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Geno Smith (SEA) faces a defense allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (CAR) faces a defense that has allowed at least four receptions and 63 yards to tight ends in both games this season.
CHICAGO AT KANSAS CITY
Obvious starters: Justin Fields (CHI), DJ Moore (CHI), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).
Who to start: Cole Kmet (CHI) is the overall TE13 in standard formats (TE10 in PPR). Isiah Pacheco (KC) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs this season, but could be limited or out with a hamstring injury.
Who to sit: I’m fading Khalil Herbert (CHI) against a run defense that looked pretty stout with the return of Chris Jones against the Jaguars. Darnell Mooney (CHI) has been limited with a knee injury in practice and remains a boom-or-bust candidate. Both Jerick McKinnon (KC) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) become lottery tickets if Pacheco is out. One of these receivers should produce, but you’ll have to flip a coin to decide between Skyy Moore (KC), Kadarius Toney (KC), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC) or Rashee Rice (KC) who it will be — Toney’s toe injury could narrow the odds though.
Sleeper: Roschon Johnson (CHI) is the overall RB25 in standard formats (RB21 in PPR) and deserves flex consideration in a situation where he could be targeted heavily if the Bears get down early.
DALLAS AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Tony Pollard (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, James Conner (ARI).
Who to start: Dak Prescott (DAL) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Zach Ertz (ARI) has exactly six receptions (and at least eight targets) in back-to-back games.
Who to sit: I’m fading Brandin Cooks (DAL) until we see his knee is completely healthy. Michael Gallup (DAL) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only four targets in two games. I’m fading Marquise Brown (ARI) against a defense allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Rondale Moore (ARI) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only four receptions for 47 yards in two games. The Cardinals D/ST has been serviceable so far, but you’re not starting them against the Cowboys.
Sleeper: Jake Ferguson (DAL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that hasn’t been able to cover tight ends for two seasons.
PITTSBURGH AT LAS VEGAS
Obvious starters: Steelers D/ST, Davante Adams (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV).
Who to start: Najee Harris (PIT) faces a defense allowing the third-most fantasy points to running backs this season. George Pickens (PIT) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) through two games. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) faces a defense allowing the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Jakobi Meyers (LV) deserves flex consideration once he’s outside of the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Who to sit: Kenny Pickett (PIT) has only earned out trust in superflex formats so far. Allen Robinson (PIT) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only seven receptions for 76 yards in two games. Jimmy Garoppolo (LV) only deserves consideration in superflex formats at this point.
Sleeper: Jaylen Warren (PIT) has flex appeal in PPR formats against a bad defense that struggles with containing running backs.
PHILADELPHIA AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Eagles D/ST, Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Rachaad White (TB).
Who to start: I don’t see how you keep D’Andre Swift (PHI) out of your lineup after he went off against the Vikings.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) after Swift’s performance and until we see him healthy. I’m fading the Buccaneers D/ST against Hurts at home despite it being the third-highest scoring defense in fantasy. Baker Mayfield (TB) only remains trustworthy in superflex formats until further notice.
Sleeper: Cade Otton (TB) faces a defense allowing the most fantasy points to tight ends this season.
L.A. RAMS AT CINCINNATI
Obvious starters: Puka Nacua (LAR), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).
Who to start: Kyren Williams (LAR) is the overall RB3 in standard formats (RB2 in PPR) through two games. Tyler Higbee (LAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. Tutu Atwell (LAR) has been overshadowed by rookie sensation Nacua, but he’s the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR15 in PPR) through two games. Joe Burrow (CIN) has struggled with a lingering calf injury, but it’s hard to bench him unless you have a good alternative — I’m downgrading the entire Bengals offense outside of Mixon if Jake Browning replaces Burrow on MNF.
Who to sit: Van Jefferson (LAR) remains a boom-or-bust candidate with only nine targets in two games. Tyler Boyd (CIN) only has value in deeper PPR formats with Burrow struggling. Irv Smith Jr. (CIN) remains TD-dependent with only five receptions for 27 yards in two games. I’m fading the Bengals D/ST against an efficient Rams offense.
Sleeper: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense allowing the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season.
