It is time for Week 2, and Andy, Mike, and Jason have got us covered! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.
Monday – Studs & Duds + Panic Players, Deep Breaths
News
Jameson Williams received a three-year extension, and Quinshon Judkins finally signed with the Browns. George Kittle sustained a hamstring injury, and Jauan Jennings is still sidelined. Brock Bowers left the game with a knee injury, which he downplayed after. Drake London left the game in the fourth quarter with a shoulder injury. Puka Nacua left briefly for a concussion check, and finally, Chris Olave and Jaylen Waddle both left with injuries but returned.
Studs
Top 5 QBs: Josh Allen, Justin Fields, Daniel Jones, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert. Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers outperformed their projections.
Top 5 RBs: Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, Javonte Williams, James Cook, and Christian McCaffrey. Honorable mentions are Travis Etienne, Chuba Hubbard, Saquon Barkley, Breece Hall, De’Von Achane, J.K. Dobbins, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
Top 5 WRs: Zay Flowers, Quentin Johnston, Emeka Egbuka, Keon Coleman, and Deebo Samuel. Honorable mentions are Garrett Wilson, Keenan Allen, Marvin Harrison Jr, Courtland Sutton, Jaxon Smith-Njigba (59% target share), and Hollywood Brown (16 targets).
Top 5 TEs: Brock Bowers, Dalton Kincaid, Travis Kelce, Juwan Johnson, and Tyler Warren.
Duds
QBs: Joe Burrow, Bo Nix, Trevor Lawrence, Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa, and C.J. Stroud.
RBs: Kenneth Walker, David Montgomery, TreVeyon Henderson, Rhamondre Stevenson, Omarion Hampton, Kaleb Johnson, and Tyrone Tracy.
WRs: A.J. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, AmonRa St. Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., Nico Collins, Terry McLaurin, Mike Evans, and George Pickens.
TEs: Mark Andrews
Tuesday – Week 2 Waivers & Streamers + Drop Candidates
News
Tank Bigsby was surprisingly traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for future 5th and 6th-round picks after being listed as a co-starter by Jacksonville in Week 1. George Kittle is expected to miss up to 5-6 weeks with a hamstring injury and may go on the IR. Jauan Jennings avoided serious injury, based on his MRI results. The 49ers signed Kendrick Bourne. Brian Daboll announced that Russell Wilson will play Week 2, despite a fart of a start over Jackson Dart.
Waiver Wire
Jason says go hard in Week 1, because this is the time you see players who have leveled up over the off-season. That being said, at RB, there are only a few interesting names. If Quinshon Judkins is available, he is the top priority. Bhayshul Tuten is now the backup in Jacksonville after the Bigsby trade. Trey Benson, Dylan Sampson, Kareem Hunt, and DJ Giddens all should be rostered. But don’t spend too much. Drop candidates include Bigsby, Will Shipley, Braelon Allen, Ollie Gordon, and Jerome Ford. Hang on to your rookies.
WR is the position to go hard. The pickups are the LAC guys, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston, Marquise Brown, Tyquan Thornton, Cedric Tillman, Kayshon Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Darnell Mooney, and Romeo Doubs. Drop candidates include Cooper Kupp, Josh Downs, and Jauan Jennings.
TEs include Harold Fannin (must-add), Juwan Johnson (must-add), Isaiah Likely, and Brenton Strange. You can consider dropping Mark Andrews and Evan Engram.
D/ST pickups to look at this week are ARI, LAR, SF, NE, DAL.
Check out all the waiver wire rankings on the website and use the Ultimate Dashboard waiver tool as a FootClan member, which is adjusted to your specific league.
Full Stream Ahead
The QBs to pick up this week are Justin Fields vs BUF from Mike. This should be the only week he is in this segment. It is Justin Herbert vs LV for Jason, and Drake Maye vs MIA for Andy.
Wednesday – Take Checks + TNF Preview, Trade Decisions
Take Checks
One week does not make a season, but it can tell us a lot. The Ballers discuss preseason takes that they nailed and whiffed on, after just one week of the NFL season. Jason is feeling good about his Michael Pittman take, who once again showed that he is a solid WR as long as his QB is not named Anthony Richardson. He is feeling shaky about Kaleb Johnson, but still holds out hope for the rookie.
Andy feels good about Jaxon Smith-Njigba being a true alpha in Seattle. He has quickly changed his mind about Justin Fields after doubting him. Mike is feeling good about Jordan Mason, who looked like the superior RB in Minnesota. He is doubting his take on Kenneth Walker, however, who looked like the inferior RB in Seattle.
Backup Options
Drop it like it’s hot. If you need depth, go check your waiver wire for these guys:
QBs: Trevor Lawrence, Kaleb Johnson,
RBs: Insurance backs include Trey Benson, DJ Giddens, Kendre Miller.
WRs: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Wan’Dale Robinson, Cooper Kupp, Jayden Higgins, Tre Tucker.
TEs: Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Dalton Kincaid, Dallas Goedert.
DST: NE, SEA, PHI
News
Christian Watson signed a one-year extension while he recovers from his ACL. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are both expected to play on Sunday night. Jauan Jennings is day-to-day, Jake Moody has been cut, and George Kittle was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. Will Shipley has fractured ribs, and the team traded for Tank Bigsby.
TNF Preview
1-0 WAS at 1-0 GB (GB -3.5, O/U 48.5)
Las Vegas believes we will enjoy this game with a high over/under. The first question is whether to stream off of Jordan Love. He could have a good game in real life and a disappointing fantasy day. The Ballers agree that Justin Fields is a better play than Love this week. We get to see Bill Croskey in Primetime. Austin Ekeler is the starter, but “Bill” showed more juice in Week 1. No one for GB had more than three catches in Week 1, as Love only completed 18 passes. Josh Jacobs is a must-start every week, and Tucker Kraft is a solid start, but probably needs a TD for you to be happy. Deebo Samuel is a safer play than Terry McLaurin because of the manufactured touches. Sit/Start decisions with the WAS WRs include Zay Flowers, Quentin Johnston, Michael Pittman, and Tyreek Hill. Sit/Start decisions with Croskey-Merrit include Jordan Mason, Jaylen Warren, Austin Ekeler, and Kenneth Walker.
Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 2 Breakdown, Bounce-Backs
News
Brock Purdy has a turf toe issue that will likely keep him out for multiple weeks. Chris Godwin returned to practice, but is still targeting a week five return. Evan Engram is limited with a calf injury. Dallas Goedert has a knee sprain and is questionable. Quinshon Judkins is expected to practice on Thursday and could play this week, in a limited role.
Starts of the Week
Jason: QB Justin Herbert, RB Travis Etienne Jr., WR DK Metcalf, TE Juwan Johnson
Mike: QB Kyler Murray, RB Jordan Mason, WR Garrett Wilson, TE Kyle Pitts
Andy: QB Justin Fields, RB Breece Hall, WR Keenan Allen, Brenton Strange
Fantasy Forecast
1-0 JAX at 1-0 CIN (CIN -3.5, O/U 48.5)
Andy’s Almost Upset of the Week! Both of these teams started off with a win, but it was disappointing for fantasy. You’re starting your Bengals: Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown. On the Jacksonville side, Brian Thomas Jr. had a rough start. Between BTJ and Travis Hunter, they caught 4 of 15 targets. Trevor Lawrence is a shaky start, and Brenton Strange is Andy’s TE start of the week.
0-1 NYG at 0-1 DAL (DAL -4.5, O/U 44.5)
Wild fact: Dak Prescott has won 13 straight games against the Giants. Tyrone Tracy is the workhorse in New York, but that doesn’t mean much. Javonte Williams had two TDs in Week 1 and is a good play. Start Malik Nabers if he’s healthy, and that’s about it for the Giants.
0-1 CHI at 0-1 DET (DET -6, O/U 46.5)
Expect the Lions to bounce back after being dominated in Week 1. D’Andre Swift is a good start as the workhorse for the Bears. Caleb Williams looked much better at times in Week 1, but is still a wait-and-see option, so it’s hard to trust any of his WRs. Jameson Williams is a big-play threat every week, but you may have better floor options. AmonRa St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs are locked in your lineup.
1-0 LAR at 0-1 TEN (LAR -5.5, O/U 41.5)
Cam Ward did not look good in his first start, but it was against the tough Denver defense. The Rams just shut down C.J. Stroud, so it might not improve this week. Tony Pollard might be the only start for the Titans; wait on the WRs. Start Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and Davante Adams – just like every other week.
0-1 NE at 0-1 MIA (MIA -1.5, O/U 43.5)
Water bet time: Jason takes Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle vs Andy’s Rome Odunze and D.J. Moore in total fantasy points in Week 2. Kayshon Boutte was a popular pickup, but isn’t necessarily in your lineup yet. Stefon Diggs had seven targets in Week 1, but he also isn’t a must-start. Achane is the best option in this one.
1-0 SF at 0-1 NO (SF -3, O/U 40.5)
Mac Jones will take the snaps for the injured Brock Purdy, which lowers expectations for all 49ers. Christian McCaffrey is still a must-start on a completely depleted team. Ricky Pearsall should get most of the WR targets from Jones. Alvin Kamara is still the man in New Orleans. Spencer Rattler will chuck it around the yard in Kellen Moore’s offense, which will continue to benefit Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Juwan Johnson.
1-0 BUF at 0-1 NYJ (BUF -6.5, O/U 46.5)
Three of the starts of the week will be wearing Jets uniforms – Justin Fields, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson. James Cook was limited in practice this week – start him if healthy, start Ray Davis if not. Dalton Kincaid is a desperation play at TE. Keon Coleman was the WR2 in the Week 1 shootout with Baltimore, and he looked good. Tough to trust any other pass-catchers in this one.
0-1 SEA at 1-0 PIT (PIT -3, O/U 39.5)
Former teammates Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf are great starts. Jaylen Warren is the best option at RB, with the ambiguity of the Seahawks’ backfield. Neither QB is in your lineup, even after Aaron Rodgers’s solid introduction for the Steelers. Calvin Austin was a waiver pickup this week, but you will probably be disappointed without a TD.
Friday – Week 2 Matchups + Start/Sits, Delicious Garbage
News
TNF produced two very unfortunate injuries. Jayden Reed is on IR with a broken collarbone (6-8 weeks), and Austin Ekeler suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Ekeler, a good friend of the show and fantasy legend, may not see the field again. Jauan Jennings is still not practicing. James Cook and Malik Nabers both upgraded to a full practice on Thursday. Jaylen Waddle should be available for Week 2, but not Darren Waller. Xavier Worthy is doubtful. Brock Bowers is questionable for Monday night – be on Brock watch. Dallas Goedert did not practice, but Evan Engram surprisingly did. Quinshon Judkins was reported to be ready to play on Sunday.
Fantasy Forecast
0-1 CLE at 0-1 BAL (BAL -11.5, O/U 45.5)
The Ravens are coming off a difficult loss to the Bills in an instant classic. Joe Flacco could throw the ball 50 times, as they’ll be playing from behind. Harold Fannin was the waiver wire darling, but is competing for targets with Cedric Tillman, Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and Dylan Sampson. Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson are locked in. Zay Flowers dominated in Week 1, and Mark Andrews disappeared.
1-0 DEN at 1-0 IND (DEN -1.5, O/U 43.5)
The Broncos eked out a win in Week 1 but face a tougher Colts team that looked sharp. Daniel Jones vultured two TDs from Jonathan Taylor, who still looked strong and remains a solid start. Bo Nix struggled, but is still worth starting this week. Michael Pittman has been consistent but faces a tough Broncos secondary, making him a borderline play. Courtland Sutton is the only Denver WR to trust, while J.K. Dobbins needs a TD for you to be happy. R.J. Harvey remains a stash. Tyler Warren is a dawg – play him.
1-0 DEN at 1-0 IND (DEN -1.5, O/U 43.5)
Arizona is the home favorite against a Panthers team that looked lifeless in Week 1. Kyler Murray should bounce back after playing sick, and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s improved route usage is an encouraging sign. James Conner is a strong start against a struggling Carolina run defense, and Trey McBride is a high-end TE option. Carolina’s run defense is so bad that you could even close your eyes and start Trey Benson. Chuba Hubbard remains a reliable play thanks to consistent volume, while rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan saw nine targets and is a name to watch.
1-0 PHI at 0-1 KC (PHI -1.5, O/U 46.5)
Patrick Mahomes put up decent fantasy numbers in Week 1, but Travis Kelce‘s 11% target share was concerning, especially with Xavier Worthy out. Hollywood Brown emerged as the top target, and Tyquan Thornton could be a sneaky start if you’re feeling bold – and a TD guarantee from Andy. Isaiah Pacheco’s usage is trending down, making him a tough start against a strong Eagles front. On the Philly side, start your studs: Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith are all locked in.
0-1 ATL at MIN 1-0 (MIN -3.5, O/U 44.5)
J.J. McCarthy is emerging as a fun, viable streaming option after a strong debut. He’s a fine play this week with a soft Falcons defense and a projected 24 points at home. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson remain must-starts despite Hockenson’s poor Week 1showing. Bijan Robinson had a strong receiving line (6 for 100) but split rushing work with Tyler Allgeier, raising concerns about his ground role. But he’s still a superstar that you’re never benching. Jordan Mason and Kyle Pitts are two of Mike’s starts of the week.
1-0 TB at 0-1 HOU (HOU -2.5, O/U 42.5)
The first of two MNF games. Nick Chubb saw solid usage and should remain the lead back, though the matchup vs Tampa’s run D is tough. Bucky Irving played 76% of snaps and looks like a solid RB2 going forward. Nico Collins is still the clear WR1 and a confident start despite a quiet Week 1. Mike Evans remains a solid start. Emeka Egbuka is on pace for 34 TDs. Baker Mayfield is a viable QB2 in SuperFlex. Avoid Cade Otton, and Jayden Higgins is a deep stash to monitor.
1-0 LAC at 1-0 LV (LAC -3.5, O/U 46.5)
In the late MNF game, Justin Herbert is a strong QB1 option, especially playing indoors, and Keenan Allen is a must-start WR. Jakobi Meyers had 10 targets and should be a reliable PPR WR, especially if Brock Bowers misses time. Michael Mayer becomes a viable TE play if Bowers is out. Omarion Hampton is getting plenty of snaps and opportunities, making him a nice RB2 this week against a softer Raiders defense. Keenan Allen is Andy’s start of the week, and Quentin Johnston has upside as a boom-or-bust Flex.
Fantasy Faceoff
Jason and Mike earned clown wigs, and Andy pushed last week with his pick of DK Metcalf over seven targets.
Week 2 picks:
Andy: Jaxon Smith-Njigba Over 61.5 yards receiving
Jason: Zach Charbonnet Under 12.5 yards longest rush
Mike: Russell Wilson Under 217.5 passing yards
Good luck in Week 2!
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