B/R Fantasy Football's Cheat Sheet to Winning NFL Week 2

B/R Fantasy Football's Cheat Sheet to Winning NFL Week 2
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1Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
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2Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens
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3Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
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4New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
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5Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
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6Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers
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7Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
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8San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
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9Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots
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10New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
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11New York Giants at Washington Commanders
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12Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
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13Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos
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14Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
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15Chicago Bears at Houston Texans
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16Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
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B/R Fantasy Football's Cheat Sheet to Winning NFL Week 2

Gary Davenport
Sep 12, 2024

B/R Fantasy Football's Cheat Sheet to Winning NFL Week 2

Saquon Barkley
Saquon Barkley

Week 1 of the fantasy football season is an annual reminder of how much we don't know.

Sure, it wasn't surprising to see Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills finish as fantasy's top quarterback last week. But Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming in second in fantasy points was most assuredly not expected.

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles finishing Week 1 atop the running back rankings wasn't a surprise. J.K. Dobbins of the Los Angeles Chargers and Jordan Mason of the San Francisco 49ers joining him in the top five is another story.

Allen Lazard of the New York Jets finishing third in PPR points among wide receivers. Isaiah Likely of the Baltimore Ravens and Foster Moreau of the New Orleans Saints ending Week 1 as the top two fantasy tight ends. Not many saw that coming, And by "not many," we mean no one.

Now, some of those big games are just one-offs, Flukes. But some could be indicative of trends that will carry deeper into the season. Knowledge that savvy fantasy managers will file away so they are better prepared for the weeks to come.

Right now, the priority is preparing for Week 2. Getting a victory this week. And that's what we're here to do, with a game-by-game look at this week's matchups. The favorable plays. The unfavorable ones. The sleepers. And the stats that could define Week 2.

Let's get started—in sunny South Florida.

Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins

Tua Tagovailoa
Tua Tagovailoa

Key Injuries

The Buffalo Bills are relatively healthy entering Week 2, but the same cannot be said for the Miami Dolphins backfield. Raheem Mostert (chest) has already been ruled out of Thursday night's game, and fellow running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is a game-time decision.


Start of the Week

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,600]: Given all the injuries that have hit the Miami backfield, the Dolphins are going to be forced to lean hard on Tagovailoa and the passing attack. His career record against the Bills isn't good, but Tagovailoa should post solid fantasy numbers Thursday night if only from necessity.


Sit of the Week

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Buffalo Bills [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Kincaid was a non-factor in last week's win over the Arizona Cardinals, catching just one pass for 11 yards. Evan Engram of the Jacksonville Jaguars had an even worse line against Miami last week, so a rebound doesn't appear especially likely.


Sleeper

Jaylen Wright, RB, Miami Dolphins [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: This is a "last man standing" play—with Mostert out and Achane looking iffy to play at best, the rookie running back could carry a heavy workload Thursday night. The matchup isn't great, but any back who will see 15-plus touches in a game is worth a look from fantasy managers.


Stat to Know

One. That's how many wins Tagovailoa has against the Bills in seven tries. In those games, Tagovailoa has just six touchdown passes against seven interceptions and has averaged just 207.7 passing yards per contest. If Miami is going to have a chance in this game, Tagovailoa has to reverse that trend.

Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens

Derrick Henry
Derrick Henry

Key Injuries

The Las Vegas Raiders don't have any fantasy-relevant injuries of note, but the Baltimore Ravens put a scare into fantasy managers when quarterback Lamar Jackson landed on the injury report earlier this week. However, Jackson has been deemed just "a little bit sore" and is fully expected to play Sunday.


Start of the Week

Derrick Henry, RB, Baltimore Ravens [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: Henry's Ravens debut wasn't especially impressive, but with Lamar Jackson dinged up he could play a significant role in the Baltimore offense Sunday against a Raiders defense that was gashed on the ground last week by J.K. Dobbins and the Los Angeles Chargers.


Sit of the Week

Zamir White, RB, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,600]: White appears to be mired in a full-blown committee backfield with Alexander Mattison, game script doesn't favor the Raiders in this contest, and last year the Ravens were solid against the run, allowing less than 110 yards per game on the ground.


Sleeper

Jakobi Meyers, WR, Las Vegas Raiders [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: Meyers' stat line of three catches for 61 yards last week against the Los Angeles Chargers isn't especially impressive, but this is a game where the Raiders will have to throw the ball and Davante Adams is sure to draw the lion's share of Baltimore's defensive attention.


Stat to Know

3.2—the average yards per carry that Zamir White, Alexander Mattison and the Vegas ground game managed in last week's loss to the Chargers. If that contest was any indication, the Raiders will be one-dimensional offensively this season. And with Gardner Minshew II under center, that ain't good news.

Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers

J.K. Dobbins
J.K. Dobbins

Key Injuries

Not much went right for the Carolina Panthers in Week 1, but the team at least made it through the game without suffering any major injuries on offense.

It's a different story for the visiting Chargers. The team was forced to place wide receiver DJ Chark (hip) on injured reserve, and fellow wideout Josh Palmer missed practice all week with a knee injury.


Start of the Week

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Los Angeles Chargers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Dobbins peeled off 135 rushing yards and a score last week on just 10 carries, and a Panthers run defense that ranked 23rd in the league last year didn't look any better a week ago. Carolina also lost defensive tackle Derrick Brown to a season-ending injury last week against the Saints.


Sit of the Week

Diontae Johnson, WR, Carolina Panthers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,100]: It's simple, really—the Carolina offense looked like hot garbage last week against the Saints. Until it shows some signs of life, every player on the Panthers roster is best left on benches by fantasy managers.


Sleeper

Los Angeles Chargers Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,400]: The Chargers looked good defensively last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, sacking Gardner Minshew II four times, forcing three turnovers and allowing just 10 points. They're one of this week's top streaming plays defensively.


Stat to Know

193—the number of total yards of offense in Carolina's 47-10 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 1. With each passing week, the Panthers' decision to draft Bryce Young over C.J. Stroud looks worse, and the fantasy value of players like Johnson and Adam Thielen is officially in the toilet.

New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

Chris Olave
Chris Olave

Key Injuries

The New Orleans Saints head into Sunday's meeting with the Dallas Cowboys at relatively full strength. The same cannot be said of the home team—while tight end Jake Ferguson has yet to be ruled out for Week 2, the MCL sprain and bone bruise he suffered last week against the Cleveland Browns will likely sideline the youngster Sunday.


Start of the Week

Dallas Cowboys Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,000]: The Saints admittedly just dropped 47 points on the Carolina Panthers. But the Dallas defense looked like arguably the best in the league last week in Cleveland, pummeling Deshuan Watson throughout a contest that wasn't as close as the final score.


Sit of the Week

Chris Olave, WR, New Orleans Saints [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Olave was quiet in last week's offensive explosion against the Panthers, managing just two catches for 11 yards. A rebound isn't especially likely Sunday against a Cowboys team that gave up the sixth-fewest PPR points to wide receivers last year.


Sleeper

Rico Dowdle, RB, Dallas Cowboys [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,800]: Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott split the backfield work a week ago just about right down the middle. It was Elliott who had the better game against Cleveland, but Dowdle could have some sneaky "flex" appeal if the Cowboys get staked to a lead against New Orleans.


Stat to Know

179. That's the number of passing yards (with one touchdown) that Dak Prescott had in a relatively pedestrian Week 1 outing against Cleveland. However, that was against the NFL's No. 1 pass defense from a season ago, and while the Saints were no slouches against the pass, Prescott should have more success Sunday in the friendly confines of AT&T Stadium.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

Baker Mayfield
Baker Mayfield

Key Injuries

The Lions open the 2024 season with a pair of postseason rematches from a season ago—first against the Los Angeles Rams and then against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Just as the win over the Rams was, this week's game should be a good one—especially with both teams entering the contest at relatively full strength.

However, is one injury of note to fantasy managers. Fresh off a huge Week 1, Lions wideout Jameson Williams is questionable with a ankle injury.


Start of the Week

Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: It goes without saying that Mike Evans is an every-week must-start, but Godwin should also have a solid outing Sunday against a Detroit pass defense that allowed Matthew Stafford to throw for 317 yards a week ago.


Sit of the Week

David Montgomery, RB, Detroit Lions [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Montgomery was solid last week against the Rams, gaining 91 yards on 17 carries and finding the end zone. But the Buccaneers were a hard team to run on a year ago—especially up the middle. This has the feel of a Jahmyr Gibbs week if Detroit has success on the ground.


Sleeper

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,900]: Mayfield had arguably the best game of any quarterback in the NFL last week, throwing four touchdown passes against the Washington Commanders. If the Buccaneers are going to win this game, Mayfield will need a similarly stellar effort.


Stat to Know

248.9—the number of passing yards per game the Buccaneers allowed last season, which ranked 29th in the NFL. Jameson Williams had a big game in Week 1, but Amon-Ra St. Brown should rebound from his modest Week 1 stat line in a game that has more than a little shootout potential.

Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers

Anthony Richardson
Anthony Richardson

Key Injuries

Green Bay's Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles was a costly one—while quarterback Jordan Love has yet to be officially ruled out and will avoid injured reserve, his MCL sprain will all but certainly sideline him Sunday. Wide receiver Jayden Reed is also questionable with a calf injury.

The Colts could be short-handed offensively in Week 2 as well—wide receiver Josh Downs missed the opener with a knee injury, and his status for this week is questionable.


Start of the Week

Josh Jacobs, RB, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: With Love on the sidelines, the Packers will no doubt lean heavily on Jacobs and the ground game against an Indy defense that surrendered 159 yards on 30 carries to Joe Mixon of the Houston Texans a week ago.


Sit of the Week

Jayden Reed, WR, Green Bay Packers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: Reed had a huge Week 1 against the Eagles, catching four passes for 138 yards and a touchdown and also scoring a 33-yard rushing TD. But that was with Love under center—with Malik Willis starting in Green Bay, the Packers wideouts are now shaky plays at best.


Sleeper

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Pierce had himself a day last week against the Texans, catching three passes for 125 yards and a touchdown. With Downs iffy to play, Pierce could have a second straight solid stat line against a Packers team that gave up almost 14 yards a catch last week against the Eagles.


Stat to Know

Three. That's how many touchdowns Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson tallied last week against the Texans—two through the air and one on the ground. Richardson is a fantasy manager's dream given his dual-threat ability, and so long as he can stay healthy, Richardson has a real chance to finish as fantasy's No. 1 quarterback in 2024.

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars

Amari Cooper
Amari Cooper

Key Injuries

The Jacksonville Jaguars head into this meeting of 0-1 teams in decent shape injury-wise, but the same can't be said for the visiting Browns. Cleveland has ruled out tight end David Njoku with a knee injury.


Start of the Week

Amari Cooper, WR, Cleveland Browns [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: The Cleveland passing attack was a mess last week against the Cowboys, but Cooper has a real chance to get untracked this week against a Jaguars secondary that allowed 100-yard games to both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in Week 1.


Sit of the Week

Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,200]: Etienne's fumble last week may well have cost the Jaguars a win against the Miami Dolphins, but redemption may have to wait until Week 3—the Browns fielded the NFL's No. 1 overall defense in 2023.


Sleeper

Jacksonville Jaguars Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,100]: For much of Sunday's loss to Miami, the Jags defense actually played fairly well. The team has a pair of talented edge-rushers in Josh Allen-Hines and Travon Walker, and Cleveland's banged-up offensive line looked terrible last week against the Cowboys.


Stat to Know

51.1—Deshaun Watson's passer rating in another miserable outing last week against the Cowboys. Watson is 8-5 in 13 starts for the Browns, but he has looked nothing like the quarterback who was among the league's best with the Houston Texans in 2020. The trade (and contract) that brought Watson to Cleveland has been a disaster for the Browns—and then some.

San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

Jordan Mason
Jordan Mason

Key Injuries

Christian McCaffrey's late scratch last week left many a fantasy manager in the proverbial lurch. It doesn't look good for the No. 1 overall pick in many fantasy drafts moving forward, either—McCaffrey has been ruled out for Week 2 and is being considered for injured reserve. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings is questionable with an ankle injury.

For the Vikings, wide receiver Jordan Addison is nursing an ankle injury of his own. He has been ruled out for Week 2.


Start of the Week

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,500]: Aiyuk was quiet in San Francisco's Week 1 win over the New York Jets, but that was in a terrible fantasy matchup for wideouts. This week's tilt in the Twin Cities is far more favorable—Minnesota allowed the sixth-most PPR points to wide receivers a year ago.


Sit of the Week

Aaron Jones, RB, Minnesota Vikings [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,100]: Jones was solid in his Vikings debut, picking up 109 total yards and finding the end zone. The sledding will likely be tougher on Sunday—in 2023 the 49ers surrendered the seventh-fewest PPR points to running backs.


Sleeper

Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,200]: Mason isn't exactly a "sleeper" after rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown against the Jets, though the Vikings are much better against the run than the pass. But Mason will be a popular DFS play in Week 1 given his reasonable price tag and Week 1 exploits.


Stat to Know

4/59/1—Justin Jefferson's stat line on six targets last week against the New York Giants. That touchdown salvaged what would have otherwise been a down week by Jefferson's standards, but if there's a silver lining, Sam Darnold of the Vikings actually looked like an NFL quarterback in his Minnesota debut.

Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson
Rhamondre Stevenson

Key Injuries

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks both logged wins in Week 1, and the home team is healthy headed into Week 2. The Seahawks, however, could be short their starting running back Sunday—Kenneth Walker III is doubtful after injuring his abdomen last week against the Denver Broncos.


Start of the Week

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Stevenson had a big Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, rushing for 120 yards and a score on 25 carries. Now he faces a Seattle defense that struggled mightily against the run a year ago, allowing 138.4 yards per game.


Sit of the Week

Geno Smith, QB, Seattle Seahawks [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Smith had a quiet 2024 debut last week against Denver, passing for 171 yards and one touchdown, though he salvaged his performance with a rare rushing TD. He isn't likely to get things going Sunday against a Patriots defense that just put the clamps on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals.


Sleeper

Seattle Seahawks Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: The Seattle defense looked good against Denver, although a rookie quarterback making his first start may have had something to do with that, Last season, only two teams allowed more fantasy points to defenses than the Patriots.


Stat to Know

224. That's the number of total yards of offense the Bengals amassed against the New England defense a week ago. Given that the Seahawks barely cracked 300 total yards against the Broncos, this has the makings of a low-scoring affair—and a matchup short on big fantasy stat lines.

New York Jets at Tennessee Titans

Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers

Key Injuries

The New York Jets and Tennessee Titans both head into Week 2 looking for their first win of the 2024 season. Both also head into the matchup healthy—there are no injuries of note to fantasy managers in this contest.


Start of the Week

Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: Wilson had his moments in his first game with Aaron Rodgers, catching six passes for 60 yards on a team-high 11 targets. Wilson could notch his first 100-yard game of the season Sunday—the Titans struggled defending the pass last year.


Sit of the Week

Calvin Ridley, WR, Tennessee Titans [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Ridley had a rough first game with the Titans last week, catching just three of seven targets. That had as much to do with Will Levis as the matchup, but this week, in addition to sketchy QB play, Ridley has to contend with fantasy's worst matchup for wide receivers in 2023.


Sleeper

Allen Lazard, WR, New York Jets [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,300]: Lazard was second on the Jets in targets last week, leading the team in receiving yards and finding the end zone twice. He's not going to blow up like that every week, but the Titans can be thrown on, and Lazard has the trust of Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.


Stat to Know

51.1—Rodgers' QBR in his first full game with the Jets, where he completed 13 of 21 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. The rust was evident with the NFL's oldest active player, but there were also flashes of the old Rodgers—and 60 percent of him represents a major upgrade under center for Gang Green.

New York Giants at Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels

Key Injuries

The Giants' Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings was a debacle—one that came with an injury to one of the team's top wideouts. Darius Slayton was in the NFL's concussion protocol, but he has cleared it and is off the injury report.

The Washington Commanders didn't have much more success last week, but they at least avoided any significant injuries—the team is full strength offensively ahead of this battle of NFC East tomato cans.


Start of the Week

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,200]: Daniels had his share of struggles throwing the ball in his first start, but he still had a solid fantasy outing thanks to two touchdown runs. The Giants were awful in every way a team can be in Week 1, including defensively.


Sit of the Week

Devin Singletary, RB, New York Giants [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,700]: This is less a matter of the Commanders being stout against the run than the New York offense being a dumpster fire. Until we see some signs of life from the G-Men, all their offensive players are desperation plays at best.


Sleeper

Washington Commanders Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,000]: This isn't a play without risk—the Commanders were dead last in total defense last year and just gave up 37 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the Giants were so abysmal offensively last week that Washington is on the streaming radar this week.


Stat to Know

12. That's the number of targets Giants receiver Wan'Dale Robinson saw last week against Minnesota—tops on the team. Robinson's six catches for 44 yards wasn't an especially impressive stat line, but if Daniel Jones and the New York passing game can't get going against Washington's secondary, it will never happen.

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals

Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams

Key Injuries

The Rams head to Arizona short one of their top offensive weapons—after aggravating his knee injury in last week's loss to the Detroit Lions, second-year wide receiver Puka Nacua landed on injured reserve and will be out at least a month.

The Cardinals, on the other hand, have no such issues—when they host the Rams on Sunday, they will do so with an offense that is at full strength.


Start of the Week

Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,800]: Williams averaged less than three yards a carry last week against the Rams, but he found the end zone and should have much more success this week against a Cardinals defense that led the league in PPR points allowed to running backs last season.


Sit of the Week

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,400]: Conner tallied 83 total yards and a touchdown last week against the Bills, but fantasy points could be harder to come by in Week 2. Only the Lions surrendered fewer to the running back position in 2023 than the Rams.


Sleeper

Greg Dortch, WR, Arizona Cardinals [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,600]: Dortch led all Arizona wide receivers in both receptions and receiving yards and was second on the team with eight targets. The Rams were kind to opposing wide receivers last season, giving up the ninth-most PPR points to wideouts a season ago.


Stat to Know

21—the number of targets that Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp saw last week against the Lions. Kupp turned all those targets into 14 catches (tying a career high) for 110 yards and a touchdown. With Nacua sidelined for at least the next four weeks, Kupp should continue to be targeted early and often—he's a locked-in WR1 for the foreseeable future.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Denver Broncos

Justin Fields
Justin Fields

Key Injuries

The Pittsburgh Steelers started Justin Fields at quarterback last week in place of the injured Russell Wilson (calf), and while Wilson is listed as questionable for Week 2, the Steelers are preparing as though Fields will make another start Sunday in Denver. Rookie wideout Roman Wilson is also questionable for the Steelers, although he's not exactly fantasy-relevant.

Bo Nix's first career start for the Broncos was a bumpy one, but it was even worse for rookie running back Audric Estime--he's been placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury.


Start of the Week

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,500]: Harris was busy last week against the Atlanta Falcons, piling up 21 touches in a Pittsburgh victory. Now he draws a Denver Broncos defense that led the AFC in PPR points surrendered to running backs last season.


Sit of the Week

George Pickens, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: The Steelers got the win last week, and Pickens logged over half of the Steelers' receiving yards. But this week Pickens will likely be shadowed by Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, so Pittsburgh could struggle (again) moving the ball through the air.


Sleeper

Justin Fields, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,400]: Fields didn't do especially well throwing the ball last week, but he logged 14 carries, and his rushing upside gives him the potential for a big fantasy week. To win Sunday, Pittsburgh will have to run the ball—Fields included.


Stat to Know

138. That's the number of passing yards Nix had in his NFL debut—a debut that included a pair of interceptions. Nix will no doubt improve as he gains NFL experience, but right now it's hard to trust Courtland Sutton in fantasy leagues. As a matter of fact, given that the Broncos had just 231 yards of total offense, it's not easy to trust any Denver players this early in the season.

Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs

Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow

Key Injuries

The Cincinnati Bengals were stunned at home by the New England Patriots in Week 1—in part because of the absence of wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring). Higgins looks likely to miss Week 2 as well--he's been labeled doubtful by the team

The Kansas City Chiefs will also be short a wide receiver Sunday. Marquise Brown missed Kansas City's win over the Baltimore Ravens with a shoulder injury, and he's set to have surgery and will be placed on injured reserve.


Start of the Week

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,900]: Pacheco totaled 78 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against the Ravens, and that's likely closer to his floor than his ceiling against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that just surrendered 120 yards on the ground to New England's Rhamondre Stevenson last week.


Sit of the Week

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,300]: Burrow's 2024 debut was less than impressive—164 passing yards without a touchdown. Now he squares off against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that was quietly fourth against the pass last season, giving up just 176.5 yards per game through the air.


Sleeper

Andrei Iosivas [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,800]: Iosivas didn't do a lot last week—three catches on six targets for 26 yards. But if Higgins is out again, Iosivas will draw another start as Cincinnati's No. 2 receiver, and to avoid an 0-2 start, the Bengals have to get the passing attack off the ground.


Stat to Know

224—the number of total yards that Cincinnati's offense managed in last week's loss to the Patriots. The Bengals have gotten off to slow starts before, but those were in years where Burrow was returning from injury. Now the Bengals have to face the defending champions in Arrowhead with an offense that couldn't get anything going against arguably the league's worst team.

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans

Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams

Key Injuries

The Bears won last week more in spite of their offense than because of it, and now that offense could be short-handed in Houston. Wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (ankle) both missed practice time this week, and the duo is questionable for Sunday night.

Houston's loaded offense has fewer issues, although tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) missed practice Wednesday and reserve running back Dameon Pierce is iffy to play with a pulled hamstring.


Start of the Week

Joe Mixon, RB, Houston Texans [DraftKings DFS Value: $7,100]: The Bears actually led the league in run defense a year ago, but if Week 1 was any indication, the Texans will use Mixon as a true workhorse back in 2024. He amassed 159 rushing yards and a score on 30 carries last week against the Colts.


Sit of the Week

D'Andre Swift, RB, Chicago Bears [DraftKings DFS Value: $5,800]: Swift's Chicago debut wasn't impressive—just 30 rushing yards on 10 carries. Now Swift and the Bears have to face an improved Houston Texans defense that held Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor mostly in check last week.


Sleeper

Houston Texans Defense [DraftKings DFS Value: $3,100]: Houston's retooled defense didn't have a great game in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, but the Chicago offense had an even worse one—Chicago had less than 150 yards of total offense and didn't score an offensive touchdown.


Stat to Know

93. That's how many passing yards Caleb Williams had in his professional debut. He also completed less than half his passes against a Tennessee defense that was 18th in the league against the pass last season. Chicago has a solid trio of wide receivers, but they aren't much good to fantasy managers if Williams can't clear 100 passing yards.

Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles

DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith

Key Injuries

The final game of Week 2 features more than a few fantasy-relevant players—and some good news for the managers who rostered most of them.

However, while both teams came into Friday healthy at the skill positions, star wideout A.J. Brown of the Eagles was the dreaded late-week add to the injury report with a hamstring issue.


Start of the Week

DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,700]: A.J. Brown is an obvious every-week starter, but Brown should also draw A.J. Terrell in coverage Monday night. That opens the door for a "Smith game"—he could easily lead all Eagles wideouts in fantasy points in Week 2.


Sit of the Week

Kirk Cousins, QB, Atlanta Falcons [DraftKings DFS Value: $6,000]: The Eagles weren't especially good against the pass last year, especially late in the season. But Cousins looked like a 36-year-old quarterback coming off an Achilles injury last week, throwing for just 155 yards and a single touchdown.


Sleeper

Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles [DraftKings DFS Value: $4,500]: Goedert had a quiet Week 1—just four catches for 35 yards in Brazil against the Green Bay Packers. But the Falcons were kind to opposing tight ends last year, giving up the seventh-most PPR points to the position.


Stat to Know

Three—the number of times new Eagles running back Saquon Barkley tallied touchdowns in a 132-yard debut effort for the team in Sao Paolo. Barkley averaged 4.5 yards per carry and looked as good as he ever has. The Eagles were already a dangerous offensive team—with a big-time upgrade in the backfield like Barkley, Philly's offense has the potential to be the NFL's best.


Looking for more insight to prep for your draft or make some tough roster decisions? Check out all the latest B/R Fantasy Football essentials here.


Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow him on X at @IDPSharks.

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