Let’s dive into some news and notes around the league, my top fantasy plays and favorite picks for Week 2.
Notes:
• Let’s open this by saying you should be relaxed, regardless of the outcome in Week 1. This is very much preseason action for most of the teams around the league. If things didn’t go according to plan, don’t do any drastic just for the sake of doing so. Otherwise, congrats on starting 1-0.
• It did not take long for injuries to become a factor. Puka Nacua aggravated his knee injury from training camp and is considered week to week. Kenneth Walker III has an abdominal injury that will need to be monitored throughout the week. Jake Ferguson and David Njoku are likely to miss multiple weeks with various ailments.
• Speaking of tight ends, it was a dreadful week for many of the top draftees at the position. Isaiah Likely finished with 21.6 points in Week 1, while Sam LaPorta, Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Trey McBride and Evan Engram combined for 19.3. Likely needs to be rostered if you lost Ferguson or Njoku.
• Mobility at quarterback is key to fantasy success and this week was a perfect example of it. Josh Allen led the position with four touchdowns total, including two on the ground. Jayden Daniels only threw for 184 yards but added 88 yards rushing and found the end zone twice. Anthony Richardson finished with 56 rush yards and a score. Lamar Jackson ran for 122 yards to finish as QB5 in Week 1. Get used to seeing many of these names leading the position in scoring on a weekly basis.
• Quarterbacks didn’t go unscathed this week, as Jordan Love suffered a sprained MCL in the loss to the Eagles. Love is expected to miss some time, with Malik Willis stepping in as the starter in Week 2. Rumblings of Ryan Tannehill heading to Green Bay have surfaced, but this is a situation I am avoiding until Love gets back. Josh Jacobs gets a boost in his ranking, while the receivers all take a hit. Some replacement options for Love include Baker Mayfield and Justin Fields.
• We got some clarity about some running back situations around the league. The Dolphins look to have handed the reins to De’Von Achane. There is a full-blown timeshare in Denver with Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin. At least after one week, J.K. Dobbins looks to be the back to own for the Chargers. The same goes for Tony Pollard in Tennessee. I’m not giving up on Raheem Mostert, Gus Edwards or Tyjae Spears yet because they offer value as handcuffs, but they cannot be relied upon as starters.
• Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers were the top rookies drafted in fantasy football, but Xavier Worthy is the fantasy darling after showing off his elite speed on Thursday. Harrison’s performance was particularly disappointing considering he was a top-20 pick in most leagues and finished with just one catch for 4 yards. Still, all three need to be in starting lineups. Brian Thomas is just outside my must-start receivers.
• Remember to check the weather heading into Sunday for your kicker selection.
Thursday Night Game: Bills at Dolphins
Sunday Night Game: Bears at Texans
Monday Night Game: Falcons at Eagles
Start ‘Em:
Quarterback: Matthew Stafford
Running Back: J.K. Dobbins
Wide Receiver: Xavier Worthy
Tight End: Dallas Goedert
Defense: Colts
Sit ‘Em:
Quarterback: Trevor Lawrence
Running Back: Zamir White
Wide Receiver: Christian Watson
Tight End: Brock Bowers
Defense: Buccaneers
Sleepers:
Quarterback: Justin Fields (if Russell Wilson out)
Running Back: Bucky Irving
Wide Receiver: Demarcus Robinson
Tight End: Taysom Hill
Defense: Rams
NFL Picks for Week 2
Weekly Pick ‘Em (Season Record: 9-7)
Dolphins (vs. Bills)
Ravens (vs. Raiders)
Chargers (vs. Panthers)
Cowboys (vs. Saints)
Lions (vs. Buccaneers)
Colts (vs. Packers)
Jaguars (vs. Browns)
49ers (vs. Vikings)
Seahawks (vs. Patriots)
Jets (vs. Titans)
Commanders (vs. Giants)
Rams (vs. Cardinals)
Chiefs (vs. Bengals)
Steelers (vs. Broncos)
Texans (vs. Bears)
Eagles (vs. Falcons)
Five Picks Against The Spread (Season Record: 4-1)
Ravens -9.5 vs. Raiders
Saints +6.5 vs. Cowboys
Colts -3.5 vs. Packers
Seahawks -3.5 vs. Patriots
Jets -4 vs. Titans
Five Over-Under Totals (Season Record: 2-3)
Bills-Dolphins under 50
Chargers-Panthers under 39.5
Rams-Cardinals over 50
Bengals-Chiefs under 48.5
Steelers-Broncos under 37
One Bold Prediction For The Week
Week 1: Jayden Daniels finishes as a top-five fantasy QB against the Buccaneers. (Off to a good start!)
Week 2: Greg Dortch finishes as a top-25 wide receiver against the Rams.
Photo Credit: Kenya Allen/PressBox