This Is What Really Happened In Week 2

Without Jordan Mason in the lineup, Aaron Jones absolutely dominated snaps and usage with top-12 running back usage: 23 rushes for 105 yards in Week 2. He ran only 10 routes due to just 24 dropbacks (weather-impacted game) and played 11 of 14 fourth-quarter snaps. As long as Mason is out, Jones is a clear starter in fantasy football for the Houston Texans.

Adonai Mitchell was targeted on 11 of 34 dropbacks for the New York Jets in Week 2, running only three fewer routes than Garrett Wilson. He posted a 27% targets per route run, described as 'a legitimately great number over the course of the season.' Michael Pitman Jr. is 'very very high' on Mitchell and projects him to become a 'low-end fantasy football starter,' actively targeting him in competitive leagues.

Suffered a reinjury to his surgically repaired heel/ankle area in week 2. Return timeline is uncertain, and there is concern he may not be able to return this season. Outlook is poor.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver posted 6 for 28 on six targets with 8.2 PPR points and ran 33 of 35 routes in Week 2. Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. says 'Cooper also looks pretty good to me' and notes that while Denzel Boston is more fantasy-friendly for touchdowns, Cooper is 'likely the better player.' With Deshaun Watson at 22nd in EPA per play, Cooper, Boston, and the Browns receivers 'are like all going to absolutely eat in fantasy football.'

Bucky Irving became an 'even more clear lead back' for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 with 51 snaps to Kenneth Gainwell's 23, 17 rushes to Gainwell's two, 72% snap share on early downs, and 13 PPR points. He ran 25 routes versus Gainwell's 12. Michael Pitman Jr. notes that Irving is 'quite a good running back' and that the team has not yet deployed Shawn Tucker significantly, meaning 'we can feel confident that touchdowns will be coming over the course of the season for Bucky Irving at the goal line.'

Injured his ankle late in the fourth quarter of week 2 and was seen in a boot after the game. Before the injury, he only saw three targets on 23 routes, representing a step back in involvement.

Williams has a grade one hamstring and may be able to play as soon as Week 4, but is unlikely to play in Week 3. The timeline suggests a relatively minor injury with potential for near-term return.

Played all snaps in Caleb Douglas's position (X receiver) after Douglas went out with an ankle injury in week 2, getting eight of eight snaps. This represents an opportunity for Bell to get more snaps going forward.

Chris Brooks played nine snaps through three quarters but saw increased playing time in the fourth quarter and overtime due to the team trusting him in pass protection as a steady, reliable veteran, particularly with Marshon Lloyd's fumble issues.

Poor performance with limited snaps and touches in Week 2; played only 13 snaps to Bashalt Tutin's 30, ran 5 routes to Tutin's 11, and carried 6 times for 65 yards and 1 TD to Tutin's 13 carries. Losing meaningful early-down work and goal-line opportunities to Tutin, signaling a significant role downgrade.

After Jaden Reed's injury on the second play, Christian Watson became a primary target option for the Green Bay Packers. Mattek Fantasy Football expects Watson to command over 60% of the team's targets going forward, making him a core fantasy option with the condensed target tree.

Evaluated as 'one of the better picks in fantasy football right now'; holds contingent value if Jonathan Brooks gets injured, given Panthers' improved offensive scheme and overall offensive performance.

Donaldson is taking long-down-distance snaps from Travis Etienne; played 20 snaps in Week 2 and is part of the Saints' clear shift away from Etienne at running back.

Cody White scored two touchdowns on just seven routes in Week 2, an unexpectedly efficient performance that limited scoring opportunities for other Raiders receivers like Trey Tucker and Michael Mayer.

Loveland played 64 of 74 snaps and ran 29 of 42 routes but was targeted only twice in Week 2, less than Sam Roush. The Bears' offensive identity is about running the ball effectively (Ben Johnson offense), not building around Loveland as expected. Weather may have partially excused the performance, but the trend is clear.

Declining role in Broncos offense with only 4 targets on 28 routes in Week 2. Mattek Fantasy Football describes it as 'old yeller time' and predicts Pat Bryant will end up with more fantasy points than Sutton this season, signaling a significant downgrade in Sutton's offensive role.

Dalton Schultz absolutely dominated targets for the Houston Texans in Week 2, particularly in garbage time, becoming the clear target leader among Texans receivers. The speaker notes that anyone who started Schultz after watching the streaming video on Friday would be feeling very good about the performance.

Route rate jumped from 35% to 56% week-over-week; scored two touchdowns (7-yard and 12-yard) on three targets; ran the most routes among Carolina tight ends with significant snap involvement in 13 personnel; comfortability starting him contingent on Evans or Tremble decreasing snap share.

David Montgomery is becoming volume-dependent on touchdowns due to Woody Marks being a legitimate threat to his workload. Montgomery barely edged Marks in snaps but trailed in opportunities (carries plus targets). Without touchdowns, Montgomery's fantasy value becomes unreliable; he scored 4.4 points in Week 2 despite his Week 1 touchdown success.

David Njoku suffered an injury in Week 2 that forced him off the field after just 11 snaps, allowing Aronda Gadston to become the primary receiving tight end for the Seahawks.

Overall winner from the 49ers' wide receiver injuries. Positioned to benefit significantly if Mike Evans misses time due to his hip injury. The 49ers' efficient offense enhances his value in a run-heavy game script.

Suffered a high ankle sprain in week 2 and only played 16 snaps before leaving the game. High ankle sprains typically sideline players for several weeks.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver posted back-to-back weeks with a touchdown (5 for 95 and 1 TD in Week 2). Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. says 'Boston just looks the part' and notes that while Amari Cooper is 'likely the better player,' Boston is 'more fantasy friendly in the sense that he's more likely to score a touchdown and he's more likely to generate yards on his catches.' With Deshaun Watson at 22nd in EPA per play, Boston, Cooper, and the Browns receivers 'are like all going to absolutely eat in fantasy football.'

Film evaluation reveals significant passing game role concerns; described as 'offensive' when reviewing his performance against the Patriots, suggesting poor route running or separation that limits his fantasy upside despite being a Steelers receiver.

Emanuel Wilson surpassed George Shelani as the early-down backup behind Jaderius Price and retained his role as the short-yardage and goal-line back. He carried 21 times on 70 snaps and played a strong game, solidifying his role and making it less likely that Price will get goal-line work.

Gabe Nabers received 25 raw touches but has ceded third-down work to Kamani Videll and early-down work to Keaton Mitchell (26% of early downs). Michael Pitman Jr. notes the Chargers offense is dysfunctional with Ladd Manki injured, no receivers getting open, and Nabers lacking horizontal movement or wiggle.

Garrett Wilson ran only three more routes than Adonai Mitchell for the New York Jets in Week 2, indicating Mitchell's significant involvement in the passing game relative to the team's top receiver.

Isaiah Williams chipped in targets for the New York Jets passing game in Week 2 alongside Adonai Mitchell and Garrett Wilson, though his specific role and target share remain limited.

The Denver Broncos running back is dealing with a hamstring injury and left early in Week 2. This injury opens the door for Jonah Coleman and Tyler Bedet to see increased opportunities in the backfield.

Was a primary beneficiary of the 49ers' wide receiver injuries, playing 21 of 28 snaps. Though he had zero targets on eight routes in this game, with Demarcus Robinson out for several weeks with a high ankle sprain, Cowing is worth considering as a deep league pickup given the 49ers' efficient offense.

Was terrible in Week 2 against the Chargers, limiting the fantasy upside of Cardinals receivers including Marvin Harrison Jr.

Jared Wayne was second among Texans wide receivers in targets with 7 of 46 (15.2% target share) in Week 2. Despite this surprisingly high target allocation, the speaker questioned the distribution, noting that other receivers like Jaylen Null were available. The context suggests Wayne's targets came at the expense of more productive options, making his role unreliable.

Will never get there on efficiency; only got 12 carries and four targets in week 2. Has middling rushing yards over expectation and success rate; is not an explosive player and will not score long runs. Compared to Kareem Hunt in that he will score touchdowns but won't consistently put up 128 rushing yards because he lacks explosiveness. Mattek Fantasy Football notes he has to get there on volume, which is a concerning dependency.

Appeared to have redislocated or potentially fractured his elbow that he injured last year, leading to downgrade of all Commanders receivers, specifically Jalen Crosby Merritt.

Jaden Reed left on the second play of the game with a neck injury and was stretchered off with no timetable for return. However, reports indicate he has all movement in his extremities. His departure opened the target tree for Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.

Clear offensive dictum from Sean Payton to get Waddle the ball; posted 10 targets on 22 routes, significantly higher target volume than teammates Pat Bryant (1 target on 75% route rate) and Courtland Sutton (4 targets on 28 routes). Waddle is the clear focal point of the Broncos passing attack.

Played career-high 50 offensive snaps with 100% opportunity share after Dao's injury, including 81% route share; only produced 9.7 PPR points but Mattek Fantasy Football moving him up in rankings due to elite opportunity metrics; toe injury is concerning but any running back with 100% opportunity share is a target.

The Cleveland Browns wide receiver had one target on 24 routes with no catches in Week 2. Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. declares 'It is Jover for Jerry Jeudy' and states 'in a 16 team league I would drop Jerry Jeudy for like Troy Franklin. Seriously, it is completely done.'

Looked awesome as the early-down back after JK Dobbins left in Week 2, commanding 82% of backfield opportunities with 10 carries for 39 yards and 1 TD across 25 snaps to Dobbins's 21, finishing with 14.8 PPR points. Mattek Fantasy Football notes Coleman could see increased playing time over RJ Harvey following his strong performance in a win, positioning him as a top waiverwire add.

Aggravated groin injury in fourth quarter; ruled day-to-day by Dave Canales but concerning signs include limited snap involvement (65 snaps, 11 routes, 5 carries) with no garbage-time work; groin injuries are particularly problematic for running backs and this early-season injury contradicts the primary need for Brooks to stay healthy. However, if Brooks gets dropped on Tuesday waivers and practices Wednesday or Thursday, should be picked up for contingent value given Panthers' significantly improved offensive scheme.

Jonnu Smith saw limited snaps in heavy personnel packages for the Green Bay Packers, with Tucker Craft dominating the tight end role at 58 of 59 snaps. Smith's role is clearly secondary and situational.

Mason is out, which has allowed Aaron Jones to dominate snaps and usage for the Texans in Week 2.

Described as the engine of the Colts offense in week 2 with elite route involvement: 91% route share on the season, 9 targets, 30% of Colts' targeted throws, 7 catches for 72 yards. Mattek Fantasy Football projects this will be his first 1000-yard season, with significant upside once touchdowns arrive. If you own a Colts pass catcher, it should be Downs.

Keaton Mitchell, whom Michael Pitman Jr. liked for fantasy and expected to be great, has been awful through two weeks. He received 26% of early-down work from Gabe Nabers but fumbled a goal-line carry from the 8-yard line against the Raiders (though he recovered it), indicating poor performance and loss of confidence.

Drew five targets in week 2 but converted only one catch for five yards, with the catch being a controversial first down. Poor efficiency despite target volume suggests limited upside in the Colts passing game.

Kendrick Bourne is out-targeting Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Cardinals, indicating he is the preferred target over the team's first-round pick.

Kenneth Gainwell received only two rushes and 12 routes in Week 2 compared to Bucky Irving's 17 rushes and 25 routes. Michael Pitman Jr. declares 'I think we can be done with the Gainwell stuff' and states that while Gainwell is not bad, 'Bucky Irving is quite a good running back and Kenneth Gainwell is nothing but a contingent value guy right now.' The idea that Gainwell would be a 'flex starter in fantasy football' worked last year but 'is not going to be the case this year.'

Received 7 targets in week 2. His increased usage has replaced the gadget role that Rashi Rice previously held in the Chiefs offense, indicating a shift in offensive philosophy.

Was very prominently involved in the Colts' offense in week 2, indicating a significant role in the passing game alongside Josh Downs.

Burden had 7 of 29 targets but ran fewer routes than Khif Raymond and played only one snap in 13 personnel, despite the Bears playing a ton of 13 personnel. The Bears' offensive identity is about running the ball effectively, not building around Burden as expected. Burden's value depends on being hyper-efficient on limited targets and teams defending the run game differently. The speaker drafted Burden in tens to hundreds of leagues expecting a top-5 pass rate over expectation and a 100-catch season, which will not happen.

Andrews still looks pretty good in terms of his ability to run routes but not particularly great at catching the ball in Week 2.

Marvin Harrison Jr. ran 28 of 31 routes but was targeted only once and did not catch that target in Week 2. He is being out-targeted by Kendrick Bourne, Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Tyler Algier on the Cardinals, making his fantasy viability questionable despite high route participation. Jacoby Brissett was terrible in the game, further limiting upside.

Matthew Golden became a primary target option after Jaden Reed's injury. Mattek Fantasy Football expects Golden to command over 60% of the team's targets going forward alongside Christian Watson, making him a core fantasy option with the condensed target tree.

Michael Mayer played 53 of 63 snaps for the Raiders but was limited by Cody White's two-touchdown performance on seven routes, which reduced scoring opportunities for other pass catchers.

Out-targeting Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Cardinals, receiving more target volume than the team's first-round pick.

Injured his hip in the game.

Michael Pitman Jr. rates Parker Washington as a top-10 fantasy wide receiver. In Week 2, Washington posted 7 receptions for 98 yards, 3.5 yards per route run, 16 PBR points without a touchdown, and 42% targets per route run. Pitman Jr. prefers Washington over George Pickens, Drake London, Jaylen Waddle, and Ladd Manki, citing Malik Neighbors' team situation as a limiting factor. Pitman Jr. projects Washington will lead Jacksonville in every relevant receiving category and score 15–17 fantasy points per game. He would trade for Washington in dynasty and take him in the second round if redrafting.

Waiverwire pickup with route rate increasing from Week 1 to Week 2 (75% in Week 2); Mattek Fantasy Football picked him up on over 50% of teams and started him in a league. Despite only one target, Mattek believes Bryant will outscore Courtland Sutton this season due to Sean Payton's clear offensive dictum to get Jaylen Waddle the ball, making Bryant a better long-term value play.

Ranked as QB3 in fantasy football after 2 games. Mattek Fantasy Football projects he will finish the season in that same QB3 position, indicating stable mid-tier quarterback performance.

Bateman has clearly earned Lamar Jackson's trust; Jackson said before the game "Bateman is my guy. We are going to use him." Bateman had a 94% route share and 25% targets per route run in Week 2, a massive jump from 3% targets per route run in Week 1.

The Jacksonville Jaguars running back is dealing with a hamstring injury and did not play on Sunday in Week 2. This injury opens the door for Jonah Coleman and Tyler Bedet to see increased opportunities in the backfield.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back suffered a stinger in Week 2 and played only 12 snaps. Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. expects Barkley 'probably will not play on Monday Night Football against the Bears' and anticipates the Eagles will rest him. While stingers 'you cannot miss anytime. You could miss one week,' Pitman does not expect an extended absence.

Sky Moore ran a route on 16 of 32 dropbacks (50%) for the Green Bay Packers in Week 2. However, with the target tree condensed to Christian Watson and Matthew Golden commanding over 60% of targets, Moore will fall behind them. Mattek Fantasy Football would not recommend adding Sky Moore in fantasy football.

The Philadelphia Eagles backup running back received 13 rushes and a touchdown in Week 2, though he generated only 33 rushing yards; he got 100% of the team's inside-the-10 carries. Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. prefers Bigsby to Will Shipley on waivers and anticipates 'something like 15 to 18 carries for Tank Bigsby' going forward. With Barkley likely out Monday night against the Bears, Pitman would 'definitely against the Bears you would want to start Tank Bigsby' and prefers him as a waiverwire add.

Etienne is described as "completely cooked" and has lost early-down snaps to Alvin Kamara and long-down-distance snaps to CJ Donaldson. In Week 2, he played only 37 snaps with 13 routes—fewer than the combined routes for Kamara and Donaldson (who each played 20 snaps). Despite the Saints' significant free-agent investment in him, Etienne was out-carried by Kamara, signaling a clear backfield shift away from him.

Recorded 11 targets in week 2. NextGen Stats show his average route speed is the highest of his career in the last 7 years, suggesting he may have regained his physical conditioning. Mattek Fantasy Football believes Kelce is a strong fantasy asset right now and would love to have him on a roster.

Trey Tucker led the Raiders in routes run with 37 of 63 total snaps (58.7% snap share); no Raiders wide receiver has played more than 65% snap share this season. He recorded 7 targets and 29% targets per route run. Michael Pitman Jr. views him as the primary deep threat on a team performing better than market expectations, positioning him as a low-end fantasy football option who can be used in flex spots despite variable weekly floors. Pitman Jr. notes that Brock Bowers' return will impact Tucker's role.

Demonstrated clear superiority over Rondre Stevenson with 39-yard rushing touchdown; played 21 of 25 snaps on five drives after Stevenson's fumble and out-carried him 16-6; holds 57% opportunity share despite Stevenson retaining third-down role due to pass-blocking trust; expected to be early-down rusher and startable in fantasy moving forward.

Out-targeting Marvin Harrison Jr. on the Cardinals, indicating he is receiving more target volume than the team's first-round pick.

Tucker Craft played 58 of 59 snaps for the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, indicating dominant tight end involvement. While the Packers used some heavy personnel packages with Jonnu Smith, Craft's snap share establishes him as the clear lead tight end in the offense.

Running a high volume of routes and receiving multiple targets in week 2. Has scored touchdowns in both games despite accumulating only 32 receiving yards through two games, indicating positive trajectory as volume continues.

The Philadelphia Eagles running back played more snaps than Tank Bigsby in Week 2 but was deployed primarily on third downs and two-minute drills. Mattek Fantasy Football's Michael Pitman Jr. notes that 'Shipley was getting all the third downs and all the two-minute drill' and prefers Bigsby on waivers. In deeper leagues, Shipley could be added as a handcuff.

Woody Marks remains in a nearly even snap split with David Montgomery but led in opportunities (carries plus targets) in Week 2. Marks looked better than Montgomery in the game against the Bengals, positioning him as a legitimate threat to Montgomery's workload and making Montgomery volume-dependent on touchdowns.

Has replaced Rashi Rice as the primary design target in the Chiefs offense. Recorded 7 targets in week 2. Mattek Fantasy Football has Worthy in many fantasy teams; while he did not look particularly good in the game, the role change and target volume are positive indicators of increased opportunity.