Week 2 Preview: One Stat For Every Game

A.J. Brown is out for the Eagles in Week 2, leaving Drake Maye without one of his top receiving options. The source notes that this week Drake Maye has no A.J. Brown, no Stefan Diggs, no Kayshawn Booty, leaving him with Romeo Doubs, Mac Collins, Kyle Williams, and Demario Douglas as his receiving options.

With Jordan Mason on injured reserve with a broken thumb, Aaron Jones is expected to get a ton of touches for the Vikings. The source recommends playing Aaron Jones this week because of the increased volume.

Baker Mayfield has a favorable matchup against his former team, the Cleveland Browns, in week two. The source notes the cosmic irony that Mayfield, who was benched for Deshaun Watson, now has a very good chance to beat the Browns and potentially end Watson's tenure in Cleveland. Tampa Bay is at home and motivated after a close week one loss.

Robinson accounted for 54% of the Falcons' expected fantasy points in Week 1, justifying his pre-season ranking as a top-2 back despite playing on a terrible offense with a bad quarterback; the source notes he looked awesome and made incredible plays, though cautioning that this volume level may not be sustainable every week.

The source describes Robinson's open-field ability as potentially the best since Adrian Peterson, praising his movement and ball-carrying skills as 'unbelievable'; despite playing for a bad Falcons team, Robinson is viewed as underrated and would be 'the most famous player in the NFL' if on a better team.

Breece Hall scored a touchdown in week one and is part of the Jets' decent run game that supports Geno Smith's passing game. The source views Hall as a key component of the Jets' offensive balance.

Despite an ankle injury, Young is expected to play this week and is viable for fantasy; the source notes he hasn't played a bad game longer than expected, played okay last week, and faces Atlanta's toothless pass rush (James Pierce Jr. suspended, Jalen Walker out for season, another defensive tackle lost this week), making the Panthers' quarterback a reasonable start.

Stroud has the biggest variance of any quarterback in the NFL this year in terms of range of outcomes; he's had five fumbles in his last three games (five vs. Steelers, four interceptions vs. Patriots, two fumbles vs. Bills including a game-ending strip), and now faces the Bengals who forced four turnovers last week including three against Baker Mayfield. The source notes that if Stroud has a horrific season, there's a world where the Texans consider replacing him, though a great quarterback is still in there.

The source expects Caleb to handle Brian Flores' aggressive blitz scheme (48% blitz rate in two games last year, including 68% in one game) because he's good enough to shred it. Last year in those two games, Caleb completed 55% of passes, averaged 200 yards passing per game, had one touchdown with a 78 passer rating under 43% pressure rate. One of those games was Week 1 with Ben Johnson (a loss), and the Bears beat Minnesota 19-17 in Week 11. The source notes Caleb is one touchdown away from throwing 50 touchdown passes before 15 interceptions, a feat only Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson have achieved.

Carnell Tate faces a brutal matchup against the Eagles' elite defense in week two. The source expresses strong reluctance to play Tate this week, noting the Titans' offensive struggles and the Eagles' defensive strength make this a matchup to avoid in fantasy.

The source is dubious of Carson Wentz as a potential starter if Kyler Murray doesn't play, expressing skepticism about either option. However, the source also notes that if the Bears are a shootout team, even Carson Wentz could perform adequately.

Mentioned as part of the Bears offense alongside Luther Burden, Lad McConkie, and Marion Hampton; discussed in context of whether these players might be trade targets after a poor Week 1 performance, though the source notes people are unlikely to trade after Week 1 regardless of team performance.

The source noted that Deebo Samuel looked pretty good in Week 1, moving around the field, running after the catch, and making guys miss, suggesting positive momentum heading into Week 2.

The source projects Derrick Henry could have an explosive game against the Saints, potentially getting 290 yards and four touchdowns on 40 carries; this is based on the Ravens having the most plays of 10+ yards last week and the Saints giving up the third-most such plays, creating a favorable matchup for big plays.

Deshaun Watson has not thrown for five touchdowns in a calendar month in over four and a half years, making his complaint about media expectations (wanting 400 yards and five touchdowns every week) disconnected from reality. The source notes Watson is "the most disconnected person from reality in the entire NFL" and may be benched if he loses to Tampa Bay this week, potentially ending his tenure with the Browns.

The Steelers are using DK Metcalf differently in 2024 than last year; he's running more over-the-middle routes, crossing routes, and slants rather than just sideline routes. His air yards per target increased significantly to 17 in week one versus 10 last year, indicating expanded role and deeper targets. Despite a poor week one performance with dropped passes, the source believes Metcalf is the number one in the Steelers offense and may be underrated in fantasy football due to Aaron Rodgers' second-year familiarity and off-season work together.

The source would 'begrudgingly play London' in Week 2 against the Panthers, who allowed 59 points in Week 1; however, there is uncertainty due to potential quarterback changes—if Michael Penix Jr. or Cooper Rush starts instead of the injured Kirk Cousins, London's value becomes more questionable, with the source expressing nervousness about playing him with Cooper Rush.

Drew Locke is starting for the Seahawks against Arizona in Week 2 and will need to function as a game manager to win; the source estimates his presence reduces the Seahawks' spread by over a touchdown compared to if Samuel Darnold were starting, suggesting Vegas respects the backup quarterback situation as a significant downside factor for Seattle's offense.

Garrett Wilson showed a legitimate connection with Geno Smith in week one. The source watched the Jets game and was impressed by their connection, noting it as a positive sign for Wilson's fantasy outlook going forward.

Geno Smith had an encouraging week one performance against the Titans. He was pressured only six times (least in the NFL), was sacked zero times, completed nearly 80% of his passes, and ranked eighth in EPA per drop back. The source is encouraged by his sharp play and connection with Garrett Wilson, and believes he can maintain this level with a decent offensive line, good weapons, and a decent run game.

The source noted that George Kittle is still probably on a snap count heading into Week 2 against the Dolphins, limiting his immediate fantasy upside despite the 49ers' dominant matchup.

The source expects to play Jamar Chase despite Joe Burrow's back injury, though notes it wouldn't be shocking if Chase didn't have a great game given Burrow's condition and the Texans defense.

In the last seven games Jalen Coker and Ted McMillan played together, Coker had 12 more catches and 150 more yards, establishing him as the de facto number-one receiver in the Panthers offense; despite an ankle injury, he is expected to play Week 2 and the source recommends playing him.

Jalen Coker scored 35 points in Week 1, establishing himself as a breakout performer; the source uses this as a comparison point to highlight his explosive early-season production and suggests he is a preferred start over Jalen Waddle.

Higgins, the rookie, tore his ACL and is out for the Texans in Week 2, leaving C.J. Stroud without two of his top receiving options alongside Nico Collins.

Waddle is underperforming relative to expectations; the source expresses concern ('things are bad with my Waddle bags') and uses a comparison to Jalen Coker's 35-point Week 1 to highlight Waddle's disappointing production, suggesting it may take him seven weeks to accumulate what Coker scored in one week.

The Broncos acquired Jalen Waddle but have not integrated him into their game plan; the source notes they are treating him like Marvin Harrison Jr. (implying minimal usage) and made very literal moves without changing their offensive approach, suggesting Waddle may not see the volume or role expected despite the trade.

Waddle combined with Tyreek Hill for 360 yards and 2 TDs in Tagovailoa's second game under Mike McDaniel (42-point team output), demonstrating the explosive ceiling of McDaniel's offense; the source uses this as evidence to buy into Chargers pass-catchers despite Week 1 disappointment.

Love will be the Cardinals' starting running back against the Seahawks, but the source expresses concern about his fantasy viability; if rotated and receiving only 12 touches against a strong Seahawks run defense, he could produce as little as 35 yards and would need a touchdown to be worthwhile.

Burrow has a midweek back issue that popped up after getting hit by Alex Anzalone on Sunday; he seems likely to play but the source is skeptical of his performance. The source notes Burrow is benchable this week because he doesn't like Burrow with back issues versus the Texans, and Burrow is less mobile than Josh Allen. Burrow is ranked as a fringe starter (12th quarterback) in their rankings. Burrow has a history of injuries: missed half a season three times (turf toe last year, wrist injury, ACL), plus appendectomy, strained calf, finger injuries, and knee injuries.

The source is willing to play Jordan Addison despite his zero points last week, noting there's a chance the game is an absolute shootout and the Bears can't stop even Carson Wentz. The source also notes that picking the number two receiver on an offense playing the Bears defense is somewhat sound process, and this week in particular it's worth it given the potential for a high-scoring game.

Last week against the Vikings, Jordan Love was completely ineffective on dropbacks where the Vikings didn't blitz (they blitzed 78% of his dropbacks). The source notes Love was out of sorts when the blitz didn't come, suggesting he was expecting it and didn't know what to do when it didn't happen, with his numbers being absolutely atrocious on non-blitz plays.

Jordan Love was pressured 25 times and hit 15 times in week one against Minnesota, which blitzed 80% of the game. The source is concerned about the Packers' offensive line protection and doesn't believe in the team's overall talent level, particularly in the trenches.

Mason is on injured reserve with a broken thumb, removing him from the Vikings backfield and opening up volume for Aaron Jones.

The source mentions Jefferson in the context of the Vikings-Bears game but does not provide specific fantasy analysis or projection for him.

Juwan Johnson is recommended as a start in the Saints-Ravens game, which the source calls a 'Mario Kart rainbow strip game' where all offensive players should be started due to the favorable matchup (Ravens had most 10+ yard plays last week; Saints gave up third-most).

Pitts did not record a catch in Week 1 and the source explicitly states 'I don't think you can play Kyle Pitts' and 'I probably would not play Pitts,' indicating a fade recommendation for Week 2 despite his draft pedigree.

Kyler Murray has a concussion and his status for Week 2 is uncertain. The source expresses surprise at the concussion and notes that Carson Wentz may play instead, though the source is dubious of either option.

Laviska Shenault is recommended as a start in the Saints-Ravens game, which the source calls a 'Mario Kart rainbow strip game' where all offensive players should be started due to the favorable matchup.

Mentioned as part of the Bears offense alongside Colston Loveland, Lad McConkie, and Marion Hampton; discussed in context of whether these players might be trade targets after a poor Week 1 performance, though the source notes people are unlikely to trade after Week 1 regardless of team performance.

Mark Andrews remains one of Baltimore's primary receiving options in a game the source calls a 'Mario Kart rainbow strip game' where all Ravens receivers should be started; the source explicitly recommends starting him against the Saints.

Marshawn Lloyd was very underwhelming in week one for the Packers. Green Bay only got 15% of their total yards from rushing (their lowest since 2023), and Lloyd looked underwhelming in the process. The source is skeptical of the Packers' running game going forward, especially with concerns about Lloyd's small hands and fumbling history in college, which could be problematic in rainy conditions.

The source advises against starting Marvin Harrison Jr. in the Cardinals-Seahawks matchup, citing the Seahawks' strong defense and the Cardinals' overall offensive struggles; this is a fade recommendation for Week 2.

The source advises against starting Michael Wilson in the Cardinals-Seahawks matchup, grouping him with Marvin Harrison Jr. as a fade due to the Seahawks' strong defense and the Cardinals' offensive limitations.

The source highlighted Mike Evans as individually impressive in Week 1 against the Rams, noting he looked rejuvenated and moved around the field well. The source also emphasized that the entire 49ers season relies on Evans' hamstring health, given his age (33) and the dire consequences if anything happens to him.

Collins suffered a grade one hamstring strain midweek and is undergoing tests; the source notes it's best-case scenario for a hamstring but expresses doubt he'll play Sunday, noting it's hard to hurt your hamstring on Wednesday and play Sunday. The source advises avoiding starting Collins even if he's a game-time decision Sunday morning, citing a rule developed last year: if a player is trying to make it work the morning of the game, don't put yourself through it because there's a high probability of re-injury.

Mentioned as part of the Bears offense alongside Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Lad McConkie; discussed in context of whether these players might be trade targets after a poor Week 1 performance, though the source notes people are unlikely to trade after Week 1 regardless of team performance.

With Zay Flowers unlikely to play (did not practice Wednesday or Thursday) and Jacoby Lamar out for Baltimore, Rashad Bateman is one of the primary receiving options alongside Eli Surratt and Mark Andrews in a game the source calls a 'Mario Kart rainbow strip game' where all Ravens receivers should be started.

The source nominates Romeo Doubs as a screaming buy-low option for Week 2 against the Patriots. Doubs has been good his whole career and was reliable in Green Bay. He had a bad drop on a big third down in Week 1 and was shown on the bench multiple times by the broadcast, appearing devastated by the mistake. The Patriots gave Doubs $68 million, indicating his value. The source suggests he's a good play despite the negative Week 1 narrative.

The Eagles' offensive line struggles are creating a difficult matchup for Saquon Barkley. Philadelphia averaged just 1.95 yards per play on first down in week one (the lowest in recent years), which forces them into unfavorable second-and-long situations. Landon Dickerson's move to injured reserve due to lack of conditioning compounds the line's issues, and the Eagles' inability to gain yards on first down limits Barkley's effectiveness and forces reliance on play-action, which they ran only 8% of the time in week one.

Stefan Diggs is out for the Eagles in Week 2, leaving Drake Maye without one of his top receiving options alongside A.J. Brown.

The source mentions playing Tee Higgins despite Joe Burrow's back injury, though notes it wouldn't be shocking if Higgins didn't have a great game given Burrow's condition and the Texans defense.

Tony Pollard faces a difficult matchup against the Eagles' strong defense. The source compares Pollard's situation to Carnell Tate's, noting he will "run into a brick wall" against Philadelphia's defense. Additionally, Pollard is splitting reps more with Tajay Spears this year than last year, reducing his workload.

Travis Etienne is recommended as a start in the Saints-Ravens game, which the source calls a 'Mario Kart rainbow strip game' where all offensive players should be started due to the favorable matchup.

Trevor Lawrence has been playing at an elite level since Thanksgiving, with the source noting that if Justin Herbert had performed at Lawrence's recent standard, it would be extraordinary; Lawrence has now strung together many consecutive games of unbelievable play, yet remains underrated relative to the respect afforded to Herbert despite not yet having established a long track record of excellence.

The source identifies Liam Cohen paired with Trevor Lawrence as one of the best quarterback play-caller combos in the NFL right now, especially over the last eight games; they can be ranked alongside some of the best offenses in the league in terms of game plan design, play sequencing, and operational efficiency, with the potential to become a Ben Johnson–Caleb Williams type of marriage between quarterback and coordinator.

Lawrence is on an absolute heater in his last eight games (7-1 record, only loss in wildcard playoff game vs. Bills), averaging 33 points per game and 350 yards per game with 31 touchdowns across eight games. The Jaguars offense is described as one of the hottest in the NFL, comparable to the Bears' recent performance, facing a very good Broncos defense in Week 2.

McBride is the primary pass-catching option for the Cardinals against the Seahawks; the source explicitly states 'it's just Trey McBride' when discussing startable Cardinals receivers in this matchup, positioning him as the clear focal point of the passing game.

Tagovailoa's performance trajectory under Mike McDaniel is dramatic: Game 1 with McDaniel yielded 270 yards, 1 TD, 3 sacks, and 20 team points; Game 2 produced 470 yards, 6 TDs, and 42 team points. The source frames this as evidence that the Chargers should be buying into McDaniel's offense and its playmakers, suggesting Tagovailoa's upside is significant and the Week 1 performance was an outlier.

Hill combined with Jalen Waddle for 360 yards and 2 TDs in Tagovailoa's second game under Mike McDaniel (42-point team output), demonstrating the explosive ceiling of McDaniel's offense; the source uses this as evidence to buy into Chargers pass-catchers despite Week 1 disappointment.

With Nico Collins and Jaden Higgins out, Hutchinson is expected to play significant snaps for the Texans. The source leans toward Hutchinson over Kayshawn Booty as a potential fill-in option, though expresses no strong confidence in either, noting the passing game could suffer and have ramifications for the run game.

Zay Flowers is highly unlikely to play this week; he did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday, making him a fade for Week 2 against the Saints.