We had a bunch of cheap value options in Week 1 that resulted in a lot of chalk plays going off producing high DraftKings scores and high cash lines. It was easy to build lineups and life was good. Week 2 will be a return to reality where it will be much more difficult to fit in the players you want. Regardless, the methodology remains the same for our cash game lineups, get as many targets and touches as possible from players that are in favorable matchups. On to Week 2 of the NFL season!
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Quarterback
Alex Smith (WAS): $6,000 vs. IND
I was undecided in my early look core play at QB on Wednesday and am still debating between a trio of QBs all priced at about the same price point. My list has dwindled down to Patrick Mahomes, Jimmy Garoppolo and Smith. Right now, I am still leaning toward Smith, who I was very high on coming into the season. He played very well in Week 1 in a game that the Redskins took their foot off the gas in the second half. Smith will make his home debut for the Redskins in Week 2 against the Colts in a game that has a fairly high 46-point Vegas total and a QB on the other side in Andrew Luck that should be capable of keeping it close, so Smith and company can keep the pedal to the metal.
Other Notables:
- Patrick Mahomes (KC): $6,100 @ PIT
- Jimmy Garoppolo (SF): $6,000 vs. DET
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey (CAR): $7,000 @ ATL
McCaffrey was a popular target in Week 1 and posted solid but unspectacular numbers with 50 rushing yards and six catches for 45 yards. The coaching staff continues to talk about getting McCaffrey more touches, and that could become a reality in Week 2 against the Falcons. The Falcons will be without two key defensive players on a defense that was already susceptible to pass-catching backs ranking dead last in receptions allowed and 28th in receiving yards by backs last season. McCaffrey could also see more looks come his way with TE Greg Olsen out for at least a few weeks. And that is just talking about his receiving prowess, not to mention the 12-18 carries he should get against the Falcons run defense that ranks 25th DVOA after Week 1.
Dion Lewis (TEN): $5,000 vs. HOU
Surprising or not, Lewis was the leading back in the Titans backfield in Week 1 with 16 carries for 75 yards and a rushing score to go along with five catches on eight targets for 35 yards. Lewis is a game-script independent back who will get work whether the Titans lead or trail the Texans in Week 2. He comes with a very reasonable price tag for his expected volume. Much like McCaffrey, Lewis could also benefit with more targets in the passing game due to their TE Delanie Walker going down with an injury.
Other Notables:
- Melvin Gordon (LAC): $7,400 @ BUF
- James Conner (PIT): $6,700 vs. KC
Wide Receivers
Antonio Brown (PIT): $8,800 vs. KC
Be sure to monitor QB Ben Roethlisberger’s status leading up to game time on Sunday as he has missed a couple of practices this week. If Roethlisberger doesn’t start, then that will be a major change to my cash game roster construction as it puts Brown out of play. That said, I fully expect Big Ben to play and, if he does, then fading Brown could be a big mistake. Roethlisberger and the Steelers offense typically play better at home and will welcome the Chiefs to Pittsburgh in Week 2. The Chiefs offense showed its explosiveness in Week 1 and as a result the Chiefs/Steelers matchup as the highest Vegas total on the Week 2 slate.
Brown tallied nine receptions for 93 yards and a score on 16 targets in the opener and should see similarly high volume against a Chiefs defense that just allowed a similar player (Antonio Brown-lite if you will), Keenan Allen, to scorch them for eight catches, 108 yards, and one touchdown. Fade at your own risk.
Tyreek Hill (KC): $7,600 @ PIT
There are not a ton of WR options that blow me away on the Week 2 slate. However, Brown and Ty “Don’t Call Me Tyreek” Hill on the other side of the field are the two that do. Hill is a threat to score every time he touches the ball as he showed in Week 1 with three TDs against the Chargers. Mahomes seems locked into Hill with eight targets in Week 1. The game has the highest Vegas total on the slate and, as long as Roethlisberger plays, neither team will be able to rest on a big lead in what should be a back and forth game. Meanwhile, the Steelers are not immune to allowing big plays as they ranked 25th in yards per reception and 30th in TDs allowed to opposing WRs last season.
Other Notables:
- Demaryius Thomas (DEN): $5,600 vs. OAK
- Cooper Kupp (LAR): $5,500 vs. ARI
- Pierre Garcon (SF): $5,000 vs. DET
Tight End
George Kittle (SF): $3,800 vs. DET
I love to get a cheap, high-target option at TE whenever possible. Last week, it was Jack Doyle, this week my attention turns to Kittle. Kittle saw nine targets in Week 1 hauling in five of them for 90 yards against a good Vikings defense.
Kittle and the 49ers will return home in Week 2 to face the Lions who just get shredded on Monday night by the Jets. The Lions allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing TEs last season. Kittle should already be locked into a high volume of targets, but that number could go even higher if Marquise Goodwin is unable to play on Sunday. It might also be a two-TE week with so many robust value options.
Other Notables:
- David Njoku (CLE): $3,000 @ NO
- Ricky Seals-Jones (ARI): $2,900 @ LAR
Defense
Vikings (MIN): $2,600 @ GB
Aaron Rodgers still has not practiced this week as of Thursday. He will probably give it a go, but will be at less than 100 percent. The Vikings defense is a solid option even if Rodgers plays given their ridiculously low salary for a top-flight unit. However, if Rodgers is somehow ruled out for Sunday’s, matchup then click the lock button on the Vikings defense in every lineup.
Other Notables:
- Broncos (DEN): $3,300 vs. OAK
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Brad Richter is a Featured Writer and correspondent at FantasyPros and a contributor at DailyOverlay and GoingFor2. For more from Brad, you can view his archive or follow him @RotoPilot.
