Welcome back, everybody! We’ve got NFL Week 2 officially in the books and a lot to recap from ALL the action! My goal with this weekly piece is to provide you with the most critical KEY ACTION items from every game – waiver wire pickups, trade, add, drop, stash, buy, sell, start, sit, etc. – for your fantasy football team based on what happened the previous week. Let me do the work of scouring through the data and film so you can just follow my lead. As my college marketing professor always said, “Keep it simple, stupid.” The KISS mantra is at its finest.
Obviously, I’ll cite data and what I observed on film from the past weekend’s matchups, highlighting what matters most and what’s potentially just noise. I will make a strong effort to feature players coming off polarizing performances, as they are sure to be the ones fantasy managers have the most question marks about.
And I’d be more than happy to include certain tables where I see they fit and/or where there is a demand.
Again, the idea behind the Fantasy Forecast (now named BEYOND THE WAIVER WIRE) has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets, as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes, they don’t always appear in the normal box score.
So, without further ado…let’s GO beyond the waiver wire for Week 3 to prepare our rosters for future success.
To infinity and beyond (the waiver wire)!
Beyond the Waiver Wire: Fantasy Football Moves to Make
Arizona Cardinals
Sell James Conner
Quarterback
- Kyler Murray – 17/25, 220 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, one sack. Added seven carries for 32 yards. In the first half, he was efficient: 10/15, 118 yards, 1 TD. He remains a dual threat with both designed runs and scrambles.
Running Backs
- James Conner – Workhorse: 12 carries, 34 yards, one rushing TD plus one catch for 18 yards. First half: 5 carries for 18 yards, one catch for 18 yards. Clear lead back, but not explosive. Just a 55% snap rate.
- Trey Benson – Flashed efficiency: 4 carries for 14 yards, four catches (6 targets) for 30 yards. First half: 1 carry for 11 yards, 4 targets/4 catches (played in the first half 2-minute drill). He’s a change-of-pace back carving a receiving role—44% snap rate (increase from last week and a career-high). Conner was listed as a sell last week, and he remains on the sell-high list after another TD. This was a smash spot for him, and he underwhelmed. Through two weeks, Conner is averaging just 3.2 ypc with a bottom-10 rushing success rate. Benson is continuing to get more usage (especially as a receiver).
- Tougher divisional matchups are also coming up.
Wide Receivers
- Marvin Harrison Jr. – 2 catches on five targets for 27 yards. First half: 0 catches on three targets. Drew a defensive pass interference (CAR, M. Jackson) on an incomplete deep shot near the end zone, no play.
- Michael Wilson – 1 catch, 11 yards, TD on four targets. Scored just before halftime. Scored earlier but it came back on a holding call.
Tight Ends
- Trey McBride – Team-high 8 targets (28%), six catches, 78 yards
- Elijah Higgins – 2 catches, 45 yards (3 targets).
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- McBride (96%), MHJ (96%).
- Benson (55%), Conner (27%).
- Air Yards:
- McBride (66)
- Red Zone Usage:
- MHJ (2)
- Conner (3 carries)
- Higgins (1 target)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- DL L.J. Collier – Questionable, later Out.
- DB Budda Baker – Injured late, returned.
- CB Garrett Williams – Injured late, returned.
- CB Will Johnson (groin) suffered a groin injury in Sunday’s 27-22 win over the Panthers.
- CB Max Melton (knee) has been ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s contest against the Panthers.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at 49ers
- Week 4: vs. Seahawks
- Week 5: vs. Titans
- Week 6: at Colts
- Week 7: vs. Packers
- Week 8: BYE
Atlanta Falcons
Quarterback
- Michael Penix Jr. – 13/21, 135 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT; 3 sacks for -27 yards. 1H usage: 9/15, 82 yards; leaned on Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson underneath.
Running Backs
- Bijan Robinson – 22 carries, 143 yards (6.5 YPC); 3 targets, three catches, 25 yards. Played 65% snaps (43/66). 1H: 11 carries, 60 yards; 2 rec, 20 yards. Explosive chunk gains set up early FGs. Clear RB1 workload.
- Tyler Allgeier – 16 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD; 1 catch, four yards. Played 33% snaps (22/66). 1H: Mixed in at the end of the halves, then iced the game with a 4Q TD drive
Wide Receivers
- Drake London –5 targets, three catches, 49 yards. Played 85% snaps (56/66). 1H: 18-yd catch before fumbling.
- Ray-Ray McCloud – 2 targets, no catches; 23% snaps (15/66)
- Darnell Mooney – 4 targets, two catches, 20 yards. Played 86% snaps (57/66).
Tight Ends
- Kyle Pitts – 5 targets (25%), four catches, 37 yards. Played 80% snaps (53/66). 1H: Key 14-yd grab on FG drive. Reliable underneath, but still no red-zone looks.
- Charlie Woerner – 56 snaps (85%), 2nd TE/blocker.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Pitts/Mooney/London (96%)
- Air Yards:
- Mooney (51, 36%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Mooney (2 targets)
- Allgeier (4 carries, one target)
- Bijan (3 carries, three targets)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
-
ATL CB A.J. Terrell – Injured 2Q, ruled Out.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at CAR
- Week 4: vs WAS
- Week 5: BYE
Baltimore Ravens
Sell Mark Andrews
Quarterback
-
Lamar Jackson: 19/29, 225 yards, 4 TD, 0 INT, three sacks. Added two rushes for 13 yards.
Running Backs
- Derrick Henry – 11 carries, 23 yards (2.1). Also fumbled (recovered by Ravens). Very little efficiency. First half: 5 carries for just eight yards.
- Justice Hill – 3 carries, seven yards; three targets, 3-18.
Wide Receivers
- Zay Flowers – 11 targets (35%) 7-75. Used on one run (4 yards). First half: 5 targets for 23 yards; heated up with chunk gains in 3Q and 4Q. He’s looked unstoppable through two games.
- DeAndre Hopkins – 2 targets, 2-64, 1 TD (23-yd). Nearly had another long TD (reviewed down at the 1).
- Rashod Bateman – 4 targets, 2-15.
- Tylan Wallace – 2 targets, 2-25, 1 TD. Scored early to set tone.
- DeVontez Walker – 2 targets and 2 TDs. Don’t chase.
Tight Ends
- Mark Andrews – 3 targets, 1-2. Saw a carry (!) for 2 yards. 80% snap rate. Usage is fine in terms of playing time. But he’s just not commanding any targets. Won’t get easier when Isaiah Likely returns. Possible he scores next week based on the red-zone usage but that’s about it.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Flowers (88%), Bateman (70%), Wallace (45%), Hopkins (21%)
- Air Yards:
- Flowers (122, 41%), Hopkins (66)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Andrews (2 end-zone targets)
- Walker (2 end-zone targets scored 2x).
- Henry (2 carries)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- RB Rahseed Ali: left 1Q, ruled Out.
- OLB Kyle Van Noy: left in 2Q, did not return.
- CB Marlon Humphrey: Questionable in 4Q after injury.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Lions (home)
- Week 4: at Chiefs
- Week 5: vs. Texans (home)
- Week 6: vs. Rams (home)
- Week 7: BYE
Buffalo Bills
Buy Keon Coleman & Dalton Kincaid
Quarterback
- Josh Allen: 14/25, 148 yards; 6–59 rushing. 1H: 8/16 for 70 yards; also ripped a 40-yard scramble on the first drive to set up points.
Running Backs
- James Cook – 21–132–2; 1–3 receiving. 1H:10–83 with the 44-yard TD before halftime. (47% snaps). Note snaps are a bit lower due to blow-out game factors. Team views Cook as their best player not named Josh Allen. If you can buy high, Cook would be my favorite RB target. This offense scores 30 PPG.
- Ty Johnson – 2-6 rushing, 1 target.
- Ray Davis – 9–24 rush; 1–3 receiving. 1H: 3–9; rotational early, closed the game in four-minute.
Wide Receivers
- Keon Coleman – 3–26 on three targets; 1H: 3–26 and stayed involved in 2-minute. Drew a tough matchup versus Sauce Gardner. He will rebound in better matchups. He had a 4th catch for 16 yards that was called back on pass interference. The Miami Dolphins might be the worst defense in the NFL.
- Khalil Shakir – 1–12 on three targets.
- Josh Palmer – 2–47, including a 32-yard shot with Mitchell Trubisky in late Q1.
- Elijah Moore – 1–31 (Moore also had the 4-yard rushing TD to start Q4).
Tight Ends
- Dalton Kincaid – 4–37 on seven targets; 1H: 3–25 on five targets. Tony Romo said at the start of the broadcast that he wouldn’t be surprised if Kincaid caught 8-10 balls. Didn’t pan out that way. But the targets share (22%) was high. 33% TPRR. His emergence is hurting Shakir.
- Dawson Knox – 2–19 on five targets.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Palmers led the Bills in routes run (61%), Shakir (55%).
- Kincaid (58%), Knox (45%).
- Air Yards:
- N/A
- Red Zone Usage:
- Both TEs (1)
- Cook (7 RZ touches)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- N/A
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Dolphins
- Week 4: vs. Saints
- Week 5: vs. Patriots
- Week 6: at Falcons
- Week 7: BYE
Carolina Panthers
Buy Tetairoa McMillan
Quarterback
- Bryce Young – A hectic day: 35/55 for 328 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT, but also took three sacks and committed a costly early fumble that was returned for a touchdown. In the first half, he attempted 17 passes (111 yards, 1 INT). Carolina trailed throughout, so volume stayed high. Still inconsistent, but fantasy managers will like the sheer passing volume and red-zone attempts. In the second half alone, Young tossed for 217 yards and 3 TDs (averaged 5.7 ypa) on 40 dropbacks (38 passes).
Running Backs
- Chuba Hubbard – 10 carries for 38 yards (3.8 YPC) and five catches on seven targets for 39 yards and 1 TD. First-half usage: 5 rushes for 8 yards, two catches for 9 yards. Clearly the lead back (74% snap rate) involved both rushing and receiving. Receiving has been better than anticipated.
- Rico Dowdle – Mixed in for six carries (9 yards), plus one catch for 10 yards. He even got a direct snap in the red zone (29% snaps) on a two-point conversion attempt. He had both red-zone carries.
Wide Receivers
- Tetairoa McMillan – 6 for 100 yards on team-high 10 targets. 40-yard long. 4-75 on five targets in the 1H. 2-point conversion target.
- Xavier Legette – Bruh: 1 catch (8 targets) for -2 yards. You can’t make this box score up.
- Hunter Renfrow – 10 targets, seven catches, 48 yards, 2 TDs. First half: 1 catch for 5 yards. His usage spiked after halftime (a la garbage time).
- Brycen Tremayne – 3 catches (5 targets), 48 yards
Tight Ends
- Ja’Tavion Sanders – A sneaky busy day: 7 catches on 10 targets for 54 yards (66% snaps)
- Tommy Tremble – 3 catches on three targets, 20 yards (41% snaps)
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Renfrow, McMillan (84%)
- Air Yards:
- T-Mac (84, 23%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Dowdle (2)
- Hubbard (1 target)
- Renfrow (5, scored 2x), McMillan (2), Legette (3)
- Sanders (4)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- OL Austin Corbett – Injured late, return questionable.
- OL Robert Hunt – Injured late, return questionable
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Falcons
- Week 4: at Patriots
- Week 5: vs Dolphins
- Week 6: vs Cowboys
Chicago Bears
Sell D’Andre Swift
Quarterback
- Caleb Williams: 19/30 for 207 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT; added 27 rushing yards on five attempts. Lost 10 rushing yards due to a chop block call. He was efficient in the first half (2 TDs to Rome Odunze) but pressured often (4 sacks). Usage leaned on Odunze and Moore early. Also threw another pick that was overturned on a roughing the passer call. Bears are dramatically better at starting games than last season. Good on the scripted plays.
Running Backs
- D’Andre Swift – 12 touches for 63 yards rushing (5.3 YPC) + 3 catches (3 targets) for 6 yards. Had eight first-half touches, showing locked-in RB1 role. Also fumbled late in Q1—57% snaps. After two weeks, Swift ranks 4th-worst in rushing success rate. 6th-worst in EPA/rush. 10th-worst in rushing yards after contact per attempt.
- Kyle Monangai – 7 carries for 28 yards, plus one catch (3 targets) for 8 yards. Mostly second-half usage. 41% snaps. If Swift continues to make mistakes…his grip on the RB1 role is going to loosen. Monangai picked up a blitzer on Odunze’s 1st touchdown. Showing growth in pass protection. Also came in the next drive after Swift’s fumble.
Wide Receivers
- Rome Odunze –Monster line – 12 targets (37% share), eight catches, 128 yards, 2 TDs. Both TDs came in the first half, with six early targets. He’s the clear WR1.
- DJ Moore – 6 targets (20%), five catches for 46 yards. Emphasis on getting him involved early.
- Olamide Zaccheaus – 5 targets, two catches, 12 yards. 1 carry for 9 yards.
- Luther Burden – Only three targets, one catch for 5 yards. Had a deep target erased on a flag.
Tight Ends
- Cole Kmet – 2 catches (2 targets) for 29 yards.
- Colston Loveland – 1 target. No catches. Stash only.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Kmet (75%), Loveland (48%)
- Air Yards:
- Odunze (201, 64%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Odunze (2)
- Burden (1)
- Swift/Monangai (1 carry each)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- CB Jaylon Johnson left in 2Q (questionable, then out).
- LB T.J. Edwards left in 3Q (doubtful).
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Cowboys (home)
- Week 4: at Raiders
- Week 5: BYE
Cincinnati Bengals
Hold Ja’Marr Chase | Sell Tee Higgins and Chase Brown
Quarterback
- Joe Burrow: 7/11, 76 yards before exiting with injury in Q2. Ruled out with a toe injury. Going to miss the next three months with turf toe. Fantasy football-wise, it’s possible he could return in the postseason (Weeks 15-17), but it’s a long shot at best. Obvious downgrade for all the Bengals players.
- Jake Browning: 21/32, 241 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT; added one rush TD. 1H usage: 7/14, 121 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT. Second half: spread it around, leaned on Chase.
Running Backs
- Chase Brown –16 carries, 47 yards (2.9 YPC); 2 rec (4 tgt), 18 yards. 1H usage: 7 carries, 25 yards. 71% snap share. Workhorse role, but low efficiency. I think Brown is who I am most concerned about without Burrow. He’s been very inefficient rushing through two games. Now the team leaned on Joe Mixon in this situation two years ago, which is possible with Brown. But what we have seen from the Bengals’ o-line so far…I’d rather sell the idea that the team will go all-in on Brown. Defenses know that.
Wide Receivers
- Ja’Marr Chase – 11 rec (16 tgt, 37% target share), 165 yards, 1 TD. 1H usage: 8 targets, 82 yards, TD. Completely dominated usage. Browning knows where to go with the football. So Chase might not be WR1 overall without Burrow, but he’s still a hold for me. You won’t get a fair deal trading him now. In 6 games with Browning in 2023, Chase averaged 9.8 PPG (20% target share). 11 targets came from Browning in Week 2. The first 7 of 10 passes went to Chase.
- Tee Higgins – 3 rec (8 tgt), 56 yards, 1 TD. 1H usage: 4 targets, 14 yards; salvaged day with 42-yd TD from Browning. Without the long TD, Higgins would have bombed. Given the QB downgrade and Higgins’ reliance on TDs last season, I’d be looking to deal him. Browning completed one pass to Higgins in Week 2 (1 for 5). Higgins is going to be extremely boom-or-bust. In 5 games with Browning in 2023, Higgins averaged 11.7 PPG. 2 20-plus point games (but Chase missed one game) and three with fewer than 8.5.
- Andrei Iosivas – 1 rec (6 tgt), 12 yards. Drew pass interference call on Travis Hunter.
-
Mitchell Tinsley – 1 rec (1 tgt), 13-yd TD. Depth flash.
Tight Ends
- Noah Fant – 2 rec (4 tgt), 28 yards.
- Mike Gesicki – 3 rec (4 tgt), 18 yards.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Gesicki (63%), Brown (44%), Fant (215).
- Air Yards:
- Chase (112, 31%)
- Higgins (103, 28%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Brown (3 carries)
- Chase (3 targets)
- Gesicki (1 target)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Burrow will reportedly need toe surgery, which would sideline him for a minimum of three months.
-
DE Shermar Stewart: left in Q4 with an ankle injury, did not return.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Vikings
- Week 4: at Broncos
- Week 5: vs Lions (home)
- Week 6: at Packers
Cleveland Browns
Add Quinshon Judkins, Hold Dylan Sampson.
Quarterback
-
Joe Flacco: 25/45, 199 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, two sacks. First half: only 93 yards passing, no TDs. Salvaged a drive late with an 18-yd TD to Cedric Tillman. Backup Dillon Gabriel came in late (3/3, 19 yards, TD).
Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson – 4 carries for 6 yards, 3-for-3 receiving for 13 yards and 1 TD in garbage time. 17 snaps (23%).
- Jerome Ford – 6 carries, 31 yards (5.2), plus five targets, 5-23. First half: mixed in on early drives with checkdowns, had two catches before halftime—48% snap share.
- Quinshon Judkins – Started the game (although Ford was also in the backfield). 10 carries, 61 yards (6.1 YPC), plus four targets (3-10). Big 31-yd run in Q4 was the highlight, but definitely came in some garbage time as Dillon Gabriel was in at QB. First half: only six carries for 20 yards — production ticked up late when the game was out of reach. 27% snap share (20 snaps). Judkins got the start despite being noted as on a “pitch count” prior to kick off. Led team in 1st-half carries (3.3 ypc). All in all, a solid debut for Judkins. 27% snap share. Broadcast was vocal about how he was there “mentally” with the playbook despite so much missed time.
- I was surprised by how much he was involved as a receiver, running the same number of routes as Ford. I’d expect Ford’s snaps to decline, given his first carry didn’t come until the 2-minute drill. We should see a 1A-1B between Judkins/Sampson at some point; it’s just a matter of how quickly the Browns want to phase out Ford. There is also still a strong likelihood that Judkins will get suspended. In the meantime, his stock is up. I’d expect a workload in crease in Week 3 after a full week of practice. Even so don’t just bury Sampson.
Wide Receivers
- Jerry Jeudy – 8 targets, 4-51, long of 26. First half: caught the 26-yd strike, otherwise quiet. More drops per usual.
- Cedric Tillman – 7 targets, 2-22, 1 TD. Scored on 18-yd TD late 3Q (deflected pass).
-
Isaiah Bond: gadget looks (1 carry, nine yards; 3 targets, 1-6).
Tight Ends
- Harold Fannin Jr. – 5 targets, 5-48, quietly tied for the lead in receptions—63% snaps. Browns love Fannin. Flacco loves Fannin. You need to love Fannin.
- David Njoku – 5 targets, 4-40. Reliable chain-mover, got two grabs on final first-half drive, including a 23-yd seam—82% snaps.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Njoku (73%), Fannin (57%).
- Air Yards:
- Jeudy (104)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Tillman (1)
- Bond (1)
- Sampson (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- WR DeAndre Carter: Questionable → ruled Out in 1Q (unspecified).
- CB Denzel Ward: Questionable mid-2Q, did not return.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Packers (home)
- Week 4: at Lions
- Week 5: vs Vikings (home)
- Week 6: at Steelers
Dallas Cowboys
Buy George Pickens
Quarterback
- Dak Prescott – 38/52, 361 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. Started slow but came alive late, especially to Lamb and Pickens.
Running Backs
- Javonte Williams –18 carries, 97 yards, 1 TD + 7 targets, six catches, 33 yards. Eleven first-half touches showed a clear lead role. Running hard. 72% snap share. But watching this game, Williams was even more of a bell cow. I’d imagine Sanders got worked in because Dallas ended up running 89 offensive plays, including overtime.
- Miles Sanders – 5 carries, 15 yards, 1 TD + 2 catches (4 yards). More change-of-pace, especially in the second half, but vultured a score.
Wide Receivers
- CeeDee Lamb – 11 targets (28%), nine catches, 112 yards (21% target share).
- George Pickens – 12 targets (33%), nine catches, 68 yards, 1 TD. Massive volume, particularly in the 2nd half (7 targets after halftime). Prescott to Pickens 22-yard DPI, no play. Greg Olsen mentioned that Pickens’ role moving around the formation would change as the season progressed. 8 targets after Turpin’s last kickoff return (likely when he sustained the neck injury). Buy. The best is yet to come.
- Jalen Tolbert – 2 catches (16 yards) + another removed by penalty.
- KaVontae Turpin – 4 catches (47 yards, 1 TD) + 2 carries (6 yards). Exited Sunday’s game against the Giants due to a neck injury.
Tight Ends
- Jake Ferguson – 12 targets (team-high at 23%), nine catches, 78 yards. Usage was elite — Prescott leaned on him for chains.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Tolbert (60%)
- Air Yards:
- Lamb (119, 32%)
- Pickens (115, 31%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Sanders and Williams (2 each)
- Pickens (4)
- Turpin (1)
- Lamb (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Cooper Beebe was ruled out for the rest of Sunday’s game against the Giants due to an ankle injury, Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports. Beebe is expected to miss six to eight weeks after sustaining a high-ankle sprain.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Bears
- Week 4: vs Packers (home)
- Week 5: at Jets
- Week 6: at Rams
- Week 7: vs Commanders (home)
Denver Broncos
Add Troy Franklin | Drop Evan Engram | Sell JK Dobbins | Buy RJ Harvey
Quarterback
-
Bo Nix: 22/30, 206 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT. Also added 20 rushing yards. 1H usage: 18 attempts, 3 TDs.
Running Backs
- J.K. Dobbins – 14 carries, 76 yards, 1 TD. Added two targets, one catch, nine yards. 1H: 7 carries, 34 yards. Red-zone TD in 3Q. Lead back role intact at 45% snap share.
- RJ Harvey – 5 carries, eight yards + 1 rec, 16 yards. 33% snap share. Buy low. Led the backfield in routes run
- Tyler Badie – 1 carry, three yards + 2 targets, two rec, 19 yards. 22% snap share.
Wide Receivers
- Courtland Sutton – 6 targets, one reception, six yards. DPI on Xavien Howard; wiped out two of Sutton’s targets (1 in the red zone). Also, very unusual route usage for Sutton in Week 2. Looks like a blip on the radar.
- Troy Franklin – 9 targets (30%), eight rec, 89 yards, 1 TD. 1H: 5 targets. Go-to option, ascending 2nd-year WR—83% snap share. If you read last week’s article, I noted Franklin’s strong usage marks. Trust the process.
- Marvin Mims – 2 targets, two rec, 24 yards, TD. 36% snap share. Part-time player.
- Pat Bryant – 3 targets, two rec, 18 yards
Tight Ends
- Evan Engram – 2 targets, one rec, 12 yards. 43% snap share. Timeshare tight end. Joker? More like the joke’s on us.
- Adam Trautman – 3 targets, three rec, 10 yards, TD. 62% snap share.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Franklin (84%), Sutton (60%?)
- Engram (44%), Mims (31%)
- Harvey (28%), Badie (25%), Dobbins (19%)
- Air Yards:
- Franklin (60, 39%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Trautman (1)
- Franklin (3)
- Dobbins (4)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- DE Zach Allen (ankle) left 1Q, returned.
- CB Patrick Surtain (shoulder) left in 2Q, questionable, but returned
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Chargers
- Week 4: vs. Bengals (home)
- Week 5: at Eagles
Detroit Lions
Sell David Montgomery
Quarterback
- Jared Goff – Hyper-efficient 23/28 for 334 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INT
Running Backs
- David Montgomery –11 carries, 57 yards, 1 TD (after St. Brown was tackled at the 1-yard line; 1 target, one catch for 4 yards. Short-yardage hammer with multiple red-zone carries—39% snap rate (nearly identical to last week). Still can’t help but feel like this is a sell-high spot for Monty. This is a perfect game script with the Lions jumping out to a big lead.
- Jahmyr Gibbs –12 carries, 94 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches (3 targets) for 10 yards. First-half centerpiece with 10 touches. 56% snap rate.
Wide Receivers
- Amon-Ra St. Brown – 11 targets (39% share), nine catches, 115 yards, 3 TD
- Jameson Williams – 4 targets, two catches, 108 yards, 1 TD. So many Jamo kill shots downfield.
- Isaac TeSlaa – 1 catch, 29 yards. Another one-handed catch. This kid is fantastic.
Tight Ends
- Sam LaPorta – 4 targets, three catches, 26 yards
- Brock Wright – 3 targets, three catches, 28 yards, one red-zone TD
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- LaPorta (65%)
- Air Yards:
- Jamo (126, 46%).
- Red Zone Usage:
- Sun God (4)
- Gibbs/Monty (5 each)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- TE Shane Zylstra left in 1H (ruled out).
- OG Cooper Mahogany left in 4Q (returned later).
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Ravens
- Week 4: vs. Browns (home)
- Week 5: at Bengals
- Week 6: at Chiefs
- Week 7: vs. Buccaneers (home)
- Week 8: BYE
Green Bay Packers
Add Christian Watson & Romeo Doubs
Quarterback
-
Jordan Love: 19/31, 292 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT. Efficient, spreading the ball around, and leaning on TEs. First half: 214 passing yards and 2 TDs before the break — the game essentially decided by halftime.
Running Backs
- Josh Jacobs – (50 snaps, ~72%): 23 carries, 84 yards, TD; 1 catch, 9 yards. First half: 13 carries, 42 yards, and a TD, locked in as workhorse.
- Chris Brooks – 13 snaps (19%): 3 receptions on four targets, 27 yards (long 16).
- Emanuel Wilson – 5 snaps (7%)
Wide Receivers
- Romeo Doubs – (59 snaps, ~86%): 3 catches (6 targets), 28 yards, TD. First half: red-zone TD capped early drive.
- Jayden Reed – (11 snaps, left in 1Q): had a deep TD wiped by a penalty before leaving with an injury. Broken collarbone on a 39-yard TD catch that was called back on offensive holding. Reed is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks after fracturing his collarbone.
- Dontayvion Wicks – (55 snaps, ~80%): 4 catches (6 targets), 44 yards. First half: 2 grabs for 30 yards.
- Matthew Golden – (40 snaps, ~59%): 2 carries, 15 yards. 0 rec on two targets, zero yards. Love missed him deep in what could have been a long TD grab.
- Savion Williams – (11 snaps, ~16%): 2 carries, 24 yards, used as gadget runner in wildcat formation.
Tight Ends
- Tucker Kraft – (52 snaps, ~76%): 7 catches (7 targets), 124 yards, TD. First half: already had 70+ yards by break. Tucker Kraft singles SZN.
- Luke Musgrave – (28 snaps, ~41%): 2 catches, 32 yards. Secondary role, but still schemed into red-zone looks.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Doubs (76%), Kraft (76%), Golden (65%), Wicks (65%), Heath (20%), Musgrave (17%)
- Air Yards:
- Wicks – 119 (30%)
- Doubs – 83 (21%): (had two deep targets resulting in defensive penalties)
- Golden – 80 (21%)
- Kraft – 56 (14%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Jacobs (6)
- Kraft (2)
- Golden (1 carry)
- Doubs (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Watson (ACL) said Monday (Sept 15th) he expects to return to practice upon his window to do so opening Week 4, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Browns
- Week 4: at Cowboys
- Week 5: BYE
Houston Texans
Add Woody Marks
Running Backs
- Nick Chubb – 12 carries, 43 yards, 1 TD; 2 targets, two catches, 29 yards. Played 53% snaps. 1H: 6 carries, 18 yards; 2 catches, 29 yards. Broke 25-yd TD run in 4Q. Ran hard for the second straight week.
- Dare Ogunbowale – 20% snaps.
- Dameon Pierce – Inactive
- Woody Marks – Drew the RB2 role ahead of Pierce in Week 2. 3 carries, 14 yards; 1 catch, 37 yards. Played 27% snaps. Passing-down usage carved out.
Quarterback
- C.J. Stroud – 13/24, 207 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT; 3 sacks (-25 yards), four carries, 27 yards. 1H: 8/13, 131 yards, 1 TD. Hit Collins for a 29-yard score, setting up FGs.
Tight Ends
- Dalton Schultz – 4 targets, three catches, 29 yards. Played 59% snaps.
-
Harrison Bryant – 1 target, no catches. Fell on a route that could have been for a monster gain—39% snaps.
Wide Receivers
- Nico Collins –9 targets, three catches, 52 yards, 1 TD. Played 90% snaps. 1H: 5 targets, two catches, 29-yard TD. Saw multiple deep looks.
- Jayden Higgins – 1 target, one catch, 28 yards. 43% snaps.
- Jaylin Noel – Punt return that set up Chubb TD. 31% snaps.
- Justin Watson – 2 targets, one catch, three yards. 41% snaps.
- Xavier Hutchinson – 3 targets, two catches, 29 yards. 57% snaps.
Advanced Metrics
- Routes Run:
- TBD
- Air Yards:
- TBD
- Red Zone Usage:
- Chubb (2)
- Collins (3)
- Watson (2)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- N/A
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Jaguars
- Week 4: vs. Titans (home)
- Week 5: at Ravens
- Week 6: BYE
Indianapolis Colts
Buy Jonathan Taylor & Josh Downs
Quarterback
-
Daniel Jones: 23/34, 316 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT. Added two rushing TDs (16 yards total). 1H: 22 att, 1 passing TD + QB sneak score. Key rushing role in the red zone.
Running Backs
- Jonathan Taylor –25 carries, 165 yards; 2 rec, 50 yards (3 targets), TD. Monster workload (27 touches). 1H: 11 carries, 38 yards; plus receiving TD late in half. Fantasy: Locked-in RB1 with heavy usage (93% snap share). And what’s different this season (besides better QB play), JT is running more routes! Buy!
- DJ Giddens – 5 snaps.
Wide Receivers
- Michael Pittman Jr. – 5 targets, four rec, 40 yards
- Alec Pierce – 4 targets, four rec, 68 yards. Explosive 44-yd grab set up TD.
- Josh Downs – 8 targets, six rec, 51 yards. First half: 4 targets. Drew a DPI on Pat Surtain; wiped out Downs deep target.
- Adonai Mitchell – 4 targets, two rec, 20 yards
Tight Ends
- Tyler Warren – 7 targets, four rec, 79 yards
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Pierce (89%), Warren (84%), Pittman (79%), Taylor (66%), Downs (60%)
- Air Yards:
- Pierce (82, 25%) Mitchell (103, 31%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- JT (5)
- Alie Cox and Warren (1 each)
- Downs (2)
- Pittman (1)
- Pierce (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- N/A
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Titans
- Week 4: at Rams
- Week 5: vs Raiders (home)
- Week 6: vs Cardinals (home)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Sell Travis Etienne | Add Bhayshul Tuten | Buy Brian Thomas Jr.
Quarterback
-
Trevor Lawrence: 24/42, 271 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT; added two rushes for 4 yards. 1H usage: 16/24, 191 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Running Backs
- Travis Etienne – 14 carries, 71 yards (5.1 YPC); 2 rec (3 tgt), 18 yards, TD. 1H usage: 7 carries, 49 yards; 1 target. Featured early and scored through the air in Q3. 66% snap rate. However, matchups are getting tougher — a natural window to explore Etienne sell-high if you’re RB-rich.
- LeQuint Allen – (2 carries, 13 yards). 15% snaps. Zero targets.
- Bhayshul Tuten – 8 carries, 42 yards; 2 rec (2 tgt), 32 yards, TD. 1H usage: 3 touches, including an 8-yd receiving TD. Change-of-pace spark with a 25% snap share. Add him if he’s still out there. Looked super explosive as both as a rusher and receiver.
Wide Receivers
- Travis Hunter – 3 rec (6 tgt) for 22 yards combined. Notably played much more on defense in Week 2: 59% on offense and 62% on defense. Total of 85 snaps played. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Hunter played a ton of snaps on defense in a game where the Jaguars dealt with a CB injury (Jarrion Jones).
- Brian Thomas Jr. – 4 rec (11 targets, 26% target share), 49 yards. 2 catches on first drive. But dropped the key 4th down conversion and went full-blown alligator arms on a pass over the middle of the field.
- Another bad game from BTJ – who just doesn’t seem right. Plagued by more drops, and now he has a wrist injury. Not good. Wrist injuries wreaked havoc on WRs last season—potential sell-high based on name brand. At least that was my initial lean. But after further review. He’s just an obvious Buy low candidate. Trust the process. Just 19 targets for BTJ through two games. But only 5 catches for 60 yards to show for it. Yes, the wrist injury is concerning, but this is the quintessential buy-low spot for a super-talented player like Thomas. Leap. Thomas is 7th in XFPPG through two games among WRs.
- Dyami Brown – 5 rec (7 tgt, 17%), 57 yards, 1 TD. 1H usage: Scored JAX’s first TD (9-yd).
- Parker Washington – 5 targets, 5-76; also two punt returns and three kick returns. 1H usage: 2 catches, including a 40-yd play. 50% TRPRR. When he was on the field – he was getting the rock.
Tight Ends
- Brenton Strange – 3 rec (5 tgt), 17 yards. 90% snaps played.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Strange (68%), Brown (65%), Hunter (57%).
- Air Yards:
- Thomas (165, 51%)
- Brown (70, 21%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Etienne (7)
- Tuten (2)
- Allen (1)
- Brown (3)
- Thomas (3)
- Hunter (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Jarrian Jones was questionable to return to Sunday’s game against Cincinnati due to a back issue, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com reports.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Texans (home)
- Week 4: at 49ers
- Week 5: vs Chiefs (home)
- Week 6: vs Seahawks (home)
Kansas City Chiefs
Sell Travis Kelce | Hold Isiah Pacheco
Quarterback
-
Patrick Mahomes: 16/29, 187 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT; 7 carries, 66 yards, one rush TD. 1H: Scored on a 13-yd scramble, connected with Kelce often. 2H: 49-yd bomb to Thornton salvaged fantasy line. Still QB1. But the fact that Mahomes is already relying on his legs so much is indicative of how bad this passing game is right now in its current form.
Running Backs
- Isaiah Pacheco – 10 carries, 22 yards; 1 catch (2 tgts), 7 yards. 58% snaps. Understandably, Pacheco has been rough through two weeks. However, I do think it’s more about KC’s offense overall. The team (per the game broadcast) still believes he has recaptured pre-injury form. Hold for now on fantasy benches. The Giants’ defense leads the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game (177.5).
- Kareem Hunt – 8 carries, 31 yards; 1 catch (1 tgt), 3 yards. 40% snaps.
- Brashard Smith – 1 carry, 2 yards. 8% snaps.
Wide Receivers
- Marquise Brown – 6 targets, five catches, 30 yards.
- JuJu Smith-Schuster – 3 targets, one catch, 5 yards.
- Tyquan Thornton – 5 targets, two catches, 59 yards, TD (49-yd bomb in 4Q). Earlier, the deep target fell incomplete before his TD.
- Xavier Worthy – Expected to return in Week 3.
- Nikko Remigio: 1 target, one catch, 21 yards.
- Rashee Rice – Suspended
- Jalen Royals – Out.
Tight Ends
- Travis Kelce – 6 targets, four catches, 61 yards. 1H: Moved chains with multiple mid-range grabs. Still plagued by drops (including a TD that was intercepted). Sell for me. If Kelce cannot take advantage of being the Chiefs’ best receiver, it’s not going to get easier when the other WRs come back healthy.
- Noah Gray – 4 targets, one catch, one yard.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Brown (79%), Smith-Schuster (74%)
- Kelce (74%), Thornton (74%)
- Air Yards:
- Thornton (61%, 170)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Gray/Kelce (1 each)
- Hunt (2)
- Pacheco (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- DE Mike Danna (questionable, shoulder)
- CB Kristian Fulton (doubtful, groin)
- Both left in 1H and didn’t return.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Giants
- Week 4: vs Ravens (home)
- Week 5: at Jaguars
- Week 6: vs Lions (home)
Las Vegas Raiders
Buy Ashton Jeanty
Quarterback
- Geno Smith – 24/43, 180 yards, 0 TD, 3 INT; 6 carries, 20 yards
Running Backs
- Ashton Jeanty – 11 carries, 43 yards; 4 targets, three catches, 4 yards. Broken tackles machine. However, more RBs were used. Jeanty played just a 56% snap share. However, I think this was more to the game flow, and the fact that Jeanty did get taken off the field after misreading one of the play calls. Rookie mistake. The tackle-breaking is as advertised.
- Zamir White – 2 carries, -2 yards; 2 targets, two catches, 9 yards
- Dylan Laube – 2 catches during 2-minute drill
Wide Receivers
- Jakobi Meyers – 13 targets, six catches, 68 yards. 1H: 4 catches, 50+ yards. Remains top chain-mover—93% snap share.
- Tre Tucker – 9 targets, three catches, 12 yards. Super involved with another carry for 7 yards. 91% snap share.
- Dont’e Thornton – 5 targets, one catch, 20 yards. A lot of deep shots.
Tight Ends
- Brock Bowers – 8 targets, five catches, 38 yards. Played 77% of the snaps. Didn’t seem limited by knee injury. Hold. The Raiders’ offense needs him to function at a high level. Apparent against the Patriots and in Week 2 when they failed to score a TD.
- Michael Mayer – 2 targets, two catches, 9 yards. 34% snap share.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- TBD
- Air Yards:
- TBD
- Red Zone Usage:
- Bowers (1)
- Jeanty (1)
- Tucker (1)
- Meyers (3)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- OL Jackson Powers- Johnson missed Week 2.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Commanders
- Week 4: vs Bears (home)
- Week 5: at Colts
Los Angeles Chargers
Buy Ladd McConkey | Hold/Sell Omarion Hampton
Quarterback
-
Justin Herbert – 19/27, 242 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; 2 sacks (-6 yards); 4 9 rushes, 31 yards. 1H: 10/13, 154 yards, 2 TD. Took deep shots to Johnston and fed Allen in the red zone. Herbert was actually the leading rusher (31 yards) for the Chargers.
Running Backs
- Omarion Hampton – 8 carries, 24 yards; 2 targets, one catch, one yd. Stuffed at the goal line on three attempts. Also had a costly fumble—62% snap share.
- Najee Harris – 8 carries, 28 yards; 2 targets, two catches, 20 yards. Played more than last week at a 34% snap rate.
– Another not great outing for Hampton. This was his chance to really be the guy, as Harris was out with the eye injury. With that no longer in play after two weeks, Hampton is going to be the lead back in a committee. And unfortunately, Greg Roman’s offense is not featuring either RB that much in the passing game. The matchups have been tough through two games, so it’s not all on Hampton, but I don’t think his play has created confidence. Hold until he pops in a plus-matchup and then look to move him.
Wide Receivers
- Keenan Allen – 7 targets, five catches, 61 yards, 1 TD. 1H: 2 catches, 19 yards + TD. Still red-zone go-to.
- Ladd McConkey – 5 targets, five catches, 48 yards. Two weeks have been frustrating in the box score, but McConkey is still the best WR on the Chargers. Buy low. Had a chance for a long TD, but Herbert couldn’t pull the trigger.
- Quentin Johnston – 8 targets, three catches, 71 yards, 1 TD (60-yd bomb). He’s not going to score every week.
- KeAndre Lambert-Smith – No targets and penalty.
- Tre Harris – 3 targets, two catches, 34 yards
Tight Ends
- Will Dissly – 1 target, one catch, 7 yards
- Tyler Conklin – quiet, no receptions. Led TEs in snaps at 50%.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- TBD
- Air Yards:
- TBD
- Red Zone Usage:
- Allen (1)
- Harris (1)
- Najee (1)
- Hampton (4)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- LB Khalil Mack left 1Q (questionable, later Out)
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Broncos (home)
- Week 4: at Giants
- Week 5: vs Commanders (home)
- Week 6: at Dolphins
Los Angeles Rams
Add Blake Corum | Sell Kyren Williams
Quarterback
- Matthew Stafford: Efficient game (23/33, 298 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT). He spread the ball well, with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua dominating target share. First half: 17 attempts, leaned on Adams/Nacua early. Still showing chemistry with his WR1.
Running Backs
- Kyren Williams – 17 carries, 66 yards; 2 catches (2 targets) for 14 yards. First half: 7 carries, but for just 18 yards (2.6 ypc). Even so, steady lead-back usage. Corum mixed in later, but Kyren handled key drives (70% snap share)
- Blake Corum – Flashed in the second half (5-44-1, plus a 30-yard kick return). TD run from the 1 iced the game. He’s earning rotational touches (30% snap share). 15-yard run set up Rams’ go-ahead TD and ripped off consecutive 15-yard gains, plus a nine-yard rush. Involvement was not garbage time. Flashed big time in this game, and has upside if Williams were to suffer an injury. If anything, Williams had more “fake” rushing numbers. Before killing the clock with 33 yards on four final carries on the last possession up two TDs, Kyren was sitting on 13 carries for 33 yards. And the Titans were missing their No. 1 DT. It could be tough sledding for Kyren versus the Eagles in Week 3.
Wide Receivers
- Puka Nacua – Dual-threat day — 8-91 on nine targets (27%) + a 45-yard rushing TD. Heavy involvement early (4 first-half targets, one rush). Usage shows Rams scheming touches.
- Davante Adams – 6 catches, 106 yards, TD on 13 targets (36% share). First half: 5 targets already. Rams have two Batmans.
- Tutu Atwell – 2 targets.
- Jordan Whittington – Just two catches, but made them count (42 yards). His 40-yard grab set up a score.
Tight Ends
- Tyler Higbee – 4-37 on four targets; three came in the first half. Short-area chain mover.
- Colby Parkinson – Out
- Davis Allen – 1-8-1 (TD). Red-zone role intact
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Higbee (55%)
- Atwell, Whittington (47%)
- Air Yards:
- Adams (152, 57%)
- Puka (68, 26%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Kyern Williams/Blake Corum (3 each)
- Adams (5)
- Nacua (1)
- Whittington (1)
- Allen (1)
- Higbee (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- CB Ahkello Witherspoon (shoulder) was placed on injured reserve on Monday.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Eagles
- Week 4: vs. Colts (home)
- Week 5: vs. 49ers (home)
- Week 6: at Baltimore
Miami Dolphins
Sell Tyreek Hill | Buy De’Von Achane & Jaylen Waddle | Add Malik Washington.
Quarterback
- Tua Tagovailoa: 26/32, 315 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT. 1H: 22 attempts, 2 TDs (Waddle, Achane). Spread the ball around, but leaned on stars.
Running Backs
- De’Von Achane –11 carries, 30 yards; 10 targets, eight rec, 92 yards, TD. 1H: 5 carries, two rec, 38 yards + TD catch. Usage = 31% target share and 93% snap share – elite RB1 profile.
- Obviously, the risks with Achane are high with injuries and the Dolphins organization. But the offense, while not perfect, isn’t the main issue (OL injuries, etc.) The Dolphins’ defense is terrible and is forcing Miami to air it out early and often. And, as bad as Miami’s collective struggles have been, Achane has looked fantastic. If you are looking for an affordable swing at RB, I think Achane is an intriguing trade target.
- Ollie Gordon – 1 carry, 8 yards; 1 catch, 5 yards.
Wide Receivers
- Tyreek Hill – 8 targets, six rec, 109 yards. 1H: 3 catches, 40 yards. If you drafted Hill, this is your time to get out. Rumor is that he is not going to be traded…but we always know this is what happens before a player gets dealt. Maybe a reunion with the Chiefs is in order…in which case I’d probably hold until he gets dealt. But if somebody offers you a deal now, I wouldn’t wait and just cash out.
- Jaylen Waddle – 7 targets, five rec, 68 yards, TD. 1H: 4 targets, 1 TD. Strong WR2 usage. If Hill gets moved, we know Waddle can be a fantasy WR. Cheap buy.
- Malik Washington – 3 carries, 23 yards. 74-yard punt return TD. Also scored on offense, but it was called back on a penalty. 4 targets and one catch for 2 yards. This dude is fun to watch. Be sure he is rostered in all deeper formats. Miami is finding a ton of unique ways to get him the ball in space.
-
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine: 3 targets, two rec, 18 yards.
Tight Ends
-
Alec Ingold: 2 targets, two rec, 13 yards.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Washington (57%)
- Air Yards:
- Hill (120, 46%)
- Waddle (109, 42%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Waddle (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Monday that Austin Jackson (toe) can return from injured reserve later this season, David Furones of the South Florida Sun Sentinel reports.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Buffalo (TNF)
- Week 4: vs Jets (home)
- Week 5: at Panthers
- Week 6: vs Chargers (home)
Minnesota Vikings
Drop T.J. Hockenson | Buy Jordan Mason
Quarterback
- J.J. McCarthy – 11/21, 158 yards, 2 INTs, six sacks; 5 carries, 25 yards. 1H: 9/17, 118 yards, 1 INT. Took a beating behind poor OL play. Also got hurt. He is out for Week 3 with an ankle injury that could sideline him 2-4 weeks. Presumably, he will be out until Week 7, given the Vikings have a bye in Week 6. Carson Wentz will start in his place. Vikings reclamation project for 2025 is a go! Keep in mind that Wentz has a relationship with Minnesota’s current QB coach, Josh McCown. Former teammates in Philly. Add Wentz in superflex formats.
Running Backs
- Jordan Mason – 9 carries, 30 yards; 3 targets, two catches, 8 yards. Played 36% snaps (27/75). Holding (MIN Wanya Rouse) wiped out a Mason 18-yard run. I think Mason has looked good through two weeks (10th in rushing yards above expectation per attempt).
- Aaron Jones – 5 carries, 23 yards; 1 target, no catches. Played 31% snaps (23/75). 1H usage: Jones opened, but Mason closed the first half. Still a murky split. Jones didn’t finish the game after suffering a hamstring injury. Unlikely to play in Week 3.
Wide Receivers
- Justin Jefferson – 6 targets, three catches, 81 yards (long 50-yd grab). Played 100% snaps. With McCarthy out and Wentz in…you just have to hold Jefferson. In fact, he might even be a sharp buy target. Wentz signed with the Vikings on August 24th, so he doesn’t have a ton of reps with many of these WRs. But it doesn’t take a genius to figure out who he has to jam targets to.
- Jalen Nailor – 5 targets, three catches, 31 yards. Played heavy snaps opposite Jefferson.
- Adam Thielen – 2 targets, two catches, 26 yards.
Tight Ends
- T.J. Hockenson – 3 targets, one catch, 12 yards. Played the majority of snaps but was quiet. Nowhere to go but up in terms of his targets with a new QB, because he was a total non-factor with McCarthy under center. Wentz has leaned on TEs in the past, but we shall see how things shake out in O’Connell’s offense. In O’Connell we trust.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Jefferson, Nailor, Thielen (90%-plus)
- Hockenson (76%)
- Air Yards:
- Jefferson (101, 40%)
- Nailor (86, 34%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Jefferson/Nailor (1 each)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- OL Ryan Kelly – Left 2Q, ruled Out.
- OT Josh Skule – Left 4Q, ruled Out.
- CB Greg Murphy – Left 4Q, ruled Out
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Bengals (home)
- Week 4: at Steelers
- Week 5: at Browns
- Week 6: BYE
New England Patriots
Buy/Hold TreyVeon Henderson
Quarterback
- Drake Maye: 19/23, 230 yards, 2 TD, 0 INT; also 31 rushing yards and a rushing TD. 1H usage: 14 attempts, 2 TDs to Hollins and Boutte.
Running Backs
- TreyVeon Henderson – 4 carries, 10 yards; 2 rec, 30 yards. Mostly 1H involvement. 32% snap share. They love getting him in space.
- Rhamondre Stevenson – 12 carries, 54 yards; 5 rec on five targets, 88 yards. 1H: 8 touches, 60 total yards. Workhorse role intact, featured in pass game (23% target share and 65% snap share). Made a GREAT catch down the sideline.
- For all the Rhamondre Stevenson haters complaining about the lack of touches for Henderson (including me to some extent)… just chill, haha. Last week, Stevenson looked terrible. This week, he looked awesome. He deserved the work he got in Week 2, and he delivered. Henderson is going to be volatile week-to-week because sometimes his role will only call for a handful of touches. And when he doesn’t rip off a big play…well, this is the result. A reminder that this Stevenson/Henderson split is very reminiscent of Gibbs/Montgomery. It was one of the stats I used when citing Henderson potentially being over hyped in draft season (which I wish I had stuck to my guns on closer to the end of draft season). In the first six weeks, Gibbs was outside the top-30 RBs in PPG as a rookie, while David Montgomery was a top-10 fantasy back. Be patient. The Steelers’ defense can’t stop anything. Specifically, the outside zone. Unfortunately, Stevenson has a poor YPC on outside rushes (not great in space). 1.6 YPC this season on outside zone. Only RB worse? Zach Charbonnet. Henderson is averaging 5.2 ypc on outside tackle runs this season. Also, the upcoming schedule is great for the Pats’ ground game.
-
Antonio Gibson: 6 carries, 27 yards; 1 rec for one yard; added 90-yd KR TD. Limited but explosive on ST. 17% snap share.
Wide Receivers
- Kayshon Boutte – 1 rec (16-yd TD) on one target. First-half red-zone look converted. Has a real connection with Drake Maye.
- Stefon Diggs – 5 targets, four rec, 32 yards. Disappointing usage (12% share). 52% snap share. Reliable WR with good hands. But not the same dynamic guy he once was. Lead team in targets in Week 2 (23%).
- Demario Douglas – 1 catch for 8 yards. 25% snap share.
- Mack Hollins – 1 catch, 8-yd TD. 65% snap share.
Tight Ends
- Hunter Henry – 1 rec, 9 yards on four targets. 85% snap share.
- Austin Hooper – 3 rec, 38 yards on three targets. Reliable early outlet. 62% snap share. And way more involved than anybody would care to admit.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Boutte (67%), Henry (63%)
- Hollins (53%), Stevenson (47%)
- Diggs (47%), Hooper (43%)
- Air Yards:
- Nobody had more than 35 air yards.
- Red Zone Usage:
- Henry (1)
- Stevenson (2)
- Gibson (1)
- Henderson (1)
- Boutte (1)
- Hollins (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- CB Christian Gonzalez could return this week.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Steelers (home)
- Week 4: vs Panthers (home)
- Week 5: at Bills
- Week 6: vs Saints (home)
New Orleans Saints
Add Juwan Johnson | Buy Chris Olave
Quarterback
-
Spencer Rattler: 25/34, 207 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT; 4 rush, 14 yards. 1H: 15/19, 104 yards, 1 TD. Saints rank 7th in player per game this season
Running Backs
- Alvin Kamara – 21 carries, 99 yards (4.7); 6 rec on six tgt, 21 yards. 27 touches. 1H: 8 carries, 46 yards; 2 tgt, 8 yards. Targets: 6 (18%).
- Kendre Miller – 5 carries, 8 yards; 1 rec (1 tgt), 2 yards.
Wide Receivers
- Chris Olave – 12 tgt (30%) 6 rec, 54 yards. 1H: 1 catch for four yards on five targets. More active in 2H. All the volume, and we don’t even get 55 yards. Woof. Eventually all his usage will translate into a a strong game. A decent buy-low option.
- Rashid Shaheed – 5 tgt (29%) 4 rec, 52 yards, TD. 1H: 2 rec, 41 yards. Used downfield and in RZ.
- Brandin Cooks – 3 tgt, two rec, 26 yards.
-
Devaughn Vele: 1 tgt, one rec, 3 yards, TD.
Tight Ends
- Juwan Johnson – 10 tgt (26%) 5 rec, 49 yards, TD. 1H: 2 tgt, 29 yards, TD. Big slot Juwan szn. Bounced back from two drops. Despite a tougher matchup against linebacker Fred Warner…Johnson still produced for fantasy managers.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Olave (93%), Johnson (85%)
- Cooks (78%), Shaheed (78%)
- Air Yards:
- Olave (122, 51%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Olave (1)
- Johnson (1)
- Shaheed (2)
- Vele (1)
- Kamara (3)
- Miller (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- DT Vernon Broughton is expected to miss the remainder of the year after sustaining a hip injury in Sunday’s 26-21 loss to the 49ers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Seahawks
- Week 4: at Bills
- Week 5: vs Giants (home)
- Week 6: vs Patriots
New York Giants
Add Cam Skattebo | Sell Tyrone Tracy
Quarterback
- Russell Wilson – Vintage line — 30/41, 450 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT. He leaned heavily on Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson, especially in the first half (22 attempts, 2 TD). His mobility chipped in 23 rushing yards.
Running Backs
- Tyrone Tracy – 5 touches in the 1H, finished with four catches (36 yards) on five targets and five carries (15 yards). Used as a hybrid weapon. Tracy’s 24-yard run was wiped out by Slayton’s hold. Saved us on the under for Tracy’s rushing yards prop. 42% snap share.
- Devin Singletary – Started the game. 1 carry, 4 yards; 1 catch on one target (-4 yards). Limited usage, mostly 1H rotation. 6% snaps.
- Cam Skattebo – 11 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD + 2 catches (14 yards). Most of his work came in the second half and the goal-line package. Skattebo’s 10-yard run was nullified by Hudson’s unnecessary roughness. Way more involved than in Week 1. Per the broadcast, what does Brian Daboll like about Skattebo? “Everything.” Dominating red zone touches. Tackled at the one yard with Jaxson Dart in at QB. Scored on the following play. 52% snap share.
Wide Receivers
- Malik Nabers – 13 targets (32%), nine catches, 167 yards, 2 TD. Scored both early and late, alpha role secured.
- Wan’Dale Robinson – 10 targets, six catches, 142 yards, 1 TD. Heavy 1H involvement (5 targets, 44 yards before halftime). 50-yard completion from Wilson to Wan’Dale Robinson to start the game. Caught a long TD in the fourth quarter.
- Darius Slayton – 3 targets, two catches, 61 yards. Blown coverage contributed to a large gain. Cardio King.
Tight Ends
- Theo Johnson – 4 targets, three catches, 34 yards. Mostly first-half production along with red-zone targets. 84% snap rate.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- TJ (73%), Robinson (93%)
- Air Yards:
- Nabers (279, 53%)
- Robinson (170, 33%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Johnson (2)
- Nabers (1)
- Robinson (1)
- Skattebo (6)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Chiefs (home)
- Week 4: vs. Chargers (home)
- Week 5: at Saints (possible Jaxson Dart debut)
- Weeks 6–8: Eagles twice in 3 weeks, Broncos in between.
New York Jets
Buy Breece Hall
Quarterback
- Justin Fields: 3/11 passing, 27 passing yards; 5–49 rushing. Left the game with a concussion
- Tyrod Taylor: 7/11, 56 yards, TD; 3–21 rushing.
4Q: Took over, led the 10-play, 54-yard TD drive (5-yd TD to Jeremy Ruckert).
Running Backs
- Breece Hall – 10–29 rush; 2–9 receiving on three targets. 1H: 7 carries; mixed results, bottled up at the line. 64% snap share.
- Braelon Allen – 2–11 rush; 0 receiving on one target. 19% snap share.
- Isaiah Davis – 1–6 receiving on three targets. 21% snap share.
Wide Receivers
- Garrett Wilson – 4–50 on eight targets, long 18; 1H: 1–18; later became a focal point for Taylor in the second half—32% target share.
- Josh Reynolds – Inactive
Tight Ends
- Mason Taylor – 1–5 (2 targets). 72% snap share.
- Jeremy Ruckert – 1–5–1 TD (from Taylor).
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Wilson (100%)
- Taylor (80%)
- Smith (61%)
- Air Yards:
- Wilson (74, 47%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Ruckert (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- N/A
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Buccaneers (home)
- Week 4: at Dolphins
- Week 5: vs. Cowboys (home)
- Week 6: vs. Broncos (home)
Philadelphia Eagles
Buy AJ Brown & DeVonta Smith
Quarterback
- Jalen Hurts – 15/22, 101 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT; sacked twice and rushed 9 times for 15 yards and 1 TD. 1H usage: Leaned on quick throws to DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, plus a 58-yard FG drive before half.
Running Backs
- Saquon Barkley – 22 carries, 88 yards, 1 TD; 2 catches (2 tgts) for 6 yards. 1H: TD run late 1Q, multiple chunk plays in 3Q to extend drives. Workhorse role (24 total touches).
- Will Shipley – Inactive
- AJ Dillon – 3 carries, 19 yards.
- Tank Bigsby – Just special teams snaps.
Wide Receivers
- AJ Brown – 5 catches, 27 yards on eight targets (36% share).Usage: Heavy volume, but Chiefs’ DBs kept him underneath. Nothing intermediate for AJB, who feasted on a lot of slants. Still strong target share and better than last week.
- DeVonta Smith –4 catches, 53 yards on six targets (27% share). 1H: Moved chains twice, long 28-yd gain in 4Q key to go-ahead TD. Not the bounce back I envisioned from either Eagles WR. Smith had a few more opportunities on some additional deep shots, but ultimately fell short. The Eagles need to be pushed for us to see more involvement from the WRs. Luckily, the next two matchups are ones that they could see some pushback in. I’m ready to buy low.
- Jahan Dotson – 1 catch, 4 yards on one target.
Tight Ends
- Kylen Granson – 1 catch, 5 yards.
- Grant Calcaterra – 1 catch, 6 yards.
- Dallas Goedert – Out
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Calcaterra (80%)
- Air Yards:
- Smith (101, 68%)
- Brown (56, 38%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Barkley (3)
- Dillons (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- WR DeVonta Smith briefly left (hand) in 3Q, returned.
- DT Jordan Davis left in 4Q, returned late.
- CB Adoree Jackson shaken up 2Q, returned.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: Rams (home)
- Week 4: at Bucs
- Week 5: Broncos
- Week 6: at Giants
Pittsburgh Steelers
Buy Jaylen Warren
Quarterback
-
Aaron Rodgers: 18/33, 203 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT; 1 rush, 3 yards. 1H: 12/19, 133 yards, 1 TD.
Running Backs
- Jaylen Warren – 14 carries, 48 yards; 4 tgt, four rec, 86 yards. 58% snap share. 1H: 10 carries, 41 yards + 2 catches. Sparked 65-yd catch-and-run in 3Q. Warren is the guy right now in this backfield. Awesome play. Although it ended in a Rodgers interception.
- Kenneth Gainwell – 5 carries, 20 yards; 3 tgt, three rec, 16 yards. 42% snaps share. 2 touches in the 1H. Had most of his work when Mason Rudolph entered as the QB.
- Kaleb Johnson – 1 carry, one yd. 3% snap share. Plus, the terrible special teams miscue that resulted in a free TD for the Seahawks. Not good. I’ve tried to hold my stance on KJ for the long term. I still think there’s upside if he can carve out a role as the early down rusher. But we’ve got serious “in the doghouse” vibes with Johnson. If you have to cut him, then do what you have to. But if you can hold him, I am trying to. But I don’t think it’s until post bye week we see anything change drastically. As I think about this situation more, it actually reminds of two RBs last season that both faced competition from rookie RBs (James Conner and Chuba Hubbard). Like Warren, they all go contracts. Remember he signed a two-year deal with the team on September 1st. He’s always been a guy who has stood out. As an undrafted FA, he forced a time share with Najee Harris. I love Kaleb Johnson’s upside and fit in Arthur Smith’s scheme. But there’s literally no telling when he will get that opportunity. Meanwhile, Warren is making the most of every opportunity. Think you need to buy Warren now. You can always reassess the Johnson situation later. Considering KJ is also free…no reason you cant get both Steelers RBs on your team.
Wide Receivers
- DK Metcalf – 7 tgt (17%), three rec, 20 yards, 1 TD. Another catch was removed by penalty. Low ADOT role still intact. Also had two more drops (2nd week in a row with at least one drop)
- Calvin Austin – 4 tgt, one rec, 22 yards.
Tight Ends
- Jonnu Smith – 4 targets, four rec, 27 yards. All underneath
- Pat Freiermuth – 5 tgt, three rec, 31 yards. Deep target erased by a penalty.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Austin (87%)
- Freiermuth (58%)
- Smith (51%)
- Air Yards:
- Metcalf (38, 22%)
- Austin (67, 39%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Freiermuth (1)
- Metcalf (1)
- Warren (3)
- Gainwell (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- DE Isaiahh Loudermilk: seen on crutches with a walking boot on his right foot following the Steelers’ 31-17 loss.
- OLB Alex Highsmith.
- CB James Pierre: Questionable in 3Q, returned in 4Q
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: at Patriots
- Week 4: vs. Vikings (international site)
- Week 5: BYE
San Francisco 49ers
Buy Ricky Pearsall | Add Brandon Aiyuk
Quarterback
-
Mac Jones: 26/39, 279 yards, 3 TD, 0 INT; 6 rush, 6 yards. 1H: 15/23, 151 yards, 2 TD. Just be wary that this OL will face a tougher task in Week 3 versus Arizona.
Running Backs
- Christian McCaffrey – 13 carries, 55 yards (4.2); 7 rec on seven tgt, 52 yards, TD. 1H: 8 carries, 39 yards; 3 rec, 16 yards, TD. CMC remains the focal point (20 touches, 18% target share).
- Brian Robinson – 6 carries, 20 yards; 1 rec on one tgt, -1 yd. 1H: 2 carries, 5 yards.
Wide Receivers
- Ricky Pearsall – 7 tgt, four rec, 56 yards. 1H: 5 tgt (15%) 42 yards. Buy low. Air yards leader and first-half target leader.
- Jauan Jennings – 11 tgt, five rec, 89 yards, TD. 1H: 4 tgt, 43 yards. Broke loose for 42-yd TD in Q4. Also had a big catch at the end of the first half after a defender slipped. Jennings led in volume (26% share). But again, more injuries with Jennings. Kyle Shanahan noted Monday that Jennings came out of Week 2 action with an ankle injury.
- Kendrick Bourne – 3 tgt, three rec, 32 yards. Has built-in rapport with Jones from their 3 years together in NE.
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling – 1 tgt, 0.
Tight Ends
- Luke Farrell – 3 tgt, two rec, 15 yards, TD.
- Josh Tonges – 5 tgt, four rec, 31 yards. Farrell vultured a TD, but Tonges ran more routes. Both are desperation TE2s.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Pearsall (86%), Jennings (84%)
- CMC (72%)
- Tonges (65%), Bourne (55%)
- Air Yards:
- Jennings (87, 36%)
- Pearsall (90, 37%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- CMC (3)
- Farrell (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- FB Kyle Juszczyk: left in Q2, did not return.
- OG Ben Bartch: injured Q1, ruled out by halftime. Suffered a high ankle sprain during the 49ers’ win over New Orleans.
- OT Spencer Bradford suffered a knee injury
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Cardinals (home)
- Week 4: vs. Jaguars (home)
- Week 5: at Rams
- Week 6: at Buccaneers
Seattle Seahawks
Hold Kenneth Walker III
Quarterback
-
Sam Darnold: 22/33, 295 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT; took two sacks (-17). 1H: 12/19, 157 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT.
Running Backs
- Zach Charbonnet – 15 carries, 10 yards (0.7 YPC); 1 tgt, one rec, 0. 1H: 7 carries, 6 yards. Inefficient, role-capped.
- Ken Walker III – 13 carries, 105 yards (8.1 YPC), 1 TD; 1 tgt, one rec, 13 yards. 1H: 5 carries, 26 yards. Sealed win with 19-yd TD run in 4Q.
Fantasy Impact: Holding onto Walker ended up being the right move. But man, this backfield is dicey. One week, Charbonnet looks better… the next, it’s all KW3. Snaps also in favor of Charbs (55% to 35%) isn’t a ringing endorsement. Even so, I was a believer in Walker during the preseason, and that’s because I believed he could thrive in this offense. Two games in, and he ranks 1st in the NFL in success rate (56.5%). Charbonnet is in the bottom 5.
Wide Receivers
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba – 10 targets, eight rec, 103 yards (30% target share). 1H: 6 tgt, 51 yards
- Cooper Kupp – 10 targets with penalties, seven rec, 90 yards (27% target share) 1H: 4 rec, 37 yards.
- Tory Horton – 4 tgt, two rec, 32 yards, 1 TD; added two punt returns (30 yards). 1H: 21-yd TD catch opened scoring.
Tight Ends
- AJ Barner – 2-26 on three targets and 1 TD.
- Elijah Arroyo – 3 tgt, two rec, 31 yards.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- JSN (88%), Kupp (74%)
- Horton/Arroyo (48%)
- Barner (65%)
- Air Yards:
- JSN (95, 38%)
- Horton (80, 32%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Barner (1)
- Arroyo (1)
- Walker (3)
- Charbonnet (2)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Devon Witherspoon is dealing with an MCL contusion to his knee, and head coach Mike Macdonald said Monday that it’s “possible” that the 2023 first-rounder could return for the Seahawks’ Week 3 clash against the Saints on Sunday (the Athletic).
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Saints (home)
- Week 4: at Cardinals
- Week 5: vs Buccaneers (home)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
- Baker Mayfield – 25/38, 215 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INT; 4 sacks (-24 yards), 3 carries, 33 yards
Running Backs
- Bucky Irving – 17 carries, 71 yards; 7 targets, six catches, 50 yards. Played 71% snaps. 1H: 9 carries, 41 yards; 3 rec, 20 yards. Versatile usage, solid PPR play.
- Rachaad White – 10 carries, 65 yards, 1 TD; 2 targets, two rec, 1 yard. Played 31% snaps. Actually looked good as a rusher.
Wide Receivers
- Emeka Egbuka – 7 targets, four catches, 29 yards, 1 TD. Played 92% snaps. Ineligible downfield (TB Cody Mauch), wiped out an Egbuka catch. Also dropped a long pass from Mayfield.
- Mike Evans – 13 targets, five catches, 56 yards. OPI on Mike Evans, wipes out red-zone catch. 79% snaps. Matched up with CB Derek Stingley most of the game. Did not look overmatched.
- Sterling Shepard – 4 targets, four catches, 34 yards. Played 75% snaps.
- Ryan Miller – 1 target, one catch, 20-yd TD. Played 22% snaps.
Tight Ends
- Cade Otton – 4 targets, three catches, 25 yards. Played 91% snaps.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- TBD
- Air Yards:
- TBD
- Red Zone Usage:
- Otton (1)
- Miller (1)
- Egbuka (2)
- Evans (3)
- White (2)
- Bucky (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Calijah Kancey (pectoral) has been ruled out for the rest of Monday’s game against the Texans, Brianna Dix of the Buccaneers’ official site reports.
- OT Luke Goedeke (foot) has been ruled out for the remainder of Monday’s Week 2 game against Houston.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs Jets (home)
- Week 4: vs Eagles (home)
- Week 5: at SEA
Tennessee Titans
Add Elic Ayomanor | Hold Calvin Ridley
Quarterback
- Cameron Ward – 19/33, 175 yards, 1 TD, five sacks. Added eight rush yards. 1H: conservative, leaned on short passes, 17 attempts. Protected the ball but was not efficient.
Running Backs
- Tony Pollard – 20 carries, 92 yards (4.6 YPC) but no scores. Only one target (drop). 1H: 10 carries—89% snap share.
Wide Receivers
- Calvin Ridley – 3-57 on six targets. Big chunk gains, but inconsistent. Usage tilted more downfield. Led team in routes run.
- Elic Ayomanor – 6-56-1 on seven targets (32% share), including score on off-script Ward pass play. First half: 5 targets, led the team.
- Tyler Lockett – 2-9 on three targets.
- Chimere Dike – 5 targets but net -1 yards receiving. Ward’s short pass to Dike for 6 yards was wiped out on a flag.
- Van Jefferson – 2-10.
Tight Ends
- Chigoziem Okonkwo – 4-35 on six targets. Reliable check-down option, especially in the first half (3 targets).
- Gunnar Helm – 2 for nine on two targets.
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- Ridley (78%)
- Chig (71%)
- Pollard (56%)
- Ayomanor (56%)
- Dike (39%)
- Air Yards:
- Ridley (34%, 67)
- Ayomanor (31%, 60)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Ayomanor (1)
- Ridley (1)
- Dike (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Guard Kevin Zeitler left, questionable to return.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Colts (home)
- Week 4: at Texans
- Week 5: at Cardinals
- Week 6: at the Raiders
Washington Commanders
Add Jeremy McNichols | Hold Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Sell Deebo Samuel.
Quarterback
-
Jayden Daniels: 24/42 for 200 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs; 17 carries, 41 yards. Pressured often (4 sacks), leaned on scrambles. 1H: Only 49 passing yards before halftime, offense stalled until late. Daniels also has a knee injury that has made his status for Week 3 in question against the Raiders. Considered day-to-day. Note that when Daniels suffered his rib injury last season, his rushing numbers declined.
Running Backs
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt – (20 snaps, ~31%): 5 carries, 17 yards. He was disappointing on Thursday night, but should see a slight volume increase just based on Ekeler’s injury. Although I don’t necessarily see a massive target share in his future. Hold for now. Second this season in EPA/attempt among RBs (+0.20).
- Austin Ekeler – (41 snaps, ~63%): 8 carries, 17 yards; 7 catches (10 targets), 24 yards. 1H: 7 touches, mostly checkdowns. Left in 4Q with an injury and did not return. Torn Achilles. He will miss the rest of the 2025 season.
- Jeremy McNichols – Should see a large role filling in the Ekeler snaps on passing downs (B-Back role). If Daniels is less prone to scrambling, we could see more RB dump-offs.
- Chris Rodriguez – Inactive in Week 2. Will likely be active in Week 3 as JCM’s primary backup as the “A-Back”.
Wide Receivers
- Deebo Samuel – (53 snaps, ~82%): 7 catches (8 targets), 44 yards, TD; added three kick returns for 103 yards. 1H: 3 touches, mainly screens. Became a focal point late. Sell high. QB is banged up, and TMC might be getting back into pre-holdout form.
- Terry McLaurin – (57 snaps, ~88%): 5 catches (9 targets), 48 yards. First half: 2 grabs for 18 yards, picked up steam after halftime. Team-high 21% target share.
- Noah Brown – (32 snaps, ~49%): 1 catch, 9 yards. Injured in 2H and did not return.
- Luke McCaffrey – (18 snaps, ~28%): 1 catch, 19 yards; caught a 2-pt conversion. First half: only one target.
- Jaylin Lane – 1 catch for 2 yards (3 targets).
Tight Ends
- Zach Ertz –(49 snaps, ~75%): 6 catches (10 targets with penalties), 64 yards, TD. First half: 2 short catches, came alive after halftime.
- John Bates – (14 snaps, ~21%): left with injury (did not return).
Advanced Receiving Metrics
- Route Participation:
- TMC- 90%, Samuel – 84%, Ertz – 79%, Lane – 48%, Brown – 35%, LMC – 21%
- Air Yards:
- TMC – 106 (37%)
- Brown – 61 (21%)
- Ertz – 44 (15%)
- Red Zone Usage:
- Deebo (1)
- TMC (1)
- Ertz (1)
Injuries & Offensive Line Notes
- Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said Monday that Bates (groin) is a “long shot” to play Sunday versus Las Vegas, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reports.
Schedule Outlook
- Week 3: vs. Raiders (home)
- Week 4: at Falcons
- Week 5: at Chargers
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