The Primer: Week 2 Edition (2026 Fantasy Football)

Wow, it’s already Week 2 of NFL action.

The opening week of the NFL chaos brought with it a lot of unexpected storylines, finishes, and standouts. The Bears look like they are on a mission to break scoring records with 59 points. Trevor Lawrence picked right up where he left off last season. After a woeful offseason, the Cardinals took down the offseason hype darling in the Chargers. Denver struggled with their new playcaller as the run-heavy Kansas City Chiefs handed them a huge loss.

What a wild week of football, and we’re back for more this week. I won’t bore you with more exposition. Let’s get to all of these fantasy plays and the matchups for fantasy football. Welcome to the Week 2 Primer.

Enjoy.

DET vs. BUF | CAR vs. ATL | MIN vs. CHI | PHI vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | GB vs. NYJ | CLE vs. TB | NO vs. BAL | CIN vs. HOU | JAC vs. DEN | LV vs. LAC | WAS vs. DAL | SEA vs. ARI | MIA vs. SF | IND vs. KC | NYG vs. LAR

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Fantasy Football Primer

Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills

• BUF -5, O/U 54.5
• Detroit Lions vs. Buffalo Bills Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Lions Players & Weekly Rankings

Bills Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Josh Allen
• James Cook
• Jahmyr Gibbs
• Amon-Ra St. Brown

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Jared Goff (QB)

In Week 1, Jared Goff in a shootout finished as QB16 in fantasy. Among 30 qualifying quarterbacks, he was 27th in yards per attempt and had the seventh-lowest aDOT while finishing 13th in passing success rate, tenth in highly accurate throw rate, and eighth in catchable target rate. Yes, the low aDOT helped the accuracy metrics, no doubt. This Lions’ offense remained reliant upon the “easy button” ideas that we love in Week 1, as they were third in motion rate (75%) and seventh in play action rate. The Bills’ pass defense struggled in Week 1 and could again versus the Lions.. In Week 1, they ranked 18th in yards per attempt while allowing the ninth-highest passer rating, the 14th-highest EPA per dropback, and sporting the 13th-lowest pressure rate. Last year, Buffalo allowed the eighth-highest passing success rate and ranked 15th in passer rating when dealing with play-action. I expect Goff to have a bounce-back game in Week 2.

DJ Moore (WR)

DJ Moore crushed all expectations in Week 1 as the Bills’ new alpha wide receiver. He was the WR9 in weekly scoring, leading the team with a 24.1% target share and 33.3% first-read share while posting 100 receiving yards and three deep targets (zero red zone/end zone targets). I expect Moore to eat again in Week 2 against a Detroit secondary that allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per target and the seventh-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers in Week 1.

Dalton Kincaid (TE)

This could be the breakout season for Dalton Kincaid that we’ve been waiting for. In Week 1, he finished as the TE5 in weekly scoring, but it was more about his wonderful usage that has me tossing out this breakout idea. Kincaid had an 80.8% snap rate (WOW!), a 68.8% route share, a 20.7% target share, 130 receiving yards (5.91 YPRR), two deep targets, and a 20% first-read share. Yes, you read that correctly. Kincaid was a full-time player in the Bills’ offense. I know this insane efficiency won’t last the entire season, but we just saw Kincaid lead tight ends last season in every discernible per-route metric that I care about, so while I’m expecting per-route regression, he will still be elite in these categories. Kincaid faces a defense that allowed the second-most receiving fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1 while also giving up the 12th-most fantasy points per opportunity to the position. Kincaid could crush again this week.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Khalil Shakir (WR)

Khalil Shakir is a deep league flex only for Week 2. He returned to his usual role in Week 1 that we have seen him garner throughout his career, running 57.1% of his routes from the slot. Shakir had a 65.6% route share, a 20.7% target share, 50 receiving yards (2.38 YPRR), and a 20% first-read share (tied for second on the team with Dalton Kincaid). Shakir didn’t get a red zone, end zone, or deep target in Week 1, which isn’t surprising. He’s an empty-calorie PPR flex that you hope falls into the end zone, but in this high-scoring environment, that could happen in Week 2. In Week 1, Detroit allowed the seventh-most yards per target to slot receivers and ranked 15th in fantasy points per target.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Jameson Williams (WR)

Jameson Williams had a ROUGH Week 1 performance, and that’s putting it kindly as the WR44 in fantasy scoring. Williams had a 23.1% target share and a fantastic 36% first-read share, but he had two drops and secured only one of his three contested targets. He also had one red zone target and two deep targets. The big takeaway is that his utilization was WONDERFUL, but Williams produced a wet-fart stat line with 45 scoreless receiving yards because of a bad game. This week he’ll face a Bills’ secondary that utilized two high at the eighth-highest rate in Week 1 (61.9%). Last year, against two high, Williams saw his TPRR fall from 22% (versus single high) to 16% while his yards per route run remained static against both coverage types at 2.15. The drop in usage in the offense is notable, but his strong efficiency against two-high is a positive indicator. One thing that will also be working against Williams in this matchup is possible shadow coverage from Christian Benford. Benford followed Nico Collins on 93.9% of his routes in Week 1, but he allowed Collins to secure six of his nine targets in his coverage for 66 yards and a score. This doesn’t tell the entire story for Benford, though, as he also had a 75% blanketed rate against Collins, which is strong. Last year, Benford followed Ja’Marr Chase, Chris Olave, Tetairoa McMillan, Tyreek Hill, Drake London, D.K. Metcalf, Nico Collins, and AJ Brown on at least 60% of their routes. Only McMillan and London surpassed 60 receiving yards in his coverage, and only Olave and Hill scored touchdowns. I don’t expect a massive game from Williams in Week 2.

Sam LaPorta (TE)

Sam LaPorta finished with a solid but not amazing stat line for Week 1 as the TE15 in fantasy. He had a 17.9% target share (third on the team) and 16% first-read share (third on the team) while posting five receptions with 48 scoreless receiving yards (1.45 YPRR). He didn’t see any deep targets, but he did walk away with two red zone targets. This week, he faces a Buffalo defense that continued a yearly tradition of being amazing against tight ends to open the 2026 season. In Week 1, Buffalo allowed the ninth-fewest yards per target and the sixth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends. I expect this will be another tough matchup for LaPorta, so temper your expectations.

DET vs. BUF | CAR vs. ATL | MIN vs. CHI | PHI vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | GB vs. NYJ | CLE vs. TB | NO vs. BAL | CIN vs. HOU | JAC vs. DEN | LV vs. LAC | WAS vs. DAL | SEA vs. ARI | MIA vs. SF | IND vs. KC | NYG vs. LAR

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

• CAR -2.5, O/U 43.5
• Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Panthers Players & Weekly Rankings

Falcons Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Bijan Robinson

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

N/A

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Bryce Young (QB)

Bryce Young went off in Week 1 against the hapless Bears pass defense as the QB3 for the week. Young directed an offense that had the fifth-highest passing rate. We’ll see if that trend holds as we move through the season, but after one game it’s notable. Among 32 qualified passers in Week 1, Young was fourth in yards per attempt, seventh in passing success rate, and ninth in hero throw rate, but it wasn’t all glitz and glam for Young as he was also 23rd in highly accurate throw rate and 27th in catchable target rate. It was a nice showing for Young, but I’m not ready to say this is some new version of Young who could set the league on fire in 2026. We’ll see how Young holds up this week against an Atlanta pass defense that played well against Aaron Rodgers in Week 1. Last week, Atlanta allowed the ninth-fewest yards per attempt, the fifth-lowest passing success rate, and the eighth-lowest passer rating.

Chuba Hubbard (RB)

Chuba Hubbard remained Carolina’s lead back to open the 2026 season as the RB10 for the week. Hubbard handled all three of Carolina’s red zone rushing attempts while playing 67.7% of the snaps with a 52.6% designed carry share and 58.1% route share. Hubbard finished with 13 touches and 87 total yards. Among 43 qualifying rushers in Week 1, Hubbard was 19th in explosive run rate and 17th in missed tackle rate. Hubbard will have uphill sledding in Week 2 if the Falcons’ run defense is as good as they showed in Week 1. Last week, they allowed the third-lowest explosive run rate, had the second-best stuff rate, and the eighth-lowest missed tackle rate. We’ll see if Hubbard keeps this stranglehold on the workload for the Carolina backfield all season, but he is probably again the clear lead for the Panthers this week.

Tetairoa McMillan (WR)

Tetairoa McMillan had a solid showing in Week 1 as the WR32 in fantasy. He was second on the team with a 21.1% target share while tying for the team lead in first-read share with 27.3%. McMillan finished with 75 receiving yards (1.92 YPRR), one red zone target, and one deep target. In Week 1, Atlanta had the fourth-highest single-high rate (67.4%). Last year, in Weeks 13-19 against single high, McMillan had a 25% target per route run rate and 2.17 YPRR. In Week 1, against single high, McMillan had only a 13% target-per-route run rate and 0.65 YPRR. I’m not overreacting to his meh usage against this coverage last week. He should see plenty of volume this week to outkick what could be a tougher matchup if Atlanta’s secondary can continue what they put on film in Week 1. Last week, Atlanta allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per target and the seventh-fewest yards per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Jalen Coker (WR)

HELLO HELLO HELLO JALEN COKER! Cokeheads unite! Week 1 was our day. It was wonderful to see Coker balling out as the WR1 overall in fantasy for Week 1. Among all wideouts in Week 1 with at least 20 routes, Coker was tenth in separation score and 15th in route win rate. Coker has the talent to succeed this season. That much is very true. Will he be Carolina’s leading receiver all season? Eh, let’s pump the brakes on that, but Week 1 was a standout performance. Coker led the team with a 23.7% target share while tying Tetairoa McMillan with a 27.3% first-read share. Coker also had three deep targets and one red zone target, which tied or exceeded McMillan’s usage in Week 1. Coker finished with 138 receiving yards (3.94 YPRR) and two scores. In Week 1, Atlanta had the fourth-highest single-high rate (67.4%). Last year, in Weeks 13-19 against single high, Coker had a 21% target-per-route run rate and 2.81 YPRR. In Week 1, against single high, Coker had only a 30% target-per-route run rate and 5.10 YPRR. Those are amazing numbers no matter how you slice it. We’ll see if Coker can keep the party bus rolling in Week 2, but Atlanta’s secondary could bring him back down to earth some if their Week 1 showing was indicative of how we should view them for the rest of the season. Last week, Atlanta allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per target and the seventh-fewest yards per target to perimeter wide receivers. After one week of NFL action. I’m not scared of Atlanta’s secondary, though.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Cooper Rush (QB)

Atlanta will be running out Cooper Rush as their starter again this week. In Week 1, Rush was the QB30 in fantasy. I’ll keep this short because no one should be starting Rush in any format. In Week 1, among 32 qualifying passers, Rush had the 12th-lowest yards per attempt, the second-lowest passing success rate, the fourth-lowest aDOT, and the lowest EPA per dropback. Don’t roster Rush. Do not start him.

Jonathon Brooks (RB)

Jonathon Brooks didn’t see a heavy workload out of the gate for Carolina. We’ll see how that evolves over time this season, but until his role grows, he’s just a bench stash. Last week, he played 21% of the snaps with a 21.1% route share. Chuba Hubbard handled all of the red zone rushing work in Week 1. Brooks finished with five touches and 62 total yards. Don’t flex Brooks until we see his workload increase. That could happen as early as this week, but we have to see it first.

Drake London (WR)

Drake London will be a tough player to depend upon with Cooper Rush under center. In Week 1, with Cooper Rush operating as Captain Checkdown, London had only a 13.6% target share, 29 receiving yards (1.21 YPRR), zero red zone targets, zero deep targets, and a 21.4% first-read share. There’s nothing good to see here. Nothing at all. Rush is a below-league average passer and it showed in Week 1. We’ll see if he can bounce back in Week 2 against a Carolina secondary that was leaky in Week 1. Last week, Carolina allowed the sixth-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers while ranking 15th in passer rating allowed.

Kyle Pitts (TE)

Kyle Pitts is a tough player to depend on in fantasy while Cooper Rush is making starts. In Week 1, he laid a goose egg, and his playing time was suspect. Pitts played only 63.2% of the snaps despite having a 76.9% route share. He had only a 4.5% target share and 7.1% first-read share. The matchup is nice for Pitts this week, but I don’t know how anyone has any sense of confidence plugging him into a lineup. Last year, Carolina allowed the second-most yards per target and the ninth-most fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.

DET vs. BUF | CAR vs. ATL | MIN vs. CHI | PHI vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | GB vs. NYJ | CLE vs. TB | NO vs. BAL | CIN vs. HOU | JAC vs. DEN | LV vs. LAC | WAS vs. DAL | SEA vs. ARI | MIA vs. SF | IND vs. KC | NYG vs. LAR

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears

• CHI -4.5, O/U 48.5
• Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Vikings Players & Weekly Rankings

Bears Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Caleb Williams
• D’Andre Swift
• Colston Loveland
• Justin Jefferson

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

Aaron Jones (RB)

In Week 1, Aaron Jones finished as the RB26 in fantasy. He had 12 touches and 40 total yards (one score) while playing 42.6% of the snaps with half of the running back red zone rushing attempts (four) and a 23.3% route share. Sadly, his per-touch metrics didn’t look any better than last season’s, as he had only 1.92 yards after contact per attempt and zero missed tackles forced. Jones could have another strong flex-worthy performance despite his inefficiencies in Week 2. With Jordan Mason out (thumb), Jones should be the clear lead back for the Vikings this week. The Bears’ run defense was as poor in Week 1 as advertised this summer, allowing the eighth-highest explosive run rate, the second-highest rushing success rate, and the tenth-most EPA per rush.

Luther Burden (WR)

Luther Burden had a quiet week, considering his team put up 59 points in Week 1 as the WR37 in fantasy. Burden had a 17.2% target share, 63 receiving yards (2.42 YPRR), zero red zone targets, zero deep targets, and a 27.8% first-read share (second on the team). Burden ran 53.8% of his routes from the slot. We’ll see if his usage increases in Week 2, but the matchup is solid. In Week 1, Brian Flores continued his heavy usage of two-high coverage, deploying it on 67.4% of their defensive snaps (fifth-highest rate). Last year, against two-high, Burden led the team with a 25% target-per-route run rate while posting 1.88 yards per route run (second-best). Burden could be called upon more this week. Another staple of Flores’ defense is the blitz. In Week 1, Flores dialed up blitz at an insane 73.9% clip. Last year, against the blitz, Burden was fourth on the team with a 21% target-per-route run rate, but he was only a part-time player. That could change in 2026. Burden won’t have it easy, though. Last year, Minnesota allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per target and the seventh-fewest yards per target to opposing slot receivers.

Rome Odunze (WR)

Rome Odunze entered last week’s game at less than 100% and it showed in his production and playing time. He had a 48.6% snap rate and 55.3% route share. I hope both of those numbers climb this week, but we’ll have to monitor his practice reports. Odunze finished with only a 10.3% target share, 52 receiving yards (2.48 YPRR), two deep targets, and a 5.6% first-read share. If Odunze is healthy enough, he could see a substantial workload against Brian Flores’ two high coverage and blitz heavy nature. In Week 1, Brian Flores continued his heavy usage of two-high coverage, deploying it on 67.4% of their defensive snaps (fifth-highest rate). Last year, against two high, Odunze was second on the team with a 24% target per route run rate and he led the team with 1.89 yards per route run. In Week 1, Flores dialed up blitz at an insane 73.9% clip. Last season, against the blitz, Odunze led the team with a 27.8% target share, 30% target per route run rate, and a 32.1% first-read share. My fingers are crossed that Odunze has a big game in Week 2. Last year, Minnesota allowed the second-most yards per target and the third-most fantasy points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Carson Wentz (QB)

Carson Wentz will draw the start for Minnesota this week as Kyler Murray isn’t ready to go yet after sustaining a concussion in Week 1. Last week, Wentz finished as the QB12 for fantasy, but it wasn’t all sunshine and roses for Wentz. On a per-dropback basis, he struggled with accuracy. Among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, he was 19th in yards per attempt and passing success rate. Wentz also had the seventh-highest off-target rate and the eighth-lowest catchable target rate. Despite his accuracy issues, Wentz could post another nice stat line this week against Chicago’s struggling pass defense. Last week, Chicago allowed the fourth-most yards per attempt, the ninth-highest passing success rate and passer rating, and the eighth-most EPA per dropback.

Kyle Monangai (RB)

The Bears exploded for 59 points in Week 1, and with that offensive firepower output Kyle Monangai finished as the RB11 for the week. Monangai played 44.3% of the snaps with a 39.5% route share. He finished with 12 touches, 124 total yards, and a score. Monangai looked good in Week 1 with his touches popping off with a 22.2% explosive run rate and 7.5 yards after contact per attempt. We’ll see if he can keep it up in Week 2 against what looks like a strong Minnesota run defense. In Week 1, Minnesota allowed the 14th-lowest explosive run rate, the fourth-lowest rushing success rate, and the 11th-fewest yards after contact per attempt. I expect Monangai to continue to be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option.

Jordan Addison (WR)

Last week, Jordan Addison had a quiet game. Addison had only an 8.3% target share, zero receiving yards, one red zone target, and zero first-reads. In Week 1, Chicago utilized single high at the eighth-highest rate (60.5%). Since 2024, against single high, Addison has had an 18% target-per-route run rate and 1.66 yards per route run. Those are passable numbers, but they aren’t something to get overly excited about. Against the Chicago secondary, it might not matter in Week 2, though. In Week 1, Chicago allowed the third-most yards per target and the most fantasy points per target to perimeter wide receivers. Addison is a risky but intriguing flex this week.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Kalif Raymond (WR)

Kalif Raymond popped off with a surprising stat line in Week 1 as the WR15 in fantasy. He had only a 60% snap share and 57.9% route share, but he saw a 31% target share and 33.3% first-read share. Raymond finished with 84 receiving yards, 3.82 YPRR, one red zone target, and one deep target. I don’t know if he will or can repeat this type of production, especially with a limited route share, but it’s possible that he can. In Week 1, Brian Flores continued his heavy usage of two-high coverage, deploying it on 67.4% of their defensive snaps (fifth-highest rate). Last year, against two-high, Raymond had only a 14% target per route run rate and 1.28 yards per route run, but this was with Detroit. In 2024, with the Lions and Ben Johnson against two-high, Raymond had only a 12% target-per-route-run rate and 0.67 yards per route run. The analytics aren’t in Raymond’s favor to continue his hot start to the 2026 season. If you’re in a deep league or desperate for a flex, I get it, but in most formats and leagues I’m not starting Raymond in Week 2. The matchup could be fruitful if you do decide to turn to Raymond, though. Last year, Minnesota allowed the second-most yards per target and the third-most fantasy points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

T.J. Hockenson (TE)

T.J. Hockenson had a surprising Week 1 as the TE9 for the week. Hockenson had a 16.7% target share, 36 receiving yards (1.71 YPRR), one red zone target, a score, and a 20% first-read share. We’ll see if that usage continues into Week 2. The matchup isn’t great for Hockenson this week. Last year, Chicago allowed the tenth-fewest yards per target and the ninth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.

DET vs. BUF | CAR vs. ATL | MIN vs. CHI | PHI vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | GB vs. NYJ | CLE vs. TB | NO vs. BAL | CIN vs. HOU | JAC vs. DEN | LV vs. LAC | WAS vs. DAL | SEA vs. ARI | MIA vs. SF | IND vs. KC | NYG vs. LAR

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans

• PHI -7, O/U 39.5
• Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tennessee Titans Player Prop Bets via BettingPros

Eagles Players & Weekly Rankings

Titans Players & Weekly Rankings

Must-Start

These are no-brainer MUST starts.

• Jalen Hurts
• Saquon Barkley

Strong Starts

Here are players that should be in starting consideration for most fantasy teams.

DeVonta Smith (WR)

DeVonta Smith didn’t have a massive Week 1 as the WR45 in weekly scoring. Hurts only threw the ball 25 times against the Commanders, so Smith’s 20% target share (tied for the team lead) with a 23.5% first-read share didn’t seem great. Smith finished with only three receptions and 53 receiving yards (1.83 YPRR, third on the team). Smith did see a deep target, but he didn’t garner any red zone or end zone targets. Smith might not see a huge influx of volume in Week 2, but against the Titans he could easily be a WR2. In Week 1, Tennessee allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per target and the second-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers. Cordale Flott and Alontae Taylor weren’t a formidable outside duo for Tennessee in Week 1, allowing a 118.8 passer rating and a 75% catch rate combined.

Dallas Goedert (TE)

Dallas Goedert crushed Week 1 as the TE3 in fantasy. He tied for the team lead in target share (20%) and first-read share (23.5%) while producing 77 receiving yards (2.96 YPRR) and two touchdowns. Goedert had two red zone targets and a deep target. He should have another banner game in Week 2 against a pass defense that allowed the seventh-most yards per target and the fourth-most fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends.

Fantasy Football Flex & Deep Plays to Consider

Let’s fill out those flex spots.

Dontayvion Wicks (WR)

Well, Dontayvion Wicks made the most of his opportunities in Week 1 as DeVonta Smith‘s running mate. He was the WR21 in Week 1 while seeing a 16% target share (third on the team) with 73 receiving yards (2.70 YPRR), an end zone target (one score), and a 23.5% first-read share. Wicks also led the team with two deep targets (21.5 aDOT). If Hurts is looking to go deep again this week, Wicks could have another nice day. Last week, Tennessee allowed both of their deep targets to be secured while giving up 62 deep passing yards (tenth-most). In Week 1, Tennessee allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per target and the second-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers. Cordale Flott and Alontae Taylor weren’t a formidable outside duo for Tennessee in Week 1, allowing a 118.8 passer rating and a 75% catch rate combined.

Concerning Starts & Players to Fade

Players in consideration for lineups, but temper your expectations this week.

Cam Ward (QB)

Cam Ward in Week 1 looked very similar to 2025 Cam Ward as the QB25 in fantasy. He had only 140 passing yards with a pitiful 4.3 yards per attempt, zero hero throws, a 50% highly accurate throw rate, and a 68.8% catchable target rate. None of this is good. Also add in that he was pressured on 46.2% of his dropbacks, and the concern level reaches critical mass. The Eagles’ pass defense will crush Ward in Week 2. In Week 1, they allowed the second-fewest yards per attempt, the third-lowest passing success rate, and ranked 11th in pressure rate.

Tony Pollard (RB)

Tony Pollard had a disastrous Week 1 as he split the work with Tyjae Spears. Pollard was the RB41 in fantasy, finishing with eight touches and 34 total yards. He played 51% of the snaps with only a 17.9% route share (two targets, 6.3% target share). Pollard had zero red zone rushing attempts. He did post a respectable 2.43 yards after contact per attempt and saw 2.57 yards before contact per attempt, but he’s essentially the early-down grinder for a woeful offense that isn’t likely to sniff the red zone much in 2026. He faces a Philly run defense that allowed the 13th-lowest rushing success rate, the 11th-fewest yards before contact per attempt, and the 14th-fewest yards after contact per attempt in Week 1. Sit Pollard.

Carnell Tate (WR)

Unfortunately, with Cam Ward‘s disastrous Week 1 performance, Carnell Tate‘s day against the Jets was sunk. Tate led the team with an 18.8% target share and 31.6% first-read share. He was only able to turn that into four receptions and 38 receiving yards (1.15). Even if Tate has a wonderful Week 1, I wouldn’t have a ton of interest in playing him against the Eagles this week, but this entire passing attack is tough to invest in until we see signs of life from Cam Ward. Philly was stellar at defending against perimeter wide receivers last year, and they continued that trend in Week 1. Philly allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per target and the sixth-fewest yards per target to outside receivers last week.

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR)

Wan’Dale Robinson also had a sleepy Week 1, with Cam Ward struggling. Robinson tied for the team lead with an 18.8% target share and a 21.1% first-read share (second behind Carnell Tate). He was able to turn that volume into only five receptions and 38 receiving yards (1.15 YPRR). Robinson didn’t see a red zone or deep target in Week 1. I don’t want to plug Robinson into any lineup in Week 1 despite Cooper DeJean (75% catch rate and 140.6 passer rating allowed) struggling out of the gate last week. I expect Ward to be in a blender this week, and those struggles to continue to tank the receiving options in this passing attack.

Makai Lemon (WR)

Last week, Makai Lemon was Philly’s starting slot receiver (64.3% slot). While he only played 66% of the snaps, he had an 84.8% route share, so he was on the field when Philly was looking to pass which honestly is good for Lemon, but not great for Philly. If defenses are looking for a tell for when Philly is looking to pass, Lemon could be an easy one to spot with this split if his overall playing time doesn’t increase in Week 2. Lemon had only a 16% target share while seeing only manufactured targets around the line of scrimmage. Lemon had a -0.25 aDOT with three receptions, five receiving yards, and 50% of his targets coming on designed looks. In a low passing volume offense, Lemon isn’t even flex worthy with this type of usage. I hope his role continues to evolve, but if this is how his usage remains all season he’ll be tough to trust even in a flex spot. Sit Lemon in Week 2.

DET vs. BUF | CAR vs. ATL | MIN vs. CHI | PHI vs. TEN | PIT vs. NE | GB vs. NYJ | CLE vs. TB | NO vs. BAL | CIN vs. HOU | JAC vs. DEN | LV vs. LAC | WAS vs. DAL | SEA vs. ARI | MIA vs. SF | IND vs. KC | NYG vs. LAR