Lineup Prep: Week 2
Wed Sep 14 9:05am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Cousins setup for big Week 2
Well, that was an interesting first week of action. Just remember, please don’t overreact to a week of play. It was good to see coaches unveil their game plans and player usage, though, which is something that you should pay close attention. That is what gives you a good indication of what some fantasy players are capable. You need to see how players are used and how much they play. This isn’t known until real games are being played. Put that information to good use when setting your lineups going forward.
Now for my random thoughts of the week. . . . .
It was good to see it isn’t just the fantasy community that sees Javonte Williams should be a much bigger part of the Broncos offense. The Manningcast was all over the lack of usage of Williams. It just doesn’t make sense. If so many people see it, why doesn’t the Broncos brass? I do think Melvin Gordon is still a decent back, but Williams is on just a different level right now. This guy is special and should be getting 75 percent of the playing time at running back. He can be a difference maker in the offense. I really thought it was going to be different this year, but not so sure after Week 1. And even with that said, Williams was still ninth in running back scoring. Imagine what he can do with just a few more touches. Please let it happen!
I feel the same way about Josh Jacobs as I do Williams. The only reason Jacobs was on the field more in the second half was because Brandon Bolden got hurt. Bolden was dominating the work at one point until he got hurt. Bolden is a good special teams player and can help occasionally offensively. But he should not be on the field getting a ton of work when a player as talented as Jacobs is on the roster. He really should be getting most of the work at running back for the Raiders and could produce very well in that role. Again, not sure that is going to happen as long as Josh McDaniels keeps playing favorites with players from his past.
It was just a game but Saquon Barkley sure looked like the Saquon of old. He was explosive and made big play after big play. I would expect Brian Daboll to continue to optimize Barkley’s talents throughout the season. Barkley is first overall in fantasy running back scoring after a game and could keep that title all season long.
I am concerned about the Packers offense. I know something similar happened last year in Week 1 and they were just fine, but not having Davante Adams in the offense is a monster hole to fill. The options in the passing game for Green Bay right now are not very impressive. The rookies are a work in progress and the veterans seems about done. Maybe Aaron Rodgers will prove me wrong, but I just don’t see this offense and Rodgers producing near his numbers of past seasons.
Most of the experts picked Buffalo as the heavy Super Bowl favorite and they didn’t disappoint in the opener. This team was so impressive against the Rams on the road. Josh Allen looked unbelievable, making plays all over the field. This guy seems to get better every season. He seems to have elevated his game once again. And the running game even looked better with Devin Singletary and Zack Moss running hard. If those guys can improve as well, watch out. This offense is going to be near impossible to stop.
I was really high on the Eagles before the season and feel pretty good about that take after a week. Jalen Hurts really had that offense clicking. The running game was dominant and A.J. Brown already has a great rapport with Hurts. It also was great to see Miles Sanders running well, rushing 13 times for 96 yards and a touchdown. Sanders never seems to be in good graces with the coaching staff, but his fast start might change that. The Eagles offense has a chance to be one of the best in football all season long.
I’m heavily invested in D’Andre Swift, so there was a lot of cussing at my household over the weekend. Swift looked tremendous and carried the offense down the field often, only to see Jamaal Williams score to goal-line touchdowns. C’mon! Swift has a super high ceiling, but if he keeps losing out on goal-line chances to Williams, that is going to hurt his chances to reach his potential. Let’s hope last week isn’t a sign of things to come.
News and Notes: The Colts have waived kicker Rodrigo Blankenship on Tuesday. He missed a game-winning field goal in the team's season-opening tie with the Texans. The Colts signed kickers Chase McLaughlin and Lucas Havrisik to their practice squad on Tuesday. . . . .The 49ers signed running back Marlon Mack to their practice squad on Tuesday. He gives the team some depth at the position after the injury to Elijah Mitchell. Mack could be elevated to the active roster once he learns the offense.
HOT PLAYS
Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings. Cousins looked great in his debut in the Vikings new offense, an offense that is a lot more creative than the past few seasons. Cousins was 23-of-32 for 277 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He topped 20 fantasy points in the game. Expect more success this week against the Eagles. Philadelphia put up a ton of points and yards last week, but also allowed the Lions to do the same. The Eagles allowed 386 total yards of offense. Cousins is a top-10 fantasy quarterback in this matchup.
Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman seems to already have a great rapport with new quarterback Matt Ryan. He had nine receptions for 121 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets in Week 1. Pittman is going to get a ton of weekly work in this offense. He has a chance to be a top-five fantasy receiver in this offense. Look for another really big game in Week 2, playing the Jaguars. Jacksonville has issues stopping the pass and allowed the second most fantasy points to receivers in Week 1.
Nick Chubb, RB, Browns. Chubb didn’t find the end zone but still had a great showing in Week 1. He ran 22 times for 141 yards and caught pass for two yards. Chubb posted his usual big rushing numbers and should be able to do that again this week against the Jets. Sure, the Jets did a good job of limited the Commanders rushing attack last week, but the Browns rushing game is much, much better. Chubb should be able to find plenty of rushing lanes against this defense.
Allen Robinson, WR, Rams. Robinson had a terrible opener, catching just a pass for 12 yards on two targets. The good news is he was on the field for 97 percent of the snaps. It wasn’t like he wasn’t out there. He just didn’t get the looks. Expect that to change after last week. The Rams will make an effort to get him a lot more involved. Plus, the Rams have a good matchup against the Falcons, a team that allowed the third most fantasy points to receivers in Week 1.
Javonte Williams, RB, Broncos. Williams ran just seven times but still was eighth overall in fantasy running back scoring Week 1. He was heavily involved in the passing game, catching 11 passes for 65 yards on 12 targets. He also ran seven times for 43 yards, making plays on the ground as well. Melvin Gordon was still involved, but Williams was the better back and deserves more touches. Look for that to happen in Week 2 against the Texans. Houston allowed the third most fantasy points to running backs last week.
COLD PLAYS
Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans. Pierce had an opener to forget. He played 29 percent of the snaps compared to 71 percent for Rex Burkhead. Pierce had 11 carries for just 33 yards and caught a pass for six yards. We still think Pierce can get it going, but he needs to be on the field more for that to happen. Until he starts getting more playing time, Pierce is a risky play for fantasy teams, especially this week against the Broncos. Denver allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs last week and this was against a very good back, Rashaad Penny.
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants. Shepard was on the field a lot Week 1, playing the second most snaps at receiver for the Giants (72 percent). He also caught two passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He was on the field a lot but got just four targets. We wouldn’t get too excited about him just yet. Shepard is still just a spot play and Week 2 is not a spot to play him. He gets the Panthers, a team that allowed the second fewest fantasy points to receivers last week.
Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints. Kamara was a bust in Week 1, getting just 12 touches. He didn’t even top 50 total yards. Kamara is apparently battling a rib injury, which is likely the reason for his lack of touches. It is a little troubling, though, to see his reception totals low once again. Kamara just doesn’t get the looks in the passing game with Jameis Winston as his starting quarterback. This limits the ceiling of Kamara. It is tough to sit Kamara but if you have good options on your bench, you might want to think about doing that this week. He is battling an injury and gets a tough matchup against a great Bucs defense. Tampa allowed the fourth fewest fantasy points to running backs last week and just 71-rushing yards.
Treylon Burks, WR, Titans. Burks had a decent first NFL game, catching three passes for 55 yards on five targets. He made some plays with his chances. The one concern was his playing time, though. He was fourth in terms of playing time at receiver for the Titans, playing 37 percent of the snaps. He could be boom or bust with that amount of playing time. And he plays this week against the Bills, one of the best defenses in all of football. The Titans offense could really have struggles moving the ball in this offense. It is probably best to steer clear of Burks in Week 2.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars. Lawrence had some accuracy issues again last week, going 24-of-42. He did throw for 275 yards but had just a score and failed to top 20 fantasy points. He remains a hard player for fantasy players to trust. He needs to start showing more on a consistent basis. Look for more of the same against a good Colts defense this week. Lawrence had some struggles against the Colts last season. He had two touchdowns in two games and failed to throw for 200 yards in one of those games.
SLEEPERS
Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders. Jacobs didn’t get a ton of work last week but looked good with his touches. He had 10 carries for 57 yards, averaging 5.7 yards per carry. He also caught a pass for 16 yards, giving him 73 total yards on just 11 touches. It just makes sense to get him more involved in the offense. And we think that will happen this week against the Cardinals, a team that couldn’t stop the Chiefs rushing attack last week. Arizona allowed the second most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1.
Evan Engram, TE, Jaguars. Engram had a decent first week, catching four passes for 28 yards on four targets. He got some work but not a huge workload. That might change this week against the Colts, a team that struggled to stop the Texans tight ends in Week 1. And the Texans tight ends don’t have the talent of Engram. He can build on last week and find the end zone in this matchup.
Carson Wentz, QB, Commanders. It is always tough to trust Wentz, but he always has that potential for the big game. He showed that in the opener, throwing for 313 yards and four touchdown passes in the Commanders comeback victory. He moved the offense and had a good rapport with the talented receivers on the team. Wentz is going to be worth some spot starts this season. And you might want to consider using him against the Lions this week. Detroit had all sorts of issues defensively last week and allowed the fifth most fantasy points to quarterbacks.
Corey Davis, WR, Jets. Davis got overlooked this offseason, but he remains the starter for the Jets. He played the second most snaps for the team last week (68 percent) and caught six passes for 77 yards on nine targets. He got plenty of looks from Joe Flacco, who is expected to get the start again this week. Davis could be a sneaky play, having a good floor with his current role in this offense.
Devin Singletary, RB, Bills. The Bills continue to rotate backs but Singletary is the guy on the field most often. He played 59 percent of the snaps in Week 1. He had 10 touches for 62 total yards in the game. He looked good with his chances. We would expect him to get a bigger workload this week against the Titans. Tennessee allowed a league high 394-rushing yards in the opener. Singletary could really have a big showing in this one.
High/Low Scoring Games
Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.
High Scoring Games: Chargers/Chiefs, Commanders/Lions, Cardinals/Raiders, Vikings/Eagles.
Low Scoring Games: Jets/Browns, Patriots/Steelers.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
- Oh, snap: Jets, Aaron Rodgers open on MNF again
- Cowboys, Browns and Brady featured in Week 1 matchup
- Lions award Jared Goff four-year, $212M extension
- Bucs S Antoine Winfield gets record 4-year, $84.1M extension
- Saints reach deal with veteran G Lucas Patrick
- Chiefs to open 2024 season vs. Ravens
- Former Chargers GM A.J. Smith dies at 75
- Pats coach Jerod Mayo says QB Drake Maye will 'put the work in'
- Patriots name Eliot Wolf executive VP of player personnel
- Bill Belichick gets weekly spot on ESPN's 'ManningCast'
- Broncos first-round QB Bo Nix signs rookie contract
- Cardinals, WR Zay Jones agree on one-year deal
- Aidan O'Connell is early leader in Raiders' QB competition
- It's official: Bears rookie Caleb Williams to start at QB
- Giants sign first-round pick Malik Nabers to reported $29.2M deal
- Coach Dan Campbell to miss Lions' rookie minicamp
- Raiders sign first-round pick Brock Bowers, others
- Saints sign first-round OT Taliese Fuaga to $17.3M deal
- Pro Football Hall of Fame CB Jimmy Johnson dies at 86
- Rams releasing veteran WR Ben Skowronek
The Paur Report
The Buffalo Bills signed veteran wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal worth up to $4.5 million on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. MVS is no stranger to playing with elite quarterbacks between his time with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, and he'll now be in line to catch passes from Josh Allen in Buffalo. The 2018 fifth-round pick out of South Florida has not posted monster fantasy football numbers, but he has spike-week upside thanks to his field-stretching speed. That said, he's likely going to be more useful in "real life" compared to fantasy football based on his production profile thus far. In six NFL seasons, the 29-year-old has not eclipsed 690 yards or six touchdowns in a single season. Last year, he caught just 21 passes for 315 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. He's an interesting late-round flyer in best ball formats, but he might be a wasted roster spot in traditional leagues. MVS will compete with Khalil Shakir and Curtis Samuel for snaps in 2024, as second-round rookie Keon Coleman should be a locked-in starter.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos signed free-agent wide receiver Phillip Dorsett and cornerback Quinton Newsome to undisclosed deals on Monday, according to the team. In corresponding moves, the Broncos waived punter Nik Constantinou and receiver Lincoln Victor. Dorsett was released by Denver last Friday after initially signing with the team's practice squad before the 2023 season. The 31-year-old former 29th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 2015 out of Miami was elevated just twice during the regular season last year and was unable to reel in any of his three targets. In his eight NFL seasons, Dorsett has a total of 151 catches for 2,001 yards and 12 touchdowns in 94 games (20 starts). He'll serve as receiver depth for the Broncos this summer behind Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr., rookie Troy Franklin and Tim Patrick.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling made a stop in Buffalo on Monday night. The wideout had a recent visit with the Chargers, although it appears nothing came of it. MVS hasn't been productive in years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by recording career lows in catches (21), receiving yards (315), and touchdowns (one). However, the Bills moved on from Stefon Diggs this offseason, so Valdes-Scantling could work his way up the depth chart. Yet, he'll need to prove his value to fantasy managers no matter where he signs, which won't come until he has at least a few decent performances.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff's four-year deal includes an option in the fourth year, per source on Monday, May 13.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Chiefs) is meeting with the Buffalo Bills Monday, May 13, according to a source.
From TheHuddle
The Denver Broncos continued voluntary offseason workouts on Monday. However, the team remains without wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who continues to work out at his residence in Florida. The veteran has two years left on a four-year, $60 million extension, but has made it clear he wants a raise. He also requested a trade, although the team is apparently not looking to move him. Of course, there will be updates on the situation moving ahead. Yet, it won't be as much of a concern until the summer when Denver begins training camp. With that said, several teams will monitor things, especially with Sutton coming off a massive year, which included a career-high 10 touchdowns. But if he stays with the Broncos, his fantasy outlook is directly related to how Bo Nix and Zach Wilson look heading into the 2024-25 campaign.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR Phillip Dorsett (Broncos) signed with the Denver Broncos Monday, May 13. The team also signed undrafted free-agent CB Quinton Newsome (Nebraska). Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
From TheHuddle
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff agreed to a four-year $212 million contract extension that includes $170 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said the two sides were working on an extension last week, and they evidently worked quickly and got the deal done. The 2016 No. 1 overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams has been fantastic since being dealt to Detroit along with draft picks for Matthew Stafford. He led Detroit to a playoff win for the first time since 1991 last year, and he's posted 12,258 yards, 78 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions through his first 48 games with the organization. He's now under contract through the 2028 season and will remain a fringe QB1 option in fantasy football as long as his offensive weapons remain on the roster. Given his job security and upside in Detroit's offense, he should be viewed as a strong dynasty QB2 in Superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension with the Lions Monday, May 13, worth $212 million, according to sources. The deal includes $170 million in guaranteed money.
Fantasy Spin: Goff will be the starting quarterback for the Lions for the foreseeable future and is coming off a terrific 2023 season. He could be a possible low-end No. 1 fantasy quarterback in deeper leagues but probably will be a No. 2 quarterback in most standard leagues that can also be a starting option against favorable matchups.
From TheHuddle
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was spotted at voluntary offseason activities on Monday despite his recent request to be traded. It's a notable development considering the practices and workouts are entirely voluntary, but it's too early to assume it means he wants to remain with the team if he does not receive a new contract. The 2017 third-round pick by the New Orleans Saints had a monster season in 2023, racking up a Bengals' franchise record 17.5 sacks. He is the 11th-highest-paid edge rusher (average salary) and is entering the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract he signed as a free agent in 2021. The 29-year-old's situation will be worth monitoring this offseason, as there will likely be no shortage of interested suitors if the team is willing to listen to offers. With quarterback Joe Burrow already signed to a $275 million contract, and wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins seeking a new deals, Hendrickson may be expendable.
From RotoBaller
The Atlanta Falcons signed free-agent tight end Ross Dwelley on Monday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Dwelley was undrafted out of the University of San Diego in 2018, but he stuck around on the San Francisco 49ers' roster for six seasons and played in 84 games. Overall, the 29-year-old has 44 receptions for 518 yards and five receiving touchdowns to his name. He'll look to compete with Charlie Woerner and John FitzPatrick to see the field in multi-tight end sets and to be Kyle Pitts' direct backup in 2024. For now, he's nowhere near the fantasy football radar heading into his seventh NFL campaign.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent TE Nick Vannett (Chargers) agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans Monday, May 13. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed. The team also waived CB Rod Gattison.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent tight end Nick Vannett is signing with the Tennessee Titans, according to ESPN's Turron Davenport. The 31-year-old spent last season with the Los Angeles Chargers and caught one pass for three yards in eight games played. Vannett is a former third-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 2016 and has spent time with seven organizations in seven years. Overall, he's hauled in 91 of his 130 career targets for 877 yards and six touchdowns. He'll likely compete with 2023 fifth-round pick Josh Whyle for the TE2 role in 2024, but Chigoziem Okonkwo remains the lead tight end for quarterback Will Levis after this signing.
From RotoBaller
The Detroit Lions signed free-agent tight end Parker Hesse to an undisclosed deal on Monday. Hesse entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021 with the Atlanta Falcons. He has spent all three of his seasons in the NFL with the Falcons and has totaled 14 receptions on 17 targets for 132 yards and no touchdowns in 28 games played (eight starts). The 28-year-old tight end played in only three games last year in Atlanta while also playing 28 snaps on special teams. In his three games played, Hesse wasn't targeted at all in the passing game. He'll merely be hoping to stick around on Detroit's roster after training camp and the preseason while providing depth at the position behind Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright, James Mitchell and Shane Zylstra.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. reached an agreement on a four-year, $84.1 million on Monday that will make him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, according to sources. It's the first time in modern NFL history that a safety has set this mark. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by agent David Mulugheta of Athletes First. The new extension for the 25-year-old means Winfield won't have to play the 2024 season on the franchise tag, which would have paid him $17.1 million this year. The All-Pro safety is one of the most productive players at the defensive back position in IDP fantasy formats and had 122 tackles (76 solo), six sacks, three interceptions, 12 passes defended, six forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 17 stars in 2023.
From RotoBaller
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed free-agent cornerback Anthony Averett to an undisclosed one-year deal on Sunday, according to a source. The deal for Averett comes after he worked out at the team's rookie minicamp over the weekend on a tryout basis. The 29-year-old split time between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions last year but didn't play in any regular-season games. His last NFL action came in 2022 with the Las Vegas Raiders, when he recorded 13 tackles and a pass defended in seven games (six starts). He was originally a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 out of Alabama. In his four seasons in Baltimore, he had 101 tackles, three interceptions and 22 passes defended. Averett will have plenty of competition at the cornerback position in training camp this summer as he tries to make the final roster.
From RotoBaller
The New York Jets agreed to terms with first-round pick Olu Fashanu on his rookie deal on Monday. The deal is for four years and $20,510,710 fully guaranteed and includes the standard fifth-year team option. It was reported on Sunday that Fashanu strained his quadriceps while running the 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine and could miss some or all of the Jets' organized team activities this offseason. The Jets took the 21-year-old with the 11th overall pick in this year's NFL draft to give veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers some more protection in 2024. Barring a setback, Fashanu should be ready to go for the start of his rookie season this fall. So far, he's been working off to the side with trainers during the team's rookie minicamp.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Cardinals have signed wide receiver Zay Jones. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has had some nice moments over his seven seasons in Buffalo, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, though he's never posted more than 823 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in any given season. Jones could be viable opposite Marvin Harrison, Jr. if he can beat out Michael Wilson but that's no given. At this point, Jones looks like a roster worthy player but a potential roster clogger at the same time.
Carolina Panthers rookie tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders said his goal in the NFL is to be as good as former All-Pro Greg Olsen. Sanders, a converted receiver at Texas, averaged 49.5 catches a year with the Longhorns with an average of 648 yards and 3.5 touchdowns. His role with the Panthers is not clear yet, but head coach Dave Canales said on Saturday that Sanders will play both the "F" and the "Y" roles, dependent on pass plays versus 12 personnel. "He's a guy, you can move around a little bit more, maybe play him in the slot a little bit," Canales said, adding, "we look for those versatile type of tight ends." The 21-year-old was taken with the 101st overall pick in the fourth round this year but could immediately become the team's best pass-catching tight end over both Tommy Tremble and Ian Thomas. Still, fantasy managers in single-year leagues in 2024 should temper expectations for Sanders in Carolina's offense.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots first-year head coach Jerod Mayo said that rookie quarterback Drake May, who was taken third overall in last month's NFL draft, "has a lot to work on." Saturday's practice featured a heavy emphasis on footwork fundamentals, with Maye spending the first few periods of practice taking snaps directly under center instead of the shotgun, which he mostly used the last two years at North Carolina. "The guy can sling it, man," said wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk, the second-round pick from the University of Washington. "He's very confident. He's a leader, very vocal; he's setting the tone in practice, trying to get guys moving around and operating at a high level." Maye is expected to compete with veteran Jacoby Brissett for starting duties in 2024. The Patriots aren't going to rush Maye's development, so he's more of a dynasty/keeper asset in fantasy this year than a redraft one.
From RotoBaller
