Here's a look back at Week 2's action, and fantasy advice for the week ahead:
WEEK 2 RECAP
Chiefs 27, Chargers 24: There were expectations Austin Ekeler would face some regression in touchdowns after scoring 20 in 2021 and Sony Michel out-snapping him inside the 5-yard line so far is indicative of that potential regression. It doesn’t diminish Ekeler’s value entirely, but it does lower his ceiling if this continues.
Jets 31, Browns 30: Breece Hall ran fewer routes (seven) than both Michael Carter (25) and Ty Johnson (10) out of the backfield against Cleveland — Hall did score on his only target — which should lower expectations for the rookie and continue to prop up Carter’s value in fantasy.
Lions 36, Commanders 27: Amon-Ra St. Brown has received double-digit targets in eight straight games, producing 68 receptions for 740 yards and eight TDs — with an additional 129 rushing yards and a score — over that span. All hail the Sun God.
Buccaneers 20, Saints 10: Rookie Chris Olave didn’t produce a monster stat line (five receptions for 80 yards), but he did become just the fifth player to top 300 air yards in a game since 2016 — the others were Marquise Brown, Mike Evans, AJ Green and Julio Jones. Olave also became the first player with an average depth of target over 25 yards with at least 13 targets since Pro Football Focus began tracking it almost two decades ago. These are reasons to be very excited.
Giants 19, Panthers 16: Sterling Shepard, David Sills and Richie James appear to be New York’s primary wideouts with Shepard producing WR3 value through two games — WR33 in standard formats and WR36 in PPR. Rookie Wan’Dale Robinson should threaten Jame’s snaps at some point, and I’m completely out on Kenny Golladay after he played only two snaps against Carolina, but I remain in wait-and-see mode with Kadarius Toney (it appears he’s inching his way out of the doghouse slowly).
Patriots 17, Steelers 14: With third-down back Ty Montgomery on injured reserve, New England rotated Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson by drive rather than the situation. The only times both backs saw snaps on a drive was when the drive lasted for double-digit plays. Harris appeared to hurt his knee on his final carry of the contest. Stevenson would be an obvious start if Harris misses any time.
Jaguars 24, Colts 0: Maybe Christian Kirk deserved more money than the $72 million over four years he received from Jacksonville this past offseason. He’s the overall WR7 through two weeks with 12 receptions (18 targets) for 195 yards and two TDs and there’s still room for growth if/when Trevor Lawrence takes a big step forward.
Dolphins 42, Ravens 38: Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are the first teammates in NFL history to produce at least 10 receptions, 170 yards and two TDs in the same game. Not a good day for all the Tua Tagovailoa haters out there.
Rams 31, Falcons 27: Kyle Pitts has produced exactly two receptions for 19 yards in both games to begin the season. Run — don’t walk — to whomever has Pitts rostered and make a trade offer.
49ers 27, Seahawks 7: Jimmy Garoppolo finished as fantasy’s QB14 and QB17 in his last two full seasons as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. So I wouldn’t break the bank for him, but he is a solid back-up option with streaming value. His value increases in Superflex formats that utilize multiple QBs.
Cowboys 20, Bengals 17: Dallas was the top scoring defense in fantasy last season and has held two great offenses in Tampa Bay and Cincinnati under 20 points to begin this season.
Broncos 16, Texans 9: Dameon Pierce is averaging 14 touches per game with Rex Burkhead producing only two receptions (three targets) for nine yards and no carries against Denver so step away from the panic button if you invested in the rookie.
Cardinals 29, Raiders 23 (OT): It doesn’t look like James Conner’s ankle injury will be too serious, but if he does miss any time, Arizona’s running back position has been a valuable asset in fantasy. Darrel Williams played 12 red-zone snaps after Conner exited against Las Vegas with Eno Benjamin only receiving three — Williams turned one of his two carries inside the 10-yard line into a touchdown.
Packers 27, Bears 10: The expectation over the summer was that the Chicago pass offense would be horrible, and somehow, it’s been even worse than expected through two games — Justin Fields only threw 11 passes despite facing a double-digit deficit throughout the game against Green Bay. The positive news is it can only improve and even a WR1 in a low-volume pass attack is a viable fantasy asset. So see if Darnell Mooney is available, possibly for pennies on the dollar.
Bills 41, Titans 7: I was really high on Buffalo’s starting slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie coming into the season, and felt confident after he scored a TD in the opener, but Jamison Crowder was an option against the Rams as well. With Gabe Davis’ absence this week, it was Jake Kumerow who took a majority of his snaps and even rookie Khalil Shakir was more involved after being a healthy inactive. If this continues, I’m afraid McKenzie will be more of a boom-or-bust option going forward then the breakout candidate I expected him to be.
Eagles 24, Vikings 7: Irv Smith Jr. caught five of eight targets for 37 yards and a touchdown after he didn’t have a reception in Minnesota’s first game — he played limited snaps likely due to a lingering thumb injury. Smith finished as a TE6 in standard formats (TE4 in PPR) and has top-10 upside going forward.
Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.
Here are my best bets for Week 3:
PITTSBURGH AT CLEVELAND
Obvious starters: Najee Harris (PIT), Diontae Johnson (PIT), Pat Freiermuth (PIT), Nick Chubb (CLE), Browns D/ST.
Who to start: Chase Claypool (PIT) deserves flex consideration with solid usage (six targets per game) against a defense that has allowed four TDs to wide receivers in two games. Amari Cooper (CLE) maintains WR3/flex value with a robust 34% target share. Usage (15 touches per game) helps Kareem Hunt (CLE) maintain his premium flex status.
Who to sit: It’s difficult to trust the Steelers D/ST on the road against an efficient offense without the services of TJ Watt. David Njoku (CLE) remains touchdown-dependent. Donovan Peoples-Jones (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust option.
Sleeper: The target share (just shy of 9%) isn’t there yet, but George Pickens (PIT) is on the field a bunch and has developed into the Steelers’ deep threat — team-leading four deep targets — something the Browns’ secondary has struggled with so far.
HOUSTON AT CHICAGO
Obvious starters: Brandin Cooks (HOU), David Montgomery (CHI).
Who to start: Solid volume gives Dameon Pierce (HOU) RB2/flex upside against a defense that just got gashed by the Packers on the ground.
Who to sit: Rex Burkhead (HOU) only has flex value in the deepest PPR formats. Nico Collins (HOU) remains a boom-or-bust option. OJ Howard (HOU) remains touchdown-dependent. I’m downgrading Darnell Mooney (CHI) to boom-or-bust option until the Bears actually take the pass game seriously — Mooney only has two receptions (five targets) for four yards in two games. Cole Kmet (CHI) only has two targets in two games. Khalil Herbert (CHI) has been good, but the volume isn’t there yet. There are better/more trustworthy options out there then Justin Fields (CHI) and the Bears D/ST.
Sleeper: An improving Texans D/ST has streaming value against a struggling one dimensional offense.
LAS VEGAS AT TENNESSEE
Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Darren Waller (LV), Josh Jacobs (LV), Derrick Henry (TEN).
Who to start: Hunter Renfrow (LV) maintains WR3/flex value if he makes it through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Derek Carr (LV) is the overall QB12 and faces a defense that has allowed six touchdown passes through two games. Austin Hooper (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least six receptions, 77 yards or a TD to tight ends in each game this season.
Who to sit: Last week was an improvement, but I’m still not ready to trust Robert Woods (TEN) in this offense. Ryan Tannehill (TEN) is only a desperation play at this point.
Sleeper: Treylon Burks (TEN) has a healthy target share (23.5%) on limited snaps, which means it’s only a matter of time before we get a breakout performance from the dynamic rookie receiver.
KANSAS CITY AT INDIANAPOLIS
Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND).
Who to start: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) is the overall RB6 in standard formats (RB5 in PPR) through two games. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) usually thrives against zone coverage (something the Colts play about 75% of the time). Nyheim Hines (IND) maintains flex value in PPR formats with at least four receptions in both games.
Who to sit: Marquez Valdes-Scantling (KC), Mecole Hardman (KC) and Skyy Moore (KC) remain boom-or-bust options (in that order if you’re choosing between them). Jerick McKinnon (KC) only has value in deeper PPR formats. Alex Pierce (IND) remains a boom-or-bust option until further notice. Both Mo Alie-Cox (IND) and Kylen Granson (IND) are touchdown-dependent.
Sleeper: Matt Ryan (IND) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that allowed 539 passing yards and five TD passes the first two games — plus both Pittman and Pierce should return.
BUFFALO AT MIAMI
Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), Stefon Diggs (BUF), Bills D/ST, Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA).
Who to start: You’re starting Gabe Davis (BUF) if he’s active. This is a great matchup to utilize Dawson Knox (BUF) if he’s active (he was held out of Wednesday’s practice with a foot injury). Chase Edmonds (MIA) deserves flex consideration in a potential offensive showcase. This is a difficult matchup for Tua Tagovailoa (MIA), but it’s hard to sit him after last week’s explosion.
Who to sit: I’m fading Devin Singletary (BUF), Zack Moss (BUF) and James Cook (BUF) with a difficult matchup — and also Buffalo’s offense simply doesn’t prioritize getting its running backs going. Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) and Jamison Crowder (BUF) are essentially splitting the slot role with rookie Khalil Shakir (BUF). Mike Gesicki (MIA) remains touchdown-dependent with five targets in two games.
Sleeper: Raheem Mostert (MIA) contributed 79 total yards on 14 touches and finished as the overall RB20 in PPR last week — his familiarity with Mike McDaniels’ offense and explosiveness should lead to some “boom” weeks in what appears to be a very dynamic offense.
DETROIT AT MINNESOTA
Obvious starters: D’Andre Swift (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), TJ Hockenson (DET), Justin Jefferson (MIN), Dalvin Cook (MIN).
Who to start: Jamaal Williams (DET) maintains flex value with double-digit touches each week. Start Kirk Cousins (MIN) if he isn’t playing in prime time. Irv Smith Jr. (MIN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least 52 yards or a TD to tight ends in each game this season.
Who to sit: DJ Chark (DET) remains boom-or-bust after he had zero receptions on four targets last week. Adam Thielen (MIN) only has two touchdowns in 11 career starts against the Lions.
Sleeper: Jared Goff (DET) is the overall QB9 through two games.
BALTIMORE AT NEW ENGLAND
Obvious starters: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Rashod Bateman (BAL), Ravens D/ST.
Who to start: JK Dobbins (BAL) is a solid flex candidate with RB2 upside if he’s active without limitations. Consistent volume makes Damien Harris (NE) and Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) premium flex options with RB2 upside. Jakobi Meyers (NE) maintains WR3/flex value as the overall WR23 in PPR (13 receptions on 19 targets in two games). Mac Jones (NE) is a sneaky streaming candidate with big upside in Superflex leagues against a defense that has allowed 778 passing yards and seven TDs in two games this season.
Who to sit: Devin Duvernay (BAL) is a boom-or-bust option with only six targets in two games. Nelson Agholor (NE) remains a boom-or-bust option. I’m fading the Patriots D/ST at home — it’s rare.
Sleeper: Hunter Henry (NE) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that has allowed at least four receptions and a TD to tight ends in each game this season.
CINCINNATI AT N.Y. JETS
Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN).
Who to start: Hayden Hurst (CIN) has been a borderline TE1 in PPR formats — overall TE13 — and deserves streaming consideration if his groin injury isn’t serious. Garrett Wilson (NYJ) has been a borderline WR1 so far — WR13 in standard formats and WR12 in PPR. Both Breece Hall (NYJ) and Michael Carter (NYJ) are premium flex options with RB2 upside — Carter is primarily a PPR play.
Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Tyler Boyd (CIN) as anything other than a flex flier with only nine targets in two games so far. I’m fading Elijah Moore (NYJ) and Corey Davis (NYJ) against a pass defense that has kept the Steelers and Cowboys talented receivers in check the last two games.
Sleeper: Tyler Conklin (NYJ) is the overall TE11 in standard formats (TE9 in PPR) through two games with 10 receptions and a TD on a healthy 16 targets.
PHILADELPHIA AT WASHINGTON
Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Dallas Goedert (PHI), Miles Sanders (PHI), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Antonio Gibson (WAS).
Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) has WR3/flex value against a defense that allowed three touchdowns last week to Lions’ wide receivers. The Eagles D/ST is currently 10th in fantasy scoring. Curtis Samuel (WAS) is the overall WR14 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) and is on the cusp of being upgraded to obvious start. Same goes for Carson Wentz (WAS) who is the overall QB4 through two games. JD McKissic (WAS) maintains premium flex status as the overall RB29 in PPR formats — he has 10 receptions in two games.
Who to sit: Kenneth Gainwell (PHI) remains touchdown-dependent with only 10 touches in two games. Jahan Dotson (WAS) remains a boom-or-bust option, despite his early success, with only a 11.5% target share.
Sleeper: Logan Thomas (WAS) finished as a TE3 in PPR in 2020 before missing significant time last season and has been a top-10 option at the position so far in 2022.
NEW ORLEANS AT CAROLINA
Obvious starters: Michael Thomas (NO), Saints D/ST, Christian McCaffrey (CAR), DJ Moore (CAR).
Who to start: You're starting Alvin Kamara (NO) if he’s active. Chris Olave (NO) has earned flex status with 16 targets through two games. Jarvis Landry (NO) deserves flex consideration in PPR formats with 11 receptions (14 targets) in two games. The Panthers D/ST are a solid streaming option at home after YOLO Winston returned last week.
Who to sit: I’m fading Jameis Winston (NO) after he had only 111 yards, no TDs and two interceptions on the road against the Panthers last season. Mark Ingram (NO) and Taysom Hill (NO) remain touchdown-dependent. Robbie Anderson (CAR) remains a boom-or-bust option until further notice. This is not the right matchup to trust Baker Mayfield (CAR).
Sleeper: Juwan Johnson (NO) has received at least five targets (and 40 yards) in both games and is 12th overall at the position with 12 targets.
JACKSONVILLE AT L.A. CHARGERS
Obvious starters: Christian Kirk (JAC), Justin Herbert (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Mike Williams (LAC).
Who to start: James Robinson (JAC) is the overall RB5 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR). Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) deserves flex consideration after receiving double-digit touches against the Colts last week. Evan Engram (JAC) is the TE12 in PPR through the first two games with 11 receptions (on 12 targets). You’re starting Keenan Allen (LAC) if he’s active. The Chargers D/ST have been a borderline starting option so far and this could be “boom” spot if the Jaguars’ offense regresses from early season gains. Gerald Everett (LAC) is the overall TE4 in both standard and PPR formats.
Who to sit: Marvin Jones Jr. (JAC) and Zay Jones (JAC) remain touchdown-dependent. Joshua Palmer (LAC) is a boom-or-bust option if Allen returns — Palmer is a solid flex option with WR3 upside otherwise.
Sleeper: Trevor Lawrence (JAC) is a sneaky streaming candidate in a game where he’ll likely have to keep pace with Herbert.
L.A. RAMS AT ARIZONA
Obvious starters: Cooper Kupp (LAR), Matthew Stafford (LAR), Tyler Higbee (LAR), Rams D/ST, Kyler Murray (ARI), Marquise Brown (ARI), Zach Ertz (ARI).
Who to start: I still favor Darrell Henderson Jr. (LAR) over Cam Akers (LAR) in this offense until we see Akers build some consistency — Henderson has RB2 upside and Akers is a flex option if you’re in a pinch this week. You’re starting James Conner (ARI) if he’s active.
Who to sit: Allen Robinson (LAR) remains boom-or-bust with only seven targets in two games. Rondale Moore (ARI) isn’t an option until we see him test his hamstring. AJ Green (ARI) remains touchdown-dependent with only five receptions for 29 yards in two games. Both Darrel Williams (ARI) and Eno Benjamin (ARI) will have flex value if Conner is out or limited with his ankle injury — Williams gets priority over Benjamin.
Sleeper: Greg Dortch (ARI) has at least four receptions, 55 yards or a TD in both games this season and will hold value until Moore returns.
ATLANTA AT SEATTLE
Obvious starters: Kyle Pitts (ATL), Cordarrelle Patterson (ATL).
Who to start: Drake London (ATL) is the overall WR16 in standard formats (WR14 in PPR) through two games. Both DK Metcalf (SEA) and Tyler Lockett (SEA) have WR3/flex upside against a defense that has allowed 34 receptions, 399 yards and five TDs to wide receivers in two games this season.
Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains touchdown-dependent until we see if the volume from last week holds. Rashaad Penny (SEA) and Kenneth Walker (SEA) are touchdown-dependent options against what appears to be a pretty stout run defense. Noah Fant (SEA) remains touchdown-dependent with only six targets in two games.
Sleeper: Marcus Mariota (ATL) has been a borderline QB1 — QB13 overall — through two games and has a great matchup against the Seahawks this week.
GREEN BAY AT TAMPA BAY
Obvious starters: Aaron Rodgers (GB), Aaron Jones (GB), Tom Brady (TB), Leonard Fournette (TB), Buccaneers D/ST.
Who to start: Despite the difficult matchup, you can’t bench AJ Dillon (GB) and his 17 touches per game. Allen Lazard (GB) is the only usable Packers wide receiver this week against a good Buccaneers defense.
Who to sit: Robert Tonyan (GB) remains touchdown-dependent with only seven targets in two games. Romeo Doubs (GB), Sammy Watkins (GB), Randall Cobb (GB) and Christian Watson (GB) are all boom-or-bust options with a difficult matchup — Doubs is currently the healthiest of them all.
Sleeper: Russell Gage (TB) could be looking at a significant target share increase with Mike Evans suspended and Chris Godwin and/or Julio Jones sidelined.
SAN FRANCISCO AT DENVER
Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), 49ers D/ST, Russell Wilson (DEN), Javonte Williams (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN).
Who to start: It’s a difficult matchup, but Jeff Wilson (SF) maintains flex value after he received 20 touches last week.
Who to sit: I’m fading Brandon Aiyuk (SF) against a defense that has only allowed 212 yards and no TDs to wide receivers in two games — especially with Trey Lance sidelined. Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) only has value in Superflex formats with a tough road matchup. I’m taking a wait-and-see approach with Marlon Mack (SF). It’s looking like Jerry Jeudy (DEN) will be out or limited. Melvin Gordon (DEN) is touchdown-dependent despite receiving consistent volume against a really good 49ers defense. The Broncos D/ST are a solid option, especially at home, but there may be higher upside elsewhere. Albert Okwuegbunam (DEN) is touchdown-dependent after only receiving two targets last week.
Sleeper: KJ Hamler (DEN) could receive decent target share if he’s active and Jeudy is out.
DALLAS AT N.Y. GIANTS
Obvious starters: CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Cowboys D/ST, Saquon Barkley (NYG).
Who to start: Tony Pollard (DAL) maintains his premium flex value as the overall RB20 in standard (RB21 in PPR). Sterling Shepard (NYG) appears to be the No. 1 receiver in this offense, producing WR3 value through two games — WR33 in standard formats and WR36 in PPR.
Who to sit: It’s looking like a knee injury will sideline Dalton Schultz (DAL) this week. Michael Gallup (DAL) will be on a snap count in his return. Kadarius Toney (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust option with only three targets in two games. Kenny Golladay (NYG) only has two targets this season and played just two snaps against the Panthers last week. Daniel Jones (NYG) has three TD passes in four career starts against the Cowboys.
Sleeper: Richie James (NYG) has at least five receptions, six targets and 51 yards in each game this season as the Giants slot receiver.
