Introduction: Welcome back, as I hope you all are doing well! Week 2 is now under our belts as many of you fantasy players out there are probably feeling a variety of ways. Heartbroken, overjoyed, stunned, sad, frustrated, excited, overwhelmed. Yes, these are all the feelings and emotions that are apart of a grueling yet adventurous 18 week, four month fantasy football season.
Personally, the majority of my teams played well during Week 2, but unfortunately were outplayed as I lost to teams who played just a little bit better than I did. Whether you are 2-0, 1-1, or 0-2, there is still a long way to go and a lot to be decided over the next 16 weeks.
Below, similar to last week, you will find my recaps from a handful of Week 2 games along with ''Adam's Week 2 Quick Reactions". At the end of the article we will take a look at the top priority waiver wire adds for Week 3. Most importantly though, I hope you all enjoy reading my article! Let's roll!!!
D'Andre Swift Makes Most of Opportunity on Thursday Night:
Philadelphia Eagles D'Andre Swift made the most of his opportunity on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Taking advantage of Kenneth Gainwell's absence due to a rib injury, Swift racked up 175 rushing yards on 28 attempts while averaging 6.25 yards per attempt. Those who decided to sit him based off of opening week results got off to a rough start to begin the second week of action.
On the field for 75 percent of the snaps as opposed to only 28 percent due in part to Gainwell's RB1 status in Week 1, D'Andre carried the majority of the load with a few carries from Rashaad Penny mixed in.
Swift is an intriguing Week 3 play next Monday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, although like last week, it is worth noting to keep an eye on Gainwell's status prior to kickoff. Gainwell's presence when healthy makes this whole Eagles backfield a sticky situation for the time being. Consider the fourth year back of Georgia a low-end RB2/flex option as it could come down to deciding to put him in lineups later this week.
Everyone currently seems to be worrying or panicking about A.J. Brown. People, I am here to tell you to stop worrying. This whole Eagles offense looks a bit off right now, as only DeVonta Smith seems to be the one getting all the love from Jalen Hurts.
Remember, this is Arthur Juan Brown we are talking about, as he could have easily had a touchdown if it were not called back late in the game due to a penalty. Continue to start "Always Open" in your lineups, as he is way better than the 6.90 fantasy points he put up in Week 2 suggests. Trust me, he will pay off soon enough.
Minnesota's Jordan Addison is worthy of WR3/flex consideration moving forward as he looks to become more and more involved in Minnesota's passing-game as I had mentioned in last week's article.
As a result the rookie receiver was on the field for 69 percent of Minnesota's offensive snaps, as opposed to 56 percent in Week 1. Catching a 62-yard touchdown thrown by Kirk Cousins, Addison is displaying his explosive play ability. Once he receives more targets, and they will come, Addison will elevate to WR2 status. The fact that he has 133 receiving yards and two touchdowns on only 11 targets in the first two games of the season excites me.
Jordan looks to continue his consistent fantasy start as a fun Week 3 matchup against the Chargers at home awaits.
Seattle's Walker and Lockett Have Big Fantasy Day:
The Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions matchup in my opinion was the most fantasy friendly game on Sunday's slate. Early in the second quarter you had Kenneth Walker score a touchdown from three yards out, as he then scored once more from the Detroit one-yard line in the second half. Although not a very efficient day on the ground, (43 yards on 17 attempts) K9 made it count for fantasy managers, resulting in 18.40 fantasy points.
In a bounce-back effort, Geno Smith seemed to look Tyler Lockett's way more often than not during Week 2. With DK Metcalf having to leave the game early due to a rib injury, the veteran wideout shined. Lockett ended the day with two touchdown scores, one in both the first and second half, as he also grabbed 8 receptions on 10 targets. With a Week 3 matchup at home against the struggling Carolina Panthers, Lockett obviously needs to be in all fantasy lineups.
As for Metcalf, he was able to return and put up 13.50 fantasy points, as he reeled in all six of his targets for 75 yards. Consistency so far is the name of the game for DK, as he has put up at least 13.5 fantasy points in the first two games of the season. He remains a fringe WR1/solid WR2 moving forward.
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery left the game with a thigh bruise, as he seems to have avoided a much more serious injury. Assuming he is unable to suit up for Week 3, expect the majority of the workload to be on exciting rookie, Jahmyr Gibbs.
Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua Have a Field Day Against San Francisco:
Unreal. The 49ers vs. Rams game from a fantasy football perspective was a sight to see, as Matthew Stafford seemed to keep dotting up rookie wide out Puka Nacua on every other drop back. A spectacular 20 targets were thrown in Puka's direction, yes you read that correctly, 20 targets. As a result, Nacua brought in 15 of those for 147 yards which translated to 30.10 fantasy points.
Puka set rookie records for most receptions after two games and for most receptions seen in one game. The question that remains now is how involved will the rookie out of BYU be once Cooper Kupp returns from injury? A MUST-start option headed into Week 3, all eyes will be on this fantasy darling as the Rams take on the Bengals next Monday night.
Have a day Kyren Williams! Good grief, his performance was amazing to say the least, as I am one of many who is also a Cam Akers owner. Let me get this out of the way, Cam Akers is a headache plain and simple. Just a few minutes prior to Sunday's noon kickoff I get a notification on the way home from Church that Akers is a healthy scratch and is on the trade block. Akers himself was surprised by this news, while my eyes got as big as saucers reading the news in the backseat.
In my opinion, the Rams are done with Cam, although he is worth holding onto over the next few weeks as he could land with a different team and regain fantasy value.
For the love of all that is good I hope Los Angeles does not play the game of bringing Akers back into the fold like they did late last season, as Kyren Williams proved on Sunday that he is indeed the guy.
Ladies and gentlemen, this is exactly why you always pickup the handcuff to one of your main running backs, specifically if they are struggling. Granted, I never knew that a few hours later Williams would go crazy and score 28 fantasy points against a tough San Francisco defense, but here we are.
Averaging 3.71 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns while being on the field for 95 percent of the Rams offensive snaps, Kyren is the clear RB1 in this Los Angeles Rams offense and I could not be more thrilled! Having no shares of Puka Nacua in any of my leagues softens the blow a little bit as I have more than my fair share of the second year back out of Notre Dame across multiple leagues. Kyren should be treated as an RB2/flex play moving forward as you can just about bet that I am going to have him in my lineups for Week 3.
Christian McCaffrey did McCaffrey-like things, as he ran for 116 yards on 20 rushing attempts that included a touchdown. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk came back to reality after his 32 point fantasy performance from a week ago, as it looked like he was battling through neck or shoulder pain the majority of the game. Be sure to keep an eye on Aiyuk's Week 3 status as he unfortunately has the Thursday night game this week putting fantasy managers in a bit of a pickle. Of course if he plays, he is worthy of starting in lineups, just whatever you do, DO NOT put him in your flex spot.
Deebo Samuel was instead the main focal point in the 49ers passing game, tallying 21.30 fantasy points, while also carrying the ball five times for 39 yards. Samuel's versatility was on full display in this one, as he and CMC were the two-headed monster for the San Francisco offense.
Giants Surge Late Comeback Victory Despite Barkley Injury:
The Giants are a tale of two teams. In Week 1 they were absolutely dismantled by the ferocious Micah Parsons Dallas-led defense, as they came out rusty to begin Week 2 against Arizona. All of a sudden, mid-way through the second quarter, the New York offense finally clicked. Daniel Jones led the comeback effort, as he also used his legs to run for 59 yards that included a rushing score, while throwing for two others. By the game's end, Jones ended with 31.74 fantasy points in PPR formats.
Although if anything did go wrong, the Saquon Barkley injury with around two minutes left in the game did damper the celebration for New York. Luckily, Saquon avoided a major ankle injury, as he is only dealing with an "ordinary ankle sprain" and will only be out most likely for three weeks. Matt Breida will takeover as the Giants lead back for the time being, as they have a tough matchup on Thursday against the 49ers to kickoff Week 3.
As for Arizona, they began the game on fire, as James Conner reached the end zone and the century mark in rushing yards. A Marquise "Hollywood" Brown touchdown and a Joshua Dobbs rushing score was added to the Cardinals total, but it was ultimately not enough in the desert.
Nick Chubb Suffers Season-Ending Left Knee Injury:
For a second straight Monday a major player in the NFL goes down because of injury. Last week it was Aaron Rodgers and his Achillies, this week the Monday night victim was Browns bell cow running back, Nick Chubb.
The injury was so bad that it was not replayed on TV, as he had to be carted off the field. Chubb suffered a similar injury back in 2015 to the same left knee that caused him to tear three ligaments. Honestly I wonder if he will ever play again as it is a heartbreaker across the league. As a result, all we can do is wish the best for Chubb as well as a speedy recovery.
In his place, second year back Jerome Ford scored twice, including a 69-yard run down the left sideline to the Steelers one-yard line. Ford is the clear RB1 in Cleveland for the time being, although this does leave the door open for a Cam Akers trade or a reunion of sorts with a possible Kareem Hunt signing.
Adam's Week 2 Quick Reactions:
- Alexander Mattison played terrible on Thursday night.
-Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson both shined for fantasy managers despite the loss to Philadelphia.
- Zack Moss should be the RB1 in Indianapolis until at least Week 5, as he put together a 20.70 fantasy performance, including four receptions and a rushing touchdown.
- Nico Collins and rookie Tank Dell both delivered on Sunday, as both caught a touchdown and put up at least 20 fantasy points respectively.
- Justin Fields does not look comfortable through two weeks.
- Roschon Johnson looks to have taken over the backup role to Khalil Herbert in the Chicago backfield.
-Rachaad White racked up 73 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 attempts.
-Mike Evans made his presence felt on Sunday, as he was targeted eight times, while hauling in six of those targets. Including a 70-yard reception that left Chicago defenders in the dust, the Bucs receiver also had a touchdown grab, resulting in 29.10 fantasy points.
- Keenan Allen put on a show in Tennessee, as he caught two touchdowns on eight receptions for 111 yards. Despite the Los Angeles loss, Keenan put up 31.10 fantasy points. Allen staying on the field is the main priority, as we all know he is an injury risk. As long as he is able to stay on the field, he should be locked into fantasy lineups weekly.
- James Cook had a productive day on the ground, averaging more than seven yards per attempt, while Josh Jacobs ended the day with negative rushing yards.
- Green Bay rookie receiver Jayden Reed caught two touchdowns, as Jordan Love had yet another solid fantasy week tossing the pigskin, throwing for three touchdowns.
- Bijan Robinson ran wild on Green Bay (19 carries, 124 yards). Assuming you spent an early round pick on him, he has paid off so far through two weeks. Tyler Allgeier meanwhile was given 16 rushing attempts, as he seems to be a better play in non-PPR formats. Nonetheless, it was encouraging to see him still be involved in the running game.
- Drake London finally showed up... which seemed a little weird, while Kyle Pitts was held in check yet again.
- Skyy Moore caught his first career touchdown in a 16 point fantasy day.
-Christian Kirk rebounded from his Week 1 performance, while teammate Calvin Ridley came back down to Earth.
- Zay Flowers continued to flash his big-play ability.
- Tee Higgins bounced back after a goose egg Week 1 fantasy performance. Tee caught two touchdown's thrown by Joe Burrow, resulting in 28.90 fantasy points. Although Burrow did reaggravate his calf late in Cincinnati's Week 2 loss, as his status for next Monday's game is in question. Be sure to have a quarterback ready to plug into lineups assuming Joey B misses Week 3.
- Ja'Marr Chase still seems to not be quite in sync with Burrow just yet, as he put up 5 receptions for only 31 yards. Similar to A.J. Brown, Chase is going to have his games, just be patient as he remains a must-start option. Do not doubt Joe Burrow and this Cincinnati offense despite their 0-2 start, if you do, I apologize in advance.
-Garrett Wilson scored a 68-yard touchdown bringing a glimmer of hope to all of his fantasy owners, as he put up 16.80 points on only two receptions.
- CeeDee Lamb tied a career best 11 receptions against the New York Jets in what was a fantastic 24.30 fantasy performance.
- Brian Robinson Jr. proved last week was no fluke, as he has full control of the Washington backfield. He led all running backs in fantasy points this week with 87 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
- Man, I wish Jahan Dotson was more involved in the Commanders passing-game.
- Rookie Marvin Mims had a big day despite only being targeted twice by Russell Wilson. His 113 receiving yards, including a 60-yard touchdown was still not enough as Denver lost in dramatic fashion to the Commanders.
- Raheem Mostert went crazy against the Patriots on Sunday night, tallying 121 rushing yards on 18 carries, equaling to 6.72 yards per attempt.
- Chris Olave heated up in the second half after starting out slow against Carolina, as he ended with six catches for 86 yards.
- The Pickett to Pickens connection was in full effect Monday night, as George Pickens took a 71-yard reception to the house. With leading receiver Diontae Johnson out for at least the next three weeks, Pickens is worth starting in lineups as a WR3/flex option.
Other Week 2 Notes:
- Colts Anthony Richardson left Sunday's matchup due to a concussion.
- Bill Belichick threw down his red challenge flag in disgust.
- Mike McDaniel raced the camera man to the locker room at halftime.
- T.J. Watt set the Steelers all-time sack record with 81.5 career sacks, passing James Harrison for the franchise lead.
Adam's Week 2 Fantasy Stud: Puka Nacua: WR- LAR
Adam's Week 2 Fantasy Dud: Alexander Mattison: RB- MIN
Adam's Top Priority Waiver Adds for Week 3:
Jerome Ford: RB- CLE:
With the recent Nick Chubb injury, Ford should be the top waiver wire add this week as we prepare for Week 3. Unless Cleveland trades for or signs someone else (Cam Akers, Jonathan Taylor, or Kareem Hunt), Jerome should get the majority of the workload out of the Browns backfield moving forward. He looked pretty dang good on Monday night, tallying 106 yards on only 16 attempts, while also catching a touchdown as well. The organization seems to like him, as I hope he proved he is the right guy for the job with the Monday night performance.
Matt Breida: RB- NYG:
Breida is a short-term add given the Saquon Barkley injury. A tough matchup with the 49ers awaits him, as I have a feeling the San Francisco defense will be fired up after the not so good outing they put together in Week 2 against the Rams. Any Barkley owners out there who are interested in his handcuff must know that he is not a "must-start" guy on Thursday, as I can see the Giants passing the ball more than usual.
Tank Dell: WR- HOU:
There is nothing like a rookie receiver who has upside and who is practically free on the waiver wire. Instead of going for someone with a safe floor, I always try to hit for the fences and go with the player who has the higher upside. As we have seen with guys like Puka Nacua and Jayden Reed these are the types of players I want who I can plug into lineups who can deliver big fantasy performances.
Tank Dell, the 23 year-old rookie out of Houston is no exception, as he put up a 20 point performance in Week 2 against the Colts. He also received 10 targets which is pretty impressive for a rookie, as I am excited to see going forward if he will be a consistent fantasy option in this Houston passing-game alongside fellow wideout Nico Collins.
Josh Reynolds: WR- DET:
Reynolds will be among the top waiver wire adds at the wide receiver position this week, as he caught two touchdowns in Week 2. Given that the wideout has worked with Jared Goff before in Los Angeles should bring more confidence to managers who are thinking about adding him. Keep in mind that Jameson Williams is still serving his six-game suspension as Reynolds long-term outlook could look a bit murky.
Other Waiver Wire Adds to Consider this Week:
Kareem Hunt: RB- FA
Latavius Murray: RB- BUF
Tutu Atwell: LAR- WR
Hunter Henry: NE- TE
Zach Ertz: ARI- TE
Final Thoughts: I hope you all have enjoyed reading my Week 2 Fantasy Football Reactions post! Recently I started a Fantasy Football group on Facebook where we talk all things fantasy related. Feel free to join the group if you are interested, as the group name is simply called: Adam's Fantasy Football Group.
Of course, feel free to reach out to me if you have any fantasy football related questions regarding setting lineups, adding or dropping specific players, etc. When it comes to fantasy football I am always happy to help others achieve success in their leagues...unless if you are playing me of course!
See you on the Gridiron!!!
Adam
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