Game Recaps

SF 26, LAR 23 (OT)

Mac Jones showed streaming potential whenever Purdy misses time. Kendrick Bourne is a pickup worth considering, but only startable if one or both of Jennings and Pearsall are out. Don’t forget Kittle is on his way back in Week 7. CMC, as long as healthy, will remain a top-3 running back weekly and the overall RB1. Stafford delivered a vintage performance with 389 yards and a touchdown. Puka Nacua continues to cement himself as the WR1 with 10 catches for 85 yards and a touchdown. Davante Adams showed he can still finish as a top 12-15 receiver this season with 11 targets. Kyren Williams remains a floor-based RB1 you never need to worry about, posting 14 carries for 65 yards and adding 8 receptions for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns.

MIN 21, CLE 17

Carson Wentz has been serviceable under center. Justin Jefferson continues showing elite WR1 upside with 7 catches for 123 yards on 11 targets. Jordan Addison caught the game-winning touchdown after being benched to start. Jordan Mason had a fumble and touchdown—still a high-end weekly RB2, but once Aaron Jones returns, expect a committee approach making him a prime sell-high candidate. T.J. Hockenson looked better after a slow start. Dillon Gabriel will keep some Cleveland values afloat. Quinshon Judkins is a high-end RB2 without passing work. The Njoku/Fannin situation will be annoying all year. Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond remain tough to trust.

LV 6, IND 40

Geno Smith will be inconsistent throughout the season. Ashton Jeanty will be up and down, but it’s great to see him involved in the receiving game. Tre Tucker is a flex option. What happened to Jakobi Meyers? Brock Bowers’ PCL injury is concerning, he’s now week to week. Jonathan Taylor is a threat to be the RB1 after a 3-touchdown performance. Daniel Jones continues to produce as a QB1/QB2. Tyler Warren found the endzone, looks like a top 3 TE ROS. Michael Pittman Jr. remains a top-15 receiver rest of season.

NYG 14, NO 26

The Jaxson Dart’s experience will be wild—not sure who the number one receiver will be week to week, probably a nightmare to predict. Skattebo will have volume but lack huge games. Spencer Rattler is probably the starter all year long. Olave and Shaheed will be tough to trust as anything more than WR3/flex plays weekly. Taysom Hill is back… does that make Juwan Johnson a sell-high? Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller are in a split, with Kamara being a trade candidate in real life.

DAL 37, NYJ 22

Dak Prescott was elite with 237 yards and 4 touchdowns. George Pickens will be a WR1 until CeeDee Lamb returns. Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flourney both have some flex upside but are too inconsistent to trust. Javonte Williams is really an RB1—currently the RB3 overall with 135 yards and 2 touchdowns. Jake Ferguson will challenge for the TE1 spot with 7 catches for 49 yards and 2 touchdowns. Justin Fields did most of his damage in the second half and still had 20+ fantasy points. Breece Hall continues to be elite with over 150 total yards. Garrett Wilson is a WR1 rest of season with 6 catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Mason Taylor has 25 targets in his last 3 games, looks like the 2nd option in the pass game right now.

DEN 21, PHI 17

Bo Nix is a QB2. J.K. Dobbins is the clear lead back. RJ Harvey is a risky flex-worthy play during bye weeks until his role increases. Evan Engram is a good buy-low candidate with 4 catches for 33 yards and a touchdown. Courtland Sutton is the clear receiver to own in Denver. Jalen Hurts is missing the passing production that makes him a threat for the top QB spot. A.J. Brown is tough to trust until something changes. DeVonta Smith had good target volume, which might be a good sell-high moment. Saquon Barkley doesn’t have the same appeal as last year but is still a top-5 running back weekly. Dallas Goedert is a consistent threat to be a top-10 tight end weekly with 9 targets including a touchdown—he has 4 touchdowns on the season.

MIA 24, CAR 27

Tua had a great game against a tough Carolina defense with 256 yards and 3 touchdowns. Jaylen Waddle will be a high-end WR2 rest of season. Darren Waller is emerging as a real TE1 threat until further notice with 5 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown. De’Von Achane had a terrific touchdown catch… lacking true upside to be a top-3 running back but still a consistent RB1. Bryce Young had a nice comeback win and is more valuable than advertised. Tetairoa McMillian has been a WR2/3 but is still waiting on a real breakout performance. Rico Dowdle had a monster game and will have another opportunity against Dallas next week if Chuba Hubbard is out—top waiver pickup this week, but don’t blow your FAAB.

HOU 44, BAL 10

C.J. Stroud had a bounce-back game with 4 touchdowns. Nico Collins isn’t showing the elite WR1 upside he had in the past but is still a WR1. Xavier Hutchinson had a surprise 2-touchdown performance. Nick Chubb led the backfield after Woody Marks’ hype, expect it will still be a hot-hand approach. Cooper Rush isn’t viable with Lamar Jackson expected to miss a couple weeks. All pass catchers are a big downgrade until Lamar returns. Derrick Henry is looking more like an RB2 right now, but he should bounce back at some point. All Ravens might be buy-low candidates after next week with their Week 7 bye and Lamar’s probable Week 8 return.

DET 37, CIN 24

Business as usual for the Lions. Jameson Williams’ is a boom or bust WR3/Flex until further notice. Sam LaPorta remains a weapon at TE. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are in full effect. Jake Browning struggled early but rallied in the second half for fantasy purposes. Ja’Marr Chase will be fine, as predicted, as a backend WR1… though inconsistent. Tee Higgins is a WR3, inconsistent and touchdown-dependent. Chase Brown is a backend RB2 until further notice—not enough offense for him to be truly viable.

WSH 27, LAC 10

Jayden Daniels had a great second half in his first game back from injury. Deebo Samuel is looking like a top-20 receiver in fantasy rest of season with 11 targets. Curious to see when Terry McLaurin returns what the WR core looks like weekly. Jacroy Croskey Merritt is now a high-end RB2 with 111 yards and 2 touchdowns. Omarion Hampton dealt with a high ankle injury and is in a boot, Chargers just placed him on IR. Chargers receivers will be annoying WR2/WR3 plays all year. Justin Herbert is more of a QB2 after cooling down—QB5 in Week 1 but QB18, 12, 20, and 18 in his last four weeks.

TEN 22, ARI 21

Cam Ward is improving but still ways away from being fantasy relevant. Calvin Ridley had a strong game. Tony Pollard scored a touchdown, but expect Tyjae Spears to get more involved after his first game back from IR. Chig Okonkwo played well in the second half but still isn’t a real option at TE yet. Elic Ayomanor showed rookie struggles and will be inconsistent. Kyler Murray had a rushing score and just missed a touchdown on a long 40-yard catch to Harrison. Harrison is showing the upside we want—still looking for that monster game. Michael Carter is the back to own until Trey Benson returns from IR especially after Emeri Demercado had a terrible fumble at the goal line. Trey McBride is showing why he’s the TE1 floor play to own.

TB 38, SEA 35

Baker Mayfield is elite—no other way to put it. 379 yards and 2 touchdowns. Emeka Egbuka is the real deal. Would say sell high, but with Mike Evans out, just keep him. Cade Otton became a bigger part of the offense. Chris Godwin is a tough start right now until we see a regular game from him. Bucky Irving is out for a couple weeks with shoulder and foot injuries, so Rachaad White stepped up with 2 touchdowns and will be a high-end RB2 until Bucky returns. Sam Darnold is playing well overall. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a threat for WR1 overall with his workload. Tory Horton is an upside flex—would rather have him than Cooper Kupp. Kupp has no real weekly upside yet. A.J. Barner is becoming an interesting tight end play. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet seem to be capping each other in more of a hot-hand approach than we want for fantasy.

NE 23, BUF 20

Drake Maye is a top 5-10 option weekly. Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled again but scored 2 touchdowns. Antonio Gibson was more involved but he tore his ACL—now out for the year. Treveyon Henderson’s value is going wayyy up. Hunter Henry is touchdown-or-bust and just missed on one. Stefon Diggs went crazy in his revenge game against the Bills, still a WR3 play. Josh Allen is the best quarterback in fantasy. Keon Coleman is droppable. Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid are the pass catchers to own in this offense. James Cook has been top-5 RB all season, value in the 4th round after offseason ADP drop.

KC 28, JAX 31

Patrick Mahomes will be elite all season long. Kareem Hunt had 2 touchdowns, but this backfield is tough to trust with Isiah Pacheco and Brashard Smith involved. Smith should start getting more involved as the season goes on. Xavier Worthy is a buy-low candidate with volume coming his way. Tyqaun Thornton will be a boom or bust upside flex even when Rashee Rice returns. Travis Kelce had his best performance of the season. Trevor Lawrence continues to be good enough to start. Travis Etienne is a high end RB2, capped by limited touchdowns. Brian Thomas had a frustrating endzone drop, but the looks are there—buy low as a backend WR1 with high-end WR2 upside. Travis Hunter flashed big-play potential and could be an asset down the stretch. Brenton Strange has been serviceable but lacks upside.

Buy Low Candidates

Evan Engram - Still producing with 4 catches for 33 yards and a touchdown, good value opportunity.

Derrick Henry - Looking more like an RB2 right now but has the talent to bounce back to RB1 territory.

Xavier Worthy - Volume is coming his way in the Chiefs offense, good time to buy before it clicks.

Brian Thomas - Frustrating drops but seeing excellent target volume, backend WR1/high-end WR2 upside.

A.J. Brown - Tough to trust right now but still elite talent if you can buy during this downturn.

Sell High Candidates

Jordan Mason - High-end RB2 now, but Aaron Jones’ return will create a committee.

George Pickens - WR1 production until CeeDee Lamb returns, maximize value now.

DeVonta Smith - Good target volume right now could be a sell-high moment before regression.

Juwan Johnson - Taysom Hill is back, which could eat into his value.

Must-Add Players

Rico Dowdle, RB - Carolina Panthers

Week 5 Stats: 23 carries, 206 yards, 1 TD vs. Dolphins

Dowdle absolutely erupted against Miami, showcasing the talent that helped him hit over 1000 yards last season with Dallas. What makes this pickup even more enticing? He faces his former team in a revenge game during Week 6. Chuba Hubbard has been the lead back for the Panthers, but with his injury, Dowdle is earning more work with performances like this. His combination of volume and efficiency makes him the top priority on this week’s waiver wire.

Ryan Flournoy, WR - Dallas Cowboys

Week 5 Stats: 6 receptions, 112 yards on 9 targets

With CeeDee Lamb sidelined, Flournoy seized the extra opportunity and ran with it. While he’s undoubtedly a volatile FLEX option who won’t be a long-term solution once Lamb returns, his upside in the short term is there. If Lamb misses another week or two, Flournoy could be a difference maker at FLEX in your lineup. This is a classic “strike while the iron is hot” waiver pickup, nothing more.

Mason Taylor, TE - New York Jets

Recent Target Share: 6, 7, 12 targets in last three weeks

Taylor has quietly become the WR2 in this offense despite being a tight end. That target share is elite for the position, and his consistency over the past three weeks suggests this isn’t a fluke. He’s emerging as a high-end TE2 for the rest of season with legitimate weekly upside. In yet another year where streaming tight ends is the norm for most fantasy managers, finding consistency at the position is gold.

Intriguing Secondary Options

Kendrick Bourne, WR - San Francisco 49ers

Week 5 Stats: 10 receptions, 142 yards vs. Rams (TNF)

Bourne torched the Rams on Thursday night, but his value is directly tied to the health of Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. The 49ers offense has been decimated by injuries this season, but as long as Pearsall and Jennings remain banged up, Bourne will continue to see significant target volume. He’s a solid short-term add if you need immediate help, but monitor the injury reports closely.

Theo Johnson, TE - New York Giants

Week 5 Stats: 6 receptions, 33 yards, 2 TDs on 7 targets

With Malik Nabers out for the season, Johnson’s outlook just got significantly more interesting. While his Week 5 performance was heavily TD-dependent, the target share could increase substantially moving forward as the Giants look to fill the void left by Nabers. He’s worth adding in most leagues as the Giants will need someone to step up in the passing game, and Johnson’s athletic profile gives him weekly upside at TE.

AJ Barner, TE - Seattle Seahawks

Recent Performance: Top-10 TE in 3 of 5 weeks, 7 targets and 2 TDs in Week 5

Barner has been quietly productive, playing around 80% of snaps in four of five games this season. That snap share combined with his target volume makes him a reliable streaming option at tight end. He’s not going to win you weeks, but he provides a safe floor with touchdown upside in Seattle’s pass-heavy offense.

Deep League Stashes

Luke McCaffrey, WR - Washington Commanders

Week 5: 2 targets, flashing big play ability

McCaffrey continues to flash the big-play ability that made him an intriguing prospect, but the targets just aren’t there yet. He’s only worth rostering in deeper leagues (14+ teams) where you can afford to stash upside. If Washington’s offense continues to click and he carves out a larger role as the season goes on, or if McLaurin’s injury continues to linger, he could become relevant later in the season.

Desperation Adds Only

Kimani Vidal/Hassan Haskins, RB - Los Angeles Chargers

Situation: Omarion Hampton seen in walking boot after Week 5

With Hampton dealing with what appears to be a high ankle sprain, the Chargers backfield becomes a potential mess. Vidal would be the preferred pickup if you’re desperate for running back help, but this could easily turn into a frustrating committee situation. Unless you’re truly desperate at the position, this backfield might be more headache than value. Proceed with extreme caution.

Final Thoughts

Week 6’s waiver wire is headlined by potential impact players in Dowdle and short-term solutions with upside in Flournoy. The tight end position continues to offer streaming value with Taylor, Barner, and Johnson (whose outlook just improved dramatically with Nabers’ season-ending injury) all worth considering depending on your league’s depth.

Remember, the key to winning your league isn’t just about making the right draft picks, it’s about staying active on waivers and finding the breakout players before your competition does.

Ready to dominate your fantasy leagues? Subscribe to JHEN Fantasy for weekly waiver wire analysis, start/sit advice, trade evaluations, and expert insights that give you the edge you need to bring home a championship. Don’t leave your fantasy success to chance… join the JHEN Fantasy community today!

As we approach Week 3, it’s time to make tough roster decisions. Holding onto underperforming or injured players can cost you valuable waiver wire opportunities.

Here are several players whom you can drop and why.

Players to Drop

1. Joe Burrow
   If you don’t have an IR spot, it’s time to move on. Burrow’s season is likely over, and holding him clogs your roster.

2. Kaleb Johnson
   Johnson’s lack of offensive snaps and a costly special teams blunder make him an easy drop. With no clear path to meaningful touches, he’s wasting a roster spot. Pick up Kenneth Gainwell instead.

3. Tank Bigsby
   Despite being rostered in over 50% of leagues, Bigsby is buried on the depth chart behind Saquon Barkley. His limited role makes him irrelevant for fantasy purposes.

4. Braelon Allen
   Early hype hasn’t translated into production. Breece Hall is the clear lead in New York, leaving Allen as a low-end handcuff with no standalone value.

5. Jayden Reed
   Out for 6-8 weeks, Reed is a stash only if you have deep benches. Otherwise, prioritize healthy players who can contribute now. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks can be added in 12+ team leagues.

6. J.J. McCarthy
   With a bye in Week 6 and lingering health concerns, McCarthy isn’t worth holding unless you’re in a superflex league.

7. Texans WRs (not named Nico Collins)
   Rookie Jayden Higgins can be dropped in 12+ team leagues because the Texans’ offensive line is trash and Christian Kirk is trending to suit up in Week 3.

Key Takeaways

• Prioritize Opportunity: Drop players who aren’t seeing the field or are stuck in bad offenses.

• Don’t Stash Dead Weight: Injured players like Burrow and Reed aren’t worth holding unless you have IR slots.

• Avoid Hype Traps: Players like Allen and Bigsby may have been preseason darlings, but their roles don’t justify a roster spot.

Clearing out underperformers and injury risks now will give you the flexibility to target emerging waiver wire gems. Stay proactive, and don’t let sentimentality hold your team back.

Fantasy football is a game of patience and perspective, especially in the early weeks when small sample sizes can lead to overreactions. Let’s break down the Week 1 and 2 performances of Brian Thomas Jr., A.J. Brown, and Ashton Jeanty to help you make informed decisions moving forward.

Brian Thomas Jr.: A Quiet Start

Brian Thomas Jr. hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet through two games. In Week 1, he managed just 1 catch for 11 yards against the Panthers, followed by a slightly better Week 2 performance with 4 catches for 49 yards against the Bengals. That’s a total of 5 receptions for 60 yards and no touchdowns so far.

The issue isn’t his talent—it’s the Jaguars’ offensive struggles. Trevor Lawrence has been inconsistent, and the team hasn’t been able to fully utilize Thomas’s big-play ability. For now, Thomas is a hold. His 19 targets through two weeks are still top-15 among WRs, so the opportunity is there. His potential for explosive plays makes him worth keeping on your roster, but don’t expect immediate returns until the offense finds its rhythm.

A.J. Brown: A Slow Start for a Proven Star

A.J. Brown’s start to the 2025 season has been underwhelming by his standards. In Week 1 against the Cowboys, he caught just 1 pass for 8 yards. Week 2 saw some improvement with 5 catches for 27 yards against the Chiefs, bringing his season total to 6 receptions for 35 yards. Is it him, or is the Eagles’ passing offense just not a priority at the moment? They’ve won each of their two games despite Jalen Hurts ranking 37th in aDOT, 28th in pass attempts and 31st in passing yards through Week 2, per PFF.

While these numbers are disappointing, Brown’s track record suggests this is a temporary dip. The Eagles’ offense has been leaning on their run game to start the season under new OC Kevin Patullo. That’s not sustainable, especially when the Eagles have dynamic playmakers like Brown and DeVonta Smith. Brown is coming off a 1,400-yard season and remains one of the most reliable wideouts in the league. Unless this trend continues into Week 4 or 5, keep him locked into your lineup. Selling low on a player of his caliber would be a mistake. The squeaky wheel is about to get greased — buy Brown or continue to hold.

Ashton Jeanty: Growing Pains for the Rookie

Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders’ rookie running back, has had a mixed start to his NFL career. In Week 1, he rushed 19 times for 38 yards and a touchdown against the Patriots, averaging just 2.0 yards per carry. Week 2 has fantasy managers tilting after turning 11 carries into 43 yards against the Chargers — bringing his season totals to 30 carries for 81 yards (2.7 YPC) and 1 touchdown. He’s also added 5 receptions for 3 yards.

Jeanty’s usage is encouraging. He’s clearly the lead back—but his efficiency and lack of involvement in the passing game are valid concerns. The Raiders’ offensive line has struggled to create running lanes, which has capped his production. Like many rookies, Jeanty may need time to adjust to the NFL’s speed. For now, he’s a flex option with RB2 upside if the Raiders’ offense improves.

The Bottom Line

Through two weeks, the key takeaway is patience. Ashton Jeanty is a rookie adjusting to the NFL, while A.J. Brown and BJT are WR1 talents who will likely bounce back with improved quarterback play. Don’t let early-season stats dictate your decisions. Fantasy football is a long game, and the payoff for staying the course could be just around the corner.

Week 2 of the NFL season is in the books, and what a ride it’s been! Fantasy football managers are sorting through the highs, lows, and surprises that make this game so unpredictable. Let’s break it all down together, with insights from Tyler Helf of JHEN Fantasy to help you navigate the chaos and stay ahead.

Joe Burrow’s Injury: What It Means for the Bengals (and Your Fantasy Team)
The big headline this week? Joe Burrow’s toe injury will sideline him for three months. If you’ve got Bengals players on your roster, it’s natural to feel uneasy. But don’t hit the panic button just yet. Ja’Marr Chase is still a must-start—his talent and target share make him nearly matchup-proof. For the rest of the Bengals, though, it’s time to tread carefully. With Jake Browning stepping in, they’re no longer automatic starts, but talented playmakers can still produce, even with a backup QB.

Jayden Daniels diagnosed with a sprained knee: Status in doubt for Week 3

The Commanders already lost RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) for the season and now their franchise QB is dealing with a sprained knee. The injury is not expected to keep the dynamic dual-threat QB off the field long-term; however, he may not be ready to play in Week 3 versus the Raiders. Fantasy managers should be looking for contingency plans outside of Commanders backup QB Marcus Mariota this week.

Vikings’ Injury Woes: Downgrades and Opportunities
The Vikings were hit hard in Week 2, losing QB JJ McCarthy to injury. He’s been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain and will be out at least 2-4 weeks. Veteran QB Caston Wentz is next up, and while Jefferson is still a must-start, expectations should be tempered until McCarthy returns.

On the ground, Aaron Jones Sr. is also sidelined, opening the door for Jordan Mason to step into a significant role. Mason is a strong RB2 heading into Week 3, especially with the Vikings likely to lean on him to stabilize the offense.

Wide Receiver Wins: Did You Have These Guys?
If you had one (or both) of Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Malik Nabers, or Amon-Ra St. Brown, chances are you crushed it this week. These breakout performances were game-changers, and if you’re riding this wave, enjoy the view from the top.

Jacksonville’s Backfield: A Goldmine in the Making
The Jaguars’ backfield is looking like fantasy gold again. Travis Etienne is delivering as expected (89 yards with a TD), but make sure Virginia Tech rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten is not on waivers. He’s likely not available in deep leagues, but he is the priority add ahead of Week 3. Despite limited snaps, he turned 10 touches into 74 yards and a touchdown. His role will continue to grow, so if you’re looking for a high upside RB, Tuten is the one.

Also, news dropped Monday afternoon that star WR Brian Thomas Jr. has been dealing with a wrist injury. That likely had some bearing on one of the worst performances of his young career. Through two games, the second-year WR has caught just five of his 19 targets, with numerous drops.

https://x.com/JoshNorris/status/1967602718996062246

Quarterback Surprises: Who Saw This Coming?
Here’s a fun stat: Mac Jones, Daniel Jones, and Russell Wilson all finished as top-seven fantasy QBs this week. Fantasy football is nothing if not unpredictable, and this is your reminder that early-season stats can be wild. For deep-league managers, Wandale Robinson also deserves a shoutout for his sneaky value.

Tight End Alert: Is Juwan Johnson the Next Big Thing?
Tight end struggles are real, but Juwan Johnson might be the answer. He played on 83% of the Saints’ snaps and saw significant slot usage. If this trend continues, he could be this year’s breakout at the position. If you’re scrambling at TE, Johnson is a name to circle on the waiver wire. He’s moved into must-start territory and is trending towards being a top-5 TE this season.

Jets’ Offense: A Glimmer of Hope
The Jets’ offense is, well, a mess. QB Justin Fields suffered a concussion, and the passing game was far from ideal. But there’s a silver lining: Breece Hall’s snap share jumped to 65%. While it didn’t translate to big points this week, the increased usage is a great sign for his rest-of-season potential. Better days could be ahead with Braelon Allen’s usage fading.

Seattle’s Backfield: Don’t Overreact
Kenneth Walker is firmly in control of the Seahawks’ backfield, holding off Zach Charbonnet for now. The game plan shifted for the Seahawks in Week 2, with the offense designing far more outside zone runs than in Week 1.

Don’t overreact to single-game results—like the Lions’ offense cooling off briefly. Fantasy football is a long game, and patience is key. Still, those with Kenneth Walker are feeling better after his first 100-yard performance of the season.

Final Thoughts: Stay the Course
If you’re 0-2, don’t panic. Fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. Two weeks of chaos don’t define your season. Stay patient, keep grinding, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape. Sometimes, the best strategy is simply staying the course.

✅ Free Picks (3)

• Trevor Lawrence o1.5 Pass TDs (JAX at CIN)

• Jahmyr Gibbs o27.5 Receiving Yards (CHI at DET)

• Mark Andrews o3.5 Receptions (CLE at BAL)
  

  

  
  Below are the rest of our plays for the early slate… including the +500 long shot that could blow up your parlay if it hits. We have already cashed big on similar spots before, and this board has value everywhere!

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Thursday Night Football brings us a potential NFC preview between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers. Week 1’s scoring slump has the market cautious, but this matchup offers sneaky value on player props.

Jayden Daniels – Over 44.5 Rushing Yards
Daniels’ legs are a core part of Washington’s offense. Green Bay’s edge rush can flush him from the pocket, creating scramble opportunities. Even in a lower-scoring script, one designed run and two breakaway scrambles could push this over early.

If this free pick cashes, you owe yourself a subscription—don’t let the hot streak start without you!

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If you’re feeling lucky, here are three more TNF props worth a look:

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Week 2 brings prime bounce-back opportunities after a turbulent opening slate. Major injuries (Brock Purdy, George Kittle), shifting backfields, and underperformances by wide receivers all headline the matchups. Here’s your comprehensive fantasy start/sit and target guide heading into the weekend, game by game.

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📊 See the Full Week 2 Rankings

➡️ Click here for Justin’s complete Week 2 rankings

(For an in-depth walkthrough and additional context, watch the full video breakdown below)

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Quick Hits & Notes

• Bounce-back candidates: A.J. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Devonta Smith. Don’t sell low.

• Waiver nuggets: Hollywood Brown is the short-term add; Harold Fannin and Juwan Johnson are tight-end dart throws if you lost Kittle.

• Trade tip: Use early overreactions… package two mid-tier pieces for a proven stud.

• QB patience: Dak, Trevor Lawrence, and Dak Prescott will stabilize—don’t burn FAAB chasing backups.

Fantasy championships aren’t won—or lost—in Week 1. Stick to your process, trust the talent you drafted, and capitalize on the panic of others instead of joining it! Let Week 2 be your statement week… set those lineups, make smart moves, and keep your eyes on December glory.

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Spread/Total: Packers -3.5, O/U 48

The Week 2 Thursday Night Football slate kicks off with Washington traveling to Lambeau to face the Packers. Vegas has Green Bay as a 3.5-point favorite with a total of 48, setting the stage for a competitive, moderately high-scoring game. Both teams feature young quarterbacks with plenty of fantasy intrigue and some moving pieces at the skill positions that could swing lineups. Washington and Green Bay both flashed real defense in Week 1 — now the market still projects points. With a tight spread and a fast Thursday turnaround, QB play and pass-rush management should drive fantasy outcomes.

Can Jayden Daniels’ legs crack Lambeau on a short week, or does Jordan Love steady Green Bay in a potential NFC playoff preview?

Editor’s Note: The numbers shown for each matchup reflect each defense’s DVOA/DvP (Defense vs Position) rankings through Week 1 — 1- indicates the toughest matchup, while 1+ indicates the easiest.

Quarterbacks

Jayden Daniels (WSH) – Rushing juice keeps a sturdy elite QB1 upside. Even if GB’s rush heats up, his legs/escape create fantasy out.
Jordan Love (GB) – Temper a bit after the underwhelming opener, fantasy wise. At home, still a mid/high-end QB2, but you want cleaner deep-ball execution before pushing higher.

Wide Receivers

Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel (WSH) – McLaurin profiles as a WR2 this week — downfield shots are coming, just expect volatility. Deebo’s hybrid usage (YAC, schemed touches, occasional rush) fits a WR3/Flex with a stable floor.

Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden (GB) – Reed offers the safest Flex (PPR floor), Doubs is TD-dependent depth, and Golden is a bench/hold until the passing game fully clicks.

Running Backs

Austin Ekeler, Bill Croskey-Merritt (WSH) – Still a committee. Ekeler’s receiving keeps him a RB3/Flex; Croskey-Merritt has RB3/TD-dependent appeal after the red-zone look. Could take on a bigger role if Week 1 effective production continues.

Josh Jacobs (GB) – Volume keeps him matchup-proofish. Treat as back-end RB1; receiving won’t always be there, so the floor leans on touches/goal-line.

Tight Ends

Zach Ertz (WSH) – Reliable underneath; a TE2 floor play.
Tucker Kraft (GB) – Part of a spread target tree; fringe TE1/TE2 and mostly single-TD path.

Betting Lean

The total of 48 points suggests scoring opportunities will be there, but Washington’s defensive front could make things uncomfortable for Love. Daniels’ mobility is the X-factor. Lean Washington +3.5 to cover in a close game, with the total leaning slightly under unless both QBs find rhythm early.

All-Pro tight end George Kittle suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1 and is expected to miss 3–5 weeks, likely landing on injured reserve and sidelined until around Week 6 at the earliest. Given how hamstring injuries tend to linger, expect continued caution around his short-term availability.

https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/1965183085248745940

Fantasy Football Pickups to Target in Light of Kittle’s Absence

Kyle Pitts (65% rostered)
Pitts showcased strong chemistry by drawing 8 targets and looked every bit the part as one of the main focal points in this offense. With Mooney and London dealing with shoulder issues, Pitts should now command a larger share of targets and scoring opportunities. A must-add for Kittle owners and TE-needy rosters.

Brenton Strange (22%)
Strange continues to emerge in the Jaguars’ offense, finishing with 4 receptions for 59 yards in Week 1. As Jacksonville smooths out its passing attack, Strange’s role should expand, offering intriguing upside in deeper formats.

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Juwan Johnson (1%)
Johnson carved out a clear safety valve role, logging 11 targets and finishing with 15.6 PPR points. Few TEs are as low-owned with this level of target share, he’s one of the best deep league lottery tickets available now.

Harold Fannin (2%)
Despite competition from Njoku, Fannin commanded 9 targets and turned them into 7 receptions for 63 yards. While matchup dependent, he offers attractive upside in deeper leagues, especially in weeks where Joe Flacco leans on secondary options.

Editor’s Note: Roster percentages reflect 12-team league ownership.

Editor’s Note: Numbers in parentheses reflect PPR fantasy points scored in Week 1, and roster percentages are based on 12-team league ownership.

Studs

Quarterbacks

• Justin Fields (29.52) – Confident and composed, delivering both on the ground and through the air. Trustworthy going forward.

• Daniel Jones (29.48) – The sneaky QB2 upside we’ve talked about is showing up. Worth starting in the right spots.

• Justin Herbert (27.92) – Safely in the QB1/2 mix. Has weekly spike potential, but temper expectations.

• Aaron Rodgers (25.66) – Proved he still has it, but expect volatility. Needs another solid showing to cement trust.

Wide Receivers

• Emeka Egbuka (22.3) – Two touchdowns validated the preseason buzz. Six targets is on the low side, but he looks entrenched as a WR2.

• Deebo Samuel (22.6) – Ten targets plus rushing work show he’s central to Commanders offense just like in SF.

• Michael Pittman (20.0) – The Colts’ clear WR1. Eight targets for 6/80/1 reinforce his stable role.

• Keon Coleman (25.20) – A huge factor in the passing game, especially late. A legit part of the offense moving forward.

Running Backs

• Javonte Williams (20.4) – Found the end zone twice. Efficiency was average, but the role is valuable.

• Travis Etienne (18.6) – Took over as the lead back as expected. Big-play threat every week. Locked in as an RB2 with upside.

• Dylan Sampson (17.3) – Passing-game usage (8 receptions) makes him a floor-friendly flex. Role could shift as backfield competition heats up, Quinshon Judkins suits up in Week 2.

Tight Ends

• Kyle Pitts (12.6) – Eight targets stand out. If Atlanta’s WRs remain banged up, Pitts could see more consistent usage.

Duds

Quarterbacks

• Bo Nix (8.84) – Efficiency issues remain. The volume helps, but he’s still more of a QB2 until he cleans it up.

• Bryce Young (10.16) – The rushing is promising, but the offense looks broken. Early concern.

• Tua Tagovailoa (7.26) – Another rough outing. One more week to show life before he’s droppable in shallower formats.

Wide Receivers

• Brian Thomas, Nico Collins, A.J. Brown, Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, Terry McLaurin (Under 10 FP) – Nothing to worry about long term.

• Tyreek Hill (8.0) – Production tied to QB play. If the passing game doesn’t improve, patience could wear thin.

• Davante Adams, Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, George Pickens (Under 10 FP) – Some volatility ahead, but they remain solid WR2-level starts.

Running Backs

• Omarion Hampton (8.1) – Volume was fine, but usage may tighten if Najee Harris earns more work.

• Kenneth Walker (5.4) – Concerns about Zach Charbonnet look validated.

• Isiah Pacheco (4.8) – Only 7 touches is alarming. If usage stays low, he drops to TD-dependent status.

Pickups

• Michael Penix (32% rostered) – Nearly 300 yards and 2 TDs. High-upside streamer and bench stash.

• Cedric Tillman (28%) – Flacco looked his way eight times. Worth a grab in deeper leagues.

• Hollywood Brown (25%) – Extra opportunity with Xavier Worthy potentially sidelined and Rashee Rice suspended until Week 7.

• Quentin Johnston (9%) – Volatile, but red-zone role gives him boom potential.

• Juwan Johnson (1%) – Saw 11 targets, clearly a safety net in this offense.

• Harold Fannin (2%) – Rotational role, but 9 targets suggest spike-week relevance in deeper formats.

Rome Odunze – Over 3.5 Receptions
Odunze is expected to step right into WR1 usage for Chicago. At just 3.5 receptions, the bar is low for a player who should command steady targets in his NFL debut.

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• Evan Engram — Over 3.5 Receptions

• Josh Jacobs — Under 71.5 Rushing Yards
  

Full Card (Members)

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Mike Evans vs TB - Under 71.5 Receiving Yards
Breece Hall vs PIT - Over 2.5 Receptions
Trevor Lawrence vs CAR - Over 1.5 Passing TDs

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Vegas expects fireworks in the Sunday night slot, lining this as the second-highest total of Week 1 at 51.5. These offenses both carry a ton of firepower and some continuity we can trust. Both defenses are capable, but the talent on offense makes this a must-watch fantasy matchup.

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Free Play – Best Bet

A.J. Brown – Over 69.5 Receiving Yards
Brown is the focal point of Philly’s passing game and should see heavy volume in a competitive matchup. Dallas’ secondary has cracks, and Brown has the ability to beat coverage no matter how it’s rolled. This is the safest blend of floor and ceiling on the slate.

Premium Picks

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Click here for the full Week 1 Rankings Excel Sheet

Note: Projections are based on ESPN PPR scoring as of mid-week.

These rankings are updated mid-week to account for early practice reports, injuries, and matchup clarity. I’ll continue to adjust throughout the week, but this Wednesday version is the baseline I’m working from heading into Sunday.

Full Player Writeups

For deeper analysis — player-by-player breakdowns, injury notes, sleepers, and matchup context — check out my Weekly Notesheet article here:

The notesheet is where I dive into why players are ranked where they are, who’s rising/falling, and which flex plays I’d take shots on in Week 1.

My Thoughts Heading into Week 1

Rankings are a tool — not the answer by themselves. Use these tiers to make start/sit calls, but always weigh context from matchups, injuries, and game flow. I’ll be updating live on stream and in my notesheet leading into the weekend. Let’s start the season strong.

Vegas leans toward the Rams in what looks like a physical, mid-total matchup. The Texans will turn to Nick Chubb after Joe Mixon’s injury landed him on NFI list to start the year, though questions linger about his post-injury efficiency. Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks sit behind him, but neither has more than bench-level value for now. For the Rams, Stafford enters the season banged up with back concerns, and Kyren Williams’ workload is a storyline after his new extension and chatter about usage limits.

Quarterbacks

C.J. Stroud, Texans – Draws a Rams defense that was beatable against QBs in 2024. Behind a shaky offensive line, Stroud still projects as a mid QB2 thanks to his weaponry.

Matthew Stafford, Rams – Houston is middle of the pack against quarterbacks, but Stafford’s offseason back issues make him riskier. He’s a floor-based QB2 only for Week 1.

Wide Receivers

Nico Collins, Texans – Faces a Rams defense that struggled on the perimeter. Collins is a steady WR1 with room for more.
Jayden Higgins, Texans – Rookie with an opportunity to carve a role. More of a deep flex for now.
Christian Kirk, Texans – Slot usage gives him a path to volume against LAR’s softer inside coverage. He’s a flex play at best in PPR.

Puka Nacua, Rams – Should benefit if Houston shades Adams. He profiles as a WR1 with high-volume potential.
Davante Adams, Rams – Even in a tougher draw, Adams could be the alpha target. He’s a low-end WR1 in Week 1.

Running Backs

Nick Chubb, Texans – Inherits the backfield after Mixon’s injury, but questions remain after inefficiency in his 2024 return. Still, workload makes him a low-end RB3/flex with risk.
Dameon Pierce, Texans – Likely next in line for touches; carries bench stash / deep flex appeal.
Woody Marks, Texans – Behind Pierce for now, holding only bench depth value.

Kyren Williams, Rams – Houston’s front isn’t an easy draw, but Williams is locked for touches despite workload management chatter. He enters as a low-end RB1.