Fantasy Football Week 2: Matt Camp's Week 2 Big Board
If Week 1 didn’t go your way, let it go and move on. Sure, some high draft picks struggled, but that was bound to happen—just as it does every year. Some, like Adrian Peterson and Ezekiel Elliott, should bounce back rather quickly. Others, like Todd Gurley, may need a few weeks to get going.
The key is to not get too high or too low based on the results of one game. Altering your entire outlook on a player based on Week 1 is a great way to ruin a season. Second-guessing on such a small sample size will come back to haunt you and is not the way to properly evaluate your roster. Barring an injury, you shouldn’t be doing a lot of tinkering unless to use the waiver wire to reshape the back end of your roster.
Maybe you picked up Will Fuller or Tajae Sharpe as the last wide receivers on your personal depth chart knowing they have the potential to be regular starters. Or you may have grabbed Tevin Coleman after he outplayed Devonta Freeman in Week 1. Those are perfectly logical moves that are done to bolster your roster, not shake it up.
This is the first look at my points-per-reception (PPR) rankings for Week 2. These will change throughout the week and up to Sunday’s action as we get more information about injuries and limitations, so make sure to bookmark this page. For those playing in non-PPR formats, you can find those rankings here.
Top 100: Load Up
1 of 7
I present my top 100 players (minus quarterbacks) for the week as a way to help determine your flex spots. You may favor a certain position or player over another based on his role and/or your scoring rules.
As an additional tiebreaker, here are the teams I like as a whole this week based on their matchups:
- New York Giants (vs. New Orleans Saints)
- New Orleans Saints (at New York Giants)
- Oakland Raiders (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
Week 2 PPR Flex Rankings
| 1 | Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) | vs. NO | WR1 | 2 | +1 |
| 2 | A.J. Green (CIN) | at PIT | WR2 | 5 | +3 |
| 3 | Julio Jones (ATL) | at OAK | WR3 | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Antonio Brown (PIT) | vs. CIN | WR4 | 1 | -3 |
| 5 | David Johnson (ARI) | vs. TB | RB1 | 4 | -1 |
| 6 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | vs. IND | RB2 | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Brandin Cooks (NO) | at NYG | WR5 | 12 | +5 |
| 8 | DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | vs. CIN | RB3 | 13 | +5 |
| 9 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) | vs. KC | WR6 | 7 | -2 |
| 10 | Lamar Miller (HOU) | vs. KC | RB4 | 8 | -2 |
| 11 | Mike Evans (TB) | at ARI | WR7 | 16 | +5 |
| 12 | Amari Cooper (OAK) | vs. ATL | WR8 | 14 | +2 |
| 13 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | at WAS | RB5 | 11 | -2 |
| 14 | Allen Robinson (JAC) | at SD | WR9 | 10 | -4 |
| 15 | Spencer Ware (KC) | at HOU | RB6 | 21 | +6 |
| 16 | Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) | vs. TB | WR10 | 23 | +7 |
| 17 | DeMarco Murray (TEN) | at DET | RB7 | 42 | +25 |
| 18 | Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) | vs. SF | WR11 | 24 | +6 |
| 19 | Jordan Reed (WAS) | vs. DAL | TE1 | 19 | 0 |
| 20 | Willie Snead (NO) | at NYG | WR12 | 48 | +28 |
| 21 | Dez Bryant (DAL) | at WAS | WR13 | 22 | +1 |
| 22 | Danny Woodhead (SD) | vs. JAC | RB8 | 44 | +22 |
| 23 | Jordy Nelson (GB) | at MIN | WR14 | 18 | -5 |
| 24 | Doug Martin (TB) | at ARI | RB9 | 51 | +27 |
| 25 | Brandon Marshall (NYJ) | at BUF | WR15 | 15 | -10 |
| 26 | Alshon Jeffery (CHI) | vs. PHI | WR16 | 9 | -17 |
| 27 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) | vs. NYJ | RB10 | 38 | +11 |
| 28 | Julian Edelman (NE) | vs. MIA | WR17 | 32 | +4 |
| 29 | Randall Cobb (GB) | at MIN | WR18 | 30 | +1 |
| 30 | Rob Gronkowski (NE) | vs. MIA | TE2 | 55 | +25 |
| 31 | Matt Forte (NYJ) | at BUF | RB11 | 29 | -2 |
| 32 | Rashad Jennings (NYG) | vs. NO | RB12 | 57 | +25 |
| 33 | Tajae Sharpe (TEN) | at DET | WR19 | 64 | +31 |
| 34 | Jeremy Maclin (KC) | at HOU | WR20 | 36 | +2 |
| 35 | T.Y. Hilton (IND) | at DEN | WR21 | 45 | +10 |
| 36 | Mark Ingram (NO) | at NYG | RB13 | 20 | -16 |
| 37 | Adrian Peterson (MIN) | vs. GB | RB14 | 17 | -20 |
| 38 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | at CAR | RB15 | 71 | +33 |
| 39 | Golden Tate (DET) | vs. TEN | WR22 | 31 | -8 |
| 40 | Todd Gurley (LA) | vs. SEA | RB16 | 25 | -15 |
| 41 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | at MIN | RB17 | 49 | +8 |
| 42 | Marvin Jones (DET) | vs. TEN | WR23 | 39 | -3 |
| 43 | Jordan Matthews (PHI) | at CHI | WR24 | 28 | -15 |
| 44 | Greg Olsen (CAR) | vs. SF | TE3 | 35 | -9 |
| 45 | Michael Crabtree (OAK) | vs. ATL | WR25 | 52 | +7 |
| 46 | Ameer Abdullah (DET) | vs. TEN | RB18 | 74 | +28 |
| 47 | Travis Benjamin (SD) | vs. JAC | WR26 | 72 | +25 |
| 48 | Demaryius Thomas (DEN) | vs. IND | WR27 | 27 | -21 |
| 49 | Travis Kelce (KC) | at HOU | TE4 | 43 | -6 |
| 50 | Mike Wallace (BAL) | at CLE | WR28 | 82 | +32 |
| 51 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) | vs. IND | WR29 | 56 | +5 |
| 52 | Eric Ebron (DET) | vs. TEN | TE5 | 75 | +23 |
| 53 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at PIT | RB19 | 87 | +34 |
| 54 | Theo Riddick (DET) | vs. TEN | RB20 | 68 | +14 |
| 55 | Jarvis Landry (MIA) | at NE | WR30 | 34 | -21 |
| 56 | Stefon Diggs (MIN) | vs. GB | WR31 | 63 | +7 |
| 57 | Delanie Walker (TEN) | at DET | TE6 | 41 | -16 |
| 58 | Michael Floyd (ARI) | vs. TB | WR32 | 47 | -11 |
| 59 | Allen Hurns (JAC) | at SD | WR33 | 73 | +14 |
| 60 | Tevin Coleman (ATL) | at OAK | RB21 | 90 | +30 |
| 61 | Mohamed Sanu (ATL) | at OAK | WR34 | 81 | +20 |
| 62 | T.J. Yeldon (JAC) | at SD | RB22 | 69 | +7 |
| 63 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | at OAK | RB23 | 50 | -13 |
| 64 | Doug Baldwin (SEA) | at LA | WR35 | 26 | -38 |
| 65 | Rishard Matthews (TEN) | at DET | WR36 | 108 | +43 |
| 66 | Julius Thomas (JAC) | at SD | TE7 | 59 | -7 |
| 67 | Jason Witten (DAL) | at WAS | TE8 | 67 | 0 |
| 68 | Will Fuller (HOU) | vs. KC | WR37 | 76 | +8 |
| 69 | Eric Decker (NYJ) | at BUF | WR38 | 37 | -32 |
| 70 | Donte Moncrief (IND) | at DEN | WR39 | 54 | -16 |
| 71 | Cole Beasley (DAL) | at WAS | WR40 | 135 | +64 |
| 72 | DeSean Jackson (WAS) | vs. DAL | WR41 | 40 | -32 |
| 73 | Frank Gore (IND) | at DEN | RB24 | 112 | +39 |
| 74 | Arian Foster (MIA) | at NE | RB25 | 65 | -9 |
| 75 | Sterling Shepard (NYG) | vs. NO | WR42 | 62 | -13 |
| 76 | Antonio Gates (SD) | vs. JAC | TE9 | 60 | -16 |
| 77 | Jeremy Langford (CHI) | vs. PHI | RB26 | 61 | -16 |
| 78 | Brandon LaFell (CIN) | at PIT | WR43 | 122 | +44 |
| 79 | Coby Fleener (NO) | at NYG | TE10 | 78 | -1 |
| 80 | Gary Barnidge (CLE) | vs. BAL | TE11 | 66 | -14 |
| 81 | Christine Michael (SEA) | at LA | RB27 | 100 | +19 |
| 82 | Ryan Mathews (PHI) | at CHI | RB28 | 46 | -36 |
| 83 | Dwayne Allen (IND) | at DEN | TE12 | 77 | -6 |
| 84 | John Brown (ARI) | vs. TB | WR44 | 80 | -4 |
| 85 | Thomas Rawls (SEA) | at LA | RB29 | 99 | +14 |
| 86 | Virgil Green (DEN) | vs. IND | TE13 | 98 | +12 |
| 87 | Justin Forsett (BAL) | at CLE | RB30 | 114 | +27 |
| 88 | Shane Vereen (NYG) | vs. NO | RB31 | 102 | +14 |
| 89 | Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at PIT | RB32 | 79 | -10 |
| 90 | Tyler Lockett (SEA) | at LA | WR45 | 85 | -5 |
| 91 | Eli Rogers (PIT) | vs. CIN | WR46 | 96 | +5 |
| 92 | Tavon Austin (LA) | vs. SEA | WR47 | 92 | 0 |
| 93 | Eddie Royal (CHI) | vs. PHI | WR48 | 131 | +38 |
| 94 | Jeremy Kerley (SF) | at CAR | WR49 | 134 | +40 |
| 95 | Darren Sproles (PHI) | at CHI | RB33 | 93 | -2 |
| 96 | Sammy Watkins (BUF) | vs. NYJ | WR50 | 53 | -43 |
| 97 | Clive Walford (OAK) | vs. ATL | TE14 | 121 | +24 |
| 98 | Brent Celek (PHI) | at CHI | TE15 | 154 | +56 |
| 99 | James White (NE) | vs. MIA | RB34 | 86 | -13 |
| 100 | Latavius Murray (OAK) | vs. ATL | RB35 | 33 | -67 |
Quarterbacks: No Defense Necessary
2 of 7
Better than Usual
Eli Manning, NYG (vs. NO)
Manning was a low-end starter in Week 1, thanks to 207 passing yards, three TDs and one interception on 19-of-28 passing. It wasn’t the typical volume you usually see from Manning and the Giants, but it wasn’t necessary against rookie Dak Prescott and the Cowboys.
Look for Manning to ramp up the passing game when the Saints visit this weekend. New Orleans had no answers for the Raiders offense in last week’s loss. They allowed 319 yards and a touchdown to Derek Carr. Manning certainly has the weapons to hang with the Saints, and both the Giants and Saints have shaky defenses, so this could turn into a battle of who scores last.
Week 2 Projection: 310 passing yards, 3 passing touchdowns, 1 interception
Matt Ryan, ATL (at OAK)
The Falcons didn’t come away with a win in Week 1, but the blame doesn’t fall on Ryan. He completed 27 of 39 passing attempts, totaling 334 yards and two TDs. While it wasn’t enough to beat the Buccaneers, it was encouraging to see Ryan get new starting WR Mohamed Sanu and RB Tevin Coleman involved in the offense so quickly.
A key to Ryan’s fantasy value is Atlanta’s defense, because it’s not good. That Falcons defense will have its hands full with a dangerous Raiders offense this weekend. Of course, the Ravens couldn’t stop Drew Brees last week. He had 423 yards and four TDs in the loss. This could be another game totally controlled by the defenses, so Ryan should have plenty of volume in a potential fantasy bonanza.
Week 2 Projection: 290-300 passing yards, 2-3 passing TDs, 1 interception
Concerns
Andrew Luck, IND (at DEN)
Luck and the Colts couldn’t defend home turf in their Week 1 loss to the Lions, and they now have the unenviable task of heading to Denver to face a defense that beat up Cam Newton in the opener. The Broncos defense picked off Newton once and sacked him three times, which has to be concerning for Luck behind a questionable offensive line.
Newton had just 194 yards and a TD through the air, but saved his fantasy owners with 54 yards and a TD as a runner. Luck is coming off a 385-yard, four-touchdown performance against the Lions, but expectations can't be that high in a much tougher matchup.
Week 2 Projection: 250-260 passing yards, 1-2 passing TDs, 1-2 interceptions, 10-15 rushing yards
Russell Wilson, SEA (at LA)
Wilson’s 2016 season got off on the wrong foot…literally. He suffered a sprained ankle in the opener, but played through it in leading the Seahawks to a come-from-behind victory over the Dolphins. However, Wilson had one of his worst fantasy performances with just 258 passing yards, one TD and 16 rushing yards.
A hobbled Wilson could limit one of his biggest fantasy assets—his legs—so you’ll have to keep a close eye on his status leading up to Sunday’s game. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Seahawks remain confident Wilson will play. The Rams didn’t get much of a challenge from Blaine Gabbert on Monday night, but obviously we’re talking about a much better player (when healthy) in Wilson.
Week 2 Projection: 260 passing yards, 1-2 passing TDs, 1 interception, 30 rushing yards
Avoid
Tyrod Taylor, BUF (vs. NYJ)
If you have any qualms about a player, staying away from using him in a short week is advised. That means you should be looking for alternatives if Taylor was penciled in as your Week 2 starter.
He failed to get anything going against the Ravens in Week 1, throwing for just 111 yards and rushing for 11 yards. As if a tough matchup against the Jets wasn’t bad enough, Taylor’s top target, Sammy Watkins, isn’t a lock to play Thursday due to ongoing foot issues, per Joe Buscaglia of WKBW Buffalo. Stay away from Taylor until further notice.
Week 2 Projection: 210-220 passing yards, 1-2 passing TDs, 1-2 interceptions, 10-15 rushing yards
Sleepers
Marcus Mariota, TEN (at DET)
Hopefully you can put Mariota’s Week 1 performance in the rearview mirror and focus on a much better matchup against the Lions in Week 2. On Sunday, Mariota faces a Lions defense that allowed 385 yards and four touchdowns to Andrew Luck in a game Detroit somehow won.
Mariota doesn’t have the same deep receiving corps as Luck, or Stafford for that matter, so taking to the air to hang with Detroit’s offense would have to be out of necessity. I expect that to be the case and for Mariota to scramble a bit more than his four attempts for 19 yards he had against the Vikings. Game flow will dictate just how active Mariota is as a passer, but no matter what, the matchup shouldn’t concern you.
Week 2 Projection: 250-260 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 15-20 rushing yards
Joe Flacco, BAL (at CLE)
If you give up 278 yards and two touchdowns to a rookie QB making his debut after playing less than a full game in the preseason, fantasy players will target your defense. That’s why Flacco is a sleeper against the Browns on Sunday. Carson Wentz and the Eagles dominated the Browns for almost all of their Week 1 matchup, so a healthy Flacco with lots of weapons at his disposal should have success testing their defense.
Week 2 Projection: 280-290 passing yards, 2 passing TDs
Week 2 Quarterback Rankings
| 1 | Drew Brees (NO) | at NYG | 3 | +2 |
| 2 | Eli Manning (NYG) | vs. NO | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Matthew Stafford (DET) | vs. TEN | 6 | +3 |
| 4 | Cam Newton (CAR) | vs. SF | 1 | -3 |
| 5 | Derek Carr (OAK) | vs. ATL | 8 | +3 |
| 6 | Aaron Rodgers (GB) | at MIN | 4 | -2 |
| 7 | Blake Bortles (JAC) | at SD | 9 | +2 |
| 8 | Matt Ryan (ATL) | at OAK | 18 | +10 |
| 9 | Carson Palmer (ARI) | vs. TB | 5 | -4 |
| 10 | Ben Roethlisberger (PIT) | vs. CIN | 7 | -3 |
| 11 | Jameis Winston (TB) | at ARI | 13 | +2 |
| 12 | Marcus Mariota (TEN) | at DET | 17 | +5 |
| 13 | Joe Flacco (BAL) | at CLE | 16 | +3 |
| 14 | Andrew Luck (IND) | at DEN | 10 | -4 |
| 15 | Andy Dalton (CIN) | at PIT | 15 | 0 |
| 16 | Russell Wilson (SEA) | at LA | 11 | -5 |
| 17 | Carson Wentz (PHI) | at CHI | 23 | +6 |
| 18 | Dak Prescott (DAL) | at WAS | 22 | +4 |
| 19 | Alex Smith (KC) | at HOU | 21 | +2 |
| 20 | Brock Osweiler (HOU) | vs. KC | 25 | +5 |
| 21 | Trevor Siemian (DEN) | vs. IND | 27 | +6 |
| 22 | Ryan Tannehill (MIA) | at NE | 29 | +7 |
| 23 | Kirk Cousins (WAS) | vs. DAL | 12 | -11 |
| 24 | Josh McCown (CLE) | vs. BAL | 28 | +4 |
| 25 | Jimmy Garoppolo (NE) | vs. MIA | 19 | -6 |
| 26 | Ryan Fitzpatrick (NYJ) | at BUF | 20 | -6 |
| 27 | Philip Rivers (SD) | vs. JAC | 14 | -13 |
| 28 | Sam Bradford (MIN) | vs. GB | 30 | +2 |
| 29 | Jay Cutler (CHI) | vs. PHI | 24 | -5 |
| 30 | Tyrod Taylor (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 26 | -4 |
| 31 | Blaine Gabbert (SF) | at CAR | 32 | +1 |
| 32 | Case Keenum (LA) | vs. SEA | 33 | +1 |
Running Backs: React and Adjust
3 of 7
Better than Usual
Danny Woodhead, SD (vs. JAC)
Losing Keenan Allen to a torn ACL may give Woodhead the biggest fantasy boost in San Diego. Other than Antonio Gates and Travis Benjamin, the Chargers are short on established talent in their receiving corps. Considering the trust Philip Rivers has in Woodhead, he has a legit chance of 90 receptions this season.
He got off to a great start in a big role in Week 1. Woodhead finished with five receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown on seven targets in addition to 16 carries for 89 yards as a runner. Even though Melvin Gordon played well and the Chargers had the lead for the majority of the game, Woodhead still played 50 snaps compared to just 23 for Gordon, according to Pro Football Focus.
If the Chargers have trouble slowing down a potentially dangerous Jaguars offense, Woodhead could become the go-to option for Rivers. That would be quite a boost to his fantasy value.
Week 2 Projection: 13 carries, 51 rushing yards, 5-6 receptions, 30-35 receiving yards, 50 percent chance of TD
Rashad Jennings, NYG (vs. NO)
It’s only been one week, but so far the Giants seem to be over the idea of using four different RBs, which we saw way too much of last year. Instead, Jennings led the way with 18 carries for 75 yards and a reception for three yards in the win over the Cowboys.
As the lead ball-carrier and complement to Shane Vereen, Jennings has quietly found himself in a good spot with a nice matchup against the visiting Saints this weekend. The Saints had all kinds of trouble slowing down the Raiders RBs and ended up giving up the second-most fantasy points to the position in Week 1.
Week 2 Projection: 18 carries, 85 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 14 receiving yards, 70 percent chance of TD
Concerns
Todd Gurley, LA (vs. SEA)
If you somehow made it through the ugliness that was Rams-49ers on Monday, you know exactly why Gurley, a first-round pick, has already landed in the concerns category. He ran for just 47 yards on 17 carries in the loss to San Francisco.
With no direction or any semblance of a passing attack, the Rams are basically telling their opposition they can load the box to stop Gurley because there’s no threat of a passing game to keep them honest.
Gurley has to deal with the Seahawks on Sunday, and it won’t be easy. They held Dolphins RBs, specifically Arian Foster, to just 47 yards on 15 carries. Gurley could have some early-season growing pains to deal with, and it’s not getting any better this week.
Week 2 Projection: 19 carries, 76 rushing yards, 2 receptions, 10-15 receiving yards, 60 percent chance of TD
Avoid
Matt Jones, WAS (vs. DAL)
Much like Gurley’s issues in Los Angeles, Jones could be in long-term trouble unless the Redskins figure out what’s wrong with their offense, and do so in a hurry. Also, Jones won’t get many chances if the Redskins get blown out like they did in Week 1 against the Steelers.
Because Washington played from behind for most of its matchup with the Steelers, Jones played just 19 snaps to Chris Thompson’s 39. As the team’s hurry-up back, Thompson belonged out there, but you don’t want that to be the norm—and it will be until the Redskins get it together. Jones had just seven carries for 24 yards and a single reception for nine yards in the loss.
While I doubt the Cowboys match the offensive output of the Steelers, I’ll remain in wait-and-see mode with Jones.
Week 2 Projection: 13 carries, 57 yards, 1 reception, 9 receiving yards, 40 percent chance of TD
Sleepers
Shane Vereen, NYG (vs. NO)
As I mentioned earlier, the Giants figured out they don’t need a ridiculous four-man running back by committee and seem content in going forward with Rashad Jennings as their lead back and Vereen as a change-of-pace, passing-downs option. In last week’s win over the Cowboys, Vereen contributed 38 yards on six carries and three receptions for 23 yards on five targets, which was good for 9.1 fantasy points in PPR formats.
If Vereen can give you 10 fantasy points, he’s worth using as an RB3 or flex, and that could be the case this week against the Saints. New Orleans allowed Raiders RBs to rack up six receptions for 51 yards on seven targets in Week 1. If this is a similar high-scoring game, Vereen’s role could be even bigger.
Week 2 Projection: 5 carries, 26 rushing yards, 4 receptions, 30 receiving yards, 30 percent chance of TD
Week 2 PPR Running Back Rankings
| 1 | David Johnson (ARI) | vs. TB | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | C.J. Anderson (DEN) | vs. IND | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | DeAngelo Williams (PIT) | vs. CIN | 5 | +2 |
| 4 | Lamar Miller (HOU) | vs. KC | 3 | -1 |
| 5 | Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) | at WAS | 4 | -1 |
| 6 | Spencer Ware (KC) | at HOU | 8 | +2 |
| 7 | DeMarco Murray (TEN) | at DET | 13 | +6 |
| 8 | Danny Woodhead (SD) | vs. JAC | 14 | +6 |
| 9 | Doug Martin (TB) | at ARI | 18 | +9 |
| 10 | LeSean McCoy (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 12 | +2 |
| 11 | Matt Forte (NYJ) | at BUF | 10 | -1 |
| 12 | Rashad Jennings (NYG) | vs. NO | 19 | +7 |
| 13 | Mark Ingram (NO) | at NYG | 7 | -6 |
| 14 | Adrian Peterson (MIN) | vs. GB | 6 | -8 |
| 15 | Carlos Hyde (SF) | at CAR | 26 | +11 |
| 16 | Todd Gurley (LA) | vs. SEA | 9 | -7 |
| 17 | Eddie Lacy (GB) | at MIN | 16 | -1 |
| 18 | Ameer Abdullah (DET) | vs. TEN | 27 | +9 |
| 19 | Jeremy Hill (CIN) | at PIT | 31 | +12 |
| 20 | Theo Riddick (DET) | vs. TEN | 24 | +4 |
| 21 | Tevin Coleman (ATL) | at OAK | 32 | +11 |
| 22 | T.J. Yeldon (JAC) | at SD | 23 | +1 |
| 23 | Devonta Freeman (ATL) | at OAK | 17 | -6 |
| 24 | Frank Gore (IND) | at DEN | 40 | +16 |
| 25 | Arian Foster (MIA) | at NE | 22 | -3 |
| 26 | Jeremy Langford (CHI) | vs. PHI | 21 | -5 |
| 27 | Christine Michael (SEA) | at LA | 36 | +9 |
| 28 | Ryan Mathews (PHI) | at CHI | 15 | -13 |
| 29 | Thomas Rawls (SEA) | at LA | 35 | +6 |
| 30 | Justin Forsett (BAL) | at CLE | 41 | +11 |
| 31 | Shane Vereen (NYG) | vs. NO | 37 | +6 |
| 32 | Giovani Bernard (CIN) | at PIT | 28 | -4 |
| 33 | Darren Sproles (PHI) | at CHI | 33 | 0 |
| 34 | James White (NE) | vs. MIA | 30 | -4 |
| 35 | Latavius Murray (OAK) | vs. ATL | 11 | -24 |
| 36 | Jonathan Stewart (CAR) | vs. SF | 20 | -16 |
| 37 | Melvin Gordon (SD) | vs. JAC | 25 | -12 |
| 38 | Duke Johnson (CLE) | vs. BAL | 29 | -9 |
| 39 | LeGarrette Blount (NE) | vs. MIA | 34 | -5 |
| 40 | Matt Jones (WAS) | vs. DAL | 39 | -1 |
| 41 | Charles Sims (TB) | at ARI | 38 | -3 |
| 42 | Isaiah Crowell (CLE) | vs. BAL | 43 | +1 |
| 43 | Charcandrick West (KC) | at HOU | 48 | +5 |
| 44 | Bilal Powell (NYJ) | at BUF | 44 | 0 |
| 45 | Derrick Henry (TEN) | at DET | 46 | +1 |
| 46 | Chris Thompson (WAS) | vs. DAL | 42 | -4 |
| 47 | Terrance West (BAL) | at CLE | 45 | -2 |
| 48 | Shaun Draughn (SF) | at CAR | 49 | +1 |
| 49 | Andre Ellington (ARI) | vs. TB | 59 | +10 |
| 50 | DeAndre Washington (OAK) | vs. ATL | 50 | 0 |
| 51 | Alfred Morris (DAL) | at WAS | 62 | +11 |
| 52 | Travaris Cadet (NO) | at NYG | 53 | +1 |
| 53 | Jalen Richard (OAK) | vs. ATL | 54 | +1 |
| 54 | Josh Ferguson (IND) | at DEN | 63 | +9 |
| 55 | Benny Cunningham (LA) | vs. SEA | 61 | +6 |
| 56 | Jerick McKinnon (MIN) | vs. GB | 47 | -9 |
| 57 | Kenjon Barner (PHI) | at CHI | 68 | +11 |
| 58 | Chris Johnson (ARI) | vs. TB | 71 | +13 |
| 59 | Matt Asiata (MIN) | vs. GB | 72 | +13 |
| 60 | James Starks (GB) | at MIN | 51 | -9 |
| 61 | Tim Hightower (NO) | at NYG | 70 | +9 |
| 62 | Devontae Booker (DEN) | vs. IND | 52 | -10 |
| 63 | Mike Gillislee (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 77 | +14 |
| 64 | Dwayne Washington (DET) | vs. TEN | 79 | +15 |
| 65 | Chris Ivory (JAC) | at SD | 60 | -5 |
Wide Receivers: Do It Again
4 of 7
Better than Usual
Willie Snead, NO (at NYG)
Snead was lost in the Coby Fleener hype over the summer, but quickly reminded everyone what he’s capable of with a monster game in Week 1. While Snead dazzled with nine receptions for 172 yards and a TD on nine targets, Fleener caught just one of his four targets for six yards.
Drew Brees doesn’t have a problem spreading the wealth, but he also knows he can trust players like Snead and Brandin Cooks because they have a connection that goes back further than just this year. That played into Snead’s favor last week and should continue to do so in a nice matchup against the Giants on Sunday. This could turn into another fantasy bonanza with a lack of defense, so Snead is looking great.
Week 2 Projection: 7 receptions, 87 yards, 30 percent chance of TD
Concerns
T.Y. Hilton/Donte Moncrief, IND (at DEN)
The concern for Hilton and Moncrief is a tough matchup not only for them, but their QB, Andrew Luck. Luck was sacked only twice in last week’s loss to the Lions, but he’ll have bigger concerns in Denver on Sunday. The Broncos had their way with Cam Newton, registering three sacks and multiple big hits along with one interception of the reigning MVP. If the Colts offensive line, which is suspect, can’t find a way to slow down Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware and the rest of the Broncos pass rush, it could be a rough afternoon for Luck.
If Luck’s struggling to find time, Hilton and Moncrief may have to work shorter, quicker routes, especially if they want to beat cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Chris Harris. Unlike Kelvin Benjamin, who had a nice game against the Broncos in Week 1, neither Hilton nor Moncrief has the size to muscle through contested catches if Luck has to get rid of the ball quick and into traffic. This could be a struggle for Indy’s passing game.
Week 2 Projection: Hilton—6 receptions, 78 yards, 30 percent chance of TD
Moncrief—5 receptions, 55 yards, 40 percent chance of TD
Avoid
Sammy Watkins, BUF (vs. NYJ)
Foot issues remain a concern for Watkins, and playing on a short week doesn’t help at all. He already missed some practice time this week, but did dress for the team’s walkthrough on Tuesday, according to Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com. Still, he’s clearly at less than 100 percent and has had problems playing through injuries in the past.
Watkins was limited to just four receptions for 43 yards on six targets against the Ravens in Week 1. Matching up with the Jets on a short week seems like a recipe for disaster if Watkins is hurt. Stay away.
Week 2 Projection: 4 receptions, 45 yards, 40 percent chance of TD
Sleepers
Cole Beasley, DAL (at WAS)
While fantasy players with Dez Bryant probably aren’t feeling too good after he posted just one reception for eight yards on five targets in Week 1, it’s not like Dak Prescott has totally shut down the Cowboys passing attack. Beasley was busy working out of the slot, catching eight of 12 targets for 65 yards against the Giants.
Prescott favored both Beasley and Jason Witten (14 targets), and with such a disparity in targets between the two and the rest of the team (including Bryant), it looks like there’s a comfort factor for the rookie QB. Beasley didn’t have a reception go for more than 15 yards, so expect more of the same short and intermediate connections against the Redskins this week. Washington gave up the second-most fantasy points to WRs in Week 1.
Week 2 Projection: 6 receptions, 57 yards, 20 percent chance of TD
Week 2 PPR Wide Receiver Rankings
| 1 | Odell Beckham Jr. (NYG) | vs. NO | 2 | +1 |
| 2 | A.J. Green (CIN) | at PIT | 4 | +2 |
| 3 | Julio Jones (ATL) | at OAK | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Antonio Brown (PIT) | vs. CIN | 1 | -3 |
| 5 | Brandin Cooks (NO) | at NYG | 8 | +3 |
| 6 | DeAndre Hopkins (HOU) | vs. KC | 5 | -1 |
| 7 | Mike Evans (TB) | at ARI | 11 | +4 |
| 8 | Amari Cooper (OAK) | vs. ATL | 9 | +1 |
| 9 | Allen Robinson (JAC) | at SD | 7 | -2 |
| 10 | Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) | vs. TB | 14 | +4 |
| 11 | Kelvin Benjamin (CAR) | vs. SF | 16 | +5 |
| 12 | Willie Snead (NO) | at NYG | 29 | +17 |
| 13 | Dez Bryant (DAL) | at WAS | 13 | 0 |
| 14 | Jordy Nelson (GB) | at MIN | 12 | -2 |
| 15 | Brandon Marshall (NYJ) | at BUF | 10 | -5 |
| 16 | Alshon Jeffery (CHI) | vs. PHI | 6 | -10 |
| 17 | Julian Edelman (NE) | vs. MIA | 22 | +5 |
| 18 | Randall Cobb (GB) | at MIN | 19 | +1 |
| 19 | Tajae Sharpe (TEN) | at DET | 36 | +17 |
| 20 | Jeremy Maclin (KC) | at HOU | 24 | +4 |
| 21 | T.Y. Hilton (IND) | at DEN | 27 | +6 |
| 22 | Golden Tate (DET) | vs. TEN | 20 | -2 |
| 23 | Marvin Jones (DET) | vs. TEN | 25 | +2 |
| 24 | Jordan Matthews (PHI) | at CHI | 18 | -6 |
| 25 | Michael Crabtree (OAK) | vs. ATL | 30 | +5 |
| 26 | Travis Benjamin (SD) | vs. JAC | 37 | +11 |
| 27 | Demaryius Thomas (DEN) | vs. IND | 17 | -10 |
| 28 | Mike Wallace (BAL) | at CLE | 42 | +14 |
| 29 | Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) | vs. IND | 33 | +4 |
| 30 | Jarvis Landry (MIA) | at NE | 21 | -9 |
| 31 | Stefon Diggs (MIN) | vs. GB | 35 | +4 |
| 32 | Michael Floyd (ARI) | vs. TB | 28 | -4 |
| 33 | Allen Hurns (JAC) | at SD | 38 | +5 |
| 34 | Mohamed Sanu (ATL) | at OAK | 41 | +7 |
| 35 | Doug Baldwin (SEA) | at LA | 15 | -20 |
| 36 | Rishard Matthews (TEN) | at DET | 54 | +18 |
| 37 | Will Fuller (HOU) | vs. KC | 39 | +2 |
| 38 | Eric Decker (NYJ) | at BUF | 23 | -15 |
| 39 | Donte Moncrief (IND) | at DEN | 32 | -7 |
| 40 | Cole Beasley (DAL) | at WAS | 65 | +25 |
| 41 | DeSean Jackson (WAS) | vs. DAL | 26 | -15 |
| 42 | Sterling Shepard (NYG) | vs. NO | 34 | -8 |
| 43 | Brandon LaFell (CIN) | at PIT | 60 | +17 |
| 44 | John Brown (ARI) | vs. TB | 40 | -4 |
| 45 | Tyler Lockett (SEA) | at LA | 44 | -1 |
| 46 | Eli Rogers (PIT) | vs. CIN | 49 | +3 |
| 47 | Tavon Austin (LA) | vs. SEA | 47 | 0 |
| 48 | Eddie Royal (CHI) | vs. PHI | 61 | +13 |
| 49 | Jeremy Kerley (SF) | at CAR | 67 | +18 |
| 50 | Sammy Watkins (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 31 | -19 |
| 51 | Vincent Jackson (TB) | at ARI | 48 | -3 |
| 52 | Pierre Garcon (WAS) | vs. DAL | 55 | +3 |
| 53 | Victor Cruz (NYG) | vs. NO | 57 | +4 |
| 54 | Terrelle Pryor (CLE) | vs. BAL | 59 | +5 |
| 55 | Nelson Agholor (PHI) | at CHI | 64 | +9 |
| 56 | Corey Coleman (CLE) | vs. BAL | 43 | -13 |
| 57 | Kevin White (CHI) | vs. PHI | 53 | -4 |
| 58 | Robert Woods (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 79 | +21 |
| 59 | Chris Hogan (NE) | vs. MIA | 45 | -14 |
| 60 | Anquan Boldin (DET) | vs. TEN | 62 | +2 |
| 61 | Breshad Perriman (BAL) | at CLE | 74 | +13 |
| 62 | Steve Smith (BAL) | at CLE | 50 | -12 |
| 63 | Kamar Aiken (BAL) | at CLE | 51 | -12 |
| 64 | Phillip Dorsett (IND) | at DEN | 52 | -12 |
| 65 | Michael Thomas (NO) | at NYG | 46 | -19 |
| 66 | Tyrell Williams (SD) | vs. JAC | 56 | -10 |
| 67 | Quincy Enunwa (NYJ) | at BUF | 76 | +9 |
| 68 | Kenny Britt (LA) | vs. SEA | 84 | +16 |
| 69 | Tyler Boyd (CIN) | at PIT | 71 | +2 |
| 70 | Davante Adams (GB) | at MIN | 81 | +11 |
| 71 | Chris Conley (KC) | at HOU | 78 | +7 |
| 72 | Josh Doctson (WAS) | vs. DAL | 95 | +23 |
| 73 | Quinton Patton (SF) | at CAR | 75 | +2 |
| 74 | Ted Ginn (CAR) | vs. SF | 72 | -2 |
| 75 | Devin Funchess (CAR) | vs. SF | 70 | -5 |
| 76 | Kenny Stills (MIA) | at NE | 66 | -10 |
| 77 | Terrance Williams (DAL) | at WAS | 83 | +6 |
| 78 | Dorial Green-Beckham (PHI) | at CHI | 73 | -5 |
| 79 | Torrey Smith (SF) | at CAR | 58 | -21 |
| 80 | Jermaine Kearse (SEA) | at LA | 63 | -17 |
| 81 | Danny Amendola (NE) | vs. MIA | 85 | +4 |
| 82 | Charles Johnson (MIN) | vs. GB | 89 | +7 |
| 83 | Sammie Coates (PIT) | vs. CIN | 68 | -15 |
| 84 | Seth Roberts (OAK) | vs. ATL | 88 | +4 |
Tight Ends: Know What Works
5 of 7
Better than Usual
Jason Witten, DAL (at WAS)
Witten hasn’t been a consistent fantasy option in years, but he finds himself in a unique situation. With rookie Dak Prescott taking over for the injured Tony Romo, Witten, along with Cole Beasley, has quickly become a favorite target of the young QB. In Week 1, Witten had nine receptions for 66 yards on 14 targets.
To show you how rare that is at this point in his career, Witten hasn’t had at least nine receptions or double-digit targets since Week 17 of the 2013 season. He’s become fantasy-relevant out of necessity and should keep it up against the Redskins on Sunday. They allowed Steelers TE Jesse James to haul in five receptions for 31 yards on seven targets. Witten should beat those numbers.
Week 2 Projection: 6 receptions, 55 yards, 20 percent chance of TD
Concerns
Rob Gronkowski, NE (vs. MIA)
Obviously, Gronkowski’s hamstring problem is one of the biggest concerns in all of fantasy football. Missing last week’s opener against the Cardinals was somewhat of a surprise, but because we get little information from the Patriots, you may not get an update on his status until later this week.
If Gronk is good to go, he’s a lock to be in your lineup, even if he’s at less than 100 percent. Keep a close eye on this situation all week.
Week 2 Projection (if active): 6 receptions, 75 yards, 50 percent chance of TD
Avoid
None of note.
Sleepers
Virgil Green, DEN (vs. IND)
Green’s Week 1 numbers don’t tell the whole story. He managed just four receptions for 28 yards on five targets, which doesn’t seem like anything significant and more of a fantasy disappointment. However, he could have easily scored a touchdown, but QB Trevor Siemian never saw him wide-open in the end zone.
When you’re relying on a second-year QB in his first start to get your fantasy players the ball, bad things will happen. I remain encouraged by Green’s role and Siemian’s reliance on him as a security blanket. Green could be worth another look this week against the Colts. They gave up five receptions for 46 yards and a TD to Eric Ebron in Week 1.
Week 2 Projection: 5 receptions, 40 yards, 40 percent chance of TD
Week 2 PPR Tight End Rankings
| 1 | Jordan Reed (WAS) | vs. DAL | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Rob Gronkowski (NE) | vs. MIA | 5 | +3 |
| 3 | Greg Olsen (CAR) | vs. SF | 2 | -1 |
| 4 | Travis Kelce (KC) | at HOU | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Eric Ebron (DET) | vs. TEN | 10 | +5 |
| 6 | Delanie Walker (TEN) | at DET | 3 | -3 |
| 7 | Julius Thomas (JAC) | at SD | 6 | -1 |
| 8 | Jason Witten (DAL) | at WAS | 9 | +1 |
| 9 | Antonio Gates (SD) | vs. JAC | 7 | -2 |
| 10 | Coby Fleener (NO) | at NYG | 12 | +2 |
| 11 | Gary Barnidge (CLE) | vs. BAL | 8 | -3 |
| 12 | Dwayne Allen (IND) | at DEN | 11 | -1 |
| 13 | Virgil Green (DEN) | vs. IND | 15 | +2 |
| 14 | Clive Walford (OAK) | vs. ATL | 19 | +5 |
| 15 | Brent Celek (PHI) | at CHI | 26 | +11 |
| 16 | Jacob Tamme (ATL) | at OAK | 24 | +8 |
| 17 | Kyle Rudolph (MIN) | vs. GB | 17 | 0 |
| 18 | Jesse James (PIT) | vs. CIN | 14 | -4 |
| 19 | Jared Cook (GB) | at MIN | 21 | +2 |
| 20 | Vance McDonald (SF) | at CAR | 16 | -4 |
| 21 | Dennis Pitta (BAL) | at CLE | 22 | +1 |
| 22 | Jermaine Gresham (ARI) | vs. TB | 40 | +18 |
| 23 | Martellus Bennett (NE) | vs. MIA | 13 | -10 |
| 24 | Charles Clay (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 20 | -4 |
| 25 | Zach Miller (CHI) | vs. PHI | 18 | -7 |
| 26 | Jack Doyle (IND) | at DEN | 28 | +2 |
| 27 | Jordan Cameron (MIA) | at NE | 30 | +3 |
| 28 | Larry Donnell (NYG) | vs. NO | 33 | +5 |
| 29 | Tyler Kroft (CIN) | at PIT | 44 | +15 |
| 30 | Jimmy Graham (SEA) | at LA | 23 | -7 |
| 31 | Hunter Henry (SD) | vs. JAC | 38 | +7 |
| 32 | Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TB) | at ARI | 25 | -7 |
| 33 | Luke Willson (SEA) | at LA | 35 | +2 |
Defenses: Money in the Matchup
6 of 7
Best Options Based on Matchups
Seattle Seahawks (at LA)
While Seattle’s offense may be slow out of the gate, it is still way ahead of whatever the Rams tried to pass off for an offense in their Monday Night Football loss to the 49ers. Case Keenum threw a pair of interceptions and was sacked twice in the shutout. Seattle’s only concern is Todd Gurley, but the 49ers held him to just 47 yards on 17 carries.
Week 2 Projection: 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 10-13 points allowed
Philadelphia Eagles (at CHI)
The Eagles started off great last weekend, in part due to a favorable matchup with Robert Griffin III and the Browns. Philadelphia wound up with three sacks, one interception and a safety en route to allowing just 10 points.
On Monday night the Eagles visit the Bears, who are fresh off an uninspiring loss to the Texans in Week 1. Jay Cutler was sacked five times and picked off once while putting just 14 points on the board. While it won't be as easy as facing the Browns, the Bears are still a favorable matchup for the Eagles defense.
Week 2 Projection: 4 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 17-20 points allowed
Baltimore Ravens (at CLE)
Admittedly, this matchup against the Browns looked better for the Ravens when Robert Griffin III was still the starting quarterback, but thanks to his shoulder injury, Cleveland will turn back to Josh McCown to start in Week 2.
In last week’s win over the Bills, Baltimore had two sacks and gave up just seven points. McCown does a good job protecting the ball (four interceptions in 2015), but he did take 23 sacks in eight starts last year, and Cleveland’s offensive line is still a big concern. Fire up the Ravens defense with confidence in Week 2.
Week 2 Projection: 4 sacks, 1 interception, 17-20 points allowed
Week 2 Defense Rankings
| 1 | Seattle Seahawks (SEA) | at LA | 2 | +1 |
| 2 | Carolina Panthers (CAR) | vs. SF | 1 | -1 |
| 3 | Denver Broncos (DEN) | vs. IND | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | New England Patriots (NE) | vs. MIA | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Philadelphia Eagles (PHI) | at CHI | 11 | +6 |
| 6 | Baltimore Ravens (BAL) | at CLE | 6 | 0 |
| 7 | Arizona Cardinals (ARI) | vs. TB | 5 | -2 |
| 8 | Green Bay Packers (GB) | at MIN | 7 | -1 |
| 9 | New York Jets (NYJ) | at BUF | 8 | -1 |
| 10 | Houston Texans (HOU) | vs. KC | 9 | -1 |
| 11 | Buffalo Bills (BUF) | vs. NYJ | 16 | +5 |
| 12 | Kansas City Chiefs (KC) | at HOU | 10 | -2 |
| 13 | Jacksonville Jaguars (JAC) | at SD | 18 | +5 |
| 14 | Los Angeles Rams (LA) | vs. SEA | 12 | -2 |
| 15 | Minnesota Vikings (MIN) | vs. GB | 15 | 0 |
| 16 | Pittsburgh Steelers (PIT) | vs. CIN | 13 | -3 |
| 17 | Cincinnati Bengals (CIN) | at PIT | 17 | 0 |
| 18 | Miami Dolphins (MIA) | at NE | 20 | +2 |
| 19 | Detroit Lions (DET) | vs. TEN | 19 | 0 |
| 20 | Oakland Raiders (OAK) | vs. ATL | 14 | -6 |
Kickers: Line Up the Matchup
7 of 7
Best Options Widely Available on the Waiver Wire
Wil Lutz, NO (at NYG)
Lutz signed with the Saints less than a week before the start of the regular season. While he missed two of his four field-goal attempts in the opener against the Raiders, he did hit all four of his extra-point attempts. Look for Lutz to get more opportunities in another potential shootout between the Saints and Giants.
Week 2 Kicker Rankings
| 1 | Stephen Gostkowski (NE) | vs. MIA | 1 | 0 |
| 2 | Justin Tucker (BAL) | at CLE | 2 | 0 |
| 3 | Chandler Catanzaro (ARI) | vs. TB | 3 | 0 |
| 4 | Graham Gano (CAR) | vs. SF | 4 | 0 |
| 5 | Dan Bailey (DAL) | at WAS | 5 | 0 |
| 6 | Will Lutz (NO) | at NYG | 19 | +13 |
| 7 | Mason Crosby (GB) | at MIN | 6 | -1 |
| 8 | Steven Hauschka (SEA) | at LA | 7 | -1 |
| 9 | Brandon McManus (DEN) | vs. IND | 8 | -1 |
| 10 | Sebastian Janikowski (OAK) | vs. ATL | 14 | +4 |
| 11 | Matt Prater (DET) | vs. TEN | 11 | 0 |
| 12 | Adam Vinatieri (IND) | at DEN | 10 | -2 |
| 13 | Josh Brown (NYG) | vs. NO | 12 | -1 |
| 14 | Chris Boswell (PIT) | vs. CIN | 9 | -5 |
| 15 | Josh Lambo (SD) | vs. JAC | 21 | +6 |
| 16 | Blair Walsh (MIN) | vs. GB | 15 | -1 |
| 17 | Jason Myers (JAC) | at SD | 20 | +3 |
| 18 | Matt Bryant (ATL) | at OAK | 16 | -2 |
| 19 | Cairo Santos (KC) | at HOU | 13 | -6 |
| 20 | Nick Novak (HOU) | vs. KC | 17 | -3 |
Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com and are current heading into Wednesday, Sept. 14. Snaps provided by Pro Football Focus.
Do you have a fantasy football question? Follow @TheMattCamp
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