Fantasy Football Long-Term Forecast: Matt Camp's Week 2 Futures Report
If you believe NFL stands for Not For Long, then you know coaches don’t have the luxury to wait on their young players.
Well, unless you’re Jeff Fisher.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles sped up the timeline on Carson Wentz’s career and made him the Week 1 starter with great results. Barring injury, Wentz will be under center for the Eagles for the rest of the year, and hopefully many years to come.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles, Fisher turned the No. 1 overall pick into a spectator for the season opener. That’s right, Jared Goff was subjected to watching the same terrible game as the rest of us, although he got paid quite nicely to do so.
This Futures Report provides a Week 1 update on the young fantasy prospects from around the league. Those range from starting-lineup candidates like Will Fuller in Houston to totally off-the-radar players like Pharoh Cooper in Los Angeles.
AFC East: Open Door
1 of 8
Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo, NE
Team Depth Chart: Starter (temporary)
Garoppolo’s first NFL start was a memorable one and, more importantly, a victory. Not only did Garoppolo come out victorious, but he also performed well in tough conditions. Considering expectations were low, he overachieved with 264 yards and a touchdown on 24-of-33 passing and 12 yards on four carries. Other than a lost fumble, it was a clean night for the second-year QB, and it felt like the Patriots stole one.
Garoppolo’s next three games are all at home starting with the Dolphins visiting in Week 2. They limited Russell Wilson to just 258 yards with a touchdown and an interception in a close opening-week loss at Seattle. Garoppolo is a deep reach as a streamer this week, but could be in more starting lineups come Week 4 when the Patriots host the mess known as the Buffalo Bills.
Running Backs
Jonathan Williams, BUF
Team Depth Chart: Fourth
Williams has been inactive for the team’s first two games with both Mike Gillislee and Reggie Bush working in front of him as backups to LeSean McCoy. Gillislee looks like the clear No. 2 RB behind McCoy, but with no touches in Week 2, Bush’s roster spot may not be safe. It may only be a matter of time before Williams jumps Bush on the depth chart.
Jay Ajayi/Kenyan Drake, MIA
Team Depth Chart: Second/Fourth
Team depth charts don’t always carry a lot of weight, and the Dolphins are a perfect example of that. Ajayi didn’t even make the trip to Seattle for the team’s opener, which was a coach’s decision, as head coach Adam Gase explained to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Gase did say that they’ve “cleaned that up” and “moved past that” when asked about Ajayi’s notable absence in Week 1.
Ajayi’s standing on the team’s official depth chart doesn’t mean anything if you ask offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen, who made it clear the No. 2 spot behind Arian Foster is an open competition, according to Jackson. That keeps Ajayi, Isaiah Pead, Damien Williams and Drake all in the mix.
Wide Receivers
DeVante Parker, MIA
Team Depth Chart: Starter
A hamstring injury kept Parker out of the opener in Seattle, but he’s been back at practice on a limited basis ahead of Week 2 and was seen running routes on Thursday, according to Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald.
With Parker out in Week 1, the Dolphins completed passes to just three WRs, including Jarvis Landry, Leonte Carroo and Kenny Stills. Stills had a terrible drop on what should have been an 80-yard TD, so it’s not like Parker lost any ground to the other Dolphins WRs. Parker still has a lot to prove, but he won’t be able to assuage any concerns until he’s active on game day.
Tight Ends
None of note.
AFC West: Who's Next?
2 of 8
Quarterbacks
Paxton Lynch, DEN
Team Depth Chart: Second
In the opener, Trevor Siemian did enough to keep the Broncos in the game, but he made a couple of bad errors that led to two interceptions, although they still held off the Panthers for the win. So far, he’s not in any danger of losing the starting job to Lynch. In fact, this week’s matchup against the hapless and banged-up Colts defense sets up quite well for Siemian. If he struggles at home in a winnable game, Lynch’s support would grow.
Running Backs
Devontae Booker, DEN
Team Depth Chart: Second
In Week 1, Booker had three carries for eight yards, but he lost a fumble on his first carry. According to Pro Football Focus, Booker played just six snaps, which was more than Kapri Bibbs’ two offensive snaps (he played 15 on special teams).
The Broncos turned to Bibbs over Booker at the end of the Week 1 victory and he came through with a six-yard reception and a blitz pickup in pass protection. According to Mike Klis of 9News, head coach Gary Kubiak said he was “really proud” of Bibbs after deciding to go with him over Booker. The rookie’s value as a handcuff is up in the air, and it could now be a battle between him and Bibbs.
DeAndre Washington/Jalen Richard, OAK
Team Depth Chart: Third/Fourth
Does Latavius Murray have a clear handcuff? After Week 1, that answer seems like a no, although the updated depth chart doesn’t give any hints. It still has Taiwan Jones ahead of Washington and Richard. The touches and snaps from Week 1 tell a different story.
Richard led the backup group with 10 snaps and contributed two receptions for 11 yards on two targets as well as three carries for 84 yards, including a 75-yard TD run. Washington played eight snaps and wound up with five carries for 14 yards and a catch that went nowhere on his only target. Jones was on the field for five snaps with one carry for negative-eight yards and two receptions for 17 yards on his only two targets.
While it’s easy to overreact to a big play, Richard playing more than Washington is the bigger story. If you picked up Washington as the man to eventually supplant Murray in the starting lineup, understand that Richard is clearly in the mix and may not be going away anytime soon.
Wide Receivers
Chris Conley, KC
Team Depth Chart: Starter
Conley started the opener in a three-WR set along with Jeremy Maclin and Albert Wilson. He was second to Maclin in WR snaps (65-61) and was clearly ahead of Wilson’s 49 snaps. Conley secured four of his seven targets for 43 yards in the win over the Chargers. That’s a solid performance, but not enough reason to snag Conley off the waiver wire.
Tyrell Williams, SD
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Williams turned heads in the preseason and actually earned some playing time with the first-team offense. It’s a good thing he did, because he’ll likely be with the first team a lot more after the Chargers lost Keenan Allen for the year thanks to a torn ACL he suffered in the opener.
In that opener, Williams led the team with 71 yards on two receptions (five targets) while playing 44 snaps, which was behind Travis Benjamin (55 snaps) and Dontrelle Inman (58 snaps). Williams might be looking up at Inman on the team’s depth chart, but it looks like he could be in line for a big role.
When asked about Williams, QB Philip Rivers told Michael Gehlken of San Diego Union-Tribune, “We need him to catch a bunch of balls this year—a bunch of balls and have some huge days and big gains.” The second-year WR may have to develop quickly with those expectations. He has immediate fantasy value, although you may want to wait a week before throwing him right into your lineup.
Tight Ends
Clive Walford, OAK
Team Depth Chart: Starter
Take a look at the numbers from Week 1, and you’d think Walford was useless. For fantasy, he was, as he caught just three of five targets for 25 yards, including one red-zone target.
Walford gets another crack at being fantasy-relevant this weekend when the Raiders host the Falcons. Last week, the Falcons allowed five receptions for 64 yards and a pair of touchdowns to the Buccaneers TEs. This has a chance to be another high-scoring affair for the Raiders, so if you’re reaching deep, trying rolling the dice on Walford.
Hunter Henry, SD
Team Depth Chart: Third
Even though he’s listed as third on the Chargers’ depth chart behind Antonio Gates and Sean McGrath, Henry out-snapped McGrath 30-16 and caught one of his two targets (the other came in the red zone) for 20 yards. That matched Gates’ 20 yards, which came on three receptions.
With the loss of Keenan Allen to a torn ACL, Henry could see his role increase. The Chargers don’t have a deep receiving corps and may need to run more two-TE sets, which would put Henry on the field more and possibly into a bigger role as a receiver. We’ll need to see more of his development and usage before considering him in redraft leagues, but considering Gates isn’t exactly the model of health, Henry wouldn’t be that far away from fantasy relevance.
AFC North: Steeling Points
3 of 8
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
Kenneth Dixon, BAL
Team Depth Chart: Fourth
Dixon was inactive for the opener and continues to sit out of practice as he recovers from a torn MCL suffered at the end of August. The Ravens made Buck Allen a healthy scratch in Week 1, which was surprising considering Dixon was out. That meant a two-man backfield of Justin Forsett and Terrance West took on the Bills.
Forsett led the way with 10 carries for 41 yards and two receptions for 15 yards on 35 snaps. West played 29 snaps with 32 yards on 12 carries and two receptions for six yards on two targets. With no real separation from the other based on their stats, this remains an ugly committee, which is good news for Dixon’s long-term value, as he should have a chance to break out once he’s healthy.
Wide Receivers
Breshad Perriman, BAL
Team Depth Chart: Fourth
After missing his entire rookie season, Perriman made his NFL debut in Week 1 with a 35-yard reception on one of his two targets. It wasn’t a surprise to see Perriman (21 of 68 snaps) behind Steve Smith (45 snaps), Mike Wallace (44 snaps) and Kamar Aiken (36 snaps) in playing time, although he ended up with more yards than Smith (5 receptions, 19 yards) and Aiken (2 receptions, 14 yards).
Unfortunately, Perriman missed Wednesday’s practice ahead of Week 2, but was able to return to full practice on Thursday. According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Perriman said he "feels good" and “expects to play and have [a] role on Sunday.” Staying healthy remains the top priority for Perriman. Once he does that, he can focus on a consistent role and moving up the depth chart.
Tyler Boyd, CIN
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
The Bengals didn’t need much from Boyd in Week 1. With A.J. Green posting 12 receptions for 180 yards and a TD at the top of the depth chart and Brandon LaFell hauling in all four of his targets for 91 yards, Boyd ended up with just two receptions for 24 yards on three targets. Boyd trailed LaFell in snaps, too, playing just 44 to LaFell’s 55.
Boyd may eventually overtake LaFell on the depth chart, but there’s no rush for that to happen. He’s likely stashed away as the last man on fantasy rosters, which means he should be the first to go if you need to fill that spot with someone more important. It may take some time for Boyd to break through to fantasy relevance.
Corey Coleman, CLE
Team Depth Chart: Starter
Coleman’s NFL debut saw him lead the Browns with 69 yards on just two receptions (five targets). The rookie didn’t have much time to get comfortable with QB Robert Griffin III before a shoulder injury took him out indefinitely. That means the Browns will turn back to veteran Josh McCown, which is likely good news for all fantasy-relevant players on their roster.
Griffin was an obvious and ugly work in progress, whereas McCown has had success with multiple teams and was actually a good fantasy QB for a stretch in 2015. You shouldn’t be running to get Coleman in your lineups just yet, but his stock did get a slight bump with the necessary change at QB.
Eli Rogers/Sammie Coates, PIT
Team Depth Chart: Third-string/Second-string
A shoulder injury forced Markus Wheaton to sit out the Steelers’ opener against the Redskins. That left the door open for either Rogers or Coates to earn more opportunities. Rogers answered the bell with six receptions for 59 yards on seven targets, including a three-yard touchdown that bounced off Coates. Coates had just two receptions for 56 yards on three targets and a bad drop.
Not only did Rogers outperform Coates, he out-snapped him, too. Rogers played 47 of the 68 snaps compared to 44 for Coates. With Wheaton back to full practice this week, he should return to his role as a starter along with Antonio Brown. However, Rogers clearly had the attention of QB Ben Roethlisberger in the first game and may have earned a bigger, regular role going forward.
Tight Ends
Jesse James, PIT
Team Depth Chart: Starter
Those who took a shot on James in Week 1 got 8.1 fantasy points in points-per-reception formats, which was likely more than expected. He caught five of his seven targets for 31 yards, including two targets inside the 10-yard line. That should be considered a solid outing for James and something to build on with the hope that he becomes more reliable for fantasy.
AFC South: Full Attention
4 of 8
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
Tyler Ervin, HOU
Team Depth Chart: Fourth
Lamar Miller came to Houston pegged for a huge role, and he got just that in Week 1. He carried the ball 28 times for 106 yards and added four receptions for 11 yards on four targets while playing 60 of 75 snaps in the win over the Bears.
Where did that leave the rest of the Texans backfield? Ervin wound up out-snapping Alfred Blue 11-3. Ervin carried once for three yards and had a single reception for five yards on two targets. Blue’s only touch was a four-yard run. Miller’s workload will always be big, but keep an eye on Ervin’s role compared to Blue’s since he could pull ahead and stay ahead in the handcuff battle.
Wide Receivers
Will Fuller/Braxton Miller, HOU
Team Depth Chart: Starter/Second-string
Because Fuller earned a starting job coming out of the preseason, many snatched him up as a late-round, lottery ticket in drafts or off the waiver wire ahead of Week 1. Those who took the risk of playing Fuller in the opener were rewarded handsomely.
Even though he played just two more snaps than Miller (54-52) and was way behind DeAndre Hopkins’ 73 snaps, Fuller ended up leading the team in targets (11) and yards (105) and was tied with Hopkins in red-zone targets (5) and touchdowns (1). Known as a big-play threat, Fuller scored his 18-yard TD on a well-executed screen right at the line of scrimmage. Miller had just one reception for six yards on three targets.
Fuller’s fantasy value shot up quickly and he's already in the mix for starting lineups. While it could be a tougher matchup against the Chiefs in Week 2, all the excitement for Fuller is warranted.
Tajae Sharpe, TEN
Much like Fuller, Sharpe earned a starting role in the preseason and became a popular late-round pick in drafts. If he was still on waiver wires heading into Week 1, he was one of the top priorities to grab. And if you played him against the Vikings, you were happy with the results.
As the team’s top WR, Sharpe played 64 of 67 snaps and led the team’s WRs in every receiving category with seven receptions for 76 yards on 11 targets. No other Titans WR played more than 35 snaps or had more than three receptions.
Unlike Fuller, Sharpe isn’t battling a top talent like DeAndre Hopkins for targets. Sharpe is the top talent for the Titans at WR and should be peppered with targets each week, including this week’s favorable matchup with the Lions.
Tight Ends
None of note.
NFC East: Ring the Bell
5 of 8
Quarterbacks
Dak Prescott, DAL
Team Depth Chart: Starter
The magic of the preseason didn’t carry over to the regular season for Prescott in his NFL debut. In the loss to the visiting Giants, Prescott threw 45 passes with only 25 completions for 227 yards. He added just 12 yards on two carries, so the bonus of his legs wasn’t there for those who used him as a streamer in Week 1. Prescott’s longest completion was 21 yards to tight end Geoff Swaim.
Prescott’s top targets were TE Jason Witten (9 receptions, 66 yards, 14 targets) and slot WR Cole Beasley (8 receptions, 65 yards, 12 targets). But what about Dez? Bryant saw five targets, yet managed to bring just one in for eight yards. The Bryant panic has already set in for those who think they’re stuck with him.
Luckily, Prescott and the Cowboys face the Redskins in Week 2. They got torched by Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers passing game for 300 yards and three touchdowns on Monday Night Football. It’s a good chance for Prescott to get back on track and build some confidence.
However, it doesn’t mean Bryant’s numbers will definitely jump. According to Drew Davidson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Prescott said, “I’m going to continue to run our offense. If Dez is the read, Dez is the read.”
Carson Wentz, PHI
Team Depth Chart: Starter
The Eagles were criticized for altering their plan to start Wentz instead of sitting him behind Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel. With Bradford shipped to Minnesota and Wentz fully healed from his rib injury, they tabbed him to start Week 1 against the Browns and it worked out even better than expected.
The Eagles controlled the entire game and Wentz had more positives than negatives at the end of the day. He threw for 278 yards on 22-of-37 passing and didn’t commit a turnover. Philadelphia never trailed, which probably kept Wentz in a much-needed comfort zone.
Even though he needs to improve his accuracy and decision-making, Wentz made some great throws and looks fearless in the pocket. He’s willing to stare down a pass rush to find an open receiver, and that’s not a trait you see often in a young QB’s career.
With the Browns, Bears and Steelers on the schedule to start the season before the bye, Wentz doesn’t face any tough defenses in his first three games, which could be a big reason the Eagles were comfortable going to him to open the season. If you’re reaching deep, he’s in the streaming conversation against the Bears on Monday Night Football.
Running Backs
Rob Kelley, WAS
Team Depth Chart: Third
Even though Kelley impressed in the preseason, starting RB Matt Jones was healthy enough to play without any known limitations in the opener against the Steelers. That left Kelley relegated to no carries, targets or snaps in the opener. He’s likely the handcuff to Jones, but that’s not worth a roster spot for fantasy.
Wide Receivers
Nelson Agholor, PHI
Team Depth Chart: Starter
As a first-round pick in 2015, expectations were high for Agholor’s rookie season, but he failed to live up to the lofty goals. As a result, Agholor was far off the fantasy radar coming into 2016. That lasted one game.
In Philadelphia’s Week 1 victory over the Browns, Agholor caught four of his five targets for 57 yards, including a 35-yard TD from Wentz. He played 67 of 77 snaps in a starting role along with Jordan Matthews (71 snaps).
A strong performance combined with the uncertain nature of TE Zach Ertz’s rib injury has lifted Agholor’s fantasy profile in a hurry. He’s worth snatching off the waiver wire and could be a deep reach against the Bears in Week 2 if Ertz can’t play.
Josh Doctson, WAS
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Doctson was healthy enough to play in the opener after an Achilles injury hampered him for months. Because of his lengthy absence, the Redskins limited Doctson to just 12 of 58 snaps, and he had one reception for nine yards on his only target.
The No. 22 overall pick in this year’s draft is an important piece of the present and future of the Redskins offense, so it makes sense to work him back slowly. He’s more of a long-term prospect than someone who will be a legit fantasy contributor in 2016.
Tight Ends
None of note.
NFC West: Not Ready?
6 of 8
Quarterbacks
Jared Goff, LA
Team Depth Chart: Third
Because Goff entered the season third on the depth chart, he was a healthy scratch for the opener in San Francisco. Goff was out of uniform on the sidelines and could do nothing but watch as starter Case Keenum led an anemic offensive performance that yielded zero points.
Keenum completed just 17 of his 35 attempts with two interceptions and no touchdowns. Without any semblance of a passing game to worry about, the 49ers geared up to stop running back Todd Gurley, which is exactly what they did, limiting him to 47 yards on 17 carries.
So can it be any worse with Goff? Well, head coach Jeff Fisher doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to find out. Fisher told ESPNLA 710AM (via ESPN.com's Alden Gonzalez) that Goff is “pushing along" and that the team would “decide later in the week” about moving Goff to No. 2 on the depth chart.
Running Backs
C.J. Prosise, SEA
Team Depth Chart: Third
Hamstring and hip injuries kept Prosise off the field for much of the offseason team activities and preseason, but he recovered in time to make his NFL debut in Week 1. That lasted nine snaps before Prosise broke a bone in his hand. He had one carry for negative-two yards and caught his only target for 13 yards.
According to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times, head coach Pete Carroll said Prosise will play through the injury, and he’s been practicing in full heading into Week 2. With Thomas Rawls and Christine Michael firmly in front of Prosise on the depth chart, he’s a long-term fantasy prospect.
Wide Receivers
Pharoh Cooper, LA
Team Depth Chart: Third-string
Cooper was held out of the season opener with a shoulder injury and remains out of practice. The Rams aren’t in a rush to get their rookies on the field if they aren’t ready. They have a legit excuse to keep Cooper on the sidelines, at least until he’s healthy.
Tight Ends
Tyler Higbee, LA
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Higbee clearly played behind Lance Kendricks in the season opener. Kendricks played 58 of the 61 snaps while Higbee was on the field for just 21 snaps. The rookie TE caught one of four targets for four yards. He remains a long-term prospect, and much like any Ram not named Todd Gurley, he has no fantasy value right now.
NFC North: Slow Start
7 of 8
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
Jordan Howard, CHI
Team Depth Chart: Third
Howard was active for the opener against the Bears, but didn’t take the field behind Jeremy Langford and Ka’Deem Carey on the depth chart. Langford took all but one of the touches in the backfield, as it’s clear he’s the lead back in Chicago. Howard won’t have any value unless he works his way into the mix.
Wide Receivers
Kevin White, CHI
Team Depth Chart: Starter
Because White missed his entire rookie season, expectations should be tempered for the early parts of 2016. He started the opener against the Texans and led all Bears receivers with 56 of 57 snaps. Unfortunately, that translated to just three receptions for 34 yards on seven targets.
If you’re looking for a positive in what was otherwise an ugly game for White and the Bears, the snap count is a good start, as he was second in targets behind Alshon Jeffery. Of course, it was veteran Eddie Royal, not White, who scored the team’s only TD through the air.
The upside for White is definitely there, but he’ll need to prove himself quickly to fantasy owners, who are already itching to replace him on their rosters.
Laquon Treadwell, MIN
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Treadwell was active for his first NFL game, but didn’t take any snaps. According to Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, head coach Mike Zimmer told Treadwell he wouldn’t have a role on offense unless someone got hurt.
With Treadwell watching from the sidelines, No. 1 WR Stefon Diggs posted seven receptions for 103 yards on nine targets. However, WR Charles Johnson had just one reception for six yards on five targets. Taking over for Johnson probably isn’t too far off for Treadwell, especially if Johnson continues to struggle.
Tight Ends
None of note.
NFC South: Bunches of Funchess?
8 of 8
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
Cameron Artis-Payne, CAR
Team Depth Chart: Third
Artis-Payne opened the season on the inactive list. Fozzy Whittaker served as the backup to Jonathan Stewart. Whittaker had three carries for 13 yards and a reception for four yards in the loss.
Artis-Payne’s spot on the depth chart means he doesn’t have any fantasy value unless Stewart goes down, which is certainly possible given his lengthy injury history. However, a committee, not just one player, would likely replace Stewart’s touches.
Wide Receivers
Michael Thomas, NO
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Lost in the offensive explosion that wasn’t enough for a Saints victory in Week 1 was a strong effort from Thomas. He snagged all six of his targets for 58 yards and actually played the second-most snaps (55 of 69), ahead of Willie Snead (52) but behind Brandin Cooks (62).
Snead and Cooks combined for 15 receptions, 315 yards, three touchdowns and 18 targets, but because Drew Brees threw for 423 yards, there was still something left for Thomas. Scoring 11.8 fantasy points in your NFL debut isn’t bad at all, but it might take some time before Thomas finds enough consistency to find his way into your lineup.
Devin Funchess, CAR
Team Depth Chart: Second-string
Funchess started the season opener against the Broncos, but was actually fourth in WR snaps (39) behind Kelvin Benjamin (54), Ted Ginn (47) and Corey Brown (40). With just one reception for nine yards on four targets, he killed any of the hype from the preseason.
Meanwhile, Benjamin quieted any lingering concerns about his knee with six receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. He’s leading the way in the receiving corps along with TE Greg Olsen (7 receptions, 73 yards, 9 targets), so Funchess has some work to do before he becomes relevant for fantasy.
Tight Ends
None of note.
Stats provided by FantasyPros and NFL.com. Snap counts provided by Pro Football Focus.
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