Trashman’s Fantasy Fallout Going Into Week 2

Another NFL season, another litany of injuries and letdowns to sidestep or hurdle starting in Week 1! It wouldn’t be fantasy if it didn’t sting a little right? Welcome to the fallout going into Week 2…

 

Bills – 31 @ Rams – 10

• Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis were exactly who we thought they were on Thursday night, but the question coming in was who would be the main slot man, Jamison Crowder or Isaiah McKenzie. After the fact, there’s still no clear answer, as Crowder bested McKenzie in targets(4 to 3), but McKenzie out-snapped him 25-18 and scored a TD. I give the edge to McKenzie though, and he’ll be who I’m targeting on waivers.

 

• Zack Moss led the Bills backfield in touches(12), running the ball 6 times and catching 6 balls for a combined 36 yards. It didn’t really add up, outside of ppr leagues, but it’s an eyebrow raising start to his season. James Cook, on the other hand, promptly coughed the ball up and wasn’t seen again. You can’t drop Cook, as Moss fumbled as well and did little with his touches, but Moss can be added in deep leagues as the tentative no.2 back going into Wk2.

 

• Darrell Henderson was the clear no.1 back in game 1, out-touching Cam Akers 18 to 3. After the game, HC McVay said that Akers needed to play with more urgency. I never really bought into Akers as a lead back, so I’m not surprised by the outcome. Akers can’t be dropped, but I’m only playing him if I have to this week, even against the Falcons.

 

• Uh oh, maybe the rumors of Allen Robinson‘s fantasy death in 2021 were not exaggerated, as A-Rob came away with only 1 catch for 12 yards. Perhaps it was an artifact of a beleaguered Matt Stafford going to his safety blanket Cooper Kupp out of fear, but it’s not a good look. If Robinson can’t improve against Atlanta this week, it may be time to move on from him as a consistent fantasy contributor.

 

Colts – 20 @ Texans – 20

• So much for Jonathan Taylor not leading the lead in touches(35 in Wk1), as HC Reich suggested wouldn’t likely be the case. Dude is going to feast every week.

 

• 2nd year TE, Kylen Granson was 2nd in targets(7) behind Michael Pittman(13) for the Colts in Wk1. Most of it came in checkdowns as part of the 2-minute drill team, so I wouldn’t really buy into the targets, but he’s someone to keep an eye on.

 

• WR Ashton Dulin(6/3/46) tied Nyheim Hines for 3rd most targets for Indy, gaining separation with ease, while rookie Alec Pierce only had 2 targets and no catches. We’ve been saying for months that Pierce didn’t look like a special player from what we saw at the Senior Bowl, and this furthers our argument. Hold onto him if you like, but I’m not holding my breath.

 

• Rex Burkhead led the Texans in touches(19) for 70 yards. The 32-year-old Burkhead will be hard pressed to keep this up, but in a week where the Texans were playing with a lead, they trusted Burkhead to keep things copacetic. Dameon Pierce was used in obvious rushing situations, but only had 1 catch on the day. He should grow into a bigger role as he gains trust.

 

• Newly added OJ Howard caught 2 passes for 2 TDs on Sunday. It’s the epitome of TD dependency and can’t be relied upon, but in an underwhelming TE corps in Houston, he could gain legitimacy.

 

49ers – 10 @ Bears – 19

• Eli Mitchell left the stadium with a brace on knee after this one, meaning that once again, Deebo Samuel will probably be the team’s leading rusher for the time being, with Jeff Wilson following. The 49ers will probably work in rookie Tyrion Davis-Price, Jordan Mason, too. This is probably a backfield to avoid until the dust settles.

 

• With all the rain, it was hard to get any consistency out of the passing game on either side. Juaun Jennings led the 49ers in receiving with 62 yards, and while I can’t advocate for adding him in anything but the deepest of leagues, the greater effect is on Brandon Aiyuk. With only 2 receptions for 40 yards, he’s a far cry from the fantasy revival many have suggested.

 

• George Kittle‘s presence was sorely missed in Wk1, as Ross Dwelley and Tyler Kroft accounted for only 2 catches and 19 yards combined. I’m not sure Kittle was particularly close to playing, and with his injury history, I’m not sure he’ll be rushed back to action. His owners need to stay tuned for the Waiver Wire Cheat Sheet to seek out other options.

 

• Justin Fields only completed 8 passes on the day, but 2 of them were TDs. He also added 28 yards on the ground. Fields was clutch and will be in for better days. It’s hard to know what to make of his receiving corps after this rain-soaked game though.

 

• Khalil Herbert got double-digit touches on the day(10) for 43 yards, out-gaining David Montgomery, who had 8 more carries, on the ground by 19 yards. Herbert was the more efficient back in 2021, so this isn’t a shock. With a lackluster receiving corps, the Bears may lean on Herbert and Montgomery for the heavy lifting this season. Herbert needs to be added where you can get him.

 

Ravens – 24 @ Jets – 9

• Kenyan Drake led the Ravens Backfield with 46 yards on 12 touches. No other back had more than 2 carries, and Justice Hill was a distant 2nd in touches(4). Drake is the Ravens back to own while we wait for JK Dobbins to make his 2022 debut.

 

• Devin Duvernay(4/54/2) made a strong case for him being the no.2 WR in Baltimore with a 2 TD day against the Jets. Duvernay was highly productive in college but got lost in the shuffle on a Ravens team that was predicated on the run. Perhaps as Lamar Jackson improves as a passer, Duvernay’s production and consistency will get a boost. He’s worth rostering in deeper formats.

 

• Joe Flacco had 37 completions for 307 yards, a TD and an INT on Sunday, but he threw the ball a whopping 59 times. The model of inefficiency with a paltry 5.3 yards per attempt, Flacco did little to warrant keeping Zach Wilson off the field. At least he’s spreading the ball around.

 

• 7 different Jets logged 6 or more targets on Sunday, but I can’t imagine Flacco throwing the ball close to 60 times every game. Both Corey Davis(6/77) and Garrett Wilson(4/52) can stand being rostered though, as there doesn’t seem to be a true no.1 on the Jets as long as Flacco is under center.

 

• I’ve been urging people to take TE Tyler Conklin(4/14/1) late in drafts, and though the yardage wasn’t there, the opportunity was. With 7 targets and a score, Conklin is a fine streamer for Kittle owners moving forward

 

. Steelers – 23 @ Bengals – 20

• Najee Harris exited the game in the 4th quarter with a foot injury that has been deemed “not serious”. Still, he may miss time. Backup UDFA Jaylen Warren was someone I added late in drafts, and this early injury just bolsters his stock in my eyes. He will get a ton of touches if Harris can’t suit up this week.

 

• Tee Higgins got concussed on Sunday, leaving the door open for Tyler Boyd to have a huge day this week against the Cowboys, should Higgins not make it through protocol in time.

 

• Hayden Hurst (5/46) had 8 targets on the day and would see a boost this week as well, if Higgins can’t suit up.

 

Browns – 26 @ Panthers – 24

• Donovan Peoples-Jones(6/60) led the Browns in targets(11) on a day the Browns ran the ball 33 times. With secondaries focusing on stopping Amari Cooper, DPJ could develop into a legit fantasy contributor, especially as he’s an asset in the red-zone.

 

• In the wake of his huge deal, David Njoku(1/7), had a single target on the day, while Harrison Bryant had 4. He’ll have better days, but the idea that Njoku will be a weekly streamer seems far-fetched.

 

• Robbie Anderson(5/102/1) led all Panthers receivers on Sunday, but his line is a little deceiving. Anderson had 27 yards until he caught a 75 yard bomb in the 4th quarter. Anderson is definitely worth an add in deeper formats, but whether he can provide consistency in this offense is yet to be seen.

 

Patriots – 7 @ Dolphins – 20

• Mac Jones suffered back spasms during the game, and his x-rays came back negative afterward. It doesn’t really matter to me. It’s an unpopular opinion at RosterWatch, but I don’t think Mac Jones is a viable fantasy QB outside of superflex leagues.

 

• DeVante Parker played in 2-wide sets for the Pats, but with Xavien Howard covering him all game, he came away with very little to show for his efforts(1/9). With 2 capable RBs in the backfield, and 2 capable TEs in the receiving corps, Parker is going to be inconsistent all season, especially with Jones under center.

 

• We got everything we expected out of the Dolphins skill players this week, but Mike Gesicki‘s output was even more paltry than I thought it would be in more of a blocking role(1/1). He’s expendable in all formats, as his role in Mike McDaniels offense is not primarily as a pass-catcher.

 

Saints – 27 @ Falcons – 26

• Jarvis Landry(7/114) led the Saints in receiving on Sunday, picking up where Alvin Kamara, who is dealing with a rib injury, left off. Kind of an afterthought going into the season, Landry is obviously on the same page as Jameis Winston and needs to be added in all formats.

 

• Rookie Chris Olave caught all 3 of his targets(3/41), but it’s clear he’s working as the 3rd WR in the Saints offense. As Jameis Winston gets more comfortable in the offense, he’ll take more shots with Olave, but we might get an up and down season with 2 seasoned veterans in front of him.

 

• So much for the Falcons moving away from Cordarrelle Patterson as a runner(22/120/1). If you got value on him in your draft, which you most likely did, kudos to you. The outcome might have been different if Damien Williams hadn’t been forced out of the game in the first quarter, but it happened. With Williams questionable to go this week, expect more Patterson against the Rams.

 

Eagles – 38 @ Lions – 35

• DeVonta Smith got the dregs(4 targets) left from AJ Brown‘s target share(13) on Sunday, and he did nothing with them. It’s going to be hard to salvage value from Smith this season, if things stay the same. In this run-heavy offense, it seems likely.

 

• Jamaal Williams benefitted from spelling D’Andre Swift after 2 long runs getting the Lions into the red-zone, in the form of 2 TDs. He had just 30 yards on the day, but his 13 touches warrant a long look in fantasy.

 

• It’s encouraging to see DJ Chark(4/52/1) have a strong outing against a top secondary. He was 2nd on the team in targets(8), and that bodes well for his fantasy stock moving forward. Owned in only 40% of leagues, he needs to be added in most formats.

 

Jaguars – 22 @ Commanders – 28

• I knew it was too soon to crown Travis Etienne the 1A in Jacksonville, and the team’s approach in Wk1 proves it. James Robinson(11/66/2) was the clear lead back in this one and needs to be owned in more than 59% of leagues. Etienne is still worth rostering and should get more work as the season wears on, but the news here is that Robinson is back.

 

• Zay Jones(6/65) had 9 targets on the day, 2nd most on the team behind Christian Kirk(12). The line wasn’t amazing, but you can’t ignore that type of target share. On a team that figures to be playing from behind a lot, Jones is an easy add if you need WR help.

 

• All 3 starting Commander WRs scored on Sunday, but the surprise here was Curtis Samuel(8/55/1) leading the team in targets(11) and adding 5 carries for 17 yards. Jahan Dotson can be added in deeper leagues, but Samuel needs to be added in all formats. A do-it-all player, he’s reminded us that he can put up WR2 numbers on a weekly basis.

 

Packers – 7 @ Vikings – 23

• Maybe we should have been talking about how Davante Adams makes Aaron Rodgers better instead of the other way around. Rodgers and his WRs were on different planets in Wk1, in a matchup with the Vikings that should’ve been a cakewalk. Romeo Doubs tied Robert Tonyan for the team lead in targets, so I guess those are the “adds” this week, but it didn’t look good for anyone.

 

• With the receiving corps in disarray, the Pack leaned heavily on their RBs, with AJ Dillon leading the way. Dillon and Aaron Jones are the only 2 Packers I’d consider starting in Wk2 against the Bears.

 

• They weren’t joking about Justin Jefferson(9/184/2) being the Cooper Kupp in the Vikings offense this season, as the next closest target total was 4. The Vikings were playing with a lead, so perhaps that influenced the game plan, but I’d be a little worried if I’m an Adam Thielen owner. He needs to see some targets in Wk2 for me to stay onboard.

 

Giants – 21 @ Titans – 20

• Saquon Barkley was the Giants offense in this one, putting up almost 200 yards of offense. He’s going to be a top 5 back if he can stay healthy. Richie James(5/59) touched the ball 2nd most, with Wan’Dale Robinson injuring his knee and Kadarius Toney noticeably absent from the field(12% snap count). Old Faithful Sterling Shepard seems to lead the Giants in receiving when he’s on the field, and this week was no different(2/71/1). Robinson shouldn’t miss much time if any, but James and Shepard need to be added in deeper formats.

 

• Kenny Golladay(2/22) caught his only 2 targets on a day the Giants only threw the ball 21 times. I don’t think the balance will be this lopsided every week, but it seems clear that Golladay won’t be the presence that he was in Detroit.

 

• Dontrell Hilliard(5/69/2) turned his 3 receptions into 2 scores and 61 yards against the Giants. With 4 targets on the day, Hilliard will be a hot add on waivers this week, but temper your expectations. This offense still runs through Derrick Henry.

 

• Kyle Philips(6/66) led the Titans with 9 targets on the day, as they found most of their success in the short to intermediate passing game. He should be added in PPR formats, as he could be a sneaky weekly flex.

 

Raiders – 19 @ Chargers – 24

• The Raiders offense went through Davante Adams(10/141/1), who had 17 targets on the day. The Raiders were playing catch up most of the day, so that probably affected the scheme, but I doubted Hunter Renfrow‘s(3/21) usability going into the season, and this is why. I don’t think Derek Carr is a good enough QB to sustain Adams, Waller(4/79) and Renfrow on a weekly basis.

 

• Sony Michel was 2nd in touches(7) behind Austin Ekeler(18). The latest addition to the Chargers backfield, Michel looks to have already jumped into the backup role. Joshua Kelley was involved, and caught a couple of passes, but Michel looks like the add here.

 

• 7 Chargers had 4 targets on Sunday, in a ruthlessly efficient outing from Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen injured his hamstring and is questionable to play in a Thursday night game with Kansas City. In what should be a shootout, DeAndre Carter and Jaylen Guyton should see more run if Allen can’t go, but Mike Williams and Josh Palmer would be the immediate beneficiaries.

 

Chiefs – 44 @ Cardinals – 21

• Isiah Pacheco(12/62/1) led the Chiefs in rushing, though Clyde Edwrds-Helaire made his money in the passing game, scoring twice. The clear no.2, Pacheco should be added where you can get it. He was used a lot in garbage time, but if the Chiefs can handle the Cardinals like this, there will be plenty of garbage time action for Pacheco moving forward.

 

• Skyy Moore(1/30) seems to be the odd man out in the Chiefs receiving unit after Wk1, seeing just 1 target on the day. Running just 13 routes on the day, Moore was used primarily as a kick returner. He may assume more of a role as the season wears on, but it looks like Mecole Hardman(3/16/1) may have done just enough to retain his role as the KC WR you can’t live with or without in fantasy.

 

• Someone named Greg Dortch led the Cardinals in targets(9) and receiving(7/63) in Wk1. He played the slot, where an injured Rondale Moore would usually be and ran the same number or routes as Marquise Brown. This has legs as long as Moore sits, so yeah, you should probably add him.

 

 

Buccaneers – 19 @ Cowboys – 3

• Rookie Rachaad White touched the ball 8 times for 21 yards, but it was all fat Super Bowl Lenny in this one, as he touched the ball 23 times for 137 yards. White remains a bench stash.

 

• Chris Godwin injured his hamstring after a strong start on Sunday night, rendering Russell Gage and Julio Jones solid adds this week. Jones played 52% of snaps while Gage played 42%. Both can be high upside fantasy candidates in this offense while Godwin is sidelined, which could be several weeks.

 

• With Dak Prescott set to sit for the next 6 to 8 weeks, All Cowboys skill players are downgraded. The good news is that we don’t have to worry about who replaces Michael Gallup for now, cause we shouldn’t be playing them anyway.