Trashman’s Fantasy Fallout Going Into Week 2 of the 2024 NFL Season

Hello friends, Another tumultuous fantasy season awaits us, but we refuse to proceed with fear or trepidation! Let’s make all the right moves going into Week 2…

 

Ravens – 20 @ Chiefs – 27

• TE Isaiah Likely(9/111/1) was the revelation here, as he out-targeted Mark Andrews 12 to 2. Andrews may have just been shaking off the rust since his car accident almost two weeks ago, but this has to be concerning for his owners. He’s a hold, but Likely is a must add in every format.

 

• RB Justice Hill had 8 targets(6/52) on the day to add to 1 carry for 3 yards. If this usage holds up, Hill could flirt with PPR relevancy on a weekly basis. 

 

• Xavier Worthy(3/68/2) had the big day for KC, scoring twice, but he only touched the ball 3 times on the evening. Of course, he’s worth adding where you can get him, only 10% of leagues, but we want to see those targets(3) increase.  

 

Packers – 29 @ Eagles – 34

• Jordan Love sprained his MCL with 28 seconds left to go in the game, so he’ll be out up to 5 weeks. Malik Willis will spell him until he returns, with Sean Clifford in the wings. Cue up defenses playing the Pack for the next few weeks, starting with the Colts on Sunday. Willis isn’t an advised start in any format, and you should downgrade your GB pass catchers over the interim.

 

• Jayden Reed(7/171/2) was the most productive of the GB pass catchers, scoring on the ground and through the air. He’s only available in 10% of leagues though. Romeo Doubs(4/50) led the team in targets and is available in 53% of leagues.

 

• Tucker Kraft out-produced and out-snapped Luke Musgrave, who failed to catch either of his 2 targets. Kraft is clearly the TE1 in GB and might actually rack up targets as a safety blanket for Malik Willis in the upcoming weeks. Musgrave can be dropped outside of dynasty formats. 

 

• Philly is perennially one of the worst teams for the Fallout’s purposes, as there are rarely any actionable items you can take away from their games. Every Eagle worth rostering is already owned in over 90% of leagues. If you were hoping Jahan Dotson(1/0) would retain fantasy relevance after his move, good luck. 

 

Vikings – 28 @ Giants – 6

• Ty Chandler(11/42) had double-digit touches behind Aaron Jones, carrying the ball 8 times and catching all 3 of his targets. Owned in only 33% of leagues, he’s a decent add in PPR formats.

 

• It might’ve been the fact that he was playing the Giants, but Sam Darnold(19/208/2/1) had a solid outing in his first start as a Viking. He’ll face a real test this week against SF, but if he can produce against them, he can probably produce against anyone. He’s not an advised start, but he’s worth an add in 2 QB leagues. 

 

• The Giants offense was about as bad as I predicted on Sunday. Malik Nabers(5/66) had a solid first NFL outing, but Wan’Dale Robinson(6/44) led the team in targets(12). Available in 90% of leagues, Robinson is a fine PPR add, as the Giants are likely to be playing from behind on a weekly basis. 

 

Panthers – 10 @ Saints – 47

• More weapons, same result for Bryce Young(13/161/0/2). Andy Dalton took over on the last drive of the game, and it probably won’t be the last time. With Young’s persistent struggles and Miles Sanders(5/22) and Chuba Hubbard(6/14) canceling each other out fantasy wise, it’s hands off all Panthers going into WK2. 

 

• One silver lining is that rookie Xavier Legette(4/35) led the team in targets(7). He’ll get opportunities, but until Dalton takes over on a permanent basis, I can’t play any Panther receiver outside of deep leagues.

 

• It seems like every Saints skill player except Chris Olave(2/11) got off on Sunday in a blowout of the Panthers. It was probably an anomaly, and we’ll see Olave get his due this week against Dallas. Rasheed Shaheed(3/73/1) had a much better day, tying for the team lead in targets(5). 

 

• Jamaal Williams(12/51/1) had double digit touches, but this was likely due to the lopsided game script. His score came in garbage time, and I don’t foresee him giving a repeat performance against Dallas this week. 

 

• Foster Moreau(4/43/1) is in concussion protocol, leaving Juwan Johnson(2/26/1) to take most of the TE snaps in WK2.  

 

Jaguars – 17 @ Dolphins – 20

• Tank Bigsby(12/73) matched Travis Etienne(14/59/1) in carries, out gaining him on the ground. No one expected this outcome, as Bigsby is owned in only 5% of leagues. He needs to be added in all formats.

 

• 5 Jaguars had 3 to 4 targets on Sunday, displaying the fantasy conundrum we’re likely to face on a weekly basis. Gabe Davis(3/62) led in yardage, and rookie Brian Thomas(4/47/1) was the only receiver to score, but Christian Kirk(1/30) and Evan Engram(⅕) were just as involved. Davis is the only one of those guys not widely owned(37%), but we’ll need to strongly reconsider that if he keeps this up. 

 

• Jeff Wilson(5/26) came out of nowhere to lead Miami in rush yardage. Raheem Mostert(9/19) was dealing with an arm injury, but the performance raises an eyebrow nonetheless. 

 

Texans – 29 @ Colts – 27

• Joe Mixon)33/178/1) out touched Dameon Pierce(3/16) 33 to 3 in this one, putting to bed any rumor that this will be a split backfield. Pierce looks like a handcuff at best.

 

• Nico Collins(6/117) and Stefon Diggs(6/32/2) had big days, but Tank Dell(3/40) actually led the WRs in chances, as he had 2 runs in addition to his 7 targets. If Dell and Stroud had connected on more of those targets, we’d be sure this offense can support 3 WRs in fantasy. 

 

• Alec Pierce caught all 3 of his targets for 125 yards and a score, but both Michael Pittman(4/31) and Adonai Mitchell(½) out targeted him, with 8 and 5 looks. All 3 receivers should be owned going into WK2. 

 

Patriots – 16 @ Bengals – 10

• Antonio Gibson carried the ball 7 times for 18 yards, but surprisingly, he didn’t get any targets on the day. It seems like the Pats are going to go run heavy as often as they can though, so he’s probably worth an add in deeper formats.

 

• KJ Osborn(3/21) led the Pats in targets(6), but it was a lackluster day for the Pats’ pass catchers as a whole, with no one surpassing 31 yards. 

 

• Chase Brown(6/23) was a distant 1B at best to Zach Moss(13/61/1), playing 17 snaps to Moss’s 33. He’ll probably get more involved as the season wears on, but this is no split backfield based off of Sunday’s game. 

 

• Andre Iosivas(3/26) tied Ja’Maar Chase(6/62) for targets(6), with Tee Higgins sidelined. Chase played most of the game(43 of 51 snaps), despite being questionable coming in. Iosivas played all 51 snaps, but didn’t do much. He might actually benefit from having Higgins on the field taking attention away. 

 

Titans – 17 @ Bears – 24

• Tony Pollard(20/94/1) out touched Tyjae Spears(8/32) 20 to 8 on the day, though HC Brian Callahan said he wants to see a more even split moving forward. It’s worth holding on to Spears as we see how this develops. 

 

• DeAndre Hopkins had only 1 catch for 8 yards on the day, but he didn’t get much help from his QB, who imploded in the 2nd half of the game. Tyler Boyd was 2nd in targets(5) but only picked up 18 yards on the day. Until Levis steps up, Calvin Ridley(3/50) is the only Titans WR worth starting in WK2. 

 

• The Bears came away with the win, despite the offense not being responsible for any of the team’s TDs. Caleb Williams(14/93) didn’t make any huge errors in his first start, but it was apparent that the game was moving too fast for him. He’ll get better, but it might not happen this week. 

 

• Rome Odunze(1/11) had an MRI on his knee Monday, as a result of an injury he sustained blocking. This is a situation to monitor, though I’m not sure there’s any action to take. It’s not clear who would be the 3rd WR should Odunze miss time, though Velus Jones Jr.(3/19) could see a bump, considering he sees time as a RB and WR. 

 

Cardinals – 28 @ Bills – 34

• It was a quiet day for rookie Marvin Harrison Jr.(1/ 4) who converted only one of his 3 targets on the day. He’s quickly becoming a buy low.  Greg Dortch(6/47) was 2nd in targets(8) to Tre McBride(5/30), who had 9, and needs to be added in most formats. The Cardinals need to adjust their game plan it seems. 

 

• Trey Benson(4/18) had a decent YPC (4.3), but his 4 touches were distant to James Conner’s(20/83/1). Benson hasn’t worked his way to standalone value. 

 

• Keon Coleman led the Bills in receiving(4/51), and Khalil Shakir(3/42/1) had the best fantasy day of the WRs. Mack Hollins also scored, for what it’s worth (2/25/1). Both Coleman(68%) and Shakir(62%) need to be owned, though both are too highly owned to be on this week’s waiver wire cheat sheet. We’ll wait and see on Hollins. 

 

• Yikes, Dalton Kincaid(1/11) entered the 2024 season with a whimper. He’ll have better days, but the Bills have a lot of options as pass catchers, so expect inconsistency. 

 

Steelers – 18 @ Falcons – 10

• Justin Fields pulled out the win with the help of his legs, rushing 14 times for 57 yards. The Steelers went run heavy all day, though Jaylen Warren(4/20) was suspiciously quiet. Fields is only on the fantasy rider due to his running.  

 

• As long as Fields is under center, George Pickens(6/85) and Pat Freiermuth(4/27) are the only Steelers pass-catchers we can take a chance on. 

 

• Kirk Cousins(16/155/1/2) got off to his usual slow start, committing 3 turnovers in the process. He’ll have better days, but this has to be disconcerting if you’re a Drake London owner(2/15).

 

• Ray-Ray McCloud(4/52), someone I hinted at getting increased usage when Rondale Moore went down this preseason, led the Falcons in receiving on 7 targets.

  

Broncos – 20 @ Seahawks – 26

• Bo Nix(26/128/0/2) continued the trend of subpar rookie QB performances in WK1, saving some fantasy face by rushing for 35 yards and a TD. Fire up the Steelers defense this week. 

 

• Jaleel McLaughlin(15/32/1) touched the ball 15 times to Javonte Williams’(9/24) 9 touches, though McLaughlin lost a fumble. Much of McLaughlin’s involvement came in the passing game, as the Broncos fell behind, but with the Denver offense playing as poorly as it did, we can probably expect them to play from behind often. Expect more of this for McLaughlin. 

 

• Courtland Sutton (4/38) led Denver in targets(12), with Josh Reynolds(5/45) and 7th round rookie Devaughn Vele(8/39) tied in 2nd behind him with 8 targets a piece. Reynolds and Vele are speculative adds, but they could find themselves seeing consistent targets if the Broncos continue to play from behind with regularity. 

 

• Ken Walker(22/109/1) left the game in its closing minutes with an abdominal injury. There’s still no word on his condition at the time of this article, but Zack Charbonnet(10/42/1) needs to be added in all formats just in case. 

 

• I told y’all not to count him out! Tyler Lockett(6/77) led Seattle in receiving, leading the team with 7 targets. Owned in 61% of leagues, he’s a must add moving forward. 

 

Raiders  – 10 @ Chargers – 22

• Alexander Mattison(9/62/1) worked in more after Zamir White’s(15/46) costly fumble, getting particularly involved in the passing game. Expect a more even timeshare between the two moving forward, and add Mattison where you can. 

 

• Jakobi Meyers(3/61) remained his reliable self and led the Raiders in receiving. He needs to be added in most formats this week. 

 

• JK Dobbins(13/138/1) showed flashes of his former self on Sunday. He told us he was back, but I didn’t even think he’d show out like this. He is arguably the top waiver add at RB this week, unless Ken Walker is out and Zach Charbonnet takes the mantle. 

 

• Rookie Ladd McConkey(5/39/1) led the team with 7 targets, Quentin Johnston(3/38), of all people, 2nd with 5 looks. McConkey is only available in 25% of leagues, while QJ is around in over 90%. Josh Palmer(2/15) will compete with both of them for looks, but Johnston might just bring some fantasy value yet. 

 

Commanders – 20 @ Buccaneers – 37

• Jayden Daniels(17/184) was the only rookie QB to not disappoint in WK1, though he didn’t really succeed through the air. Daniels did set a record for rookie QB rushing yards, running for 88 yards and 2 TDs on 16 carries. His legs will make him a viable fantasy option on most weeks. 

 

• It’s pretty disconcerting when your 2 RBs lead your offense in receiving, as was the case for Washington on Sunday. The teams no.1 WR, Terry McLaurin only had 2 catches for 17 yards on the day. It’s good to know that both Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler will be worthwhile fantasy options, but this is scary if you are a McLaurin owner. 

 

• Zach Ertz(3/28) led all Commander non RBs in receiving, and should serve as a solid bye week play.

 

• Rookie RB Bucky Irving(11/76) was the better rushing back in the Tampa backfield Sunday, carrying the ball 9 times for 62 yards to Rachaad White’s 15 for 31 yards. White remains the more valuable back due to his receiving(6/75), but expect Irving to get more and more work. Add him where you can. 

 

• Rookie WR Jalen McMillan (1/32/1) found the endzone on Sunday, but he only had 3 targets on the day. He’s the 3rd WR in Tampa and will have some productive fantasy days in this offense.

 

Cowboys – 33 @ Browns – 17

• Contrary to what many, including myself, thought going into this one, Rico Dowdle(9/32) has not surpassed Zeke Elliott(12/42/1) in the Cowboys backfield…yet. Both backs should be owned, but Dowdle isn’t a safe start right now. 

 

• It was thought that Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson would miss time with an MCL injury sustained on Sunday, but news now is that he may be available for WK2. If he sits, Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford will split time at TE. 

 

• Deshaun Watson(24/169/1/2) has lost whatever spark he once had as a QB in the NFL. Looking out of sorts all day, he flailed in his first start in 2024. Yes, Dallas has a good defense, but it doesn’t account for Watson’s entire performance. Don’t be surprised if Jameis Winston makes an appearance under center sooner than later.

 

• David Njoku sustained a high ankle sprain on Sunday or just pretended to to get out of that abysmal game. Either way, Jordan Akins could be in for a start this week against Jacksonville, as Njoku is day-to-day. 

 

Rams – 20 @ Lions – 26

• Puka Nacua was carted off on Sunday night with an injury to the same knee he hurt this preseason. Chances are that he will miss some time moving forward. Demarcus Robinson(4/42) would slide into the no.2 role, with Tyler Johnson(5/79) likely becoming the 3rd WR. 

 

• Wow, Blake Corum didn’t see any action, despite being active in WK1. Kyren Williams(21/54/1) retains a firm hold on the starting RB role moving forward. 

 

• Just as I predicted, Jameson Williams(5/121/1) picked up right where he left off in last season’s playoff loss to the 49ers, leading the Lions in receiving. He’s still available in 25% leagues, so pick him up if you’re one of the lucky ones.