Tag: NFL Week 2

Texans RB David Johnson says communication is the most difficult adjustment with a new team

Houston Texans running back David Johnson says his most difficult adjustment with his new team was the communication.

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Houston Texans running back David Johnson is on his second team to start his sixth year in the NFL.

There have been adjustments that the former All-Pro has had to make, but the biggest one is forming synchronization with his new teammates in a new offensive scheme.

“I would say the most difficult thing, I think, is the communication and getting connected and being in sync with the O-line as far as how they block, and then with the quarterback handing the ball off,” Johnson said. “Just as far as the offense, knowing the offense, I think that might be the toughest thing. Being in sync with everyone, knowing how the guys up front block so I can run through the hole the right way or how they are going to block it, everything like that.”

Johnson had the added disadvantage of not being able to participate in an offseason workout program. The NFL eliminated all offseason programs as the COVID-19 pandemic swept in and stagnated over the United States.

“It was definitely tough,” said Johnson. “We first off didn’t have [organized team activities]. That’s really important for a guy who’s getting traded or being on a new team is going through OTAs because that’s a great mental thing to go through and learning the plays because you got so many months before the first game.”

The NFL did make available virtual meetings, but for Johnson, he needed the actual reps on the practice field. Virtual conferencing can only go so far getting a player ready to play reality football.

Said Johnson: “So, I think that was the toughest thing is just that we didn’t even get to meet during OTAs. We had to do Zoom. I feel like for me, I learn better in person, walkthroughs and practice and things of that nature.”

Johnson provided 11 carries for 77 yards and a touchdown along with three catches for 32 yards with his new team. If the Texans can get more production out of Johnson, their offense will have even more options for quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Rest of season rankings: Week 2

With one week down, how does the long-term value change for players after the first game of 2020?

NOTE: These player rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation. The scoring system is performance PPR.

There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

*Actual up/down movement tracking will begin in Week 3’s release.

Quarterbacks

Notes
Rk

Never leaves lineup

Bye

Movement*
1
Lamar Jackson, BAL
8
2
Patrick Mahomes, KC
10
3
Russell Wilson, SEA
6
4
Dak Prescott, DAL
10
 not a great opener, but I like the trio of Cooper, Gallup and Lamb
5
Deshaun Watson, HOU
8
6
Kyler Murray, ARI
8
Rk

Lineup regulars
Bye
7
Aaron Rodgers, GB
5
 he kinda looked like 2016 Aaron Rodgers, right?
8
Josh Allen, BUF
11
 all of a sudden the Bills have weapons in the passing game
9
Matt Ryan, ATL
10
10
M. Stafford, DET
5
11
Carson Wentz, PHI
9
 that offensive line is a concern
12
Tom Brady, TB
13
 TB12 made some bad decisions Sunday, but there’s so much talent there
13
Daniel Jones, NYG
11
 he held up pretty well given the beating he was taking
14
Drew Brees, NO
6
15
B. Roethlisberger, PIT
8
 think Smith-Schuster is happy to have Big Ben back?
Rk

Weekly matchup plays
Bye
16
Cam Newton, NE
6
 Newton’s Week 1 stat line is one of the NFL’s most interesting
17
Jared Goff, LAR
9
18
Baker Mayfield, CLE
9
 he might’ve had more commercial appearances than completions in Week 1
19
Philip Rivers, IND
7
20
Gardner Minshew, JAC
7
21
Jimmy Garoppolo, SF
11
22
Ryan Tannehill, TEN
7
 his 43 attempts on MNF were his most as a Titan; anomaly or trend?
23
Derek Carr, LVR
6
24
Drew Lock, DEN
8
25
T. Bridgewater, CAR
13
Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth
Bye
26
Kirk Cousins, MIN
7
 don’t be fooled by his final numbers; Zimmer wants to run, run & run some more
27
Joe Burrow, CIN
9
 he looked pretty poised on that final drive
28
Sam Darnold, NYJ
11
29
Dwayne Haskins, WAS
8
30
M. Trubisky, CHI
11
31
R. Fitzpatrick, MIA
11
32
Tyrod Taylor, LAC
10
 Herbert is going to be under center sooner than later
33
Nick Foles, CHI
11
34
Justin Herbert, LAC
10
35
Tua Tagovailoa, MIA
11
36
Jarrett Stidham, NE
6
37
Alex Smith, WAS
8

Running backs
Rk

Never leaves lineup

 Bye
1
C. McCaffrey, CAR
13
2
Saquon Barkley, NYG
11
 thankfully he doesn’t have to play Pittsburgh again this season
3
Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
10
4
Dalvin Cook, MIN
7
5
Alvin Kamara, NO
6
6
Derrick Henry, TEN
7
Rk

Lineup regulars
Bye
7
C. Edwards-Helaire, KC
10
 a couple more performances like Week 1 and he’ll join the top tier
8
Aaron Jones, GB
5
9
Austin Ekeler, LAC
10
10
Joe Mixon, CIN
9
11
Kenyan Drake, ARI
8
12
Nick Chubb, CLE
9
13
Josh Jacobs, LVR
6
14
Miles Sanders, PHI
9
15
Chris Carson, SEA
6
 an afterthought in Week 1 but no need to panic just yet
16
Todd Gurley II, ATL
10
17
M. Gordon III, DEN
8
18
James Conner, PIT
8
 Conner’s ankle injury isn’t believed to be serious, but it’s still not a good sign
19
Kareem Hunt, CLE
9
20
Le’Veon Bell, NYJ
11
 it sounds like Bell will miss multiple games with a hamstring injury
21
D. Singletary, BUF
11
Rk

Weekly matchup plays
Bye
22
Raheem Mostert, SF
11
23
Jonathan Taylor, IND
7
 it’ll be interesting to see how Taylor/Hines split the work w/ Mack done for the year
24
David Johnson, HOU
8
25
Mark Ingram, BAL
8
26
D. Montgomery, CHI
11
27
J.K. Dobbins, BAL
8
 two TDs in his NFL debut; his split with Ingram is a situation to watch
28
Cam Akers, LAR
9
29
James White, NE
6
30
Antonio Gibson, WAS
8
31
Tarik Cohen, CHI
11
32
Chris Thompson, JAC
7
33
Latavius Murray, NO
6
34
Tevin Coleman, SF
11
 poor air quality keep Coleman mostly on the shelf in Week 1
35
Ronald Jones, TB
13
 early returns are positive as Jones’ 19 touches dwarfed Fournette’s five
36
Jordan Howard, MIA
11
Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth
Bye
37
Boston Scott, PHI
9
38
Nyheim Hines, IND
7
 I got a whiff of Austin Ekeler on Sunday; Hines is someone I’m watching closely
39
Phillip Lindsay, DEN
8
40
Sony Michel, NE
6
41
D. Johnson Jr., HOU
8
 an ankle injury knocked him out of the NFL opener; he’s day-to-day per O’Brien
42
L. Fournette, TB
13
43
Zack Moss, BUF
11
44
Jamaal Williams, GB
5
45
Kerryon Johnson, DET
5
 Johnson logged half as many carries as Peterson, who was just signed; not good
46
Adrian Peterson, DET
5
 impressive debut for AD; I’ll be watching vs. GB to see how the carries are distributed
47
Matt Breida, MIA
11
48
D’Andre Swift, DET
5
 that was a brutal drop by Swift
49
Carlos Hyde, SEA
6
50
Benny Snell Jr., PIT
8
51
Bryce Love, WAS
8
52
A. Mattison, MIN
7
53
Malcolm Brown, LAR
9
54
Frank Gore, NYJ
11
55
James Robinson, JAC
7
56
Peyton Barber, WAS
8
 he logged 17 of WAS’ 29 runs by RBs vs. Philly
57
Tony Pollard, DAL
10
58
Chase Edmonds, ARI
8
59
Darrel Williams, KC
10
60
Damien Harris, NE
6
61
Joshua Kelley, LAC
10
 stepped in nicely behind Ekeler and could see more work
62
Darrynton Evans, TEN
7
63
DeeJay Dallas, SEA
6
64
Jerick McKinnon, SF
11
65
AJ Dillon, GB
5
66
D. Henderson, LAR
9
67
Jalen Richard, LVR
6
68
Justin Jackson, LAC
10
 another lower-body injury for Jackson opens the door for Kelley
69
Giovani Bernard, CIN
9
70
Josh Adams, NYJ
11

Wide receivers
Rk

Never leaves lineup

 Bye
1
Michael Thomas, NO
6
 a high-ankle sprain is a concerning injury; let’s see if he suits up in Week 2
2
Davante Adams, GB
5
3
Julio Jones, ATL
10
4
DeAndre Hopkins, ARI
8
5
Tyreek Hill, KC
10
6
Mike Evans, TB
13
7
Chris Godwin, TB
13
8
Kenny Golladay, DET
5
 missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury; status for Week 2 remains TBD
9
D.J. Moore, CAR
13
10
O. Beckham Jr., CLE
9
11
A. Robinson II, CHI
11
12
J. Smith-Schuster, PIT
8
 nice bounce-back performance; a couple more and he can move into the top 10
Rk

Lineup regulars
Bye
13
Tyler Lockett, SEA
6
14
A.J. Brown, TEN
7
15
Adam Thielen, MIN
7
 garbage time production masked a run-heavy game plan
16
Cooper Kupp, LAR
9
17
Amari Cooper, DAL
10
18
Robert Woods, LAR
9
19
DJ Chark Jr., JAC
7
20
Brandin Cooks, HOU
8
21
Calvin Ridley, ATL
10
22
T.Y. Hilton, IND
7
23
DK Metcalf, SEA
6
24
Keenan Allen, LAC
10
25
C. Sutton, DEN
8
 he couldn’t go on MNF due to a shoulder injury; he may return in Week 2
26
Terry McLaurin, WAS
8
27
Marvin Jones, DET
5
28
Michael Gallup, DAL
10
Rk

Weekly matchup plays
Bye
29
Stefon Diggs, BUF
11
 Diggs is more talented than this spot, but I need to see more with Allen
30
Julian Edelman, NE
6
31
Golden Tate, NYG
11
 Tate couldn’t answer the bell Monday due to a hamstring injury
32
Jarvis Landry, CLE
9
33
A.J. Green, CIN
9
34
Marquise Brown, BAL
8
35
DeVante Parker, MIA
11
 suffered a strained hammy in Week 1; we’ll see how long he’s out of action
36
Jamison Crowder, NYJ
11
37
Tyler Boyd, CIN
9
38
Robby Anderson, CAR
13
39
Christian Kirk, ARI
8
 I’ll be watching Kirk in Week 2 after he accounted for zero yards vs. SF
40
Anthony Miller, CHI
11
41
Darius Slayton, NYG
11
 with Tate out, Slayton led the way with 102 yds and 2 TDs
42
Mecole Hardman, KC
10
43
Will Fuller, HOU
8
 he was WR1 ahead of Cooks in the opener; if that continues I’ll adjust their outlooks
44
John Brown, BUF
11
45
Diontae Johnson, PIT
8
46
Deebo Samuel, SF
11
 Samuel was placed on IR, meaning he’ll miss at least three games
47
CeeDee Lamb, DAL
10
48
P. Williams, MIA
11
49
S. Shepard, NYG
11
50
Cole Beasley, BUF
11
51
Henry Ruggs III, LVR
6
52
DeSean Jackson, PHI
9
53
J. Washington, PIT
8
54
Chris Conley, JAC
7
55
Bryan Edwards, LVR
6
Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth
Bye
56
E. Sanders, NO
6
57
Parris Campbell, IND
7
58
Allen Lazard, GB
5
59
Jerry Jeudy, DEN
8
 encouraging debut for Jeudy, but that was with Sutton inactive
60
Scotty Miller, TB
13
 Miller’s six targets trailed only Godwin in Brady’s first game
61
Brandon Aiyuk, SF
11
62
M. Pittman Jr., IND
7
63
J. Jefferson, MIN
7
64
B. Perriman, NYJ
11
65
Mike Williams, LAC
10
66
Jalen Reagor, PHI
9
67
L. Fitzgerald, ARI
8
68
Sammy Watkins, KC
10
 fool me once, shame on you; fool me year after year…
69
Danny Amendola, DET
5
70
Corey Davis, TEN
7
 he topped 100 yards in the opener, now go do it again
71
N’Keal Harry, NE
6
72
Van Jefferson, LAR
9
73
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, GB
5
 two drops put on a damper on a big game against Minnesota
74
Steven Sims Jr., WAS
8
75
Kendrick Bourne, SF
11
76
Curtis Samuel, CAR
13
77
Jakobi Meyers, NE
6
78
Randall Cobb, HOU
8
79
Hunter Renfrow, LVR
6
80
Alshon Jeffery, PHI
9

Tight ends
Rk

Never leaves lineup
Bye
1
Travis Kelce, KC
10
2
George Kittle, SF
11
 he suffered a sprained knee on Sunday but could play in Week 2
3
Mark Andrews, BAL
8
4
Zach Ertz, PHI
9
 a TD salvaged his numbers, but he absolutely took a backseat to Goedert
5
Tyler Higbee, LAR
9
6
Darren Waller, LVR
6
Rk

Lineup regulars
Bye
7
Jared Cook, NO
6
 Cook was the only offensive standout for NO in Week 1
8
Noah Fant, DEN
8
9
Hunter Henry, LAC
10
10
Evan Engram, NYG
11
 seven targets, two receptions
11
Hayden Hurst, ATL
10
 in a game where Ryan threw for 450 yards, Hurst managed just 38
12
Mike Gesicki, MIA
11
Rk

Weekly matchup plays
Bye
13
Chris Herndon, NYJ
11
14
Austin Hooper, CLE
9
15
Dallas Goedert, PHI
9
 great debut; if he has another big performance in Week 2 he’ll move up
16
T.J. Hockenson, DET
5
17
Rob Gronkowski, TB
13
 he left pro wrestling for this!?
18
Jack Doyle, IND
7
19
Jonnu Smith, TEN
7
20
Jordan Akins, HOU
8
 with a little consistency Akins could ascend the rankings
21
Tyler Eifert, JAC
7
22
Irv Smith, MIN
7
Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth
Bye
23
Eric Ebron, PIT
8
24
J. Sternberger, GB
5
25
Greg Olsen, SEA
6
26
Ian Thomas, CAR
13
27
Jimmy Graham, CHI
11
28
Devin Asiasi, NE
6
29
Dawson Knox, BUF
11
30
Gerald Everett, LAR
9
31
O.J. Howard, TB
13
32
C.J. Uzomah, CIN
9
33
Vance McDonald, PIT
8
34
Kyle Rudolph, MIN
7
35
Will Dissly, SEA
6
36
Darren Fells, HOU
8

Defensive teams
Rk

Never leaves lineup
Bye
1
Ravens, BAL
8
2
Steelers, PIT
8
 that was a swarming defense on MNF
3
49ers, SF
11
4
Bills, BUF
11
5
Saints, NO
6
Rk

Lineup regulars
Bye
6
Patriots, NE
6
7
Chiefs, KC
10
8
Bears, CHI
11
9
Rams, LAR
9
10
Buccaneers, TB
13
11
Vikings, MIN
7
 there are real concerns about the pass rush and CB play
12
Jets, NYJ
11
13
Seahawks, SEA
6
14
Eagles, PHI
9
15
Chargers, LAC
10
 I was expecting more against the Bengals
16
Colts, IND
7
Rk

Weekly matchup plays
Bye
17
Titans, TEN
7
18
Broncos, DEN
8
 Von Miller’s injury is a real blow to DEN’s defensive upside
19
Packers, GB
5
20
Jaguars, JAC
7
21
Cardinals, ARI
8
22
Football Team, WAS
8
23
Texans, HOU
8
24
Browns, CLE
9
25
Cowboys, DAL
10
26
Giants, NYG
11
Rk

Fringe plays/roster depth
Bye
27
Bengals, CIN
9
28
Panthers, CAR
13
29
Raiders, LVR
6
30
Dolphins, MIA
11
31
Falcons, ATL
10
32
Lions, DET
5

Texans looking for consistency from DT P.J. Hall

The Houston Texans like what they have seen from defensive tackle P.J. Hall, and hope to see more of it on a consistent basis.

Defensive tackle P.J. Hall showed up for the Houston Texans in their 34-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1.

The former Oakland Raiders 2018 second-round pick from Sam Houston State produced four tackles, including a tackle for loss, in his 17 snaps for the Texans. The disruption in the middle of the defensive line was a welcomed addition as the club seeks answers along the interior defensive line.

Coach Bill O’Brien acknowledged to reporters Monday that Hall “did some good things” against the Chiefs, but stressed he would like to see consistency from the 6-1, 308-pound defensive tackle.

“Let’s see how it goes this week,” O’Brien said. “Different scheme, but, yeah, P.J. definitely showed up on Thursday night and made a few plays. That were good to see. So, let’s see if we can build on that this week in practice and just keep going.”

The Texans have been looking for solutions to replace defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals in the offseason. Houston has a reliable veteran in Brandon Dunn, and even drafted former TCU Horned Frog Ros Blacklock in the second round. However, the level of disruption has tapered off as the Texans are transitioning from Reader to his successor.

Free-agent Forecast: Week 2

Which players are the hottest waiver wire adds after Week 1?

Free-agent recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated. FAAB $ amounts are based on a $100 budget.

Fantasy football waiver wire targets

Quarterbacks

Priority Free Agent

Gardner Minshew, Jacksonville Jaguars

It wasn’t impressive from a volume perspective, but Minshew’s Week 1 surgical dissection of the Indianapolis Colts deserves attention. The second-year mustachioed ‘slinger completed 19 of his 20 throws for only 173 yards but three touchdown strikes. Running back James Robinson offered just enough life to keep the Colts honest, and Minshew’s cast of receiving targets are more than capable of getting the job done. In Week 2, a trip to Tennessee probably won’t go over so well, but then he has Miami, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit leading into the bye week. If Minshew struggles in any of those Week 3-6 outings, we’ve seen enough to know he can be cast aside.

Availability: 35%
FAAB: $2-3

1-week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Mitchell Trubisky, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

Should the Giants stifle Ben Roethlisberger, consider this recommendation null and void. Trubisky was far from perfect vs. the Detroit Lions, and it is fair to say Detroit helped him throw three touchdowns, but a favorable matchup means Trubisky shouldn’t be outright ignored. The Giants brought in James Bradberry from Carolina at cornerback last year, and while adding Logan Ryan will help, he still joined the team late in the offseason. The Bears have a pair of quality wideouts, and we saw flashes of Jimmy Graham rising from the fantasy dead in Week 1. Expect Trubisky — whose job is absolutely on the line from week to week — play like he has nothing to lose. Should he play well, entertain keeping him around … the upcoming schedule is a delight.

Availability: 58%
FAAB: $1-2

Running Backs

Priority Free Agent

Malcolm Brown, Los Angeles Rams

The veteran back gives a well-rounded element to an offense orchestrated on the play-action guessing game. Not only is Brown a talented runner when the end zone is in sniffing distance, he’s a steady receiving outlet for Jared Goff. Rookie Cam Akers was given 14 carries and a receiving target in his NFL debut, and he was just okay, but Brown’s 18-79-2 line on the ground, plus 3-31-0 in the aerial game, gives fantasy gamers hopes of a dangerous one-two punch each week. That also brings some guesswork into play, and there will be weeks, especially as 2020 rolls along, in which the Rams are not married to Brown as the lead back. When Akers is finally up to speed, he could extract a larger share of touches from the offense. Until then, Brown is a weekly fantasy start when the matchup is even at least decent.

Availability: 44%
FAAB: $35-40

Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts

In most competitive leagues, Hines was a late-round pick. The loss of Marlon Mack (Achilles) for the remainder of the year solidifies a weekly role for Hines in concert with the primary workload for rookie Jonathan Taylor. The second-rounder was targeted six times in his NFL debut to Hines’ eight. Look for that role to typically favor Hines in a more dramatic ratio. While rushing success won’t necessarily be his thing on a weekly basis, Hines is a PPR No. 2 or flex back the rest of the way.

Availability: 35%
FAAB: $20-25

Joshua Kelley, Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler had seven more carries than the rookie’s 12, but Kelley was slightly more efficient (60 yards on the ground) and offers something around the goal line that the veteran doesn’t consistently bring to the table. Running back Justin Jackson (quad) suffered yet another injury (entered with a hamstring issue) and may have lost any opportunity to entrench himself as the No. 2 back, which is a weekly flex option in this offensive design.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $20-25

grab & stash

Peyton Barber, Washington Football Team

While it surely wasn’t pretty, Barber was effective enough in Week 1. Any back getting 17 carries belongs on a fantasy roster, and the two touchdowns show Washington’s likelihood to keep him in this role. Antonio Gibson (9-36-0, 2-8-0) should get more work overall as the season goes forward. After all, he is still a rookie who had to learn essentially a new position during a pandemic. Barber will present a weekly gamble for a touchdown, but when he doesn’t find paydirt, expect to be disappointed.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $3-5

Frank Gore/Josh Adams, New York Jets

Meh. Don’t be excited to land either of these guys, especially Gore, but they have an opportunity to see enough action to matter with Le’Veon Bell battling a hamstring injury. It’s unclear how long Bell will miss, so don’t invest a great deal in either player. Early reports say a few weeks. Consider them interchangeable, and Adams may even have a little more value given his youth. The Jets aren’t a quality rushing offense, and defenses can key in on the backfield almost every play. Adams was on this roster last year and knows the system well enough. He had contributed 120 carries, 511 yards (4.3 YPC) and three scores to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 as a rookie, although the 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is not much of a receiving option. This one is all about a warm body having an opportunity.

Availability: 29%
FAAB: $3-5 for each

Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers

Six touches (eight utilizations), 44 yards and a score … not too bad for his first game back since Dec. 31, 2017. McKinnon should see more work as he becomes stronger, and it’s likely to come at the expense of Tevin Coleman. Don’t read too much into Coleman’s five total touches in this one, because he has a sickle-cell trait that probably wouldn’t have responded well to a heartier workload in the poor air conditions as California battles unprecedented wildfires. McKinnon has more appeal in PPR and going to be tough to play, but he belongs on rosters for now.

Availability: 52%
FAAB: $4-5

Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins

It was the second-year back who led the way in touches for the Miami running back stable. Granted, Gaskin had only 13 utilizations, but he mustered a decent enough 66 yards of offense, including four catches. In seven appearances last year, the Washington rookie had run 36 times for 133 yards and a touchdown, chipping in 51 yards on seven grabs. He’s a compact 5-foot-9, 205 pounds, and it probably will be a headache deciding whether he’s worthy of a play most weeks. Nevertheless, given the volatility of running backs, he belongs in the conversation of a roster spot. Be prepared to move on quickly if we see a wild swing in the utilization figures over the next week or two, so keep your investment at a minimum.

Availability: 92%
FAAB: $2-4

Watch list

J.D. McKissic, Washington Football Team

Keep an eye on him as the offense finds its way. He was targeted five times in the opener, but catching just one of them for a whole yard won’t draw much attention. Monitor McKissic’s involvement in the coming weeks if a PPR flex consideration is a need.

Availability: 64%

Wide Receivers

Priority Free Agent

Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts

T.Y Hilton looked rusty, and Michael Pittman Jr. looked like a rookie. Campbell, however, was every bit of what pundits billed him to be when he came out of Ohio State in 2019’s draft. Finally healthy, the burner even displayed some traits of a possession weapon, landing six of his nine targets for 71 yards. The Colts lost running back Marlon Mack to injury over the weekend, and if the duo of Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines struggle some weeks, look for more passing than Frank Reich wants from Philip Rivers. Ahead, Minnesota and the New York Jets are coming to town — both have flimsy secondaries. Campbell faces only a handful of challenging matchups the rest of the way.

Availability: 41%
FAAB: $4-5

grab & stash

Keelan Cole, Jacksonville Jaguars

Sure, his touchdown grab was a wide-open pitch-and-catch, but third-year receiver landing all five of his targets to lead the team in looks and yardage (only 47, but still) also deserve a mention. After facing a Tennessee secondary that is banged up and lost Logan Ryan in free agency, Miami, Cincinnati, Houston and Detroit are the Weeks 3-6 opponents before the bye. Cole probably doesn’t warrant a lineup spot vs. the Titans, but gamers with room should add him in case we’re seeing the start of a repeat of his rookie season (42-748-3).

Availability: 89%
FAAB: $1-2

Russell Gage, Atlanta Falcons

Don’t ignore his nine targets, even if from a scenario when Atlanta effectively punted on the running game in effort to play catch-up football. Atlanta is poised to find itself in a similar situation with regularly. The defense isn’t overflowing with talent, and playing a base “big nickel” will make them highly susceptible play-action fakes. At any rate, Gage stands to benefit from the added scrutiny placed on Julio Jones and the departure of tight end Austin Hooper. Sure, Hayden Hurst figures to come into his own sooner than later, but we’re still looking at a chemistry/continuity situation. Gage played with Matt Ryan entering 2020, and Hurst is still feeling his way through the connection. Gage is a matchup option for PPR leagues that start at least three wideouts.

Availability: 66%
FAAB: $1-2

1-Week Plug & Play

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

The Lions entered Week 1 without cornerback Jeffrey Okudah, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick. The defense added safety Duron Harmon in the secondary — helpful, but not Aaron Rodgers-proof. Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Justin Coleman both left with hamstring injuries in Week 1. Playing MVS in Week 2 requires a little fortitude, but it’s not without merit, specifically after he found the end zone vs. a similarly deficient Minnesota secondary. For gamers looking to swing for the fantasy fences, Valdes-Scantling is in an awesome boom-or-bust situation this upcoming week.

Availability: 59%
FAAB: $0-1

1-Week Plug & Play/grab & stash

Scott Miller, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The smurfy wideout plays predominantly from the slot and had Tom Brady’s eye in Week 1 — shocker, right? Miller has respectable hands but also a limited track record. He’s in an offense loaded with individual talent, and Mike Evans being limited in the opener helped result in the six targets that headed Miller’s direction. The Bucs have a home date with the Carolina Panthers in Week 2, followed by a trip to the beaten-up Denver Broncos in Week 3. Give Miller that much runway on your roster before making a long-term determination.

Availability: 74%
FAAB: $2-3

Danny Amendola, Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

As long as Kenny Golladay (hamstring) is injured, Amendola is a lineup-worthy option. The Packers had little answer for Minnesota’s second-half passing game, and this defense’s weakness is stopping the run up the middle. The way Adrian Peterson galloped in Week 1 should improve Amendola’s chances of seeing a few play-action passes come his way. The long-range outlook isn’t ideal, though, but the journeyman could have PPR utility going into Detroit’s Week 5 bye.

Availability: 70%
FAAB: $1-2

Kendrick Bourne, San Francisco 49ers at New York Jets

The Niners will be without Deebo Samuel (foot) at least through Week 3. The entire passing game for San Fran wasn’t clicking in Week 1’s loss to Arizona, but Bourne tied for the lead in targets (five) among 49ers receivers. He could make for a dirt-cheap lotto ticket vs. the New York Jets’ feeble secondary this week, and another potential matchup for deployment comes against the Giants a week later.

Availability: 69%
FAAB: $1-2

Tight Ends

Priority Free Agent

Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles

He won’t be available in most competitive leagues, but it still warrants a look on your wire. Goedert should be a regular in an offense that consistently implements two-tight end route concepts. The wide receivers are less than 100 percent right now, and two of the top four are rookies, so there’s utility here regardless of him being a technical backup.

Availability: 29%
FAAB: $6-8

1-week plug & play/Grab & Stash

Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants

As mentioned in the Trubisky section above, Graham had a pulse in Week 1. He should have scored twice but was ruled down just shy of the goal line. That said, his role will be mostly limited to jump-ball situations and work in the red zone. The Giants improved, in theory, when it comes to covering the position, so consider Graham no better than a TD flier play in Week 2. Should he enjoy another quality game, look at him as a potential weekly consideration.

Availability: 64%
FAAB: $0-1

Watch list

Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys

Blake Jarwin was on the verge of having a relevant fantasy season before being lost for the year to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. His replacement, the second-year Stanford product, brings similar skills to the field and could flash with the right matchup. Schultz should be on your watch list for the time being, because it looks like WR CeeDee Lamb and RB Ezekiel Elliott will have roles large enough to be detrimental to giving Schulz the benefit of the doubt.

Availability: 99%

Kickers

Priority Free Agent

Michael Badgley, Los Angeles Chargers

Badgley has the chops to succeed in fantasy lineups, and the offense will struggle just enough to make him a consistently viable play. The Chargers afforded him four field goal tries in Week 1, and he came through on three of them. He has utility with any matchup that doesn’t look like a total cakewalk.

Availability: 78%
FAAB: $0-1

Joey Slye, Carolina Panthers

Slye was a fantasy asset at times in 2019 and returned to the conversation after Week 1’s three-FG display. He did miss an extra point, but so is life. The Carolina offense showed plenty of spunk and moved the ball effectively enough to suggest Slye will once again be in the lineup conversation more often than not.

Availability: 84%
FAAB: $0-1

Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills

The rookie debut was on point for Bass, whose leg strength is in the upper tier of the NFL. And that’s even more important when considering where he plays half of his games. The Bills are good enough to move the ball consistently but not immune to struggling in the opponent’s territory with regularity. Wildly inaccurate throws by Josh Allen tend to do those sorts of things, but I digress. There will be hiccups from a rookie kicker, so take the bad with the good and accept he is in a strong situation for success.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Defense/Specials Teams

1-Week Plug & Play/Grab & Stash

Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles

Gone are the days of plugging LA’s defense into your lineup and expecting a strong output. The matchup is crucial, and facing Philly’s decimated offensive line should bump the Rams up the short list of Week 2 waiver plays. Aaron Donald is poised to destroy Carson Wentz in this one.

Availability: 54%
FAAB: $1

1-Week Plug & Play

Arizona Cardinals vs. Washington Football Team

Yes, Washington upset Philadelphia in Week 1, but how much do you really trust Dwayne Haskins? Arizona has crazy speed and will be closer to coming into its own with every passing week. Haskins having to travel across the country to face a defense that racked up three sacks last week against a far better offensive line should make gamers excited for a bargain streaming option in the Red Birds.

Availability: 94%
FAAB: $0-1

Texans coach Bill O’Brien: WR Brandin Cooks ‘on the upswing’

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien says receiver Brandin Cooks is “on the upswing” after being a game-time decision in Week 1 with a quad injury.

Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien provided positive news in Monday morning’s presser.

O’Brien gave an update on receiver Brandin Cooks, who was a game-time decision against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1 with a quad injury. Cooks played the game and caught two passes for 20 yards on five targets.

According to the coach and general manager, Cooks is “on the upswing.” With 10 days off between games, the Texans get an early mini-bye to start the season, which bodes well for getting Cooks at peak performance.

The Texans host the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium for Week 2. Quarterback Deshaun Watson will need his full complement of targets to keep pace with the Ravens’ offense led by Lamar Jackson, who completed 20-of-25 for 275 yards and a touchdown.

Report: Texans RB Duke Johnson ‘a long-shot’ to play versus the Ravens

Houston Texans running back Duke Johnson is not a likely candidate to play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 at NRG Stadium.

The Houston Texans may not have their complement of Johnsons in the backfield against the Baltimore Ravens.

According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Duke Johnson sprained his ankle against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 34-20 loss on Thursday night to kickoff the season. As a result, Johnson is considered “week-to-week,” according to Rapoport, but is still considered a likely candidate to play the following week at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Johnson carried five times for 14 yards against the Chiefs. The former Cleveland Browns running back was targeted just once in the Texans’ passing game. The outing was pedestrian at best.

With Johnson likely not to play against the Ravens, the Texans will have to evaluate their option at running back. Buddy Howell is on the roster as their third back, and the club called up undrafted rookie Scottie Phillips from the practice squad. Fullback Cullen Gillaspia did not play against the Chiefs as he dealt with a hamstring injury.

Texans announce no fans for NRG Stadium opener versus the Ravens

The Houston Texans have announced they will not have any fans for the first home game of the season, Week 2 versus the Baltimore Ravens.

The Houston Texans announced Friday they will not have any fans in attendance for their NRG Stadium opener versus the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

Houston is slated to play their first home game of the season Sept. 20 against the reigning AFC North champions.

“We have made the difficult decision to not host fans at NRG Stadium in the month of September as we are committed to protecting the health and safety of our fans during these challenging times,” Texans President Jamey Rootes said in a statement. “Our fans provide the best homefield advantage in the NFL and we remain hopeful for their return to NRG Stadium once it is safe to do so.”

The Texans are looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the greater Houston area, which is currently at the highest threat level, RED. The club will keep tabs on a variety of metrics and other factors, along with consulting with local health authorities, to determine whether it is safe to allow fans.

With the next home game slated for Week 4 versus the Minnesota Vikings, the Texans presumably will have more time to fine tune their game operations to make for both a safe and functional environment. Remember: the preseason was canceled. There are no rehearsals to get the protocols correct at NRG Stadium.

If the Texans decide to host fans at home games later in the year, season ticket holders who made the decision to opt-in for the season will receive instructions about the ticket-purchasing process at that time, the team says. All NFL and NFLPA protocols are subject to change on a game-by-game basis and the club says they are taking the “necessary adjustments” to play games with fans and have it be as safe as possible.

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Lions will play Packers in an empty Lambeau Field in Week 2

The Lions have won 2 of the last 3 in Green Bay and the 1-pt. loss last year was mired in officiating controversy

There won’t be much of a home-field advantage for the Green Bay Packers when they welcome the Detroit Lions to Lambeau Field in Week 2. The game will be played in an empty stadium.

The Packers announced on Thursday that no fans will be permitted into Lambeau Stadium for their first two home games. Detroit’s visit on Sept. 20th is the first home date on Green Bay’s schedule. They also will host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4 with no fans in the stands.

Team President Mark Murphy sent out a press release with an optimistic tone that games later in the season could have some fans in attendance. If so, that makes the early Lions visit even more advantageous for Detroit.

The Lions have won two of the last three meetings in Green Bay, and the 1-point loss in 2019 was mired with major officiating controversy.