Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 3

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 2 DFS fantasy football

Week 2 witnessed some slate-breaking performances by cheap QBs and some heart-breaking performances by expensive RBs. Will we see more of the same this week or will we finally see the first sense of normalcy in 2022?

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

SAN FRANCISCO @ DENVER

When the NFL made their schedule, I doubt they planned on Jimmy Garoppolo (QB2) being the second-best option on this slate. Even then, it isn’t a great matchup as San Fran is still run-first and Denver has a great pass defense, though injuries could play a role.

Russell Wilson (QB1) is the top option here. Still, this matchup isn’t great either, and Wilson has struggled to start the season as his WR corps is plastered with injuries. I may end up fading him due to his price.

Injuries have promoted Jeff Wilson (RB3) to RB1 in San Fran on the depth chart. Of course, we all know that Deebo Samuel is likely to finish with just as strong of a line, just not qualifying at the position. I don’t mind using Wilson at RB2/flex. I also don’t hate Kyle Juszcyzk (RB7) as a punt play or on Showdown.

Javonte Williams (RB2) once again split touches evenly with Melvin Gordon (RB6) despite the clear difference in talent. San Francisco is elite against the run, so I cannot recommend either of them highly here.

Deebo Samuel (WR1) is the strongest WR play on this slate (and arguably the strongest RB play as well). He needs to be in your lineup. Brandon Aiyuk (WR5) has a rough matchup here, but I’d consider him at WR3 (if you don’t use Samuel). Both Jauan Jennings (WR13) and Ray-Ray McCloud (WR14) have dart-throw WR3/flex values at a minimum cost. I especially like Jennings in Showdown.

The injuries continue to mount for Denver. Jerry Jeudy (ribs, WR6) joins KJ Hamler (knee, WR10) and out-for-the-year Tim Patrick as WRs to spend time on the trainer’s table this season. Either Jeudy or Hamler could be a WR3 option if they play, but I’d be scared to trust either of them. Courtland Sutton (WR2), on the other hand, is a strong play with the Broncos being shorthanded. I’d even consider Montrell Washington (WR11) as a WR3 option if both Hamler and Jeudy are out.

We may finally see George Kittle (groin, TE1) this week. His presence on the field would make Garoppolo’s day easier. If he is out again, do not consider Ross Dwelley (TE5) or Tyler Kroft (TE6). They are not reliable enough.

Albert Okwuegbunam (TE3) could have value if the Denver WRs remain out. He also could be ignored by his QB like in Week 2. If you choose to do a double-TE lineup consider him here.

Monday Night

DALLAS @ NEW YORK GIANTS

Cooper Rush (QB3) actually looked serviceable in Week 2. He has the softest matchup on the board, and, based on his price, I will definitely give him some ownership.

Meanwhile, Daniel Jones (QB4) is not very good, and he is facing a better-than-I-expected Dallas defense. He also has the worst collection of pass-catchers on the board. Ignore him completely.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB4) and Tony Pollard (RB5) split the workload for a second-straight week. Elliott is getting more carries, and Pollard is getting more receptions. This game will be more run-forward for Dallas, so I prefer Elliott. Still, they are both options at RB2 on a small slate.

This is the only spot I will recommend using a Giant. Saquon Barkley (RB1) is the best RB on the slate, and it isn’t particularly close. Much like Samuel above, Barkley should be 100 percent owned.

Considering their synergy, I love Noah Brown (WR4) as a stack with Cooper Rush. CeeDee Lamb (WR3) is a more-talented receiver, but Brown has been more valuable to start the season. Brown’s value will slide some as Michael Gallup (knee, WR8) returns as expected. I’d only consider Gallup at WR3 as he is expected to be on a snap count. Don’t bother with any of the other depth WRs for Dallas.

When you look at the Giants’ WR room, all I can think is “yuck!” Sterling Shepard (WR7) and Richie James (WR9) only rank this high because the whole slate is devoid of talent. One of them could be your WR3, at best. Kadarius Toney (WR12) was active last week, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at the box score. Wan’Dale Robinson (WR15) actually looks like an intriguing dynasty piece, but he has been battling injury. Don’t use him or any of the other chaff here this week.

Dalton Schultz (knee, TE2) isn’t a bad third-leg to a stack with Rush and either Brown or Lamb. I could even see doing a double-TE lineup with him and Kittle. Just confirm his status before putting him into your lineup. None of the backup TEs have any value, even if Schultz is out.

Daniel Bellinger (TE4) caught a TD in Week 2. It was also his only catch and only target. This does not bring me joy.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Jalen Hurts ($7.6k), RB Dalvin Cook ($7.9k), RB David Montgomery ($5.9k), WR A.J. Brown ($7.3k), WR Curtis Samuel ($5.1k), WR Mack Hollins ($3.3k), TE Dallas Goedert ($4.7k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($5k), DST Baltimore Ravens ($3k)

FD Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($7.1k), RB Dalvin Cook ($8.3k), RB David Montgomery ($7.1k), WR Justin Jefferson ($9.5k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($7.8k), WR DeVonta Smith ($6k), TE Zach Ertz ($5.2k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($5.8k), DST Jacksonville Jaguars ($3.2k)

FB Lineup: QB Jared Goff ($5.7k), RB Joe Mixon ($6.7k), RB David Montgomery ($5.4k), WR Justin Jefferson ($7.6k), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6.6k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.8k), TE Logan Thomas ($3.3k), FLEX Dameon Pierce ($4.3k), FLEX DeVonta Smith ($4.9k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Josh Allen $8,200 $9,000
Lamar Jackson $8,000 $8,600
Patrick Mahomes $7,900 $8,700
Jalen Hurts $7,600 $8,100
Justin Herbert $7,400 $8,200
Kyler Murray $7,300 $7,800
Kirk Cousins $6,700 $7,600
Joe Burrow $6,600 $7,500
Matthew Stafford $6,500 $7,700
Aaron Rodgers $6,400 $7,400
Carson Wentz $6,300 $7,500
Tua Tagovailoa $6,100 $7,300
Tom Brady $6,000 $7,400
Derek Carr $5,900 $7,100
Jared Goff $5,800 $7,100
Ryan Tannehill $5,700 $7,200
Justin Fields $5,600 $7,000
Marcus Mariota $5,500 $7,300
Trevor Lawrence $5,400 $7,000
Joe Flacco $5,300 $6,800
Baker Mayfield $5,200 $6,600
Jameis Winston $5,200 $6,900
Matt Ryan $5,200 $6,700
Mac Jones $5,100 $6,400
Chase Daniel $5,000 $6,500
Davis Mills $5,000 $6,400
Geno Smith $5,000 $6,300
Taysom Hill $4,900 n/a

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts are the two safest high-priced options. Kirk Cousins and Joe Burrow are cheaper pivots that will return better production than they did last week. Of that foursome, Hurts will be my first choice. If I go cheaper, it will be with Jared Goff or Trevor Lawrence. The FD pricing structure does not encourage punting this position, but on DK consider Davis Mills or Matt Ryan if you are feeling a little froggy.

Fantasy Four-pack

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs @ IND
($7,900 DK, $8,700 FD)
The Colts are starting the season looking like a gimpy animal and Mahomes and the Chiefs are coming to Indy to send them to the 2022 glue factory. A healthy Michael Pittman would help keep the Colts in the race until the homestretch, but ultimately Mahomes and his paddock-mates will pull away. Nevertheless, consider running it back with Pittman here if he plays.

Jalen Hurts, Eagles @ WAS ($7,600 DK, $8,100 FDI will eat crow on Hurts. The addition of superstar A.J. Brown has made this offense impossible to defend. Washington allowed Jared Goff to throw for four scores, and he presented no rushing threat. Expect Hurts to manufacture a total of three scores here.

Josh Allen, Bills @ MIA
($8,200 DK, $9,000 FD
Allen has 25 total TDs in eight career matchups against Miami. Unfortunately, he has topped 260 passing yards against them only once. Basically, Miami frustrates him through the air, but then he still gets it done on the ground as is witnessed by his 7-1 record against them. What this means is expect a solid floor day of 250-2, 40-1, which is solid but not spectacular by his lofty standards.

Kirk Cousins, Vikings vs. DET
($6,700 DK, $7,600 FD)
I love how recency bias can sway ownership figures in DFS. Cousins looked lost last week in Philly. Fast-forward to this Sunday, Minnesota will be at home and the game will not be in primetime (where Cousins has historically struggled). I expect that he will have low ownership numbers this week. Meanwhile, I’ll be happy to stack him and Justin Jefferson against a Detroit secondary that has allowed the fifth-most passing yards in an expected shootout.

DFS Sleepers

Jared Goff, Lions @ MIN
($5,800 DK, $7,100 FD)
The other side of this shootout is led by Goff. Minnesota has actually allowed more passing yards than Detroit. If you want less expensive access to this game, stack Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown and then run it back with Adam Thielen or Irv Smith

Derek Carr, Raiders @ TEN
($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD)
Tennessee will still be shellshocked from facing the Bills and Stefon Diggs. Now they have to contend with Carr and Davante Adams. Expect that pair to score twice against this soft secondary, and then hopefully Carr can add another score elsewhere.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,000 $9,400
Christian McCaffrey $8,800 $8,500
Derrick Henry $8,100 $8,800
Austin Ekeler $8,000 $8,700
Dalvin Cook
$7,900 $8,300
Saquon Barkley $7,800 $8,500
Joe Mixon $7,600 $8,200
Aaron Jones $7,400 $7,000
D’Andre Swift $7,200 $8,000
Alvin Kamara $7,000 $7,000
Leonard Fournette $6,500 $7,200
Antonio Gibson $6,400 $6,700
Clyde Edwards-Helaire $6,300 $7,300
James Conner $6,200 $7,100
James Robinson $6,100 $6,600
AJ Dillon $6,000 $6,900
David Montgomery $5,900 $7,100
Cordarrelle Patterson $5,800 $7,600
Darrell Henderson $5,700 $6,300
Damien Harris $5,600 $6,400
Devin Singletary $5,600 $6,100
Cam Akers $5,500 $5,800
Mark Ingram $5,500 $5,700
Miles Sanders $5,500 $6,800
Jamaal Williams $5,400 $6,500
Josh Jacobs $5,400 $6,500
Travis Etienne $5,400 $5,600
Breece Hall $5,300 $6,200
J.D. McKissic $5,300 $5,300
J.K. Dobbins $5,300 $6,000
Khalil Herbert $5,200 $6,000
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,900
Chase Edmonds $5,100 $5,700
Darrel Williams $5,100 $4,900
Dontrell Hilliard $5,100 $6,200
Dameon Pierce $5,000 $5,800
Kenneth Gainwell $5,000 $5,900
Kenneth Walker $5,000 $5,200
Nyheim Hines $5,000 $5,100
Rashaad Penny $4,900 $6,200
Rex Burkhead $4,900 $5,200
Kenyan Drake $4,800 $5,500
Rhamondre Stevenson $4,800 $5,400
Zack Moss $4,800 $5,500
Boston Scott $4,700 $5,800
Eno Benjamin $4,700 $5,000
Gus Edwards $4,700 $5,000
Jerick McKinnon $4,500 $5,000
Raheem Mostert $4,500 $5,500
Tyler Allgeier $4,400 $4,800
Zander Horvath $4,000 $4,600

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey and Dalvin Cook are primed to finally break out this week. Use one of them or Joe Mixon at RB1. If you spend up for RB2, go with David Montgomery. He is my favorite value RB play of the week. Heck, he could also be your RB1 if you want to spend big at WR. Josh Jacobs and Dameon Pierce are volume-based punt options here. Unfortunately, most of the cheaper options need to be avoided this week.

Fantasy Four-pack

Dalvin Cook, Vikings vs. DET
($7,900 DK, $8,300 FD)
Following an embarrassing defeat Monday night, coach Kevin O’Connell made it clear that the team had to get Cook more involved in the offense. That will start here against a Detroit defense that has already allowed four rushing TDs and the sixth-most RB receptions.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ NYJ
($7,600 DK, $8,200 FD)
Mixon underperformed in Week 2, but he is a true bell cow for Cincinnati. He will score this week as the Jets have allowed three TDs to RBs so far. He may even score twice. 

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers vs. NO
($8,800 DK, $8,500 FD)
McCaffrey has never posted a huge rushing number against New Orleans, but he has always feasted against them through the air. On a week where there are more questions than answers at RB, go with the safe option, especially with his salary this low.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts vs. KC
($9,000 DK, $9,400 FD)
I always love deploying Taylor when his price dips below $10k. A returning Michael Pittman would mean that Taylor will have more room to operate. Still, to keep this close, he will need to be targeted like Week 1 and not Week 2 since KC has allowed the most receptions to the position. 

DFS Sleepers

David Montgomery, Bears vs. HOU
($5,900 DK, $7,100 FD)
Montgomery has been the only sign of life on this Bears offense. In Week 2, he averaged more than 8 YPC while gouging a Green Bay defense. Meanwhile, Houston has allowed a league-worst 367 combo yards to opposing RBs. Consider the game stack of both Montgomery and Dameon Pierce to give you big money to blow at WR.

Dameon Pierce, Texans @ CHI
($5,000 DK, $5,800 FD)
Pierce is cheap for one more week and Week 2 proved that Houston will feed him the rock. In fact, Pierce was the only RB to get a carry. The Bears have allowed 128 RB rushing yards per game. I’ll take that from the rookie.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,900 $9,800
Justin Jefferson $9,300 $9,500
Davante Adams $8,400 $8,700
Ja’Marr Chase $8,100 $8,500
Stefon Diggs $7,700 $8,300
Tyreek Hill $7,600 $8,400
A.J. Brown $7,300 $8,000
Amon-Ra St. Brown $7,200 $7,800
Michael Pittman $6,900 $7,400
Jaylen Waddle $6,800 $7,500
Mike Williams $6,700 $7,000
Mike Evans $6,600 $7,700
Keenan Allen $6,500 $7,500
Terry McLaurin $6,400 $6,900
Gabe Davis $6,300 $7,200
Chris Godwin $6,200 $6,500
Christian Kirk $6,200 $7,100
DK Metcalf $6,100 $6,700
Tee Higgins $6,100 $7,300
Allen Lazard $6,000 $6,000
Marquise Brown $6,000 $7,000
Adam Thielen $5,900 $6,000
Michael Thomas $5,900 $7,300
Brandin Cooks $5,800 $6,600
Drake London $5,800 $6,200
Tyler Lockett $5,800 $6,600
Allen Robinson $5,700 $6,000
Rashod Bateman $5,700 $6,800
DJ Moore $5,600 $6,400
Julio Jones $5,600 $5,800
Hunter Renfrow $5,500 $5,800
JuJu Smith-Schuster $5,500 $6,100
Garrett Wilson $5,400 $6,100
Darnell Mooney $5,300 $6,300
DeVonta Smith $5,200 $6,000
Tyler Boyd $5,200 $5,900
Curtis Samuel $5,100 $6,300
DJ Chark $5,100 $5,500
Elijah Moore $5,000 $5,500
Jakobi Meyers $5,000 $6,200
Robbie Anderson $5,000 $5,700
Robert Woods $5,000 $5,700
Corey Davis $4,900 $5,800
K.J. Osborn $4,900 $5,500
Treylon Burks $4,900 $5,900
Jarvis Landry $4,800 $5,900
Joshua Palmer $4,800 $5,600
Isaiah McKenzie $4,700 $5,500
Marquez Valdes-Scantling $4,700 $5,600
Russell Gage $4,700 $5,700
Jahan Dotson $4,600 $6,000
Mecole Hardman $4,600 $5,800
Chris Olave $4,500 $5,500
Josh Reynolds $4,500 $5,300
Jamison Crowder $4,400 $5,400
Sammy Watkins $4,400 $5,400
Greg Dortch $4,300 $5,100
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,300 $5,100
DeAndre Carter $4,200 $5,300
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine $4,200 $5,300
Nelson Agholor $4,100 $5,900
DeVante Parker $4,000 $5,200
Kyle Phillips $4,000 $5,500
Nico Collins $4,000 $5,400
Zay Jones $4,000 $5,400
Ashton Dulin $3,900 $5,600
Breshad Perriman $3,900 $5,300
Equanimeous St. Brown $3,900 $5,500
Randall Cobb $3,900 $5,000
Romeo Doubs $3,800 $5,300
Scotty Miller $3,800 $5,000
Christian Watson $3,600 $5,600
Rondale Moore $3,600 $5,000
Alec Pierce $3,500 $4,600
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Ben Skowronek $3,400 $4,900
Demarcus Robinson $3,400 $5,200
Parris Campbell $3,400 $4,900
Mack Hollins $3,300 $5,300

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Davante AdamsAmon-Ra St. Brown, and Stefon Diggs are my favorite options this week. Stack them with their respective QBs. I would even recommend rostering two of them. Tee Higgins, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Brandin Cooks, Christian Kirk, and Drake London are my money-saving WR2 pivots. For WR3, consider Allen Lazard, Garrett Wilson, and Curtis Samuel. If injuries remain for Indy or Vegas, consider punting with Ashton Dulin or Mack Hollins.

Fantasy Four-pack

Justin Jefferson, Vikings vs. DET
($9,300 DK, $9,500 FD)
Detroit has allowed an average of 7-115 to WR1. Meanwhile, Jefferson has had one monster and one so-so game. Still, he has more targets than the rest of the Vikings’ WRs combined. 10-130-1 is a safe figure here as this will be a shootout.

Davante Adams, Raiders @ TEN
($8,400 DK, $8,700 FD)
Arizona stifled Adams last week, but Tennessee will have no chance here. Stefon Diggs absolutely reamed the Titans, and they even made the Giants’ WR room look fantasy-relevant. If Hunter Renfrow (concussion) misses this game, Adams and Mack Hollins will see even more targets making them a great three-legged stack with Derek Carr.

Stefon Diggs, Bills @ MIA
($7,700 DK, $8,300 FD)
Diggs has scored a TD in three of four games against Miami since joining the Bills. Unfortunately, his reception and yardage numbers haven’t been huge. Still, the absence of Gabriel Davis (ankle) last week, forced even more targets than usual towards Diggs. If Davis is out again, expect a huge game; otherwise, just expect a big game. 

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions @ MIN
($7,200 DK, $7,800 FD)
St. Brown has beasted to start the season. Now, he gets to assault a Minnesota secondary that has already watched multiple WRs scorch their cornerbacks. Plus, Minnesota may be without its top safety. Stack heavily in this game on both sides of the ball.

DFS Sleepers

Garrett Wilson, Jets vs. CIN
($5,400 DK, $6,100 FD)
Wilson looks like this season’s Ja’Marr Chase. I am kicking myself that I don’t have more dynasty exposure to him. Fortunately, I can play him all that I want on DFS. Cincy should win this game, but Joe Flacco and Wilson could have value as a punt stack as the Jets are forced to throw to stay in this one.

Curtis Samuel, Commanders vs. PHI
($5,100 DK, $6,300 FD)
Until the sites put some respect on Samuel with appropriate pricing, I will keep rolling him out. Philly has two top cornerbacks, but I presume they will be guarding Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson, leaving Samuel to operate underneath and out of the backfield. Lean heavily on the Jalen Hurts-led Eagles’ stacks, using Samuel as a great run-it-back option.

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Travis Kelce $7,900 $7,800
Mark Andrews $6,900 $7,700
Darren Waller $5,800 $6,400
Taysom Hill n/a $6,000
Kyle Pitts $4,800 $5,600
Dallas Goedert $4,700 $5,500
Zach Ertz $4,600 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,500 $5,700
Gerald Everett $4,400 $5,800
Mike Gesicki $4,300 $5,400
T.J. Hockenson $4,200 $5,500
Dawson Knox $4,100 $5,300
Hayden Hurst $3,900 $5,100
Tyler Conklin $3,800 $5,200
Evan Engram $3,700 $5,200
Robert Tonyan $3,700 $4,800
Cameron Brate $3,600 $4,600
Noah Fant $3,600 $4,800
Logan Thomas $3,500 $5,400
Cole Kmet $3,400 $5,000
Austin Hooper $3,300 $4,900
Hunter Henry $3,200 $4,800
Irv Smith $3,400 $5,000
Mo Alie-Cox $3,000 $4,600
Juwan Johnson $2,900 $4,800
C.J. Uzomah $2,800 $4,500
Ian Thomas $2,800 $4,600
Isaiah Likely $2,800 $4,500
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,500
Adam Trautman $2,700 $4,500
Kylen Granson $2,700 $4,700
O.J. Howard $2,700 $4,700

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Travis Kelce has a super matchup. He should be the clear TE1 this week. If I pay down at WR2, he will be mine. I don’t mind Darren Waller if Hunter Renfrow is out. The same goes for Gerald Everett if Keenan Allen is out. Also consider Dallas Goedert, Tyler Higbee, or Zach Ertz as they have solid matchups. As usual, FD TE pricing is too high at the punt level. So, if you want to punt, use Juwan Johnson, Logan Thomas, or Hayden Hurst on DK only.

Fantasy Four-pack

Travis Kelce, Chiefs @ IND
($7,900 DK, $7,800 FD)
Indy allowed a big production day to Evan Engram and, in Week 1, gave up two TDs to O.J. Howard. If these two ham-and-eggers can get it done against Indy, what are they gonna do to stop Kelce? We might see 10-125-2 here. If I don’t spend up at WR2, he will be my TE.

Darren Waller, Raiders @ TEN
($5,800 DK, $6,400 FD) 
If Hunter Renfrow misses this game with his concussion, Waller will see a heavy target volume. Otherwise, I will probably fade him at this price.

Tyler Higbee, Rams @ ARI
($4,500 DK, $5,700 FD)
A couple of years back, we regularly attacked a bad Arizona defense against TEs. They improved last season but appear to have fallen apart again. To Arizona’s credit, its opposition has been the best of the best the first two weeks. Still, Higbee may start getting mentioned in that company if he continues to lead the league in TE targets. 

Zach Ertz, Cardinals vs. LAR
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
Ertz showed last week that he was fully healthy as he led the Cardinals in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. With continued absences among the Cards’ WRs, expect Ertz to post big numbers repeatedly.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ NYJ
($3,900 DK, $5,100 FD)
Hurst remains a great punt option, especially stacked with Joe Burrow and one of his WRs. The Jets have allowed the eighth-most yards to the position, so he should have a safe 3x floor on DK.

Juwan Johnson, Saints @ CAR
($2,900 DK, $4,800 FD)
For two straight games, Johnson has finished third on the Saints in targets. It won’t take much to reach 3x on DK.

Fantasy Football DFS Domination: Week 2

Breaking down the top players and sleepers for DraftKings and FanDuel for Week 2 DFS fantasy football

After a crazy Week 1 of the fantasy football season — highlighted by some dominating plays (Jonathan Taylor, Justin Jefferson, Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz, and Curtis Samuel) and some milk cartons (Mike Williams, Austin Hooper, DeVonta Smith, Alvin Kamara, and Cole Kmet) — I am pumped to go back for seconds this weekend. So, let’s get down to it, starting with a triple-dose of Primetime DFS.

DFS: The Primetime Slate

Sunday Night

CHICAGO @ GREEN BAY

We didn’t get a true read on Justin Fields (QB6) last week thanks to a monsoon. Still, we know his weapons, or lack thereof. The best I can afford him is an outside shot at QB5 if Ryan Tannehill struggles.

Aaron Rodgers (QB4) also struggled last week due to a lack of weapons. If he can get one (or both) of his tackles and top WR, Allen Lazard, back he should make a jump in the right direction. If not, he might spend a lot of time on his back once again.

David Montgomery (RB4) failed to take advantage of the bad weather conditions. He also ceded a score to backup Khalil Herbert (RB10). Fortunately, Montgomery out-touched Herbert 2-1, so there isn’t really a controversy here yet. Green Bay was ground down but that was due to falling behind early. That won’t happen this week. So, don’t assume this is an easy 100-yard day for Montgomery.

A.J. Dillon (RB5) out-touched Aaron Jones (RB3) nearly 2-to-1. He also scored the only TD among the pair. That said, Jones averaged nearly 10 YPC while Dillon finished at 4.5 YPC. The game script should be much different this week for Green Bay. This will put both of these two in play at RB2. I prefer Jones, since we should see more carries than receptions this week.

Chicago’s WR corps was more like a corps(e) Week 1. The weather didn’t help things, but no WR saw more than three targets and none caught more than one pass. Darnell Mooney (WR6) should show out this week as Green Bay’s secondary looks overhyped. Equanimeous St. Brown (WR17) scored last week and gets the revenge game here. Consider him as a WR3/flex play. Byron Pringle (WR20) has more talent than St. Brown, but he and Dante Pettis (WR22) should remain bench-bound.

Allen Lazard (WR8) missed Week 1, but he will be the immediate favorite of Rodgers if he can go. Romeo Doubs (WR14) out-targeted Christian Watson (WR12) last week, but Watson should’ve had a long TD. Watson has more talent, so I like his chance better here. Randall Cobb (WR19) and Sammy Watkins (WR18) did little with their opportunity in Week 1. Neither should be used outside of Showdown at this point.

There was no excuse for Cole Kmet (TE5) posting a goose egg. The weather should’ve helped his cause, but he was targeted only once. Kmet is better than he showed here and Fields targeted him a lot at the end of 2021, so expect a bounce-back game.

Robert Tonyan (TE2) was tied for the second-most targets from Rodgers last week. As one of his few familiars on the field, I was not surprised. I love him this week in an easier matchup.

Monday Night

TENNESSEE @ BUFFALO

Ryan Tannehill (QB5) finished last week with a decent line but now faces an elite defense. The Titans will be playing keep-up, which should provide him many passing opportunities, I just wish he had better weapons.

You could argue that Josh Allen (QB1) is the top QB in all of football. This is why he is my top option here. It also helps that Tennessee has one of the more porous pass defenses among these games.

Derrick Henry (RB2) had a floor game by his standards against New York. He shouldn’t have. Unlike last year, Henry was ignored in the passing game, ceding every target (and two receiving TDs) to Dontrell Hilliard (RB9). This could be a disturbing trend that continues all season. This is a so-so slate for high-end RBs and considering his price, I may ignore Henry.

I have no clue what Buffalo is doing with their backfield, but it worked last week. Devin Singletary (RB7) was effectively carrying the ball while Zack Moss (RB11) was sure-handed through the air. This split may have been even more confusing had James Cook (RB14) not fumbled himself into the doghouse. Consider Singletary as an RB2 candidate, but I don’t trust the other two enough to rely on them.

Speaking of confusing situations, Robert Woods (WR9) was inexplicably ignored in Week 1. At least both rookie WRs, Kyle Phillips (WR13) and Treylon Burks (WR11), were active and efficient. Tennessee will have to throw the ball this week, so all three deserve WR3/flex consideration. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (WR24) can be ignored, barring an injury.

Start all of your Buffalo WRs. Stefon Diggs (WR3) and Gabriel Davis (WR4) can both be considered at WR1 or WR2. Also, consider both Jamison Crowder (WR15) and Isaiah McKenzie (WR10) at WR3. Tennessee’s pass defense is weak enough that all four could score here.

Austin Hooper (TE4) was also ignored by Tannehill this past week. Geoff Swaim (TE7) actually got more love than Hooper. That had to be an aberration. On a weak TE slate, go back to the well with Hooper. He cannot do any worse.

Buffalo also ignored their TE, Dawson Knox (TE6), last week. This team has just too many weapons, and Knox is truly TD-dependent. So I’d only use him on Showdown.

MINNESOTA @ PHILADELPHIA

Kirk Cousins (QB2) was off to a quick start in Week 1 and gets an equally burnable secondary this week. Unfortunately, Cousins has struggled in primetime over the recent past.

Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts (QB3) looked impressive last week both through the air and on the ground. I’m willing to eat crow about his development as a passer. He has many weapons right now, and Minnesota’s secondary is dealing with some injuries. This will be a big game for the youngster.

Dalvin Cook (RB1) had a floor game last week as Minnesota made a concerted effort to pass the ball. I expect a more even split here, and he should eat against a team that was gashed by both D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. Alexander Mattison (RB12) is strictly a handcuff back. He can be ignored outside of Showdown.

Miles Sanders (RB6) looked great last week. He also still was forced to split rushes four ways with Hurts and Kenneth Gainwell (RB8) and Boston Scott (RB13). Unfortunately for Sanders, this is the Philly Way. Running will be harder here against a stout Minnesota run defense. Sanders can be an RB2, but the others can be left to Showdown contests.

Set it and forget it, Justin Jefferson (WR1) will be a lock for 100-1 all season. Adam Thielen (WR5) had a down Week 1, but his historical red-zone usage makes him a great WR2 option if you want access to this offense without paying Jefferson’s price. K.J. Osborn (WR16) also slogged last week. I’d consider him as a punt WR3 for exposure to this game. Jalen Reagor (WR25) gets the revenge game narrative. Unfortunately, that is all he will get this week.

I knew that A.J. Brown (WR2) would command targets but I didn’t imagine DeVonta Smith (WR7) vanishing off of the stat sheet. Minnesota’s secondary is imminently burnable, putting both of them in play here. I just hope that Smith doesn’t turn into Tyler Lockett. Quez Watkins (WR23) and Zach Pascal (WR21) split one target last week. They can be ignored in all formats.

Johnny Mundt (TE8) drew the “start” last week since Irv Smith (TE3) wasn’t ready to go full-go. Smith should be ready for a full workload this week. He makes a nice third leg of a Cousins-Jefferson stack.

Dallas Goedert (TE1) is the strongest play on a very weak primetime TE board. I’m gonna fade him, though, based on price and since Minnesota has been historically strong against the position.

The Main Slate: recommended DFS lineups

DK Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($5.9k), RB Joe Mixon ($7.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.5k), WR Davante Adams ($8.6k), WR Michael Pittman ($6.7k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.6k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.6k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), DST Cincinnati Bengals ($2.2k)

FD Lineup: QB Matt Ryan ($6.8k), RB Darrell Henderson ($6.2k), RB Javonte Williams ($7.3k), WR Davante Adams ($8.8k), WR Michael Pittman ($7.8k), WR Christian Kirk ($6.5k), TE Hayden Hurst ($5.3k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($6.3k), DST San Francisco 49ers ($4.9k)

FB Lineup: QB Derek Carr ($6.1k), RB Antonio Gibson ($5.4k), RB Javonte Williams ($6.1k), WR Davante Adams ($8.2k), WR Julio Jones ($4.3k), WR Curtis Samuel ($4.3k), TE Hayden Hurst ($3.4k), FLEX Jeff Wilson ($5.1k), FLEX Joe Mixon ($6.9k)

Quarterbacks DraftKings FanDuel
Kyler Murray $7,500 $8,500
Lamar Jackson $7,400 $8,200
Russell Wilson $7,200 $7,500
Joe Burrow $6,600 $7,900
Tom Brady $6,400 $8,000
Matthew Stafford $6,300 $7,600
Derek Carr $6,200 $7,300
Carson Wentz $5,800 $7,400
Trey Lance $5,700 $7,500
Marcus Mariota $5,900 $7,300
Tua Tagovailoa $5,600 $6,800
Jameis Winston $5,600 $7,200
Matt Ryan $5,500 $6,800
Jacoby Brissett $5,400 $6,600
Jared Goff $5,400 $6,700
Baker Mayfield $5,300 $7,000
Trevor Lawrence $5,300 $6,900
Davis Mills $5,200 $6,400
Mac Jones $5,200 $6,400
Daniel Jones $5,100 $7,100
Geno Smith $5,100 $6,300
Joe Flacco $5,100 $6,400
Cooper Rush $5,000 $6,100
Mitch Trubisky $5,000 $6,500
Brian Hoyer $4,800 $6,400
Taysom Hill $4,400 $X,XXX

Quarterback

Weekly strategy – Russell Wilson had a mediocre Week 1, but this matchup is just too juicy. Kyler Murray and Derek Carr also are great options up top. Carson Wentz has a nice DK price, but he is a bit pricey on FD. Matt Ryan is my favorite play of the week (as long as Michael Pittman plays). Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield could be punt options.

Fantasy Four-pack

Russell Wilson, Broncos vs. HOU
($7,200 DK, $7,500 FD)
Wilson has no inner storyline to deal with this week. At home, versus a bottom-feeding defense, he should cook. After the end-of-game controversy last week, Wilson will have a mile(high)-length leash this week and 350-3 is easily in sight.

Kyler Murray, Cardinals @ LV ($7,500 DK, $8,500 FD) We expected a high-scoring affair last week. We were half-right. Murray salvaged his day with some garbage time numbers. We could see something similar this week in another potential shootout. Still, expect improvement here as Zach Ertz should be closer to 100%, and Rondale Moore may be back.

Derek Carr, Raiders vs. ARI
($6,200 DK, $7,300 FD
Patrick Mahomes picked this defense to shreds last week including attacking its’ supposed strength in the middle. Davante Adams is better than any WR on the Chiefs roster, making this the premiere stack of the week. Even consider going three-legged with Darren Waller, too.

Lamar Jackson, Ravens vs. MIA
($7,400 DK, $8,200 FD)
Highlighting how poor this week’s QB class is, Jackson facing a stingy defense is the projected fourth-highest scorer. The establishment of Devin Duvernay as a legit Option C for this offense should open up more opportunities for Mark Andrews. I don’t love that stack, but it could pay dividends.

DFS Sleepers

Matt Ryan, Colts @ JAX
($5,500 DK, $6,800 FD)
Ryan ended up posting a fantasy-friendly line in Week 1, despite his failure to win the game. That sounds very Carson Wentz-esque of him. Speaking of Wentz, he torched this secondary for four scores. Ryan has, at worst, even weapons to that of the Commanders, so expect a floor of 300-3 as long as Michael Pittman (quad) plays.

Carson Wentz, Commanders @ DET
($5,800 DK, $7,400 FD)
For the second week in a row, Wentz gets a cream-puff defense to pick on. I loved the hookup with Curtis Samuel last week and will definitely roll out this pair once again. Just be cautious of using Terry McLaurin against his former college teammate Jeff Okudah, who shut down DeVonta Smith last week.

Running backs DraftKings FanDuel
Jonathan Taylor $9,900 $10,000
Christian McCaffrey $8,900 $9,000
Alvin Kamara $7,400 $7,200
Saquon Barkley $7,300 $8,800
Joe Mixon
$7,200 $8,300
Nick Chubb $7,100 $8,500
D’Andre Swift $7,000 $8,200
James Conner $6,900 $7,600
Leonard Fournette $6,700 $7,800
Kareem Hunt $6,600 $7,000
Javonte Williams $6,500 $7,300
Antonio Gibson $6,200 $7,400
Najee Harris $6,200 $7,200
Melvin Gordon $6,100 $6,000
Cordarrelle Patterson $6,000 $7,500
Ezekiel Elliott $5,900 $7,100
Josh Jacobs $5,800 $6,600
Tony Pollard $5,800 $5,700
Darrell Henderson $5,700 $6,200
Mark Ingram $5,700 $5,300
Cam Akers $5,600 $5,500
James Robinson $5,600 $6,800
Travis Etienne $5,600 $5,800
Damien Harris $5,500 $6,000
Jamaal Williams $5,400 $6,400
Jaylen Warren $5,400 $5,500
Rashaad Penny $5,400 $6,500
J.K. Dobbins $5,300 $6,000
Nyheim Hines $5,300 $5,500
Breece Hall $5,200 $5,900
Chase Edmonds $5,200 $6,000
J.D. McKissic $5,200 $5,200
Michael Carter $5,200 $5,900
Rhamondre Stevens $5,200 $5,600
Jeff Wilson $5,100 $6,300
Kenneth Walker $5,000 $5,500
Samaje Perine $5,000 $6,000
Tyrion Davis-Price $5,000 $5,000
Rex Burkhead $4,900 $5,800
Dameon Pierce $4,800 $5,600
Tyler Allgeier $4,600 $4,600
Rachaad White $4,500 $5,700
Raheem Mostert $4,400 $5,300
Zamir White $4,400 $4,600
Damien Williams $4,200 $4,800
Emo Benjamin $4,200 $4,900
Jordan Mason $4,200 $4,500

Running Back

Weekly strategy – Christian McCaffrey was not featured in the Carolina gameplan Week 1. They lost. He will be force-fed this week. Do what you can to get two of CMC, Saquon Barkley, Joe Mixon (my personal favorite), Nick Chubb, and, if he plays, D’Andre Swift (ankle) into your lineup. Jonathan Taylor’s matchup is nice, but that price is steep. Javonte Williams and Antonio Gibson are cheaper pivots. The punt options are few and far between. Consider Nyheim Hines, Darrell Henderson, or Jamaal Williams (if Swift cannot go).

Fantasy Four-pack

Christian McCaffrey, Panthers @ NYG
($8,900 DK, $9,000 FD)
The Giants actually held Derrick Henry somewhat in check last week (nearly 4.0 YPC), but they were eviscerated by Dontrell Hilliard through the air. McCaffrey offers the best of both of them and Carolina needs to feature him this week after a sloppy start to their season.

Jonathan Taylor, Colts @ JAX
($9,900 DK, $10,000 FD)
It is always hard to spend this much at RB. He needs to hit 30 points to return 3x value. The matchup suggests it is possible, but I’d rather take my chances with Nyheim Hines here at half the price.

Joe Mixon, Bengals @ DAL
($7,200 DK, $8,300 FD)
Cincinnati won’t have to pass the ball to win this week. That is good, because Tee Higgins may not be available for this one. Even if they choose to throw, Higgins’ absence could lead to another nine-target game for Mixon.

D’Andre Swift, Lions vs. WAS
($7,000 DK, $8,200 FD
Swift pummeled Philadelphia to the tune of 175-1. His line might go underappreciated since Jamaal Williams vultured a pair of scores. Washington gave up a total of 134-2 to the pair of Jacksonville RBs, so another 100-1 would be safe for Swift, if he is cleared to go. If Swift misses the game, Williams is a must-start.

DFS Sleepers

Darrell Henderson, Rams vs. ATL
($5,700 DK, $6,200 FD)
It was impossible to predict Henderson out-touching Cam Akers 6-to-1. It was also impossible to predict Atlanta limiting Alvin Kamara. Of course, hindsight has proven that injuries were responsible for both situations. Atlanta’s run defense is not this good, and Akers is clearly not 100%. Henderson’s line will surprise no one this week.

Nyheim Hines, Colts @ JAX
($5,300 DK, $5,500 FD)
Despite rumors that Indianapolis would pivot more of Jonathan Taylor’s looks to Hines this season, Taylor still dominated the carries and they split the receiving work. Hines did see six targets, catching them all for 50 yards. Meanwhile, Jacksonville allowed 10-92 to Washington’s RBs through the air. At half of Taylor’s salary, Hines provides you access to this offense and opens up the ability to spend up at both RB1 and WR1.

Wide receivers DraftKings FanDuel
Cooper Kupp $9,900 $9,700
Davante Adams $8,600 $8,800
Ja’Marr Chase $8,000 $8,700
Deebo Samuel $7,100 $8,000
Tyreek Hill $7,100 $8,000
CeeDee Lamb $6,900 $7,700
Mike Evans $6,800 $8,300
Michael Pittman $6,700 $7,800
Terry McLaurin $6,600 $7,300
Amon-Ra St. Brown $6,500 $6,900
Jaylen Waddle $6,400 $7,200
DK Metcalf $6,300 $6,800
Marquise Brown $6,200 $7,400
Courtland Sutton $6,100 $6,800
Brandin Cooks $6,000 $6,700
Tee Higgins $5,900 $7,000
Diontae Johnson $5,800 $7,100
Michael Thomas $5,800 $7,000
Christian Kirk $5,700 $6,500
DJ Moore $5,700 $6,200
Jerry Jeudy $5,600 $6,300
Tyler Lockett $5,600 $6,200
Allen Robinson $5,500 $5,700
Hunter Renfrow $5,500 $5,600
Julio Jones $5,500 $5,700
Rashod Bateman $5,500 $6,400
Amari Cooper $5,400 $6,300
Tyler Boyd $5,400 $6,600
Robbie Anderson $5,300 $5,900
Drake London $5,200 $5,600
Michael Gallup $5,200 $6,000
Brandon Aiyuk $5,100 $5,700
DJ Chark $5,100 $5,700
Elijah Moore $5,000 $5,800
Jarvis Landry $5,000 $6,100
Sterling Shepard $4,900 $5,800
Russell Gage $4,800 $6,100
Chase Claypool $4,700 $6,000
Corey Davis $4,600 $5,900
Curtis Samuel $4,600 $5,700
Chris Olave $4,500 $5,300
DeVante Parker $4,500 $5,500
Jalen Tolbert $4,500 $5,000
Donovan Peoples-Jones $4,400 $5,800
Garrett Wilson $4,400 $5,400
Jakobi Meyers $4,400 $5,500
Marvin Jones $4,400 $5,400
A.J. Green $4,300 $5,400
Devin Duvernay $4,300 $5,900
Zay Jones $4,300 $5,500
Jahan Dotson $4,200 $5,500
Kadarius Toney $4,200 $5,100
Kenny Golladay $4,200 $5,400
Olamide Zaccheaus $4,200 $5,400
Nico Collins $4,100 $5,100
Rondale Moore $4,100 $5,300
Kendrick Bourne $4,000 $5,000
Bryan Edwards $3,900 $4,800
KJ Hamler $3,900 $5,100
Darius Slayton $3,800 $5,000
D’Wayne Eskridge $3,800 $5,000
Noah Brown $3,800 $5,200
Cedrick Wilson $3,700 $5,100
Parris Campbell $3,700 $5,100
George Pickens $3,600 $5,000
Marquise Goodwin $3,600 $4,700
Nelson Agholor $3,600 $5,100
David Bell $3,500 $4,800
Greg Dortch $3,500 $5,500
Van Jefferson $3,500 $5,000
Jauan Jennings $3,400 $5,300
Alec Pierce $3,300 $4,800
Ben Skowronek $3,300 $5,100
Demarcus Robinson $3,300 $5,100
Laviska Shenault $3,300 $4,700
Mike Thomas $3,300 $5,300
Ashton Dulin $3,200 $5,200
Breshad Perriman $3,200 $4,700
Richie James $3,200 $5,500

Wide Receiver

Weekly strategy – Davante Adams is the top pick this week. I love him stacked with Derek Carr. Cooper Kupp is pricier, but he could approach similar output. One of the two should be your WR1. Michael Pittman (quad), Marquise BrownDeebo Samuel, and Courtland Sutton are my pivots. At WR2, consider Hunter RenfrowJulio Jones (knee)DJ Moore, and Christian KirkCurtis Samuel remains my favorite WR3 option. If you don’t use him, consider Jarvis LandryZay JonesDonovan Peoples-JonesDJ Chark, or Greg Dortch. I’d also consider using one of them at flex.

Fantasy Four-pack

Davante Adams, Raiders vs. ARI
($8,600 DK, $8,800 FD)
Adams and Derek Carr are my favorite stack this week. Arizona had no answer for Kansas City last week, and Adams has more talent than anyone who lined up at WR for the Chiefs … 10-125-1 is the floor here.

Cooper Kupp, Rams vs. ATL
($9,900 DK, $9,700 FD)
If you can figure out how to fit both Kupp and Adams under the cap, do it. Atlanta has a decent defensive backfield, but they gave up two scores to New Orleans’ alpha WR Michael Thomas last week. I am a tad concerned about his price, but he has topped 30 points many times before.

Deebo Samuel, 49ers vs. SEA
($7,100 DK, $8,000 FD)
The loss of Eli Mitchell forced Samuel to garner more RB snaps last week. Last year, in a similar spot, Samuel feasted out of the backfield. Seattle is just okay against the pass, but they are rotten at stopping receiving backs. I’m stoked for Samuel’s stats if he gets an equal share of backfield snaps and receptions.

Michael Pittman, Colts @ JAX
($6,700 DK, $7,800 FD)
Pittman (quad) was limited in practice midweek, but he should be good to go for Sunday. Pittman’s activity will affect my decision whether to start Matt Ryan or not. They make a perfect reduced-cost stack against a subpar secondary.

DFS Sleepers

Curtis Samuel, Commanders @ DET
($4,600 DK, $5,700 FD
People forgot about Samuel due to his injuries last season. He was brought in by Ron Rivera to revive his jack-of-all-trades role from their days together in Carolina. He showed out in Week 1 and with both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson to keep defenses honest; Samuel should find lots of room to operate inside.

DJ Chark, Lions vs. WAS
($5,100 DK, $5,700 FD)
I love run-it-back stacks. You can go either way in this game. Jared Goff or Carson Wentz paired with Chark and Samuel at WR2 & WR3 allows you the savings to use big bucks RBs or Kupp and Adams at WR1 and flex. 

Tight ends DraftKings FanDuel
Mark Andrews $6,400 $7,400
George Kittle $5,900 $6,100
Darren Waller $5,600 $6,800
Taysom Hill $X,XXX $6,200
Kyle Pitts $5,400 $5,900
Dalton Schultz $5,200 $5,600
T.J. Hockenson $4,700 $5,700
Zach Ertz $4,500 $5,200
Pat Freiermuth $4,400 $5,400
Mike Gesicki $4,300 $5,200
Tyler Higbee $4,200 $5,300
Noah Fant $4,000 $5,000
Cameron Brate $3,900 $4,900
Albert Okwuegbunam $3,700 $5,100
David Njoku $3,700 $4,900
Evan Engram $3,600 $4,900
Hayden Hurst $3,600 $5,300
Hunter Henry $3,600 $5,100
Logan Thomas $3,400 $5,200
Tyler Conklin $3,400 $5,100
C.J. Uzomah $3,200 $4,600
Jonnu Smith $3,200 $4,700
Mo Alie-Cox $3,200 $4,800
Harrison Bryant $3,100 $4,700
Ian Thomas $3,100 $4,600
Adam Trautman $3,000 $4,600
O.J. Howard $3,000 $5,000
Tyler Kroft $2,800 $4,300
Will Dissly $2,800 $4,200
Brevin Jordan $2,600 $4,700
Andrew Beck $2,500 $4,000
Colby Parkinson $2,500 $4,100
Juwan Johnson $2,500 $4,500

Tight End

Weekly strategy – Mark Andrews has a decent matchup and his DK price is workable. Darren Waller is a little cheaper and his game projects as more of a shootout. If you are feeling a little froggy, consider Kyle Pitts or Dalton Schultz. Neither should have high ownership rates and each could outproduce their salaries. T.J HockensonTyler Higbee, and Zach Ertz make even cheaper pivots. Hayden Hurst is my favorite play (especially if Tee Higgins is out). The other punt options are Logan Thomas and O.J. Howard (who will be too heavily owned).

Fantasy Four-pack

Mark Andrews, Ravens vs. MIA
($6,400 DK, $7,400 FD)
Xavien Howard will likely be asked to cover Rashod Bateman. That will leave Andrews and Devin Duvernay as the best stack options with Lamar Jackson. A vanilla Week 1 by Andrews keeps his salary low for one more week take advantage of it.

Darren Waller, Raiders vs. ARI
($5,600 DK, $6,800 FD)
This is a weak week for main slate TEs. Still, elite TE, Travis Kelce, took Arizona to the woodshed last week, and Waller is one of the few who are close to the same stratosphere as Kelce.

Kyle Pitts, Falcons @ LAR
($5,400 DK, $5,900 FD)
This is another ranking based more on the player’s talent than the matchup. Pitts had an awful final line, but he was targeted seven times. Expect a better output as Pitts gets more comfortable with Marcus Mariota

T.J. Hockenson, Lions vs. WAS
($4,700 DK, $5,700 FD)
Finally, a good matchup to go along with a talented athlete. Hockenson makes a nice third leg to a Jared Goff-DJ Chark stack in what could be a sneaky shootout.

DFS Sleepers

Hayden Hurst, Bengals @ DAL
($3,600 DK, $5,300 FD)
The eight targets recorded by Hurst last week were fifth among all TEs. If Tee Higgins misses another game, expect a similar workload here.

Logan Thomas, Commanders @ DET
($3,400 DK, $5,200 FD)
Thomas finished Week 1 tied for 11th in TE targets with six. Not bad for a guy coming off an ACL tear. As mentioned above, this game could be a shootout, and Thomas adds another potential third leg to a stack.

The best fantasy football gamble of Week 2

Seeking redemption from a veteran receiver after completely whiff in Week 1.

Every week, at least one player becomes my fascination of whether he’s worthy of a fantasy football start as a streamer. The decision can be a mental wrestling match, but for the purpose of brevity, only one player can be chosen as the fantasy football gamble of the week. Be sure to check out one of our newest pieces, Streamers of the Week, from the talented Kevin Hickey.

The best fantasy football gamble for Week 2

Tracking my predictions: 0-1-0
Win: Player produces ≥ 75% of projected fantasy points
Loss: Player produces >75% of projected fantasy points
Tie: Player is ejected, leaves with an injury, or lands on COVID-19 list after publishing

2021 record: 8-9-1
2020 record: 5-10-1

Week’s selection of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (projected 27.15 points) was nothing short of disastrous. Yikes. At the time of the writing, it appeared as though wide receiver Allen Lazard (ankle) wouldn’t play, which I had accounted for, but there was no clarity on the status of offensive tackles David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins — both of whom ended up being inactive. Rodgers was sluggish, Green Bay seemed unprepared for the second straight season opener, and Minnesota took full advantage of it.

Lesson learned … it’s now time to dust it off and head into Week 2 with a fresh start.

WR Allen Robinson, Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons

Robinson was among the top fantasy football receivers for several years prior to last season’s dismal showing, and it was easy to chalk it up to poor quarterback play in a stale offense. In fact, once Robinson inked with the Rams in the offseason, many gamers — myself included — fully embraced a rebound campaign from the 29-year-old. His redemption tour didn’t exactly get off to the best of starts with a two-target, one-catch, 12-yard showing vs. the Buffalo Bills in what became a total beatdown. Depending upon your perspective on life, Robinson playing 65 of the 67 offensive snaps is either encouraging or disturbing.

After the game, head coach Sean McVay said he needs to call plays specifically to get Robinson more involved. Wideout Ben Skowronek  finished with three times the target volume as A-Rob, and while the veteran took it in stride, citing his understanding of the bigger picture, a competitor who is used to being the WR1 will use that as fuel. The problem is, though, what’s motivation worth if the ball just doesn’t come his direction?

[lawrence-related id=469099]

For starters, this week’s matchup is vastly easier. Atlanta was punched in the mouth by the New Orleans Saints’ receiving corps in Week 1, giving up the fourth-most fantasy points in both primary scoring formats. Only six teams yielded more receptions, and four defenses permitted a greater volume of yardage. A touchdown allowed every eight grabs surrendered rated as the eighth-highest frequency. All of that ineptitude was a carryover from 2021’s sixth-easiest matchup to exploit for the receiver position.

LA will come out hungry and firing shots to help ease concerns about last week’s impotent performance. All of the attention paid toward slowing Cooper Kupp favors Robinson against isolated coverage, and as long as the ball is sent his way, there’s a pretty good chance he returns WR2 value.

If Robinson doesn’t show signs of life in this one, expect a long year from the former Nittany Lion.

My projection: 7 targets, 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD (21.0 PPR points)

Fantasy football start/bench list: Week 2

Check out where your roster options fit into our Week 2 start/bench tiers.

Player analysis and projections can be found in our Start/Bench Tool customized to your myHuddle league scoring and rosters. All player listings by groups are in no particular order.

Key: Upgrade / Downgrade

QUARTERBACKS WIDE RECEIVERS
BEST BETS Opp BEST BETS Opp
Josh Allen TEN Cooper Kupp ATL
Patrick Mahomes LAC Davante Adams ARI
GREAT STARTS Opp J. Jefferson @PHI
Justin Herbert @KC M. Pittman Jr. @JAC
Jalen Hurts MIN Stefon Diggs TEN
Joe Burrow @DAL GREAT STARTS Opp
Matt Ryan @JAC A.J. Brown MIN
Russell Wilson HOU Gabriel Davis TEN
SOLID STARTERS Opp Jerry Jeudy HOU
Kirk Cousins @PHI Ja’Marr Chase @DAL
Aaron Rodgers CHI Michael Thomas TB
Jameis Winston TB Deebo Samuel SEA
Carson Wentz @DET A. St. Brown WAS
Lamar Jackson MIA SOLID STARTERS Opp
Trey Lance SEA Diontae Johnson NE
M. Stafford ATL Jaylen Waddle @BAL
Derek Carr ARI Adam Thielen @PHI
Kyler Murray @LVR Hunter Renfrow ARI
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Brandin Cooks @DEN
Tom Brady @NO Darnell Mooney @GB
Ryan Tannehill @BUF DJ Chark Jr. WAS
Joe Flacco @CLE Terry McLaurin @DET
Jared Goff WAS Curtis Samuel @DET
Trevor Lawrence IND Julio Jones @NO
Tua Tagovailoa @BAL Amari Cooper NYJ
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp S. Shepard CAR
Geno Smith @SF Christian Kirk IND
Baker Mayfield @NYG Jarvis Landry TB
Justin Fields @GB Jahan Dotson @DET
Davis Mills @DEN Jakobi Meyers @PIT
Mac Jones @PIT Tyreek Hill @BAL
Daniel Jones CAR Mike Williams @KC
Jacoby Brissett NYJ J. Smith-Schuster LAC
Cooper Rush CIN C. Sutton HOU
M. Trubisky NE Marquise Brown @LVR
Marcus Mariota @LAR Mike Evans @NO
RUNNING BACKS Allen Robinson ATL
BEST BETS Opp Tyler Boyd @DAL
Saquon Barkley CAR D.J. Moore @NYG
Nick Chubb NYJ Elijah Moore @CLE
Jonathan Taylor @JAC FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
Joe Mixon @DAL Isaiah McKenzie TEN
Javonte Williams HOU R. Gage Jr. @NO
GREAT STARTS Opp Mecole Hardman LAC
C. McCaffrey @NYG Allen Lazard CHI
D’Andre Swift WAS Drake London @LAR
Dalvin Cook @PHI Chris Olave TB
Austin Ekeler @KC Devin Duvernay MIA
Antonio Gibson @DET Romeo Doubs CHI
SOLID STARTERS Opp CeeDee Lamb CIN
Jeff Wilson Jr. SEA DeVonta Smith MIN
Najee Harris NE Greg Dortch @LVR
Tony Pollard CIN D. Peoples-Jones NYJ
Miles Sanders MIN Marvin Jones IND
D. Montgomery @GB Zay Jones IND
Kareem Hunt NYJ M. Valdes-Scantling LAC
Derrick Henry @BUF Robbie Anderson @NYG
James Conner @LVR Noah Brown CIN
C. Patterson @LAR DK Metcalf @SF
Aaron Jones CHI Rashod Bateman MIA
C. Edwards-Helaire LAC Treylon Burks @BUF
L. Fournette @NO DeAndre Carter @KC
Josh Jacobs ARI Corey Davis @CLE
AJ Dillon CHI Kyle Philips @BUF
D. Singletary TEN Chase Claypool NE
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Tyler Lockett @SF
J.K. Dobbins MIA SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
T. Davis-Price SEA Tee Higgins @DAL
K. Gainwell MIN Rondale Moore @LVR
Dameon Pierce @DEN W. Robinson CAR
Rashaad Penny @SF Kendrick Bourne @PIT
Damien Harris @PIT Cedrick Wilson @BAL
Khalil Herbert @GB E. St. Brown @GB
Breece Hall @CLE George Pickens NE
Jamaal Williams WAS KJ Hamler HOU
Chase Edmonds @BAL Alec Pierce @JAC
James Robinson IND Keenan Allen @KC
Michael Carter @CLE Michael Gallup CIN
Rex Burkhead @DEN Kadarius Toney CAR
Ezekiel Elliott CIN Josh Palmer @KC
Nyheim Hines @JAC Randall Cobb CHI
Alvin Kamara TB DeVante Parker @PIT
D. Henderson ATL Kenny Golladay CAR
Travis Etienne IND A.J. Green @LVR
M. Gordon III HOU Sammy Watkins CHI
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Nico Collins @DEN
Isiah Pacheco LAC Robert Woods @BUF
Raheem Mostert @BAL O. Zaccheaus @LAR
Joshua Kelley @KC Parris Campbell @JAC
Cam Akers ATL C. Watson CHI
K. Walker III @SF Richie James CAR
Jordan Mason SEA Jauan Jennings SEA
Mike Davis MIA K.J. Osborn @PHI
D. Hilliard @BUF Garrett Wilson @CLE
R. Stevenson @PIT Brandon Aiyuk SEA
Kenyan Drake MIA DEFENSIVE TEAMS
J.D. McKissic @DET BEST BETS Opp
Zack Moss TEN Browns NYJ
Jerick McKinnon LAC GREAT STARTS Opp
TIGHT ENDS 49ers SEA
BEST BETS Opp Packers CHI
Travis Kelce LAC Bills TEN
GREAT STARTS Opp SOLID STARTERS Opp
Mark Andrews MIA Colts @JAC
Dalton Schultz CIN Bengals @DAL
SOLID STARTERS Opp Cowboys CIN
Darren Waller ARI Broncos HOU
Dallas Goedert MIN Rams ATL
Zach Ertz @LVR Saints TB
Dawson Knox TEN Ravens MIA
Gerald Everett @KC FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp
FRINGE FANTASY PLAYS Opp Raiders ARI
Cole Kmet @GB Patriots @PIT
O.J. Howard @DEN Dolphins @BAL
Tyler Higbee ATL Vikings @PHI
T.J. Hockenson WAS Commanders @DET
Robert Tonyan CHI Panthers @NYG
Kyle Pitts @LAR Buccaneers @NO
Pat Freiermuth NE Steelers NE
Austin Hooper @BUF SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp
Evan Engram IND Falcons @LAR
Logan Thomas @DET Bears @GB
SIT ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM Opp Cardinals @LVR
George Kittle SEA Eagles MIN
Tyler Conklin @CLE Giants CAR
Cameron Brate @NO Seahawks @SF
David Njoku NYJ Jets @CLE
Mike Gesicki @BAL Texans @DEN
Irv Smith @PHI Titans @BUF
A. Okwuegbunam HOU Chargers @KC
Mo Alie-Cox @JAC Lions WAS
Hunter Henry @PIT Chiefs LAC
Taysom Hill TB Jaguars IND
Noah Fant @SF
Hayden Hurst @DAL
Pharaoh Brown @DEN

The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 148

A wide array of Week 1 and Week 2 discussion, including news, DFS, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you B.P.N. NFL news, a wide-ranging look at Week 1, and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays” for the games ahead. So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or click here to listen