WEEK 1 RECAP

Chiefs 27, Ravens 20: Isaiah Likely had flashed in his previous two seasons with Baltimore, but that was mostly without Mark Andrews in the lineup. Andrews was healthy at Kansas City, and Likely still had nine receptions for 111 yards and a TD (he would’ve had a second score if he happened to be one size smaller in shoes). I don’t believe Andrews disappears, but I also don’t believe this performance was a fluke. Likely played nearly as many snaps (59 to 53) and had a team-high 12 targets (Andrews only had two).

Eagles 34, Packers 29: Tucker Kraft played significantly more than Luke Musgrave at tight end in the opener against Philadelphia — out-snapping him 64-17. Of course, it doesn’t really matter until Jordan Love is healthy.

Steelers 18, Falcons 10: Justin Fields was relatively efficient and did enough to help Pittsburgh win at Atlanta, but we all know what he’s capable of in fantasy, and there’s no guarantee Russell Wilson will be back this weekend at Denver. Also, there’s no guarantee Wilson will hold onto the job once he does return, making Fields a solid stash candidate.

Bills 34, Cardinals 28: Josh Allen joined Steve Young as the only players to score multiple passing and rushing touchdowns in a game four times.

Bears 24, Titans 17: Caleb Williams became the first QB drafted No. 1 to win his NFL debut since 2002, but it wasn’t pretty. Williams only completed 14-of-29 passes for 93 yards and was sacked twice. He also added 15 yards on five carries. The silver lining is he didn’t make any turnovers (he recovered his one fumble).

Patriots 16, Bengals 10: Cincinnati needs a better alarm clock! The Bengals trailed by 10 or more for the third straight season opener and haven’t scored a TD in the first half of Week 1 since 2021.

Texans 29, Colts 27: With strong-armed Anthony Richardson back in the lineup, 2022 second-round pick Alec Pierce caught passes of 60 (for a TD) and 57 yards. Pierce could finally fulfill his potential if Richardson remains healthy.

Dolphins 20, Jaguars 17: Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson told anyone who would listen that Tank Bigsby would have a bigger impact in his second season and that they planned to get him more involved. Well, Bigsby matched Travis Etienne’s 12 carries and had a team-high 73 rushing yards (Etienne had 44, but also scored a TD).

Saints 47, Panthers 10: Bryce Young showed little improvement from his rookie season. He was intercepted on his first play of the game and started the second half with another pick.

Vikings 28, Giants 6: Are we sure Mike Kafka wasn’t still calling plays? The G-Men’s offense didn’t look any different with Brian Daboll as the playcaller than it did last season.

Chargers 22, Raiders 10: Talent has never been the issue with J.K. Dobbins. It’s been durability. If the universe will bless the former second-round pick (No. 55 overall) with good health for an entire season, Dobbins could be a league-winner — he had 135 yards and a TD on only 10 carries vs. Las Vegas. He’s still just 25 years old (turns 26 in December) with plenty of tread left on the tires.

Seahawks 26, Broncos 20: Kenneth Walker is currently day-to-day with an abdominal injury he suffered against Denver. Zach Charbonnet had 10 touches against the Broncos, including an impressive 30-yard TD reception to begin the fourth quarter, and would be the primary beneficiary if Walker misses any time.

Cowboys 33, Browns 17: I understand if you want to chalk Deshaun Watson’s subpar performance to a terrible matchup against Dallas or the fact Cleveland was without both its starting offensive tackles Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin, but the pressure only mounts from here. It’s fair to say the 2020 version of Watson, the one most of us considered a top-5 QB in the NFL, might never return to the field.

Buccaneers 37, Commanders 20: Rachaad White remains the lead back in Tampa Bay — 21 touches for 106 total yards — but the rookie Bucky Irving looked like the more explosive runner (62 yards on nine carries) against Washington.

Lions 26, Rams 20 (OT): Puka Nacua suffered a sprained PCL against Detroit and will miss at least four games after L.A. placed him on IR. The Rams have a bye in Week 6, so Nacua won’t return until at least Week 7. Both Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson stepped up after Nacua was hurt Sunday night — both received seven targets.

49ers 32, Jets 19: Frankly, if you drafted Christian McCaffrey with the No. 1 overall pick in your fantasy draft, you should have also purchased his insurance policy. Jordan Mason rumbled for 147 yards and a TD on 28 carries (his most since high school) against the Jets on Monday night with McCaffrey out due to a calf and Achilles injury. The Niners would be wise to give Mason 10-12 carries per game to lighten CMC’s load when he returns and keep him fresh for the duration of the season. That type of volume would give the angry runner flex appeal in deeper standard formats.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here’s my best bets for Week 2:

BUFFALO AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Dalton Kincaid (BUF), Tyreek Hill (MIA), Jaylen Waddle (MIA), Tua Tagovailoa (MIA).

Who to start: Khalil Shakir (BUF) finished as the overall WR21 in standard formats (WR25 in PPR) last week and has WR3/flex upside. Rookie receiver Keon Coleman (BUF) led the Bills in targets (five) and yards (51) in his NFL debut and has flex appeal in a potentially high-scoring affair. De’Von Achane (MIA) is an obvious starter if he’s active. Jeff Wilson Jr. (MIA) has RB2/flex upside with the Dolphins dealing with multiple injuries in their backfield.

Who to sit: Curtis Samuel (BUF) is a boom-or-bust option after only playing 17 of the Bills’ 62 offensive snaps last week, and producing two receptions for 15 yards. I’m fading both the Bills D/ST and Dolphins D/ST. Raheem Mostert (MIA) is out with a chest injury.

Sleeper: Dynamic rookie running back Jaylen Wright (MIA) could be splitting touches with Wilson if both Achane and Mostert are sidelined.

NEW ORLEANS AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Alvin Kamara (NO), Chris Olave (NO), CeeDee Lamb (DAL), Dak Prescott (DAL), Cowboys D/ST.

Who to start: Juwan Johnson (NO) is facing a defense who allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1. Brandin Cooks (DAL) finished as the overall WR19 in standard formats (WR21 in PPR) last week and has WR3/flex upside.

Who to sit: I’m fading Derek Carr (NO) against a strong defense on the road after he was solid in Week 1. Rashid Shaheed (NO) remains the quintessential boom-or-bust option. I’m fading the Saints D/ST on the road against an efficient offense. Jake Ferguson (DAL) suffered a sprained MCL in the opener and hasn’t practiced as of Wednesday. Ezekiel Elliott (DAL) remains TD-dependent while he’s splitting carries with Rico Dowdle (DAL).

Sleeper: The Saints will need to utilize Taysom Hill (NO) to exploit matchups against an elite Cowboys defense.

TAMPA BAY AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Rachaad White (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), David Montgomery (DET).

Who to start: Only Josh Allen topped Baker Mayfield (TB) in fantasy points Week 1 — If you’re streaming quarterbacks, the former No. 1 overall pick should be on your radar. Cade Otton (TB) deserves streaming consideration against a Lions defense that has struggled against tight ends since the beginning of last season. Jared Goff (DET) is always solid at home and faces a defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last week. Jameson Williams (DET) finished as the overall WR3 in standard formats (WR5 in PPR) last week and has WR3/flex upside despite the difficult matchup — monitor his ankle issue.

Who to sit: This is a difficult matchup to trust rookie running back Bucky Irving (TB) despite looking like a more explosive runner (62 yards on nine carries) than White against Washington.

Sleeper: Rookie receiver Jalen McMillan (TB) had a 32-yard TD reception in his pro debut last week and faces a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1.

INDIANAPOLIS AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Jonathan Taylor (IND), Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), Anthony Richardson (IND).

Who to start: Alec Pierce (IND) finished as the overall WR6 in standard formats (WR10 in PPR) last week and faces a defense that allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1. Josh Jacobs (GB) and Jayden Reed (GB) are the only Packers I trust to produce if Jordan Love is out — monitor Jacobs’ back issue. The Packers D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home, but their offense might be a hinderance this week.

Who to sit: Josh Downs (IND) is still nursing a high-ankle sprain. We’ll need a bigger sample size to start trusting rookie receiver Adonai Mitchell (IND). I’m fading Christian Watson (GB), Romeo Doubs (GB), Dontayvion Wicks (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB) and Luke Musgrave (GB) if Malik Willis (GB) is under center.

Sleeper: If you’re streaming defenses, it’s hard to find a better option than the Colts D/ST against Willis.

N.Y. JETS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Breece Hall (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Jets D/ST, Tony Pollard (TEN).

Who to start: Tyjae Spears (TEN) deserves flex consideration in most PPR formats.

Who to sit: Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats while he shakes off the rust. Keep Mike Williams (NYJ) on your bench while he’s playing with a “pitch count.” Allen Lazard (NJY) remains a TD-dependent option in deeper standard leagues. Tyler Conklin (NYJ) faces a defense that only allowed two receptions for three yards to tight ends last week. It’s inconclusive how the target share will play out between Calvin Ridley (TEN) and DeAndre Hopkins (TEN) now that it appears Hopkins is healthy. Will Levis (TEN) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats.

Sleeper: Chigoziem Okonkwo (TEN) finished as the overall TE5 in standard formats (TE6 in PPR) last week thanks primarily to his 17-yard TD reception — the Jets tied for the second-most TDs allowed to tight ends last season.

SAN FRANCISCO AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Deebo Samuel (SF), George Kittle (SF), Brandon Aiyuk (SF), 49ers D/ST, Justin Jefferson (MIN), Aaron Jones (MIN).

Who to start: If Christian McCaffrey (SF) is active, he’s in your lineup. The Vikings tend to be blitz-happy and Brock Purdy (SF) usually eats well when a team sends extra defenders — Purdy completed 14-of-16 passes against the Vikes’ blitz in Week 7 last year for 183 yards and a TD.

Who to sit: Jordan Mason (SF) is an obvious starter if CMC remains out, otherwise, consider him a TD-dependent flex option in standard formats this week. I’m fading Jordan Addison (MIN) with an ankle issue against a tough defense. Sam Darnold (MIN) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats with a difficult matchup at home against a team that knows him well.

Sleeper: Ty Chandler (MIN) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats with the Vikings facing a possible negative game script in the second half

SEATTLE AT NEW ENGLAND

Obvious starters: DK Metcalf (SEA), Rhamondre Stevenson (NE).

Who to start: Kenneth Walker (SEA) is an obvious starter if he’s active — monitor his oblique issue. Tyler Lockett (SEA) maintains WR3/flex upside after finishing as the overall WR30 in standard formats (WR22 in PPR) last week while dealing with a thigh issue. The Seahawks D/ST deserves streaming consideration against a vanilla offense led by Jacoby Brissett. The Patriots D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense traveling cross country.

Who to sit: It’s hard to trust Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) outside of the deepest PPR formats until he surpasses Lockett in the Seahawks’ receiving pecking order. Geno Smith (SEA) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats against a defense that just kept Joe Burrow in check. Hunter Henry (NE) remains TD-dependent until further notice.

Sleeper: Zach Charbonnet (SEA) has RB2/flex upside if Walker is out.

N.Y. GIANTS AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Jayden Daniels (WAS).

Who to start: Dynamic rookie receiver Malik Nabers (NYG) has WR3/flex upside if he’s active — Nabers missed practice Thursday with a knee ailment. Volume gives Devin Singletary (NYG) flex appeal — Singletary had 14 touches against Minnesota Week 1. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) has WR3/flex upside after receiving 12 targets against Minnesota last week, especially if Nabers is out. Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex appeal in PPR formats after catching four balls for 52 yards in his Commanders debut. The Commanders D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing defenses last week.

Who to sit: Zach Ertz (WAS) remains TD-dependent until further notice. Rookie receiver Luke McCaffrey (WAS) is someone to keep on your radar going forward in PPR formats.

Sleeper: Daniel Jones (NYG) faces a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last week.

L.A. CHARGERS AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: J.K. Dobbins (LAC), Chargers D/ST.

Who to start: Justin Herbert (LAC) faces a defense that just allowed 200 passing yards and three TDs to Derek Carr. Ladd McConkey (LAC) finished as the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR19 in PRR) last week and appears to be Herbert’s favorite target. Gus Edwards (LAC) should see double-digit carries and has flex appeal in standard formats against a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs last week.

Who to sit: Joshua Palmer (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) are boom-or-bust options at this point. I’m fading Diontae Johnson (CAR) and Adam Thielen (CAR) until we see Bryce Young (CAR) hold his own on a consistent basis. Chuba Hubbard (CAR) and Miles Sanders (CAR) are both TD-dependent against an underrated Chargers defense. Xavier Legette (CAR) is a boom-or-bust option after leading the Panthers in targets (seven) and receptions (four) in his pro debut.

Sleeper: Hayden Hurst (LAC) faces his former team, who happened to allow the most fantasy points to tight ends last week.

CLEVELAND AT JACKSONVILLE

Obvious starters: Amari Cooper (CLE), Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC), Evan Engram (JAC).

Who to start: Jerome Ford (CLE) faces a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs last week. I expect a better showing from Christian Kirk (JAC) against a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers last week. Speedy rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC) finished as the overall WR18 in standard formats (WR20 in PPR) in his pro debut. The Jaguars D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing defenses last week.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Browns D/ST on the road dealing with several injuries. Jerry Jeudy (CLE) remains a boom-or-bust option after he received eight targets in his Browns debut. Deshaun Watson (CLE) remains a fade outside of Superflex formats. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) only has value in Superflex formats or deeper leagues until further notice. Gabe Davis (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust option. Tank Bigsby (JAC) is TD-dependent with a difficult matchup.

Sleeper: Jordan Akins (CLE) will start at tight end and likely inherit David Njoku’s targets with Njoku sidelined.

LAS VEGAS AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: Davante Adams (LV), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Mark Andrews (BAL), Ravens D/ST.

Who to start: Brock Bowers (LV) finished as the overall TE6 in standard formats (TE3 in PPR) last week in his pro debut. It’s hard to sit Isaiah Likely (BAL) after his performance against the Chiefs in the opener.

Who to sit: I’m fading Zamir White (LV) on the road with a difficult matchup. Jakobi Meyers (LV) only received three targets last week vs. the Chargers. I’m fading the Raiders D/ST on the road against Jackson. Gardner Minshew (LV) only has value in the deepest Superflex formats.

Sleeper(s): Alexander Mattison (LV) has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats after catching four balls for 43 yards and a TD in his Raiders debut. Ditto for Justice Hill (BAL), who had six receptions (eight targets) for 52 yards out of the backfield against the Chiefs.

L.A. RAMS AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Kyren Williams (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI), Tre McBride (ARI).

Who to start: Matthew Stafford (LAR) faces a defense that allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks last week. With Puka Nacua sidelined, both Demarcus Robinson (LAR) and Tyler Johnson (LAR) have flex appeal in deeper PPR formats against a defense that allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers last week. Greg Dortch (ARI) has flex appeal in PPR formats after making six receptions out of eight targets last week.

Who to sit: Rookie running back Blake Corum (LAR) didn’t play a single offensive snap in the opener. Rookie running back Trey Benson (ARI) remains TD-dependent until further notice. Michael Wilson (ARI) remains boom-or-bust after only receiving two targets in the opener, even if he caught one for a five-yard TD.

Sleeper: Colby Parkinson (LAR) deserves streaming consideration after catching four balls (out of five targets) for 47 yards and almost never coming off the field last week.

PITTSBURGH AT DENVER

Obvious starters: George Pickens (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: If you’re in a pinch at QB already, Justin Fields (PIT) offers one of the highest upsides available. Both Najee Harris (PIT) and Jaylen Warren (PIT) have RB2/flex upside against a defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs last week. I expect volume to increase for Pat Freiermuth (PIT) in Arthur Smith’s offense as the season goes along. Volume helps Courtland Sutton (DEN) maintain his flex appeal — Sutton had 12 targets last week at Seattle.

Who to sit: Javonte Williams (DEN) has a difficult matchup after only producing 23 yards on nine touches against the Seahawks. Rookie signal-caller Bo Nix (DEN) obviously has some growing pains to go through. Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) remains a boom-or-bust option after only getting a single target last week. Josh Reynolds (DEN) faces a defense that allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last week.

Sleeper: Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) out-touched Williams 15-9, including five receptions (albeit for only one yard) last week.

CINCINNATI AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Joe Burrow (CIN), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Isiah Pacheco (KC), Rashee Rice (KC).

Who to start: Zack Moss (CIN) finished as the overall RB19 in standard formats (RB22 in PPR) last week. Xavier Worthy (KC) finished as the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR11 in PPR) last week with two TDs in his pro debut. The Chiefs D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense missing a few pieces.

Who to sit: Tee Higgins (CIN) will likely miss another game with a hamstring injury. Chase Brown (CIN) is TD-dependent outside of the deepest PPR formats until further notice. Andrei Iosivas (CIN) remains a boom-or-bust option with Higgins out. I’m thinking a shoulder injury keeps Marquise Brown (KC) sidelined for at least another week.

Sleeper: Mike Gesicki (CIN) faces a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends last week.

CHICAGO AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: DJ Moore (CHI), Keenan Allen (CHI), CJ Stroud (HOU), Stefon Diggs (HOU), Joe Mixon (HOU), Nico Collins (HOU).

Who to start: Tank Dell (HOU) maintains WR3/flex upside after receiving seven targets and two carries last week. Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to tight ends last week — monitor his ankle issue. Streaming the Texans D/ST at home against a rookie QB is sound game theory.

Who to sit: I’m fading D’Andre Swift (CHI) against a defense that just stifled Indy’s Jonathan Taylor. Rookie receiver Rome Odunze (CHI) is likely out with a knee injury. I’m fading the Bears D/ST on the road against Stroud. Cole Kmet (CHI) and Gerald Everett (CHI) are TD-dependent against a defense that didn’t allow a single reception to tight ends last week.

Sleeper: Caleb Williams (CHI) faces a defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in Week 1, and he’ll have to keep pace with Stroud.

ATLANTA AT PHILADELPHIA

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Kyle Pitts (ATL), Saquon Barkley (PHI), AJ Brown (PHI), Jalen Hurts (PHI), DeVonta Smith (PHI).

Who to start: Kirk Cousins (ATL) may not win in primetime, but he’s had some pretty big games in those spots. Dallas Goedert (PHI) faces a defense that allowed six receptions to tight ends last week. The Eagles D/ST deserves streaming consideration at home against an offense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing defenses last week.

Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent until further notice. Jahan Dotson (PHI) remains a boom-or-bust option after only seeing one target in Week 1.

Sleeper: Darnell Mooney (ATL) faces a defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers last week.