The Fantasy Footballers Podcast Recap: Week 2 (Fantasy Football)

Week 1 overreactions are here, and Andy, Mike, and Jason deliver the news and advice you need to make rational decisions! Remember to listen to The Fantasy Footballers podcast, available wherever you listen to your podcasts.

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Monday – Week 1 Studs and Duds + Rapid (Over)-Reactions?

Here are some of the best Monday Punday submissions by followers on Instagram and X. Zay Powers, Ashton Plently, Isaiah Lovely, and Christian Gigawatson were a few of the best studs, while Ghostin’ Loveland, Ja’Marr Waste, Fake Maye, Marshawn Void, and Can’t Ward were the worst performers of the week.

News

New England Patriots WR AJ Brown and San Francisco 49ers rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling both suffered serious ankle injuries in the opening games of the season. Brown suffered a high-ankle sprain and was placed on IR prior to kickoff on Sunday. He is expected to miss six weeks. Stribling underwent surgery for a deltoid ligament sprain in his ankle. He is expected to miss 10 weeks. Kyler Murray suffered a concussion against the Green Bay Packers and will miss Week 2. Los Angeles Chargers WR Ladd McConkey suffered a chest injury against the Arizona Cardinals and is unlikely to play against the Las Vegas Raiders. Zay Flowers left early with a hamstring injury and did not return. He is doubtful for Week 2.

Studs

QBs

Caleb Williams scored 37 fantasy points and led the Chicago Bears to 59 points against the Carolina Panthers, one of the highest-scoring team performances in Week 1 in NFL history. Josh Allen scored 36 points, with 14 of those coming on the ground. Mike’s start of the week, Jaxson Dart, along with Bryce Young and Trevor Lawrence, also finished within the top five at QB.

RBs

Derrick Henry led all RBs with 34.8 fantasy points, with 144 rushing yards and three TDs. Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson showed why they were the consensus first and second picks in fantasy drafts this offseason, while D’Andre Swift, Ashton Jeanty, and David Montgomery all also produced as top six RBs.

WRs

Jalen Coker surprisingly finished as the WR1 of Week 1, posting eight receptions for 138 yards and two TDs. Christian Watsona nd Zay Flowers both finished as top five WRs despite almost no second-half production for either WR. Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown were the two best usual WR1 names in Week 1.

TEs

Jason’s start of the week, Isaiah Likely, led TEs with 23.8 fantasy points. Dallas Goedert reminded fantasy managers of his TE3 finish last season, going 4/77/2 to score 21.7 fantasy points. Trey McBride, Mike Gesicki, and Dalton Kincaid were all good plays at TE in Week 1.

Duds

QBs

Drake Maye and Justin Herbert underperformed in Week 1 and will be without their WR1 for the near future. Jason expects a bounce-back for Herbert and suggests managers should throw out Week 1. Andy was disappointed with how Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys’ offense looked on Sunday night, but Mike is not concerned.

RBs

Quinshon Judkins – Mike is concerned with the outlook of the Browns offense as a whole, and noted that most of the RBs on this list were on losing teams. Tony Pollard barely outsnapped Tyjae Spears, potentially signaling a committee backfield in a bad offense. Andy thinks Kaleb Johnson may be involved soon, with both Marshawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks looking pedestrian. Rico Dowdle outsnapped Jaylen Warren 39-25, but neither RB was effective.

WRs

The Ballers agree that Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and George Pickens all had off days, and they all should be started. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III both underperformed compared to expectations. Andy is still confident about Burden, but Jason is concerned with his snap count in 2 WR sets. Jason is panicking with his Carnell Tate “My Guy” pick, as all Titans seem borderline unplayable.

TEs

Colston Loveland put up zero fantasy points, despite the Bears scoring eight TDs and over 500 yards of total offense against the Panthers. George Kittle is being eased back into his normal workload coming off his Achilles injury. Andy suggests trading for Harold Fannin Jr. when Sanders is announced as the starter, but Fannin is a scary start until then.

Tuesday – Week 2 Waivers + Bounce Back or Buns?

MNF Recap

Kenneth Walker III showed why he left Seattle: to get a workload like he did on Monday. He exploded in an island game performance, leaving the Ballers questioning how many guys they would rather have than him. Patrick Mahomes gave the Ballers promise by rushing ability is still there post-ACL tear. The Broncos offense struggled, with J.K. Dobbins and Jaylen Waddle hardly being involved.

News

Sam Darnold has a unique glute injury and is reportedly looking at a four-week absence. Jalen Coker had a “precautionary” walking boot after rolling his ankle in the 1st quarter of Week 1. Jordan Mason was placed on IR with a fracture in his thumb. Isiah Pacheco underwent back surgery and will miss 12 weeks. TreVeyon Henderson returned to practice and is expected to play in Week 2.

Bounce Back or Buns

Andy hosted “Bounce Back or Buns,” a game asking Mike and Jason if they expect players to bounce back from a bad Week 1 performance or if they expect bad things to come. Mike and Jason agreed that George Pickens, Davante Adams, Colston Loveland, and Jaylen Waddle will bounce back. Mike thinks Josh Downs, Marshawn Lloyd, and Terry McLaurin can still provide value in the right context, while Jason disagrees. Jason thinks Harold Fannin Jr. will bounce back when Deshaun Watson goes to the bench and Shedeur Sanders starts for the Cleveland Browns. Mike and Jason agreed that Makai Lemon, Rachaad White, and Jordan Addison are buns.

Waiver Wire

RB

Jason would use a waiver priority or $10-15 FAAB on Kaelon Black. Jason is focused on the high-end insurance backs, Kaelon Black and Emmett Johnson. Emari Demercardo is a name to watch, as the depth chart cleared after Malik Davis’ season-ending hip injury. Mike thinks Braelon Allen will get the most work of players on most waiver wires, behind Tyler Allgeier.

WR

Andy would spend no more than 15% of FAAB on Deebo Samuel Jr. or Jalen Coker, and believes Coker and Caleb Douglas are good bets as rest-of-season adds. Jason suggests staying away from spending significant FAAB on any of the waiver WRs this week. Mike and Jason recommend keeping Romeo Doubs on your bench while AJ Brown is on IR.

TE

Dallas Goedert is rostered in 83% of leagues, but check whether he is on your waiver wire. Andy is convinced that Goedert should be viewed as an every-week starter, and feels he has not been given enough credit for finishing as TE3 last season. Jason has a clear tier break after Dallas Goedert and Juwan Johnson, but would then start Hunter Henry if you have to stream TEs.  Mike and Jason agree Kenyon Sadiq is worth a roster stash to monitor his involvement. Jason and Andy would keep Fannin Jr. rostered, even though he may be unplayable with Watson starting.

DST

The Ballers recommend picking up the Kansas City Chiefs’ DST while they play the Colts, Dolphins, and Raiders in the next three weeks. The Panthers are an option this week off waivers, as they play the Falcons and Browns in their next two games, but are a scary start after allowing the Bears to score 59 points.

Full Stream Ahead

Andy: Patrick Mahomes (vs IND)

Week 1 was the Kenneth Bone Walker show, but Andy expects Week 2 to be highlighted by Mahomes’ performance against the Colts on Sunday night.

Mike: Carson Wentz (vs CHI)

Wentz is available in the majority of leagues, and Mike is playing the matchup against Chicago, who allowed Carolina to score 37 points. This pick is mostly for two-QB leagues or leagues where most teams roster 2 QBs.

Jason – Brock Purdy (vs MIA)

This is a great matchup vs. Miami. Purdy’s total passing TDs should be higher this year with Mike Evans, and George Kittle’s involvement in the offense should improve throughout the season.

Wednesday – How We Feelin? + TNF Preview, Trade Q’s

Drop it like it’s hot. Remember to check your league’s transaction history to see who was dropped as part of this week’s waiver wire.

News

Brock Bowers’ knee injury is not considered to be serious, and his status is in question for Week 2. Omar Cooper Jr. suffered a high-ankle sprain and is week-to-week. The Chargers signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling to the practice squad, potentially signaling Ladd McConkey‘s availability.

Thursday Night Breakdown

Neither the Detroit Lions nor the Buffalo Bills defenses were able to stop their opponent in the second half of Week 1. Josh Allen, James Cook, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are all auto-starts. Andy liked Jameson Williams‘ utilization in Week 1 and is starting him against Buffalo. The 54.5-point over/under gives Jason the confidence to recommend that if you have a Lion or Bill on your roster, you should probably start them.

Thursday – Starts of the Week + Week 2 Preview, Thanks Khloe!

News

Jordan Mason was placed on IR with a thumb fracture, clearing the way for Aaron Jones to be a workhorse RB. Andy and Jason agree that Aaron Jones is a must-start, but Demond Claiborne’s involvement in the offense should be monitored. Joe Burrow popped up on the injury report with a back injury and is questionable against the Texans. RJ Harvey missed practice on Wednesday and is uncertain to play against the Jaguars.

Starts of the Week

QBs

Andy: Brock Purdy vs. MIA

Purdy is the QB3 in fantasy PPG since returning from injury in Week 11 last season. The San Francisco 49ers have historically done well as big favorites under Brock Purdy, scoring at least 27 points in all games where they were favored by 10 points or more. This formula and matchup against the Miami Dolphins make Purdy a great start with a safe floor and high ceiling should he throw multiple TDs.

Mike: Dak Prescott vs WAS

Prescott disappointed in Week 1 with a QB19 finish. Almost 1/5 of his passing attempts went for 20+ air yards, but he finished with zero deep-ball completions. Dak will be a good play if Dallas wins this game, or if he is able to connect on a couple of deep balls to George or CeeDee.

Jason: Jordan Love @ NYJ

Love was given the keys to the offense in Week 1 in the absence of Josh Jacobs. The Packers had the second-highest neutral pace and 6th-highest pass rate over expectation against Minnesota. Marshawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks disappointed in Week 1, leaving Jason to believe these trends will continue.

RBs

Andy: Bhayshul Tuten vs. DEN

The Broncos’ defense was not as scary as they did last year when they faced off against Ken Bone Walker in Week 1. Bhayshul Tuten’s early-down involvement for the Jaguars in Week 1 proved that he is their go-to RB and should be a solid RB2 this week.

Mike: Jacory Croskey-Merritt @ DAL

Bill was evidently the Commanders’ RB1 in Week 1. He ran more routes (13) than he did in all but two games last season. Bill Croskey is a great start in the product of a 50.5-point over/under against the Cowboys’ defense that may not have improved from last season. to

Jason: Aaron Jones @ CHI

The Chicago Bears gave up 37 points to the Panthers last week and were bottom-five in yards per carry allowed, rush success rate allowed, and yards before contact allowed. This matchup, combined with the absence of Jordan Mason, makes Jones a solid RB2 in Week 2.

WRs

Andy: DJ Moore vs. DET

This game has the highest over/under of the week at 54.5 points. DJ Moore saw 33% of Buffalo’s first-read targets in Week 1, clearly showing that they view him as their WR1. Detroit allowed all Saints pass-catchers to provide fantasy value last week, particularly in the second half and overtime.

Mike: Quentin Johnston vs LV

Although this is a nasty boy pick, Mike is confident that Johnston will be a solid FLEX play. He averages 11 fantasy PPG against the Raiders in his career and could be featured should Ladd miss the game or be seriously affected by his rib injury.

Jason: Terry McLaurin @ DAL

Jason refuses to believe in Terry’s season-long outlook, but this is a great matchup to play him. McLaurin can shine in a game with the second-highest over/under of the week against the Cowboys’ defense that underperformed against the Giants in Week 1.

TEs

Andy: Mark Andrews vs. NO

Andy guarantees a TD for Mark Andrews in Week 2 against New Orleans. Andrews’ volume could increase with the absence of Ja’Kobi Lane and Zay Flowers dealing with a hamstring injury.

Mike: Dalton Schultz vs CIN

Dr. Schultz has the fifth most targets since arriving in Houston in 2023. The absences of Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Tank Dell push Shultz up Stroud’s target totem pole, making him a high-floor streamable TE this week.

Jason: Colston Loveland vs MIN

Fantasy managers should feel confident putting Colston Loveland back in their lineups this week despite a goose egg in Week 1. This pick is simply to remind fantasy managers that you have to be willing to put an outlier bad performance behind you and to continue starting your studs.

Fantasy Forecast

CAR @ ATL (CAR-2.5, O/U 43.5)

Cooper Rush gets another start for the Falcons, making Kyle Pitts unplayable. The Ballers agree they would start Jalen Coker in this game over London. Jason has both Tet McMillan and Coker as WR2s in this matchup, and Andy is monitoring Waller’s usage in the offense in the coming weeks.

MIN @ CHI (CHI-4.5, O/U 48.5)

Kyler Murray is out with a concussion, leaving Carson Wentz as the Vikings’ QB. Aaron Jones is Jason’s start of the week, and Justin Jefferson is the only other playable Viking this week. Kalif Raymond’s involvement in the Bears’ offense is something to monitor, as he would limit the ceiling of all Chicago pass-catchers if he stays involved.

PIT @ NE (NE-5.5, O/U 41.5)

The Pittsburgh Steelers over the New England Patriots is Andy’s almost-upset of the week. While Drake Maye is playable, Mike has him at his QB14. Mike would start Love, Stafford, and Herbert over Maye. The Ballers agree it would make sense for Romeo Doubs to take a step up in the offense in the absence of AJ Brown, but Mack Hollins could outperform him. The Ballers agree that both Steelers RBs should be benched this week while we see who is the team’s RB1.

GB @ NYJ (GB-3/, O/U 44.5)

The Green Bay Packers were second in pace last week, but that could change if the forecasted rain affects the game.  Jason’s QB start of the week, Jordan Love, will provide value if the weather allows, and his WRs Christian Watson and Matthew Golden should be started. Marshawn Lloyd’s Week 2 production will indicate if you can rely on him during Jacobs’ absence. Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson are auto-starts for the Jets, and Kenyon Sadiq is worth a potential stash.

CIN @ HOU (HOU-2.5, O/U 46.5)

Start the usual Bengals this week: Chase Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins. If Joe Burrow’s back injury affects his play, that would negatively impact everyone in Cincinnati. Monitor his injury updates throughout the weekend. Dalton Schultz should be a beneficiary of Nico Collins’ absence in this game, as he should see an increased workload. Kayshon Boutte is too inconsistent to be a reliable FLEX play in this matchup, but David Montgomery should see an increase in volume.

Friday – Week 2 Matchups + WHEEL OF SHAME!

News

DJ Moore exited Thursday Night Football with a left shoulder AC joint sprain, and his status will be monitored throughout next week’s practice reports. Joe Burrow is expected to play in Week 2 against the Texans. Chris Olave left practice on Thursday with a hamstring injury as a precautionary measure. Michael Pittman Jr. was a DNP on Thursday and Friday, paving the way for DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth to be good plays at their positions. Andy recommends starting Ladd McConkey, should he play through his rib injury.

Fantasy Forecast

JAX @ DEN (DEN-2.5, O/U 45.5)

The Ballers generally anticipate the Denver Broncos bouncing back this week on both sides of the ball, but are still nervous to start Broncos this week. Jason added that if Waddle fails to establish himself as the clear WR1 for Denver’s offense this week, he will change the way he views his rest-of-season outlook. Mike gives fantasy managers confidence to start J.K. Dobbins with RJ Harvey dealing with a hamstring injury. Parker Washington is a must-start, and Andy considers Brian Thomas Jr. a must-bench, especially with his shoulder injury. Trevor Lawrence is a low-end QB1 this week, and Bo Nix should sit on your bench until Denver’s offense proves they can score enough to warrant starting Bo. Andy’s start of the week, Bhayshul Tuten, saw 14 rush attempts on early downs last week, highlighting that he is the Jaguars’ first option.

LV @ LAC (LAC-6.5, O/U 43.5)

The Ballers agree that the Las Vegas Raiders could upset the Los Angeles Chargers this week, as the Chargers fell to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 and were given a slice of “humble pie,” according to OC Mike McDaniel. The Ballers recommend going back to the well with Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton, while pregame reports on Ladd McConkey’s rib will affect how confidently you can play him and Mike’s start-of-the-week Quentin Johnston. Ashton Jeanty is the lone Raider worth starting, with Brock Bowers doubtful after a cleanup surgery on his knee.

WAS @ DAL (DAL-3.5, O/U 50.5)

Dak Prescott and Jayden Daniels are must-starts at QB in Week 2. CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Javonte Williams are all easy starts for the Cowboys, while the Commanders are a bit tougher to start. However, Bill Croskey is Mike’s start of the week at RB, and Scary Terry is Jason’s start of the week at WR. The Ballers are confident this matchup will provide all-around fantasy goodness.

SEA @ ARI (SEA -3.5, O/U 40.5)

The Seattle Seahawks have won nine straight games against the Arizona Cardinals, but the absence of Sam Darnold makes this a more competitive matchup. Trey McBride and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are auto-starts, but there are a few questionable FLEX plays in this game. Rookie RBs Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price both saw less work than fantasy managers hoped for, with Tyler Allgeier and George Holani both being involved in their offenses. Mike is passionate that Michael Wilson should be started over Marvin Harrison Jr., who should stay on your bench until he proves it otherwise.

NYG @ LAR (LAR-7, O/U 48.5)

Puka Nacua was absent from practice on Friday due to a hip injury, and his status will be monitored throughout the weekend. The Los Angeles Rams failed to click in Australia, and the Ballers suggest throwing that game away. Jason is still in on all Rams, but questions whether Davante Adams may be past his days of producing for fantasy with his Week 1 usage. Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Isaiah Likely are all great starts in an indoor game with a 48.5-point over/under

Fantasy Faceoff

Andy

QB: Kirk Cousins more than 192.5 passing yards

RB: Christian McCaffrey more than 16.5 receiving yards

WR: Brian Thomas Jr. less than 36.5 receiving yards

TE: Trey McBride less than 60.5 receiving yards

 

Mike

QB: Tyler Shough more than 17.5 completions

RB: Chase Brown more than 21.5 receiving yards

WR: Matthew Golden more than 46.5 receiving yards

TE: Harold Fannin Jr. less than 6 targets

 

Jason

QB: Jordan Love more than 183.5 passing yards

RB: Aaron Jones Sr. more than 61.5 rushing yards

WR: Marvin Harrison Jr. more than 34.5 receiving yards

TE: Darren Waller more than 17.5 receiving yards