RADIO
Week 2 of the fantasy football season is underway and despite a limited set of data, it is okay to consider benching players with name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season, but when injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. Today, I'll be looking at Dak Prescott, Cam Akers, and Jerry Jeudy
This may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition, sometimes such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.
Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 2. Will they bounce back, or continue to underperform?
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Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys vs New York Jets
Dak Prescott's Week 1 underperformance was surely the result of a run-heavy gamescript. His defense carried the team's scoring early on with two return TDs in just the 1st Quarter and he is slated to face a daunting Jets defense in Week 2. This matchup would have been appealing in a universe where Aaron Rodgers remained healthy but that is clearly not the case now with Zach Wilson helming what was once considered a Super Bowl contender.
The Cowboys are 9.5-point favorites with a game total of 38. This is likely due to Zach Wilson's proven incompetence and expectation of a slow-paced game as both offenses are facing elite defenses. Another factor that is detrimental to Prescott's potential fantasy output is the likely absence of field-stretching WR Brandin Cooks due to a knee injury. With just CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup on the perimeter, Dallas is much easier to contain and it would behoove managers to look elsewhere at QB this week.
What To Do
Daniel Jones, New York Giants @ Arizona Cardinals
Daniel Jones is another Week 1 fantasy face-planter as he faced the aforementioned Dak Prescott and his daunting defense. However, in Week 2, Jones is matched up against arguably the weakest team, and more importantly, the weakest defense in the league. The Cardinals have sold off pieces throughout the offseason and should continue to as their losses pile on even upon injured QB Kyler Murray's return.
Arizona will not fully lay down in Week 2 and actually contained Commanders starting QB Sam Howell well last week but he still managed to finish QB14 in fantasy. Jones is presumably a better player who is more inclined to take off and run. The Giants' offense looked like the league's worst in Week 1 but we could blame maybe the league's best defense and a stormy night for that.
Expectations for 2023 were that the Giants would improve with their addition of premier TE Darren Waller and the heralded system that HC Brian Daboll runs would tighten in his second year as coach. This could very well be the case in Week 2 leaving Jones as a top-10 QB option on the week he may be available on the wire.
Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams vs San Francisco 49ers
Good News: Cam Akers was tied for the league lead in rush attempts last week and scored a touchdown.
Bad News: Akers managed just 29 yards on 22 carries and was out-snapped 26 (Kyren Williams) to 4 (Akers) in the first half.
It is quite likely that Akers, despite starting in Week 1, is the RB2 moving forward. Sophomore back Kyren Williams provides more in pass protection and in the receiving game where Akers has been minimally involved since his rookie season. Akers'11 of 22 Week 1 carries came in the 4th Quarter after the Rams had secured a 24-13 lead. He could provide value in games where the Rams take significant leads moving forward but based on their present skill level, that is unlikely to be often.
Facing a 49ers' defense that is perenially elite against both the run and pass, we should expect mediocre usage and production from Akers as the Rams will likely not hold much of a lead at any point.
What To Do
Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
Raheem Mostert's fantasy output in Week 1 was passable thanks to his TD but 50 yards on just 12 touches is not moving anyone. Luckily, one of the league's best LTs Terron Armstead may return in Week 2, bolstering both pass and run blocking. The matchup against New England is much tougher than the Chargers last week but this matchup should be less of a shootout, allowing for Miami to dial up more runs for their RB1 Mostert who commanded 73% of the snaps.
Jeff Wilson's absence is the biggest boon for Mostert as there is no real competition in the backfield unless rookie De'Von Achane is fully prepared which seems unlikely given that he was a healthy scratch against LAC.
Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?
Jerry Jeudy, Denver Broncos vs Washington Commanders
Jerry Jeudy is reportedly healthy after suffering a moderate hamstring strain in practice last month and will play without any restrictions this Sunday against the Commanders. While that sounds nice for those who drafted him in the top 50 prior to, the injury news, hamstring injuries are notably fickle and can be re-aggravated with ease.
Also, who is to say that the coaching staff isn't lying about a lack of restrictions and no snap count? This could be their way of playing mind games with the opponent. While the Broncos are not flush with receiving options behind their starters, it would not be a surprise to see Jeudy limited after participating in a full practice just twice over the past month. Unless you do not have anything close to a starting replacement, it is best to proceed with caution and bench Jeudy this week.
What To Do
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars vs Kansas City Chiefs
If Christian Kirk was inexplicably dropped in your league or on your bench after a Week 1 dud, make sure he is starting in lineups come Sunday. Last week's matchup against the Colts ended as expected with a double-digit Jaguars victory with a showcase of shiny new toy Calvin Ridley.
The Jaguars ran more (35 attempts) than they passed (32 attempts) and were effective via ground and air. Kirk was the odd man out as his number was not dialed for more than 3 targets on 61% of the snaps. The 2WR sets are unfortunately run with Zay Jones opposite Ridley but that is more so due to Jones' blocking acumen.
The Jaguars are certain to play through new WR1 Ridley moving forward but Kirk is coming off of a season in which he posted 84 receptions, 1104 yards, and 8TD. He might be impacted but he's not forgotten.
Talented receivers are difficult to come by and Kirk is one of them who will be more involved against a formidable opponent like the Kansas City Chiefs. This game deservedly has the highest total on the slate at 51.5 points and should feature plenty of fireworks.
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