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Brashard Smith Looks Like the Clear RB3 in Kansas City
A seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith flashed upside as a receiver out of the backfield during his rookie season. However, the 23-year-old's 2026 debut was discouraging for fantasy managers, as Smith played exclusively on special teams in Kansas City's Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. Chiefs RB1 Kenneth Walker turned in a dominant performance against Denver, and rookie running back Emmett Johnson appears to have established himself as the clear RB2 in Kansas City. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes attempted just 27 passes in Week 1, so Smith may play a role in games where Kansas City is forced into more pass-heavy game scripts. Still, Smith seems unlikely to provide fantasy-relevant production unless there's an injury to Walker or Johnson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Jaylen Waddle Not an Ideal Play in Week 2
It was a quiet start to the season for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who was acquired by the Denver Broncos via trade this offseason. Waddle finished a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with just one reception for two yards, causing some fantasy managers to panic about his fantasy football outlook. Waddle faces another challenging matchup in Week 2, as Denver goes up against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who allowed just 10 points and 128 yards receiving to wide receivers during a win over the Cleveland Browns last week. Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston finished the game with a couple of receptions for 59 yards, including a 46-yard touchdown reception, but the scoring strike came in garbage time late in the fourth quarter. Waddle is RotoBaller's 28th-ranked wide receiver in Week 2, leaving him in the conversation to start for fantasy managers in three-wide-receiver leagues and as a flex option. Still, there are better options than Waddle out there worth considering, at least until the Broncos offense proves its viability this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eddy Pineiro Questionable to Play in Week 2
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (illness) is questionable to play in his team's Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area. Per Maiocco, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that the team will bring in a kicker to try out in case Pineiro is unable to play. Pineiro made two of his three field goal attempts and all three extra point tries in his team's Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams. The 31-year-old is not known for having the most powerful leg, but he made 28 out of 29 field goal attempts for San Francisco in 2025. If Pineiro can play, he profiles as a must-start kicker in a favorable matchup against the Dolphins. If not, fantasy managers may want to target his replacement on the waiver wire.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Bryce Young Emerging as a Strong Superflex Option in Week 2
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young had a 107.5 QB rating and will look to build on his strong performance last Sunday against the Bears when the Panthers go on the road against the Falcons. Young completed 23 of 37 passes for 361 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 10 yards and a score on two carries in Sunday's 59-37 loss to the Bears. The 25-year-old will look to stay hot against a Falcons defense that allowed 221 passing yards and a 5.4 YPA to Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. All of Young's offensive weapons will be available on Sunday as Jalen Coker (ankle) was cleared and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Week 2. The former No. 1 overall pick threw a career-high 25 touchdowns last season and could easily build on those numbers in 2026. Young is a rock-solid option in Superflex/2QB leagues and comes in as QB18 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
RJ Harvey an Extremely Risky Flex Play if Active in Week 2
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) is questionable for Week 2, when Denver will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Harvey is dealing with a hamstring injury that kept him out of his team's Wednesday practice before he was listed as limited following Thursday's and Friday's sessions. Harvey was the Broncos' top pass-catching option out of the backfield in Week 1, tying a team-high with four receptions that totaled 23 yards, but got just three carries, recording 18 yards rushing. Harvey is behind starting running back J.K. Dobbins in the pecking order for touches, as Dobbins totaled eight carries this past week to Harvey's seven total opportunities. Still, Harvey is RotoBaller's RB40, while Dobbins is the 29th-ranked running back this week. Neither player is a great option at this point, especially given what the Denver offense produced in Week 1, when it produced just 176 yards of total offense in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Fantasy managers are better off looking for a different option at the running back position this week.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LaJohntay Wester "May Be Called on to Step Up" in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver LaJohntay Wester "may be called on to step up" in his team's Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, per Ryan Mink of BaltimoreRavens.com. A sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Wester recorded the first two catches of his pro career for 15 yards in Baltimore's Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, Baltimore now has a major void in its wide receiver room with rookie Ja'Koi Lane (wrist) on Injured Reserve and lead wideout Zay Flowers (hamstring) doubtful to play against the Saints. Wester profiles as a shifty slot receiver, which could position him to step into Flowers' role in the Ravens' offense if Flowers is sidelined. In deeper fantasy leagues, Wester could be worth targeting on the waiver wire ahead of Week 2.
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Ryan Mink
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Ryan Mink
Ravens Relying on Rashod Bateman to Step into a Larger Role
The Baltimore Ravens are "looking for" wideout Rashod Bateman to "step up" in the midst of injuries to the team's wide receiver corps, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. Bateman was targeted once and did not record a catch in Baltimore's Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) has been placed on Injured Reserve, and star Ravens wideout Zay Flowers (hamstring) is doubtful to play in Baltimore's Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. As a result, Bateman profiles as the clear leader of an extremely unproven group of Ravens pass-catchers outside of veteran tight end Mark Andrews. Bateman's most productive season came in 2024, when he recorded 45 catches for 756 yards and nine touchdowns on 72 targets. If Flowers is sidelined in Week 2, Bateman carries flex appeal for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN - Jamison Hensley
J.K. Dobbins Looking for More After Quiet Start
Running back J.K. Dobbins led the Denver Broncos' backfield during a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, but his performance didn't amount to much. Now, he looks ahead to a Week 2 matchup with a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that allowed Cleveland Browns running backs to manage a measly 34 yards rushing on just 2.6 yards per carry in Week 1. Dobbins was solid against the Chiefs, carrying the ball a team-high eight times for 36 yards. But that was all she wrote, as running back RJ Harvey was the Broncos' first option in the passing game. Harvey is listed as questionable to play this week with a hamstring injury, and if he's out, that could open the door for Dobbins to get even more work. Dobbins recorded four fantasy points last week and is RotoBaller's RB29 entering the game against Jacksonville. He is worth flex consideration on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Donald Set to Make 2026 Debut in Week 2
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is set to make his return to the field on Monday night in his team's Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Donald retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, but he announced in late August that he would be returning to the Rams. Donald did not play in Los Angeles' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, and it's unclear how many snaps he will play against the Giants. However, assuming Donald still has some gas left in the tank, the 35-year-old has the ability to impact a game on any given play. Across 10 NFL seasons, Donald has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and been named a first-team All-Pro eight times. With Donald on the field, life will be a little bit harder for Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 2.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Bo Nix a Risky Play in Week 2
The season opener did not go as planned for quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. There will be no rest for the weary in Week 2, as Denver now takes on a talented Jacksonville Jaguars team. Nix finished Week 1 against Kansas City with just 131 yards passing and a touchdown along with an interception, while he was sacked four times and recorded just five fantasy points. The Jacksonville defense is coming off an outstanding performance against a lowly Cleveland Browns offense, allowing 10 points and just 272 yards of total offense a week ago. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finished the game 16 of 22 passing with a touchdown and an interception. Nix is RotoBaller's 19th-ranked quarterback, making him an option for fantasy managers in two-quarterback leagues at best.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Getting Close to a Return to Practice?
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Friday that the team is getting close to being able to set a date for when running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) will begin practicing again, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. Charbonnet missed all of training camp this summer and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2026 season, which means he will be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the season after he had reconstructive knee surgery to fix a torn ACL in February. Even though Charbonnet's 2026 debut is a ways off, he should be stashed in leagues that feature an IR spot while he recovers. When the 25-year-old former second-rounder from UCLA returns, he will most likely be eased in, but eventually, he is expected to see a large share of Seattle's backfield touches after seeing a career-high 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. He also snagged 20 receptions for 144 yards as a receiver, and Charbonnet has scored 20 total times on the ground in the last two years with Seattle. Right now, he is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
TreVeyon Henderson Officially Cleared for Week 2
New England Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) practiced in full all week and was not on the team's final injury report on Friday, clearing the way for him to make his season debut on Sunday in a Week 2 matchup against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, per the team's official website. The 23-year-old former Ohio State star RB was held out of the Week 1 season-opening loss last Wednesday to the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury that he suffered late in training camp. He has made great progress this week, though, and is ready to rejoin a backfield that also includes Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots' coaching staff still has plenty of trust in Stevenson, but he averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry last week, and they will surely welcome Henderson and his explosive backfield abilities back into the fold. In what should be a near-even timeshare between Stevenson and Henderson, Henderson should not be much more than an RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in his 2026 debut.
Source: Patriots.com
Source: Patriots.com
Trey McBride Good to Go for Week 2
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (back) was a full participant in Friday's final practice of the week and has been cleared to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, according to the team's official website. McBride was given the day off on Wednesday to rest a back injury that turned out not to be serious at all after he practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday. The 26-year-old is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the game, and he has developed some excellent chemistry with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett since the start of the 2025 season. The former second-rounder from Colorado State got his season started strong in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Chargers, catching nine of his 13 targets for 95 yards and his first touchdown of the year. McBride is a must-start in traditional fantasy lineups anytime he is active. In two games against Seattle last year, McBride caught 16 of his 24 targets for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Source: AZCardinals.com
Source: AZCardinals.com
Denzel Boston Could Find Going Tough In Week 2 Matchup With Bucs
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston is coming off a Week 1 performance in which he snagged a touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Boston caught two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown on his four targets. Boston looks like the main receiving target for Watson but is not worth starting in Week 2 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers held the explosive passing attack of the Cincinnati Bengals in check in their Week 1 matchup. The lead cornerbacks for the Bucs are Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison and both did a good job of containing Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins of the Bengals. Boston should find the going tough against the Bucs in a passing attack that is much less formidable than the Bengals. Boston is a talented receiver and could do the most damage of the Browns receivers in this game, but there is not much that is trustworthy within the Browns' passing attack at the moment.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Quinshon Judkins Has Tough Matchup Week 2 At Bucs
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins had a rough time establishing a run game in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and he could see more of the same in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He carried 12 times for 33 yards in the opening week, good for 2.8 yards per carry. He did add two receptions for 17 receiving yards. The Bucs limited Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown to 56 rushing yards in Week 1 and allowed 106 team rushing yards to the Bengals. With Deshuan Watson at quarterback, Judkins could find it hard to get established again in Week 2 with the Bucs likely dominating the flow of the game and possession of the ball. While Judkins rushing ability could be stymied, he is a capable pass catcher and could be a threat in the underneath passing game of the Browns. However, a strong Bucs defense playing at home should not yield much overall to Judkins. Judkins is a talented back but until the Browns get the quarterback situation resolved, he will continue to find it tough to see big openings in the run game.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Deshaun Watson Not Worth a Fantasy Start in Week 2 Vs. Bucs
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is not a start-worthy quarterback option for fantasy teams in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watson struggled in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and his matchup is not much better at the Buccaneers. Against the Jaguars, Watson was 16-for-22 passing for 205 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Tampa Bay limited Joe Burrow and the explosive Bengals passing attack to 245 yards passing and intercepted him one time and returned it for a touchdown. Watson should struggle against the Bucs pass defense on the road at Tampa Bay. The Bucs feature cover cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison with safeties Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. Watson could also be under pressure from Vita Vea and the Bucs defensive line. Watson is hardly worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues and this week should not do much to change that. He is a low-end quarterback among those who will be starting in Week 2. Look beyond Watson for a fantasy quarterback in Week 2.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Darien Porter Ruled Out as Raiders Defense Preps for Uphill Week 2 Battle
The Las Vegas Raiders have ruled out cornerback Darien Porter (foot) for Week 2, which could have ramifications for the defense ahead of a road battle against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Silver and Black haven't defeated the Bolts since 2023 and don't have a win against them at SoFi Stadium since 2020, with the Chargers putting up 31 points when the teams last met in Southern California in November 2025. Justin Herbert connected on 62.9% of his passes for 209 yards with one touchdown in Week 1, though he also threw an interception in the second half of a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Even with wide receiver Ladd McConkey (ribs) ruled questionable to play on Sunday, Las Vegas' defense will be challenged to contain a Chargers offense that has outplayed them at home in recent years. RotoBaller ranks the Raiders defense 20th ahead of an uphill battle in Week 2.
Source: Raiders.com
Source: Raiders.com
Michael Mayer a Strong Streaming Option on Sunday vs. Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has big shoes to fill yet again in Week 2 against the host Los Angeles Chargers. With Brock Bowers (knee) doubtful to play on Sunday, Mayer inherits the TE1 role against a Bolts pass rush that allowed just 179.9 passing yards per game in 2025. Mayer was efficient in Week 1, catching six of seven targets and converting three first downs against the Miami Dolphins, though he logged just 32 yards and no touchdowns. Injuries have peppered the Notre Dame product's NFL career, and he has yet to play a full season since entering the league in 2023. However, his chemistry with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins could lead to even more targets in Week 2. This is Mayer's opportunity to boost his production in Bowers' absence, making him a viable streaming option.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
George Kittle Officially Cleared for Week 2
As expected, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was not on Friday's final injury report, according to David Furones of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Kittle tore his Achilles tendon in a playoff game in January, but he made enough progress to be active in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia, although he played only 46% of the offensive snaps and caught two of his five targets for 12 yards. The 32-year-old veteran had a quiet season opener, but that was to be expected in his first game back from a season-ending injury late last season. In Week 2 at home against the visiting Miami Dolphins, Kittle should see more of the field, especially since fellow TE Jake Tonges (knee) has been ruled out for the year. The seven-time Pro Bowler might not be totally back to himself yet, but he should be a more acceptable low-end TE1/high-end TE2 play in fantasy lineups in a cushy matchup.
Source: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Puka Nacua Misses Practice Due to Hip Injury
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) did not practice on Friday due to a hip injury, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. There is no word on the severity of Nacua's hip injury, but hopefully we will be able to find out more when the media talks to head coach Sean McVay on Saturday. The good news is Nacua and the Rams have an extra day before their Week 2 game on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants. The 25-year-old did not come away from the Week 1 season-opening loss in Australia last Thursday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers with an injury after catching five of his nine targets for 74 yards. If Nacua does not practice in full on Saturday, he could head into Monday's action with a questionable tag. Nacua is obviously a must-start when he is active in all fantasy football formats. Fellow wideout Jordan Whittington (quadriceps) could also be questionable this week, which could severely thin out L.A's pass-catching group to veteran Davante Adams and an inexperienced group consisting of Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels.
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
RJ Harvey Questionable for Week 2 With Hamstring Injury
Denver Broncos second-year running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) is listed as questionable to play in Week 2 against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the team. Harvey did not practice on Wednesday before putting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. He could be considered a game-time decision on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back this weekend for a status update. If Harvey does not get the green light to play this weekend, rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman would see a boost in role, as would starter J.K. Dobbins. In the 31-10 blowout loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night in the season opener, Harvey and Dobbins combined for 11 carries and 54 yards on the ground, with Harvey catching all four of his targets for 23 yards in the passing game. On the ground, Harvey saw just three carries for 18 yards (6.0 yards per carry). He was efficient, but until the Broncos emphasize more of their ground game, it will be hard to trust Harvey as much more than a low-upside RB3/flex.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
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