C.J. Stroud Is Hard to Start in Week 2 Without Nico Collins 4mLink copied!

Sep 19, 2026, 6:29 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride kicked off the 2026 season with nine receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Los Angeles Chargers. With wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. keeping the Chargers' secondary busy downfield, McBride exploited the defense on shorter routes outside and underneath. McBride's touchdown came on his 17th end zone target with Jacoby Brissett as his starting quarterback, the same number of end zone targets he had in 54 games without Brissett. McBride's status as a weekly scoring threat cemented, he remains a top option at tight end in Week 2 despite a difficult matchup against the Seahawks on deck. In the division rivals' two meetings last year, McBride was targeted 24 times and brought in 16 catches for 179 yards and one touchdown. He is a must-start tight end regardless of his opponent.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 6:10 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne stunned in Week 1, bringing in all eight of his targets for 75 receiving yards. After an offseason of speculation over whether the Cardinals' WR1 was Marvin Harrison Jr. or last year's breakout star Michael Wilson, Bourne beat them both on the stat sheet. With the Chargers' secondary focused on his fellow wide receivers downfield, Bourne was free to operate underneath and snag quick, short looks from Jacoby Brissett. In Week 2, Arizona will host the Seahawks, whose defense will likely be less forgiving. In Week 1, Seattle found success by taking away deep throws and forcing quarterback Drake Maye to work in the short field. This might benefit Bourne, but Arizona will likely feature more two-TE sets to counter Seattle's stronger pass rush, thus reducing his time on the field. Bourne projects as a WR5/6 and is only worth considering in the deepest of leagues.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 6:02 AM ET

Baltimore Ravens veteran tight end Mark Andrews looks to be one of the prime beneficiaries of an early injury bug to hit the Ravens' wide receiving room before the team's home opener in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Star wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) carries a doubtful tag into the weekend after logging just one limited practice on Friday. Moreover, promising rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) was placed on IR after surgery Wednesday for a fractured wrist. These absences allow Andrews, who is coming off a down year, and others to lead the Ravens' passing attack, something Andrews has done to great effect in years past. In Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, Andrews brought in four of his six targets for 49 yards, had the second-most routes run (21), and posted a 28.6% target share. Andrews does face a tougher matchup in Week 2. Last week, the Saints defense kept star Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta to just five catches and 48 yards, and the unit ranked top-12 against the tight end position in 2025. Nonetheless, Andrews has enjoyed a deep rapport with quarterback Lamar Jackson since being drafted together in 2018, and he could serve as a trusted safety valve and short-yardage receiver with little competition, making him potentially valuable in PPR formats this weekend. Primarily due to the injury situation, Andrews is a mid-to-low-end TE1 heading into Week 2. Still, fantasy managers should keep their eyes open for tight ends with more rest-of-season value for the weeks ahead.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 5:54 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson opened up 2026 with five catches for 56 yards on seven targets. Wilson outperformed Marvin Harrison Jr., who had one catch for 33 yards, but could not keep up on the stat sheet with tight end Trey McBride or wide receiver Kendrick Bourne. Jacoby Brissett's disposition to taking quick, easy shots hurt Wilson, who didn't have time to complete his routes when Brissett was ready to throw. In Week 2, the Cardinals host the Seattle Seahawks, who represent a more formidable defensive threat than the Chargers did last week. Seattle held Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to 178 passing yards last week, and less than half went to receivers lined up out wide, where Wilson typically operates. Wilson and Brissett combined for fantasy football magic in 2025, but Wilson's upside is limited in a tough matchup, making him a WR3/flex candidate at best.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 5:27 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. has more than just Michael Wilson to worry about infringing on his target share. In last week's season opener against the Chargers, Trey McBride and Kendrick Bourne combined for 17 receptions on 21 targets while Harrison saw just three targets and had one catch for 33 yards. Half of Harrison's routes in the game were post or go routes. This drew the secondary's attention downfield, but the effect was Jacoby Brissett taking advantage of higher-percentage plays underneath. If Arizona's staff uses Harrison in the same way against Seattle in Week 2, then a bounceback is unlikely. In Week 1, the Seahawks blanked New England's Romeo Doubs, who was similarly employed on deep routes, and forced quarterback Drake Maye to focus on short passes and checkdowns. Harrison projects as a WR4 in Week 2 and lacks the upside to be anything more than a flex candidate.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 5:17 AM ET

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop overcame his preseason jitters in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts and is ready to show off his leg at home in Baltimore against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Last week, Loop got off to a hot start by making a 57-yard field goal at the end of the first half and a 45-yard attempt in the second, which complemented his perfect five-for-five extra points made. Veteran Jake Moody, who was brought in last week to give Loop competition, was released from the practice squad Tuesday, which demonstrates head coach Jesse Minter's growing confidence in the second-year kicker. Loop may not be out of the woods quite yet, as the opener was in the controlled environment of Lucas Oil Stadium and the second-year kicker will be exposed to the elements Sunday afternoon at M&T Bank Stadium. As of Saturday morning, there is a slight chance of rain during Sunday's kickoff with gusts up to 16 mph. However, Loop had an 89.7% field goal percentage outdoors last season, and the chance of inclement weather should not deter fantasy managers from putting Loop in their lineups. He is kicking for one of the best offenses in the league and is Rotoballer's fourth-ranked kicker heading into Week 2.--Matt McCauley
Source: Ryan Mink - Baltimore Ravens

Sep 19, 2026, 5:05 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier handled 17 carries and 61 rushing yards in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. With rookie Jeremiyah Love still working back from his preseason ankle injury, Allgeier started the game and led the backfield in attempts, yards, and snaps. The division of labor measured by snap share was roughly a 60-40 split in Allgeier's favor. Love was not on the Cardinals' injury report this week, so it is safe to assume he sees at least as much work in Week 2 as he did in the season opener. Love's improved health and potentially increased involvement in the offense limit Allgeier's fantasy stock. With a Seahawks defense on deck that allowed New England's Rhamondre Stevenson just 2.8 yards per carry last week, it is hard to see Allgeier as outperforming his RB3/4 projection. He does not belong in fantasy football lineups in Week 2.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 4:50 AM ET

The Baltimore Ravens' defense and special teams (DST) had a solid fantasy outing in Week 1, as the team opened the season with a 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts. They are ready to repeat the success at home in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Last week marked the first look at the revamped Ravens DST under new head coach Jesse Minter, and the defensive unit did not disappoint. They racked up two turnovers, sacked quarterback Daniel Jones twice, and held the Colts offense to under 300 total yards. The most significant change was the Ravens' pass coverage deployment. According to Next Gen Stats, in Week 1 the Ravens showed Cover 4 pass coverage 23.5% of the time, closer to Minter's rate with the Chargers last season (25.6%, 4th-highest). In 2025, the Ravens used Cover 4 at the league's third-lowest rate (9.1%). This shift matters in Week 2 against the Saints because Tyler Shough threw one of his two interceptions and tallied only 69 yards when facing Cover 4 in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions. Of course, the second-year quarterback is coming off a 400-yard game, but the Ravens DST, which generated pressure in an average of 2.33 seconds and has the league's highest pressure rate (52.9%), probably will give Shough little time to throw. The DST is dealing with some injuries, and Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) will remain out, which will continue to put a damper on the Ravens' run defense that gave up 5.2 yards per carry to Colts running back Jonathan Taylor in Week 1. Trey Hendrickson (finger) is questionable for Sunday but is expected to play. Nonetheless, the Ravens DST is a top choice in Week 2 and has favorable matchups in two of the next three weeks, making them a potential hold for fantasy managers streaming defenses through Week 5.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 4:36 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love did not appear on the injury report this week and carries no designation into Sunday's meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. A high ankle sprain suffered in the preseason jeopardized Love's availability for Week 1, but the rookie was active and had 13 touches for 50 total yards and his first NFL touchdown. Love was on the backside of an approximate 60-40 split in snaps with Tyler Allgeier last week. Regarding Love's workload, head coach Mike LaFleur said "his role is going to be what it was," according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. Even if Love's workload creeps up to a 50-50 share, Seattle's defense will make it difficult to build on the minor success of his professional debut. Love is projected as an RB3 in Week 2, but fantasy managers should explore options with more favorable matchups before plugging him into their lineups.--Dan Stephens
Source: Darren Urban - AZCardinals.com

Sep 19, 2026, 4:12 AM ET

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett went 27-for-37 for 277 yards and one touchdown in Week 1. His production in the 26-14 upset over the Chargers was good enough for him to finish as the QB15 last week. Brissett will face a much stiffer challenge in Week 2, when Arizona takes on the Seattle Seahawks. In the NFL Kickoff Game, Seattle held Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to 178 passing yards, intercepted three of his passes, and sacked him three times. Seattle's secondary took away Maye's options downfield and forced him to operate underneath, inhibiting his production. Brissett took advantage of similar tactics employed by the Chargers last week, but will face a superior personnel group and coaching against the Seahawks. Brissett is unlikely to revisit last week's modest success in Week 2 and should only be considered in two-QB and superflex leagues.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 4:02 AM ET

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry will look to repeat his RB1 Week 1 performance at home this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Henry was the centerpiece of the Ravens' offense in their 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts, accumulating 144 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns, and even bringing in his lone receiving target for 19 yards. Henry (13,162 career yards) needs 98 yards Sunday afternoon during the team's home opener to surpass Eric Dickerson (13,259) and move into ninth place on the NFL's all-time rushing list. Henry draws the Saints defense that gave up 156 rushing yards and two touchdowns to Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who averaged 5.4 yards per carry, in Week 1. With injuries to the Ravens' receiving corps, Baltimore is likely to continue its reliance on Henry, who saw 24 rushing attempts last week, averaged six yards per carry, and is a true bell cow. Henry is a clear RB1 in every format and is a must-start in a stellar Week 2 matchup.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 3:19 AM ET

The San Francisco 49ers' defense is suddenly a top contender after consistently disappointing last season. In Week 1, the 49ers held the Rams to just seven points after giving up a combined 65 points to their divisional rival in their two meetings in 2025. They also recorded one interception and forced two fumbles, recovering one. In Week 1, San Francisco showed that they are up for a challenge, but in Week 2 their task will be considerably easier. On Sunday, the Niners host the Miami Dolphins, who put up 259 total yards on offense and surrendered five sacks against the Raiders last week. If San Francisco can keep quarterback Malik Willis and running back De'Von Achane contained as well as Las Vegas did, then they should be top-five D/ST in Week 2. Fantasy managers can start the 49ers D/ST with renewed confidence on Sunday.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 3:15 AM ET

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will play host to the New Orleans Saints in the team's home opener Sunday afternoon. The two-time NFL MVP finished as a top-five QB in a 41-23 dominating Week 1 win against the Indianapolis Colts, completing 17 of his 25 pass attempts for 324 yards and scoring two touchdowns, one in the air and one on the ground. He also racked up 40 rushing yards, but his lost fumble is the primary blemish on an otherwise impressive start to the season. Jackson also had only one designed run for five yards, but thankfully, that attempt came from the five-yard line, and Lamar scored a rushing touchdown on that play. One key change to the Declan Doyle-led offense going into Week 1 was the expectation that Lamar would take more snaps from under center and use play-action elements more than last season. Against the Colts last week, Jackson completed seven of his eight play-action pass attempts for 128 yards, and these 16 yards per attempt were the third-highest in his career among games with at least eight play-action attempts, according to Next Gen stats. However, the Saints defense allowed only 48 yards on seven of 14 play-action pass attempts in Week 1 against Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions, suggesting a tougher matchup for the Ravens' new style in Week 2. Further, the Saints' defense also used zone coverage on 39 of 41 snaps (95.1%) against the Lions last week, but this may bode well for Lamar, who averaged 11 yards per attempt against zone coverage, completing eight of 12 such passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. Even with the expected absence of wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring), who is doubtful for Week 2, Jackson profiles as a high-end QB1, and fantasy managers in every format should have confidence in starting the dual-threat quarterback on Sunday against the Saints.--Matt McCauley
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 3:01 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro (illness) went 2-for-3 on field goal attempts and converted all three of his three extra point opportunities in Week 1. Pineiro hit from 20 and 56 yards out and doinked a 52-yarder late in the fourth quarter when the game was already well in hand. Pineiro missed practice all week due to an illness and is listed as questionable for Week 2. According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers will be adding a temporary replacement kicker in case Pineiro can't go on Sunday. If Pineiro is active, he should be in starting lineups as there will be plenty of opportunities for the 49ers to get on the board in a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins. As one of the last games on the slate for Week 2, fantasy managers may have to pivot to Pineiro's as-yet-unnamed replacement if he is inactive on Sunday.--Dan Stephens
Source: Matt Maiocco - NBC Sports Bay Area

Sep 19, 2026, 2:50 AM ET

New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales should have several extra point or field goal opportunities during Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots are looking to shake off a 0-1 start after blowing a lead to the Seahawks in the season opener last week. The Seahawks' defense held the Patriots' offense to just 10 points in that game, leaving Borregales with just one extra point and one field goal (from 50+ yards out). The Steelers have a good defense, too, but we anticipate the Patriots will get into scoring range more often in Week 2. As a result, Borregales could be in the mix for multiple field goal attempts, which would make him a fringe top-12 kicker option for fantasy football. He's currently the K19 in RotoBaller's Week 2 fantasy rankings, but he can certainly be a viable streamer if the Patriots' offense plays a little better this Sunday.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:47 AM ET

Chicago Bears placekicker Cairo Santos sees his fantasy value ascending ahead of a divisional clash with the visiting Minnesota Vikings this Sunday. Chicago didn't let up in their trouncing of the Panthers to begin the campaign. Santos didn't have many opportunities to show off his leg from distance, as he was afforded - and connected on - only one field goal chance. However, the thirteen-year veteran was automatic on his extra-point tries - knocking through all eight in the contest. While it's unlikely Santos will boast such lofty figures every week, it's an encouraging sign of what this offense can do every time it takes the field. Moreover, Chicago's defense doesn't look much improved from 2025, meaning the team could often face a shootout. Minnesota may subvert that in Week 2, but Santos should be busy again either way. The Tulane product is RotoBaller's K5 for Sunday's outing.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 2:46 AM ET

The New England Patriots D/ST will look for an opportunity to get back on track in fantasy football during Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots had a frustrating showing in Week 1 against the Seahawks and Drew Lock, allowing 285 yards and 13 points with two sacks and zero turnovers. The unit kept the Patriots in the contest, but from a fantasy perspective, they have plenty of room for improvement. A matchup with the Steelers' mid-level offense could help the Patriots get back on track, but it's also worth noting that the turnover odds are relatively low against Aaron Rodgers, who threw just seven interceptions last season. As it stands, the Patriots rank as the #11 D/ST in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 2.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:40 AM ET

Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond gets a bit of a boost in fantasy value heading into a Week 2 tilt with the Minnesota Vikings. Chicago posted an offensive explosion in their 59-37 stomping of the Panthers a week ago. Surprisingly, Raymond was the main beneficiary of an efficient air attack, reeling in eight-of-nine looks for 84 yards - all team highs. The veteran also ranked second in snaps (45), behind fellow wideout Luther Burden III (55) and ahead of Rome Odunze (36). With Odunze healthy, Raymond is likely to drop to third in the receiving hierarchy, though that doesn't mean he can't be fantasy relevant. The 32-year-old will be challenging to trust as a steady floor option every week in shallower leagues, but his familiarity with Ben Johnson's system should keep him as the next man up in what looks like a high-powered offense. Raymond ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR77 for the weekend ahead.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 2:37 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is off the injury report for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. Kittle started the week with back-to-back limited practices but was a full participant on Friday. After tearing his Achilles in a wild card matchup last season, Kittle beat the typical recovery timeline and was on the field for 30 of the 49ers' 65 offensive snaps in last week's season opener, and caught two of his five targets for 12 yards. Another week stronger and with backup Jake Tonges (knee) on injured reserve, Kittle should see more involvement in what looks like a favorable matchup against Miami. Last week, Raiders tight end Michael Mayer pulled in six receptions, tying him for the team lead in their win over the Fins. Kittle may not be a ceiling play just yet, but he should be started as a potential TE1/2 in Week 2.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 2:33 AM ET

Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai offers solid standalone value in Week 2 despite a suboptimal outing against their division-rival Minnesota Vikings at home. Monangai's 10/100/1 box score in the team's thrashing of Carolina was strong output, though it's worth noting the second-year back was sparsely used early on. Regardless, he got it done for fantasy, and is positioned to run behind one of the league's better offensive fronts. While the 24-year-old's ceiling will be capped as long as he shares the backfield with running mate D'Andre Swift, he has enough athleticism and opportunity to make a fantasy impact. He'll land as RotoBaller's PPR RB33 for Sunday's appearance.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN