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Corey Kiner's Role Shrinks After Week 1 Opportunity
New England Patriots running back Corey Kiner got six carries in the season opener, but the opportunity came with TreVeyon Henderson sidelined by an ankle injury. Kiner managed 11 yards on those attempts and worked behind Rhamondre Stevenson, who handled 18 carries and five catches. Kiner was the only other New England running back to record a carry. That temporary opening is gone. Henderson practiced in full all week and was left off New England's final game-status list, clearing him to return Sunday against Pittsburgh. The Patriots' current depth chart has Stevenson first, Henderson second and Kiner third. Kiner did not do much with the extra work in Week 1, averaging 1.8 yards per carry, and there was no receiving production to help his case. With Henderson back in the mix, Kiner is likely to lose the backup workload he had against Seattle. His path to fantasy-relevant touches is much narrower heading into Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Jonnu Smith's Week 1 Role Limits His Fantasy Appeal
Green Bay Packers tight end Jonnu Smith put up 50 receiving yards in Week 1, but 43 of them came on one catch. The rest of the usage was less encouraging. Smith played 32 of Green Bay's 68 offensive snaps and drew three targets, while Tucker Kraft played 45 snaps and saw six. Kraft was making his return from a torn ACL, yet he still handled the larger share of the work and finished with three catches for 65 yards. Smith only joined Green Bay at the end of August, so his role could grow as he gets more comfortable in the offense. The Packers also used multiple tight ends heavily in the opener, which keeps Smith involved. Still, the early pecking order was pretty clear. Kraft was the more prominent receiving option, and Smith needed one 43-yard play to get to 50 yards. That makes Smith's Week 1 box score look better than the underlying role did.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Dicker Remains A Starting Fantasy Kicker for Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers placekicker Cameron Dicker is still worth starting in fantasy football lineups in Week 2. The Chargers will host division rival Las Vegas Raiders Sunday afternoon. Dicker fell victim to an underwhelming Week 1 performance by the Chargers offense that produced two touchdowns and failed to surpass 300 total yards. As a result, the 26-year-old had two fantasy points in an expected favorable matchup. Dicker enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's K6. The Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards, five 20-plus-yard passing plays, and 4.1 yards per contact to a shaky Miami Dolphins offense. If the Chargers are the offense we expected, Dicker will be attached to an elite offense with a favorable matchup. Managers can once again put Dicker in starting lineups heading into Week 2.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
David Njoku A Risky Play in Week 2 Matchup vs. Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku appears to be the Chargers' lead tight end heading into Sunday's home matchup against division rival Las Vegas Raiders. Njoku led the position group in targets, catches, and receiving yards in the home opener last week. The 30-year-old enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR TE24 against a shaky Raiders secondary. The Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards to an inexperienced Miami Dolphins passing game last week. Njoku will receive a slight bump in value if Ladd McConkey (ribs) is unable to play, but will still have to compete with Charlie Kolar and Oronde Gadsden for snaps. McConkey exited Week 1 after taking a big hit and was held out of practice until participating in a limited amount on Friday. Njoku is a touchdown-dependent tight end and should remain off fantasy radars heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Tre' Harris on Deep-League Flex Radar vs. Raiders in Week 2
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Tre' Harris offers intriguing upside on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Harris could be forced into the WR2 role with Ladd McConkey (ribs) being listed as questionable. McConkey exited Week 1 after taking a big hit and was held out of practice until participating in a limited amount on Friday. Harris enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR WR70 in a favorable matchup against the Raiders' secondary. Raiders defense allowed 220 passing yards and five 20-plus-yard passing plays to a shaky Miami Dolphins passing game last week. This could be the opportunity Harris stockholders have been waiting for to see their fantasy investment break out in an expanded role. Harris is a viable flex option in deeper leagues and carries an unknown ceiling heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
DK Metcalf's Stock Gets Another Boost
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf already opened the season as Aaron Rodgers' busiest target, and his path to another heavy workload got clearer Saturday. Michael Pittman Jr. has been ruled out for Sunday's game against New England because of a foot injury after missing practice Thursday and Friday. Pittman caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in Week 1 and ran a route on 92.9% of Pittsburgh's dropbacks. Metcalf had already drawn 10 targets in the opener, good for a 27% target share, despite finishing with only four catches for 40 yards. Pittsburgh will have to redistribute Pittman's snaps and routes, but there is no guarantee those chances all flow to Metcalf. He was already the clear volume leader before the injury. Now one of the other receivers who rarely left the field in Week 1 is unavailable. That is enough to give Metcalf's fantasy stock another bump heading into Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quentin Johnston Could Be in Line for Bigger Target Share vs. Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers wideout Quentin Johnston could see more targets on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The team could be forced to depend on Johnston as their WR1 with Ladd McConkey (ribs) officially questionable. McConkey exited Week 1 after taking a big hit and was held out of practice until participating in a limited amount on Friday. Johnston enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR WR39. The 25-year-old will face a Raiders secondary that allowed 220 passing yards and five 20-plus-yard passing plays to a shaky Miami Dolphins passing game last week. Johnston could find himself being targeted often downfield on vertical routes. He is a viable flex option for managers and carries high upside heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Omarion Hampton Hopes to Bounce Back in Week 2 vs. Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton is looking to bounce back at home on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Hampton salvaged his Week 1 performance with a rushing touchdown after failing to surpass 50 rushing yards. The 23-year-old enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's PPR RB13 against a Raiders defense that held the Miami Dolphins to 74 rushing yards to open the season. Heading into Sunday, the Raiders defense has seen the third-fewest rush attempts in the league but is middle of the pack in yards per carry (4.1). The Chargers could be forced to operate without Ladd McConkey (ribs) this week, and he is officially listed as questionable. If McConkey's out, the team could lean more run-heavy and use Hampton out of the backfield as a pass-catcher. Managers can comfortably start Hampton in Week 2, and he has RB1 upside if he gets more touches
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Justin Herbert Remains a Solid Option in Week 2 vs. Raiders
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert looks to bounce back at home on Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. Herbert and the Chargers' offense are coming off a letdown Week 1 performance, failing to produce 300 yards of offense and managing only 14 points. The 28-year-old enters Week 2 as RotoBaller's QB8 in a favorable matchup against a Raiders' defense that surrendered 220 passing yards to a shaky Dolphins passing game. However, the Chargers' WR1, Ladd McConkey (ribs), is listed as questionable heading into the game. The Chargers ran a McConkey-centric offense in Week 1 and relied heavily on him to keep the offense moving. With him off the field, the team averaged 3.9 yards per pass and had a -0.61 EPA per play, according to Trevor Sikkema of NFL.com. Herbert can still be plugged into starting lineups in Week 2 but might see a capped upside if McConkey is unable to play.
Source: NFL.com - Trevor Sikkema
Source: NFL.com - Trevor Sikkema
Michael Pittman Jr. Ruled Out for Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game at New England, according to Ian Rapoport. Pittman opened the week limited Wednesday, then did not practice Thursday or Friday before initially being listed as questionable. He caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in Pittsburgh's 20-13 win over Atlanta and ran a route on 92.9% of the team's dropbacks. DK Metcalf remains the clear top option, but Pittman's absence leaves more work behind him. Roman Wilson played 37 offensive snaps in the opener, compared with just three for rookie Germie Bernard. Both could see their roles grow Sunday with Pittman unavailable.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Jalen Tolbert's Stock Sinks After Healthy Scratch
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert never got a chance to make an impact in Week 1. He was a healthy scratch against Las Vegas while Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr. and Malik Washington all dressed. That is the bigger concern than an empty box score. Miami entered the season with Douglas, Bell and Washington listed as starters, and the current depth chart still has Bell ahead of Tolbert. Douglas then went out and caught five passes for 94 yards in his NFL debut. Tolbert signed with Miami in March after four seasons in Dallas and had a real chance to carve out a role in a rebuilt receiver room. Instead, the younger group has grabbed the early opportunities. There is time for that rotation to change, but Tolbert first has to get back onto the active game-day roster. Being a healthy scratch in the opener is a clear hit to his fantasy value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demond Claiborne Expected to Be Active Sunday
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne is expected to be active for the first time Sunday against Chicago, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, according to Matthew Coller. Claiborne was inactive for Minnesota's opener against Green Bay, but the backfield looks different now with Jordan Mason on injured reserve following thumb surgery. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the group, with DeeJay Dallas also expected to be involved behind him. Claiborne was a sixth-round pick out of Wake Forest after rushing for 907 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Jones said this week that he encouraged the rookie to stay locked into the opener even while inactive and use it as a chance to learn. Sunday should give Claiborne his first opportunity to contribute in a regular-season game.
Source: Matthew Coller
Source: Matthew Coller
Atlanta Falcons Defense Less Enticing Due to Key Pieces Missing
The Atlanta Falcons DEF/ST surprised last season with its ability to get to the quarterback, tallying 57 sacks, which was the second-highest total in the league, and produced the eighth-most turnovers (16 interceptions, seven fumble recoveries). Unfortunately, due to the suspension of James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker's (knee) ACL injury, the Atlanta defense has taken a hit early in 2026, with those two accounting for 16 of the team's sacks from a season ago. Nevertheless, Atlanta will take on Carolina in Week 2, helmed by Bryce Young who was sacked twice last week and threw an interception, with wide receivers also losing two fumbles. Despite the missing pieces on defense, the Falcons' Za'Darius Smith was able to record two sacks last week against the Steelers, so look for him to be active again in Week 2. All in all, the Falcons defense projects as a top-20 unit at RotoBaller, No. 19 specifically, but there are likely better options available for season-long and DFS managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cedric Tillman Still Waiting for his Opportunity With Saints
Wide receiver Cedric Tillman was waived by the Cleveland Browns this summer while he dealt with an undisclosed injury. The 26-year-old wideout joined the New Orleans Saints' practice squad in early September with rookie first-rounder Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) starting the year on Injured Reserve, but he was not called up to the 53-man active roster for the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions in overtime last Sunday. Tillman could get an opportunity to make his debut with the Saints if Chris Olave (hamstring), who is listed as questionable for Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens, is unable to play this weekend. Beyond Olave and Devaughn Vele, New Orleans' pass-catching corps is rather thin, with rookies Barion Brown and Bryce Lance as the only other receivers on the active roster. Tillman, a third-rounder by Cleveland in 2023 from Tennessee, caught 71 of his 132 targets for 833 yards and five touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons. Until further notice, Tillman is off the fantasy radar in all leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ollie Gordon II Sees his Stock Fall After Zero Touches in Week 1
Miami Dolphins backup running backs Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright combined for eight offensive snaps in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, with starter and workhorse De'Von Achane handling 86% of the snaps. The 22-year-old Gordon did not handle a single touch out of the backfield while also playing five snaps on special teams. Gordon will eventually get involved for the Dolphins, hopefully in Week 2 on the road against the San Francisco 49ers, but it looks like Miami's new coaching staff is content to ride their workhorse in Achane, which will leave little work for both Gordon and Wright behind him. The former sixth-rounder from Oklahoma State had just 70 carries as a rookie for 199 yards (2.8 yards per carry) and three rushing touchdowns in 17 games (one start) while adding seven catches for 32 yards and another TD. Gordon is only worth rostering in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff to Achane. He is rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cooper Rush a Very Low-End Option at QB in Week 2
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush didn't do much with his opportunity as starting QB in Week 1's loss to Pittsburgh, completing 12 of 22 passes for 143 yards and one touchdown while tossing two interceptions. The veteran QB will get another shot in Week 2 against a much softer defense as the Falcons take on the Panthers at home. Last week, Caleb Williams threw for 269 yards and two scores while adding 10 rushes for 65 yards and an additional two touchdowns. Rush is not the same caliber of quarterback as Williams, though, and with the Bears running at will against Carolina (two running backs had over 100 yards), the Falcons could very well try to do the same thing with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. With a likely heavy dose of the ground attack and a low likelihood of being very effective through the air, the nine-year pro ranks as QB31 this week at RotoBaller, making him avoidable outside of Superflex leagues and sets him up as a DFS dart throw in tournaments.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omar Cooper Jr. Heading to Injured Reserve
New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) is going to be put on Injured Reserve, sources told Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The move will give Cooper four weeks to recover from the ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans. The earliest that Cooper will be able to return will be on Oct. 18 on the road against the division-rival New England Patriots. The 22-year-old 30th overall pick from Indiana is not a must-stash in 12- and 14-team leagues while he recovers. Before injuring his ankle last Sunday, Cooper caught his only target for a 30-yard gain. With Cooper sidelined for at least the next four games, top wideout Garrett Wilson will have a larger target share from quarterback Geno Smith, while Adonai Mitchell should also become a much more attractive sleeper as a WR4/flex, beginning in Week 2 against the visiting Green Bay Packers.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Cam Little a Lineup Lock in Week 2 Against Broncos
Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little should continue to perform well in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. Little has earned his reputation as a consistent kicker with a big leg, making him always a threat to put up fantasy points. It also helps that the Jaguars offense has turned into a high-powered machine, consistently putting up points no matter the matchup. Against the Broncos, the offense should still be able to move the ball, but not quite as easily as they did against the Browns, which could mean more long field-goal attempts. Last week, Little hit four extra points and two 40-plus-yard field goals, giving him a solid fantasy outing. If Little manages to hit some 50-plus-yard field goals, he could be in for an even better fantasy day. Little should be viewed as an every-week starter at kicker in Week 2 and beyond until he proves otherwise.
Source: Cam Little RotoBaller
Source: Cam Little RotoBaller
Jaguars D/ST Hungry for More Turnovers Against Broncos
The Jacksonville Jaguars defense/special teams unit will look to continue to cause chaos in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos. The unit forced two turnovers in Week 1 against Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns after finishing second in the NFL last season in turnovers forced. Bo Nix and the Broncos are coming off two turnovers of their own in a Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, so the Jaguars have a good shot of forcing more turnovers in Week 2. The Broncos also had two turnovers against the Jaguars last season in a 34-20 loss. Jacksonville is quietly becoming a top defensive unit in the NFL, making them consistently a reasonable fantasy start each week. In what serves as a solid matchup, the Jaguars D/ST is a fine start against the Broncos in Week 2.
Source: D/ST RotoBaller
Source: D/ST RotoBaller
Jakobi Meyers a Solid PPR Flex Option in Week 2
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) was limited at practice all week but is good to go against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. The Jaguars' passing attack will look to continue its stellar play stemming from last season against a defense with a strong reputation. However, the Kansas City Chiefs gashed the Broncos last week in a 31-10 victory, and the Jaguars scored 34 points on the Broncos in Denver just last season. Those signs point to what could be another great offensive outing, even in a much harder matchup than the Cleveland Browns from Week 1. Meyers doesn't have the upside of a Brian Thomas Jr. or Parker Washington, but he does have a decent floor, especially in PPR leagues. It is also promising that Meyers led Jaguars receivers in Week 1 snaps, although Thomas Jr. did miss some time in the first half with a shoulder injury. The Jaguars have a crowded room of pass catchers, but the offense does spread the ball around, meaning Meyers should be viewed as a flex option with a limited ceiling against the Broncos.
Source: Jakobi Meyers RotoBaller
Source: Jakobi Meyers RotoBaller
Xavier Legette Not a Trustworthy Starting WR
The emergence of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker, who went off for eight catches, 138 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears, has tanked the fantasy football value of former first-rounder Xavier Legette to open the 2026 season. In the 59-37 loss to the Bears last weekend, the 25-year-old Legette played just over half of the team's offensive snaps and failed to catch either of his two targets from quarterback Bryce Young. He added two kickoff returns on special teams for 51 yards. Legette has been a disappointment in Carolina after catching 84 of his 148 targets for 860 yards and seven touchdowns in his first two seasons, and he is clearly the WR3 for the team behind Coker and last year's first-rounder, Tetairoa McMillan. The Panthers should look to get Legette more involved in the passing attack this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, but it is impossible to trust Legette in starting lineups right now, even in deeper formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
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