X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers - Week 2

Fantasy football risers and fallers heading into Week 2 of the NFL season. Jason Katz looks at players whose fantasy value has changed over the past week.

Whether due to their own play, the play of others, or injuries, players' stock increases and decreases on a weekly basis. Perhaps more than any other, the NFL is a league that experiences ups and downs at a rapid pace. With only 16 games, there’s little room for error and seemingly endless opportunities for improvement. The same goes for fantasy football; managing rosters effectively is key to winning that championship.

Throughout the season, players get hot and see an increased role while others struggle and fight to stay relevant. Experienced fantasy players know this happens every year. In this weekly column, we’ll showcase those who have taken important steps forward and those who have taken steps back.

These are the key risers and fallers heading into Week 2 of the NFL season. Dynasty owners, check out our separate Dynasty Risers/Fallers segment as well.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 2 Risers

Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB)

After a disastrous 2019 and having not mattered since 2016, combined with one of the weakest set of pass catchers outside of Davante Adams, I admittedly wrote off the 37 year old Aaron Rodgers in 2020. After one week, that's trending in the wrong direction. Rodgers looked like his old self last week, completing 72% of his passes, taking shots downfield, and racking up the fantasy points with 364 yards and four touchdowns. One week does not a season make, but Rodgers, who many, myself included, had proclaimed as not a QB1, is firmly back in the QB1 ranks for the time being.

Cam Newton (QB, NE)

I usually don't double up on quarterbacks in this column, but Cam Newton needs to be mentioned. Newton has never been a prolific passer with a career completion percentage south of 60%. His fantasy value stemmed from his rushing ability. Over the past couple years, Newton was running less and less so it was fair to question if coming off multiple years of injuries whether Newton would resume running. That kept his ADP outside the top 12 quarterbacks. Well, we have our answer. Newton ran the ball 15 times last week, the second most of his entire career (he carried the ball 17 times in Week 6 of 2014). Bill Belichick, unsurprisingly, reworked the offense to cater to Newton's skills. The Patriots scored just 21 points last week and Newton posted 25 fantasy points. Imagine what can happen when the Patriots get into shootouts.

Dallas Goedert (TE, PHI)

It's rare that a team can actually produce two viable TE1s. We haven't seen it since Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. But the Eagles find themselves in exceptional circumstances in 2020 as their two best pass catchers are both TEs. Dallas Goedert played 79% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 and commanded a team high nine targets. Even though Zach Ertz is still the TE1 on this team, Goedert is simply better at football. It wouldn't be a total shock if the Eagles realized this and started featuring Goedert more. Any concerns about Goedert's usage should be assuaged for now and he's an every week fantasy starter.

Parris Campbell (WR, IND)

While there was no debate that the sophomore wide receiver was the Colts' WR2 entering this season, there was no clarity on how Parris Campbell would be used or whether Philip Rivers could support two fantasy viable wide receivers. Campbell's team high nine targets and the fact that his skill set meshes very well with what Rivers can do at this stage of his career bodes well for Campbell. I like Campbell's chances to become an every week fantasy WR3.

Will Fuller (WR, HOU)

To be fair, we've seen this story before. Will Fuller has done a tremendous job evolving his game from a pure burner to a complete wide receiver. With DeAndre Hopkins gone, Fuller is the locked in WR1 for Deshaun Watson. His health remains the biggest obstacle, but after a 10 target, 112 yard game to open the season, it's clear that Fuller can be at least a high end WR2 in fantasy.

Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines (RB, IND)

Ironically, Jonathan Taylor would have been on the fallers list if not for Marlon Mack's torn achilles. Taylor didn't play a snap in the first quarter and was clearly going to be the third most valuable asset in this backfield, at least to start the season. Mack's injury thrust Taylor into the primary role (Nyheim Hines was always going to be the complementary piece) and Taylor excelled. He looked fast, explosive, and, most promising, was heavily utilized in the passing game. Taylor caught all six of his targets, which was a concern for some based on his collegiate profile. Frank Reich outright said that Taylor is the starter going forward. He's an RB1.

As for Hines, his role was already way more significant than I expected. He was replacing Mack on third downs and was the guy in there near the goal line. With Rivers' completely washed and just checking it down all the time, it's very clear that Hines is going to have a role no matter how good Taylor performs, making Hines a must roster in fantasy as at least a flex play.

Malcolm Brown (RB, LAR)

It is irrational to deny reality. Malcolm Brown is the lead back for the Rams. That's reality. He carried the ball 18 times for 79 yards and two touchdowns while adding three receptions. The Rams like Brown and are not ready to turn the backfield over to Cam Akers just yet. Darrell Henderson, as I've stated since January, is completely irrelevant because the Rams hate him. Brown is nothing more than a replacement level plodder, but the Rams offense looked strong and he's going to get the goal line carries. He's worth rostering.

David Johnson (RB, HOU)

There were exactly two possibilities for David Johnson this season. He was either completely cooked and would dropped by Week 3 or he would be an RB1. There was no scenario where he'd be a middling RB2. He was either done or he wasn't. After watching one game, we can definitively say that DJ is not done - far from it. It's very clear that his issues last season were entirely due to injury. He's healthy and he's the same elite talent we saw back in 2016. That's the DJ I saw on Thursday night. Game script got away from the Texans, but DJ ran 11 times for 77 yards and caught three passes. He looked shifty and explosive. He was making defenders miss. Not that Duke Johnson ever mattered, but with Duke out, DJ is going to play every snap he can handle. If he stays healthy, DJ in the fourth round will end up being one of the best values this season.

 

Week 2 Fallers

Carson Wentz (QB, PHI)

Yikes! That's the only word I can use to describe Carson Wentz's opening week performance. He completed just 57% of his passes and allowed the worst starting quarterback in the NFL, Dwayne Haskins, to come back and beat him. Wentz's battered offensive line did him no favors, but he looked lost at times and made multiple bad decisions. I would be terrified to start him in Week 2 against the Rams.

The Late Breakout TEs

I don't want to put someone like Blake Jarwin here because this list isn't about injuries. Guys like Ian Thomas and Irv Smith were popular back of the bench fliers. They each saw two targets in Week 1 and are clearly not part of their respective offenses. They can be safely dropped for literally anyone else.

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, CLE)

Another season, but more of the same from Odell Beckham. I'm not ready to close the door on Baker Mayfield just yet, but I'm getting there. Beckham saw 10 targets, but was able to corral just three of them. One week does not a season make, but after 16 weeks of this, it sure looks like 2020 is going to be just as frustrating for Beckham. Let's see how he does against a far inferior defense, but I'm certainly holding my breath with Beckham.

Christian Kirk (WR, ARI)

There were some people, myself among them, who thought Christian Kirk was poised for a breakout year. The Cardinals run a ton of pass plays and DeAndre Hopkins can only see so many targets. Well, apparently there is no limit on the amount of targets that can go to Hopkins. Kirk was an afterthought in a game where Kyler Murray attempted 40 passes and dropped back to pass over 50 times. Kirk managed just one reception for no yards on five targets. Larry Fitzgerald was above him in the pecking order. I'm not writing Kirk off just yet, but I'm very concerned.

Leonard Fournette (RB, TB)

I don't care that it was one week with a new team. 48 year old Adrian Peterson walked onto the Lions and immediately dominated touches. 25 year old Leonard Fournette was apparently incapable of even resembling a competent NFL running back. Ronald Jones' offseason workouts clearly made a difference. Jones looked great while Fournette looked like LeGarrette Blount. Joining a team late is no excuse for what Fournette displayed. Five carries for five yards. It was pathetic and embarrassing. The only silver lining is that LeSean McCoy is completely toast as an NFL player so Fournette is very clearly the primary backup to RoJo. However, at this point, Fournette needs an injury to matter and even that might not be enough. There's a very real chance that Fournette's NFL career is closer to its conclusion than we think.

Le'Veon Bell (RB, NYJ)

Again, this column isn't about injuries, but Le'Veon Bell's appearance here is much more than that. Bell was last a fantasy force back in 2017. He's on the tail end of his career, but by all accounts, the talent is still there. The pass catching acumen certainly is. However, Adam Gase is probably the worst coach in NFL history. Sam Darnold is one of the five worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL. The Jets' top wide receiver is Jamison Crowder. Their offensive line is atrocious. And, to top it all off, Bell is going to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring strain. Bell is a bust. I'm confident saying that after just one week. This Jets team has no hope offensively even if Bell was healthy. With an injury tacked on to a bottom of the barrel situation, Bell is already a lost pick for fantasy managers.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Weekly Lineup Prep




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Ty Gibbs

is Mediocre at a Track Where his Grandfather's Team Won 19 Times
Ross Chastain

Despite Qualifying 33rd, Ross Chastain Not As Strong a DFS Option As Usual
Carson Hocevar

Will Carson Hocevar's Speed Overcome His Lack of Racecraft?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Not Enough Attrition at Richmond for Shane Van Gisbergen to Be Viable
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Looking for Another Solid Richmond Race
Austin Cindric

After Strong Iowa Run, Austin Cindric Might Surprise
Corey Heim

Probably Too Inexperienced to Contend at Richmond
Daniel Suarez

Won't Benefit From the Same Strategy Play This Year
Erik Jones

Was Slow at Richmond Even When He Had Fast Cars
Zane Smith

Not a Great DFS Option on Paper, but Typically Outperforms His Expectations
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Dylan Beavers

Called Up by Orioles
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Jakob Marsee

Homers Twice in Seven-RBI Night
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP