X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Football Warning Signals for Week 2: Dak Prescott, Cam Akers, and Jerry Jeudy

Dak Prescott - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

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?

Featured Promo: Get any full-season NFL and DFS Premium Pass for 50% off. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, Premium articles, Matchup Rating projections, 15 lineup tools, DFS cheat sheets, Research Stations, Lineup Optimizers and much more! Go Premium, Win More!

For any and all issues or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on Twitter.

 

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.



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!




Win Big With RotoBaller

Be sure to also check out all of our other daily fantasy football articles and analysis to help you set those winning lineups, including this new RotoBaller YouTube video:

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
Fantasy Updates
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Francisco Alvarez52 mins ago

Dealing With Finger Contusion
Ketel Marte1 hour ago

Absent From Lineup On Monday
Mike Trout1 hour ago

Season Is Over
Patrick Mahomes2 hours ago

"All Good" After Injury Scare
William Byron2 hours ago

Earns Sixth Win Of Season At Texas
Denny Hamlin2 hours ago

Secures Third Straight Top-Five Finish At Texas
Michael Pittman Jr.2 hours ago

Reels In Nine Catches In Week 3 Win
Tyler Reddick2 hours ago

Late Wreck Ruins Tyler Reddick's Race At Texas
Kyle Busch3 hours ago

Championship Hopes Take Big Hit After Texas Wreck
NASCAR3 hours ago

Bubba Wallace "Gave it Away" At Texas, Finishes Third
Chris Buescher3 hours ago

Has Another Strong Points Day At Texas
Kyle Larson3 hours ago

On Playoff Hot Seat After Wrecking At Texas
Joe Burrow4 hours ago

Status Still A Question Mark
Jimmy Garoppolo4 hours ago

Being Evaluated For A Concussion
Adam Fantilli4 hours ago

Registers Two Assists In Preseason Debut
Mike Williams4 hours ago

Feared To Have Serious Knee Injury
Trevor Van Riemsdyk4 hours ago

Trevor van Riemsdyk Sustains Apparent Hand Injury
Travis Konecny4 hours ago

"Banged Up"
Andrei Vasilevskiy4 hours ago

Battling Minor Injuries
Mika Zibanejad5 hours ago

Suffers An Upper-Body Injury
Kyle Palmieri5 hours ago

Set For Re-Evaluation This Week
Kenneth Walker III9 hours ago

Scores Twice In Week 3 Victory
Geno Smith9 hours ago

Finds Success Again In Week 3
Travis Kelce12 hours ago

Caps Off Blowout With Touchdown Catch
Patrick Mahomes12 hours ago

Earns First Three-Score Effort In Short Day
Rondale Moore12 hours ago

Logs 45-Yard Rushing Touchdown In Week 3 Win
James Conner12 hours ago

Rumbles Into The End-zone In Week 3 Win
Josh Downs12 hours ago

Leads Colts With 12 Targets In OT Win Over Ravens
Travis Etienne Jr.12 hours ago

With 138 Total Yards In Loss Vs. Texans
Zack Moss13 hours ago

Rushes For 122 Yards, Finds The End Zone In Week 3
Stefon Diggs13 hours ago

Tags Commanders For 111 Yards In Rout
Davante Adams13 hours ago

Shines For Two Touchdowns
Josh Allen13 hours ago

Manages Game In Easy Week 3 Win
Jimmy Garoppolo13 hours ago

Fills Stat Sheet Against Steelers
Tank Dell14 hours ago

Shows Out Again In Week 3
Lamar Jackson14 hours ago

Puts Up 300 Total Yards
C.J. Stroud14 hours ago

Picks Up First NFL Win In Week 3
Deandre Ayton15 hours ago

To Portland A Possibility?
Damian Lillard15 hours ago

Bulls, Raptors Expressing Interest In Damian Lillard
Tim Hardaway15 hours ago

Pacers Reportedly Not Interested In Tim Hardaway Jr.
Buddy Hield15 hours ago

To Dallas?
Francisco Alvarez16 hours ago

Removed Early On Sunday
Luis Robert Jr.21 hours ago

Replaced During Sunday's Game
Yandy Díaz21 hours ago

Yandy Diaz Leaves Early Sunday
Ricardo Ramos1 day ago

Submitted Early At UFC Vegas 79
Charles Jourdain1 day ago

Extends Win Streak To Two
Marina Rodriguez1 day ago

Scores One-Sided TKO Win At UFC Vegas 79
Dan Ige1 day ago

Falls Short Against Another Top-10 Opponent
Bryce Mitchell1 day ago

Returns To Win Column At UFC Vegas 79
Brad Keselowski1 day ago

Feels Good About His Car at Texas
Tyler Reddick1 day ago

a Very Strong Option at Texas
Denny Hamlin1 day ago

Pegged as Favorite to Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar2 days ago

Looks Impressive Again at Texas
Zane Smith2 days ago

Slow In Practice and Qualifying at Texas
Todd Gilliland2 days ago

in Downgraded Equipment for Texas
Luis Arraez2 days ago

Suffers Injury On Saturday
Ryan Preece2 days ago

Will Start 25th At Texas
Chase Briscoe2 days ago

The Top Value Play On Sunday At Texas
Ricky Stenhouse Jr2 days ago

.'s Struggles At Texas To Continue This Weekend
Joey Logano2 days ago

Makes For A Nice Bounce Back Play At Texas
NASCAR2 days ago

Bubba Wallace Wins Pole At Texas Motor Speedway
Ryan Blaney2 days ago

A Core Play At Texas
Harrison Burton2 days ago

Still On Wood Brothers Hot Seat
Austin Cindric2 days ago

Keeps On Struggling In Qualifying
Kenley Jansen2 days ago

Returns From COVID List
Mike Trout2 days ago

Hits Off Tee
Yordan Alvarez2 days ago

Doubles In A Run, Managing Elbow Issue
MLB2 days ago

Diamondbacks-Yankees Postponed Saturday Due To Rain
MLB2 days ago

Braves-Nationals Postponed On Saturday
Nolan Arenado2 days ago

Cardinals Place Nolan Arenado On Injured List
Sandy Alcantara2 days ago

Suffers Setback After Rehab Start
Clayton Keller2 days ago

Ready To Become 100-Point Player
Nicklas Backstrom2 days ago

Feeling At 100 Percent
Oliver Ekman-Larsson2 days ago

Set To Get Look On Top Power-Play Unit
Carter Verhaeghe2 days ago

Battling Muscle Tightness
Nikolaj Ehlers2 days ago

Struggling With Neck Spasms
Logan Cooley2 days ago

Scores Wonder Goal In Preseason Opener
2 days ago

Chauncey Billups Backs Scoot Henderson To Become A "Star"
Josh Green2 days ago

Aims To Become A Bigger Defensive Presence
Josh Hart2 days ago

Set To See Minutes As Power Forward
Cade Cunningham2 days ago

Jaden Ivey Believes Cade Cunningham Will "Shock" People
DeMar DeRozan2 days ago

Ready To Shoot More Threes
Marcus Morris2 days ago

Sr. Set To Remain A Starter In New Season
Brandon Lowe3 days ago

Finished For 2023 With Knee Fracture
Salvador Perez3 days ago

On Track For Return On Sunday
Triston McKenzie3 days ago

Set To Return For Sunday's Start
Jaden McDaniels3 days ago

Timberwolves Desire To Extend Jaden McDaniels
Boston Celtics3 days ago

Celtics Signing Lamar Stevens As Bench Piece
Frank Ntilikina3 days ago

Could Be Limited At Training Camp
Jayson Tatum3 days ago

To Play More Point Guard In 2023-24?
Randy Arozarena3 days ago

Leaves With Right Quad Tightness
Ha-Seong Kim3 days ago

Returns To The Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.3 days ago

Rejoins The Lineup On Friday
Luis Arraez3 days ago

Back In The Lineup On Friday
Rasmus Dahlin3 days ago

Sabres Aiming To Lock Up Rasmus Dahlin, Owen Power Long-Term
Connor Hellebuyck3 days ago

Focused On The Jets In 2023-24
Trevor Zegras3 days ago

Jamie Drysdale Absent On First Day Of Camp
Andrew Cogliano3 days ago

Hoping To Be Cleared For Season Opener
Alexander Barabanov3 days ago

Prefers To Remain In San Jose
Mattias Ekholm3 days ago

Roughly A Week Away From Skating
Damian Lillard3 days ago

Suns Considered Dark Horse To Facilitate Damian Lillard Deal
Donovan Mitchell3 days ago

Not Expected To Sign An Extension Next Summer
3 days ago

Amen Thompson Is Ready To Go For Training Camp
Buddy Hield3 days ago

Mavericks, 76ers, Bucks Have Shown Interest In Buddy Hield
Kelly Oubre3 days ago

Jr. Expected To Sign With 76ers
Mateusz Gamrot3 days ago

Seeking Victory In Seventh UFC Appearance
Rafael Fiziev3 days ago

Looks To Get Back In Win Column
Michelle Waterson-Gomez3 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
AJ Fletcher3 days ago

Set To Showcase On Main Card
Bryan Battle3 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 79
Evgeny Kuznetsov3 days ago

Sees New Head Coach As "Perfect Match"
Mark Scheifele3 days ago

Open To Staying With Jets
BUF3 days ago

Buffalo Sabres Reportedly Eyeing Patrick Kane
Jusuf Nurkic4 days ago

Heading To Phoenix?
Damian Lillard4 days ago

Could Be Moved Before Training Camp
Ricardo Ramos4 days ago

Set For First Fight In Over A Year
Charles Jourdain4 days ago

Hoping To Bring UFC Record Above .500
Marina Rodriguez4 days ago

Gets A Rematch At UFC Vegas 79
Dan Ige4 days ago

Enters UFC Vegas 79 On Two-Fight Win Streak
Bryce Mitchell4 days ago

Looking To Bounce Back After First Career Loss

RANKINGS

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