49ers Defense Suddenly A Top Option Against Miami 0mLink copied!

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

Sep 19, 2026, 2:31 AM ET

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry is trending up in fantasy football for his Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Henry occupied a modest receiving role in the Patriots' season opener last week, catching three passes for 26 yards despite having a respectable 76% target share. However, his volume could be increasing now that wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. Entering the season, Brown projected as the Patriots' most physical target, making him a weapon around the goal line. With Brown sidelined, that responsibility could shift to Henry, who caught 60 passes for seven touchdowns in 2025. This Steelers defense didn't surrender a catch to a tight end in Week 1, but that can likely be attributed to Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush, rather than Kyle Pitts Sr. On the contrary, Drake Maye is a much tougher matchup for the Steelers, and his strong passing skills should help support a top-12 week from Henry in PPR fantasy football leagues.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:27 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins could get onto the fantasy radar during Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team recently placed A.J. Brown (ankle) on injured reserve, bumping Hollins up to No. 3 on the depth chart behind Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas. Hollins has the most experience of that bunch, and he has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to bail out Drake Maye, earning the young quarterback's trust in high-leverage spots. Doubs may have the big-play upside and Douglas is a high-volume, short-yardage weapon. However, Hollins is more of a playmaker on the perimeter and in contested situations. He had four catches for 51 yards on a 70% snap share in Week 1, and those numbers could also climb even higher in Week 2 now that Brown is sidelined. Hollins ranks as the overall WR56 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 2.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:25 AM ET

Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze is set to resume his typical role in the team's offense when they line up for a divisional bout with the visiting Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. Odunze dealt with a calf issue for a week or so leading up to Chicago's road opener against Carolina. He was active - despite three straight limited practice sessions - but ranked third regarding snap counts (49%) at his position and hauled in just two-of-three targets for 52 yards. Uninspiring debut aside, the third-year wideout projects as, at worst, a 1B option in Chicago's receiving corps alongside teammate Luther Burden III. More importantly, quarterback Caleb Williams looked improved, even if it was a small sample. Minnesota's defense poses a threat, but Chicago's attack will be difficult to stop if it's firing on all cylinders. Odunze is RotoBaller's PPR WR35 and should continue trending up the further removed he is from an early-season soft-tissue issue.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 2:24 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas will take on a larger role during Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it could result in him jumping to the low-end WR3/flex tier in PPR leagues. Douglas handled a respectable 62% snap share in last week's season opener against the Seahawks, catching five of seven targets for 20 yards. The receiving yards output was quite disappointing, but the overall volume and target share should catch the attention of PPR managers. Heading into Week 2, the Patriots are without A.J. Brown (ankle), leaving Douglas as the de facto No. 2 receiver in New England behind Romeo Doubs. Given Doubs' lack of reliability after he had some drop issues in Week 1, Douglas has a chance to emerge as Drake Maye's most reliable target, even if he doesn't have the highest ceiling. He projects for at least a handful of targets on Sunday, which could put him on the streaming radar as a low-end WR3/flex.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:19 AM ET

New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs is expected to step up as the team's de facto No. 1 target in Week 2, but he's not a lock to produce in fantasy football. Doubs had a very underwhelming performance in Week 1, failing to haul in any of his three targets. Poor route-running and drops plagued the veteran's Patriots debut last week, and it came at a very poor time, as he'll now be tasked with leading the wide receiver room after A.J. Brown (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. There's a real chance that Doubs can turn this bigger role into flex-level fantasy performance, but there's also some inherent risk given his poor play in the season opener. The 26-year-old ranks as RotoBaller's WR40 ahead of his matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allowed the fewest fantasy points to receivers in Week 1 (albeit against a Cooper Rush-led Falcons offense).--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:16 AM ET

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland will look to get his season rolling against the visiting Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. The former Michigan Wolverine was a gargantuan letdown last Sunday, failing to record a catch on a paltry two targets while his team beat up on the Panthers in an epic 59-37 win. Unfortunately, no key factors explain the subpar performance, other than the ball didn't go his way in a game Chicago fully controlled. While fantasy managers may find no solace in that, there's little reason to doubt Loveland is due for a bounceback effort when they take on the Vikings. Minnesota's defense figures to be much more staunch opposition than Carolina's, but quarterback Caleb Williams appears to be in total command of the offense. Loveland may not always be a featured part of the game plan, but his talent and role in an ascending offense make him a strong season-long option at the position. He's ranked as RotoBaller's PPR TE3 ahead of a key divisional matchup.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 2:15 AM ET

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson will make his season debut on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Henderson missed Week 1 due to an ankle injury, but his absence was short-lived, as he has been cleared to return in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At this point, we expect Henderson to share snaps with Rhamondre Stevenson, who drew the start in the season opener. Stevenson had 23 touches last week, and he played a major role in the receiving game. We wouldn't be shocked to see both Henderson and Stevenson log at least 10-15 touches this Sunday, especially with wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) no longer involved on offense after he was placed on injured reserve. Henderson has jumped to RB41 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings, but managers would be justified starting him as an RB3/flex in Week 2.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 2:07 AM ET

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is set for a strong outing in this weekend's divisional matchup with the Minnesota Vikings at home. The University of Missouri product had, by all intents and purposes, solid production in last Sunday's 59-37 flogging of the Panthers, going for 63 yards on five-of-five receiving. While fantasy managers might quibble about Burden - and Chicago's receiving weapons as a whole, for that matter - not coming through in a bigger way on a day the team posted nearly 60 points, it's a positive outcome considering the groin injury that robbed him of the preseason. Week 2 won't be easy for quarterback Caleb Williams and company against an aggressive Brian Flores defense. On the other hand, Minnesota yielded a league-high 353 passing yards to Jordan Love and the Packers to start the year, which may be a chink in their armor. Burden is RotoBaller's PPR WR18 for this weekend's pivotal contest.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 2:07 AM ET

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was welcomed back to his former team with seven targets in Week 1. Samuel converted his chances into six catches for 48 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' 27-7 win over the Rams. He also had one rushing attempt for 12 yards. De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) will be inactive on Sunday as a consequence of a non-contact ankle injury suffered last week. His absence means Samuel will have less competition for targets in the 49ers' talented pass-catching corps. In Week 2, the 49ers are heavily favored against the Dolphins, meaning the offensive game plan will have increased focus on the ground game. Samuel could still make an impact there with rookie Kaelon Black (groin) listed as questionable. In his first stint with the Niners, Samuel averaged 3.1 carries per game from 2021 to 2024. He is a WR3/flex candidate for Week 2.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

Sep 19, 2026, 1:59 AM ET

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson carried the load as the team's primary ball-carrier during the season opener, but his role is likely to change for Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Stevenson is likely returning to a split-backfield role now that teammate TreVeyon Henderson is healthy again. As the lone running back atop the depth chart in Week 1, Stevenson had 23 touches with 95 scrimmage yards, including 8.8 yards per catch. He'll presumably be closer to 15 touches this week, but that won't prevent him from getting on the fantasy radar. He still ranks as a high-end RB3/flex, especially in PPR leagues where his receiving workload can make a significant impact. The Steelers allowed the ninth-most fantasy points and the second-most receptions to running backs in Week 1, although it's worth noting that they played against Bijan Robinson. Stevenson isn't nearly on the same level as Robinson, but he's still a worthwhile fantasy starter. He ranks as RotoBaller's RB22 for Week 2.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 19, 2026, 1:56 AM ET

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift will look to keep it rolling in Week 2 in a divisional home matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Swift and Chicago's ground game went berserk in their road opener, racking up just shy of 300 yards (291) and six total rushing scores in a beatdown of the Panthers. In the outing, the former Detroit Lion produced a cool 6.89 yards per carry on 18 totes (124) and set a career-high with three rushing scores. Swift will face a much more formidable opponent this Sunday, although he'll still be in a good position regarding fantasy. Despite the matchup, Swift still leads backfield mate Kyle Monangai in the pecking order, whom he outsnapped 43-32 and out-touched 19-12 -- moreover, the former garnered six touches in the red zone to Monangai's one. The University of Georgia alum's road to success isn't as cleanly paved against a deceptive Vikings' defense, but he remains a trustworthy asset. Swift is RotoBaller's PPR RB14 ahead of Sunday's contest.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN

Sep 19, 2026, 1:47 AM ET

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams faces a stiff test this Sunday as his team squares off against the visiting Minnesota Vikings. By all accounts, Williams and the Bears' offense showed out in a big way last weekend when they routed the Panthers 59-37 on the road. For one game, at least, the 24-year-old took a huge step forward in accuracy (72.4%) and looked largely in control of Chicago's attack. He'll have his work cut out for him in Week 2 against a Brian Flores defense bound to blitz ceaselessly. Still, with his arsenal of skill players healthy, Williams will be well-equipped to handle one of the league's more imposing defensive units. The USC product is RotoBaller's QB3 ahead of the divisional matchup.--Alex Ciulla
Source: ESPN