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Matthew Stafford Could be Down a Receiver in Quest for Redemption
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a frustrating Week 1 performance amid his attempt to defend last year's MVP title. Last week's struggles could potentially be chalked up to the team's weird travel logistics to Australia, so we expect Stafford to settle into more of a groove as he returns stateside in Week 2 to face the New York Giants. The bad news for the veteran quarterback is that he could be without wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip), who has missed practice on back-to-back days. At this point, there's legitimate concern that Nacua doesn't play, which would have an enormous impact on Stafford's fantasy football outlook. It would certainly benefit the quarterback to have his top target available against a Giants defense that allowed just 175 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception to Dak Prescott last week. If Nacua plays, Stafford will rank as a low-end QB1 in fantasy football. If he doesn't, the veteran passer falls to the mid-range QB2 tier. Managers will have to make their best guess here, as there won't be any clarity on Nacua's status until the Rams post their list of inactive players on Monday night.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Is Jalen Coker a Must-Start in Week 2 vs. Falcons?
Carolina Panthers wideout Jalen Coker is coming off his two biggest games of his young NFL career. He has combined for 17 catches for 272 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 21 targets in those outings. The 24-year-old was the PPR WR1 in overall scoring in Week 1 with 33.8 fantasy points. Heading into Week 2, Coker will face a stout Atlanta Falcons secondary featuring A.J. Terrell, Jessie Bates III, and Xavier Watts. The Falcons surrendered 221 passing yards and one touchdown against 41 passing attempts in Week 1 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a less-than-ideal matchup, Coker is RotoBaller's PPR WR27 this week. Coker has been a fantasy favorite in the community and is building his case as one of the league's better young receivers. He can be plugged into fantasy lineups as a viable flex option, but we should not expect him to repeat as a top-10 fantasy receiver in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Germie Bernard Potentially in Line For Bigger Role in Week 2
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wideout Germie Bernard could be in line for a bigger role with teammate Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) out for their Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Pittman was a limited participant early in the week before missing the team's final two practices. With Pittman out, this gives their second-round rookie an opportunity for an expanded role. Bernard is a versatile receiver who can play all three receiver spots and can be deployed out of the backfield as a pass-catcher and running back. He excelled on quick routes at Alabama, which lines up with Aaron Rodgers. Last season, Rodgers had one of the fastest average times to throw (2.56 seconds) and one of the fewest completed air yards (1,203) in the league. Bernard was a pro-ready prospect and could be Rodgers' go-to target over the middle of the field on Sunday.
Source: Steelers.com
Source: Steelers.com
Eddy Pineiro Will Kick for 49ers in Week 2
NBC Sports' Matt Maiocco reports that San Francisco 49ers placekicker Eddy Pineiro (illness) will kick in their Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Pineiro did not participate in any practices this week due to illness. As a result, the team held kicking tryouts on Saturday with veteran kickers Greg Joseph and Younghoe Koo but did not sign either. This strongly indicates that Pineiro will be able to play in the team's home opener. The 31-year-old was heavily used in their Week 1 victory over division rival Los Angeles Rams. He made two of his three field goal attempts, including one from 50-plus yards, and made all three of his extra point attempts. Pineiro could find himself trotting onto the field often Sunday if the 49ers offense gets into a rhythm early against a favorable Dolphins defense.
Source: NBCS - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBCS - Matt Maiocco
Zay Flowers Downgraded to Out for Week 2
The Baltimore Ravens X account posted that wideout Zay Flowers (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for their Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The 26-year-old had five receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown on six targets in the first half of Week 1. Flowers did not play in the second half due to reaggravating a hamstring injury that first appeared in training camp. The injury forced Flowers to miss two practices and limited his participation during Friday's session. The team originally listed him as doubtful before declaring him out. Without Flowers and third-round rookie Ja'Kobi Lane, the team is left with Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, and fourth-round rookie Elijah Sarratt to operate as the primary pass-catchers. Flowers' limited participation on Friday leaves room for optimism about his availability for Week 3, as we will get more information about his health early next week.
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Ameer Abdullah Likely to Lose Playing Time in Jacksonville Going Forward
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Ameer Abdullah was productive on a limited number of opportunities in his team's blowout Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, recording 32 yards from scrimmage on five touches. Abdullah functioned as Jacksonville's RB3 behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Bhayshul Tuten against the Browns. However, second-year Jaguars back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip) played just one snap in Week 1 after missing extended time in training camp due to injury. Allen Jr. functioned as Jacksonville's primary third-down back for much of 2025, and Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said that he will play a much larger role in the team's game plan going forward. Once Allen Jr. is fully reintegrated into the Jacksonville offense, Abdullah will likely slide down to the Jaguars RB4 role and could even be a cut candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Foster Moreau Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Houston
Houston Texans tight end Foster Moreau had a quiet game in his team's Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, recording two catches for 15 yards on two targets. On the bright side, Moreau earned the second-most snaps in the crowded Texans' tight-end room ahead of second-round rookie Marlin Klein and 2024 fourth-rounder Cade Stover. However, veteran Texans tight end Dalton Schultz recorded four catches for 35 yards on eight targets against Buffalo and appears to still have a firm hold on the TE1 job in Houston. The Texans will be without wide receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) for the season and could also be missing star wideout Nico Collins (hamstring) for at least the next couple of games with a hamstring injury. Still, even if Houston continues to lean into formations that utilize multiple tight ends, Moreau's fantasy upside is likely limited as long as Schultz remains healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Demarcus Robinson in Line for Larger Role in San Francisco
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson was one of the bright spots of his team's 27-7 Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Rams, recording two catches for 50 yards and a touchdown on three targets. Robinson played a limited role in the San Francisco offense in 2025, recording 22 catches across 14 games. However, the 49ers wide receiver corps has already been decimated by injuries in 2026, with Ricky Pearsall (knee) out of the season and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) expected to miss 10 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery. Robinson could now emerge as the WR3 in San Francisco behind veteran wideouts Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. Robinson has shown he can be an explosive downfield threat before, recording 31 catches for 505 yards and seven touchdowns across 17 games with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024. In deeper fantasy leagues, Robinson could eventually work his way into flex territory in the right matchups.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emari Demercado Carries High-End Handcuff Appeal in Dallas
Dallas Cowboys running back Emari Demercado had a quiet game in his team's Week 1 loss to the New York Giants, recording two carries for seven yards. However, with Cowboys running back Malik Davis (hip) on season-ending Injured Reserve with a hip injury, Demercado has established himself as the clear RB2 in Dallas. As long as star Cowboys back Javonte Williams remains healthy, Demercado is unlikely to play a fantasy-relevant role. Still, Demercado now profiles as one of the more valuable handcuff running back options for fantasy managers. The 27-year-old was productive when given the opportunity in 2025, recording 413 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 57 touches across 13 games with the Arizona Cardinals. He also offers a three-down skill set that could allow him to play a workhorse role in the event of an injury to Williams. In deeper leagues, Demercado could be worth stashing off the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nico Collins Could Miss Multiple Games With Hamstring Injury
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is already out for Sunday against Cincinnati, and the hamstring injury may cost him more than one game. Collins suffered a Grade 1 strain in practice Wednesday after opening the season with seven catches for 75 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets against Buffalo. Aaron Wilson reports the current expectation is that Collins could also miss next week's road game against Indianapolis, though the situation remains fluid. That's a significant short-term hit for a receiver who immediately returned to his usual high-volume role in Week 1. The good news is that Collins avoided a more serious injury. The bad news is that hamstrings can linger, and Houston may choose to be cautious with his return. Sunday is already off the table. If the current expectation holds and Collins also sits in Week 3, fantasy managers could be without him for two straight games.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Elijah Sarratt Poised for Larger Role in Baltimore
A fourth-round pick out of Indiana, Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt was a healthy scratch in his team's Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts. However, the Ravens placed fellow rookie wideout Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) on Injured Reserve earlier this week, and star wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is doubtful to play in Week 2 with a hamstring injury. As a result, Sarratt could now be in line for a significant role in the Ravens' passing game. If Flowers is unable to play on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore has very little in the way of proven pass-catching talent outside of wide receiver Rashod Bateman and tight end Mark Andrews. In deeper leagues, Sarratt could be worth adding ahead of a potential breakout in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bengals Elevate QB Josh Johnson to Active Roster
The Cincinnati Bengals are elevating veteran quarterback Josh Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster for their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Johnson's elevation is notable because star Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (back) is officially listed as questionable for Week 2. While Burrow is expected to play on Sunday, it appears the team has enough concern about his health to carry three quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. If Burrow were to be inactive or be forced to exit the game early, Joe Flacco would be the next man up under center for Cincinnati, and Johnson would step into the backup role. Between his uncertain health outlook and the tough matchup against Houston, fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations for Burrow in Week 2.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Terrance Ferguson Could See Larger Role With Rams Short-Handed
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson may have a bigger role waiting Monday night. Jordan Whittington is doubtful with a quad injury, while Puka Nacua is questionable after missing Friday and Saturday. Ferguson didn't catch his lone target in Week 1, but he played 31 snaps and ran more routes than any other Rams tight end. That matters now. Los Angeles has leaned heavily on multi-tight end packages under Sean McVay, and being thin at receiver gives those looks an obvious path back into the plan. Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen keep the tight end room crowded, so this isn't suddenly a guaranteed target spike. Still, Ferguson's role had already grown from last season before the receiver injuries hit. If Whittington sits and Nacua is limited or unavailable, Ferguson should have a better chance to stay on the field and see more work. His fantasy stock is moving up before Monday night.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rasheen Ali Sees No Offensive Work in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali was active in Week 1, but he never saw the field on offense. Ali played 14 special-teams snaps in the 41-23 win over Indianapolis and did not record a touch. Derrick Henry handled 24 carries, while Justice Hill worked as the clear second back with six carries and one reception. That left nothing for Ali behind them. Baltimore still lists him third on the running back depth chart, and his special-teams standing has slipped too. Ali entered Week 1 as the Ravens' top kick returner, but LaJohntay Wester is now listed first with Ali second. None of that points to a growing fantasy role. Ali remains useful depth for Baltimore, but Week 1 showed a wide gap between him and the two backs ahead of him. Until he gets offensive snaps, there is very little here for fantasy managers to chase.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Donald Set to Return Monday Night
Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald will play Monday night against the Giants, head coach Sean McVay confirmed Saturday, according to Nate Atkins. Donald said Friday that playing was the plan after getting more 11-on-11 work this week, and McVay has now confirmed his return. The Rams kept Donald home from their season opener in Australia while he continued to ramp up following two seasons away from football. He last played in January 2024 after recording eight sacks across 16 regular-season games that year. Donald came out of retirement on August 30 and has spent the past few weeks working his way back into football shape. Monday will mark his first NFL game in more than two and a half years.
Source: Nate Atkins
Source: Nate Atkins
Jordan Whittington Doubtful for Monday Night
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (quad) is doubtful for Monday night's game against the Giants, according to Stu Jackson. Whittington did not practice Friday and is now unlikely to play after the quad injury surfaced late in the week. He caught his only target for eight yards in the opener against San Francisco while playing 25 offensive snaps. His status matters more with Puka Nacua also questionable. Whittington is listed directly behind Nacua on the Rams' depth chart, with Xavier Smith next in line. If Whittington sits, Los Angeles may have to dig deeper into its receiver rotation, especially if Nacua is limited or unavailable.
Source: Stu Jackson
Source: Stu Jackson
Daniel Jones Faces Difficult Week 2 Matchup in Kansas City
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones completed 19 of 31 passes for 166 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last week's 41-23 loss to Baltimore. It was his first game since tearing his Achilles in December 2025, and he added only four yards on one carry. Indianapolis now travels to Kansas City, where the Chiefs held Denver to 10 points and 176 total yards, sacked Bo Nix four times and intercepted him once. That pass rush is the biggest concern after Jones was sacked twice by Baltimore, while the Colts themselves have emphasized staying ahead of the sticks after repeatedly falling behind schedule in the opener. Jones does have his main weapons available, with Alec Pierce returning to full participation Friday and carrying no game designation alongside Keenan Allen, Josh Downs, Tyler Warren and Jonathan Taylor. RotoBaller ranks Jones as the QB24 for Week 2. He is usable in Superflex formats, but this is a difficult spot to trust him in a standard one-quarterback league.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Puka Nacua Questionable for Monday Night With Groin Injury
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is questionable for Monday night's game against the Giants, according to Nate Atkins. Nacua will miss practice for a second straight day Saturday after sitting out Friday. Atkins reports that the groin injury is separate from the psoas issue Nacua dealt with during training camp. He caught five of nine targets for 74 yards in the season-opening loss to San Francisco. The Rams also have a concern behind him, with Jordan Whittington doubtful because of a quad injury. Whittington is listed directly behind Nacua on the depth chart. Davante Adams would be the clear top receiver available if Nacua can't play.
Source: Nate Atkins
Source: Nate Atkins
Chargers D/ST Is a Top-Five Option in Week 2 vs. Raiders
The Los Angeles Chargers D/ST was expected to be one of the best options for fantasy football to start the season due to favorable matchups. However, they surrendered almost 400 total yards and 26 points to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. In addition, the team managed to get one sack and forced zero turnovers. Entering Week 2, the Chargers D/ST is RotoBaller's D/ST5 for the week. They will host a banged-up Las Vegas Raiders offense on Sunday. Raiders' star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful to make his season debut despite returning to the practice field on Friday. This lets the Chargers focus exclusively on holding Ashton Jeanty in check on the ground. The Chargers D/ST should be comfortably inserted into fantasy lineups heading into Week 2.
Source: Chargers.com
Source: Chargers.com
Chris Olave Travels With Team to Baltimore
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) traveled with the team to Baltimore ahead of Sunday's game, according to Nick Underhill. Olave remains questionable after the hamstring issue surfaced late in the week. He was added to the injury report Thursday and was limited in both Thursday and Friday's practices. Making the trip keeps him in play for Sunday, but it doesn't change the designation. Olave opened the season with 10 catches for a career-high 182 yards on 13 targets against Detroit. Fantasy managers should still have a backup plan ready with his status likely to come down closer to kickoff.
Source: Nick Underhill
Source: Nick Underhill
Kevin Austin Jr. Elevated for Week 2
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Kevin Austin Jr. has been elevated from the practice squad for Sunday's game at Baltimore, according to Erin Summers. The move comes with Chris Olave questionable because of a hamstring injury. Olave was added to the injury report Thursday and was limited both Thursday and Friday. Austin was elevated for Week 1 as well, but he played only five offensive snaps and wasn't targeted against Detroit. New Orleans also has Devaughn Vele, Barion Brown, and Bryce Lance on the active roster, so Austin isn't guaranteed much work even if Olave sits. For now, the elevation gives the Saints another receiver while Olave's status remains unsettled.
Source: Erin Summers
Source: Erin Summers
More News About Matthew Stafford
