Sep 18, 2026, 4:59 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was listed on the injury report with the knee injury that he's been rehabbing since last season, but had no issues practicing fully all week and is no longer listed on the report heading into the weekend. Rice had a disappointing Week 1 performance in the win over the Denver Broncos. Rice had just two catches for 19 yards and a touchdown in last week's contest. The touchdown came on a bit of a broken play where two Broncos defenders missed their tackles and Rice had a free run to the end zone. It was encouraging to see the wideout score, but his usage in the passing game was underwhelming. Kansas City leaned on running back Kenneth Walker heavily, and it paid off big time as the Chiefs ended up winning by 21 points. While the identity of the offense may have shifted to run-heavy, quarterback Patrick Mahomes will still need to pass the ball to keep defenses honest, and Rice should be the primary target. Rice will look to get things right this Sunday night against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts defense looked lost as the Baltimore Ravens scored 41 points on them in Week 1. The Chiefs offense should be capable of putting up similar production against a beatable defensive unit. Rice is ranked WR23 in our RotoBaller Week 2 PPR rankings, making him a low-end WR2 heading into this week's matchup.--Joshua Costello
Source: Chiefs.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:59 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz is a playable option with a favorable matchup Sunday at Chicago now that Minnesota has ruled out starter Kyler Murray (concussion) from returning in Week 2. The veteran backup played well in relief last week against Green Bay, recovering from a few poor throws early to connect on three touchdowns as the Vikings rallied to beat Green Bay. Now, Wentz will face a Bears defense that ranks 29th in air yards allowed and surrendered 156 yards after the catch last week. The journeyman naturally comes with the risk of turnovers and the inability to avoid sacks that have plagued him most of his career, but he's still facing a shaky defense and throwing to a corps of pass catchers led by receiver Justin Jefferson. As one of RotoBaller's top 24 QB options this week, Wentz is startable in formats that play more than one quarterback.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:56 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson displayed his elusiveness and pass-catching ability in Week 1. Johnson rushed eight times for 24 yards and caught two passes for 44 yards. Both of his catches led to explosive plays, one for 19 yards and the other for 25 yards. The rookie showed that the Chiefs really found something in the back out of Nebraska and his role may increase if he continues to impress. Johnson's next opportunity to show off will be against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. The Colts just gave up 202 rushing yards to the Baltimore Ravens, so even if fellow back Kenneth Walker goes off there should still be enough chances for Johnson to perform. The 22-year-old's upside will be capped running behind Walker, but he should be more and more involved if he continues to do well with his limited touches. Johnson is ranked RB49 in our RotoBaller Week 2 PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in deep leagues. Johnson remains a better bench stash than an option to plug into lineups for Week 2.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:55 PM ET

Now that Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (finger) will miss at least four games on injured reserve, fellow running back Aaron Jones Sr. is a solid RB2 option as the Vikings prepare to play Chicago in Week 2. What certainly looked to be a backfield split that slightly favored Mason is now a backfield that features Jones, journeyman DeeJay Dallas, and rookie Demond Claiborne, who was inactive in Week 1. While Jones may not be a workhorse any longer, his fantasy prospects have certainly improved in time to face a shaky Bears defense that ranks 29th in yards per carry allowed, 29th in air yards allowed, and missed nine tackles last week. Even without starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion), Jones' receiving ability and control of the backfield are appealing. As RotoBaller's No. 20 running back this week, Jones should draw serious consideration in most formats against Chicago.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:53 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker was the heart and soul of the offense on Monday night in Week 1. Walker handled 23 carries for 173 yards and a touchdown as well as three catches for 18 yards and another score. The 25-year-old looked unstoppable facing one of the toughest defenses in the league, which bodes well for him continuing to have impressive performances this season. His 23 carries and six targets equated to 29 total opportunities in his Chiefs debut, which is gold for fantasy. Walker will look to stay as involved and efficient in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts defense was just gashed by Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, who rushed 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns. Walker proved in Week 1 that he is capable of having ceiling performances like Henry, so the Colts defense might have to prepare for another rushing barrage this week. Walker looks like everything the Chiefs offense has been missing and it looks like they will rely on him to set the tone offensively. Walker is ranked RB4 in our RotoBaller Week 2 PPR rankings, making him a rock-solid RB1 option heading into Sunday night.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:50 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor "made clear" that quarterback Joe Burrow (back) is "good to go" for the team's Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Burrow is officially listed as questionable to play, but it appears as though he will be on the field against Houston. In Cincinnati's Week 1 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 29-year-old completed 25 of 35 pass attempts for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While he faces a difficult matchup on paper in Week 2 against the Texans' defense, Burrow is always a threat to provide high-end fantasy production as long as he's on the field. Assuming he's active, Burrow profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1 on Sunday.--Will Brady
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.

Sep 18, 2026, 4:48 PM ET

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was once again listed on the injury report with a knee injury, but was a full participant in every Kansas City practice heading into Week 2. This injury report listing will likely remain throughout the season as the Chiefs manage Mahomes ' return from his ACL injury. That said, he was practicing fully and should be considered ready to face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday night. Mahomes had an encouraging season debut in the 31-10 win over the Denver Broncos. The Chiefs superstar completed 15 of 27 pass attempts (56%) for 184 yards and two touchdowns, but most encouraging was the fact that he scrambled for a 15-yard touchdown in the middle of the field. The fear surrounding Mahomes coming off the scary knee injury was that his mobility would suffer, but it appears he put those worries to rest. Mahomes should have an easier time passing the ball against a Colts defense that just allowed 41 points to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Mahomes is ranked QB12 in our RotoBaller Week 2 rankings, making him a justifiable QB1 for fantasy managers.--Joshua Costello
Source: Chiefs.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:46 PM ET

Mostly limited to deep sleeper consideration during the offseason, Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne could have an elevated role sooner than expected ahead of the Vikings' Week 2 trip to Chicago. The Minnesota backfield is in need of assistance now that Jordan Mason (thumb) will miss at least a month, vacating his rushing-first role and opening the door for the rookie to earn his first carries. Claiborne showed some pop in training camp, but he was inactive in Week 1 in favor of journeyman DeeJay Dallas. Aaron Jones Sr. will lead the Minnesota backfield, but at this stage of his career, he's unlikely to be an every-down workhorse again. It warrants mentioning that neither Jones nor Mason is currently under contract for next season, so Claiborne could change the team's plans if he capitalizes on his opportunities as a rookie. As RotoBaller's No. 58 running back this week, he might not be ready for starting lineups just yet, but forward-thinking managers might consider stashing him in case he breaks loose in Mason's absence.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:44 PM ET

The Cincinnati Bengals defense looked like one of the most improved units in the league against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. The Cincinnati defensive unit swarmed quarterback Baker Mayfield and sacked him four times while also recovering four fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This Bengals defense was arguably the worst squad in 2025, but they no longer look like a pushover matchup. Cincinnati will try to keep this momentum heading into their matchup against the Texans in Houston. The Texans offense is hobbled heading into the weekend with wide receiver Nico Collins ruled out with a hamstring injury. With the focal point of the Texans' passing game out with injury, the Bengals defense can focus their attention on stopping David Montgomery in the run game. This defense is not without its own injuries, though, most notably defensive tackle B.J. Hill, who is listed as questionable. Still, the Bengals should be ready to take on a Texans offense that is far from 100%. The Bengals defense is ranked 15th in our RotoBaller Week 2 rankings, making them a middle-of-the-pack unit to consider for Sunday.--Joshua Costello
Source: Bengals.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:42 PM ET

Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is once again a WR1 option as the Minnesota Vikings prepare to take on the struggling Chicago Bears defense. The superstar receiver's stat line last week (eight catches, 92 yards, and two touchdowns) didn't show any signs of struggle despite the Vikings playing the majority of the game without starting quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion). The Vikings already ruled out Murray this week in favor of backup Carson Wentz, with whom Jefferson connected for both of his touchdowns in the comeback victory against Green Bay. Now, however, the LSU alum faces a Bears defense that allowed 156 yards after the catch last week and ranks 29th in air yards allowed. With running back Jordan Mason (thumb) on injured reserve, Jefferson surely will be an integral part of the Minnesota game plan. He should be locked into lineups in all formats.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:41 PM ET

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison should be considered a volatile WR4 option in Week 2, albeit one facing an excellent matchup against the Chicago Bears. Despite the Vikings scoring 39 points in Week 1, the fourth-year receiver didn't record a catch on just two targets. The Vikings also will be starting backup quarterback Carson Wentz again, as Minnesota already ruled out starter Kyler Murray (concussion). The Bears' defense, however, ranks 29th in air yards allowed and surrendered 351 yards passing to Carolina last week. While Addison is always in fellow receiver Justin Jefferson's shadow, the circumstances suggest a few high-value targets could be coming Addison's way this week. Managers who played Addison in Week 1 can't be faulted for feeling like Charlie Brown lining up to kick the football again, but the matchup is favorable enough that Addison is at least worthy of consideration for a flex spot, especially in deeper formats.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:38 PM ET

Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal emerged as a useful contributor for fantasy managers at points during the 2025 season, recording 779 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 171 touches across 13 games. However, much of Vidal's production came in games where Chargers RB1 Omarion Hampton was sidelined by an ankle injury. With Hampton back to lead the Los Angeles backfield in 2026, Vidal played just four snaps and failed to earn a single touch in the Chargers' Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. In addition to Hampton, Vidal also appears to be behind Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell on the team's depth chart at the position. Barring an injury to either Hampton or Mitchell, Vidal should likely remain off the radar of fantasy managers in redraft leagues.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

Sep 18, 2026, 4:36 PM ET

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson had himself a game in the 33-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. McPherson nailed all seven of his kicks in the contest, four of which were field goals. Of the four field goals he knocked through, two of them were 55 yards or longer with a long of 58 yards in the game. The Bengals kicker accounted for 15 of the 33 points scored by Cincinnati. McPherson will look to keep his streak heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans were one of the toughest defensive units in 2025, but the Buffalo Bills just hung 36 points on them in Week 1 so they're not quite infallible. If the Bengals offense can find their groove on Sunday, McPherson could be quite involved again. McPherson is ranked K12 in our RotoBaller Week 2 rankings, making him worth a start at the kicker position this week.--Joshua Costello
Source: ESPN.com

Sep 18, 2026, 4:34 PM ET

The Minnesota Vikings will once again turn to quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 2 against the Chicago Bears, which could improve the fantasy prospects of tight end T.J. Hockenson. With the backup QB at the helm, the Iowa product played well in Week 1, logging four catches for 36 yards and a touchdown that spurred the Vikings' comeback against Green Bay. More importantly, he was second on the team in targets, trailing only star wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson was a top-five player at his position before his knee injury late in 2023, and while he might not return to those heights, he seems to have a decent spot among fantasy tight ends early in 2026. Facing a Bears secondary that struggled in Week 1, Hockenson is a solid TE2/flex option who could offer even more if targeted in the red zone.--Nick Piotrowicz
Source: RotoBaller