👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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


Week 2 Rankings Analysis: Nick Mariano vs. Industry Consensus

Week 1 was quite a doozy, wasn't it? Well, sort of. My condolences go out to Keenan Allen and his owners. Be smart, be savvy, attack desperate owners and do not drop a stud who underperformed in Week 1. We are gathered here today to take a look at my rankings for Week 2 and look at how they stack up against the Expert Consensus, commenting on any standouts or points of contention.

Last week went pretty darn well if I do say so myself, so let's just get down to business (to defeat the Huns).

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests for Week 2. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Week 2 Quarterbacks - Rankings Analysis

The quarterback situation is pretty chalky at the top, especially with Eli Manning opening at home against a horrible Saints defense that is down its top corner now. What we need is to show more love for Joe Flacco, who should be ranked a low-end QB1 instead of a mid-range QB2. He gets to hit the road to take on a Cleveland defense that just made Carson Wentz look like a stud muffin.

While you may believe that Wentz is deservedly a stud, the point remains that Cleveland's D is a real letdown and their playing at home isn't going to make them any better. Baltimore still can't run the ball, and Flacco should get a chance to diddy-bop with Mike Wallace, Steve Smith, Kamar Aiken and Justin Forsett catching balls left and right.

For what it's worth, Trevor Siemian actually makes a healthy QB2 against a horribly disparaged Indianapolis defense that you, me and some folks from the local pub could potentially complete a few passes against.

 

Week 2 Running Backs - Rankings Analysis

Everyone is really hyped about David Johnson, and that's cool, I respect it. But he's not the #1 RB this week. Tampa Bay's defense was good against the run last season, and it only improved as a unit heading into 2016.

Yes, they just lost edge rusher Jacquies Smith, but they're still very stout. Johnson is extremely talented, but the Bucs even have an amazing outside linebacker named Lavonte David who is damn good in coverage against those flat routes. No one is benching Johnson and I'd never call for it, but #1 he is not.

Consensus standard rankings have Ryan Mathews at #15 and Rashad Jennings at #18. Way too low. I have Mathews at #9 and Jennings at #11. Mathews gets to feast on a porous Chicago defense that is still trying to establish an identity, while Jennings will be involved in the aforementioned Giants home matchup against the Saints. It won't be all Eli.

The Todd Gurley blowback from a disappointing Week 1 is all too real, and yet this home matchup against Seattle's stifling defense shouldn't even have him in the RB1 conversation. Not with the nice mid-range RB matchups that I just mentioned.

 

Week 2 Wide Receivers - Rankings Analysis

The first standout here is I have Jordy Nelson as a top-8 WR against a consensus ranking of #12. Not huge, but that's fairly notable so high up in the rankings. The Packers will take on the Vikings in a gritty divisional matchup, and while Minnesota's defense scored two TDs last week, they're still exploitable and will likely be without top DB Xavier Rhodes again. Fire up your Jordy's.

I'm pretty much swapping him with Amari Cooper, who projects to work primarily against a great corner in Atlanta's Desmond Trufant. Yes, Tampa Bay threw for four TDs against Atlanta in Week 1, but Trufant has a great track record and Mike Evans' TD came when they moved him into the slot on the left side -- away from Trufant. It's not life-altering stuff here, but it's enough for me to bump Coop down a tick.

Yet another ripple effect of New Orleans' terrible defense is Sterling Shepard getting a +6 bump from me. He's already caught his first TD, and it's clear that he has a role in this offense. Why not Sterling? Victor Cruz also gets a +7 bump. Do not underestimate the horror when the Saints go marching in.

 

Week 2 Tight Ends - Rankings Analysis

Well, obviously one has to really stay on top of the Rob Gronkowski news. It not only affects him, but Martellus Bennett as well. New England has a solid matchup against Miami's subpar defense (despite their solid showing against Seattle), but health trumps opportunity of course.

Everyone is crazy down on Coby Fleener after he ghosted in Week 1's shootout against the Raiders, which is fair...but ill-advised against a Giants team that hasn't been able to cover a tight end since the Paleolithic Era. Jason Witten just caught nine balls for 66 yards against them. The thing is, the Giants are pretty good on the perimeter with Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins. Dez Bryant stinking in Week 1 wasn't just because it was Dak Prescott under center. If the Saints are smart, they'll exploit the Giants over the middle against their questionable linebacking corps.

Clive Walford is buried at the tail-end of the TE2s until he proves me wrong. He was a non-factor in the cushiest matchup against New Orleans when Oakland put up nearly 40 points, so I'd rather shoot for upside with others first.

 

Week 2 Kickers - Rankings Analysis

It's a kicker. Just target points totals and you'll probably be fine. Yeah, I'm probably going to be snarky with the kicking section all season long. Why is Chandler Catanzaro #3? I have him at #12, Tampa's defense was covered a bit and Arizona (specifically Catanzaro) did not looked particularly sharp. Let Larry Fitzgerald kick and then we'll talk.

The Giants get kicker Josh Brown back, and he should be a lot higher than #12 considering he's good at kicking, is at home, and as we've drilled into you, faces the Saints. I also have Brandon McManus right above him at #6, since he gets to kick at home in that mile-high air against Indy's banged-up defense.

 

Week 2 Defenses - Rankings Analysis

I think the Broncos and the Cardinals are both a few slots too high. Denver still has to tangle with a Colts offense that can move the ball if given enough opportunities, even if it all comes in the second half, while Arizona goes against an emerging QB1 in Jameis Winston. It's not that they can't turn in good performances, but their likelihood of doing so isn't as high as most seem to be banking on.

The Eagles should also get a bump up, as they get to pick on a Bears offense that looked pretty disheveled for much of their Week 1 matchup against Houston. Admittedly that's a tough draw, but Philadelphia did just tally three sacks and generate two turnovers against a vulnerable Cleveland offense. They can make things happen. They also have one of the best return men in the game in Darren Sproles if your league counts that.

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Matt Boldy

Posts Two Assists in Season-Ending Loss
Scott Wedgewood

Perfect in Relief Effort
Martin Necas

Records Another Multi-Point Game
Brett Kulak

Sends Avalanche Into Conference Finals
Brayden McNabb

Suspended for One Game
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
Juan Soto

Exits Wednesday's Game Early with Ankle Injury
Tim Patrick

Jets Agree to Terms With Veteran Receiver Tim Patrick
Malik Nabers

Undergoes Second Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Dolphins, De'Von Achane Agree to Four-Year Contract Extension
Kevin Huerter

is Cleared to Return for Game 5
Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF