👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

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!

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. 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.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kelly Oubre Jr.

Ready to Return Saturday
Michael Penix Jr.

Falcons Think Michael Penix Jr. Will be Healthy "At Some Point" in Training Camp
Al Horford

to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Vít Krejčí

Vit Krejci Remains Sidelined Friday
Robert Williams III

Will Suit Up Friday
Khris Middleton

Sits Out Friday's Game
Tre Johnson

Back From Three-Game Absence Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Bounce Back in RB2 Role in Detroit?
Jarace Walker

Won't Return Friday
Tristan Vukcevic

Active Friday Night
Tanner Bibee

Day-to-Day, Could Make his Next Start
Alexandre Sarr

Returns to Action Friday
Ausar Thompson

Questionable Against Minnesota
Bilal Coulibaly

Available Against Warriors
Tobias Harris

Listed Questionable Saturday
Stephen Curry

to Sit Out At Least Two More Games
Noah Clowney

Cleared to Return From Four-Game Absence
Jalen Duren

May Sit Saturday
Kyle Filipowski

Available Friday
Rui Hachimura

Available After Two-Game Absence
Tyrese Maxey

Has Chance to Play Saturday
Jahmai Mashack

Remains Out Friday
Jaden McDaniels

Not Playing Saturday
De'Anthony Melton

Won't Play Friday Night
Nnamdi Madubuike

Optimism That Nnamdi Madubuike Will Return From Neck Injury
Dylan Garand

Starts Friday
Noah Ostlund

Won't Play Friday
Connor Zary

Returns to Practice
Samuel Honzek

Won't Return This Season
Damon Severson

Labeled Week-to-Week
Sam Steel

Leaves Road Trip Due to Injury
Mikko Rantanen

Could Return Saturday
NFL

Jordyn Tyson to Hold A Workout for Teams in April
New York Jets

Jets Unlikely to Draft Ty Simpson in the First Round?
Shane Baz

Orioles Agree to Five-Year Extension
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Making Season Debut on Friday Against Angels
Tiger Woods

Involved In Rollover Car Crash
Bhayshul Tuten

Remains a Clear Breakout Candidate Heading into 2026
NFL

Can Jonah Coleman Develop into a Starting NFL Running Back?
Rico Dowdle

Remains Likely to Split Carries in Pittsburgh
NFL

Can KC Concepcion Be a Dynamic Playmaker in the NFL?
Rashid Shaheed

Is Rashid Shaheed Limited to a Downfield Role in Seattle?
Marcus Mariota

Remains an Injury Away from Playing Time in Washington
Najee Harris

to Meet With Raiders Next Thursday
Damar Hamlin

Bills Re-Sign Safety Damar Hamlin to One-Year Deal
Tanner Bibee

Shoulder Issue Not Considered Serious
NFL

Nicholas Singleton Relying on Traits Over Tape for Early Draft Capital
J.K. Dobbins

Positioned for Another Strong Season in Denver
NFL

Malachi Fields' Draft Stock Looks to Be Sliding
Barrett Hayton

Out Week-to-Week
Travis Etienne Jr.

Should See Feature Role Following Big-Market Deal
Tony DeAngelo

to Miss 1-2 Weeks
Sam Steel

Makes Early Exit Against Islanders
NFL

Ty Simpson Garnering First-Round Buzz
Damon Severson

Exits With Upper-Body Injury Thursday
Joe Pyfer

Set For UFC Seattle Main Event
Yaroslav Askarov

Suffers New Injury Blow
Israel Adesanya

Returns At UFC Seattle
Evan Rodrigues

Breaks Finger Thursday
Maycee Barber

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak To Eight
Sidney Crosby

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Thursday
Alexa Grasso

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Dominic Canzone

a Top Pickup After Two-Homer Game
Niko Price

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michael Chiesa

Set For Retirement Fight
Chase DeLauter

Launches Two Home Runs, Emerges as Top Waiver-Wire Target
Lerryan Douglas

Set For His UFC Debut
Julian Erosa

Looks To Bounce Back
Tanner Bibee

Leaves Opening Day Start Early With Shoulder Inflammation
Tyler Allgeier

Joins a Crowded Backfield in Arizona
Kenneth Gainwell

Can Kenneth Gainwell Maintain PPR Prowess in New Digs in Tampa?
Jakub Dobes

Defeats the Blue Jackets on Thursday
NFL

Zachariah Branch a Day 2 Receiver With Game-Changing Speed
Noah Cates

has Two-Point Game on Thursday
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Makes a Statement on Opening Day With 10 Strikeouts
Kevin McGonigle

has Four Hits in Impressive MLB Debut
Nico Hoerner

Cubs Agree to Six-Year Deal With Nico Hoerner
Jacob Misiorowski

Shows Off his High-Strikeout Upside in Opening Day Win
Marcus Foligno

Available Against Panthers
Tony DeAngelo

Unavailable Thursday
Anthony Mantha

Good to Go Thursday
Paul Skenes

Greeted Harshly by Mets on Opening Day
Thomas Chabot

Out 4-8 Weeks After Surgery
Robert Thomas

Sits Out Thursday's Action
Brandon Lowe

Hits Two Home Runs on Opening Day
Ketel Marte

Active, Leading Off on Opening Day
Kevin McGonigle

Batting Sixth in MLB Debut
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Not in the Lineup on Opening Day
JJ Wetherholt

Batting Leadoff in MLB Debut
Jackson Chourio

Placed on Injured List with Fractured Hand
Francisco Lindor

Officially Starting on Opening Day
Sean Murphy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Bryce Miller

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Ryan Fox

a High-Upside Value in Houston
Marco Penge

a Boom-or-Bust Option in Houston
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back in Houston
Jason Day

a Volatile Option at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Harris English

Eyes a Bounce-Back at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Ben Griffin

Looks for Turnaround at the Texas Children's Houston Open
Rickie Fowler

Brings Strong Form Into Texas Children's Houston Open
Ryan Gerard

Can Continue Rolling at Texas Children's Houston Open
Pierceson Coody

Bounces Back at Valspar Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trying to Get Back on Track at Texas Children's Houston Open
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well Heading to Texas Children's Houston Open
Harry Hall

Looking for Consistency at Texas Children's Houston Open
Brooks Koepka

Continues Building Momentum
Scottie Scheffler

Withdraws From Texas Children's Houston Open
Luke Clanton

Might Have a Problem in Houston
Sam Stevens

Happy to See Houston This Week
Keith Mitchell

Tries to Rebound After The Players Championship
Will Zalatoris

Returning This Week at Houston
Wyndham Clark

Trending in the Wrong Direction Heading to Houston
Shane Lowry

Seeking Better Luck in Houston This Weekend
Lerone Murphy

Suffers His First Loss
Movsar Evloev

Edges Out Lerone Murphy
CFB

Notre Dame Ranks No. 1 in Returning Production for 2026
Michael Aswell

Jr. Drops Decision At UFC London
Michael Aswell

Luke Riley Outclasses Michael Aswell Jr.
Sam Patterson

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Michael Page

Wins Lackluster Decision
Austen Lane

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Iwo Baraniewski

Delivers 28-Second TKO
Tyler Reddick

Overcomes Adversity for Fourth Victory of the Season At Darlington
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Darlington Victory Despite Domination
Ryan Blaney

Recovers From Pit-Road Struggles to Score Career-Best Darlington Finish
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Finish Fourth at Darlington
Kyle Larson

Decent Performance Ends with Technical Issues At Darlington
Tyler Reddick

the Clear Favorite at Darlington
Kyle Larson

a High-Risk, High-Reward Driver at Darlington
Ryan Blaney

Is Getting Better at Darlington
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not Slowing Down at Darlington
Chris Buescher

Should be a Top-10 Contender at Darlington
Austin Cindric

a Sleeper at Darlington
Erik Jones

Quickest in Practice at Darlington
Denny Hamlin

Qualifies Ninth for this Week's Cup Race at Darlington
Chase Briscoe

Is One of the Top DFS Options of the Week for Darlington
William Byron

Is William Byron A Playable DFS Option for Darlington Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Could Christopher Bell be Considered A Decent DFS Option for Darlington?
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott Worth Rostering At Darlington This Week For DFS?
Joey Logano

May Not Have the Speed to Warrant A Darlington DFS Lineup Spot
Ross Chastain

Should DFS Players Trust Ross Chastain at Darlington?
Kyle Busch

Could Kyle Busch Be A Worthy DFS Option for Darlington?
Brad Keselowski

May be A Contriarian DFS Tournament Option At Darlington
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF