It becomes different every week. Of course you knew that. We held certain assumptions about the way this season would unfold, but, as always, the NFL is its own little universe which moves to its own mysterious rhythm.
Aaron Rodgers is out for the season. This was one of those very unforeseen happenings that this mini-universe gave us last week. It threw us an imbalance. A severe tremor. An event that almost portends something on a subliminal level. Fantasy moves on through it, naturally, but our senses detect some kind of new decree this season is about to unveil.
"The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." As Robert Burns put it. That happened to the Jets and it can happen to your fantasy team. Beware the beast of smugness.
Good luck in Week 2.
Let me know what you think on Twitter @RRSSavill.
The 2023 Fantasy Football Week 2 Preview is next.
Updated: Sep 17 2am ET
Trending: Austin Ekeler Qnep | Jakobi Meyers O | Jerry Jeudy Active | Aaron Jones Qnep | Christian Watson Qnep
Dart Record:Â Last week, Best Dart: Rashid Shaheed | Worst Dart: Keaontay Ingram | Overall score: 5.15/14 (37%)
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2023 Fantasy Football Week 2 Preview
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The Games this Week
A brief rundown of the games this weekend. Time to set those lineups and watch 'em play.
Early Sunday: Chiefs (0-1) at Jaguars (1-0) +3.5 51.0
Pulling one peg won't collapse the tent, but the Chiefs without Travis Kelce simply aren't the same offense. It's rather odd that Patrick Mahomes cannot rely on his supporting cast to carry on smoothly without the presence of one player. Granted, Brian Branch of the Lions made a severe turning point off of Kadarius Toney's flub, but the rest of the Chiefs were as close to ineffectual - including Mahomes himself.
For the Jaguars, their win over the Colts came with a struggle. Still, it was on the road, and the team looked in the form we often see of unironed early-season wrinkles. Calvin Ridley is definitely back, and Trevor Lawrence is developing into an elite QB in this league.
Fantasy interest surrounds Rashee Rice of the Chiefs. He needs to be stashed everywhere.
A Curious Jags Backfield
Tank Bigsby didn't do much except for scoring his first touchdown last week, but the sense from fantasy onlookers is that he might not exactly be a 1b with Travis Etienne but more of a 2a. Etienne cleared 100 yards from scrimmage and easily holds the bell-cow badge. It's a good non-committee combo and the kind of standard set-up fantasy likes.
The Chiefs' backfield has a more fluid and committee feel, but Isaiah Pacheco certainly sits in the front seat.
Chiefs Rebound?
No games are easy in the NFL, but if their game-changer TE is back this week, they could get into the win column this week. It won't be easy, even with Kelce back. The Jaguars' trajectory seems to be heading up, and taking the Jags to win this game is not an unsound gamble. Look for a battle similar to the Chiefs and Lions, with higher scoring potential in the bright sunshine.
Fun Fact: The Chiefs are 0-5 following a loss at home on the opening weekend since 2000.
Dart: Christian Kirk, WR, Jaguars
Observe: Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs
Pick Poll: Chiefs 77%
Update: Travis Kelce Qep |
Other Early Sunday Games in Brief...
Ravens (1-0) at Bengals (0-1) -3.0 46.5
The Browns came ready for the Bengals' offense last week, and the challenge is no less difficult versus the Ravens. The situation seems to be that the Bengals are still in 2022 mode and are showing some predictability. A studious defense like the Ravens might put the Bengals in a serious divisional pickle. Mark Andrews is expected back for the Ravens. Justice Hill and Gus Edwards are in a 1a-1b committee at the moment.
Dart: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Ravens
Observe: Melvin Gordon, RB, Ravens
Pick Poll: Bengals 58%
Update: Mark Andrews Q |
Raiders (1-0) at Bills (0-1) -8.5 47.0
Apart from James Cook and Stefon Diggs, where were the Bills on Monday night? Without Aaron Rodgers, the Jets still beat them. Early days, but they'll certainly need to take care of the Raiders. The Raiders won a game of attrition versus the Broncos, but the same won't happen against the Bills. Jimmy Garoppolo will be forced into a passing game, and like Zach Wilson, he'll rely on safety valves - make notes on who they are.
Dart: Gabe Davis, WR, Bills
Observe: Dalton Kincaid, TE, Bills
Pick Poll: Bills 92%
Update: Jakobi Meyers O |
Bears (0-1) at Buccaneers (1-0) -2.5 40.5
We're still not convinced about Baker Mayfield, but 173 passing yards and two TDs in Week 1 is positive - including the win. Mayfield is in a make-or-break situation for his career, and he'll have another test versus the Bears. For Justin Fields, some of the criticism of his passing game looked justified last week versus the Packers. A tight matchup looks likely here, and the strength of each team's rushing attack should be featured.
Dart: Trey Palmer, WR, Buccaneers
Observe: Roschon Johnson, RB, Bears
Pick Poll: Buccaneers 59%
Update: None
Packers (1-0) at Falcons (1-0) -1.5 40.0
You could see the Aaron Rodgers "Mr. Miyagi" training in Jordan Love in Week 1. Play selection, poise, and running ability - all there. What we didn't see from the Falcons in Week 1 was Drake London and just a sprinkle of Kyle Pitts. It's a true 1a-1b backfield at the moment in Atlanta. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are both startable, but Allgeier is more suited as a flex. Expect more from the passing game.
Dart: Jayden Reed, WR, Packers
Observe: Desmond Ridder, QB, Falcons
Pick Poll: Packers 63%
Update: Aaron Jones Qnep | Christian Watson Qnep | Romeo Doubs Q |
Seahawks (0-1) at Lions (1-0) -4.5 47.0
You have to admire the style of Dan Campbell. Faking a punt deep in their own territory, on the road, against the Chiefs. The Lions are lethal. Yes, the Lions. Excitement in Detroit for sports hasn't gone much beyond the Red Wings in recent decades, but they have a good football team now. The Seahawks? Well, the Geno Smith ride looks like it's over - maybe. Look for guns blazing in this one, with good fantasy dividends for all.
Dart: Josh Reynolds, WR, Lions
Observe: Zach Charbonnet, RB, Seahawks
Pick Poll: Lions 87%
Update:Â None
Colts (0-1) at Texans (0-1) -1.0 39.5
Battle of the rookie QBs. Anthony Richardson looked better of the two after Week 1. Michael Pittman looked somewhat revived against the Jaguars, and his upsurge should continue in this game. Nico Collins for the Texans had a decent game last week as well. The running game for both sides is pretty pathetic, so there isn't a reason to start either Dameon Pierce or Deon Jackson. Expect mostly a punt-a-thon here.
Dart: Robert Woods, WR, Texans
Observe: Kylen Granson, TE, Colts
Pick Poll: Colts 71%
Update: John Metchie III Q | C.J. Stroud Q |
Embed from Getty Images
Chargers (0-1) at Titans (0-1) +3.0 45.5
Derrick Henry has the offensive focus on the Titans. How did DeAndre Hopkins fit? He was okay, but few explosive opportunities opened for him last week. Still, a 7/13-65-0 stat line is something to build on. For the Chargers this week, fantasy interest turned toward the 2a RB, Joshua Kelley. His involvement in this offense is strong and flex-worthy. Forecasting a game flow is difficult. The Titans will focus on pressure up front.
Note: Austin Ekeler did not travel with the team to Nashville.
Dart: Gerald Everett, TE, Chargers
Observe: Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers
Pick Poll: Chargers 89%
Update: Austin Ekeler Qnep | DeAndre Hopkins Qep |
Late Sunday: Jets (1-0) at Cowboys (1-0) -9.0 38.5
Aaron Rodgers' time in New York has ended. Has his career? Quite possibly.
The Jets had a happy ending in overtime against the Bills on Monday, but the Pyrrhic victory left fans with cold comfort. The team is not enthusiastic about going through another season with Zach Wilson. Wilson was supposed to get at least an extra year of mentoring. That plan is gone.
So, what is the new plan? The Jets are currently in the hunt for a veteran, somewhere, to take the place of Aaron Rodgers. As things stand, Zach Wilson starts. And his next start is against the Dallas defense. Yeah, Micah Parsons and friends. The same group who shut out the Giants 40-0 at MetLife last Sunday night.
Any Optimism for the Jets?
The best the Jets have going is the running game with Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook. They do have a solid defense and, obviously, an opportunistic group on special teams. However, your pass-catching fantasy Jets are in big trouble. If you sit Garrett Wilson, no one would criticize that decision.
Cowboys Smell Blood
It would not have gone unnoticed by the Cowboys that the Jets are in a scramble to formulate a game plan. All they have to do is let the defense do its job, allowing a few short-field opportunities off turnovers for their offense as well. This does not mean McCarthy will play it too loose and fancy-free, but a coordinated and sustained attack.
Look for a game where the Jets will struggle to convert third downs. I suspect getting over midfield for the Jets' offense will not come easy. Another blowout for the Cowboys is entirely possible.
Fun Fact: The Jets won their only visit to Jerry World 19-16 in 2015.
Dart: Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
Observe: Rico Dowdle, RB, Cowboys
Pick Poll: Cowboys 85%
Update: Brandin Cooks Qnep |
Other Late Games in Brief...
Giants (0-1) at Cardinals (0-1) +4.0 39.5
After getting plowed into the turf by the Cowboys, the Giants are on the road to take on the unmade bed Cardinals. The Cardinals have made no pretense about their aspirations this season. It's clearly evident anyway that they are rebuilding. Isaiah Hodgins caught just one pass last Sunday night, and he's supposed to be the Giants' top receiver. Not much better for Marquise Brown for the Cards, 3 for 28. Not much fantasy splash here.
Dart: Rondale Moore, WR, Cardinals
Observe: Parris Campbell, WR, Giants
Pick Poll: Giants 83%
Update: James Conner Q | Darren Waller Q↑ |
Forty-Niners (1-0) at Rams (1-0) +7.5 45.5
If you were making waiver claims this week, you probably noticed a lot of Rams. The hottest pickup of them all was Puka Nacua. Once again, Cam Akers was a no-show (again) in Week 1. Kyren Williams took the bulk of the backfield work. It's not the best matchup to test-drive your new Rams, and you might want to stash them for another week. This San Francisco defense is tough. Their offense looks solid to open the year as well.
Dart: Jauan Jennings, WR, Forty-Niners
Observe: Cam Akers, RB, Rams
Pick Poll: Forty-Niners 95%
Update: None
Commanders (1-0) at Broncos (0-1) -3.5 39.0
These teams had nearly the same amount of offense last week: 260 yards for the Broncos and 248 yards for the Commanders. Their rushing (each in the 90s) and receiving had a similar distribution as well. There's not much difference between these teams, but we really need to get the skill fantasy players going on these teams. As it stands, a touchdown dependency fix is all you can hope for from anyone fantasy-relevant in this game.
Dart: Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders
Observe: Jaleel McLaughlin, RB, Broncos
Pick Poll: Broncos 56%
Update: Curtis Samuel Q | Greg Dulcich O |
Feature Games
Sunday Night: Dolphins (1-0) at Patriots (0-1) +3.0 46.5
If Bill Belichick wants to focus on taking Tyreek Hill out of the Dolphins' attack - yeah, good luck with that. Hill is just too good. Besides, even if they can brush Hill aside, then what about Jaylen Waddle? The Dolphins are simply too stacked to apply Belichick's thematic strategy of isolating a main threat.
The Patriots don't have anything near the offense to keep up with the Dolphins if Tua Tagovailoa starts threading passes. The best game management for the Patriots is to keep Tua off the field with a slow ball-control game and play it hard with the run and short passing. That's easy enough for a quarterback like Mac Jones.
The Right Stuff
The Patriots have the running game to do it. With Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott, the Patriots can attempt to slow this game down and keep it close through three quarters. It is a big ask of the Patriots' defense, but the Dolphins' D must also find the "right stuff" to keep those RBs from taking over the script.
As for the passing game, it will always be there for the Dolphins. As mentioned, the Pats cannot keep Tyreek quiet the whole game. The Patriots' best receiver? Kendrick Bourne. Right now, he looks like a better receiver than JuJu Smith-Schuster by a mile. That doesn't say much for that receiving room.
Fun Fact: Since 2002, coming off a loss, the Patriots are 4-0 at home versus the Dolphins.
Dart: Hunter Henry, TE, Patriots
Observe: De'Von Achane, RB, Dolphins
Pick Poll: Dolphins 89%
Update: DeVante Parker Q↑ | Kayshon Boutte Q
Monday Night
Saints (1-0) at Panthers (0-1) +3.0 39.5 (7:15pm ET)
The Saints look strong, and Derek Carr has landed on a team that suits his style — gunslinging. Carr seems to have no favorite receiver, but three main targets of Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, and Rashid Shaheed all caught 18 passes on 24 targets. Shaheed was one of the waiver gems this week. This game should look and feel similar to the Saints versus Falcons game last week. Bryce Young will learn to avoid Marshon Lattimore.
Dart: Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers
Observe: Jonathan Mingo, WR, Panthers
Pick Poll: Saints 91%
In the Booth: Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky, Louis Riddick
Update: Juwan Johnson Q | DJ Chark Jr. Q↑ | Kendre Miller Q |
Browns (1-0) at Steelers (0-1) +2.5 38.5 (8:15pm ET)
Can the Steelers get it together against the Browns? The Browns looked efficiently prepared to face the Bengals last week. The win wasn't exactly surgical, but the team had matters well in hand most of the game. The Steelers are without Diontae Johnson, but George Pickens is plenty enough replacement. The problem remains at quarterback. Kenny Pickett is not there yet as a league passer with some experience.
Dart: Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, Browns
Observe: Jaylen Warren, RB, Steelers
Pick Poll: Browns 67%
In the Booth: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman
Update: Pat Freiermuth Q |
In the Booth on Sunday
Embed from Getty Images
Ian Eagle
Sunday Games
CBS Early
Chiefs at Jaguars: Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Raiders at Bills: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Ravens at Bengals: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
Chargers at Titans: Tom McCarthy, James Lofton, Jay Feely
FOX Early
Seahawks at Lions: Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen
Bears at Buccaneers: Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
Packers at Falcons: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Colts at Texans: Chris Myers, Robert Smith
CBS Late
Jets at Cowboys: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Commanders at Broncos: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
FOX Late
Giants at Cardinals: Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
49ers at Rams: Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Check out the rest of our 2023 Fantasy Football content from our great team of writers.
