Welcome to overreaction week in the NFL! Here’s how to plot your Week 2 fantasy football lineups after some surprises and disappointments to start the season.
– Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers: Owners were understandably disappointed in Newton’s season opener against the Rams. It is important to keep in mind that Newton injured his foot in the preseason and it was uncertain if he would even play in Week 1. We should see more rushing attempts as he recovers. Furthermore, the Panthers have a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers on Thursday. Tampa Bay’s pass rush pales in comparison to that of the Rams. As long as Newton is healthy, he should be started every week.
– Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills: Singletary drew a lot of hype once LeSean McCoy was released late in the offseason. It seemed unclear how the workload would be divided between the rookie and veteran Frank Gore. After Sunday’s game vs. the Jets, it is clear that the Bills are not hesitant to feature Singletary. The Bills take on the Giants this week and while he is still a flex play with upside, owners should be optimistic about Singletary’s future in this offense as Gore struggled mightily.
– Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons: Jones was shadowed by Xavier Rhodes during Sunday’s loss to the Vikings and was limited to six catches on 11 targets for a mere 31 yards. He will have the opportunity to bounce back in a big way against an Eagles secondary that was just lit up by Redskins receiver Terry McLaurin in Week 1. A single disappointing game opposite one of the league’s top cornerbacks is not cause for concern for this WR1.
– Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson’s five-touchdown day and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s debut may have stolen the show in Week 1, but do not sleep on tight end Mark Andrews. Andrews, a former undrafted free agent, caught eight passes for 108 yards and a touchdown during his breakout performance on Sunday. He is a TE1 this week against a weak Cardinals secondary.
– T.Y. Hilton, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Hilton’s draft value plummeted after Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement. But Jacoby Brissett is a different quarterback than the one we saw in 2017 and the receiver was able to rack up two touchdowns and 87 yards on eight catches. Hilton should maintain low-end WR1 status each we🃏ek.
– Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: There appears to be no end in sight for Melvin Gordon’s holdout, especially after stellar outings from backups Ekeler and Justin Jackson. Ekeler is a must-start e𝓀very week Gordon sits out as a RB2 with RB1 upside.
– Patriots D/ST: Not historically a fantasy juggernaut, this defensive unit shined against a formidable offensive threat in the Steelers on Sunday night. New England already looks poised for a Super Bowl run. Miami, on the oth🤪er hand, appears to be vying for a top draꦦft pick in 2020. It is difficult to envision a scenario in which they score a ton of points.