Week 2 left us wanting more points, as they were hard to come by during the early games. The injury bug might ultimately be the story of the week, with several offenses losing key pieces before and during Sunday’s action. Hopefully, your fantasy teams were spared the worst of it.
Let’s dive into my Week 2 takeaways as we look ahead to Week 3.
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Quarterbacks
- Player: Brock Purdy
- Game:Â at CarolinaÂ
- Stats: 20/22, 287 passing yards, 2 TDs, 30 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
The 49ers have struck gold with Brock Purdy under center in 2026. He has accounted for six total touchdowns through two games and looked completely in control against the Dolphins. Miami has now allowed six total touchdowns to opposing quarterbacks through two weeks. Purdy and the Niners return home to host Arizona in Week 3, and given how efficiently this offense is operating, I’m not worried about the matchup. Miami hosts the Patrick Mahomes-led Chiefs offense in Week 3.
Notables:
Bryce Young is up to six passing touchdowns through two games and has quietly forced his way into the weekly-start conversation. With Cleveland and Detroit up next, Young and both of his WRs should remain in starting lineups until further notice.
We can all breathe a sigh of relief with Caleb Williams, who left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury rather than an Achilles issue. Monitor the situation closely, as the Bears face Philadelphia in Week 3.
Drake Maye wasn’t needed much as the Patriots routed Pittsburgh, but he still managed an interception without a touchdown. Until the Patriots’ passing game gives us more consistency, Maye is best left on the bench outside of SuperFlex formats.
Tyler Shough threw for 250-plus yards for the sixth consecutive game dating back to Week 15 of 2025, while recording his fifth top-10 fantasy finish over his last seven games. Like Young, it’s time to recognize Shough’s fantasy value. At this point, he’s entering set-and-forget territory.
Without his top two wide receivers, C.J. Stroud threw for a Week 2-high 353 yards against Cincinnati. Ironically, it was his highest passing total since his rookie season, when he threw for 356 yards at Cincinnati on November 12, 2023. He’s a mid-range QB2 against Indianapolis in Week 3 if Nico Collins misses another game.
Prayers up for Jayden Daniels, who suffered a dislocated left elbow against Dallas. We’ve seen the injury concerns surrounding Daniels before, and the Commanders’ offense could look very different while he’s sidelined. I’ll be lowering the Washington skill players accordingly.
Malik Willis didn’t turn the ball over and threw a touchdown, but he managed only six rushing yards. The rushing production is a big part of his fantasy appeal, so I wouldn’t be comfortable starting him as a SuperFlex option against Kansas City in Week 3.
Running Backs
- Player: Omarion Hampton
- Game: vs. Raiders
- Stats: 23 carries, 94 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, 2 receptions for 21 yardsÂ
The Chargers’ offense needs to run through Omarion Hampton. The passing game, led by Justin Herbert, has left plenty to be desired, while Hampton has scored in consecutive games despite also matching those scores with two fumbles. The Buffalo defense has allowed Houston and Detroit running backs to pile up fantasy production, making Hampton a strong Week 3 play and hopefully a catalyst for the Chargers’ offense.
Notables:
TreVeyon Henderson (33 snaps) took control of the New England backfield after an early Rhamondre Stevenson (22 snaps) fumble and scored the game’s only rushing touchdown. Henderson missed Week 1, but his stock is trending upward quickly. Stevenson’s fumbling issues aren’t going away, and Henderson has earned more opportunities.
Chuba Hubbard is poised to remain the RB1 in Carolina with Jonathan Brooks dealing with a groin injury. Hubbard doubled Brooks in snaps and touches, with 14 touches and a TD through the air. Running backs are averaging more than 80 all-purpose yards against Cleveland through two games, making Hubbard an excellent Week 3 option.
Derrick Henry did King Henry things, scoring another touchdown while adding three receptions. Expect similar usage against Dallas in Week 3.
Dowdle started again for the Steelers but left with a toe injury. Jaylen Warren then played a career-high 50 snaps and is a must-start against Cincinnati if Dowdle misses Week 3.Â
Aaron Jones appears to have taken control of the Vikings backfield, rushing for 105 yards on 23 carries with Jordan Mason on injured reserve. His increased workload was also aided by the downpour in Chicago, so we’ll see how the rushing-to-passing ratio changes with Kyler Murray expected back in Week 3. Tampa Bay is next.
The Saints’ backfield battle between Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara remains one of the more confusing situations following Week 2. Kamara returned from his knee injury and delivered a strong fantasy performance, but Etienne still led the backfield in snaps. Kamara’s efficiency was excellent, but it’s difficult to expect that level of production with Etienne commanding significant playing time. Week 3 against the Raiders should tell us more about how New Orleans plans to divide the workload.
Bucky Irving now has 11 receptions through two games, including four this week. Why were we worried about Kenneth Gainwell? Irving nearly doubled him in snaps in Week 2 and was one of seven running backs to rush for more than 80 yards. Green Bay is next, and the Packers just allowed Breece Hall to post a Week 2 running-back-high 63 receiving yards.
Who would have thought Chase Brown would be the most consistent Bengals offensive player through two weeks? Brown has topped 20 touches in consecutive games and gets a favorable Week 3 matchup against Pittsburgh, which has allowed a touchdown to the opposing RB1 in each game.
Bhayshul Tuten is emerging as the RB1 in Jacksonville after dominating the snap share and touches in a tightly contested game against Denver. I’m comfortable starting him as a low-end RB2 moving forward, with plenty of room for growth if this workload continues.
J.K. Dobbins left with a hamstring injury, while R.J. Harvey missed the game with—you guessed it—a hamstring injury. Jonah Coleman stepped in as the primary back and looked the part. This backfield is officially a headache, so monitor the injury reports closely with the Rams coming to town in Week 3.
Christian McCaffrey has just 10 carries in each of the first two games, signaling that the 49ers are allowing Brock Purdy to control the offense while they manage CMC’s workload. McCaffrey scored twice despite playing only 10 more snaps than Kaelon Black. The touchdowns are nice, but the workload remains the bigger story.
Seattle’s running back situation just got a lot more interesting. Emanuel Wilson went from an afterthought to the team’s lead rusher, carrying the ball 21 times for 92 yards against Arizona after rotating in behind Jadarian Price. Wilson ultimately out-touched George Holani 21-5 and took over as the primary runner after Price exited with a chest injury. Another headache for fanatsy.Â
Wide Receivers
- Player: Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Game: at ArizonaÂ
- Stats: 9 receptions, 155 receiving yards and 3 TDs on 11 targets
The only reliable fantasy option in Seattle is continuing right where he left off last season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has now posted consecutive 100-yard games and has four receiving touchdowns through two weeks. Even more impressive, he’s doing it with Drew Lock at quarterback rather than Sam Darnold. The Cowboys just torched Washington’s secondary, which sets up nicely for JSN against Washington in Week 3.
Notables:
Ja’Marr Chase (7-75-2) and Tee Higgins (5-95) bounced back while Joe Burrow was limited to just 207 passing yards. The Bengals’ duo gets another difficult matchup against Pittsburgh in Week 3, so keep expectations in check despite the strong Week 2 production.
DeVonta Smith exploded for 10-177-1 and has established himself as Philadelphia’s WR1. Meanwhile, Dontayvion Wicks has emerged as a significant piece of the Eagles’ passing game after consecutive games with at least 73 receiving yards. Tennessee has allowed opposing WR1s to post at least 79 receiving yards in consecutive games and will face the Giants in Week 3.Â
Chris Olave remains one of the safest WR1s in fantasy football after consecutive games with at least 10 targets and top-10 finishes. Another top-10 performance is well within reach against the Raiders’ secondary in Week 3.
Rashod Bateman filled in admirably with Zay Flowers sidelined by a hamstring injury. Bateman is averaging nearly 17 fantasy points per game when he receives at least seven targets. If Flowers misses Week 3, Bateman is firmly in the flex conversation against Dallas.
Jaylen Waddle torched Jacksonville for 138 yards and eight receptions on 10 targets. Meanwhile, Courtland Sutton has become an afterthought despite technically remaining Denver’s second passing option. The Rams are next for the Broncos, and Waddle should remain heavily involved.
Tre Tucker rewarded his shareholders with a 5-119-1 performance and emerged as the primary playmaker for Kirk Cousins. Tucker led the Raiders in routes while rotating snaps with his fellow wide receivers. He remains the pass catcher I want to start from Las Vegas in Week 3 against New Orleans, which could develop into a high-scoring affair.
The demise of the Cowboys’ passing offense was greatly overstated. CeeDee Lamb erupted for 8-153-2 on nine targets against Washington, while George Pickens once again played second fiddle with 40 yards on eight targets. The Cowboys’ wide receivers are going to be a roller coaster, but you can’t get off the ride now.
Christian Watson dominated the targets among Green Bay’s pass catchers after Jayden Reed suffered a scary neck injury. Matthew Golden has an opportunity to step up in a major way if Reed misses extended time. A matchup with Atlanta could come at the perfect time for the Green Bay offense to settle in.Â
Alec Pierce left early against Kansas City, and I’m increasingly concerned about the Colts’ passing offense as the season progresses. Can Josh Downs (7-72) emerge as a WR1, or will Tyler Warren (6-21-1) be the biggest beneficiary? Monitor Pierce’s injury closely, but this passing game has already become difficult to trust.
Tight Ends
- Player: Dalton Schultz
- Game: vs. Bengals
- Stats: 12 receptions, 140 yards, 14 targets
The Texans desperately needed a pass catcher to step up with Nico Collins sidelined, and Dalton Schultz answered the call just like he did last season. The timing couldn’t have been better, as Cincinnati allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends last season. Hopefully, those of you watching our Start/Sit Show live on Sundays followed our advice and got Schultz into your lineup.
If Collins misses another game, Schultz will once again be a strong option in Week 3 against the Colts. Travis Kelce also reminded everyone why he’s still Travis Kelce with a signature performance and a touchdown against Indianapolis on SNF.Â
Notables:
Jake Ferguson hauled in two of Dak Prescott’s touchdown passes against Washington. The Commanders have now allowed four touchdowns to tight ends over the first two weeks, setting up another favorable matchup for a Washington opponent in Week 3.
George Kittle can safely return to your TE slot after a 4-80-1 performance against Miami. He faces Arizona in Week 3, which has been tough against tight ends through two weeks, but Kittle’s role in this offense keeps him firmly in the starting conversation.
Trey McBride is the only truly reliable pass-catching option in Arizona after consecutive weeks with double-digit targets and at least eight receptions. Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson combined for just 18 receiving yards on eight targets. Things don’t get easier against San Francisco in Week 3, which held Miami’s wide receivers and tight ends to just 79 receiving yards.
Harold Fannin showed positive signs with 54 receiving yards while continuing to command the lion’s share of Cleveland’s tight-end snaps. He’s becoming an increasingly interesting option as the season progresses.
Darren Waller hauled in two touchdowns on just three targets. That’s obviously touchdown-dependent production, but he’s worth monitoring as a potential streaming option during bye weeks or when injuries hit.
Oronde Gadsden has re-entered the fantasy picture with injuries to David Njoku and Charlie Kolar. If he was dropped after Week 1, check your waiver wire before someone else gets there first.
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Nice write up! And thank you for the thoughts.. It’s kind of crazy people are still coming to the realization that Brock purdy is good. He has been a top 10 guy ever since he started taking snaps! But I also love it, because he always goes for a discount in drafts.
With Courtland Sutton’s clear demise, wondering what you think of this trade
Give: $12 Monongaii, $6 Courtland Sutton, $3 Isaac Teslaa
Get: $5 Adonai Mitchell, $6 Luther Burden.
Dynasty league.
Thanks!
Welcome back JETS!
I would take it and run!
Things I was completely wrong on- Bucs and chargers look horrible and I wanted a lot of exposure. I ended up with Bucky and Egbuka in a lot of leagues but that’s it. I think I’m sitting Egbuka until further notice.
In one of my leagues my team is just not competitive, so, thinking of make a keeper trade to help the future. Curious about what you think.
Give Brock Bowers, Saquon Barkley, and Davante Adams
Get: $5 Colston Loveland, $1 Blake Corum, $2 Jalen Coker
Thanks!
It’s only two weeks, so things should normalize for the Bucs and Chargers soon enough… right!? Shout out to Sky and Stiles.
As for your question, that’s a tough one. I’d try to get a more established RB in return for Saquon, but Corum is definitely showing out tonight. I’m all in on Coker, but Adams is a WR1 when Puka sits, so I wouldn’t sell short. If you’re moving Adams, make sure you’re getting a significant return—especially after his 2-TD, 200-yard explosion tonight.
Love the takeaways! So I’ve got some potential moves to make on the waiver wire…should I drop one or two of my players for Bryce Young and/or Dalton Schultz? Full PPR
My team:
-Dak Prescott
-Chase Brown
-D Swift
-JSN
-Rashee Rice
-Kyle Pitts
-Aaron Jones
Bench:
-Monangai
-Davante Adams
-Vele
-Josh Jacobs
-Marshawn Lloyd
-Jordan Mason (IR)
-Jordyn Tyson (IR)
Thanks for the support!
If this is a one-QB league, there’s no need to add Young. Your main priority should be TE, as it’s going to be difficult to trust Pitts moving forward, even if Michael Penix returns for TNF.
Schultz won’t come close to repeating his Week 2 performance, but he should remain an integral part of the Texans’ offense. He’s a great add, and I’d look to drop Vele or Lloyd to make room.
What’s up Jefferson? Can you rank these guys in droppable order. 1 being no way and last would be kicked off the roster please? Team is PPR.
– Mike Wash Jr
– John Brooks
-Emmet Johnson
Thanks man. Just a response to your answer to my question Sunday morning. Unfortunately I work most Sunday mornings so I’m unable to watch your YouTube show, but I will when I can
Welcome back, Beans! No worries, sir.
At this point, they’re all essentially handcuffs with very little standalone value. If you’d asked me this in the preseason, you would’ve gotten a different answer. But entering Week 3, I’d rank them Johnson, Brooks, then Washington.