Dominate Your League

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. will be "back in the fold" for the team in Week 3, according to coach Dan Quinn. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch for the first two games of the season since the Commanders relied on Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, and Jeremy McNichols to handle the load in the backfield. With Ekeler (Achilles) lost for the season, there will be significant work available in the Washington backfield going forward. Croskey-Merritt will step in as the lead back, but Rodriguez and McNichols will mix in as well. Rodriguez had an impressive training camp and preseason and could carve out significant playing time in the new timeshare, even though Quinn made sure to emphasize that the team is comfortable with Croskey-Merritt in passing situations. At this point, Rodriguez is a waiver wire option in deep leagues and definitely someone to watch in all formats to see how the timeshare is divied up in Week 3 against the Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White had the game-winning touchdown for the Buccaneers on Monday Night Football, and he was more involved in the game plan throughout Week 2 for Tampa. White played 31% of snaps in Week 2 after playing 24% of snaps in Week 1, and he finished the game with 10 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for one yard and a critical fumble recovery. White's backfield mate, Bucky Irving was also impressive and effective, totaling 121 yards rushing and receiving and converting a big play to set up White's touchdown. The timeshare makes both running backs usable for standard-sized leagues, but limits the upside of each of them as well. White is still just a flex option since he'll remain touchdown-reliant as the Bucs take on the Jets in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets quarterback Tyrod Taylor could be set up for his first start for his new team in Week 3 against the Buccaneers. Justin Fields (concussion) remains in the NFL's concussion protocol, and coach Aaron Glenn said it would be "hard for me as a coach" to start Fields if he has no practice reps on Wednesday and Thursday. Based on Fields' progression, it sounds like we'll know before Sunday which quarterback will be under center for the Jets. After taking over for Fields and playing two drives on Sunday after the game was decided, Taylor completed seven of his 11 passes for 56 yards and a five-yard touchdown pass to tight end Jeremy Ruckert. Taylor did miss the entire preseason due to arthroscopic knee surgery, but Glenn confirmed it will be Taylor's show if Fields isn't able to get back in time for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka built on his strong NFL debut with another good game in Week 2. He helped the Bucs overcome the Texans in Houston on Monday Night with four catches for 29 yards and his third touchdown of the season. Egbuka was second on the team in targets with seven passes thrown his way by Baker Mayfield. He could have had an even bigger game if he had been able to bring in either of his two deep targets, so the potential for even more production is still there for the exciting rookie out of Ohio State. He and the Bucs take on the Jets in Week 3, and if he continues to be the team's second receiver, he'll once again bring a very high ceiling, especially with Sauce Gardner focused on locking down Mike Evans. Egbuka now has eight catches on 13 targets for 96 yards and three touchdowns in his two NFL games.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty had his second straight underwhelming performance for the Raiders on Monday Night Football against the Chargers. He was limited to 43 yards on 11 carries and one receiving yard on three catches. He didn't get into the end zone like he did in Week 1, leaving his fantasy managers wanting more from their early-round pick. Jeanty said after the game that he's "Just getting used to the speed honestly." When asked about Jeanty's workload, Coach Pete Carroll said, "We're just getting started. He's breaking into the NFL... He'll get more." Jeanty still has huge potential going forward, but he hasn't been able to break free for many big plays despite a few nice highlight-reel moments that flash his elusiveness and long-term upside. If you invested in Jeanty, don't bail out yet, and he could even be an interesting buy-low candidate if you think he'll be able to adjust to the speed and be effective later in the season.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams could be headed for more of a timeshare with second-year running back Blake Corum, according to coach Sean McVay. McVay said that an ideal split would be about "a 65/35 ratio for those guys. I think you want Kyren playing about two-thirds of the time, and Blake playing the other third." Williams played 80% of the team's snaps in Week 1 and 70% in Week 2 while Corum's workload increased. Williams had 66 yards and no touchdowns on 17 carries and added two catches for 14 yards, while Corum had five carries for 44 yards and a touchdown. Williams still seems to be the clear option in passing situations, but Corum's role could cut into his role as the featured back if McVay sticks to this plan. This kind of timeshare split would be a big hit to Williams' value and make Corum a great grab off the waiver wire going into the team's big Week 3 matchup against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte converted his only target into a 16-yard touchdown reception during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. There was a lot of hype surrounding Boutte after he was named a starter in the season opener and caught six passes for 103 yards while playing 82 percent of the offensive snaps. However, his usage and productivity took a step back this past weekend as he was not a starter and his snap share dropped to 72 percent. Plus, while Boutte did salvage his fantasy performance with a touchdown, it was concerning to see him drop so low in the pecking order with just one target. At this point, Stefon Diggs has been the only Patriots receiver with similar stat lines between Week 1 and Week 2. Boutte has a low floor and moderately high ceiling, ranking as a high-end fantasy WR4 against the Steelers in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith completed 24 of 43 passes for 180 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions in a 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Smith, who was sacked three times, also ran for 20 yards on five carries.

Fantasy Spin: It's hard to overstate how bad Smith was on Monday night. He had three picks, but he easily could've had two more. Beyond the numbers, he took a sack on fourth down late in the game, and then, when the Raiders recovered a fumble, he threw the ball away on the next fourth down to end any hope of a comeback for the Silver and Black. It was just a night of terrible decisions more befitting a rookie than a veteran in his 12th season. As bad as it was, odds are it was just a bad night at the office. It happens. He can still fill a QB2 role if you have a strong starter in place with Smith typically being a high-floor, low-ceiling option.

From TheHuddle

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry caught just one of his three targets for nine receiving yards during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. The 30-year-old was a central part of the offensive attack during the season opener, but his volume and usage both declined this past weekend. He finished the divisional battle with an 85 percent share, which is still solid despite representing a reduction from the week prior. Henry is a reliable outlet for Drake Maye, but that doesn't get rid of the fact that the veteran tight end faces competition for targets from players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Austin Hooper. Henry should be viewed as a mid-range TE2 heading into Week 3 against the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas converted his lone target into an eight-yard reception during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. It has been a quiet start to the year for Douglas, who has just three catches for six yards (plus a touchdown) through two contests so far. He has consistently been operating as the No. 3 wide receiver in New England. He also remains behind Hunter Henry and perhaps Austin Hooper in the pecking order. Douglas' snap share dropped from 63 percent in Week 1 to just 25 percent in Week 2. With a reduced role and limited volume, the 24-year-old can be dropped to waivers in most fantasy football leagues.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen caught five passes (on seven targets) for 61 yards and a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: Allen's return to the Chargers couldn't have gone much better through two games with the veteran racking up 12 receptions, 129 yards, and 2 TDs. His chemistry with Justin Herbert has allowed him to pick right up where he left off before being traded to Chicago last season, and he gives the offense another reliable option on third down and in the red zone. While Allen is unlikely to provide weekly starting value for the duration of the season, he's worth owning as a WR4 that can be used in plus matchups or to cover byes/injuries.

From TheHuddle

New England Patriots running back Tre'Veyon Henderson rushed for 10 yards on three carries during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. He also caught two passes for an additional 30 yards through the air. After an impressive season opener, the rookie took a step back this past weekend as he was out-produced by Rhamondre Stevenson. In fact, Stevenson led the team in carries, rushing yards, targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Stevenson's big game should allow him to hold onto the lead-back role a little longer, even if it's just on a week-by-week basis. He should maintain his 65 percent snap share while Henderson accounts for 30 to 35 percent of the offensive snaps. The rookie should continue to be stashed on fantasy benches heading into Week 3 against the Steelers. Meanwhile, Stevenson remains a solid RB2 option for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell was unable to haul in his lone target during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. Atwell was projected to be the Rams' No. 3 receiver this season, and in a pass-heavy offense, that role sometimes leads to fantasy value. However, with two games in the books, it has become clear that Atwell is a non-factor. He has just one catch for four yards so far. Fantasy managers holding out hope will point out that the 25-year-old receiver has maintained a 42 percent snap share, but volume is volume, and Atwell hasn't been able to put together much of a rapport with Matthew Stafford so far. Early in the season, he remains behind players like Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Jordan Whittington, and Tyler Higbee in the pass-catching pecking order.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans TE Dalton Schultz caught three passes for 29 yards in a Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Schultz was targeted four times.

From TheHuddle

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee caught all four of his targets for 37 yards during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. After occupying a relatively reduced role in the season opener, the veteran tight end was much more involved this past Sunday. His snap share jumped from 58 percent to 74 percent, and his target count jumped from zero to four. One possible reason for Higbee's emergence was the absence of Colby Parkinson (shoulder), who remains uncertain for Week 3. However, even when Parkinson returns, Higbee can have fantasy relevance. After all, the Rams are comfortable running two-tight end sets. Higbee ranks as a low-end TE2 heading into next week's clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins caught three of nine targets for 52 yards and a touchdown in a 20-19 loss against Tampa Bay on Monday night. Collins finished Houston's first drive with a beautiful catch on a fade ball for a 29-yard touchdown. It was an otherwise frustrating night for the star receiver, catching only two of his next eight targets for 23 yards. The Houston offense ran only 46 plays in the game, which limited the production of everyone, but Collins and Stroud were consistently just off on a couple of occasions. He demanded 39% of the team's targets, including three end zone targets, so better days should be ahead for Collins. He draws a matchup next against a Jacksonville defense that just allowed Ja'Marr Chase to go for 165 yards and a touchdown in Week 2. He could be seen as a buy-low in trades this upcoming week.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum carried the ball five times for 44 yards and one rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 2 win over the Tennessee Titans. He has continued to operate as the direct backup to Kyren Williams, but this was the first time in a while were Corum himself had standalone fantasy value. Of course, without the touchdown, Corum would have had only 4.4 fantasy points, which is not enough to justify starting him. With all this being said, perhaps the biggest indicator of Corum's growing role is his snap count. He played 18 snaps on Sunday as his snap share jumped from 17 percent in Week 1 to 30 percent in Week 2. Corum remains an intriguing riser and one of the league's stronger handcuff options, but a non-receiving role on a 30 percent snap share isn't quite enough to justify starting him in fantasy football. He should continue to be stashed on the bench for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans RB Nick Chubb ran 12 times for 43 yards and a touchdown versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. He also caught two passes for 29 yards.

Fantasy Spin: While his final numbers (72 yards, 1 TD) were decent, most of Chubb's production came on his final carry of the night, which was a 25-yard touchdown burst. Prior to that, he had 11 carries for 18 yards. Houston's running game struggled for most of Monday night, and it remains far from clear whether Chubb still has what it takes to be a featured back. For now, though, he's their best option, which keeps him in that RB3/flex area.

From TheHuddle

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb rushed for 43 yards on 12 carries and a touchdown while adding two receptions for 29 yards in a Monday night loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Chubb started the game looking good with an explosive gain for 27 yards on a screen pass. He was mostly inefficient on the ground against a stingy Tampa Bay front with Vita Vea and Company. Outside of his 25-yard touchdown run, Chubb rushed for only 18 yards on 11 of his other carries. The 29-year-old looks to be the main back in Houston with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) out of the picture for the foreseeable future. He handled 12 of the 15 running back carries while playing 52% of the snaps. There may not be a ton of upside with Chubb moving forward with a poor offensive line and offensive environment, but Chubb is a freak athlete who could still have something left. He looks like he will continue to get volume, and if quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Texans offense can find a groove, then he could be valuable. For now, he'll project as a touchdown-dependent RB3.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield completed 25 of 38 passes for 215 yards and threw two touchdowns while adding 33 yards on three rushes in a 20-19 win against the Texans. Mayfield was resilient in this game, with Tampa Bay down both of their starting tackles against a vaunted Houston front that applied a ton of pressure on him. He took four sacks overall, but was able to make enough plays at the end of the game. Mayfield had an iconic scramble on a 4th and 10 play to extend the Buccaneers' final drive, which ultimately ended with a Rachaad White goal-line touchdown with six seconds remaining to win the game. The 30-year-old has added more value with his legs last season and into this season so far, rushing for 72 yards on eight carries. He has the 10th most rushing since the start of last season with 450, second most passing touchdowns with 46, and his 5,332 combined passing and rushing yards only trails Lamar Jackson since the start of last season. Mayfield is one of the more consistent performers in fantasy at quarterback and should be fired up again next week against the Jets.

From RotoBaller