Dominate Your League

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot, shoulder) announced on social media on Tuesday that he had successful surgeries on his clavicle and foot. Reed had been dealing with a Jones fracture in his foot since late in training camp, but he played in the first two weeks of the season before fracturing his collarbone early in last Thursday night's win over the Washington Commanders. The 25-year-old has since been placed on Injured Reserve and was given an estimated timetable for a return of six to eight weeks. By the time Reed returns, there's a chance fellow wideout Christian Watson (knee) will be back after he tore his ACL in Week 18 of last year. Reed is a stash candidate in pretty much all fantasy leagues, but Green Bay's receiving corps will be even more crowded when he makes his way back. In the meantime, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden will operate in three-wide sets, while tight end Tucker Kraft may continue to be quarterback Jordan Love's top target.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie running back Kaleb Johnson "probably" will lose kickoff-return duties in Week 3 against the New England Patriots after a crucial special-teams gaffe in the Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Johnson allowed a kickoff to bounce over his head and into the end zone on Sunday in the fourth quarter because he thought the play would be called dead. But with the NFL's new kickoff rules, it was a live ball, which the Seahawks recovered for a game-changing touchdown. The Steelers will give Johnson a chance to work his way back into the special teams role, but in the short term, he'll be benched. Fantasy managers had high hopes for the 22-year-old during draft season, but Jaylen Warren's demise has been premature, and Kenneth Gainwell has operated as the No. 2. Johnson only played two snaps on offense in Week 2 and has just two carries for a loss of one yard in his first two NFL games. His special-teams gaffe on Sunday certainly didn't help his cause for a bigger role on offense.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he expects to return to practice when his window to do so opens in Week 6, although it will ultimately be up to the training staff. Watson opened the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in Week 18 in 2024. He's eligible to return to practice in Week 5, but the Packers have their bye that week before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The 26-year-old said he's checked all the boxes in his recovery before returning to practice. Once he returns to practice, Green Bay will have 21 days to activate him from the PUP list. "I'm already chomping at the bit," Watson said. The former second-rounder caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns in 38 games in his first three seasons. Watson can stretch the field vertically and pick up chunk gains for fantasy managers. He could also have a bigger role if he returns before Jayden Reed, who broke his collarbone in Week 2. Watson has been boom or bust in fantasy, but he's worth stashing in an IR spot with his 2025 debut on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo "might have already surpassed Tyrone Tracy Jr." as the team's top RB. Skattebo played seven more snaps and took six more carries than Tracy in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The rookie from Arizona State broke a 24-yard run in the fourth quarter and then had a one-yard touchdown plunge, his first career TD. Skattebo finished with 11 carries for 45 yards and the TD, while also catching two passes for 14 yards. Meanwhile, Tracy had only five carries for 15 yards and added four catches for 36 yards. The Giants putting Tracy back in a kickoff-return role also "suggests a reduced offensive role." Tracy returned three kickoffs as a rookie in 2024, but that role ceased when he became the starting RB in Week 5. Skattebo will be a popular waiver-wire target going into Week 3, while it's looking like Tracy might be the 1B option in a backfield committee.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings signed running back Cam Akers to their practice squad on Tuesday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) was also placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, so the Vikings are bringing back a familiar face to serve as RB depth behind Jordan Mason and Zavier Scott heading into a Week 3 tilt against the Cincinnati Bengals. This will be Akers' third different stint with the organization, and he could surpass Scott on the RB depth chart sooner than later. The 26-year-old spent training camp with the New Orleans Saints but was unable to make their 53-man roster. He had a healthy 4.3 yards per carry on 104 rushing attempts for 444 yards and two touchdowns while adding 14 catches for 68 yards and three TDs as a pass-catcher last year with the Houston Texans and Vikings. Akers is worth a look for RB depth in deep leagues if you just lost Jones.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings are placing running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night and will now be knocked out for at least the next four games. Jordan Mason now becomes Minnesota's unquestioned RB1 and a must-start in fantasy every week. For more RB depth, the Vikings signed Cam Akers to their practice squad. The Vikings have a bye in Week 6, so the earliest Jones would be able to return would be in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 30-year-old veteran needs to be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he heals up, but he averaged just 3.5 yards per carry the first two weeks and looked like the second-best RB in Minnesota's backfield before his injury. Zavier Scott will be elevated to No. 2 duties behind Mason for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton struggled in Monday's 20-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. The rookie finished with eight carries for 24 yards and one catch for one yard. He ran hard, but the Raiders bottled up the run all night. Najee Harris began to see more snaps when the Chargers were trying to ice the game, especially after a botched handoff between Hampton and quarterback Justin Herbert. Week 3 brings a Denver Broncos defense that's stingy in coverage but vulnerable up front. They allowed 165 rushing yards to Jonathan Taylor last week. The Chargers could lean on the run, giving Hampton another chance. But if he doesn't step up, Harris may eat into his workload moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught all five of his targets for 48 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders in the team's 20-9 win on Monday night. He has been reliable through two weeks but hasn't received a single red-zone target. That limits his touchdown potential and raises some concerns for fantasy managers. In Week 3, McConkey might face Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II, though it's unlikely he'll shadow him given Los Angeles' other weapons. McConkey's role stays consistent as a short-to-intermediate option. He's a safe floor play in PPR formats, but managers should temper their scoring expectations at this point in the season.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert looked sharp in Monday night's 20-9 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. He completed 19-of-27 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 31 rushing yards on nine carries. Herbert again appeared poised and confident, demonstrating good pocket awareness and using his legs when necessary. In Week 3, he faces a tough Denver Broncos defense. Denver has elite talent, but they just allowed 29 points to the Indianapolis Colts. Herbert and OC Greg Roman should find ways to exploit weaknesses even in a challenging matchup. Fantasy managers shouldn't hesitate, as he remains a safe top-10 QB option.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a fantasy letdown in Week 2 after throwing four touchdowns in the season opener. He completed just 18 of 33 passes for 203 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in the 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. However, the box score doesn't tell the whole story. In the first quarter, Rodgers delivered a perfect 50-yard strike while on the run that was dropped by tight end Pat Freiermuth. He was later picked off in the end zone on a pass that bounced off the hands of wide receiver Calvin Austin III. While his second interception was on an errant throw, it came late in the game with Pittsburgh down two scores and desperately trying to push the ball downfield. At 41, Rodgers' best days may be behind him, but he still appears to be a quality QB. Fantasy managers should view him as a bounce-back candidate against the New England Patriots in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been a beacon of consistency for the Packers, as he's been a touchdown-scoring machine since Week 10 of last season. Jacobs is currently on a 10-game streak in which he has scored a rushing touchdown in the regular season. Jacobs' efficiency has waned a little bit this season, as he's averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, but he has had at least 20 opportunities in both games, so we can hardly argue with the volume Jacobs is getting in the first two games of 2025. The Browns have been very stout against opposing rushers this season, holding Chase Brown to 2.0 YPC in Week 1 and holding Derrick Henry to just 23 yards on 11 carries in Week 2. Still, Jacobs is a locked-in RB1 for fantasy managers against Cleveland in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen once again made an impact in Monday night's 20-9 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, catching five of seven targets for 61 yards and a touchdown. He remains reliable and continues to earn quarterback Justin Herbert's trust in key moments. His 33% red-zone target share through two games shows he's a primary option near the goal line. The Week 3 matchup against the Denver Broncos will be challenging, as their secondary is among the best in the league. However, Allen's ability to get separation on short routes and move the chains should keep him heavily involved. If the veteran stays healthy, he looks to be a strong WR2/3 with touchdown upside going forward.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Falcons really did not need to rely on the left arm of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. in Week 2 in their 22-6 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football. Penix attempted only 21 passes on the night, completing 13 of them for 135 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He carried the ball just once for a loss of a yard and was sacked three times for a loss of 27 yards. The Falcons were content to let running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier carry the load in a game in which Atlanta was ahead from start to finish. When Penix dropped back to pass, he mostly worked the short areas of the field. This type of game script could happen again in Week 3 versus the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but Penix showed in Week 1 that he can sling the ball around the yard when needed, as he nearly threw for 300 yards and a touchdown. Penix is a solid QB2 stash with upside in his first year as the Falcons' full-time starter under center.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor operated as the clear WR2 behind All-Pro Justin Jefferson in the team's 22-6 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football in Week 2. Nailor finished the night second in both targets (five) and yardage (31) while tying for the team lead in catches (three) in a game in which quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) looked like a rookie. The 26-year-old could have had a much bigger game had McCarthy not overthrown him on what could have been a long touchdown reception. Nailor really hasn't been anything special through two weeks in a Vikings offense that has mostly struggled in McCarthy's first two career games, as he's caught four passes on eight targets for 59 yards and no scores. Jordan Addison has one more game to serve on his suspension, so Nailor might have one final chance for flex value in a plus Week 3 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Minnesota's defense could actually see a boost with the move to backup QB Carson Wentz.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Tuesday that wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) is expected to return in Week 3 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars after he missed the first two games of the year with a hamstring injury. Houston will welcome Kirk back with open arms after opening the season 0-2. While Kirk should operate as the starter out of the slot, he'll be a pretty shaky flex play in fantasy in his Texans debut this Sunday, especially since quarterback C.J. Stroud has been under pressure on 39% of his dropbacks through two weeks -- seventh-most among starting QBs. The return of Kirk should only help Houston's offense, though, and take some attention off All-Pro wideout Nico Collins. Rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel will have an even harder time standing out with Kirk back in the fold.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith struggled in prime time in the 20-9 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. Smith got off to a bad start in this one, throwing an interception on the first play of the game and failing to lead the Raiders to a single touchdown all night against a suffocating Chargers defense. All in all, the 34-year-old veteran went 24-for-43 for 180 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions. He ran the ball five times for 20 yards and took three sacks. It was a very disappointing performance after Smith threw for 362 yards in a Week 1 win over the New England Patriots. While fantasy managers shouldn't be writing Smith off for the rest of the year, it's a reminder of why he's more of a matchup-based QB. Smith will get a better matchup in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders didn't look great in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles as the backup to Javonte Williams, but he gave fantasy managers a reason to hold on in deeper leagues in the 40-37 overtime win over the New York Giants on Sunday. Sanders scored his first touchdown of the season on a four-yard run in the fourth quarter, but he had only five carries on the day for a total of 15 yards, while Williams ran the ball 18 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old caught both of his targets for four yards. Sanders isn't going away anytime soon, but with a minimal RB2 role behind Williams, he can remain on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues. Right now, he's only rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues. Rookie Jaydon Blue has been a healthy scratch the first two weeks, but if he starts to get involved, Sanders will lose what little fantasy appeal he has left.

From RotoBaller

Through the first two weeks of his NFL career, Las Vegas Raiders rookie receiver Jack Bech has caught one ball for 23 yards. The catch came on his only target in Week 1. The second-round pick who became a fan favorite through the pre-draft process has taken the field for only nine offensive snaps to start the year. Reports out of training camp were that fourth-rounder Dont'e Thornton Jr. was the Raiders' rookie best putting himself in position to make an early impact in the passing game, and through two weeks, those reports have borne some fruit. Thornton has been on the field for 95 total snaps, turning his eight targets into three grabs for 65 yards. While Thornton Jr.'s big-play ability put him on the radar of best ball drafters, he's also worth a look in what is a relatively uninspiring week for waiver pickups. Bech can be dropped in all redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

In his Week 2 loss to the Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence dropped back 45 times and attempted 43 passes. Both numbers were the highest that he's put up since Week 18 of 2023. In his ten games in 2024, Lawrence attempted 28.4 passes per game. Through his first two weeks in Liam Coen's offense, that number sits at 37 attempts per game. Facing entirely different game scripts against the Panthers and Bengals, the raw volume he's putting up is an encouraging sign for fantasy managers who are still waiting for Brian Thomas Jr. to make an impact. Any fears of Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter eating into one another's workload can also be put to rest, as the two have combined for 32 targets through the first two weeks. Now it's just a matter of turning those opportunities into points.

From RotoBaller