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Week 2 TNF: Commanders-Packers Preview, Props, Prediction

Thu Sep 11 2:49pm ET
Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders visit Lambeau Field on Thursday night seeking a statement victory against a Green Bay Packers team consider to be among the NFC favorites this season.

The Packers are coming off an impressive 27-13 season-opening victory against defending NFC North champion Detroit, while the Commanders' defense was equally as impressive in a 21-6 rout over the New York Giants.

ODDS AND TRENDS

Green Bay is a consensus 3-point favorite. That includes at BetRivers, where the Packers were juiced at -118 Thursday afternoon while being backed by 71 percent of the spread-line money. By comparison, the line had moved to 3.5 at DraftKings, where Green Bay was at -102 compared to Washington at -118.

The Packers' -186 moneyline at BetRivers had received one-sided action with 71 percent of the total bets and 75 percent of the money wagered.

Green Bay has covered the spread at the book in five of its past six games as favorites.

The 48 total points line has seen the Over backed by 68 percent of the total bets and 85 percent of the money.

KEY STAT

The Packers have a six-game home winning streak against the Commanders

PROP PICKS

--Packers RB Josh Jacobs Anytime TD (-200 at DraftKings): Jacobs has scored at least one touchdown in 10 consecutive games, including last season's playoff loss.

--Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Anytime TD (+185 at DraftKings): McLaurin has at touchdown in nine of Washington's past 10 road games. He'll be looking to bounce back after catching two of four targets for only 27 yards in Week 1

FEELING DEFENSIVE

Pass rusher Micah Parsons registered his first sack late in the fourth quarter of his Packers debut, but the rest of Green Bay's defense also was stellar against the Lions' high-powered offense. Parsons (back) was listed as questionable on Wednesday's injury report after being limited in practice, but Parsons had the same status last week and played on a limited basis.

"I was super impressed with the speed of their defense," Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Tuesday. "When you watch through the drafts, OK, linebacker, yes. Linebacker, yes. Then adding safeties, (defensive lineman Rashan) Gary on the outside, adding Micah to that."

Green Bay denied the Lions the end zone until the final minute. Detroit managed just 246 total yards, including 46 on the ground. The Packers had nine tackles for loss with four sacks.

The Packers' offense was efficient early, forging a 17-3 halftime lead behind Jordan Love's two touchdown passes. Love completed 16 of 22 passes for 188 yards to 10 receivers. Josh Jacobs ran for 66 of Green Bay's 78 yards on the ground.

The Packers held walkthroughs Monday and Tuesday, which is different than a normal week, because head coach Matt LaFleur wanted to feed them Commanders intelligence as early as possible.

Washington's defense, shredded in a 55-23 loss to Philadelphia in the NFC title game last postseason, held the Giants to 231 total yards and 4 of 16 on third-down conversions.

The Commanders piled up 432 yards in total offense. Jayden Daniels completed 19 of 30 passes for 233 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions while adding 68 yards on the ground. Deebo Samuel had seven receptions for 77 yards in his Commanders' debut and rushed 19 yards for a score on his only attempt.

Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt carried 10 times for 82 yards, including a score, as Washington ran for 220 yards and averaged 6.9 yards per carry.

INJURY REPORT

Four Packers injured in the season opener did not participate either day: guard Aaron Banks (ankle/groin), defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (groin), cornerback Bo Melton (shoulder) and right tackle Zach Tom (oblique).

"We'll give (Banks and Tom) all the way up to game time to see where they're at," LaFleur said Tuesday. "Certainly two guys who have a lot of experience, so I'm not as concerned about them (missing practice reps). Yeah, we're walking through, but there's no live reps this week."

Cox and Melton were ruled out in Wednesday's injury report, while Banks and Tom are questionable after they did not participate in practice. Safety Zayne Anderson (knee) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (knee) were limited participants and are questionable.

The Packers gave no game status for linebacker Quay Walker (quadricep), a full participant on Wednesday after sitting out Monday and being limited on Tuesday.

Daniels was listed on the injury report Monday with a right wrist injury, but Quinn said it was more of a formality. Daniels was a full participant in practice Wednesday and not on the report.

"We have no level (of concern), we're just trying to keep it, policies and transparency, as clear as we can," Quinn said, "But, we have zero concerns."

Punter Tress Way did not participate in Monday's walkthrough and was a limited participant on Tuesday and Wednesday after suffering a back injury in the opener.

"He's improving and we'll get some kicks in tomorrow and then get him ready to play," Quinn said Tuesday.

Way was listed as questionable, as was defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. (knee). The Commanders also limited running back Austin Ekeler (shoulder) at practice but gave him no game designation.

The team signed punter Mitch Wishnowsky to the practice squad and cut tight end Lawrence Cager from that squad. Wishnowsky, 33, was a fourth-round pick by San Francisco in 2019 and played for the 49ers in 92 regular-season games from 2019-24, averaging 45.6 yards per punt and 40.7 net yards.

THEY SAID IT

--"They have a system and a style and a way that they play and they really stay true to that. The proof is in the results of what they've done in the run game." --Quinn

--"We've got a hell of a challenge this week against, in my opinion, one of the top offenses in the game. They've got a ton of weapons ... there's nothing (Daniels) can't do." --LaFleur

PREDICTION

This is a very intriguing matchup to kick off Week 2 between two of the NFC's most well-rounded teams. The edge goes to the Packers at home on a short week, with Parsons & Co. able to keep tabs on Daniels and limit the Commanders' big-play opportunities. --Packers 24, Commanders 23

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 2

Player Notes
Dallas Goedert Sep 11 1:50pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) was once again absent from practice Thursday as he continues to deal with a knee sprain suffered in Week 1 against the Cowboys. Goedert was productive before the injury, catching all seven of his targets for 44 yards, but his Week 2 availability against the Chiefs is now in jeopardy. If Goedert is sidelined, the Eagles will likely turn to a combination of Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson. Calcaterra logged 59% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 and would be the top candidate to step in, while Granson saw action on 27% of plays. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Goedert's status, as his absence would lower the ceiling of Philadelphia's passing game.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 11 1:40pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (shoulder) is expected to practice in some capacity on Thursday, signaling progress in his recovery from a dislocated shoulder suffered in the season opener. The injury came during a collision with teammate Travis Kelce, ending a quiet debut where the second-year wideout failed to record a catch. While surgery was initially considered, the Chiefs opted for a non-surgical route to expedite Worthy's return. Limited practice participation is a promising step, and Kansas City remains optimistic about his role moving forward. Last season, Worthy flashed his big-play potential by posting 59 receptions, 638 yards, and six touchdowns. Once fully healthy, he is expected to play a prominent role in the offense alongside Kelce and Marquise Brown.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 11 1:30pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is looking to bounce back in Week 2 after a disappointing opener against the Bills in which he recorded just one catch for five yards. While the box score was discouraging, the underlying usage tells a more positive story. Andrews logged 75% of Baltimore's offensive snaps and ran routes on 72% of Lamar Jackson's drop-backs, showing he remains a featured part of the passing game. Fantasy managers shouldn't overreact to the slow start, especially with a matchup against the Browns on deck. Cleveland allowed five receptions for 40 yards to Bengals tight ends in Week 1, and their aggressive pass rush led by Myles Garrett could force Lamar Jackson into more quick throws. That bodes well for Andrews' involvement.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Royals Sep 11 1:20pm CT
Jalen Royals

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee) missed another practice on Thursday, putting his availability for Sunday's Super Bowl rematch with the Eagles in serious doubt. The fourth-round pick impressed throughout the preseason and was expected to carve out an early role in the Chiefs' passing attack, but lingering knee tendinitis has delayed his NFL debut. Royals' absence leaves Kansas City relying heavily on Marquise Brown, who operated as the clear No. 1 option in Week 1. Fantasy managers should view Brown as a viable low-end WR2 or strong flex play, while veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and Travis Kelce remain key targets for Patrick Mahomes. Until Royals is healthy enough to return, Kansas City's offense will continue to funnel through its established playmakers.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 11 1:10pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is fully healthy heading into Week 2 after logging a full practice Thursday and being removed from the injury report. Cook was heavily involved in the Bills' offense during their season opener against Baltimore, racking up 44 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground while adding five catches for 58 yards through the air. His dual-threat ability makes him a valuable piece in both real-life and fantasy football, as Josh Allen and the Bills continue to rely on his versatility. With a pivotal divisional matchup against the New York Jets on deck, Cook's role should once again feature high usage, giving him strong appeal as a locked-in RB2 with upside in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 11 1:00pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs (knee) may return to play on Monday night against the Houston Texans in Week 2, although it would be "extremely unlikely," per FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Both Godwin and Wirfs are coming back from long absences and just returned to the practice field on Thursday, so fantasy managers should not be expecting Godwin to suit up for his 2025 debut on Monday. The 29-year-old suffered a season-ending dislocation of his left ankle in Week 7 of last year. It's good news that he's finally back on the practice field, but he could be fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 3 against the New York Jets, too. It's a bit early to get excited about Godwin coming back, but he should be stashed in all fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 11 12:40pm CT
Lamar Jackson

The NFL is saying that it will not discipline Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for his interaction with a fan in Buffalo in the team's Week 1 loss to the Bills on Sunday Night Football, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "The matter has been addressed by the club, and there is no further action from the league," a league spokesman said. Jackson was coming to the defense of a teammate who was being pushed by a fan after the Ravens scored a touchdown in a hostile environment. The 28-year-old will not face a suspension or a fine and will be active for a Week 2 divisional tilt on the road against the Cleveland Browns. The two-time MVP went 14-for-19 for 209 yards and two touchdowns in the loss to Buffalo and also had six carries for 70 rushing yards and another touchdown. The elite dual-threat QB is a must-start in all fantasy leagues against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 11 12:20pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (ankle) is back at practice on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News. Robinson's return to practice on Thursday is a good sign that he'll be able to suit up in Week 2 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues will still want to keep a close eye on his status going into the weekend. The 24-year-old may need to upgrade to a full practice to avoid a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report for the week. In the Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders, Robinson operated as the clear WR2 behind Malik Nabers, playing 76% of the offensive snaps while catching six of eight targets for 55 yards. The Giants' offense didn't look great, but Robinson should be in consideration as a WR4/flex in PPR leagues if he's active in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jordan James Sep 11 12:20pm CT
Jordan James

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said that rookie running back Jordan James (finger) will be healthy and ready to go for a Week 2 meeting in New Orleans against the Saints on Sunday, according to David Lombardi of The Athletic. James did not play in the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks after breaking his finger in early August, but he was limited in Wednesday's practice and appears to be in line to make his regular-season NFL debut this weekend. It's finally a good piece of injury news for the banged-up Niners, but the 21-year-old RB figures to be no better than the RB4 for the team behind Christian McCaffrey, Brian Robinson Jr., and Isaac Guerendo. And just because James is finally healthy, it doesn't mean he'll actually be active on game day on Sunday. He is strictly a dynasty/keeper stash right now.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 11 12:10pm CT
Malik Nabers

Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reports that New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (back) will be a full-go in Thursday's practice after he was limited on Wednesday with an ongoing back issue that the team has been managing. Nabers was also a DNP last Friday, but he was active in the Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders and had five catches for 71 yards on 12 targets in the season opener. Although New York's offense was stagnant in quarterback Russell Wilson's debut, it was a good sign that Nabers still had double-digit targets. The 22-year-old former first-rounder may have to manage his back issue for most of the season, but as long as he's on the field on game day, he'll be a must-start, high-end WR1 for fantasy. Nabers has a real shot to go off this weekend against a Dallas secondary that is a bit thin.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 11 12:00pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews was a massive disappointment for any fantasy managers who had him in their starting lineups in Week 1. In the team's 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Andrews was targeted only once for a five-yard catch. What's even more head-scratching is that he had just one target with fellow TE Isaiah Likely (foot) inactive. Likely hasn't returned to practice this week and doesn't appear to be on track to make his 2025 debut in Week 2 this Sunday against the division-rival Cleveland Browns, but will Andrews be able to get more involved? The Browns gave up just one reception for 14 yards to Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki in their Week 1 loss, but the Ravens figure to get Andrews more involved this weekend in the passing game, especially if Likely is out again. Despite his Week 1 dud, Andrews should be considered a top-10 TE in fantasy in one of the best offenses in football.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Sep 11 11:20am CT
George Pickens

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens participated in 92% (56) of the team's snaps during their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1, the exact figure as star teammate CeeDee Lamb. The fourth-year pro didn't garner the same lofty target total Lamb drew (13), placing third on the team behind tight end Jake Ferguson, who had six (four). However, Pickens was out there for darn-near every snap and drew a long pass interference penalty. While quarterback Dak Prescott couldn't connect with his new wideout on any deep targets, there will be plenty more opportunities for the duo to do so. Furthermore, Lamb should draw extra coverage frequently, giving Pickens plenty of one-on-one opportunities on the outside. He's a WR3 with high-end WR2 upside.

From RotoBaller

DaRon Bland Sep 11 11:10am CT
DaRon Bland

Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) could miss a couple of weeks with a right-foot injury that he suffered in practice on Monday, sources told Todd Archer of ESPN. Bland's foot injury is unrelated to the foot issue that limited him to only seven games played in 2024, when he dealt with a stress fracture in his left foot that required surgery. He did not practice on Wednesday as the team began preparations for Week 2 against the division-rival New York Giants. With Bland now injured and cornerback Trevon Diggs still working his way back from knee surgery back in January, Dallas' secondary depth is very thin early on. Diggs played only 27 defensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, although he said he could see more action this Sunday. On 63 defensive snaps in the season opener last Thursday, Bland recorded three tackles.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Sep 11 11:00am CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is set to see an elevated workload in Sunday's meeting with the New Orleans Saints due to a myriad of injuries his team has faced. The 49ers won their opening matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but it didn't come without some collateral damage. Tight end George Kittle (hamstring) landed on IR with a hamstring injury, while fellow wideout Jauan Jennings (shoulder) picked up a shoulder issue of his own. Jennings isn't a lock to play in Week 2, leaving Pearsall and running back Christian McCaffrey as the 49ers' top options against New Orleans. Unfortunately, quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) isn't likely to start either, meaning Pearsall could -- and will probably -- be catching passes from former New England Patriot Mac Jones. The University of Florida product's target quality gets a downgrade if that's the case, but hopefully, his volume will help mitigate that.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Sep 11 10:50am CT
Javonte Williams

Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams was far and away his team's No. 1 option out of the backfield during their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It was unclear exactly how Dallas' running back touch distribution would shake out leading up to the campaign, but Williams was the unquestioned RB1 in the season opener. The former North Carolina Tar Heel out-carried teammate Miles Sanders 15-4, and out-snapped him by a hefty 47-11 margin. Sanders did break off a chunk gain, but Williams was able to punch two in across the goal line and didn't cough up a fumble like his counterpart. With rookie Jaydon Blue a healthy inactive, Williams is poised to lead this backfield for the foreseeable future. He's a decent low-end RB2/flex option.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 11 10:40am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will return to the practice field for the first time on Thursday in a limited fashion. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the news. Godwin is still working back from a dislocated ankle he sustained in late October of last season, aiming for a return in Week 5 when he's eligible to be reinstated off the PUP List. He'll still have some hurdles to clear, but this is a step in the right direction. Tampa Bay figures to ease the Penn State product back into a normal workload after a severe injury, and they may be even less inclined to rush the veteran with rookie teammate Emeka Egbuka filling in admirably early on in his career. As of now, he's on pace to return at his target date.

From RotoBaller

Olamide Zaccheaus Sep 11 10:20am CT
Olamide Zaccheaus

Chicago Bears wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus was a surprise contributor in Monday night's loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Zaccheaus was Chicago's second-leading receiver regarding receptions (four), yards (42), and targets (seven), but played far fewer snaps (30) than fellow wideouts DJ Moore (56) and Rome Odunze (63). The Bears' ground attack couldn't get much going against Minnesota's defense, but quarterback Caleb Williams' 35 passes aren't an outlandish total he's incapable of repeating. Zaccheaus' production on a weekly basis could be spotty, but Chicago doesn't exactly have a solidified third option in the passing game. The 28-year-old currently sports a top 25 targets per route run total (0.27) in the league.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Sep 11 10:10am CT
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is emerging as the clear-cut WR2 in the offense. While his Week 1 box score was modest, with only two catches for 13 yards against the Denver Broncos, the usage tells a different story. Ayomanor drew seven targets, far outpacing veteran Tyler Lockett (1) and fellow rookie Chimere Dike (1). Even with the Titans leaning heavily on 12 personnel, Ayomanor was on the field for 79% of the offensive snaps. That kind of snap share for a rookie in his first NFL game is highly encouraging. With quarterback Cam Ward expected to settle in and gain confidence as the season progresses, Ayomanor profiles as a strong buy-low candidate in fantasy. The Titans face the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2, a defense that dominated Houston in their opener, so Ayomanor isn't a recommended fantasy start just yet. However, if his role as WR2 continues, a breakout game feels inevitable.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Sep 11 10:00am CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III was quietly phased out of the offense in Week 1. Despite Darnell Mooney (shoulder) being a surprise inactive, McCloud caught just three of five targets for 51 yards in the Falcons' season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud logged 72% of the snaps, which was a noticeable dip from his 86% snap share in 2024. He operated as the WR3 behind Drake London and second-year receiver Casey Washington, signaling a reduced role in the passing attack. With Mooney expected back soon, McCloud's usage could shrink even further. From a fantasy perspective, McCloud doesn't warrant a roster spot, even in deeper formats. Unless he delivers a surprise spike in production, he should remain on the free-agent market.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sep 11 10:00am CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. served as a healthy inactive in the season opener against the Giants. Rodriguez emerged in training camp as well as preseason, and he was in the mix for touches in the backfield headed into Week 1 after the Brian Robinson Jr. trade. However, Washington ultimately opted to keep three running backs active on gameday and roll with the duo of rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and veteran Austin Ekeler to handle the bulk of the snaps, with Jeremy McNichols mixing in and contributing on special teams. It could have been just a Week 1 situation where they wanted a sixth wide receiver active with Noah Brown still limited, and it looks different in future weeks. It is possible that Rodriguez is made active for Washington's marquee matchup in Green Bay, but they have also been consistent in their praise for Croskey-Merritt, and the belief is that he will eventually be their lead back. Rodriguez will remain in a depth role for now, but he will be a name to watch if injuries start to hit.

From RotoBaller