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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Trey McBride Sep 16 5:20am ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride was in the right place at just the right time when running back James Conner fumbled at the Rams' five-yard line in the fourth quarter of the two teams' Week 2 showdown. McBride fell on top of the loose ball as it bounced into the end zone, giving Arizona their fifth touchdown of the day in their 41-10 rout of the Rams. A key component of the Cardinals' passing attack, McBride led the team with six catches, catching each ball thrown his way and gaining 67 receiving yards in the process. Fantasy managers fortunate enough to roster McBride can keep him locked in for Arizona's Week 3 matchup against the Detroit Lions, who allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Higgins Sep 16 5:20am ET
Elijah Higgins

Arizona Cardinals tight end Elijah Higgins caught an 18-yard touchdown pass in their 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. On a play early in the second quarter, quarterback Kyler Murray evaded four would-be tacklers and then launched an 18-yard strike to Higgins, who made a sliding catch in the back of the end zone to reel in the throw. The score was the third touchdown in as many drives to start the game for the Cardinals. Higgins played 36 of Arizona's 66 offensive snaps but did not see another target. With Trey McBride firmly entrenched as the team's top tight end, Higgins can't be relied on to be a viable fantasy asset week-to-week. Despite the impressive reception, he can be left on the wire for Week 3 when the Cardinals host the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Sep 16 5:20am ET
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Worthy also added five rushing yards on his only carry of the afternoon. The Chiefs rookie receiver again had three touches but could not break off a big play in this contest. Worthy's role in the offense is too volatile to expect weekly production, but his speed makes him a big play threat at any moment. Worthy will look to find the endzone again next week against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were tough on wide receivers last season, but the Chiefs have shown that they will move Worthy around and involve him in different ways. The Chiefs rookie can be considered a high-upside flex play moving forward, as long as fantasy managers can live with the production when he doesn't score.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Sep 16 5:10am ET
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner took 21 carries for 122 rushing yards and a touchdown in the team's 41-10 win over the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. He also caught his lone target of the game for a gain of two yards. Conner did lose the ball on the Rams' five-yard line in the fourth quarter, but tight end Trey McBride fell on top of it as it bounced ahead into the end zone to give the Cardinals their fifth touchdown of the game. The eighth-year veteran was as elusive as ever, forcing six missed tackles in the game. Thanks to the lopsided score, Conner ceded backfield duties to Trey Benson and Emari Demercado after his fumble but there is no question he is the top dog in Arizona's running backs room. In Week 3, Conner will be in the RB1 conversation again when the Cardinals take on the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Travis Kelce Sep 16 5:10am ET
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce caught one pass for five yards in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Kelce also added one rushing yard on one carry in this contest. The Chiefs tight end was targeted three times, but he and Mahomes could only connect once. This is a worrying follow-up to his disappointing Week 1 performance against the Baltimore Ravens. Kelce has four receptions for 39 yards and zero touchdowns through two games. It seems like Rashee Rice has supplanted Kelce as the top option for the Kansas City passing attack. Kelce will attempt to get back on track in next week's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends in 2023, so Kelce should have a favorable matchup. The 34-year-old may have to be downgraded in the tight end ranks until he shows signs of life. Kelce is still a must-start option but may not have TE1 overall upside in his current role.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 16 5:10am ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

The panic surrounding Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s debut was stifled by a monster performance in the second week of his NFL career. After logging just one catch for four yards in Week 1, Harrison caught four balls for a team-high 130 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Harrison's first score came four minutes into the game as he brought in a 23-yard pass while falling out the back of the end zone. His second touchdown came on a 60-yard catch-and-run on the first play of the Cardinals' next drive. In the days following the rookie's unimpressive debut, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing acknowledged the importance of getting the ball to the fourth-overall pick of the 2024 Draft. The team targeted Harrison early and often, with Harrison seeing six of his team-leading eight targets in the first half. Harrison is shaping up to be a strong WR2 candidate when Arizona plays the Detroit Lions in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Sep 16 5:00am ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 18 of 25 passes (72%) for 151 yards and two touchdowns in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Mahomes passed for less than 300 yards for the second straight game and had at least one interception. The Chiefs quarterback was picked off twice in this contest, and the team narrowly escaped with the victory through a game-winning field goal from Harrison Butker. It was a disappointing performance from Mahomes, who passed for under 200 yards for just the ninth time in his career. Despite having field-stretching playmakers, Kansas City could not find a rhythm on offense in this contest. Mahomes will look to improve his output next week on the road against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2023, so Mahomes should have no issues dicing up the Atlanta secondary. Despite being a disappointing starter in fantasy, it will be difficult to bench an MVP-caliber quarterback like Mahomes. Mahomes will still land within the QB1 conversation until proven otherwise.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 5:00am ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco had 90 rushing yards on 19 carries in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Pacheco was also involved in the passing game, catching five passes for 21 yards. The Chiefs starting running back showed that he was an integral piece of the offense, earning 24 total touches against a formidable AFC rival. Pacheco did not find the endzone in this contest but still managed to make an impact for fantasy as a rusher and a receiver. The 25-year-old will look to score in next week's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were one of the tougher matchups for running backs last season since they gave up the fifth-fewest rushing touchdowns and were middle-of-the-pack in rushing yards allowed. Pacheco was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot and on crutches, so this is a situation to monitor. If Pacheco is healthy enough to suit up, he should be a strong start despite the difficult matchup.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 16 5:00am ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught five passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the 26-25 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. Rice once again led the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards but was able to find the endzone in this contest. Rice's touchdown came on a 44-yard reception down the sideline in the second quarter. The second-year receiver has continued establishing himself as the top option in the Kansas City passing attack. Rice will look to continue his strong start against the Atlanta Falcons next week. The Falcons were one of the tougher matchups for wide receivers in 2023, allowing the eighth-fewest fantasy points per game to wideouts. Despite the matchup, Rice should still be an elite option at the wide receiver position due to his MVP-caliber quarterback and imaginative play-caller. Rice figures to rank as a fringe WR1 in Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Sep 16 5:00am ET
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray went off against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, completing 17 of his 21 passes for 266 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. No stranger to the ground game, he also added 59 yards on five carries in the 41-10 victory. Pending the results of Monday Night Football, Murray will finish as the week's QB1. Murray wasted no time in getting Arizona's offense going on Sunday, capping their first drive with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Harrison Jr. and connecting with the rookie again on the very first play of their second drive for a 60-yard score. A third touchdown pass went to Elijah Higgins in the second quarter, giving Murray more scores than incompletions in the first half. His efforts put the Cardinals so far ahead of the Rams that he was removed with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter, logging the first perfect passer rating by a Cardinals quarterback since Kurt Warner in 2008. In Week 3, Murray will again be in the mix for a top-10 finish when the Cardinals host the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 16 3:00am ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) had a subdued performance in Week 2 against the Houston Texans, catching only two passes for 33 yards while playing through an injury. With the Bears still struggling to find a passing touchdown after eight quarters of action, Odunze has seen limited volume and no scoring opportunities. The team's offensive line also struggled, with Caleb Williams being sacked seven times, and Williams has yet to throw a touchdown or exceed 200 passing yards in the first two games. Despite the challenges, there is potential for the Bears' offense to improve. However, with just three receptions on nine targets and no touchdowns so far, Odunze is a risky fantasy option. His next chance to make an impact will come in Week 3 against Indianapolis, where he should be on fantasy benches.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 16 2:50am ET
D'Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears' running back, D'Andre Swift, had another challenging performance in Week 2 against the Houston Texans. In the first half, the Bears managed only 18 rushing yards on 11 carries, with Swift contributing just 6 yards on seven attempts. Caleb Williams, who led the team in rushing yards, gained 9 yards on two carries. The offensive line struggled throughout, failing to create space for the running game and getting dominated at the interior and edges. The Bears ended the game with 22 carries for 71 yards, but Williams led the team with 44 yards on five carries. Swift finished with a disappointing 14 yards on 18 carries, averaging just 1.3 yards per carry. He added 24 yards on four receptions, but the team's shift away from the interior run game in the second half highlighted a significant issue. Swift's season may remain tumultuous without a solution for the struggling offensive line. For now, he should be considered a matchup-dependent RB3 or Flex option.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Herbert Sep 16 2:50am ET
Khalil Herbert

In the Chicago Bears' Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, running back Khalil Herbert scored the team's only touchdown. Despite only getting two carries, Herbert made a significant impact, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that brought the Bears within 13-10. With the Bears needing a score before halftime, they turned to Herbert, a former Virginia Tech standout, to deliver. The touchdown came on a critical third-and-goal situation, frustrating D'Andre Swift's managers, who were hoping for a score from Swift. Although Herbert isn't the primary back for the Bears, his role in the offense remains clear. Since being drafted by Chicago in 2021, Herbert has consistently contributed, and his performance solidifies his value as a handcuff for Swift owners. While he may not lead the backfield, Herbert's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 16 2:50am ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a relatively quiet night by his usual standards despite making some impressive plays. He led the team with six catches for 53 yards but could not find the end zone. Through two games this season, Moore remains the favorite target of rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Although the lack of touchdowns is a concern, Moore's high volume of targets has helped mitigate the absence of scoring. The Bears' offensive line is also a concern, as Williams was sacked seven times in this game. Williams has yet to throw a touchdown pass and has not surpassed 200 yards in either of his first two games. Despite these struggles, Moore's consistent target share and talent keep him a low-end WR2 for fantasy managers. As Williams continues to develop and the Bears' offense improves, Moore's production should rise. The Bears will look to make adjustments and find the end zone as they head to Indianapolis in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Sep 16 2:50am ET
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange stepped in and played well after a last-minute Evan Engram injury in an 18-13 defeat to the Cleveland Browns. He finished with three receptions for 65 yards on six targets. The second-year pro did not contribute much as a rookie, but made the most of this sudden opportunity. Strange was tied for the team lead in receptions, second in targets, and second in receiving yards. For fantasy managers desperate at the tight end position (which seems to be most as of right now) Strange is an intriguing option as long as Engram is out. For fantasy managers with Engram, if Engram is at risk of missing next week as well, Strange is a perfect direct replacement. Even for non-Engram managers, Strange is worth looking into on waivers for next week. In Week 3, the Jaguars take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 16 2:40am ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence had a decent day yardage-wise, but couldn't find the end zone in an 18-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He finished with 14 completions and 220 yards on 30 attempts, and 45 rushing yards on two attempts. Lawrence has just one passing touchdown through two games, which is not ideal for both real and fantasy football. The Clemson product has not looked great through two weeks, and he is not getting much fantasy production out of his weapons either. The Browns have a great defense going back to last year, especially against the pass, so it is not that surprising Lawrence had a subpar performance, but his fantasy floor needs to be higher than this to be starting caliber. The former top pick seems like a potential cut candidate for fantasy managers in Week 3, especially with his matchups remaining difficult in the coming weeks. The Jaguars face the Buffalo Bills next Monday night, a defense that should pose another challenge for the Jacksonville offense.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 16 2:40am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. scored the team's lone touchdown in an 18-13 defeat to the Cleveland Browns. He finished with 13 carries for 52 yards and a touchdown, and added three catches for six yards. Etienne Jr. put up a solid fantasy performance, but given the offensive struggles of the Jaguars, his upside has been limited through two weeks. Fantasy managers drafted the Clemson product near the top of drafts, so a touchdown-dependent RB2 is not what they hoped for. Etienne Jr. was expected to be one of the few high-volume backs in the NFL this season, but he only has 29 touches through two games. For comparison, San Francisco 49ers backup running back turned starter Jordan Mason had 29 touches just in Week 1. The Jaguars take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, who struggled to contain Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane this past Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 16 2:40am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. showed off his speed in an 18-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. BTJ finished with 92 yards receiving on just two catches and four targets. The rookie receiver now has four targets in each of the first two games. In a game where the offense struggled, the LSU product produced one of the few highlights with a 66-yard bomb late in the third quarter. While it is great he made a big play and produced a high yardage output, this performance shows exactly the type of volatility fantasy managers can expect out of BTJ. He will not garner many targets each week but has the talent to be a boom-or-bust fantasy receiver. BTJ now has put up two solid fantasy performances in two weeks, with a touchdown in Week 1 and a big yardage total in Week 2. The Jaguars face off with the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, where BTJ will look to continue making big plays in an otherwise stagnant offense.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 16 2:40am ET
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had a promising start in Houston on Sunday but struggled in the second half. The No. 1 overall pick was impressive early, completing all five passes for 55 yards on the Bears' opening drive, including two notable third-down completions to DeAndre Carter and DJ Moore. Williams finished the first half with 12 completions on 15 attempts for 91 yards, but frequent mistakes by the Bears undermined his performance. The team had four false starts and a delay of game right after a TV timeout, failed to convert a third-and-1 with a quarterback sneak, and barely managed a fourth-and-inches conversion from the shotgun. The rookie also threw interceptions on consecutive drives in the second half, compounding the challenges. Despite these issues, Williams and the Bears had a chance to win with 1:37 left on the clock. Williams connected with Rome Odunze for a 27-yard gain on the first play of the drive, but two plays later, Danielle Hunter sacked him for an eight-yard loss, and a fourth-down pass to Odunze fell incomplete after a miscommunication. Williams ended the game with 23 completions on 37 attempts for 174 yards and two interceptions. With seven sacks and frequent pressure, Williams was forced into hurried throws and poor decisions. Until the Bears' offense improves, Williams is not a viable starting fantasy quarterback.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 16 2:40am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk put up yet another dud in an 18-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. He finished with just one catch for negative one yard, giving him two catches and 29 yards through two games. Kirk was considered a safer option among the Jaguars receivers coming into the season given his experience and his familiarity with the offense. However, he has been nonexistent both in real football and in fantasy. At this point, it's hard to fathom keeping Kirk in fantasy beyond deeper leagues. With Evan Engram a surprise pre-game scratch, Kirk had the chance to step up, but instead, it was backup tight end Brenton Strange who filled the void with three catches for 65 yards. To make matters worse, the 27-year-old was fifth on the team in targets with three, behind Brian Thomas Jr., Strange, Gabe Davis, and Travis Etienne Jr. Kirk will look to get going against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night, but it is hard to imagine that will happen at the moment.

From RotoBaller