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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

Free agent S Tashaun Gipson intends to play again despite suspension

Mon Jul 8 3:09pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL free agent safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. blamed a supplement for his recent suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance abuse policy and says it will not hold him back from playing a 13th season, according to a statement he released Monday.

Gipson was suspended six games by the NFL last Tuesday after violating the league's performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.

"During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL's policies," Gipson said in Monday's statement. "It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time."

Gipson expressed respect for the game and his fellow players, while saying he will not appeal the decision.

"The NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship."

The suspension will not go into effect until the regular season, if and when Gipson signs with a team. The former Pro Bowler in 2014, while a member of the Cleveland Browns, still can participate in all preseason activities, including games.

In 12 NFL seasons, Gipson has 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three TDs in 173 games (165 starts) for the Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers after going undrafted out of Wyoming.

The 33-year-old, who reportedly had been considering retirement, started all 33 games he played in over the last two seasons for the 49ers, making 121 tackles with six interceptions.

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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Tucker Kraft Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Week 2 with some momentum in terms of getting on the field and running routes. Kraft was expected to be the second tight end behind Luke Musgrave, who was drafted a round before him in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Kraft ran 81% of routes per dropback and took 96% of snaps as well. Per PFF's Nathan Jahnke, Musgrave's only playing time was in 12 personnel where there were two tight ends in the formation, leaving the other snaps with one tight end to Kraft. While this didn't lead to any fantasy production in Week 1, you have to be on the field to produce to begin with. Kraft shouldn't be started in fantasy football when the Packers host the Colts in Week 2, but if starting quarterback Malik Willis uses Kraft as a safety valve option in the passing game, Kraft could find himself on the short list of fantasy options when Week 3 rolls around.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Sep 13 6:50pm ET
Tyler Johnson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson has been a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after news that Puka Nacua (knee) has landed on the IR. Opportunity knocks for the former Minnesota Golden Gopher. He will compete for targets with Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell opposite Cooper Kupp, but Johnson flashed his big-play ability in Week 1 after Nacua exited. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Rams will need to establish another threat outside of Kupp and Johnson could be that guy. The former Tampa Bay Buccaneer is looking like a potential sleeper this week. Johnson probably doesn't profile as a WR3 in fantasy this week, but in deeper leagues, he could be used as a viable flex option.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp is fully healthy and that meant a healthy amount of targets, catches, and fantasy points in Week 1 at the Lions. Kupp was targeted 21 times and caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown. His massive target total was aided by the fact that Puka Nacua (knee) left the game early and Nacua has been placed on IR, so that figures to continue in Week 2 at Arizona. Everyone knows Kupp is going to get looked for as Matthew Stafford's primary target, but there is often nothing the defense can do because the Rams are so creative with pre-snap motions and lineup configurations to complement Kupp's already superior route-running skills. In other words, expect another large target share against the Cardinals, which usually translates to a big fantasy day for Kupp. While healthy, Kupp is one of the top receivers in the NFL and for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 13 6:40pm ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams found the end zone in Week 1 at the Lions against Detroit's very stout run defense. The touchdown salvaged an otherwise subpar night for the talented running back. Williams rushed 18 times for 50 yards (2.8 yards per carry) and caught three passes for four yards. The Notre Dame product is a very versatile back and the good thing for his fantasy managers is he saw a massive snap share in the backfield compared to Ronnie Rivers and rookie Blake Corum. The Cardinals were gashed on the ground by the Bills in Week 1, making Williams a strong play in Week 2 in the Rams' game at Arizona. Look for Williams to find pay dirt and remain involved in the passing game as well. His upside is extremely high in this matchup and his volume makes his floor pretty high as well.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 13 6:30pm ET
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) popped up on the Week 2 injury report on Friday and was listed as limited practice participant. Mid-week additions are typically never a good sign, but this doesn't necessarily mean that Brown will be forced to miss this week's Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. However, if the 27-year-old is deemed questionable on Saturday's final injury report, fantasy managers may have a tough decision to make in Week 2 as to whether to leave Brown in their starting lineup. We'll continue to keep a close eye on Brown's status this weekend. Brown is a must-start if he's active after catching five of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in Brazil. If Brown is out or limited on Monday, Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson would both see bigger roles behind DeVonta Smith.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs will enter Week 2 with a much different quarterback situation than he for sure anticipated. With Malik Willis the likely starting quarterback for Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, the entire pass-catching group for the Packers will be downgraded in fantasy, including Doubs. Running the most routes per dropback, most snaps and targets in Week 1, Doubs' production will be at the whim of how the Packers choose to attack the Colts' defense. That will likely be a heavy dose of the running game to protect Willis, who has not shown much in the way of passing efficiency in his third season as an NFL quarterback. Doubs is a low-end FLEX option for fantasy managers, where you're hoping he can get into the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 13 6:30pm ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was one of just two quarterbacks in the NFL to surpass 300 yards passing in Week 1. Stafford did so against the Lions, going 34-of-49 passing for 317 yards with a touchdown pass and an interception. The first thing that stands out about Stafford's Week 1 line is his 49 attempts. With Puka Nacua (knee) exiting early from that game, Stafford still threw the ball a ton and targeted Cooper Kupp a whopping 21 times. He might not be called upon to pass as much in Week 2 at Arizona, but he should be primed for another efficient afternoon. The Stafford-to-Kupp connection is firing on all cylinders and the veteran quarterback should be able to spread some production around to tight end Colby Parkinson as well as the receiving trio of Tyler Johnson, Demarcus Robinson, and Tutu Atwell. The Cardinals' defense is beatable and while the Rams could lean more on the run game, Stafford should be a borderline QB1 in an exploitable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs had a solid game in Week 1, with 104 yards from scrimmage and three receptions. He'll look to build on that against the Indianapolis Colts in the Packers' home opener in Week 2. Throughout the week, Jacobs had been limited in practices with a back injury, but Friday's practice report had no designation for Jacobs. He should be good to go against a Colts' defense that was gashed repeatedly by Texans' running back Joe Mixon to the tune of 159 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Packers will need Jacobs as the team is likely to start Malik Willis in the place of Jordan Love (knee). Consider Jacobs a low-end RB1 in fantasy that should get quite a bit of volume, especially if fellow running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) cannot suit up for the team in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 13 6:20pm ET
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) was removed from the team's final injury report on Friday and will suit up for the Week 2 contest versus the New England Patriots. Meanwhile, tight end Pharaoh Brown (foot) has been ruled out. There wasn't much question as to whether Fant would be able to play this weekend, but he shouldn't be in many starting fantasy lineups in the second week of the 2024 season. The 26-year-old played 75 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over his former team, the Denver Broncos, but it translated to only two catches on four targets for 11 yards receiving. Although Seattle is running a new offense this year under coordinator Ryan Grubb, not much is expected of Fant after he had career-lows in catches (32), targets (43), receiving yards (414) and touchdowns (zero) in 2023. Fant profiles as a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 in fantasy in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis will be the team's starting quarterback until Jordan Love (knee) can return from an MCL sprain he suffered at the end of the game in Week 1. However, the team has left the door open a crack as Love was designated as questionable for Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts. Perhaps the Packers are playing some mind games with the Colts so they have to leave some preparation for Love on the off chance he is cleared in time to start, but the likely timeline for an MCL sprain is three to six weeks. The Packers also did not put Love on Injured Reserve as well. Willis has been a subpar quarterback option during the sporadic playing time he's gotten in two seasons in Tennessee before coming over to Green Bay after the preseason, but Willis is not a recommended option in fantasy football in Week 2 against the Colts, and in superflex leagues, would only be a desperation QB2 option.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Friday that he's not putting a timeline on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (concussion) recovery after he suffered another scary concussion in Thursday night's loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills. McDaniel said he has "zero idea" what any timeline might be and doesn't want to put pressure on Tagovailoa. He was quickly ruled out after leaving the field with team trainers under his own power. Tagovailoa missed five games in 2022, including a playoff contest, due to two separate concussions. Given his concussion history, nobody is pushing for Tagovailoa to return to the field anytime soon. McDaniel declined to speculate if Tagovailoa, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension last month, might consider retirement. Unless Miami signs a QB off the street, Skylar Thompson is set to run this offense for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 13 6:10pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Lockett put in two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday before being cleared for this weekend's contest. Lockett has been dealing with his thigh injury since the middle of last month and was even questionable for the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. The 31-year-old veteran ended up suiting up for that one and finished with six receptions on seven targets for 77 receiving yards despite playing the third-most offensive snaps among the receivers on the team. With Lockett moving further from his thigh injury, he could see more time on the field this weekend against an underrated Patriots defense that shut down the Bengals in Week 1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba's presence will make Lockett a boom/bust WR4/flex play most weeks in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley is up against the New York Jets in Week 2 of NFL action this Sunday. While not much went right for the Titans on offense in Week 1, Ridley led the team in targets and receiving yards, which should give fantasy managers some hope moving forward. Quarterback Will Levis will need to be better if Ridley is going to reach WR2 output, but the duo appeared to have some decent chemistry vs. Chicago. However, the Jets present a different kind of challenge. New York returns almost their entire secondary that allowed the fewest points to the WR position in 2023 and Ridley should see plenty of Sauce Gardner, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the game. The matchup definitely downgrades Ridley to a WR3 for this week, but he is still viable given his spot as the top man in the Titans passing attack.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 13 6:00pm ET
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins faces the New York Jets and their stingy secondary in Week 2 of NFL action. The veteran receiver has been taken off the injury report completely after playing limited snaps against Chicago due to an MCL injury. That is wonderful news for both Hopkins managers and the Titans offense in general, which really struggled to move the ball downfield in Week 1. However, playing Hopkins against the Jets secondary that was #1 against opposing wideouts last year is not advisable. "Nuk" should be kept out of lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo will play the New York Jets this Sunday in Week 2. The third-year player started off his 2024 campaign with a bang, snagging a picturesque 17-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Will Levis against Chicago. However his only other reception in the game went for -2 yards, as the Titans passing attack was shut down for much of the contest. While he was able to get into the end zone, it's still not advisable to play Okonkwo given that he is still at very best the #3 option in a bad passing offense, and facing a more than formidable defense in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

The Tennessee Titans defense takes on the New York Jets at home in Week 2. This unit was one of the biggest surprises of Week 1, holding the Bears offense and No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams to 94 passing yards and zero offensive touchdowns. The Titans still managed to lose the game due to a number of offensive and special teams blunders, but the defense looks primed for a potential breakout year in 2024. Aaron Rodgers leads a Jets offense into Nashville that looked very shaky against the 49ers last week, which could open up some more opportunities for this team to flex their muscles on that side of the ball. The Titans D/ST isn't a top option, but could produce sneaky fantasy numbers if they can bother Rodgers and star cornerback L'Jarius Snead can slow down the uber-talented receiver Garrett Wilson. Consider them a fine play for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Nick Folk Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Nick Folk

Tennessee Titans kicker Nick Folk faces the New York Jets in a Week 2 matchup this Sunday. The veteran nailed his only field goal attempt against Chicago last week, booting in a 40-yarder early in the second quarter. Unfortunately the Titans offense could not move the ball for the entirety of the second half which didn't lead to many opportunities for Folk to put points on the board. The story may be the same this coming week with the Jets and their stout defensive unit coming to town. There are likely better kicking options currently on waivers for this week.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 13 6:00pm ET
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season. Rice dominated against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, totaling 103 receiving yards on seven catches. In last week's contest, Rice led the team in targets, catches, and receiving yards. While Travis Kelce should be more involved moving forward, there should still be enough passing volume to sustain both in most weeks, with rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy playing a smaller volume role in the offense. Rice and the Chiefs will face the Cincinnati Bengals this week. The Bengals defense allowed the sixth-most receiving yards per game in 2023. Rice's ability to produce yards after the catch makes him a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes in every contest. The Chiefs use him primarily out of the slot, which makes him a mismatch for the defense on most plays. Rice should continue to be the first or second read on every Mahomes dropback, which makes him one of the most valuable wide receivers for fantasy. Rice should be considered a strong start this week and every week.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 13 5:50pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears takes on the New York Jets in Week 2 action on Sunday. Spears played second-fiddle to Tony Pollard in Week 1, logging eight touches (32 yards) to Pollard's 19 (94 yards). This was quite surprising given Titans OC Nick Holz's recent comments that the backfield would be split 50/50. However, Spears should see an uptick in playing time moving forward based on head coach Brian Callahan saying that he wants the backfield to be "more even" between the two. The Jets were just absolutely torched by the 49ers backup running back Jordan Mason for 147 yards and a score in Week 1, so there should be some open running lanes for Spears to take advantage of. Especially with how strong the Jets secondary is, if Spears does see more playing time he should be able to produce enough for a viable flex option in 12+ team leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Sep 13 5:50pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard will face the New York Jets this Sunday for the team's home opener. The former Cowboys was a lone bright spot for the Titans offense against Chicago last week, producing 94 yards from scrimmage and touchdown. He was heavily featured on the ground with sixteen total carries compared to his backfield mate Tyjae Spears' 4, but Titans head coach Brian Callahan did say he would like the split to be "more even" after the game. Even if Spears does see a bit more work, the team clearly views Pollard as the superior runner and the guy who will receive most of the 'between the tackles' rushing. The utilization for these two backs is likely going to come down to game script on a week-to-week basis, but the coaching staff definitely trusts Pollard and so should fantasy managers with their RB2/flex spot headed into a matchup with the Jets and their soft-ish run defense.

From RotoBaller