Studs and Duds: Week 18

Mon Jan 9 10:17am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Williams scores two more times


This last week showed why you should end your fantasy seasons in Week 17. This last week was a bit of a mess. Some players were benched after just a few series and some didn’t play at all. And many of the big performers were guys that weren’t on any radars. It was a really tough week to figure out for fantasy owners. 

Chiefs 31, Raiders 13

Fantasy Stud: Hunter Renfrow. Renfrow had a disappointing fantasy season after his breakout year, but at least finished on a high note. He had seven receptions for 63 yards and a touchdown. His reception total tied a season high and his yards was a season high. He scored 19.3 fantasy points, giving him double-digit fantasy points two of his last three games.

Fantasy Dud: Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes played fine but three rushing touchdowns really limited his fantasy numbers. He was not much of a help to fantasy teams, going 18-of-26 for 202 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Mahomes had his lowest fantasy total of the season, scoring just 17 fantasy points. He had 20-plus fantasy points all but a game before this one.

Game Notes: Jarrett Stidham had another decent start for the Raiders. He was 22-of-36 for 219 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also led the team in rushing, running seven times for 50 yards. 

Kadarius Toney found the end zone. He ran three times for 26 yards and a score. He also caught two passes for 18 yards. 

Jaguars 20, Titans 16

Fantasy Stud: Christian Kirk. Kirk had a huge game, helping the Jaguars clinch their playoff spot. He had six receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. Kirk topped 20 fantasy points for the first time since Week 10. It was the fourth time he went over 20 points for the season, though. He had a big first year in Jacksonville, finishing with over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns.

Fantasy Dud: Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence did not have much of a showing for fantasy teams in Week 18. He was 20-of-32 for 212 yards and a touchdown with a lost fumble, scoring just 13.6 fantasy points. He missed on a few throws that likely would have led to scores. He still had a great year overall and seems destined for stardom after his strong second season in the NFL. 

Game Notes: Joshua Dobbs played pretty well once again but a couple turnovers did him in during the game. He was 20-of-29 for 179 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also lost a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown. 

Derrick Henry got a huge workload, rushing 30 times for 109 yards. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry but topped 100 yards because of the volume. Henry had four straight 100-yard games to end his season. 

Panthers 10, Saints 7

Fantasy Stud: Chris Olave. The offenses were awful in this one, but Olave was a bright spot. He had five receptions for 60 yards and a touchdown. Olave scored 16 fantasy points in the game, his highest total since Week 11. Olave had a fine rookie season despite getting erratic quarterback play. He topped 1,000 yards for the season. 

Fantasy Dud: Sam Darnold. The Panthers might have won, but Darnold had an awful game. He was 5-of-15 for 43 yards with two interceptions. He played pretty well since taking over as starter, but his finish didn’t help matters for his value going forward. This was a brutal showing for Darnold. 

Game Notes: Alvin Kamara hit the 100-yard rushing mark, running 23 times for 107 yards. He also caught a pass for three yards. This was just his second 100-yard game of the season. 

Falcons 30, Bucs 17

Fantasy Stud: Drake London. London finished his rookie season on a high note. He had six receptions for 120 yards. This was his first 100-yard game of his career. He had at least 13 fantasy points four of his last five games. London is a fantasy player on the rise, especially if the Falcons can figure out their quarterback situation this offseason. 

Fantasy Dud: Mike Evans. Evans was active but didn’t get a catch and missed about the entire game because he was sick. It was a risk to play him to begin with, but Chris Godwin was active and had six catches for 55 yards. Evans had a good finish to this season, but fantasy owners weren’t happy with him this last week.

Game Notes: Desmond Ridder had his best showing as a pro. He was 19-of-30 for 224 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. 

Tyler Allgeier had 24 carries for 135 yards. Allgeier had a great finish to his rookie year, getting 15-fantasy points four straight. 

Vikings 29, Bears 13

Fantasy Stud: Alexander Mattison. Mattison got to carry the load with Dalvin Cook getting banged up. He took advantage, rushing 10 times for 54 yards and two touchdowns. Mattison has shown he can carry the load when give the chance and could be looking for a starting job somewhere next season. 

Fantasy Dud: David Montgomery. Montgomery played but didn’t do much. He seven carries for just 21 yards and didn’t catch a pass. He took a backseat toe Khalil Herbert much of the game. Montgomery had a solid season, but his status with the team is a little up in the air going forward. 

Game Notes: K.J. Osborn had his second 100-yard game of the season. He had five receptions for 117 yards. He has at least 14 fantasy points four of his last five games.

Cole Kmet scored a touchdown for the second straight game. He had four receptions for 57 yards and a  score. 

Dolphins 11, Jets 6

Fantasy Stud: Garrett Wilson. Wilson was about the only offense in this game. He had a great game, carrying the offense for the Jets. He has eight receptions for 102 yards. This was his fourth 100-yard game. He finishes his rookie year with more than 1,100 yards. He has a really bright future. 

Fantasy Dud: Zonovan Knight. Knight carried the most work at running back but didn’t do anything. He has 12 carries for just 22 yards. He also didn’t catch a pass in the game. Knight showed well with his chances this year, but is likely playing for a top backup role next year for the Jets. 

Game Notes: Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert split the work at running back again and produced well. Wilson had 16 carries for 72 yards while Mostert had 11 carries for 71 yards. 

Tyreek Hill was banged up in the game, hurting his ankle. He had just two catches for 23 yards. He was in and out of the game. 

Steelers 28, Browns 14

Fantasy Stud: Nick Chubb. Chubb continued his fine season with another good game. He had 12 carries for 77 yards. He also caught five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. Chubb topped 20 fantasy points in the game for the sixth time this year. He had more than 1,500-rushing yards in the game. 

Fantasy Dud: Diontae Johnson. Johnson had two receptions for just 38 yards. He failed to score a touchdown, meaning he was shutout of the end zone the entire season. Johnson got his catches, but couldn’t find the end zone and his yardage totals were just so so.

Game Notes: Najee Harris scored his 10th touchdown of the season. He had 23 carries for 84 yards and a score. He had double-digit fantasy points all but three games. 

Bills 35, Patriots 23

Fantasy Stud: Nyheim Hines. It was pretty unbelievable but Hines returned to kicks for touchdowns, including the opening kick of the game. This put the Bills home crowd in a frenzy and was a fitting start to the game after the Damar Hamlin tragedy. The Bills defense/special teams scored 19 fantasy points in the game because of the big showing from Hines. 

Fantasy Dud: Devin Singletary. Singletary had seven carries for just 29 yards. And he caught just a pass for three yards. He also lost a fumble, finishing with just 3.2 fantasy points. Singletary had another up and down season as the Bills starter, finishing with just more than 800-rushing yards. 

Game Notes: Josh Allen had another three-touchdown game, going 19-of-31 for 254 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. He scored 25-plus fantasy points for the third straight game.

Stefon Diggs enjoyed his seventh 100-yard game of the season. He had seven receptions for 104 yards and a touchdown. 

Texans 32, Colts 31

Fantasy Stud: Zack Moss. Moss continued his strong showing as the starting back for the Colts. He had 18 carries for 114 yards and a touchdown. He also had three catches for seven yards. Moss topped 20 fantasy points, giving him double-digit fantasy points for the first time all year. He did have 70-plus rushing yards three of his last four games. 

Fantasy Dud: Chris Moore. Moore was starting to emerge late in the year, but was quiet in this favorable matchup. He had two receptions for just 22 yards. Moore finishes the season with fewer than 30 yards three straight games. He got quiet in a hurry after looking like a big help to fantasy teams.

Game Notes: Jordan Akins was a big bright spot for the Texans, catching four passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. He also converted a two-point try to win the game for the Texans. 

Brandin Cooks had his first 100-yard game of the season. He has five receptions for 106 yards and a touchdown, topping 20 fantasy points for the first time this year. 

Bengals 27, Ravens 16

Fantasy Stud: Ja’Marr Chase. Chase had eight receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown. Chase scored 22.6 fantasy points. Chase had a big second season, topping 1,000 yards while scoring nine times despite missing four games because of injury. He can challenge for top fantasy receiver in the game next year. 

Fantasy Dud: Joe Burrow. Burrow played the whole game but was held in check pretty well. He was 25-of-42 for 215 yards and a touchdown. He also lost a fumble. Burrow failed to hit 15 fantasy points in the game, which was his lowest total of the entire season. 

Game Notes: Isaiah Likely had his first 100-yard game as a pro. He had eight receptions for 103 yards, taking advantage of starting with Mark Andrews a healthy scratch. 

Gus Edwards was hurt early in the game and unable to return. Kenyan Drake ended up carrying the load most of the game and had 16 carries for 60 yards and a touchdown. 

49ers 38, Cardinals 13

Fantasy Stud: Brock Purdy. Purdy just keeps getting it done for the 49ers. He was 15-of-20 for 178 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover. Purdy has multiple touchdowns six straight games. He is just a great fit for the offense, having 20-plus fantasy points two straight and three of five games.

Fantasy Dud: Greg Dortch. Dortch had been on a pretty good run lately, so he got some play this week. He had just four catches for 40 yards, though, with the entire Cardinals passing game struggling. He had 21 largest his last two games before getting just four in this one. Dortch could be a big part of the offense going forward, though, after his strong showing down the stretch. 

Game Notes: Elijah Mitchell returned this week and ran five times for 55 yards and two touchdowns. He looked good in his first game back from a knee injury. 

In what might have been his last game of his career, A.J. Green had a strong showing. He had three receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. 

Eagles 22, Giants 16

Fantasy Stud: Davis Webb. There was not much good offense in this game, but Webb produced decent numbers for fantasy teams. He had two scores and didn’t turn the ball over. He was 23-of-40 for 168 yards and a touchdown. He also ran six times for 41 yards and a score. Webb scored 22.5 fantasy points in his first NFL start. 

Fantasy Dud: Jalen Hurts. Hurts returned from his shoulder injury and played the entire game. He played alright, but didn’t help fantasy owners at all. He failed to score a touchdown. He was 20-of-35 for 229 yards with an interception. He also ran nine times for 13 yards. The best news was he made it out of the game healthy and will be ready to go for the playoffs.

Game Notes: Kenny Golladay finally did something for the Giants in his last game of the year and likely last as a Giant. He had two receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown on seven targets. This was his first score of the season. 

Commanders 26, Cowboys 6

Fantasy Stud: Sam Howell. Howell had a solid game in his first NFL start. He topped 20 fantasy points in the game, doing a lot better than a lot quarterbacks from around the NFL in Week 18. He was 11-of-19 for 169 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He also ran five times for 35 yards and a score. Howell could make a case to be the starter in Washington next season. He showed some promise. 

Fantasy Dud: Tony Pollard. Pollard had a dreadful game. He ran seven times for 19 yards and led the team in rushing. He also didn’t catch a pass. Pollard didn’t even hit two fantasy points, breaking a streak of at least 14 fantasy points four straight games. His point total was his second lowest of the season. 

Game Notes: Dak Prescott had an awful game, going 14-of-37 for 128 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He scored just 11 fantasy points. 

Terry McLaurin had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown. He had another fine season despite quarterback issues. He was able to top 1,100-receiving yards. 

Broncos 31, Chargers 28

Fantasy Stud: Russell Wilson. Wilson played a good game, going 13-of-24 for 283 yards and three touchdowns with an interception. This gives him two straight games with 26-plus fantasy points. Maybe a new coaching staff will get Wilson’s career going in the right direction again. He showed much better late in the year. 

Fantasy Dud: Austin Ekeler. Ekeler played most of the game but couldn’t get it going. He had 11 carries for 34 yards and four catches for 36 yards. His 10 fantasy points was a season low. It broke a streak of four straight games finding the end zone. 

Game Notes: Mike Williams appeared to injure his back in the game and had to be carted back to the locker room. He had four receptions for 32 yards before the injury. 

Jerry Jeudy had a huge game, catching five passes for 154 yards. His receiving yards was a season high. He has 100-yard games two of his last three. 

Seahawks 19, Rams 16

Fantasy Stud: Tyler Lockett. Lockett was one of the few offensive stars in this one. He had five receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown. He went over 1,000 yards for the season in the game and scored his ninth touchdown. Lockett was much more consistent this year, having double-digit fantasy points all but three games. 

Fantasy Dud: DK Metcalf. Metcalf had just three catches for 40 yards. Jalen Ramsey did a good job of slowing down Metcalf in this one. Metcalf had his usual big season, but did have fewer than eight fantasy points two straight to end his year. 

Game Notes: Cam Akers hit the 100-yard rushing mark for the third straight game. He had 21 carries for 104 yards and three receptions for 24 yards. He had quite the finish to his season, topping double-digit fantasy options six straight games. 

Kenneth Walker topped 100-rushing yards for the third straight game. He ran 29 times for 114 yards and caught a pass for 10 yards. He went over 1,000-rushing yards for the year in the game. 

Lions 20, Packers 16

Fantasy Stud: Jamaal Williams. Williams scored two more touchdowns, adding to his already big total. He ran 16 times for 72 yards and two touchdowns. Williams finishes the season with 17 touchdowns and also topped 1,000-rushing yards for the year. He had his best season as a pro and probably earned a big contract from some team this offseason. 

Fantasy Dud: Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers didn't come up big for his team in a must-win game. He was 17-of-27 for 205 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Rodgers scored just 14.3 fantasy points. He had more than 20 fantasy points just two times all season. It was a really disappointing season for Rodgers. Will he continue to play going forward? That will be the big question this offseason. 

Game Notes: Christian Watson had his third 100-yard game of the season. He had five receptions for 104 yards. He has 100-yard games three of eight. 

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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Isaiah Likely Sep 18 1:00pm CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) is on the practice field for the team's first practice of the week on Thursday, according to Bo Smolka of Press Box. Likely will probably be listed as limited, but it's a good sign that he's making progress after being limited last Friday. The 25-year-old is probably facing an uphill battle to be active on Monday night in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, but he's getting closer to making his 2025 debut. If you're not stoked on your TE options in fantasy, Likely is worth a pickup now if he's available in your league's waiver wire. Fellow tight end Mark Andrews has been uncharacteristically quiet in two games with Likely sidelined, catching only two of his four targets for seven yards, with the Ravens scoring over 40 points in both of their games. With Andrews struggling, Likely could certainly take over TE1 duties in Baltimore once he's back to full strength.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Sep 18 12:40pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said on Wednesday that he needs to get wide receiver Stefon Diggs the ball more, while also acknowledging that he needs to "focus on finding open receivers," according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. "I haven't heard Stefon (Diggs) say one thing about 'I need the ball more.' That is not something that I've ever heard," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 season, Diggs' 89 receiving yards rank him third on the team, although he's first in targets (12) and first in catches (10). The 31-year-old veteran is being involved, but it sounds like Maye is looking for more. It's what Diggs' fantasy managers want to hear, and he could be due for a big game in Week 3 against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has looked long in the tooth.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 18 12:30pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) is practicing on Thursday after he picked up a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's James Boyd. It's unclear if Downs was limited or a full-go, but the fact that he's back on the practice field gives fantasy managers hope that he'll be able to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The 24-year-old caught just two of three targets for 12 yards in the season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins, but he bounced back with six catches for 51 yards on eight targets in the Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos. If he's active, Downs will be an intriguing WR4/flex play in fantasy again this weekend against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR points to the position through the first two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 12:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is missing a second straight practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night and is trending toward missing the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old has a shot to return to practice on Friday, but the Commanders are expected to err on the side of caution with the second-year signal-caller. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota is preparing to start this weekend, and it was telling that Washington had him available to speak to the media on Wednesday, and not Daniels. Fantasy managers should be preparing as if Daniels will not be available for Week 3. Don't be so sure that he'll make it back for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, either.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Sep 18 12:20pm CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (toe) is returning to practice on Thursday after he was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Warren could wind up as a limited participant on Thursday, but the important thing is that he's back on the practice field, giving him a chance to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. In the one-point win over the Denver Broncos in Week 2, the 23-year-old played a healthy 93 percent of the offensive snaps and caught four of his seven targets for 79 yards. Through his first two NFL games, Warren has 11 receptions for 155 yards on 16 targets. The Colts have made it no secret that he's a big part of their game plan, making him a top-five fantasy TE if he's active this weekend against the 0-2 Titans.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 18 12:10pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said the challenge for rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be "playing without the ball." "Every time he's touched it, good things happen," but Kingsbury stressed that pass protection or just running his routes properly is a "big deal." However, the OC said he's "impressed by his work ethic." Washington's top pass-catching back, veteran Austin Ekeler, is out for the year after tearing his Achilles in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Croskey-Merritt has averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry on his 14 rushing attempts in his first two NFL games, but he's failed to reel in his two pass-game targets, and it sounds like he has work to do before being trusted in obvious passing situations going forward. Chris Rodriguez Jr. will have a role with Ekeler out, but it might be Jeremy McNichols who gets the first shot in passing situations, starting in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 18 11:40am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) is scheduled to have surgery on Friday if the swelling in his injured toe goes down, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow will have a procedure to fix his Grade 3 turf-toe injury, according to sources. The surgery may be pushed back a few days. Once he goes under the knife, he'll be facing a three-month recovery. The Bengals are keeping the door open for the 28-year-old signal-caller to return this season, but if Burrow does make it back, it won't be until at least mid-December, leaving a small window for him to contribute for fantasy managers who make a run into the playoffs. In the meantime, backup Jake Browning will lead Cincy's talented offense. Browning has the skills to be a serviceable QB streamer in fantasy with one of the best 1-2 punches at the receiver position in the league, but he's also no Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 18 11:30am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Mac Jones' performance in the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints "doesn't really affect" whether Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) will play in Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Basically, when the Niners feel comfortable enough putting Purdy back out there, he'll be out there. Jones went 26-for-39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 26-21 win over New Orleans, but make no mistake, there is no QB controversy in the Bay Area. Purdy is the starter once he recovers from turf-toe and shoulder injuries. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and has a chance to serve as Jones' backup this Sunday against Arizona. Jones will start at least one more game this weekend, where he'll be in play as a low-end QB in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Sep 18 11:20am CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is expected to practice on Thursday, despite not being available for the portion of practice open to the media. The Ohio State alum was tagged with a DNP to start the week of preparation, but it's good news that he'll be out there in some fashion the next day. Egbuka has paced all Buccaneers wideouts in snaps thus far, including running mate Mike Evans, who he outsnapped 74-63 in their Week 2 win. It's unclear when exactly the rookie sustained his injuries, but as of now, they don't seem to threaten his status for the team's home meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday. That said, fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the capacity in which he practices on Friday. He'll be a low-end WR2 with upside if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 11:20am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is "preparing mentally" on Thursday ahead of the Week 3 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. "Marcus is taking the reps and Jayden is preparing mentally," Kingsbury said. When asked for a specific update on the health of Daniels, Kingsbury didn't have one, but he did say the team has full confidence in backup Marcus Mariota. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and will not practice before Friday, at the earliest. While Washington hasn't ruled Daniels out this weekend, all signs point to them erring on the side of caution and holding him out. Fantasy managers should have already picked up a backup QB this week if Daniels was the only signal-caller on your roster going into the week.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 18 11:10am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is making good progress after returning to practice last week, but those who ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think a return in Week 3 against the New York Jets "might be ambiguous." Godwin returning next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, "feels like a real possibility." The 29-year-old suffered an ugly, season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year and returned to the practice field for the first time last Thursday. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season, so Godwin can return at any time once he's cleared. Fantasy managers stashing him in an IR spot have to be pleased by his progress, but make sure to temper expectations once he returns, especially since rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka should remain a bit part of the team's passing attack all year.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Sep 18 11:00am CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand notes that the team's offensive game plan won't change "much at all," with quarterback Tyrod Taylor manning the helm. "It's very comforting as a coach," Engstrand said, regarding having a backup of the veteran's caliber. The journeyman signal-caller looked decent last weekend while working in teammate Justin Fields' (concussion) stead, and there's an argument to be made that New York's receiving options get a bump with him in the lineup. Particularly, after Fields' dismal outing in Week 2. Fantasy managers can expect a good dose of the ground game in this weekend's road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is, unless opposing QB Baker Mayfield elicits a shootout.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith Sep 18 10:50am CT
Brashard Smith

ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Bond Sep 18 10:50am CT
Isaiah Bond

Despite his lack of involvement early on, ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond has the potential to be a second-half breakout candidate in the 2025 season. Bond got a late start after dealing with sexual assault charges that were eventually dropped, so he's a bit further behind your typical rookie wideout at this point in their career. Any time missed in the early portion of a player's tenure could set them back, but the former Texas Longhorn has seemingly already surpassed second-year receiver Jamari Thrash in the Browns' WR room. Cleveland's dearth of skill players could leave him with a low target floor on a weekly basis, though Bond boasts the most speed of the group. Expect things to be in flux for the Browns at some point, but Bond is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues and is an excellent stash in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Sep 18 10:20am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) saw his snap share increase exponentially in their 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. With Jacksonville flipping former backfield mate Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week, playing time opened up behind starter Travis Etienne Jr., and Tuten made his opportunities count. The 23-year-old was fourth in the pecking order during Week 1, playing behind rookie counterpart LeQuint Allen Jr. In Week 2, however, Tuten outsnapped Allen Jr. 18-11 and out-touched him 10-2. Furthermore, the former looked explosive, displaying power and agility. Etienne Jr. is the back to own currently, but Tuten has made a case to be his handcuff and garner an increased role in the offense. The Jags' ground attack looks excellent right now, so he could be well on his way to making that happen. He'll be one to watch this Sunday in their matchup with Houston.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 10:00am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is trending toward the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 3. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay, and while the team hasn't ruled him out, the signs aren't encouraging. Backup Marcus Mariota handled Wednesday's press conference duties, which is a signal that the coaching staff may be preparing him to start. The Commanders are mindful of history, especially after the Robert Griffin III saga, where rushing a young ascending QB back from a knee injury ended poorly. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels is not expected to practice until Friday, as he continues to rehab his knee. With a long season ahead and a winnable matchup against the Raiders, the team has every reason to play it safe. At this point, Daniels looks more likely to sit than to suit up in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 18 9:50am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon may not carry much fantasy relevance in 2025. The veteran is coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he finished inside the top 10 in rushing yards per game and ranked as the RB8 in half-PPR formats. But Mixon has yet to play this season due to a foot/ankle injury , and many have speculated whether Mixon will even play this season. In his absence, Nick Chubb has stepped in as the lead back. Chubb has looked revitalized after last year's knee injury, currently ranking 20th in rushing yards and 12th in yards before contact. With Chubb producing, a committee approach likely on the horizon, and Houston's offensive line struggling, Mixon's fantasy outlook looks bleak, even if he does return later in the year.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 18 9:40am CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has quickly lost his fantasy relevance in 2025. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which he posted his best numbers since 2021, Gesicki's role has diminished with the arrival of free-agent addition Noah Fant. The two have been splitting snaps (Gesicki 44%, Fant 37%), while blocking specialist Drew Sample continues to factor into the rotation. With Joe Burrow expected to miss most of the season, the Bengals' passing attack takes a major hit, further sinking Gesicki's outlook. Between the reduced snap share and a backup quarterback in the lineup, Gesicki should be ranked outside the top 30 fantasy tight ends and is safe to drop in most formats.

From RotoBaller

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Sep 18 9:30am CT
KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith saw his role disappear in Week 2. The fifth-round pick flashed throughout training camp and preseason, with fans pushing for him to earn snaps alongside the starters. However, Lambert-Smith made a costly mistake lining up offside, negating a Ladd McConkey first down. After that, he was benched and didn't play another snap for the rest of the game. With the Chargers facing a tough Week 3 matchup against the Broncos' elite secondary, Lambert-Smith's path to meaningful targets remains unclear. For now, he should stay off the fantasy radar until he proves he can carve out a consistent role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Restrepo Sep 18 9:20am CT
Xavier Restrepo

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo could be elevated from the practice squad this week. The undrafted free agent out of Miami has prior chemistry with Titans quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, generating plenty of buzz during training camp. While Restrepo initially landed on the practice squad, an injury to wideout Bryce Oliver (knee) has opened the door for him to see game action against the Indianapolis Colts. If Restrepo can translate his rapport with Ward onto the field, he could work his way into a larger role and become a name to monitor for fantasy managers later in the season.

From RotoBaller