RealTime DFS Strategy: Week 2
Fri Sep 12 8:22am ET
By MIKE BARNER
Contributing Writer
We have some star-studded matchups coming our way for Week 2. In addition to the Lions hosting the Bears, we’ll get a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs hosting the Eagles. As you prepare your DFS lineups, here are some players to target, as well as a few to potentially avoid.
Quarterbacks
Kyler Murray ARI vs. CAR ($6,400): Murray only threw for 163 yards in Week 1 against the Saints, but he finished with two touchdown passes. He also ran seven times for 38 yards. Up next is a stellar home matchup against the Panthers, who gave up 26 points Sunday after allowing 31.4 points per game last season. When Murray faced them in Week 16 last year, he had 202 passing yards, 63 rushing yards and two total touchdowns.
C.J. Stroud, HOU vs. TB ($5,500): Stroud might not be a popular DFS play after his performance in Week 1. He threw for just 188 yards, did not record a touchdown and posted one interception. His average target depth of 8.0 yards was on par with his average of 8.2 yards from last season, when he was a significant disappointment. However, a matchup against the Buccaneers makes him at least worth considering. They allowed the fourth-most passing yards in Week 1, which comes on the heels of them allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game in the league last season.
Player to Avoid
Patrick Mahomes, KC vs. PHI ($6,200): Mahomes only had an average target depth of 6.3 yards last season. That mark was 6.9 yards against the Chargers last week, which left him to throw for 258 yards and one touchdown. He also chipped in 57 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. The problem is, Rashee Rice is still serving his suspension, and now Xavier Worthy is battling a shoulder injury. Even if Worthy plays this week, he might be limited. A lack of weapons could limit Mahomes’ upside versus the defending champs.
Running Backs
Breece Hall, NYJ vs. BUF ($6,200): Braelon Allen didn’t cut into Allen’s workload in a significant way against the Steelers last week. Hall finished with 19 carries, compared to six for Allen. Hall was also more explosive, averaging 5.6 yards per carry and having a broken tackle rate of 21.1%. The Bills allowed Derrick Henry to rush for 169 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries last week. Hall could approach 20 carries again, leaving him with plenty of upside.
Travis Etienne Jr., JAX at CIN ($5,700): Etienne ran all over the Panthers last week, turning 16 carries into 143 yards. In a vote of confidence for him, the Jaguars then traded Tank Bigsby to the Eagles this week. Behind Etienne on the depth chart now are two rookies who were selected in the fourth and seventh rounds of the 2025 Draft. Volume alone makes Etienne worth considering in DFS.
Player to Avoid
Ashton Jeanty, LV vs. LAC ($7,000): Jeanty immediately took on a leading role, rushing 19 times against the Patriots in Week 1. He did find his way into the end zone, but he ran for a total of only 38 yards. Week 2 brings a difficult matchup against the Chargers, who limited Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt to 41 rushing yards in Week 1. Last year, the Chargers allowed just seven rushing touchdowns. There will be plenty of weeks to feel good about rolling with Jeanty, but this isn’t one of them.
Wide Receivers
Nico Collins, HOU vs. TB ($7,300): With the Texans’ offense playing poorly in Week 1, Collins caught only three passes for 25 yards. The more concerning stat was his five targets. Last season, he averaged 8.3 targets per game. Expect the Texans to look his way more often in this favorable matchup, especially with Christian Kirk (hamstring) in jeopardy of being out again.
Cedric Tillman, CLE at BAL ($4,300): The Browns attempted 45 passes last week. They still have issues at running back, and they could fall into a big hole early against the vastly superior Ravens. That should lead them to throw the ball a lot again Sunday. After posting five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown on eight targets last week, Tillman has the potential to provide significant value in DFS.
Player to Avoid
Mike Evans, TB at HOU ($6,800): There are no shortage of amazing stats for Evans. The most incredible of them all is him posting at least 1,000 receiving yards in all 11 seasons of his career. As good as he has been, this is one of the toughest matchups that he will face all season. Last season, the Texans allowed the sixth-fewest passing yards per game in the league. They have one of the top cornerbacks in the league in Derek Stingley, who should spend a lot of time covering Evans.
Tight Ends
Trey McBride, ARI vs. CAR ($6,000): It’s not difficult to make a case for deploying McBride in DFS on any given week. He was targeted nine times in Week 1, finishing with six receptions for 61 yards. After having a 28.0% target share last season, he had a 31.0% target share last week. A hefty workload against one of the worst defenses in the league could lead to DFS gold for McBride.
Brenton Strange, JAX at CIN ($3,600): The Jaguars used tight end Evan Engram as an important part of their offense during his tenure with the franchise. With him no longer in town, Strange has a chance to step into a fantasy-relevant role. He was targeted four times in Week 1 against the Panthers, catching each of them for a total of 59 yards. What’s really encouraging was his average depth of target of 8.3 yards, which was up from 6.5 last year. If he keeps this up, he likely won’t be available at such a cheap salary for much longer.
Player to Avoid
Mark Andrews, BAL vs. CLE ($4,700): Isaiah Likely (foot) did not play against the Bills, which should have been good news for Andrews. However, he received just one target in the game. Andrews was very touchdown dependent last season, with 11 of his 55 receptions going for scores. The Browns are not a difficult matchup, but if Andrews doesn’t record a touchdown in the matchup, it might be difficult for him to be worth his salary.
Mike Barner has been covering fantasy sports since 2007. His work has appeared in Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, SportsLine and RotoWire. Mike was also a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.
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- Packers WR Jayden Reed breaks collarbone
- RB Austin Ekeler injures Achilles in Commanders' loss
- Packers rule out OL Zach Tom, Aaron Banks; Micah Parsons active vs. Commanders
- Titans right tackle JC Latham (hip) indicates he'll sit out vs. Rams
- Former Jet Xavier Gipson getting fresh start with Giants
- Vikings place LB Blake Cashman, RB/KR Ty Chandler on IR
- Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) back at practice
- NFL reviewing domestic violence allegations against Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
- Week 2 TNF: Commanders-Packers Preview, Props, Prediction
- Bills DT Ed Oliver wears walking boot, does not practice
- NFL not disciplining Ravens' Lamar Jackson for fan interaction
- Week 2 NFL Capsules
- Panthers fire employee for insensitive post about Charlie Kirk
- Bucs WR Chris Godwin (ankle) returns to practice
- 49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) out 2-5 weeks
- Cowboys CB DaRon Bland (foot) could miss weeks
- Russell Wilson on fighting for Giants’ QB job: ‘Embrace challenge’
- Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) misses Wednesday practice
- 49ers QB Brock Purdy 'long shot' for Week 2; Mac Jones could start
- Jaguars' Travis Hunter to play more defensive snaps vs. Bengals
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Week 2 Game Previews and Notes
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Football Start-Sit Week 2: Patrick Queen, Jared Verse, And Other Key Decisions
- Fantasy Six Pack: IDP Rest of Season Rankings
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Start-Sit Week 2: Kenneth Walker, Justin Fields, and More Tough Calls
- Fantasy Life: Tyreek Hill And The Dolphins Bounce Back, And More Week 2 Fantasy Football Predictions
- Fantasy Life: Fantasy Football Injury Report Week 2: Be Prepared If Brock Purdy Sits
- Fantasy Life: Week 2 Smashes and Stashes: Travis Hunter and Rome Odunze Set For Big Weeks
- Fantasy Life: Start 'Em, Sit 'Em For Fantasy Football Week 2: Start Harold Fannin, Sit An Elite RB in Indy?!
The Paur Report
Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was busy on the field during Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. He finished with 26 yards and a touchdown in the season opener, but was able to top that here. Ertz hauled in six of his eight targets for 64 yards and a score in the loss on Thursday. It was his second straight game with a touchdown as he hauled in a 20-yard score in the fourth quarter. The veteran tight end appears to be a safety blanket for Jayden Daniels. That being said, Ertz should be viewed as a high-end TE2 for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (groin) was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Brown exited in the third quarter with a groin injury and was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. He finished with one catch on four targets for nine yards in the loss. It's unclear at the moment if Brown will be ready to go for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The absence of Brown would likely lead to increased roles for Deebo Samuel Sr., Terry McLaurin, and possibly Luke McCaffrey.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was unable to have much success early during Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers. Daniels was held in check for a majority of the first half, but was able to do some damage after halftime. He completed 24-of-42 passing attempts for 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns in the loss. Daniels also added a two-point conversation and rushed seven times for an additional 17 yards in the defeat. It was a nice performance from a fantasy perspective, but the Commanders are hopeful for a better game during next week's matchup versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs continued to have success during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Last week, Jacobs rushed 66 yards with a touchdown in the win over the Detroit Lions. Jacobs continued his success on Thursday with 84 yards on 23 rushing attempts with a touchdown in the victory over the Commanders. He carried the ball into the endzone in the second quarter for his second score of the season and it marked his 10th straight game with a touchdown. Jacobs will remain a RB1 and the workhorse back heading into their Week 3 matchup versus the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs got off to a quick start during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Doubs got the scoring started with a five-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. Sadly, Doubs didn't do much on the field after that. He finished this game by hauling in three of his five targets for 28 yards and one score in the win. It's worth noting that the Packers lost wideout Jayden Reed (shoulder) during this game. His absence would likely open up a bigger role for Doubs going forward. Despite that, Doubs remains in the WR4 range for the Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft posted an excellent performance during Thursday's game against the Washington Commanders. Kraft was quiet with a 16-yard performance in the season opener, but looked unstoppable here. He hauled in six of his seven targets for 124 yards and one touchdown in the win. It was his first career 100-yard game as he also led the team in receptions, receiving yards, and targets. It's worth noting that the departure of Jayden Reed (shoulder) likely contributed to Kraft's increase in usage. The status of Reed for Week 3 should have some impact on Kraft's value for that one. Regardless, Kraft is looking like an appealing option for that Week 3 matchup against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols could be headed for an increased workload after teammate Austin Ekeler suffered a serious Achilles injury on Thursday night. Ekeler suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter and was quickly ruled out, indicating that the severity is serious. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport echoed these concerns postgame, telling the Amazon Prime broadcasters that the Commanders' front office is concerned about Ekeler's status. If the veteran running back misses extended time, McNichols could step into a much larger role. He didn't register an offensive touch Thursday night but should enter Week 3 as the Commanders' No. 2 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With more snaps on the way, McNichols immediately becomes an intriguing waiver wire option in fantasy football.
Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey "really impressed" the coaching staff during his NFL debut last Sunday. During their victory against the Tennessee Titans, the second-round pick was deployed as the clear No. 2 option to veteran J.K. Dobbins, but was still effective when given the ball. On six attempts, the UCF product tallied 70 yards. In the air, Harvey caught his lone target for -1 yards. During this contest, Dobbins was given the lion's share in the Denver backfield as he took the ball 16 times for 63 yards and a score. While Harvey should continue to see his role grow as the season progresses, the workload may remain similar during their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, Dobbins projects to be a low-end RB2 while Harvey carries flex appeal.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Washington running back Austin Ekeler injured his Achilles in Thursday Night's Game against the Packers. Dynasty Analysis: Ekeler went down with a non-contact injury as he tried to change directions on the field. While nothing is confirmed, this has the looks of a torn Achilles. If that's the case, it would be a tough one to come back from as a 30-year old running back. We'll await official confirmation but it really looks like Ekeler may be lost for the season, leaving this backfield to Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez, barring more moves by the Commanders. Stay tuned.
Washington Commanders LB Bobby Wagner led the team with 11 tackles (three solo) in a Week 2 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.
From TheHuddle
A lack of injury updates on Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is creating a sense of concern and uncertainty for fantasy managers. The Texans have provided very few updates on Mixon since placing him on the non-football injury list, and general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on the running back playing this season. That was two weeks ago, though, and a lack of chatter about the veteran ball-carrier puts managers in a difficult position. Roster spots are precious, so managers only want to stash Mixon if they think he's going to return later this year. Even in leagues with IR spots, there's no point in holding Mixon if the Texans don't expect him back. However, with the team declining to provide an update, managers have no choice but to keep him on the back end of their rosters. In the meantime, Nick Chubb will remain the team's primary running back with Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks also getting involved.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could handle a larger workload after the team lost Austin Ekeler to a suspected torn Achilles on Thursday. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch through the first two weeks of the season, but he'll likely be active going forward as the Commanders' No. 3 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Although he'll likely be third on the depth chart, Rodriguez could still carve out a significant, fantasy-relevant workload. Backfield roles in Washington have been quite fluid to start the year. For example, Croskey-Merritt went from 10 touches in Week 1 to just four in Week 2. The door is wide open for any of the three running backs to establish themselves in a higher-volume role, so don't close the book on Rodriguez just yet. He's an intriguing waiver wire option ahead of Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz had six receptions (on eight targets) for 64 yards and a touchdown during the team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.
Fantasy Spin: With the Commanders offense stuck in neutral for much of Thursday night, Ertz was the one player that made things happen before the Packers dropped into a soft shell late that allowed Washington to move the ball a bit. He made a nice move in the open field for a 20-yard touchdown -- the team's longest play of the night -- that cut the lead to 7, but that was as close as they'd get. Even at 34, Ertz continues to contribute, scoring touchdowns in each of the team's first two games. The veteran is still playable as a low-end TE1.
From TheHuddle
Updating an earlier report, Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon during the team's Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. He will undergo imaging to confirm the injury on Friday, Sept. 12. Prior to departing, Ekeler carried the ball eight times for 17 yards to go along with two receptions for seven yards.
Fantasy Spin: Unfortunately, this was expected after seeing the way Ekeler went down and his inability to put any weight on his leg coming off the field. Barring something unforeseen, Ekeler's 2025 season is over, which should increase Jacory Croskey-Merritt's usage as the lead back and move Jeremy McNichols into the No. 2 role. Croskey-Merritt is likely owned is most leagues, but if not, you'll want to add him immediately. McNichols becomes a priority addition as well as he should become an RB4/RB5 type in taking over for Ekeler.
From TheHuddle
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) fractured his collarbone during Thursday's win over the Washington Commanders, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He will be placed on injured reserve but is expected to return later this season. This is a crushing blow for the Packers, as Reed had been their best receiver so far this year. While it seems like his absence would benefit rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden the most, the Texas product finished Week 2 with just zero catches on two targets. Instead, the biggest beneficiary could be Dontayvion Wicks, who had six targets, four catches, and 44 receiving yards. Romeo Doubs, who scored a touchdown Thursday, should also see an uptick in volume. Of course, Jordan Love's favorite target going forward could end up being tight end Tucker Kraft, who has impressed with eight catches, 140 yards, and two touchdowns through two games this season.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders fear that running back Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles during Thursday's loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will undergo an MRI. Ekeler suffered the injury on a non-contact play late in the fourth quarter. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran running back will be shut down for the remainder of his age-30 season. Such an outcome would shake up the depth chart in Washington, D.C. Jacory Croskey-Merritt would remain the lead back while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. handle larger roles behind him.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers after suffering an Achilles injury.
Fantasy Spin: Ekeler appeared to suffer an Achilles tendon tear, and if that injury is confirmed, he will miss the remainder of the season. If Ekeler is out, Jacory Croskey-Merritt will likely become the lead back in Washington and a potential RB2 for fantasy owners.
From TheHuddle
Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in the fourth quarter of the Thursday Night Football Game between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers, and had to be carried off the field. Due to the non-contact nature of the injury, and the fact that he immediately grabbed at his lower leg area, there is speculation that he may have suffered a torn Achilles. He has officially been ruled out for the game, and we would expect him to miss significant time if not the remainder of the season. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt should be elevated even further into a featured role, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. likely being involved as well. Look for further news updates as we hear more confirmation about the severity of Ekeler's injury after further medical testing.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers after suffering a groin injury.
Fantasy Spin: Brown had ccumulated seven targets on the year before exiting, and if he misses time moving forward, most of his looks will likely be divided between Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz.
From TheHuddle
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's contest against the Washington Commanders. Reed suffered this injury in the opening quarter after making a catch along the sidelines. While Reed was able to find the back of the end zone on this play, the reception was reversed due to a holding penalty. In Week 1, Reed caught three of his five targets for 45 yards and a score. Leading up to the start of the regular season, Reed was recovering from a Jones fracture and now may have another significant injury. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status leading up to Week 3. Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Matthew Golden are expected to lead the WR room for the remainder of Thursday's game.
From RotoBaller
