If the initial Sunday Night Football contest held the allure of premier quarterbacks clashing, the subsequent week’s game proved to be more of a letdown. The Falcons triumphed over the Vikings with a score of 22-6, in a match dominated by field goals that struggled to maintain spectator interest. J.J. McCarthy, celebrated as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week, faced challenges in his second professional start. He completed 11 of 21 passes for 158 yards, threw two interceptions, and was sacked six times due to offensive line weaknesses. Minnesota’s offensive plays were lacking, gaining only 78 yards from 19 attempts, culminating in a fumbled punt that sealed their defeat.
The focus of this game was on Bijan Robinson and the Falcons’ rushing strategy. Robinson overwhelmed Minnesota’s defense, accumulating 143 yards on 22 carries, while Tyler Allgeier contributed 74 yards and the sole touchdown of the game from 14 carries. Atlanta collectively rushed for 218 yards on 39 attempts, averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. Robinson’s involvement in the passing game, with three receptions for 25 yards, reinforced his status as a versatile player.
Neither of the newly drafted quarterbacks demonstrated superior performance. McCarthy appeared every bit the novice in his second start. Despite challenges from his offensive line, he missed opportunities and faced constant pressure. While Kevin O’Connell might envision him as a pocket passer, utilizing his mobility could be beneficial, as remaining stationary led to multiple sacks. Michael Penix Jr., though not particularly sharp with 13 completions out of 21 for 135 yards, didn’t need to exert himself extensively due to Atlanta’s effective rushing game.
Drake London spearheaded the Falcons’ receiving efforts with three catches for 49 yards, including a 21-yard gain, while Kyle Pitts secured four receptions for 37 yards. Darnell Mooney added 20 yards from two receptions. This sufficed, as the Falcons’ strong rushing performance mitigated the need for Penix to heavily rely on passing plays. The Vikings, in contrast, resembled a team adjusting to a relatively inexperienced quarterback.
McCarthy possesses potential and Justin Jefferson excels, yet their development will likely take time. Jefferson recorded three catches for 81 yards, but secondary targets such as T.J. Hockenson, Jalen Nailor, and Adam Thielen were subdued.
Essentially, Minnesota has shown promise in only one quarter this season, against a defense that later conceded over 50 points. Their offense is underdeveloped, making it challenging for fantasy enthusiasts relying on players beyond Jefferson.
This contest presented a mix of outcomes for fantasy football enthusiasts. Dak Prescott and Russell Wilson amassed over 800 passing yards combined, exchanging leads until Brandon Aubrey secured the win in overtime. Prescott delivered a solid performance with 361 yards and two touchdowns, while Wilson threw for 450 yards and three touchdowns, ensuring key players were involved.
For Dallas, Javonte Williams met expectations as a top-tier running back for the week, gaining 97 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries, along with six receptions for 33 yards, totaling 22 half-PPR points and ranking him as RB4 for the week. Despite Miles Sanders scoring, Williams remains the primary running back.
CeeDee Lamb performed strongly with nine catches for 112 yards, Jake Ferguson received 12 targets for nine catches and 78 yards, and George Pickens justified expectations. Pickens scored his first Cowboys touchdown, finishing with 68 yards and securing a spot as WR13 in half-PPR scoring, fulfilling expectations.
However, New York provided significant highlights. Malik Nabers excelled with 13 targets, nine receptions, 167 yards, and two touchdowns. After suggesting Nabers could be the WR1 overall, he delivered WR2 numbers with 33.2 half PPR points. Wan’Dale Robinson contributed 142 yards on eight catches, placing two Giants receivers in the top five. Wilson played well until an interception in overtime shifted momentum to Dallas. Rookie Cam Skattebo brought energy and scored his first touchdown, while Jaxson Dart received limited opportunities.
Overall, the game offered high fantasy value with quarterbacks, wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs contributing significantly. Players from this game likely yielded positive results, with Nabers, Pickens, and Williams owners particularly satisfied.
Rome Odunze Demonstrates His Capabilities
Rome Odunze justified his draft position as Chicago’s primary receiver, leading the Bears with 11 targets, seven catches, 128 yards, and two touchdowns in a game where Caleb Williams struggled in the second half, leading to a 52-21 loss to Detroit. Despite strong performances from Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jameson Williams on the Lions, Odunze was Chicago’s main offensive outlet.
Colston Loveland was ineffective, Olamide Zaccheaus provided minimal impact, Cole Kmet was subdued, and DJ Moore gained only 46 yards on five catches. Odunze, as anticipated, is the team’s leading receiver and currently ranks as WR4 for the week with 28.3 half-PPR points. With three touchdowns already, he is expected to be Caleb’s preferred target.
Absence of Burrow Hardly a Setback
Cincinnati’s starting quarterback left the Week 2 game due to a toe injury, raising concerns, but the Bengals managed a 31-27 victory over Jacksonville. Jake Browning threw three interceptions but made crucial plays, including a late quarterback sneak. Ja’Marr Chase stood out, receiving numerous targets, converting 14 catches for 165 yards and a touchdown, positioning him as WR3 for the week with 29.5 half-PPR points. Tee Higgins added a 42-yard touchdown, earning 13 half-PPR points. The interceptions and Burrow’s absence did not significantly affect the offense, which continued to rely on Chase and Higgins.
Should Burrow miss time, continuing to feature Chase as a key player and Higgins in flex roles is advisable.
Quinshon Judkins Shows Promise
A quarterback debate might be brewing in Cleveland, as Joe Flacco struggled, completing 25 of 45 passes for 199 yards with one touchdown and two turnovers, leading to Dillon Gabriel’s appearance late in the game. The offense appeared disjointed, with most production coming from short passes. Jerry Jeudy led in targets but gained only 51 yards, while Jerome Ford tied for the team lead in receptions. Harold Fannin Jr. continued to carve out a role with five catches for 48 yards, and David Njoku added four for 40. Cedric Tillman’s touchdown came from a deflected pass. Overall, there were few encouraging signs.
A positive note was Quinshon Judkins, who led the Browns in rushing with 10 carries for 61 yards, despite expectations of a gradual introduction. He also caught three passes for 10 yards, indicating his role beyond early-down situations. With Flacco’s struggles, Gabriel’s late appearance, and inconsistent touch distribution, the offense seems disorganized.
The primary conclusions are: Judkins should be added to rosters, and Fannin and Njoku will remain involved, but Cleveland’s passing game is still searching for an identity.
Daniel Jones Becomes Essential
Remarkably, Daniel Jones delivered another strong performance for the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts are now 2-0 after an upset win over Denver, decided in the final moments. A missed Colts field goal was negated by a penalty, allowing them to secure the win.
Jones completed 23 of 34 passes for 316 yards, threw a touchdown, added a rushing touchdown, was sacked once, and had no turnovers. Against a strong Broncos defense, he is currently ranked as QB5 for the week.
This consistency makes Jones a must-start player, especially with upcoming games against the Titans, Rams, and Raiders.
Shane Steichen’s offense thrived with Jones at quarterback. Jones frequently targeted rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who led the team with 79 receiving yards, and Jonathan Taylor rushed for 165 yards on 25 carries. However, Jones was central to the victory.
Despite expectations, Jones is not only viable but a top-12 quarterback and a must-start option for upcoming weeks.
Kenneth Walker III Solidifies His Position as Seattle’s RB1
Kenneth Walker III quelled doubts about Seattle’s backfield dominance. As Zach Charbonnet struggled with 15 carries for 10 yards, Walker excelled with 13 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown, averaging over eight yards per carry. He appeared dynamic, reaffirming his status as the Seahawks’ undisputed RB1.
Sam Darnold had a mixed performance with 295 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions, but the offense flowed because Walker maintained their rhythm. Jaxon Smith-Njigba impressed with eight catches for 103 yards, demonstrating his prominence in the passing game. The Steelers, conversely, lacked vitality with a non-existent ground game, an aging Aaron Rodgers, and disjointed drives.
Overall, Seattle dominated, and Walker is a key player.
Mac Jones vs. Spencer Rattler Proved Engaging
Mac Jones and Spencer Rattler both excelled in a surprisingly competitive quarterback matchup. Jones completed 26 of 39 passes for 279 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. Rattler responded with 207 yards on 25 of 34 passing and three touchdowns, also avoiding interceptions. They both rank within the top 10 quarterbacks for Week 2, an unexpected outcome.
Both quarterbacks led their offenses effectively. Jones favored Jauan Jennings, who had 10 targets, 89 yards, and a touchdown, while Christian McCaffrey contributed both rushing and receiving touchdowns.
Rattler spread the ball around, with Juwan Johnson continuing to emerge as a strong tight end, Rashid Shaheed finding the end zone, and Chris Olave leading in targets. Alvin Kamara rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries.
The 49ers won 26-21, but the key takeaway is that Jones might be worth a waiver add if Burrow is unavailable.
