• Add Carson Steele: Isiah Pacheco is anticipated to overlook prolonged time. Steele ought to lead the Kansas City Chiefs in speeding going ahead.
• Drop Justice Hill: While Hill is main the Baltimore Ravens backfield in offensive snaps, he’s not touching the ball sufficient to warrant beginning him in most leagues.
• Unlock your edge with a PFF+ subscription: Get full entry to all of our in-season fantasy instruments, together with weekly rankings, WR/CB matchup charts, weekly projections, the Start-Sit Optimizer and extra. Sign up now!
Estimated studying time: 14 minutes
This piece is a fantasy supervisor’s one-stop store for managing their fantasy roster early within the week. For extra gamers so as to add, take a look at the weekly waiver wire, and for extra on this previous week’s video games generally, take a look at the fantasy soccer recap.
5 PLAYERS TO ADD
1. RB Carson Steele, Kansas City Chiefs
Chiefs beginning working again Isiah Pacheco left the stadium after Week 2 on crutches and in a strolling boot.
The Chiefs’ working again rotation was pretty just like Week 1. Pacheco performed the overwhelming majority of early-down snaps, and Samaje Perine performed a lot of the third-down snaps. Rookie Carson Steele was extra concerned in short-yardage and goal-line conditions than in Week 1. Pacheco took each of these snaps final week, however the two break up that work this previous week. Steele was additionally the one different again to take snaps on early downs, whereas Pacheco didn’t deal with any of these snaps.
Pacheco took his final snap on the two-minute mark, whereas Perine performed the sport’s remaining 5 snaps. If Pacheco misses time, Steele ought to be the lead working again on the staff, contemplating Perine performed solely 4 snaps over the primary 58 minutes of the sport. Perine would doubtless take among the early-down work whereas sustaining the passing-down function, however Steele ought to be the waiver-wire goal between the 2. It’s additionally completely potential the Chiefs will search for one other free agent to separate time with Steele.
It’s value noting that Clyde Edwards-Helaire is eligible to return to the staff after Week 4, so Steele may not be the long-term resolution on the place, even when Pacheco’s damage may be very severe and the staff doesn’t add a free agent.
2. RB D’Onta Foreman, Cleveland Browns
Foreman was way more concerned within the Browns’ offense this week in comparison with Week 1.
Jerome Ford was the clear function working again in Week 1, enjoying 57 of a potential 76 offensive snaps. He set profession highs in each complete snaps and share of offensive snaps. This made it appear to be Ford could be a protected participant to start out in fantasy leagues for Week 2.
Instead, this week began as a three-man committee. Foreman performed just one snap within the first recreation however began this recreation with seven snaps on the primary drive. In the primary half, Ford performed 14 of a potential 36 snaps, whereas Foreman performed 12 and Pierre Strong Jr. performed 9.
Strong suffered a hamstring damage early within the second half, which turned Cleveland’s backfield right into a two-man committee. Foreman ended up with twice as many carries as Ford, and he was on the sector for the goal-line snaps. He ended the day with 14 carries for 42 yards and a reception. Foreman is value a waiver-wire pickup, however it will likely be laborious to belief both working again going ahead. Foreman may find yourself being the higher possibility of the 2 if he can convert some goal-line work into touchdowns.
3. WR Demarcus Robinson, Los Angeles Rams
Puka Nacua is on injured reserve and can miss a minimal of three extra video games. He may very well be out just a few weeks longer than that, too. Cooper Kupp suffered an ankle damage in Week 2 and was in a strolling boot after the sport. Due to the accidents, Robinson is now the highest goal in a Rams offense that likes to go the ball.
Robinson has run a team-high 75 routes in 2024, and his 11 targets are probably the most among the many wholesome gamers. His benefit over the opposite receivers is that he’s a deep menace. His 27.5% deep-target share since Week 12 of final season is by far the very best on the staff. Tutu Atwell is the one different participant who’s wholesome and on the roster with a deep goal in that point. Robinson can be a red-zone menace, with a 22.9% goal fee when the Rams have been inside 10 yards of scoring.
Depending on league measurement, it’s additionally advantageous to think about each Tyler Johnson and Jordan Whittington, however Robinson is prone to rating probably the most fantasy factors of the three.
4. TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
The Patriots tight finish caught eight-of-12 passes for 109 yards in Week 2.
Henry has been a fantasy starter on and off all through his profession. His function within the New England offense hasn’t modified, as he constantly performs in two-tight finish units and most single-tight finish units. The indisputable fact that quarterback Jacoby Brissett trusted Henry a lot on this recreation means there’s a likelihood that may proceed.
While Henry will doubtless be the highest waiver-wire goal at tight finish this week, it’s not value spending numerous FAAB to get him. If he follows this up with two or three video games with minimal fantasy manufacturing, it will likely be OK to drop him once more.
It’s value noting different gamers with large numbers this week included Mike Gesicki and Jonnu Smith. Both have been a part of heavy rotations at tight finish. They will be fantasy starters in very particular conditions, however Gesicki will face much more competitors for targets and snaps quickly, and Smith received’t have as a lot worth with out Tua Tagovailoa.
5. QB Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
Carr has scored the second-most fantasy factors amongst quarterbacks this season regardless of having the Twenty ninth-most makes an attempt — the fewest amongst quarterbacks to start out in Weeks 1 and a couple of. His try complete is so low as a result of the Saints have scored too many factors too early, forcing them to run all through the second half of each video games. Carr has averaged a ridiculous 11.4 yards per try whereas scoring 5 touchdowns.
His excessive per-play numbers are sure to regress, however because the effectivity decreases, the quantity of makes an attempt will improve. Carr is on an eight-week stretch the place he’s been a constant fantasy starter. The Saints have a tough stretch of video games within the brief time period, however as soon as we get to November and December, they’ve one of many best schedules. Carr generally is a dominant playoff pressure, similar to he was final season.
5 PLAYERS TO CUT
1. RB Justice Hill, Baltimore Ravens
Hill ran the ball 4 instances for 22 yards and caught two passes for 10 yards. He was outdoors of the top-30 fantasy working backs regardless of enjoying the vast majority of Baltimore’s offensive snaps. His function within the offense is fairly just like final season when it was simply him and Gus Edwards within the backfield. Derrick Henry is the early-down working again this yr.
Hill has completed as a top-24 fantasy working again in three completely different weeks, and people are the three weeks the place he’s scored a landing. Any time that the Ravens are inside six yards of scoring, Henry has been on the sector. Even when Hill scores a protracted landing, we aren’t going to have the ability to predict it forward of time, so there isn’t a state of affairs the place it is sensible to have Hll in your fantasy beginning lineup outdoors of 12-team leagues the place it is advisable begin three working backs.
Even if Henry suffered an damage, the Ravens would doubtless add a free agent earlier than giving Hill the full-time function. Keaton Mitchell can be anticipated again someday this season, which will even lower into Hill’s enjoying time.
2. WR Adonai Mitchell, Indianapolis Colts
While it’s typically too early to surrender on rookies, loads is working in opposition to Mitchell in the meanwhile.
Mitchell began the season in competitors with Alec Pierce for one of many outdoors receiving jobs. This appeared like a job Mitchell might win, however to this point, Pierce is placing up one of the best season of his profession. Pierce is the Cotls’ highest-graded large receiver. Pierce out-snapped Mitchell in 12 personnel seven-to-one in Week 2.
After Josh Downs suffered an damage in coaching camp, Mitchell has primarily been enjoying within the slot in 11 personnel groupings, however he hasn’t saved a stronghold of that job. He performed 31 snaps there in Week 2, however Ashton Dulin has lower into his enjoying time within the slot, taking 17 snaps in 11 personnel. Downs was questionable this previous week however may very well be again within the lineup as early as subsequent week. Downs will doubtless overtake Mitchell within the slot, leaving Mitchell with little to no enjoying time.
It is completely advantageous to attend per week and see if Downs is eased into motion and never surrender on a rookie in any respect at this level, however there are different gamers which might be higher to take a shot on.
3. WR Allen Lazard, New York Jets
Lazard was a preferred waiver-wire goal after Week 1 when he caught six passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. All of his receptions occurred within the final 20 minutes of the sport when the Jets have been down by two scores. He performed each snap, however the Jets have been additionally easing Mike Williams into motion.
In Week 2, Williams was way more concerned. This moved Lazard from primarily enjoying on the surface to the slot. The Jets spent a third-round decide on Malachi Corley, who’s prone to play extra snaps because the season goes on. He will lower into Lazard’s time within the slot.
The Jets have already got Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall as the 2 main targets within the offense, which was going to make it laborious for Lazard to be constant. Chances are Williams will change into the third goal whereas Lazard can be competing for the fourth gig. Lazard’s fundamental alternative for fantasy worth is that if Wilson suffers an damage this season, however if you’d like a large receiver handcuff, there are higher choices on the waiver wire.
4. TE Tyler Conklin, New York Jets
Conklin is among the many top-10 tight ends in routes run, however he’s solely caught two-of-three targets for 16 yards. His 5.4% goal fee is the bottom amongst tight ends with a minimum of 25 routes this season. That fee is sure to extend, nevertheless it’s unlikely it should attain a degree the place he’s a fantasy starter. Conklin hasn’t performed properly sufficient in his profession to complete among the many high 12 in targets. Nathaniel Hackett and Aaron Rodgers’ offenses don’t have a historical past of prioritizing a decent finish, outdoors of Jermichael Finley 12 years in the past. While most gamers listed are put right here for taking part in time causes, Conklin seemingly doesn’t have a path to the Jets prioritizing him sufficient for him to be a fantasy starter.
5. TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Through two weeks, Foster Moreau has been the Saints’ main tight finish, enjoying 98 of a potential 125 offensive snaps. Johnson has been the first tight finish on third downs with 15-of-23 snaps. In extra aggressive video games, Johnson will doubtless play extra snaps and Moreau much less, however it should nonetheless be an excessive amount of of a timeshare to belief Johnson in beginning lineups.
He was already a participant enjoying 75% of New Orleans’ offensive snaps, at greatest, and was very depending on scoring touchdowns. When the Saints have been inside 5 yards of scoring this season, Foster Moreau has performed all six snaps, whereas Johnson solely performed two snaps. Better days are forward for Johnson than his zero goal recreation in Week 2, nevertheless it received’t be ok for him to be in fantasy beginning lineups.
5 PLAYERS TO BUY LOW
1. RB Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals
Based on his low utilization, Chase Brown will be dropped in some fantasy leagues.
The Bengals’ backfield break up was considerably just like final season. The lead working again performed in short-yardage and goal-line conditions along with roughly 75% of the early-down snaps. Brown performed within the different 25% of snaps and never a lot else. The solely distinction is Joe Mixon was the lead again final yr and didn’t play a lot on third downs, whereas the Bengals appear to belief Moss extra on third downs.
That didn’t result in a lot fantasy manufacturing this week. Moss ran 12 instances for 34 yards whereas Brown ran 4 instances for 31 yards. The Bengals have struggled to start out most seasons, so chances are high the offense will flip issues round. If that occurs, that can be enormous for Moss’ fantasy worth, making him a buy-low possibility.
2. WR Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Chase has caught 10 passes for 97 yards and a landing over the primary two weeks, which isn’t as dangerous as some large receivers, however he actually hasn’t lived as much as the hype of being a top-five decide. Loads has labored in opposition to him that ought to change.
Similar to Moss, we’re assuming the Bengals offense begins enjoying higher prefer it does yearly. The Bengals haven’t had Tee Higgins, which has left Chase double-covered on the highest fee of all large receivers by a large margin. Once Higgins is again, defenses received’t be capable to double Chase.
Once Higgins is again, that also needs to enable Chase to see extra time from the slot. Heading into the season, that was a large cause to be optimistic about Chase. Through two video games, Chase has 2.48 yards per route run from the slot in comparison with Trenton Irwin‘s 0.22, the Bengals presently lead slot receiver. Chase has 0.89 yards per route run when lined up out large this season. If Jermaine Burton earns extra enjoying time, Chase will play much more within the slot.
Chase remains to be the identical participant we thought he was, however the circumstances have left him not producing a lot. Those circumstances ought to be altering sooner relatively than later.
3. WR Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
Olave was a top-20 fantasy large receiver with the potential to complete within the high 10 this yr. He’s presently sitting at WR48 with six receptions for 92 yards and a landing. The fundamental downside is the Saints haven’t wanted him.
Olave has an 83.4 receiving grade this season that ranks sixth-best amongst large receivers. His 2.36 yards per route run is a step up from final season. The downside is that his 39 route runs are tied for 76th most on the place. The Saints have solely run 43 go performs, so it’s not like they’re rotating Olave out an excessive amount of. They have simply been too dominant and haven’t wanted to go.
In Week 1, the Saints have been up 30-0 at halftime and in Week 2, they have been up 35-13. The Saints is perhaps loads higher than everybody anticipated, however they aren’t going to be up by three or extra scores at halftime every week. They might want to go extra, during which Olave can be much more concerned within the offense. He stays the clear high large receiver on the staff. Better days for Olave’s fantasy worth are forward.
4. WR George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers
Pickens formally caught two passes for 29 yards in Week 2, however he had a 51-yard catch referred to as again because of offensive holding on a lineman and a six-yard landing nullified by Van Jefferson‘s offensive go interference. The Steelers additionally gained 37 yards on defensive go interference on one in all his targets. His stat line might have been a lot completely different if just a few issues out of his management modified.
The different excellent news for Pickens is Justin Fields has performed a lot better as a passer than his days with the Chicago Bears. His 79.0 passing grade by means of two weeks is the fourth-best amongst quarterbacks. Pickens ought to stay his favourite goal. Similar to the opposite large receivers on the checklist, brighter days are forward.
5. WR Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers made a change at quarterback from Bryce Young to Andy Dalton. This is probably going a long-term change after Young had the worst two-week begin by a passer within the final decade by PFF grade. This ought to typically assist everybody within the Panthers’ offense going ahead.
Thielen is particularly talked about right here as a result of final season, Thielen’s greatest recreation got here when Dalton began. He caught 11 passes for 145 yards and a landing. While it’s possible Diontae Johnson will finally change into Dalton’s favourite goal, Dalton in all probability hasn’t had numerous apply time with Johnson like he has most different gamers within the Panthers’ offense. Thielen may very well be the highest large receiver on this offense within the brief time period.
5 PLAYERS TO SELL HIGH
1. RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Taylor was a function again in Week 1 however not on this recreation.
Taylor performed in 43 of a potential 45 snaps in Week 1, together with all seven snaps throughout two-minute drills and all however one on third downs. This week, the story was completely different. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson break up 18 snaps within the two-minute drill and performed the vast majority of the third-down snaps. It is value noting these two-minute drill snaps occurred in the previous few minutes of the sport when the Colts have been down, so issues could have been completely different if the two-minute drill snaps occurred within the first half, or if the Colts weren’t down by two scores for many of it.
This is nice information for Taylor’s capacity to remain wholesome this season however dangerous information for Taylor’s fantasy ceiling and skill to catch passes. After working 12 instances for 103 yards and catching two passes for 32 yards, it may very well be a time to promote excessive.
2. RB Devin Singletary, New York Giants
The Giants’ lead working again helped his fantasy managers, however a regarding pattern has emerged.
The Giants working again performed a barely greater share of snaps this week than final. He and Malik Nabers have been the Giants’ solely supply of offense. The solely concern is Tyrone Tracy has taken 5 of the Giants’ six snaps once they’ve been inside six yards of scoring. Those 5 snaps by Tracy have spanned three completely different drives over the 2 video games. Tracy is 4 inches taller and a much bigger again, so, understandably, Tracy is the participant New York needs on the sector when it’s near scoring.
Singletary’s landing this week was from the seven-yard line. He hasn’t been a lot of an element within the passing recreation, and Singletary’s touchdowns can be laborious to return by. This means his fantasy worth will come nearly completely off of speeding yards. While he generally is a fantasy starter in the proper matchup, it may very well be good to commerce him now as a result of he’s coming off recreation.
3. RB Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
In Week 1, it was slightly stunning how way more Pollard performed than Tyjae Spears, as Pollard performed 39 snaps to Spears’ 29. Pollard had 19 touches to Spears’ eight in that recreation.
In the primary half of Week 2, Spears ended up outsnapping Pollard 20-15. Pollard ran seven instances to Spears’ six, so all the pieces was nearer than Week 1. Pollard performed the primary few snaps within the second half, whereas Spears solely performed two snaps within the half earlier than struggling his ankle damage. Julius Chestnut took one snap within the quarter. Pollard took the remainder of the work within the second half, together with all 19 snaps within the fourth quarter.
Spears damage just isn’t thought-about main. Chances are the remainder of the season will look just like the primary half of Week 2, the place Spears finally ends up with extra snaps however Pollard sees barely extra touches. Pollard is presently RB11 on the season, however that may drop so long as Spears is taking near 50 p.c of the offensive snaps.
4. WR Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
Ridley scored the seventh-most fantasy factors by a large receiver this week due to a landing on the bottom and one other within the air.
The downside is that Will Levis hasn’t regarded nice this season with a 42.1 passing grade. Ridley has been Levis’ favourite goal, however his 20% goal fee is the bottom it’s been since 2019. DeAndre Hopkins performed within the first two weeks however solely ran 29 routes in comparison with Ridley’s 70. Hopkins will doubtless run extra routes and obtain extra targets going ahead, which is able to lower into Ridley’s goal share.
When that occurs, it will likely be laborious to belief Ridley in fantasy beginning lineups until the offense begins enjoying loads higher. Rather than banking on the Titans’ enchancment, it may very well be good to see what he can get in a commerce.
5. TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Freiermuth caught 4 passes for 39 yards however performed his lowest share of snaps in practically a yr.
The Steelers had 4 tight ends concerned on offense. Freiermuth performed 27-of-36 snaps in 11 personnel, together with 19 of the 22 go performs. This places him in one of the best state of affairs among the many tight ends.
The downside is he didn’t take a single snap out of 12 personnel. In Week 1 and the preseason, he was the third possibility in 12 personnel. This week, Connor Heyward performed forward of Freiermuth in 12 personnel. The Steelers solely ran 9 snaps out of 13 personnel and two snaps out of 14 personnel, which was lower than final week. This meant Freiermuth wasn’t on the sector as typically.
Whenever the Steelers are inside 5 yards of scoring, they’ve both used 12 or 14 personnel. Last season, Arthur Smith’s Falcons solely ran two out of 36 snaps inside 5 yards out of 11 personnel. This means most of the time, when the Steelers are near scoring, Freiermuth received’t be on the sector. That’s why Darnell Washington scored a landing as an alternative of Freiermuth.
Freiermuth can nonetheless be rostered in some leagues, however his ceiling is decrease than a number of different tight ends, given his lack of 12 personnel utilization.
