Week 2's fantasy playbook
Week 2's fantasy playbook
Your guide to avoiding misery on Sunday.
Hello friends of 5th Down,
Thanks again for being a loyal reader and patreon!
I apologize that this is coming to you on Saturday rather than Friday. I’m currently on a plane from London to New York with a sick toddler and a very patient wife. It’s the first time I’m bringing my son back to the States to see his grandma and other American family members since he was 3 months old and Covid wasn’t yet in our vocabulary. I’m excited, but it was a hellish week preparing for this while doing my day job + the two weeks of extra work in advance so I could actually take the two weeks off … I’m sure many of you can relate! Or maybe I’m not making any sense. I’m tired.
Anyway, I hope you find this run-down of fantasy analysis useful. I’m excited to share the best of what my team has worked on this week, along with my own takes on what you should know heading into Sunday.
A reminder that you can access our complete and just-updated, player rankings via the password provided.
Thank again for reading,
Justin Sablich, Managing Editor, 5th Down Fantasy
Some Week 2 news you can us
There appears to be a very real chance that Alvin Kamara sits out Sunday’s game. In such a scenario, Mark Ingram (ankle) would draw the start and carry RB3 value.
George Kittle practiced on Friday and reportedly looked well, suggesting that the odds are favorable for his return to the field on Sunday.
Despite logging full practices all week, J.K. Dobbins is listed as questionable for Week 2. If Dobbins plays, he is an instant plug-and-play RB2 option against the Dolphins due to Baltimore’s commitment to the run.
Chris Godwin is officially out versus the Saints. His absence bumps up Mike Evans who is a dominant force in the red zone, but it also gives Julio Jones more room to make an impact.
Justin Herbert suffered a fracture to his rib cartilage on Thursday night versus the Chiefs. Fortunately, the Chargers don’t play for another 10 days, giving Herbert plenty of time to heal.
View the latest fantasy football player news on 5th Down.
Player rankings update
Our Week 2 fantasy football rankings for PPR, Half-PPR, and Standard scoring formats will update frequently up until kickoff on Sunday. Click here, and then enter the password: Week2&$%%($^gr
Things are looking good for…
Saquon Barkley’s performance last week was not a fluke. The past two years were. Remember, he was injured for a majority of them. Now he gets to take on a Panthers defense that just allowed 217 yards and two scores on the ground last week.
Expect the Rams to beat up on last year’s 27th-ranked rushing defense, and as they do, they will turn to Darrell Henderson, the back who was on the field for 82% of snaps and did not earn the ire of Sean McVay.
Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton split targets last week, and the Texans’ secondary was just exploited by Michael Pittman. There are fantasy points to be had, so both Denver receivers should be safe bets.
These guys, not so much…
With how shaky his offensive line is, how Chris Godwin is out, and Mike Evans and Julio Jones are nursing injuries, and the fact the Saints would love nothing more than to shut him out, maybe stay away from Tom Brady this weekend.
Pat Freiermuth had 10 targets last game, but he’s going from last year’s 26th-ranked fantasy defense against TEs to last year’s 2nd-ranked … the matchup between Pittsburgh and New England will probably be low scoring.
Nothing inspires the gag reflex as much as a Texans’ split backfield (Dameon Pierce and Rex Burkhead). Especially one traveling to Denver to take on a good defense that desperately needs a win to stay in the AFC West hunt.
More Week 2 start/sit advice from 5th Down’s Matt New.
Also See: Week 2 streaming quarterback and D/ST options
Wanna bet?
Above are two lineups I’m going with for the Sunday slate of DraftKings this week, the left being for cash games, and the right for tournaments. Here’s why I’m going with certain plays, based on advice from 5th Down’s DFS guru Ryan Pickard.
Derek Carr QB, LV $6,200 — A home game with an O/U of 51.5 and a plethora of weapons in a position for payout. The Cardinals were lit up at home last week, and there should be no reason Derek Carr won’t repeat the onslaught.
Allen Robinson WR, LAR $5,500 — He didn’t bring the week one stats that most fans expected. However, the attractive price tag is what to look at. HC McVay was vocal about getting him more involved. Another game with high totals and playing at home, and a strong pivot play from the hordes of people selecting Cooper Kupp this weekend.
Mark Andrews TE, BAL $6,800 — Picking the #1 TE doesn’t seem like a hot take. However, consistency is critical, and that’s what we will get. He’s Lamar’s most trusted receiver and is at home in a game with a -3.5 spread.
More picks from 5th Down’s Ryan Pickard.
Vegas line game picks
Our very own Fantasy Abacus likes the Giants to win and cover at home against the Panthers, the Colts winning big in Jacksonville, and the Falcons covering but losing in their visit LA. Read more.