Fantasy playbook: NFL Week 2 scores, projections, matchups

Welcome to The Playbook for Week 2, which kicks off Thursday with the Commanders on the Packers.

This column options rating projections, over/unders, win possibilities, and, after all, simply digestible fantasy recommendation for seasonlong leagues and DFS. This information ought to assist you with all kinds of decision-making, together with sit/begin choices, last-minute waiver provides and lineup selections.

Moreover, we've got folded the Shadow Studies, beforehand a separate column, into the game-by-game breakdowns beneath. Utilizing our play-by-play knowledge, we're in a position to establish defensive schemes and the place every extensive receiver and cornerback strains up on every play. By monitoring these WR/CB matchups, together with potential shadow conditions, we will supply the very best projections, rankings, sit/begin recommendation and waiver wire strategies every week.

All of this recommendation is centered on 12-team PPR leagues with comparatively commonplace scoring and lineup settings (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 flex, 1 Ok, 1 D/ST), though I will typically point out “shallow” or “deep” leagues for some starters. The charts present all gamers who've been projected for at the very least 6.0 fantasy factors this week, in addition to all D/STs. “Matchup” is robotically decided utilizing a proprietary metric that components in uncooked and volume-adjusted fantasy factors allowed to every place by the opposing protection this season.

(Editor's notice: Projections and rankings will align nearly completely, however generally when a projection is shut, a participant is likely to be ranked barely greater or decrease due to different components, together with upside or threat. This column is topic to updates in the course of the weekend, though on the very minimal, rankings will probably be up to date on the positioning and projections will at all times be up to date inside the sport main as much as kickoff.)

WAS-GB | CLE-BAL | JAX-CIN | NYG-DAL | CHI-DET | NE-MIA | SF-NO | BUF-NYJ
SEA-PIT | LAR-TEN | CAR-ARI | DEN-IND | PHI-KC | ATL-MIN | TB-HOU | LAC-LV

Projected rating: Packers 26, Commanders 25

Lineup locks: Jayden Daniels, Josh Jacobs, Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel

Fantasy scoop: The Packers' comfy Week 1 victory saved their cross performs to a minimal (26 dropbacks), however we did get a have a look at the crew's new-look WR room. Romeo Doubs (16 routes, 4 targets), Matthew Golden (13 routes, two targets), Dontayvion Wicks (9 routes, two targets), Jayden Reed (12 routes, 5 targets), Malik Heath (three routes, zero targets) and Savion Williams (one route, one goal) have been all concerned. This deployment paints the image of a large receiver-by-committee method, but it surely's very doable Golden was restricted a bit in his professional debut. The primary-round rookie's position figures to extend because the season progresses, and the targets will comply with in additional aggressive, pass-friendly video games. Within the meantime, Golden, Reed and Doubs are not more than fringe flex choices.

Over/underneath: 51 (highest)
Win Chance: Packers 57% (thirteenth highest)

Projected rating: Bengals 28, Jaguars 22

Lineup locks: Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja'Marr Chase, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Tee Higgins

Fantasy scoop: The Jaguars' RB image is a bit clearer after the crew traded Tank Bigsby to the Eagles on Monday. Week 1 noticed Jacksonville deploy 4 backs, with Travis Etienne (16 carries and three targets on 39 snaps) the clear chief and Bigsby (5 carries on 12 snaps), LeQuint Allen (one carry and one goal on 9 snaps) and Bhayshul Tuten (three carries on 4 snaps) additionally concerned. With Bigsby gone, the crew will lean on the opposite three, with Etienne the clear high choice … for now. Allen will probably be a think about passing conditions (he ran solely 4 fewer routes than Etienne) and Tuten is positioned for extra change-of-pace carries. Etienne confirmed effectively in opposition to a shaky Carolina protection within the opener and is a viable flex choice this week. However ought to Etienne's effectivity dip, Tuten will probably be a candidate for a bigger position. The rookie stays a nice end-of-bench stash.

Fantasy scoop: Hunter was quiet in his NFL debut (33 yards), however there's excellent news: The No. 2 decide was on the sphere for 30 of the crew's 33 cross performs and led Jacksonville in targets (six) and catches (six). Hunter, who was restricted to 6 snaps on protection, is unlikely to keep up a 28% goal share, however even when he is nearer to twenty% to 25%, he is a very good wager for constant WR2-3 manufacturing. He must be locked into lineups this week in opposition to a shaky Bengals protection.

Over/underneath: 49.2 (fourth highest)
Win likelihood: Bengals 71% (third highest)

Projected rating: Cowboys 24, Giants 21

Lineup locks: CeeDee Lamb, Malik Nabers

Fantasy scoop: Javonte Williams was Dallas' clear characteristic again in Week 1, enjoying 80% of the offensive snaps and totaling 15 carries and three targets. Williams was not overly efficient (3.6 yards per carry, 3.3 yards per goal) however bailed out those that began him in fantasy with a pair of brief landing runs. Williams' heavy utilization is sufficient to place him as a fringe RB2 this week in opposition to a New York protection that gave up 164 yards to Washington's RBs in Week 1. But when Williams' effectivity would not enhance, it is seemingly that Miles Sanders (50 yards on 5 touches in Week 1) and rookie Jaydon Blue (inactive) will chip away at his workload.

Shadow Report: Count on Trevon Diggs to shadow Nabers in Week 2. Diggs was restricted in his return in Week 1, however when he was on the sphere, he shadowed A.J. Brown on six of 9 protection snaps. Moreover, Dallas selected to shadow Nabers in each 2024 matchups, with Diggs touring with him in Week 4 and DaRon Bland following him in Week 13 (Diggs was out). Nabers was productive in each video games, totaling 23.1 fantasy factors and 14.9 factors, respectively. He can, after all, be began with confidence, and Darius Slayton must be thought of a Week 2 sleeper in opposition to Kaiir Elam.

Over/underneath: 44.7 (twelfth highest)
Win likelihood: Cowboys 62% (eleventh highest)

Projected rating: Lions 27, Bears 22

Lineup locks: Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Sam LaPorta

Fantasy scoop: Week 1 gave us our first have a look at Ben Johnson's model of the Chicago offense, and, at the very least within the brief time period, it was excellent news for Odunze and dangerous information for Colston Loveland. Odunze paced the Bears' extensive receiver room in snaps (59), routes (34) and targets (9). Lots of the appears got here within the brief space (7.6 aDOT) and restricted him to 37 yards, however the second-year-receiver did discover the tip zone, and his 26% goal share is definitely sustainable shifting ahead. Odunze must be in lineups as a WR3 this week. Loveland, then again, was out-snapped 57-35 and out-targeted 4-2 by Cole Kmet. The rookie was on the sphere for less than 22 of the crew's 43 cross performs (in comparison with 37 for Kmet), which is not sufficient to offer TE1 fantasy numbers. Loveland must be stashed on benches till his enjoying time will increase.

Over/underneath: 48.1 (fifth highest)
Win likelihood: Lions 68% (seventh highest)

Projected rating: Rams 26, Titans 20

Lineup locks: Kyren Williams, Tony Pollard, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Calvin Ridley

Fantasy scoop: Pollard was a transparent characteristic again in Week 1, which was hardly a shock with working mate Tyjae Spears (IR) sidelined. Pollard performed a large 89% of the crew's 55 offensive snaps. He dealt with 18 of the crew's 20 RB carries and, although he was focused solely as soon as, was on the sphere for 31 of 34 cross performs. With Julius Chestnut (six snaps final week) and Kalel Mullings (zero) his solely competitors for work, Pollard is a powerful wager to push for 20 touches once more this week. He ought to in lineups as a stable, low-ceiling RB2.

Over/underneath: 45.6 (eighth highest)
Win likelihood: Rams 71% (fourth highest)

Projected rating: Patriots 23, Dolphins 23

Lineup locks: De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill

Fantasy scoop: The Patriots' working again deployment was a bit totally different than anticipated in Week 1, with Rhamondre Stevenson main in snaps (45), routes (21) and carries (seven), in comparison with TreVeyon Henderson's 23 snaps, 17 routes and 5 carries. Although he ran fewer routes, Henderson held an edge in targets (six to 4) and was considerably extra productive (51 yards on 11 touches, in comparison with 27 yards on 9 touches for Stevenson). It is seemingly that Henderson's position will enhance in time, however the restricted utilization as a rusher is sufficient to knock him right down to the RB2/flex fringe. Stevenson, in the meantime, is a low-ceiling flex choice.

Over/underneath: 46.1 (sixth highest)
Win likelihood: Patriots 50% (sixteenth highest)

Projected rating: 49ers 25, Saints 19

Lineup locks: Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Ricky Pearsall

Fantasy scoop: George Kittle (hamstring, IR) is sidelined for at the very least 4 weeks, which opens the door for Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell to deal with tight ends duties for the 49ers. As soon as Kittle departed Sunday's sport, Tonges ran 15 routes, in comparison with 12 for Farrell. Tonges caught a landing cross and the duo mixed for 19 yards on 4 targets. Neither is a advisable fantasy begin in opposition to the Saints, however the goal shares of Pearsall (a lineup lock following a powerful Week 1) and Jauan Jennings stand to learn. After all, with Brock Purdy sidelined, each have added threat. Pearsall is greatest valued as a WR3 and Jennings (if he is in a position to play) a flex.

Fantasy scoop: The Saints tried to be fantasy pleasant in Week 1, force-feeding passes to Chris Olave (13 targets), Juwan Johnson (11) and Rashid Shaheed (9). The dangerous information is that these 33 targets resulted in a complete of 163 yards and 0 touchdowns on 21 receptions. Johnson has been increase/bust all through his time in New Orleans, although he now has 12-plus fantasy factors in three straight video games and 5 of his previous eight courting to final season. He is a very good TE2 and a reputation to observe. Olave and Shaheed are on the flex radar however will probably be laborious to belief with maybe the league's shakiest quarterback (Spencer Rattler) underneath middle.

Over/underneath: 44.4 (thirteenth highest)
Win likelihood: 49ers 69% (sixth highest)

Projected rating: Payments 28, Jets 22

Lineup locks: Josh Allen, Justin Fields, James Cook dinner, Breece Corridor, Garrett Wilson

Shadow Report: For the primary time in his professional profession, Sauce Gardner shadowed on a full-time foundation in Week 1. New York's high nook traveled with DK Metcalf on 29 of his 32 routes (29 of 29 perimeter) and helped restrict him to 12.3 fantasy factors. This week, there is a affordable probability that Gardner will journey with Keon Coleman, who established himself as Allen's high perimeter goal within the opener. Gardner's robust exhibiting in Week 1 suggests we must always anticipate a regression for Coleman. He is greatest valued as a WR3/flex.

Shadow Report: Wilson can anticipate shadow protection from Christian Benford this week. Buffalo selected to shadow the Jets' high goal in each 2024 video games, placing Benford on him in Week 6 and, with Benford dealing with Davante Adams, placing Rasul Douglas on him in Week 17. Wilson delivered an 8-107-1 receiving line on 10 targets within the first sport and 7-66-1 on eight targets within the latter. Wilson clearly fared effectively, and, particularly after Buffalo struggled to cease Baltimore's receivers within the opener, his Week 2 outlook seems promising.

Over/underneath: 49.5 (third highest)
Win likelihood: Payments 73% (second highest)

Projected rating: Steelers 22, Seahawks 18

Lineup locks: Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Fantasy scoop: Those that drafted Kenneth Walker III had their worst fears realized in Week 1 because it was Zach Charbonnet who led the Seattle backfield. Whereas Walker was restricted to 10 carries and three targets on 20 snaps, Charbonnet soaked up 12 carries on 29 snaps (he wasn't focused, however ran another route than Walker). It is doable Walker (who began) will reclaim lead again duties, however that is removed from a assure, particularly after he was held to 24 yards on 13 touches, in comparison with Charbonnet's 47 yards and one TD on 12 touches. Each backs will probably be laborious to belief this week and make for fringe flex performs in opposition to a Steelers protection that's anticipated to be one of many league's greatest regardless of a gradual begin.

Shadow Report: Riq Woolen shadowed Ricky Pearsall within the opener, and we will anticipate him to comply with ex-teammate Metcalf in Week 2. Pearsall had little bother in opposition to Woolen (he produced 108 yards on six targets), so Metcalf could be began with confidence.

Over/underneath: 39.7 (sixteenth highest)
Win likelihood: Steelers 66% (eighth highest)

Projected rating: Ravens 29, Browns 16

Lineup locks: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Jerry Jeudy, Zay Flowers, David Njoku

Fantasy scoop: One of many huge surprises of Week 1 was the Browns' working again deployment. Jerome Ford paced the backfield in snaps (37) however barely touched the ball (six carries, one goal). Fourth-round rookie Dylan Sampson, in the meantime, soaked up 12 carries and eight targets on 32 snaps. Bizarrely, Ford was out-targeted 8-1 regardless of working as the popular passing down again (24-16 edge in routes). Sampson's fast emergence is sufficient to squash Ford's sliver of fantasy enchantment, however the place this will get difficult is that if Quinshon Judkins returns this week. If the second-round rookie performs (and even when he is restricted to some extent), this backfield will probably be greatest prevented. But when he stays out, Sampson will probably be a viable flex choice. As soon as Judkins is up to the mark, he is prone to work because the clear lead rusher, particularly after Browns RBs totaled 40 yards on 21 carries within the opener.

Over/underneath: 45.2 (eleventh highest)
Win likelihood: Ravens 89% (highest)

Projected rating: Broncos 21, Colts 21

Lineup locks: Jonathan Taylor, Courtland Sutton, Tyler Warren

Fantasy scoop: The Broncos' Week 1 RB utilization was as follows: J.Ok. Dobbins dealt with 16 carries and two targets on 37 snaps, in comparison with six carries and one goal on 22 snaps for RJ Harvey and 0 carries and 6 targets on 12 snaps for Tyler Badie. Harvey really led the unit in yards (69), however Dobbins' large edge in touches (18, in comparison with a mixed 9 for Harvey and Badie) offers the veteran the sting in fantasy in the meanwhile. Dobbins, who scored within the opener, is a deep league flex choice, whereas Harvey must be stashed on benches till he sees an expanded position. Badie is a candidate for much less work shifting ahead after catching two of six targets for 16 yards.

Shadow Report: Fearful about Pat Surtain II shadowing Michael Pittman Jr. this week? It is doable, particularly after he locked down Calvin Ridley in Week 1. However remember the fact that Surtain didn't comply with Pittman in two earlier conferences with the Colts (together with Week 15 final season). There's nonetheless some threat of a shadow right here, particularly after Pittman performed effectively in Week 1, but it surely's removed from a positive factor, so Pittman stays on the flex radar. Denver gave up the second-fewest fantasy factors to WRs in Week 1.

Over/underneath: 41.6 (fifteenth highest)
Win likelihood: Broncos 51% (fifteenth highest)

Projected rating: Cardinals 25, Panthers 20

Lineup locks: Kyler Murray, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard, Tetairoa McMillan, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride

Fantasy scoop: A minimum of from a utilization standpoint, McMillan's NFL debut was about pretty much as good as you may hope for. The primary-round rookie performed 82% of the offensive snaps and paced the crew in targets (9), air yards (118) and receiving yards (68). Carolina's offensive struggles may restrict McMillan's TD output, but it surely's very doable he'll maintain a goal share within the vary of what he noticed within the opener (27%) all through the season. McMillan's stable begin is sufficient to make him a lineup lock WR3 in opposition to Arizona.

Over/underneath: 45.5 (ninth highest)
Win likelihood: Cardinals 69% (fifth highest)

Projected rating: Eagles 25, Chiefs 25

Lineup locks: Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Hollywood Brown, DeVonta Smith, Travis Kelce

Fantasy scoop: With Rashee Rice and Jalen Royals sidelined, and Xavier Worthy injured on his first cross route of the season, Kansas Metropolis's high receivers in Week 1 have been Brown (54 snaps, 16 targets), JuJu Smith-Schuster (46 snaps, 5 targets) and Tyquan Thornton (42 snaps, 4 targets). Worthy is predicted to be sidelined for a couple of weeks and Rice cannot return from suspension till Week 7, which units up Brown because the crew's high wideout. Although he will not maintain a 42% goal share, Brown has a historical past of heavy utilization and WR2/3 manufacturing, so he must be in lineups in opposition to the Eagles. Smith-Schuster and Thornton are sneaky flex choices in deeper leagues, however contemplating the depth of the place, you may definitely goal greater.

Shadow Report: Trent McDuffie figures to shadow Brown this week. That was how he was deployed when these groups confronted off within the Tremendous Bowl, with Brown delivering a 3-43-1 receiving line on 5 targets. McDuffie is a stable nook, so Brown's bust fee is greater than standard, however he, after all, ought to stay in lineups.

Over/underneath: 49.9 (second highest)
Win likelihood: Eagles 53% (14th highest)

Projected rating: Vikings 24, Falcons 20

Lineup locks: Bijan Robinson, Justin Jefferson, Drake London, T.J. Hockenson

Fantasy scoop: The Vikings' Week 1 RB utilization break up between Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones was as follows: Mason held the sting in snaps (28-23) and carries (15-8), however Jones led in routes (10-4) and targets (3-1). The deployment was about as anticipated, although Mason's sizable edge in carries is nice information for his shot at weekly flex manufacturing (however minimal receiving work will stay a detriment to his ceiling). Jones caught a landing cross on a well-thrown wheel route, which bailed him out of an in any other case underwhelming day. Each backs are on the flex radar in opposition to Atlanta, with Jones' receiving position supplying him with a tiny edge.

Shadow Report: Count on A.J. Terrell to shadow Jefferson this week. Atlanta's high nook traveled with Mike Evans in Week 1 and shadowed typically all through final season, which included a Week 14 sport in opposition to Minnesota. That week, Terrell aligned in opposition to Jefferson on 18 of his 32 routes (17 of 24 on the perimeter). Jefferson had no bother, posting a 7-132-2 receiving line on seven targets. Most of that injury did come away from Terrell protection, however high receivers merely have not had a lot bother in opposition to Atlanta in recent times. Expectations for Jefferson can stay excessive.

Over/underneath: 44.3 (14th highest)
Win likelihood: Vikings 65% (ninth highest)

Projected rating: Buccaneers 24, Texans 22

Lineup locks: Bucky Irving, Nico Collins, Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka

Fantasy scoop: Houston utilized 4 tailbacks in Week 1. Nick Chubb was the lead (13 carries and one goal on 28 snaps), but in addition concerned have been Dare Ogunbowale (two carries and two targets on 15 snaps), Woody Marks (three carries and 0 targets on seven snaps) and Dameon Pierce (three carries and one goal on seven snaps). Chubb ran the ball effectively (4.6 YPC) however stays a nonfactor within the passing sport, which makes him an unappealing flex choice. If Chubb have been to take a seat out time, a three-headed committee most likely could be in place, with none of Ogunbowale, Pierce or Marks a viable flex. It is a scenario to keep away from fully, at the very least till Joe Mixon (hopefully) returns later this season.

Shadow Report: Evans can anticipate the shadow therapy from Derek Stingley Jr. this week. Houston's standout nook traveled with Davante Adams in Week 1 and held him to 7.2 fantasy factors. Moreover, he shadowed on 5 events in 2024 and held that group to 13.8 fantasy factors per sport. Evans was held to eight.3 factors whereas coping with A.J. Terrell's shadow protection in Week 1, so it is truthful to decrease expectations a bit in opposition to Stingley this week.

Over/underneath: 46.1 (seventh highest)
Win likelihood: Buccaneers 58% (twelfth highest)

Projected rating: Chargers 25, Raiders 20

Lineup locks: Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Jakobi Meyers, Ladd McConkey, Brock Bowers

Fantasy scoop: Hampton's NFL debut wasn't tremendous spectacular within the boxscore (61 yards), however the excellent news is that his total utilization gives a ton of causes for optimism. The rookie out-snapped Najee Harris 50-11 and out-carried him 15-1. Hampton was restricted to 2 targets however ran 18 routes to Harris' 5. It is doable (maybe seemingly) that Harris will get extra work shifting ahead, however even when Hampton's snap share drops a bit from what he noticed in Week 1 (81%), he'll nonetheless be effectively positioned to offer weekly RB1/2 numbers. Lock Hampton into your lineup in opposition to the Raiders, whereas Harris must be on both waivers or the tip of your bench.

Shadow Report: Chargers extensive receivers have been wonderful in Week 1, with McConkey, Keenan Allen and Quentin Johnston every delivering at the very least 5 receptions, 68 yards and 13.4 fantasy factors. The trio is in a terrific spot this week, because it's set to face off with Raiders corners Eric Stokes, Kyu Blu Kelly and Darnay Holmes. The Raiders surrendered the sixth-most fantasy factors to receivers in Week 1 regardless of going through a Patriots WR room that hardly included Stefon Diggs (12 routes). Improve Los Angeles' receivers.

Over/underneath: 45.3 (tenth highest)
Win likelihood: Chargers 65% (tenth highest)