Week 2 Fantasy Football: Winners, Losers, and Injury Impacts

As the NFL’s Week 2 unfolded, fantasy football enthusiasts witnessed a mix of stellar performances and disappointing outings. This week brought standout rookies and established stars alike, while injuries began to reshape the landscape of fantasy rosters. Here’s a detailed look at the notable winners and losers from Week 2, along with the implications of key injuries.

Fantasy Winners of Week 2

Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

Malik Nabers showcased his talent in a high-scoring overtime game against the Dallas Cowboys, scoring a remarkable 37.7 points in PPR leagues. His performance included a spectacular 48-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter, which initially appeared to be the game-winner. Despite the Cowboys tying the game with a late field goal, Nabers’ skills shone through, especially as he made an impressive catch against tight coverage. With his strong showing, he solidified his status as a top fantasy pick this season.

Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jared Goff, Detroit Lions

Contrary to expectations, the Detroit Lions’ offense thrived against the Chicago Bears. Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 344 yards and five touchdowns, amassing 33.96 fantasy points. His favorite target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, caught nine passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns, totaling 39.2 points. With a clean pocket and a lack of pressure from the Bears’ defense, both Goff and St. Brown delivered standout performances, demonstrating the Lions’ offensive capabilities.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite the Cincinnati Bengals’ struggles, Ja’Marr Chase managed to score 36.5 points in PPR formats. His performance came after quarterback Joe Burrow left the game with a toe injury. Chase caught 10 passes for 14 targets, showcasing his ability to remain a focal point even with a backup quarterback. His high usage is encouraging for fantasy managers, especially if Burrow’s injury sidelines him in the coming weeks.

Rome Odunze, WR, Chicago Bears

In a disappointing game for the Bears, Rome Odunze emerged as a bright spot, scoring a career-high 31.8 points. He caught seven passes for 128 yards and two touchdowns, showing he could be a key target in the Bears’ offense. With a total of 20 targets over the first two games, Odunze is becoming a reliable option for fantasy teams.

James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills

James Cook led all running backs in fantasy points during the early games with 26.5 PPR points, scoring two rushing touchdowns. His performance included crucial goal-line carries, indicating his growing role in the Bills’ offense. As the team prepares for a matchup against the Miami Dolphins, Cook’s value continues to rise.

Drake Maye, QB, New England Patriots

Drake Maye displayed impressive dual-threat capabilities, scoring 26.3 points in a win over the Miami Dolphins. Completing 19 of 23 passes for 230 yards and two touchdowns, along with 31 rushing yards and another touchdown, Maye’s performance suggests he could be a viable fantasy starter moving forward.

Puka Nacua, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Puka Nacua continued his strong start to the season with 27.6 PPR points, following up his Week 1 performance with another impressive outing. His 33% target share indicates a growing rapport with quarterback Matthew Stafford, making him a player to watch in the upcoming weeks.

Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys

In a thrilling overtime victory against the Giants, Javonte Williams scored 25.0 points, demonstrating his explosiveness with 130 total yards and a touchdown. His consistent volume in the Cowboys’ offense makes him a must-start in fantasy leagues.

Tucker Kraft, TE, Green Bay Packers

Tucker Kraft caught six passes for 124 yards and a touchdown, scoring 24.4 points in a Thursday night win. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game positions him as a solid TE1 option moving forward.

Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Daniel Jones has started the season strong, scoring over 20 points in both games. His performance against the Denver Broncos, where he scored 22.84 points, shows promise as he heads into a favorable matchup against the Tennessee Titans.

Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 165 yards and caught a touchdown pass, totaling 29.5 PPR points against the Broncos. His performance was crucial in the Colts’ comeback victory, solidifying his status as a top fantasy running back.

Fantasy Losers of Week 2

Mark Andrews, TE, Baltimore Ravens

Mark Andrews struggled again, scoring only 1.4 points on three targets. His slow start raises concerns for fantasy managers, particularly given the Ravens’ run-heavy offense.

Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry had a disappointing outing, managing just 2.3 points as he struggled against the Browns’ defense. His limited production is concerning, but he remains a lower-tier RB1 for the upcoming week.

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

In a blowout win, Josh Allen scored only 11.82 points, missing snaps due to a nose injury. His reduced workload raises questions about his fantasy viability in future matchups.

Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles

Both players had underwhelming performances against the Chiefs, with Hurts scoring just 11.54 points and Brown finishing with 7.7 points. The Eagles need to improve their passing game to maximize their potential.

Brian Thomas, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Despite seeing significant targets, Brian Thomas only managed 8.9 points in Week 2. His inability to convert opportunities into production is a concern moving forward.

Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Chase Brown struggled against the Jaguars, scoring only 8.5 points. With Burrow’s injury, his prospects for the coming weeks look uncertain.

Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets

Breece Hall had a quiet game, rushing for only 29 yards on 10 carries. As the Jets’ offense faltered, Hall’s performance suffered, leading to a disappointing fantasy outing.

Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. scored just 4.7 points, catching two passes for 27 yards. Despite a promising start in Week 1, his limited targets raise concerns about his role in the offense.

Injury Impacts

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow suffered a toe injury in the first half against the Jaguars and did not return. If he is unable to play in Week 3, Jake Browning will take over as the starting quarterback. Browning’s performance in relief showed potential, but his three interceptions are a concern.

Justin Fields, QB, New York Jets

Fields left the game with a concussion and did not return. If he is unable to play in Week 3, Tyrod Taylor will likely step in as the starter, having thrown for a touchdown after Fields’ exit.

Key Facts

– **Winners**: Malik Nabers (NYG), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Rome Odunze (CHI), James Cook (BUF), Drake Maye (NE), Puka Nacua (LAR), Javonte Williams (DAL), Tucker Kraft (GB), Daniel Jones (IND), Jonathan Taylor (IND).
– **Losers**: Mark Andrews (BAL), Derrick Henry (TEN), Josh Allen (BUF), Jalen Hurts (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Brian Thomas (JAC), Chase Brown (CIN), Breece Hall (NYJ), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI).
– **Injuries**: Joe Burrow (CIN) – toe injury; Justin Fields (NYJ) – concussion.

Source: www.espn.com