Welcome back to Week 2 of Keeping it Real With Fantasy! We had an eventful opening week as the reigning champions secured their season opening victory, the hometown Giants and Jets both started their seasons off with losses (to no one’s surprise), and we witnessed one of the greatest Monday Night Football games of all time with the Raiders and Ravens going back and forth in overtime. 

News & Injuries

Saquon Barkley – Barkley had limited touches last week after coming off of his 51-week hiatus with his torn ACL. The Giants play the division rival Washington Football team Thursday night, which gives him five days of rest. Barkley is listed as questionable. With the short week, the tweaked leg, and the fact that Washington has one of the strongest defensive lines in the league, we feel as though it’s in your best interest to leave Barkley on your bench until he is truly back to his full form. 

Raheem Moestert – 49ers’ star running back Moestert left in the first half of their week one matchup against the Lions. He left after two carries and did not return to the field. Following his MRI on Monday, the team confirmed he suffered from “chipped cartilage” and won’t see the field for another eight weeks. 

Jerry Jeudy – The Alabama WR was set for a breakout sophomore year under the Broncos new QB Teddy Bridgewater. His plans were quickly derailed as he tweaked his right leg and sprained his right ankle. Jeudy’s only listed to be out for six to eight weeks. However, high ankle sprains have a history of lingering throughout the season. Jeudy might return soon, but he won’t be producing at the same high level we were expecting. 

Starts

Ja’Marr Chase – The LSU connection was shining Southwest Ohio with Chase hauling in big catch after big catch from his former college QB. Joe Burrow found Chase five times for 101 yards and a touchdown. All the worries about Chase dropping passes from preseason have been left in the dust as the rookie wide receiver seems to have no issues playing in the big leagues. 

Cooper Kupp –  We both expected the Rams to click once veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford joined the offense, but what we saw last week completely blew our minds. The Rams have found their groove in their new quarterback and it takes one glance at their passing stats to prove it. Cooper Kupp was the exclamation point on the Rams receiving core as he hauled in seven catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. This Rams game showed us how a competent quarterback can change the entire mantra of a team. Look for Kupp to haul in some major targets from Stafford as the Rams continue to roll. 

Sits

Aaron Rodgers – After week one’s shocking blowout between the Saints and Packers, we started to become skeptical of Rodgers, as this opener was unlike him and the reputation he holds. Throwing for only 133 yards and two interceptions, Rogers isn’t the smartest move for fantasy owners to start the rusty QB as his reliability is at a low and he is going against a win hungry Detroit Lions who nearly made a 28-point comeback in week one against the 49ers. We would hold off for the coming weeks to see if Rodger’s production can get to the star level that we are used to.

Mike Davis – Going against the top defense, who has only let up one rushing touchdown in the past eight regular season games, Davis is a clear fit for us. With an underwhelming performance against the Eagles, tallying 15 carries for 49 yards and three catches for 23 yards, it’s not a good look for him as the Buccaneers frontline is too high powered to compete with. He is a flex option at best this week for PPR leagues.

Corey Davis – Last week, Davis was great against the Panthers with five catches for 97 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets, but we want no part of the Jets offense this week. Bill Belichick is notorious for shutting down rookie quarterbacks, and he should make it tough on Zach Wilson, especially with left tackle Mekhi Becton (knee) out.

Waiver Wires

Jarvis Landry – With Odell Beckham Jr. continuing to struggle with his previous ACL injury, Landry is the new primary target. This is nothing new for him as he used to be the star back in his Miami days. Look for him to haul in a lot of targets and rack up points for fantasy owners that were smart enough to pick him up. 

Jamal Williams – After having a solid season behind Aaron Jones of the Packers, Williams is looking to make a name for himself on the Lions as the new season kicks off. Although D’Andre Swift might see more of the ball by the looks of it, Williams is a threat out of the backfield and can find his way to the starting position if he continues uphill.