2 years agoMiami Marlins infielder Joey Wendle (core) is not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Philadelphia Phillies in the series finale. Wendle is dealing with a minor right core issue and is expected to return to the lineup at some point this weekend. He last played on Monday. With Wendle still sideline, rookie Jordan Groshans is making his third start at the keystone on Thursday and will hit eighth in the batting order against Phillies right-hander Noah Syndergaard. Groshans will be making only his third major-league start after recently being called up from the minors. So far, he's gone 3-for-6 with three singles. The 22-year-old has become a hit-over-power prospect, but he's worth adding in deeper leagues if he continues to play regularly to close out the 2022 season.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola

2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (hand) is not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Miami Marlins. Hoskins was forced from Wednesday's game early after being hit by a pitch in the hand, but thankfully X-rays came back negative and he's just dealing with a contusion. There's a chance that the 29-year-old slugger could be right back in the lineup on Friday for the start of a big series against the Atlanta Braves. With Hoskins on the bench Thursday, Alec Bohm will move across the diamond to first base and hit fifth, while Edmundo Sosa is manning the hot corner and batting ninth in the order against Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoDallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz remains a strong fantasy TE option despite the current (and likely continued) struggles of the Dallas offense. Schultz finished Week 1 as the overall TE6, catching seven passes for 62 scoreless yards. With the Cowboys passing game about to run through Cooper Rush for at least a few weeks, Schultz could be the only Cowboy to be a top-12 option at his position. He remains a high-floor, medium-ceiling TE1.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver Noah Brown is not a great fantasy option in a Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Brown ended up leading the Cowboys in receiving yards in Week 1, but it was a lot of garbage time heaves by Cooper Rush that made Brown fantasy relevant. While garbage time and heaves by Rush are likely again in Week 2, Brown is sure to take a back seat to CeeDee Lamb, who will be looking to make up for an awful performance against the Bucs. Brown is a non-zero floor play at best, but most leagues will have better options on the waiver wire.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb will look for a bounce-back performance in a Week 2 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamb had a brutal opening game, drawing 11 targets but only catching two passes for a total of 29 scoreless yards. He'll continue to operate as the team's WR1, but with quarterback Cooper Rush throwing balls his way for at least the next couple of weeks, Lamb's ceiling has all but evaporated. He should still improve on his Week 1 box score and could be a decent floor WR2, but his days of surefire WR1 status are gone, at least until Dak Prescott (thumb) returns.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoDallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard could put up a better performance than his backfield mate Ezekiel Elliott in a Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Cooper Rush getting the start under center, it's not a stretch to assume the Cowboys offense won't be able to get too much done in the passing game. Pollard could serve as a safety valve for Rush and there are several scenarios where he ends up as the most targeted Cowboy in Week 2. There's a lot of variation in his potential performance, making him no more than an RB3, but with definitely high-end RB2 upside.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoDallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott had a decent game in Week 1 but could see his numbers dip in Week 2. Playing without Dak Prescott has always made "Zeke" slump a bit, and that could be true again as Cooper Rush will get the start under center. The Cowboys could lean on Elliott a little more since their passing game might struggle to get going, but with a struggling offensive line and little reason for the Bengals defense not to stack the box against the run, Elliott is shaping up as an RB3 with a decent floor but not a ton of upside.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoNew York Giants running back Saquon Barkley is set to square off against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. The superstar running back showcased his talents with 164 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, while also adding 30 receiving yards on six receptions in New York's Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The former first-round pick was the highest-scoring running back in fantasy football in Week 1 and he's proving that he's back to being an RB1 in 2022. The Panthers just allowed a combined 187 rushing yards to Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in Week 1, so Barkley is firmly positioned for another RB1 performance in Week 2.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoNew York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein is not a recommended fantasy option in Week 2 lineups. Zuerlein missed two of his four kicks in Week 1, and playing on a team unlikely to score in bunches, Zuerlein needs to be perfect to just stay in the periphery of fantasy relevance. Most leagues will have several safer and higher upside kickers on their waiver wire, Zuerlein is best left on there.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoNew York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin is an underrated TE2 option in a Week 2 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. He was targeted seven times in Week 1 and made four catches including the only Jets touchdown of the season so far. He's a decent pass catcher and a good enough blocker that he won't have to leave the field very often. In a position as top-heavy as tight end, Conklin could settle in somewhere at the lower end of TE1 production if the Jets keep throwing the ball as often as it seems like they'll have to. He's available in most leagues.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoNew York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is scheduled to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. The former No. 6 overall pick had an efficient performance in Week 1 versus the Tennessee Titans, though, his numbers were underwhelming with 188 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception while completing 17 of his 21 attempts. The Duke product also ran for 25 yards on six carries, helping him record 17 fantasy points in Week 1. Jones will go up against the Panthers on Sunday after Carolina lost to a Jacoby Brissett-led Cleveland Browns squad in Week 1. With the 25-year-old quarterback having decent usage in the running game, he is a decent second quarterback option in Superflex leagues.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Zay Jones is slated to square off against the Indianapolis Colts in an AFC South matchup in Week 2. The veteran wideout impressed in the season opener versus the Washington Commanders, posting six receptions for 65 yards on nine targets. The East Carolina product appears to be the No. 2 wide receiver for the Jaguars behind Christian Kirk to begin the season. Also, the 27-year-old wide receiver has quickly become a trustworthy option for Trevor Lawrence with four of his nine targets coming on third down in Week 1. With Kirk likely drawing Kenny Moore in coverage this week, Jones could be a surprise flex option in deeper leagues.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoNew York Jets rookie wide receiver Garrett Wilson got his NFL career off to a decent start in Week 1 and he'll look to build on that in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Wilson saw eight targets in the opener, catching four passes for 52 yards. A similar performance seems possible in Week 2, as the Jets are likely to be playing from behind once again. Wilson is a solid WR4 with upside and his fantasy arrow pointing up for the rest of the season, despite the Jets arrow pointing firmly in the opposite direction.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoJacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk will be taking on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 2. The newly-signed wideout made his debut with the Jaguars in Week 1 versus the Washington Commanders, finishing with six receptions for 117 yards on a team-high 12 targets. The former second-round pick ran 37 of his 40 routes in Week 1 out of the slot, which means he'll likely be matched up with Kenny Moore of the Colts in Week 2. Even with Moore being a talented nickel cornerback, Kirk could have a decent workload again on Sunday, especially if the Jaguars are forced to throw the ball more because they're playing from behind.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoNew York Jets wide receiver Corey Davis will look to make it two strong weeks in a row when the Jets take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. Davis led Jets receivers in catches, targets, and yards in Week 1. With the Jets likely to have to play from behind once again, quarterback Joe Flacco is sure to air the ball out in the direction of Davis enough times to make him fantasy relevant. He's a WR4 with a little upside.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (ankle) is practicing on Thursday ahead of the team's Sunday night matchup with the Chicago Bears in Week 2. This is a great sign for his availability this week after he was held out in the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. With a struggling receiving core in Week 1, Lazard should find himself in a significant role in the Green Bay offense as Aaron Rodgers' No. 1 option in the passing game. Should he play on Sunday, fantasy managers can treat him as a WR3/FLEX option.--Tommy Adamopoulos - RotoBallerSource: Matt Schneidman

2 years agoNew York Jets wide receiver Elijah Moore could have a solid Week 2 performance against the Cleveland Browns. Moore worked as the clear WR1 in Week 1, catching five passes on seven targets for 49 yards. He also scored a touchdown, but it was called back due to a penalty. With the Jets likely to need to throw a bunch again in Week 2, Moore could compile solid fantasy stats even without one particular big play. He's a high-end WR3 with touchdown upside.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (concussion, personal) was not at practice on Thursday due to personal reasons. The third-year stud entered concussion protocol following a hit to the head in the season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers and was limited at practice on Wednesday. Head coach Zac Taylor mentioned that Higgins was able to clear the hurdles he had to up to that point, but his situation is still worth monitoring leading up to kickoff in Week 2. If Higgins is unable to play, Tyler Boyd would see the greatest uptick in fantasy value, while Mike Thomas also sees an increase in playing time.--Tommy Adamopoulos - RotoBallerSource: Jay Morrison

2 years agoJacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is set to face the Indianapolis Colts at home in Week 2. The second-year quarterback threw for 275 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 versus the Washington Commanders while posting only 14.4 fantasy points. Even with a perceived tough matchup against the Colts, the Clemson product looked comfortable targeting Christian Kirk and Zay Jones in Jacksonville's new-look offense in the second half of the loss to Washington. On top of that, the Colts just allowed Davis Mills to air it out for 240 yards and two touchdowns in their tie with the Houston Texans in Week 1. Regardless if the game remains competitive or not, Lawrence is positioned as a QB2 in Week 2.--Skyler Carlin - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoNew York Jets rookie running back Breece Hall has a decent matchup coming up in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Hall showed some good flashes in Week 1, running the ball six times and seeing 10 passing game targets. He's working behind Michael Carter, but there should still be plenty to go around for both backs to be fantasy relevant, especially if Hall carves out more of a passing game role in Week 2. He's a solid FLEX option with upside and should continue to see his fantasy arrow point up as the season moves on.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoSeattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams (quadriceps) will undergo surgery to repair a torn quadriceps tendon, which will end his 2022 season. The 26-year-old suffered the injury in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos after recording three solo tackles in the game's early stages. Adams has struggled to stay healthy during his time in Seattle, as he has played in just 24 games since the 2020 season. To fill in his roster spot, the Seahawks signed cornerback Teez Tabor off the Falcons practice squad. Josh Jones, who registered seven total tackles (four solo) in Week 1, will fill the hole in the absence of the former Pro Bowler.--Tommy Adamopoulos - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport

2 years agoNew York Jets running back Michael Carter is a decent RB2/flex option in Week 2 fantasy lineups. The Jets will be taking on a solid Cleveland Browns run defense, but Carter's usage in Week 1 showed that the Jets will certainly give him a chance to pick up some yards. He totaled 100 yards from scrimmage in the opener, with 10 rushing attempts and nine passing-game targets. That kind of usage in what was a blowout almost all game definitely has Carter's fantasy arrow pointing up.--David A Marcillo - RotoBallerSource: Rotoballer

2 years agoToronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (hip) is dealing with some left hip tightness, which is why he's out of the starting lineup on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. Toronto thinks Kirk could be available off the bench, though, so he's considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers need to act accordingly and move Kirk to their benches for Thursday's action. The 23-year-old has been great with the bat this year, slashing .295/.379/.432 with an .811 OPS, 13 home runs, 59 RBI and 56 runs scored in 424 at-bats. His hip injury could explain a recent cold stretch at the plate. In his absence, Gabriel Moreno will get the start behind the dish and will hit eighth against Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan. Moreno is hitting .276 (16-for-58) in 2022, but he's still searching for his first home run in his rookie season.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Sportsnet.ca - Ben Nicholson-Smith

2 years agoNew England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (illness, back) is not practicing on Thursday due to an illness, but NFL Network's Tom Pelissero writes that it's his understanding that it's not believed to be COVID-19-related. Jones had an upset stomach, so they decided to give him the day off. The 24-year-old second-year signal-caller dealt with back spasms after the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, but he was able to practice in full on Wednesday. It's unlikely that his illness will keep him from playing in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but fantasy managers will want to monitor his status on Friday. With New England's offense looking suspect early on, Jones will be nothing more than a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues if he's active this Sunday.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

2 years agoAfter a rough start with three straight losses followed by a no-contest, Marc-Andre Barriault (14-5) will look for his fourth victory in five contests when he steps into the Octagon on Saturday against Anthony Hernandez in the main-card opener. Coming off of an impressive first-round submission victory in his last outing, Barriault typically finishes his opponents with his striking, with nine of his 14 career wins coming by knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Barriault as the underdog, though, with a salary of $7,500. Throughout his UFC career, Barriault averages 55.3 fantasy points per contest. In two of his last three wins, Barriault as scored 80.1 and 101.1 points, respectively. He's facing a very dangerous submission finisher, so it's going to come down to who can control the Octagon.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoLooking for his third straight win, Anthony Hernandez (9-2) will open up Saturday's main card of action in a middleweight showdown against Marc-Andre Barriault. Hernandez is 3-2 since joining the UFC after a no-contest on the Contender Series, and he has proven to be a dangerous finisher on the mat, with six of his nine career wins coming by submission and an additional win by knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Hernandez as the sizable favorite with a salary of $8,700. Throughout his UFC career, Hernandez averages 70.9 fantasy points per contest. With the majority of Barriault's victories coming by KO/TKO, it's going to be a true matchup of a striker versus a grappler.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Gage played 42 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys and caught both of his targets for just 13 yards. When all of the team's receivers are healthy, Gage is going to be the No. 4 wideout in Tampa. However, Chris Godwin (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints, and Mike Evans (calf) and Julio Jones (knee) have yet to practice this week. Even if Evans and Jones suit up this Sunday, Gage is in line for a much bigger role in the passing attack. He's worth considering as a WR4/flex with upside in Week 2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: PewterReport.com

2 years agoDallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said that quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb) is at least seven to 10 days away from doing anything. "He needs to heal right now," McCarthy said. Prescott fractured his right thumb in the season-opening loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and had surgery on Monday. The Cowboys aren't putting him on Injured Reserve, though, so they believe there's a chance he could return within the next four weeks. Initial reports suggested Prescott could be out for six to eight weeks. With the 29-year-old sidelined, the Cowboys are going to ride with backup Cooper Rush under center. The 28-year-old will be making just his second NFL start in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Jon Machota

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Julio Jones (knee) missed the team's practice on Thursday. With receivers Mike Evans (calf) and Chris Godwin (hamstring) also out on Thursday, the Buccaneers are suddenly extremely banged up at the position heading into a Week 2 divisional clash with the New Orleans Saints. Russell Gage (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday, but he returned on Thursday. Godwin isn't expected to play this weekend, but it remains to be seen if Evans and Jones are actually in danger of sitting out. Jones also didn't practice on Wednesday, so if he doesn't do anything on Friday, he'll be unlikely to play against the Saints. In his Tampa debut, the 33-year-old caught three passes on five targets for 69 yards and also carried twice for 17 yards. Gage could be in line for some big-time target volume if Jones can't play.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud

2 years agoArizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (hamstring) missed another day of practice on Thursday. Andy Isabella (back) also missed a second straight practice, and if both Moore and Isabella are unavailable for Week 2 against the Las Vegas Raiders, we could see bigger roles from Andre Baccellia and tight end Stephen Anderson. Moore injured his hamstring in practice leading up to the season-opening loss against the Kansas City Chiefs and was inactive in that game. He's trending toward another inactive this Sunday. If the 22-year-old sits out again in Week 2, it will once again be Marquise Brown, veteran A.J. Green and rookie Greg Dortch in starting three-wide sets for the Cardinals. Dortch stood out with seven receptions on nine targets for 63 yards while playing 91% of the snaps on offense.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Arizona Republic - Jose M. Romero