2 years agoCarolina Panthers offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo said that running back Christian McCaffrey is a special and unique player and that "we've got to get the ball in his hands." McCaffrey played 81 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Cleveland Browns, carrying the ball 10 times for 33 yards and a touchdown and adding four catches on five targets for 24 additional yards. The 26-year-old oft-injured running back had just five touches in the first half. His touchdown saved an otherwise quiet day, so his fantasy managers will certainly be hoping that he gets more involved in a Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants. Despite the lackluster season-opening performance, McCaffrey is a must-start RB1 as long as he's healthy.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Associated Press - Steve Reed

2 years agoThe Pittsburgh Steelers officially placed linebacker T.J. Watt (pectoral) on Injured Reserve on Thursday and signed outside linebacker David Anenih to the 53-man roster in a corresponding move. Anenih was on the Tennessee Titans practice squad before joining the Steelers. Watt and the Steelers initially believed he suffered a season-ending torn pectoral muscle in the Week 1 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but after receiving multiple medical opinions, it was determined he could avoid surgery and return later this year. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues need to keep the 27-year-old reigning Defensive Player of the Year stashed. Watt will miss at least the next four games, but he's expected to need around six weeks to recover from a partially torn left pec.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Steelers.com - Teresa Varley

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (calf) and Chris Godwin (hamstring) were not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. Also not present was left tackle Donovan Smith (elbow) and receiver Julio Jones (knee). Godwin was able to start in the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys after tearing his ACL late last season, but he didn't last long and isn't expected to play this Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. Evans and Jones, meanwhile, could be questionable for Week 2 action, so fantasy managers will have to keep a close eye on their status on Friday. Russell Gage (hamstring) missed practice on Wednesday, but he returned on Thursday. Gage could have a big role if one or both of Evans and Jones are unable to play. This is a very fluid situation, so stay tuned.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud

2 years agoHouston Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton said he thinks tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle) will be able to play on Sunday in the Week 2 contest against the Denver Broncos on the road. Jordan popped up on the injured report on Wednesday and was limited in practice with his ankle issue. He played 42 of the team's 70 offensive snaps in the Week 1 tie with the Indianapolis Colts, catching only one pass for five yards on his two targets in the game. O.J. Howard out-shined him, catching both of his targets for 38 yards and two touchdowns, but Howard only played 12 snaps. Pharaoh Brown also played 46 snaps. The 22-year-old Jordan should remain Houston's primary tight end when healthy, but the presence of Howard and Brown make it impossible to trust Jordan in starting fantasy lineups.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Jonathan M. Alexander

2 years agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (knee) didn't have any setbacks on Wednesday when he returned to seven-on-seven team drills for the first time since tearing his ACL on Jan. 2, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. Gallup will look to build on that activity on Thursday in pads. The 26-year-old was officially listed as limited for Wednesday's practice. He's making good progress, but it remains unlikely that he'll make his 2022 season debut in a Week 2 meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals at home. Gallup's short-term fantasy value also took a big hit when quarterback Dak Prescott fractured his thumb in the season-opening loss to the Buccaneers. Noah Brown served as the No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb in Week 1.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Dallas Morning News - Michael Gehlken

2 years agoBoston Red Sox rookie starting pitcher Brayan Bello took the loss on Wednesday in the 5-3 defeat at the hands of the division-rival New York Yankees. Bello allowed three unearned runs on six hits while walking one and striking out six in five innings pitched. The 23-year-old Dominican didn't receive any help behind him, as the Red Sox made two errors that led to the three unearned tallies on his line. Bello is now 1-6 in his first 10 major-league outings (eight starts). He also carries a 5.10 ERA (2.76 FIP), a 1.70 WHIP, 42 strikeouts and 21 walks in 42 1/3 innings. Since July 29, he's allowed just 10 earned runs while walking 13 and striking out 33 in 30 1/3 frames over five starts.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoChicago Cubs left-hander Drew Smyly picked up his seventh win of the season on Wednesday in a 6-3 victory over the New York Mets. He allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits while walking one and striking out five in his five innings pitched. The 33-year-old southpaw's one earned run came on a solo shot in the third inning. Smyly is 7-8 on the season with a 3.48 ERA (4.30 FIP), a 1.19 WHIP, 89 strikeouts and 26 walks in 103 1/3 innings over 21 starts in his first season in Chicago. He was roughed up to the tune of seven earned runs in just 2 1/3 innings on Sept. 3 against the Cardinals, but otherwise he hasn't given up more than two earned runs in a start since July 30 against San Francisco.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoMinnesota Twins starting pitcher Sonny Gray was on his game on Wednesday in the 7-0 shutout win over the Kansas City Royals. Gray threw seven shutout innings and allowed only three hits, walking one and striking out eight in the process. The 32-year-old veteran right-hander now sits with an 8-4 record, 2.91 ERA (3.29 FIP), 1.10 WHIP, 116 strikeouts and 35 walks in 117 2/3 innings over 23 starts in his first season in Minnesota. He's been especially good in his last 10 outings, going 4-1 with a 1.98 ERA (3.06 FIP), 59 strikeouts and 18 walks in 54 2/3 innings pitched. Fantasy managers should continue to roll him out there in their starting lineups when he takes the rubber next.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoChicago Cubs rookie right-hander Hayden Wesneski isn't slated to start any of the team's upcoming games against the Colorado Rockies this weekend, so he'll remain in the bullpen for now. The Cubs have right-hander Marcus Stroman, left-hander Wade Miley and right-hander Javier Assad lined up for the three-game set. Wesneski is viewed as a starter in the long term, but so far his first two big-league appearances have come in relief, and he's allowed three earned runs on six hits (two home runs) while walking two and fanning 11 in 8 2/3 innings. The 24-year-old was impressing in his MLB debut, throwing five shutout innings and striking out eight against the Reds. Wesneski is the Cubs' No. 12 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, but he won't have a ton of fantasy appeal unless he's in Chicago's rotation.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: SB Nation - Al Yellon

2 years agoChicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert (hand) is not in the starting lineup on Thursday against the Cleveland Guardians. Robert went 1-for-8 with three strikeouts in two games this week after returning from ongoing hand/wrist issues on Tuesday. He's played in just four games since Aug. 31 because of his injuries and is limping to the finish line in September. The 25-year-old has played well when healthy this year, but he's been in and out of the lineup, making him a frustrating fantasy commodity. Overall, he's batting .291/.327/.437 with 12 homers, 56 RBI, 54 runs scored and 11 stolen bases in 371 at-bats. AJ Pollock is getting the start in center field and is batting seventh on Thursday against Guardians right-hander Hunter Gaddis.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoCleveland Guardians left-hander Anthony Gose (elbow) underwent Tommy John surgery on Wednesday in Texas. He's expected to need 12 to 18 months to recover from the elbow reconstruction, so he's highly unlikely to pitch at all for Cleveland next season. Gose hasn't pitched for the Guardians since early July, and he had a 4.71 ERA (5.07 FIP), a 1.38 WHIP, 28 strikeouts and 14 walks in 21 relief innings this year. The 32-year-old southpaw is well off the fantasy baseball radar.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Associated Press - Tom Withers

2 years agoCleveland Guardians infielder Owen Miller is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Chicago White Sox. Miller is getting a regular day of rest in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak in which he's gone 10-for-27 (.370) with no homers, two RBI and a run scored. The 25-year-old is now hitting .248/.300/.355 with five home runs, 46 RBI, 48 runs scored and a stolen base in his 391 at-bats for the Guardians. With Miller out in Thursday's matinee contest, Josh Naylor is starting at first base and is hitting cleanup, while Steven Kwan will serve as the designated hitter and bat leadoff against White Sox right-hander Lance Lynn.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoChicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (hand, wrist) went for X-rays on Wednesday after getting hit by a pitch on his left hand/wrist, according to skipper David Ross. Suzuki finished the game against the New York Mets, going back out to the field for the bottom of the ninth inning. The 28-year-old went 1-for-3 with a walk and a run scored before getting hit by the pitch. The Cubs have an off day on Thursday, so we'll see if Suzuki is able to return to the lineup on Friday for the start of a weekend series against the Colorado Rockies. Fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day for now. On the season, the Japanese outfielder is hitting a respectable .263/.336/.433 with 13 home runs, 45 RBI, 48 runs scored and nine stolen bases in 372 at-bats.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chicago Tribune - Meghan Montemurro

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) was listed as a limited participant on the Packers' injury report Wednesday. The All-Pro tackle missed Week 1 as he continued to recover from a torn ACL in his left knee in January 2021. He will look to be a full participant in practice on Thursday or Friday. The 30-year-old's presence on the offensive line only helps quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was pressured constantly by the Vikings defense in Week 1. Bakhtiari would significantly boost Green Bay's offense if he could suit up against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Green Bay Packers

2 years agoNew Orleans Saints wide receiver Tre'Quan Smith (shoulder) was a limited practice participant Wednesday. He was inactive for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons after picking up a shoulder injury during the preseason finale. The 26-year-old will look to log a full practice on Thursday or Friday to improve his chances of suiting up for Week 2 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Smith is buried on the depth chart behind Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, and Chris Olave. Fantasy managers can leave Smith on the waiver for now.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: New Orleans Saints

2 years agoMiami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (heel) didn't practice on Wednesday. He was a limited last week with a heel injury and was inactive for Week 1 against the New England Patriots. The 23-year-old is trending in the wrong direction and could miss his second consecutive game. He is buried on the running back depth chart behind Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, and Myles Gaskin. Fantasy managers can leave Ahmed on the waiver wire for now.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: David Furones

2 years agoThe Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to place linebacker T.J. Watt (pectoral) on the injured reserve this week. He was already ruled out for Week 2 against the New England Patriots and is set to miss at least the next four games. The 27-year-old won't require surgery for his torn left pectoral muscle and is expected to be sidelined for around six weeks. Fantasy managers in IDP fantasy formats need to stash Watt for now. Pittsburgh is signing linebacker David Anenih to their 53-man roster off of the Titans practice squad in a corresponding move.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Field Yates of ESPN

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers defensive back J.C. Jackson (ankle) will be a game-time decision for Thursday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old is officially questionable after being limited in practice this week. He missed the regular season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders as he continues to work his way back from mid-August ankle surgery. Jackson would provide the Chargers secondary a massive boost if active as the defense will look to contain quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense in Week 2.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network

2 years agoLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Allen Robinson II could be set to see more targets in Week 2. When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rams coach Sean McVay said, "Allen is certainly somebody that needs to be more involved and get more opportunities." In the Rams' Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, the 29-year-old was on the field for nearly the entire game as he ran 45 routes. Unfortunately, he was only targeted on two of them, one of which was Matthew Stafford's final pass of the night. In Week 2, the Rams are facing off against an Atlanta Falcons secondary that struggled to contain New Orleans Saints pass catchers in Week 1. This could be a significant bounce-back week from Robinson if McVay deliberately gets him involved.--Jack Camenzind - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Sarah Barshop

2 years agoNew York Jets wide receiver Braxton Berrios (heel) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. In Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, he caught five out of six targets for 37 yards. The 26-year-old is slotted in as the No. 4 wideout on New York's depth chart, and his usage was likely a product of quarterback Joe Flacco throwing the ball 59 times. Even if he manages to suit up in Week 2 against the Browns, Berrios will need an injury or another avalanche of throws from Flacco to be slightly relevant for most fantasy leagues.--Jack Camenzind - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt

2 years agoThe Cleveland Browns defense played well in a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, notching four sacks and forcing one turnover. Cleveland will look to keep it going as they draw a plus matchup at home against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Browns enter the game installed as 6.5-point home favorites in a game with a low 39.5-point over/under. With Zach Wilson still injured, the Jets will send veteran quarterback Joe Flacco out there to compete against Cleveland. The Browns defense is in a great spot against the Jets and can be started as a top-six fantasy option this week.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns rookie kicker Cade York made quite an impression in his NFL debut in Week 1, booting a 58-yard, game-winning field goal with 13 seconds left to help beat the Carolina Panthers. York will look for more success in a home matchup against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Browns shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball against the Jets in that contest, so York could see several kicking opportunities on Sunday. Fantasy gamers who missed out on the big names at the kicker position in fantasy drafts can tab York for their lineups for fantasy in Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns tight end David Njoku turned in a quiet game in a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers, catching just one ball for seven yards. The explosive tight end will look to bounce back at home against the New York Jets in Week 2. Njoku draws an exploitable matchup as the Jets struggled to contain tight ends in fantasy in 2021, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That being said, his production could be limited by a Cleveland offense that wants to be run-heavy with Jacoby Brissett under center. Fantasy gamers should treat Njoku as a boom/bust TE2 for fantasy in Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones showed nice chemistry with new quarterback Jacoby Brissett in Week 1, finishing with six catches for 60 yards on a team-high 11 targets. Peoples-Jones will look to continue his success in a home matchup against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Jets struggled against the pass in Week 1, allowing three touchdowns to wide receivers in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That being said, the Browns will continue to lean on the running game in Week 2 after they handed out 33 running back carries in Week 1. The run-heavy approach will limit the ceilings of Cleveland's wide receivers in most weeks, leaving Peoples-Jones as a low-end flex option in fantasy for Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper had a quiet debut with his new team, posting just three catches for 17 yards on six targets in Week 1. Cooper will look to bounce back at home against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Browns went run-heavy with Jacoby Brissett under center in Week 1 and it is apparent that is the way they want to operate the offense while waiting for Deshaun Watson to serve out his 11-game suspension. Cooper could continue to struggle as a result, leaving him as a low-end WR3/high-end WR4 in fantasy for Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt had a big game in Week 1, finding the end zone twice and posting 70 all-purpose yards. Hunt will look for another strong performance in a Week 2 home matchup against the New York Jets. The Jets were solid against the run in Week 1, allowing the Baltimore Ravens' running backs to pick up just 9.5 fantasy points. That being said, Cleveland's elite running attack should fare better against New York in Week 2. Hunt can be a bit inconsistent in fantasy due to him having to share work with Nick Chubb, but he remains on the radar as a solid flex option in PPR leagues. He should be in most starting lineups in fantasy heading into Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb got his 2022 season off to a fast start, rushing 22 times for 141 yards in a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers. Chubb will look for more success at home against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Jets were able to slow down the Baltimore Ravens' running attack in Week 1, with Baltimore's running backs finishing with 46 yards on 15 carries. As they did in Week 1, Cleveland will look to lean heavily on their elite rushing attack against the Jets. Chubb sets up as a strong fantasy option in all formats and can be trusted as a low-end RB1 heading into Week 2.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoCleveland Browns quarterback Jacoby Brissett played mistake-free football in his Week 1 debut with his new team, although he finished with just 147 passing yards and one touchdown. Brissett will look to keep it going in a home matchup against the New York Jets in Week 2. The Jets were generous to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in Week 1, allowing him to toss three touchdown passes on just 30 pass attempts. After giving Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt a combined 33 carries in Week 1, Cleveland will continue to lean on the running game against the Jets in Week 2, limiting Brissett's fantasy upside. Brissett is a high-end QB3 in fantasy for Week 2 and he should really only be considered in deeper, two-quarterback formats.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoNew Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram II (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. The Saints recently added Latavius Murray to this running back room, so Ingram's limited availability may be a reason for that. In Week 1, the 32-year-old had four carries for 22 yards, one catch for one yard, and a lost fumble. If the 12-year vet cannot suit up in Week 2, he could jeopardize losing the No. 2 running back role to Murray. Besides being a handcuff for Alvin Kamara, Ingram's Week 2 status should not move the needle much for fantasy football.--Jack Camenzind - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Mike Triplett

2 years agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. (toe) didn't practice Wednesday. The former Dallas Cowboy was a new addition to the Dolphins' injury report and is now questionable for their Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Operating behind both Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, not much is expected of Wilson statistically. But the fifth-year pro is a solid No. 3 wideout for Miami and would be missed as a reliable separator if he's unable to suit up on Sunday. That being said, Wilson's potential absence should only be impactful for very deep leagues.--Jack Camenzind - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Marcel Louis-Jacques