2 years agoLos Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers was apparently surprised by his limited workload in Week 1. The third-year pro had his share of doubters in the offseason, but nobody could've expected his usage to be limited to just 12 snaps, three carries, and zero yards. It appears that the 26-year-old may not only be trying to return to pre-injury form, but he's also in the doghouse. When speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rams coach Sean McVay said that he had a conversation with the former Florida State back about playing with more urgency back in training camp. Judging by his Week 1 role and McVay's sentiments, Akers may have ways to earn back that sense of trust. For the time being, Akers is a bench stash until there's some visible improvement in his opportunity share.--Jack Camenzind - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Sarah Barshop

2 years agoThe Kansas City Chiefs defense is an incredibly risky play on Thursday night against the Chargers. While the Chiefs shut down Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in Week 1, the team now has to play the Chargers on a short week. In Week 1, the Chargers finished with 355 yards of offense and didn't turn the ball over against the Raiders. It's best to find a different fantasy defense in Week 2.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs kicker Matt Ammendola is no Harrison Butker, but with Butker out with an ankle injury on Thursday, Ammendola has some appeal in fantasy leagues. The Chiefs have a high-powered offense and should give Ammendola some good opportunities via extra points and field goals. Last season with the Jets, Ammendola made 68.4% of his field goal attempts and 93.3% of his extra points. Both are lower numbers than Butker had last year, so don't expect Ammendola to replicate Butker's numbers, but he's a decent fantasy fill in for people who had Butker as their kicker.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling caught all four of his targets last week against the Cardinals, finishing with 44 yards. MVS's main appeal this season is as a deep threat for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but the Chiefs had last week's game in hand and didn't really need him to play that role. In a closer matchup in Week 2 against the Chargers, Valdes-Scantling has more fantasy appeal, as the Chiefs will likely take at least one shot at the speedster deep. Consider him a boom-or-bust fantasy play.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said pitcher Blake Treinen (shoulder) threw a "normal" bullpen session on Wednesday and could face live hitters soon. He was recently activated from the injured list but quickly returned to the IL after experiencing shoulder tightness. The 34-year-old is eligible to come off the injured list next week. This year, he has been limited to five innings due to a shoulder injury. Once activated, Treinen is expected to be used in a high-leverage role. Fantasy managers with an open IL spot can continue to stash Treinen for now.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster saw a major role in the Chiefs offense in Week 1 and should continue to see that happen on Thursday night against the Chargers. Smith-Schuster was targeted eight times in the opener, catching six passes for 79 yards. While the rest of this receiving corps is confusing so far, Smith-Schuster seems to have locked down the No. 1 receiver role. This week, consider him a WR2 play against a Chargers team that let Davante Adams catch 10 passes last week.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire caught a pair of touchdowns in Week 1 and will now look to follow that up with a big game on Thursday night against the Chargers. CEH had just seven carries and three receptions in the opener, but he made a big impact. He won't enjoy those kind of numbers every week, but he's a solid RB2 in fantasy right now. Edwards-Helaire rushed for 100 yards in the first meeting with the Chargers last season.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce remains a must-start fantasy tight end heading into Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Kelce was targeted nine times last week, catching eight of them for 121 yards and a touchdown. Kelce is quarterback Patrick Mahomes' top weapon this season and we should expect Mahomes to look Kelce's way a lot on Thursday night. Kelce went over 100 yards in both of his games against the Chargers last season.--Justin Carter - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Reference

2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (hand) had X-rays on his right hand come back negative after leaving Wednesday's win over the Miami Marlins. He is not expected to play in the series finale against Miami on Thursday. The 29-year-old exited Wednesday's game early after being hit by a pitch on his right hand during the third inning. He went 0-for-1 before leaving. Edmundo Sosa replaced Hoskins in the game, while Alec Bohm shifted from third base to first. Sosa is expected to be in Thursday's lineup with Hoskins sidelined.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Scott Lauber

2 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tony Gonsolin (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday. According to manager Dave Roberts, the 28-year-old's bullpen results were "encouraging," and he feels Gonsolin can come back and contribute "in some capacity" this year. The right-hander owns a 16-1 record with a 2.10 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, and a 116:35 K: BB across 128 1/3 innings in 2022. Gonsolin will continue to build up his workload and look to return before the end of the year. Fantasy managers with an open IL spot should continue to stash Gonsolin.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic

2 years agoMinnesota Twins infielder Luis Arraez (hamstring) was removed from Wednesday's game versus the Kansas City Royals with left hamstring tightness. He went 1-for-1 with a run scored before exiting. The 25-year-old sustained the hamstring injury while on the bases, and he was removed from the game the following inning. The severity of his injury is unknown, and he is considered day-to-day. Kyle Garlick replaced him during the second inning. Arraez is deemed questionable for the series finale against the Royals.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Betsy Helfand

2 years agoNew England Patriots running back Pierre Strong Jr. (shoulder) was limited in Wednesday's practice. The Patriots placed running back Ty Montgomery (knee) on the injured reserve Wednesday, sidelining him for at least three games. The 23-year-old could see an uptick in usage but remains behind top options, Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, Strong is a candidate to contribute as a pass-catcher out of the Patriots' backfield in the coming weeks. He was inactive in Week 1 but is on track to suit up in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Strong can be stashed in deep-league formats while Montgomery is sidelined.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: New England Patriots

2 years agoHouston Texans tight end Brevin Jordan (ankle) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. He caught one of two targets for five yards during the Week 1 tie with the Indianapolis Colts. The 22-year-old was second among all Houston's tight ends with 42 snaps. Pharaoh Brown led the team with 46 snaps while O.J. Howard only had 12 snaps but caught two touchdowns. With Howard being the quarterback Davis Mills' top red zone target, Jordan is not on the fantasy radar and can be left on the waiver wire in most leagues.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Zac Stevens

2 years agoLos Angeles Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson (knee) didn't practice Wednesday. The 26-year-old remains day-to-day as he continues to work his way back from offseason knee surgery. Unless he can practice in some fashion this week, Van Jefferson is not expected to suit up in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons. Ben Skowronek will serve as the Rams' WR3 behind Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson II, while Van Jefferson is sidelined. Fantasy managers should continue stashing Van Jefferson in deep-league formats after hauling 52 catches for 802 yards and six touchdowns across 17 games in 2021.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Sarah Barshop of ESPN

2 years agoPhiladelphia 76ers guard James Harden mentioned that he felt he was never truly healthy last season. The veteran guard said he was battling hamstring issues throughout the year. He said it has been a long two years for him, but he is finally getting his body right this time. It appears the superstar guard is serious about his health and wants to win a championship in Philly. This team has a legitimate shot at a title, assuming Harden and the rest of the core can stay healthy. Fantasy managers should expect Harden to be back to full health this upcoming season.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBC Sports

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers running back Joshua Kelley will take the field after a short week for a Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Both Kelley and Sony Michel were involved last week and took some touches away from starter Austin Ekeler. Kelley was even utilized as a receiving option as he hauled in both of his targets for 14 yards. His usage will be something to monitor this week and going forward, but Kelley is only a handcuff for Ekeler in fantasy at the moment and should remain out of starting lineups.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoDenver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee, hip) didn't practice on Wednesday. He was questionable heading into Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks with knee and hip injuries but ended up suiting up. The 23-year-old logged 40 snaps but was unable to secure his only target. Hamler is third on the WR depth chart behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. The 2020 second-round pick will look to practice in some fashion on Thursday. Hamler is far down the receiving pecking order and is mainly a stash in dynasty leagues for now.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Aric DiLalla of Broncos.com

2 years agoOklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey (hip) mentioned that he is physically ready for this upcoming season. The young guard said he has been fine-tuning some things and spending more time in the weight room. Giddey was a stud last season before a hip injury knocked him down. When healthy, Giddey looks like he can do just about everything on an NBA court. There should be plenty of minutes for Giddey this upcoming season. Fantasy managers shouldn't be worried about his health right now. He is expected to be someone that comes off early in fantasy drafts this year.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: AU.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers kicker Dustin Hopkins will look to get back on track in Week 2 after missing one of his two field goal attempts in Week 1. The Chargers take on the division rival Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night in what projects to be a high-scoring affair. Despite a shaky start to the season, Hopkins remains a solid fantasy option at the kicker position as the Chargers' offense will continue to move the ball effectively and put up points.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoFree-agent guard Dennis Schroder is expected to sign with an NBA organization soon. The 29-year-old has been playing extremely well during a Eurobasket tournament. On Tuesday, Schroder finished with a team-high 26 points and eight assists in the win. He continues to be one of the best players throughout the tournament. His recent play should be enough to help him earn a spot on an NBA roster. Although, it's uncertain if Schroder will be a starter or come off the bench in the NBA. Last season, Schroder averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 dimes and 3.3 boards in 64 contests with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets. His fantasy value is dependent on where he lands and what role he has on that team.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Marc Stein

2 years agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is officially finished talking about his contract situation. "Respectfully, I'm done talking about it," Jackson said. "I told you guys before, I was going to be done with it Week 1. Week 1 is over with. We're done talking about it. I'm focused on the Dolphins now." The 25-year-old recently turned down a massive six-year, $290 million contract that included $133 million fully guaranteed. He will play in the final year of his rookie deal and look for a contract extension next offseason. The 2019 NFL MVP completed 17-of-30 passes for 213 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in Sunday's 24-9 win over the Jets. He added 17 yards on six rushing attempts. Despite not receiving a new contract, Jackson is a high-end QB1 against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: Jamison Hensley of ESPN

2 years agoThe Los Angeles Chargers defense/special teams had a solid fantasy performance in Week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders, but have an even more challenging matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. The talent on the Chargers defense shined last week as they recorded six sacks and forced three interceptions from Derek Carr. Fantasy managers could bet on this talent to make plays again this week, but Patrick Mahomes is fresh off of a 360-yard-and-five-touchdown performance in which the Chiefs' offense looked unstoppable. The Chargers DST is not a recommended play this week solely based on their matchup but could be worth holding onto for a Week 3 bout with the Jacksonville Jaguars.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoSeattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (hernia) practiced in full Wednesday. He had surgery for a hernia in mid-August and was inactive for Monday's Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. "Kenny Walker is going to be out there this week for us to add to that, said head coach Pete Carroll. The 21-year-old will make his NFL debut against the 49ers in Week 2. Walker will serve as Seattle's RB2 behind Rashaad Penny, who logged 12 carries for 60 yards, and two catches for seven yards In Monday's win over the Broncos. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Walker, but due to the uncertainty of his role, he is not recommended flex option in Week 2.--Brad Camara - RotoBallerSource: John Boyle of Seahawks.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver DeAndre Carter will once again have a great opportunity in a Week 2 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. Carter saw four targets and scored a touchdown in Week 1 with Keenan Allen (hamstring) leaving in the first half. Allen has now been ruled out of Thursday night's contest, so Carter will likely be involved in what projects to be a shootout against a divisional foe. He is worthy of a stash in dynasty and deep redraft leagues but is not a recommended play this week as there is still plenty of target competition in Los Angeles.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoSan Francisco Giants starter Carlos Rodon dominated the Atlanta Braves for five innings on Wednesday, giving up an unearned run on two hits while striking out eight and walking one. The start was good enough for his 13th win of the season and lowered his ERA to 2.84, good for sixth in the National League. Rodon also owns a strong 1.04 WHIP and 220 strikeouts across 167.2 innings. Health was a concern coming into the year, but the 29-year-old already set a career-high in starts (29) and has confirmed that he truly is a fantasy ace.--Spencer Seguin - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett will look to build off his success in Week 1 in a Week 2 divisional matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Everett capitalized on the absence of Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) and the early exit from Keenan Allen (hamstring) last week and should benefit once again as both players have been ruled out for Thursday night's contest. In a game with the highest projected point total of the week, Everett could easily find the end zone again and should be started as a TE1 this week.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoColorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon had two hits in five at-bats during Wednesday's 3-0 shutout win over the Chicago White Sox. He also doubled and scored a run. McMahon's again putting up mediocre numbers, slashing .248/.333/.410 with 16 HRs, 60 runs, 62 RBI, and seven stolen bases over 135 games. His fantasy value has typically stemmed from his power and counting stats, but with a drop-off in those categories this year, he's more of a bench player than a starter.--Spencer Seguin - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer was a non-factor in Week 1, but will likely operate as the team's clear WR2 in a Week 2 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs. With Keenan Allen (hamstring) ruled out, Palmer's opportunity to validate the preseason hype he received has arrived. In one contest without Allen last season, Palmer saw seven targets and tallied five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. He is still a risky option considering he has only posted two top-24 weekly finishes in 18 career games, but if there was a week for him to explode, it's this one in which the Chargers will be without their primary target for a game that figures to be a shootout. Palmer can be started as a WR3/flex this week and should be rostered in all formats.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins (hand) was removed from Wednesday's game against the Miami Marlins after he was hit on the right hand by a pitch in the third inning of play. Hoskins has a bruise and is going for X-rays. Fantasy managers and the Phillies can ill-afford a serious injury to Hoskins at this juncture of the season, so they'll be crossing their fingers for his X-rays to come back negative. For now, consider the 29-year-old slugger to be day-to-day. Before leaving the contest, Hoskins was hitless in his only at-bat. Coming into Tuesday's game, Hoskins was slashing .250/.338/.470 with an .809 OPS, 28 home runs, 71 RBI, 75 runs scored and one stolen base in 523 at-bats for the Phils.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams only garnered two receptions on four targets in Week 1 but should be primed for a much greater opportunity in Week 2 with Keenan Allen (hamstring) sidelined. The Chargers' matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is currently projected to be the highest-scoring game of the week. It's hard to imagine a divisional shootout between these two teams without Williams having a significant role. He has always been a boom-bust fantasy option, but this week has boom written all over it. Williams must be started as a WR2 in all formats.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller