2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) was seen wearing a "substantial" right leg brace after suffering an injury in Week 1. Fortunately, he was not on crutches, and head coach Kyle Shanahan initially said that there was hope Mitchell could have returned on Sunday. Either way, Mitchell struggled with injuries as a rookie and only played in 11 games, so it is not a good sign that he went down so early in 2022. Fantasy managers should pay close attention and wait to hear the severity of his injury, but Jeff Wilson Jr. appears to be the next man up if Mitchell is forced to miss time.Source: Jennifer Lee Chan
2 years agoBaltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson dominated the Jets in Week 1 and didn't need to run to do it. While he had only 17 yards off six carries, he put on a show through the air by finishing with 213 yards and three touchdowns (one pick) off 17-for-30 passing. Although the 2019 MVP's completion percentage wasn't the best, he still made some impressive throws throughout the contest. Nonetheless, Jackson is motivated to get paid next offseason, so he has an excellent chance to re-establish himself as a top fantasy signal-caller. Managers should keep him starting in Week 2 despite a more challenging matchup against the Dolphins on tap.Source: ESPN
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ankle, foot) suffered an apparent ankle/foot injury late in the team's Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Harris rolled his ankle in the contest after recovering from a Lisfranc sprain he sustained in training camp. Luckily, the injury does not seem to be significant and the Steelers are hopeful that he will be fine. Jaylen Warren was the only other running back with a touch in Sunday's game and will start in Week 2 if Harris is unable to go.Source: Pro Football Talk
2 years agoUpdating a previous report, Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith (elbow) has been ruled out for the rest of the Sunday night game in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys with an elbow injury. Smith was injured in the second quarter of the game when he allowed a sack of quarterback Tom Brady. It remains to be seen how serious the injury is, but this is more bad news for an already banged up Buccaneers offensive line. Josh Wells replaced Smith at left tackle, so this is a downgrade on Brady's blind side for the rest of this contest and moving forward if Smith is unable to go in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints on the road.Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson got off to a fantastic start during the Week 1 loss to the Steelers, nailing a 59-yard boot in the first quarter. He followed that up with a 26-yard kick near the end of the first half. Yet, after long-snapper Clark Harris (bicep) exited due to injury, tight end Mitchell Wilcox filled in. However, McPherson struggled for the remainder of the afternoon, getting a potential game-winning PAT blocked before hooking a 29-yard field goal try in overtime. Nonetheless, the 23-year-old should be just fine moving ahead. Still, if McPherson botches in Week 2 versus the Cowboys, fantasy managers may consider other options until he demonstrates he's back on track.Source: ESPN
2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (hamstring) was injured in the first half of the team's Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys and will not return. Godwin was questionable to start the game as he has been recovering from an ACL tear suffered late last season. He suited up and was involved immediately, catching all three of his targets and tallying 35 yards. Unfortunately, Godwin sustained a hamstring injury in the second quarter and has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. The severity of the injury is currently unknown and more information should be revealed after the game.Source: Ari Meirov
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals tight end Hayden Hurst finished with five catches for 46 yards during the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Hurst was targeted by Joe Burrow eight times on the day, so it appears he is well on his way to becoming a critical piece of the offense. With that said, the 29-year-old should have some off weeks throughout the season. However, if Hurst can work his way into the end zone here and there, he could become a potent fantasy tight end. Fantasy managers lacking at the position should consider him for the Week 2 showdown in Dallas.Source: ESPN
2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith (elbow) exited the team's Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in the first half. His return is currently questionable. Anything significant would be a tough blow to the Bucs' offensive line which is already struggling with injuries. Tampa Bay holds a 12-3 lead at halftime and will hope to get their starting lineman back for the second half.Source: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2 years agoThe Green Bay Packers defense gave up two passing touchdowns and three field goals while recording only one sack in their 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The team allowed 403 yards of offense, 277 yards through the air, and 126 on the ground. The Packers had no answers for wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who caught nine passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. The Green Bay offense did their defense no favors, but they did hold the Vikings to just two field goals in the second half. Even after the loss, the Packers' defense will be a streaming option against the Chicago Bears next Sunday night.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoThe Pittsburgh Steelers defense was dominant in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Pittsburgh gave Cincy quarterback Joe Burrow fits as they picked up seven sacks and forced five turnovers in the win. The Steelers got off to a fast start in the game as Minkah Fitzpatrick picked off Burrow's first pass of the game and returned it 31 yards for a touchdown. The only blemish in the win was that the Steelers lost T.J. Watt to a pectoral injury that could lead to a multi-week absence for the star pass-rusher. The Steelers will be a strong fantasy defense in Week 2 against a New England Patriots offense that struggled in Week 1.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd did his best to make up for the in-game loss of Tee Higgins (concussion) during Sunday's matchup versus the Steelers. The veteran finished Week 1 by catching four of his seven targets for 33 yards. Even better, he scored a touchdown, pulling in a short pass from Joe Burrow in the third quarter. Despite Boyd's decline in production over the years, he remains one of the most talented wideouts in the league. He'll undoubtedly have some uneventful outings here and there, but his upside is much higher than most at the position. At any rate, if Higgins can't play in Week 2 against the Cowboys, Boyd will be elevated to a must-start fantasy option.Source: ESPN
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell made three of his four field goals and added two extra points in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Boswell wound up being the hero of the game, hitting a 53-yard, game-winning field goal toward the end of overtime. The game-winner gave Boswell redemption as it came after he had missed a 55-yarder earlier in overtime. Boswell will be a solid fantasy kicker heading into Week 2 against the New England Patriots.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk hauled in two of two targets for 40 yards in the Niners' 19-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. He added one carry for seven yards. His receiving numbers were second on the team in both yardage and receptions. The 49ers passing game struggled, as QB Trey Lance completed less than half of his attempts. Coach Kyle Shanahan relied on running the ball 37 times versus throwing the ball just 28 times. With the 49ers' lack of passing volume, Aiyuk may struggle to put up start-worthy numbers throughout the season. His Week 2 matchup against the Seahawks could at least give him a better chance to get into the end zone.Source: ESPN
2 years agoNew York Giants rookie wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was forced to exit the team's Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans with a knee injury. Robinson caught his only target and gained five yards on the play he suffered the injury. He indicated that he might have been able to continue playing but the coaches decided it was best for him to sit. An MRI scan will be performed tomorrow, but feelings are positive after initial X-rays came back negative. If Robinson is forced to miss time, more opportunities could be available for Kadarius Toney who was hardly involved on Sunday.Source: Charlotte Carroll
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught five of his 10 targets for 75 yards in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Freiermuth was impressive in the win, leading the Steelers in receiving yards. It was an encouraging sign as Freiermuth operated as the No. 2 option in the passing game, behind only Diontae Johnson. The second-year tight end is primed for a breakout year heading into Week 2 against the New England Patriots. Treat him as a solid TE1 for that contest.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon ran for 82 yards off 27 carries during the loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday. Mixon also had seven catches for 63 yards, and though he didn't score a touchdown, it was still a solid showing. The former Sooner is coming off the best season of his career. Judging by his play in Week 1, it appears he's looking to have an even better year. Cincy will hit the road for a Week 2 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys. While Mixon is always a vital piece of the offense, his value will be higher if Tee Higgins (concussion) can't suit up. Either way, he remains a must-start fantasy candidate.Source: ESPN
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens caught one of his three targets for three yards in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Pickens was a popular pick in fantasy after a productive preseason but he wasn't able to get much going in his NFL debut. That being said, he did draw a flag in the end zone in the second quarter after Cincy defender Chidobe Awuzie had pass interference called on him. Pickens should not be dropped just yet, but he needs to be on fantasy benches heading into a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoGreen Bay Packers tight end Robert Tonyan finished Sunday's game against Minnesota with three receptions on five targets for 36 yards. The 28-year-old had more targets than any of the Packers' wide receivers but couldn't do much with them for fantasy managers. It is a promising sign that his chemistry with Rodgers is stronger than most of his teammates. Still, the passing attack as a whole will need to improve for Tonyan to capitalize on the opportunities he is given. Even if Allen Lazard (ankle) returns next week, Tonyan will remain a streaming option against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool caught four of his six targets for 18 yards and added 36 rushing yards on six carries in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Claypool finished as Pittsburgh's leading rusher on an afternoon where Mitch Trubisky only threw for 194 yards and averaged just 5.1 yards per pass attempt. Much as he did in 2021, Claypool could struggle to produce if the Steelers refuse to throw the ball downfield in 2022. Treat the third-year wideout as a WR4 heading into a tough matchup against the New England Patriots in Week 2.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoThe New England Patriots' defense/special teams allowed 307 offensive yards in Sunday's 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Patriots racked up three sacks and forced two fumbles but couldn't get Miami to turn the ball over. Ja'Whaun Bentley, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Matthew Judon each recorded a sack. New England lost some key players during the offseason, including star cornerback J.C. Jackson. The Patriots held Miami to 20 points and will look to post another solid performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.Source: Rotoballer
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase picked up right where he left off from last season during the overtime loss to the Steelers on Sunday. Although Joe Burrow struggled, Chase still finished with a game-high 10 receptions for 129 yards. He also had a touchdown, pulling in a six-yard pass late in the fourth quarter. The 22-year-old had 16 targets on the afternoon, with many of the looks from his Burrow occurring inside the red zone. At this rate, there is no reason why the former LSU Tiger shouldn't start moving ahead. Considering Tee Higgins (concussion) isn't a lock for the Week 2 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys only adds to Chase's fantasy upside.Source: ESPN
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson caught seven of his 12 targets for 55 yards in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Johnson finished as the team's leader in targets in the win while he posted a long reception of 25 yards. From a fantasy perspective, it was reassuring to see Johnson get heavily targeted despite Pittsburgh's quarterback change in the offseason. Johnson will be a solid WR2 heading into a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings caught four passes for 62 yards, leading the team, in the Niners' 19-10 loss to the Chicago Bears. Jennings benefited from QB Trey Lance's strong arm. He hauled in a deep pass and gained 44 yards on third-down to put San Francisco in field goal range early in the second half. Jennings seems to be set as the team's No. 3 WR. From week to week, he could have value in the flex. But given that six-tenth's of his production came on one catch, he might be boom-or-bust. Jennings faces a weak Seattle Seahawks team next week.Source: ESPN
2 years agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb caught two of his three targets for 13 yards during Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran was a low-end flex option for fantasy managers with Allen Lazard (ankle) out, but he and the rest of the Packers' passing attack failed to produce. Even with only two receptions, he finished second in receptions by the wide receiver position Sunday. That is how bad the Packers' passing attack was. While the 32-year-old caught five touchdowns last season and had a few fantasy-relevant performances, he is off the fantasy radar in all but deeper fantasy leagues unless he proves otherwise. Cobb matches up with the 1-0 Chicago Bears next week.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen suffered a hamstring injury that forced him to exit the team's Week 1 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in the first half. Allen claimed after the game that his injury is not serious but head coach Brandon Staley said the severity is not yet known. Until more information is revealed, consider Allen's status for Week 2 highly questionable as the Chargers will play the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night after a short week.Source: Jeff Miller
2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky completed 21 of his 38 passes for 194 yards and a touchdown while adding nine rushing yards on three carries in a 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. In his first game as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback, Trubisky connected with Najee Harris for a one-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. The veteran signal-caller took care of the ball in the game but he didn't bring much else to the offense, averaging just 5.1 yards per pass attempt in the win. He will be a QB3 against the New England Patriots in Week 2.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoNew England Patriots kicker Nick Folk went 1-for-1 in extra-point attempts in Sunday's 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He did not attempt a field goal in Week 1. New England's offense struggled to move the ball on Sunday, limiting the veteran's opportunities to score points. The 37-year-old converted 36 of his 39 field-goal attempts and 42 of his 47 extra-point attempts in 2021. New England's offense struggled in the preseason and continued through Week 1. Folk is one of the most reliable kickers on a bad offense at the moment, making him a streamer in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.Source: Pro Football Focus
2 years agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Sammy Watkins caught all three of his targets for 18 yards during Sunday's 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Watkins started as the No. 1 wide receiver with Allen Lazard (ankle) out but did little with the opportunity. The Green Bay passing attack struggled throughout the contest, with Watkins leading all the wide receivers with three receptions. When Lazard is back, Watkins should have an easier time getting open, but he is tough to trust for fantasy until we see him produce better numbers. Watkins will remain a risky low-end flex next week against the Chicago Bears.Source: NFL.com
2 years agoCincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow wasn't quite himself during the Week 1 overtime loss to Pittsburgh. The signal-caller managed to throw for 338 yards and two touchdowns. However, he uncharacteristically threw four interceptions and fumbled twice, with one resulting in a turnover. Burrow downplayed questions surrounding his health after undergoing an appendectomy in July, indicating he felt "great." With that said, fantasy managers should give him a free pass for the uninspiring performance. Yet, if Burrow posts a similar showing against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, managers may want to consider other options until he proves he's 100%.Source: ESPN
2 years agoThe Cleveland Browns defense played well in a 26-24 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. Cleveland picked up four sacks while also forcing one turnover in the winning effort. The Browns got two sacks from star edge rusher Myles Garret while Jadeveon Clowney, John Johnson, Tommy Togiai, and Ronnie Harrison Jr. all had one-half of a sack each. Cleveland's defense will be a strong fantasy play at home against the New York Jets in Week 2.Source: NFL.com