2 years agoGregory Rodrigues (12-4) will step into the Octagon on Saturday against a very tough opponent in Chidi Njokuani in the night's co-main event of action. Rodrigues has a 3-1 record since joining the UFC, with his lone loss coming in a close split decision. He is entering Saturday's contest coming off of a rebound win by way of first-round knockout/TKO. DraftKings sees Rodrigues as the very slight favorite with a salary of $8,200. Throughout his UFC career, he averages 93.6 fantasy points per contest. Similar to his opponent, he is able to win bouts via KO/TKO, but he's also able to lose them by the same method.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoArizona Cardinals running back James Conner will look to build off a solid start to the season after he totaled five receptions, 55 total yards, and a touchdown in Week 1. In a negative game script for running backs, Conner was still able to produce a solid performance for fantasy managers. His usage close to the goal line was very encouraging and it appears he has the same high touchdown upside that he did a year ago during the 2021 season, where he put up 18 total touchdowns. With the Cardinals depleted at the wide receiver position, we could see Conner have a solid role as a pass-catcher once again after he saw six targets last week. This could come in handy as the Raiders gave up just 76 rushing yards (2.4 ypc) in Week 1 to the Los Angeles Chargers. Given his massive role in the offense, the 27-year-old can be valued as a high-end RB2 option in Week 2.--Tommy Adamopoulos - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs wide receivers Mecole Hardman (ankle) and Justin Watson (shoulder) both picked up injuries in Thursday night's 27-24 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Hardman caught three of his four targets for 49 yards, while Watson caught both of his targets for 50 yards and his first touchdown since 2019. Hardman had his left ankle taped during the game and was seen limping in the second half, but he finished the game. The 24-year-old was tied for the second-most targets behind only tight end Travis Kelce. It's unclear when Watson picked up his shoulder injury. The good news for both players is that they'll have extra time to heal up before their Week 3 contest on Sept. 25 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Arrowhead Pride - Pete Sweeney

2 years agoLooking impressive since his Contender Series knockout victory, Chidi Njokuani (22-7) has won both of his UFC appearances since, both by first-round knockout/TKO. Proven to be a devastating striker both in and before his time in the UFC, 14 of his 22 career wins have come by KO/TKO, with several of them coming in the first frame of action. DraftKings sees Njokuani as the very slight underdog on Saturday with a salary of $8,000. Throughout his UFC career, he averages 119.0 fantasy points per contest. Our main area of concern is his susceptibility for the KO/TKO loss. His opponent, Gregory Rodrigues, has a finish rate of 83%, with several of his wins coming by knockout.--Matt Bricker - RotoBallerSource: UFC

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will face the Chicago Bears on Sunday night. After an abysmal fantasy performance in Week 1 against Minnesota, last season's MVP will look to bounce back in a favorable matchup. While Chicago held Trey Lance and the 49ers to 164 passing yards last week, the game was played in, essentially, a swamp due to weather conditions. Rodgers struggled with his new receiving corps but was missing top wideout Allen Lazard (ankle). Lazard has put in limited work at practice this week and could be back for the Packers' home opener Sunday. If Lazard is active, Rodgers should bounce back and finish as a back-end QB1 for fantasy managers. However, if Lazard is missing again, Rodgers would be a risky option with a low ceiling in Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoNew York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that tight end C.J. Uzomah (hamstring) will be a game-time decision in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Uzomah practiced in full on Wednesday but then was downgraded to a limited practice participant on Thursday. Expect the 29-year-old to officially be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Uzomah was not targeted at all in the team's season-opening loss to the Baltimore Ravens, while Tyler Conklin played 91.7 percent of the offensive snaps and caught four of his seven targets for 16 yards and a touchdowns. Even if Uzomah is active this weekend, expect Conklin to operate as the Jets' No. 1 pass-catcher at the position.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Post - Brian Costello

2 years agoDetroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back D'Andre Swift (ankle) is questionable for Week 2 against the Washington Commanders. Campbell also said that Swift will practice "a little bit" on Friday after he sat out on Wednesday and Thursday. Swift rolled his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but he's insisted all week that he's perfectly fine and will play this weekend. The 23-year-old had 175 all-purposes yards in the season opener, but it's possible he could lose more touches to backup Jamaal Williams in Week 2. As long as Swift is active on Sunday, he should be a must-start for fantasy managers as a top-10 RB.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Detroit News - Justin Rogers

2 years agoArizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will look to lead his team to a bounce-back effort in Week 2 as they travel to Las Vegas. The dual-threat will take on the Raiders' defense that allowed 279 passing yards and three touchdowns in Week 1, so Murray is in a solid spot to put up strong fantasy numbers. Two high-powered offenses clashing could mean that Murray will have to throw the ball quite a bit in this one, so fantasy managers can feel confident locking him in as their QB1. Murray put up 20.6 fantasy points in the season opener where he wasn't all that impressive, which shows he has a high floor on any given week.--Tommy Adamopoulos - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoDenver Broncos running back Javonte Williams ran the ball seven times for 43 yards (6.1 average per carry) in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He also caught a whopping 11 passes, the second-most in franchise history for an RB in a single game. Nearly half of his receptions (five) came on screen passes. The Broncos ran only 11 screens with Williams on the field in his entire rookie season in 2021, so it's a notable development early in 2022. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett detailed in the offseason why getting the ball to RBs in the passing game was so important to his offense. Though Melvin Gordon III out-carried Williams 12 to seven in Week 1, Williams out-touched his teammate 18-14. The Broncos are expected to continue getting the ball to Williams in creative ways in Week 2 against the Texans. The second-year back is a must-start, high-end RB2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Nick Kosmider

2 years agoThe Philadelphia Eagles defense will face the Minnesota Vikings Monday night in their home opener. Philadelphia's defense disappointed for fantasy purposes in Week 1, surrendering 35 points to the Detroit Lions. They recorded only one sack but did return an interception for a touchdown. It was not enough to make them a good fantasy option, and they have a tougher matchup this week against the Vikings. Philadelphia did a decent job against the pass but allowed 171 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Dalvin Cook is coming off a 90-yard performance against Green Bay, so it will not get any easier to stop the run. With the game having the second-highest implied point total of 50.5 points this week, it is best to look elsewhere for a fantasy defense in Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoThe Tennessee Titans defense matches up with Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Put simply, any defense going against the high-powered Bills' offense should not be considered in fantasy football. Tennessee pressured Daniel Jones often in Week 1 and picked him off, but Josh Allen is a whole different animal that is not to be tested in fantasy. Tennessee might establish itself as a strong D/ST in favorable matchups, but this isn't the week to insert it into lineups.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: FantasyPros

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles kicker Jake Elliott will face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night in Philadelphia's home opener. Elliott was a productive fantasy option last week against Detroit, where he kicked a short field goal and made all five extra-point attempts. The 27-year-old should be just as busy this week against Minnesota. The game has the second-highest implied point total of the week at 50.5 points, projecting Elliott to have a stable scoring floor in Week 2. The seventh-year kicker carries top-five upside if he is asked to kick multiple field goals. He is a fringe top 12 option for Week 2. If Elliott proves he can maintain a stable scoring floor, he has a great upcoming schedule that consists of Washington, Jacksonville, Arizona, and Dallas.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoTennessee Titans kicker Randy Bullock was the 11th-highest scoring kicker in Week 1, but ultimately missed the game-winner against the New York Giants. It's always tough to project kickers, but Bullock will likely be on the wrong side of a blowout against the Buffalo Bills, so he carries plenty of risks. That said, the Titans could be forced to settle for field goals or unexpectedly have a strong offensive performance, so he could once again produce a top-12 kicker week.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: FantasyPros

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert will face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night in Philadelphia's home opener. The 27-year-old caught three of four targets for 60 yards last week and heads into a decent matchup against Minnesota in Week 2. The Vikings gave up six receptions on eight targets for 67 yards to the Green Bay tight end corps last week, and Goedert will be a tougher test than Robert Tonyan and company were. The sixth-year tight end will be in the mix to finish as a top 10 fantasy option weekly, with the chance to finish inside the top five if he finds the end zone. This week, Goedert is a solid start in a matchup with the second-highest implied point total of the week of 50.5 points.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoMiami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said that right tackle Austin Jackson (ankle) will be placed on short-term Injured Reserve. Jackson was injured in the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots and will now have to miss at least the next four games. The former first-rounder's injury initially wasn't believed to be all that serious, but that's not the case now. With the 23-year-old out of action for at least the next four contests, the Dolphins will likely ask Greg Little to fill in as the starter at right tackle, beginning in a tough Week 2 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens defense.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe

2 years agoTennessee Titans tight end Austin Hooper saw just two targets in Week 1, catching one pass for six yards. In a low-volume passing offense with a lot of intriguing pass-catchers, Hooper won't get a ton of volume in 2022. The Buffalo Bills aren't a favorable matchup for just about any position, so Hooper is a bottom-of-the-barrel tight end in Week 2. He was out-targeted by Geoff Swaim last week, so until further notice, he's not close to being on the fantasy radar. He'll likely simply be a touchdown-dependent fantasy option throughout the rest of the season.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN

2 years agoDallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (knee) won't play in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. "There is still a process of return to play that he has to finish," McCarthy said. Gallup tore his ACL in January, although he's been making excellent progress of late. The 26-year-old made some notable strides in practice this week, but the Cowboys just aren't ready to give him the green light. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to make his debut in Week 3 against the New York Giants. With Gallup out last week, Noah Brown stepped up as the clear No. 2 behind CeeDee Lamb, catching five of nine targets for 68 yards on 88 percent of the offensive snaps.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Dallas Morning News - Michael Gehlken

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 on Monday night. The 23-year-old failed to catch any of his four targets last week, disappointing fantasy managers in a juicy matchup against the Detroit Lions. Smith is in a favorable spot to bounce back this week against Minnesota. The Vikings held Green Bay's bare-bones wide receiver corps to only 120 yards last week, but it will be more of a challenge to keep Philadelphia's receivers in check. After seeing how many times quarterback Jalen Hurts looked in A.J. Brown's direction last Sunday, Minnesota is sure to lock in on defending him, which should allow Smith to be open to make a few splash plays. With a smaller target share than last season, the second-year receiver profiles as a boom or bust flex option, which is precisely what fantasy managers should consider him in Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoTennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks didn't produce monster numbers in Week 1 against the New York Giants in Week 1, but there were some positive signs. Burks commanded five targets on just 13 routes run, led all rookie wideouts with 33 yards after the catch, and commanded a 34.1-percent air-yards share in his pro debut. If Burks' usage is increased after an efficient showing, he could quickly be on the fantasy radar moving forward. Robert Woods saw just two targets in Week 1, so perhaps the No. 1 WR job is there for the taking. Expect the Titans to have to pass to keep up with the high-powered Buffalo Bills offense Monday night, so Burks is an exciting but risky flex flyer in Week 2.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: Marvin Elequin

2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (groin) is expected to be a game-time decision in Week 2 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. "With a player like George, you wait right up until game time. . . . We'll hold out hope that George is ready," general manager John Lynch. Kittle suffered a groin injury last Monday and hasn't practiced since while also sitting out the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers should have already made plans to be without the 28-year-old for the second straight week. Tyler Kroft played 55 percent of the snaps last week in Kittle's absence, but he only caught one pass for nine yards. Making things more difficult for Kittle's managers is the fact that the Niners don't play an early game on Sunday.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown faces Minnesota on Monday night for the Eagles' home opener. After a massive Week 1 where he took 10 receptions for 155 yards, the 25-year-old will look to build upon his hot start. Minnesota held the Green Bay Packers wide receiver corps to 120 yards, but they were without top wideout Allen Lazard (ankle). After allowing the most fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position last season, Brown is in a favorable matchup even if the Packers were held in check last week. The former second-round pick will see a massive target share once again Monday and is a top 12 fantasy option for Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles running back Kenneth Gainwell will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 on Monday night. The 23-year-old turned seven touches last week into a top 24 finish, finding the end zone once on the ground. Gainwell was given goal line work along with Miles Sanders and Boston Scott. Minnesota kept the Green Bay passing attack in check last week, but 93 of the 260 passing yards went to running backs, AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones. Gainwell saw four targets in Week 1 and will continue to work his way onto the field during most passing downs. The Memphis alum will carry weekly flex value, especially if he can continue to get a goal line carry or two each week. In a game that has a 50.5 implied point total, Gainwell is a solid flex option in Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoTennessee Titans wide receiver Kyle Philips led all rookies in Week 1 with nine targets and looks to be Ryan Tannehill's safety blanket early on in the season. Philips put up 66 yards on six catches and outperformed his expectations mightily. His ceiling is likely limited due to a lack of explosiveness and deep-threat prowess, but players like Julian Edelman, Cole Beasley, and Jamison Crowder have been nice deep-league flex players thanks to a ton of receptions. It's too early in Philip's career to project this kind of usage to continue, but that could be the track he's on. In a game against the Buffalo Bills, the Titans will likely have to pass more than they want to, so all Titans' pass-catchers have a wide range of outcomes.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN

2 years agoChicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner (triceps) is not in the starting lineup on Friday against the Colorado Rockies. Hoerner will miss his fourth straight game this week while dealing with a triceps injury. If he's unable to return to the lineup this weekend, there's a good chance he could land on the injured list, which could end his 2022 season. The 25-year-old is having a solid year in his fourth big-league season, hitting .291/.338/.421 with nine home runs, 49 RBI, 51 runs scored and 18 stolen bases in 444 at-bats. Rookie Christopher Morel is starting at the 6 on Friday and is batting ninth against Rockies right-hander German Marquez. Morel has 13 homers, 38 RBI, 50 runs scored and 10 stolen bases in 335 at-bats, but he'll be a low-upside DFS play in the nine-hole.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles running back Miles Sanders will look to build on a successful Week 1 performance at home against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. The Penn State alum carried the ball 13 times last week for 96 yards and a touchdown, receiving more than double the rush attempts of Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott. Minnesota did a great job keeping the Packers offense out of the end zone last week, but they still yielded 6.3 yards per carry to the combo of AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones. When Philadelphia was inside the five-yard line last week, they scored four times on the ground. The only issue for Sanders is all three of the backs for Philadelphia were given goal line carries, and each scored. The 25-year-old's usage in the red zone may cause frustration, but he is still an RB2 for fantasy managers this week.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoTennessee Titans wide receiver Robert Woods saw just two targets in Week 1 against the New York Giants and produced just one catch for 13 yards. The Buffalo Bills' defense looks strong, so Woods is a concerning fantasy option on Monday night. However, Buffalo could take a commanding lead early in this contest, meaning a ton of passing attempts for Ryan Tannehill. All Titans' pass-catchers have a wide range of outcomes thanks to the tough matchup and likely negative game script, but if fantasy managers have safer options than Woods, it's best to keep him on the bench.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: ESPN

2 years agoPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts will face the Minnesota Vikings Monday night in Philadelphia's home opener. After finishing as the QB4 overall last week in a win over the Detroit Lions, the third-year quarterback will look to continue his hot start in a decent matchup. While Minnesota held Aaron Rodgers in check last week, last season's MVP had little to work with regarding receiving talent. A.J. Brown and company will provide a more significant challenge for the Vikings, who gave up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the quarterback position last season. In what figures to be a high-scoring affair, Hurts carries top-five scoring upside once again and should be started in all formats in Week 2.--Ryan Larrison - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoArizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte ended a home run drought in the 4-0 win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday by going 2-for-3 with a solo home run, a walk and a strikeout. The round-tripper was Marte's first since July 27. The 28-year-old Dominican is now hitting .244/.325/.410 with the 11 home runs, 50 RBI, 63 runs scored and four stolen bases in 511 plate appearances over 125 games played. He's been a pretty big disappointment for fantasy managers since his 2019 All-Star season, in which he hit .329 and clubbed a career-high 32 home runs in 144 games. Marte is hitting just .182 (8-for-44) with a homer, five RBI, four runs scored and 11 strikeouts in 13 games this month.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com

2 years agoTennessee Titans running back Dontrell Hilliard scored 21.9 fantasy points (PPR) in Week 1 against the New York Giants, but it's important to note he only touched the ball five times. He caught two receiving touchdowns, but since his workload was so small, we can't expect that kind of production heading into a tough matchup with the Bills. It's also worth noting Hilliard has been absent from practice this week with a hamstring ailment, so keep updated on his latest status. If the Titans are down early, Hillard will likely see a lot of work as the Titans' pass-catching back, but he's far from a sure thing. In shallow leagues, he shouldn't garner much consideration.--Jackson Sparks - RotoBallerSource: FantasyPros

2 years agoArizona Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly went 1-for-3 with a solo home run and a strikeout in the 4-0 shutout win over the San Diego Padres on Thursday night. The home run snapped a streak of 34 games without a long ball for the 28-year-old backstop. Kelly has found it tough sledding at the dish in 2022, hitting just .214/.297/.346 with seven home runs, 33 RBI, 36 runs scored and a stolen base in 266 at-bats for the Snakes. In the month of September, he's gone just 5-for-34 (.147) with a homer, two RBI, six runs scored and five strikeouts in 12 games. It's unlikely that Kelly will suddenly turn things around to finish the 2022 campaign.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com