Will Hot Waiver Adds Produce in Week 2? And Previewing Every Game

Week 1, NFL: The Chiefs and Bills lost in primetime, the Raiders are alone atop the AFC West, and we lost one of the biggest names of the last 20 years after just four plays; just as we planned, right? Every week in the NFL is topsy-turvy, but let's do our best to preview Week 2. We will look at fantasy options for each team, and I'll identify if big waiver pickups will continue to produce in Week 2.

Fantasy points are from ESPN based on standard scoring, and Week 2 rankings are from Fantasy Nerds unless otherwise noted. Defensive rankings from 2022 are from Pro Football Reference.

Early Games

Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals

Obvious Starters

Lamar Jackson, Ravens QB; Joe Burrow, Bengals QB: Jackson and Burrow both disappointed Week 1, each scoring in single digits and finishing outside the top-25 at the position. Jackson and Burrow are the fifth- and sixth-ranked quarterbacks in Week 2, and both star players should see better results.

Ja'Marr Chase, Bengals WR; Tee Higgins, Bengals WR: A soggy Week 1 in Cleveland held down every offensive player, including these star receivers. This should be a better week, though, and both players should be in your starting lineup.

Joe Mixon, Bengals RB: Mixon was the only Bengal to have a decent day Sunday, and he had 13 more touches than any other back on Cincinnati. He is a weekly starter.

Mark Andrews, Ravens TE: Andrews missed Week 1, surely disappointing fantasy owners, but he is likely back for Week 2 and needs to be in your lineup.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

No good matchups, just a lot of good players.

Others to Consider

Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Melvin Gordon, Ravens RBs: J.K. Dobbins suffered an injury Week 1 and will be out the rest of the season. Edwards and Hill filled in after Dobbins left and had eight carries apiece. Edwards was more productive (32 yards vs nine for Hill), but Hill scored two touchdowns, making him the fantasy winner of the day.

Gordon was added to the roster after the injury, and coach John Harbaugh used the dreaded C-word, saying it will be a running-back-by-committee moving forward. One of these backs might be usable each week, but it's hard to know who right now. Picking up any of the three in case they take the reins is a good play, and I'd rank them as they are listed above. I don't trust any of these waiver adds this week.

Zay Flowers, Ravens WR: It was anyone's guess as to who would stand out as Baltimore's top receiver, but Flowers made a statement Week 1 with nine catches on 10 targets; both of those numbers were three times more (!!!) than anyone else on the team. His 78 yards were more than twice as much as any other Raven. Flowers got the volume Week 1 to be in immediate consideration each week.

Seattle Seahawks vs Detroit Lions

Obvious Starters

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions WR: St. Brown scored a touchdown Week 1, and he is a top-10 receiver in the league.

DK Metcalf, Seahawks WR; Tyler Lockett, Seahawks WR: Week 1 was rough, as Seattle had just 112 passing yards and Metcalf was the only one with more than 20 (47 yards and a touchdown). Lockett had 10 yards on two catches. Detroit gave up the second-most receiving yards and second-most fantasy points per game to receivers in 2022, so these star receivers have a brighter outlook in Week 2.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Geno Smith, Seahawks QB: This is scary after Smith had a nine-point Week 1 at home, but the Lions gave up the third-most passing yards and most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks last season. Patrick Mahomes had a top-10 performance against Detroit Week 1, so Smith has a chance to redeem himself (I'm not recommending him after Week 1, but there are worse options).

Sam LaPorta, Lions TE: The Seahawks allowed the most fantasy points to tight ends last season. Tyler Higbee had 49 yards against Seattle Week 1, and LaPorta had five catches for 39 yards in his debut. This isn't the safest option, but LaPorta could put up his first big game in Week 2.

Others to Consider

David Montgomery, Lions RB; Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions RB: Montgomery proved me wrong by performing like a top running back Week 1, and it showed that these backs will both be utilized in this offense. Seattle gave up the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs last season, and both backs should be under consideration for RB2/flex spots in Week 2.

Kenneth Walker, Seahawks RB: Walker might be an “obvious start” by now, but I'll leave him as someone to consider for now. Walker dominated the touch share Week 1 with 16 touches against just six for his backups. That volume will make him a weekly starter.

Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans

Obvious Starters

None in this game. There are a few intriguing players, though.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Zack Moss, Colts RB; Deon Jackson, Colts RB: Jackson had a putrid Week 1 with Moss out, gaining just 14 yards on 13 carries and 14 yards on five catches. Moss is back and expected to start Week 2, and he has a good matchup. Houston gave up the most rushing yards and fantasy points per game to running backs in 2022, and Ravens backs had 24 carries for 92 yards with three touchdowns against the Texans in Week 1. Moss could be a breakout player in Week 2, and he is a flex option.

Others to Consider

Anthony Richardson, Colts QB: Richardson burst onto the scene with a top-five performance in his first game, and he might be a weekly starter already. Houston allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks last season, and they essentially shut down Lamar Jackson Sunday. Jackson was held to single-digit fantasy points Week 1, and Richardson is a similar player with less experience. This will be a good test of where Richardson is as a weekly option.

Michael Pittman, Colts WR: I doubted Pittman last week, and he responded with an 8-97-1 line in Week 1. I'm back at it this week, as Houston allowed the seventh-least receiving yards and fourth-least fantasy points to receivers in 2022, and Richardson and Pittman are set up to struggle.

Dameon Pierce, Texans RB: Pierce struggled against a tough Ravens defense Week 1 (11 carries for 38 yards), but he should have a better day against a Colts team that allowed 90 yards and two touchdowns to Jaguar backs in Week 1. He had 13 touches to just seven for free-agent-signing Devin Singletary, and that continued volume will make Pierce a starter.

Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Obvious Starters

Justin Fields, Bears QB: Fields struggled in Week 1, finishing outside the top 15 at the position. Kirk Cousins was able to throw for 344 yards against a good Tampa Bay D Week 1, though, and Fields should have the chance to do his thing. His running ability gives Fields the ceiling of top QB in any given week.

Rachaad White, Bucs RB: The Bears gave up the third-most rushing yards and second-most fantasy points to running backs last season. Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon had 60 rushing yards and a touchdown combined and added another 103 yards and touchdown through the air against Chicago in Week 1. White had 19 of 28 running back touches in Week 1 and will get opportunities against a leaky Bears D.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Cole Kmet, Bears TE: Tampa Bay allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends last season, and they allowed eight receptions to T.J. Hockenson in Week 1 (though he gained just 35 yards). Kmet had five receptions for 44 yards in Week 1, and he has a chance for decent production Week 2.

Others to Consider

Mike Evans, Bucs WR; Chris Godwin, Bucs WR: There was a lot of uncertainty around Tampa's passing game this season, but Evans had 66 yards and a touchdown and Godwin had 51 yards in Week 1. The Bears allowed the 11^th-most passing yards and fantasy points to receivers last year, and they gave Jordan Love an easy 245 and three touchdowns in Week 1. Both of these players are starters in Week 2 unless you have a great receiving group.

D.J. Moore, Bears WR: Moore is the top receiver in Chicago, but a good Bucs' defense matched with a low volume passing game cap his ceiling in Week 2.

Kansas City Chiefs vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Obvious Starters

Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs QB; Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars QB: Two of the best young quarterbacks in football, these players are both weekly starters.

Travis Kelce, Chiefs TE: Kelce missed Week 1, but he is expected back for this game. He is a starter every time he's on the field.

Travis Etienne, Jaguars RB: Backup Tank Bigsby scored a touchdown, but his seven carries only went for 13 yards. His presence is concerning for fantasy owners, but Etienne is still a weekly starter. (Bigsby is interesting to add to your roster, but don't start him.)

Calvin Ridley, Jaguars WR: Ridley stepped right in as a WR1 in fantasy Week 1, and he should be considered as such moving forward. Get him in your lineup every week unless we see something change.

Evan Engram, Jaguars TE: Engram isn't as obvious as everyone else here, but he is ranked in the top eight in Week 2 and will keep getting targets after a five-catch, 49-yard Week 1.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Another game with more great players than matchups.

Others to Consider

Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs RB: Pacheco is the lead running back for the best quarterback in football, so he is under consideration every week. Clyde Edwards-Helaire started the game and got six carries, but Pacheco led the team with 12 touches. His four receptions also led the team, and no other back had more than one.

Any Chiefs Receiver: In a game without Kelce, nothing was decided about the pecking order in the Kansas City receiving room Week 1. Rashee Rice led wide receivers with three catches and scored a touchdown, but he didn't stand out. Kadarius Toney had the worst game of Week 1, but they did want to get him the ball. One of these players may pop, but we have to see it before I trust them.

Green Bay Packers vs Atlanta Falcons

Obvious Starters

Aaron Jones, Packers RB: Jones left Week 1 with a hamstring strain, but not before racking up 127 yards and two touchdowns on 11 touches. He said he would have been able to play if the team wasn't coasting to victory, so the injury shouldn't be a concern. AJ Dillon is a player for flex consideration, but his consistency is hard to trust.

Bijan Robinson, Falcons RB; Tyler Allgeier, Falcons RB: Allgeier was the surprise of Week 1 and the biggest waiver add after the opening games. The Falcons threw the ball the least times in Week 1 after throwing the second-least attempts last season, so there are going to be plenty of runs to go around. Both players will get the ball, and Allgeier is poised to keep producing after being a big waiver add.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

No streaming options in this one.

Others to Consider

Kyle Pitts, Falcons TE; Drake London, Falcons WR: I have been vocal about not believing Pitts nor London can be consistent due to one of the lowest pass volumes in the game, and I'll stick with that. I have a hard time trusting either player.

Jordan Love, Packers QB: I just want to leave one note about Love: his numbers look good in Week 1, but more than a third of his passing yards came on two short passes to Jones that went for long gains. I don't trust him in fantasy.

Las Vegas Raiders vs Buffalo Bills

Obvious Starters

Josh Allen, Bills QB: Allen had a terrible Week 1, turning the ball over four times and finishing with around nine fantasy points. He has a much nicer matchup against Las Vegas in Week 2, and he should be back toward the top of the QB rankings.

Josh Jacobs, Raiders RB: Jacobs had 21 of 23 touches for Raider backs in Week 1, but a disappointing game left him with just 7.1 standard points. Still, he will get a lot of chances, and Jacobs is worth starting every week.

Davante Adams, Raiders WR; Stefon Diggs, Bills WR: Adams and Diggs are two of the best receivers in the league and will start every week. Jakobi Meyers led the Raiders in Week 1 with 81 yards and two touchdowns on nine catches, but he is in concussion protocol and questionable for Week 2. Even when he is on the field, Adams is top dog. Diggs had over 100 yards against a tough Jets defense Week 1 and will roll against a weak Vegas unit.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

The best matchups here are for the best players here, especially with a good Bills defense.

Others to Consider

James Cook, Bills RB: Cook wasn't efficient in Week 1, but he received 16 of 22 touches by Buffalo backs and seems to be the clear lead runninig back. The Raiders allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in 2022, and they gave up 93 rushing yards and 42 receiving yards to Denver backs in Week 1. Cook should be in your lineup if you don't have great options.

Los Angeles Chargers vs Tennessee Titans

Obvious Starters

Justin Herbert, Chargers QB: Tennessee gave up the most passing yards and fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season, and they allowed Derek Carr to go for 305 in Week 1. Herbert was hit-and-miss in the opening game, but he has one of the best matchups this week.

Derrick Henry, Titans RB: Henry had 119 total yards in Week 1 and continues to be a weekly starter.

Austin Ekeler, Chargers RB: Ekeler is one of the top backs in fantasy and had 154 total yards and a touchdown in Week 1. Enough said.

Keenan Allen, Chargers WR; Mike Williams, Chargers WR: Allen led the Chargers with six catches and 76 yards in Week 1, and Williams overcame a concussion scare to haul in four for 45. The Titans allowed the third-most receiving yards and most fantasy points to wide receivers last year, and the Saints' top three receivers in Week 1 combined for 262 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Gerald Everett, Chargers TE; Donald Parham, Chargers TE: It's hard to know who to go with here. I was up on Everett Week 1 against Miami, but Parham had three catches (to Everett's two) and scored a touchdown. Tennessee allowed the most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2022.

Others to Consider

DeAndre Hopkins, Titans WR: Hopkins accounted for over 39% of the targets, nearly 33% of the yards, and almost 44% of the receptions for all Titans in Week 1. He is still a star, and he will get opportunities every week. The Chargers just allowed 215 yards to Tyreek Hill and 78 to Jaylen Waddle to open the season. Hopkins is close to an “obvious start.”

Late Games

San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams

Obvious Starters

Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB: Best fantasy running back around; get him in your lineup.

Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers WR; Deebo Samuel, 49ers WR: Aiyuk was second in both standard and PPR scoring behind Hill, hauling in eight passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. He has elevated himself to a weekly starter at this point. Samuel was in his shadow with just 55 receiving yards, but he carried the ball twice and will get plenty of touches.

George Kittle, 49ers TE: Kittle has been very up-and-down the last few seasons, and he only had three catches for 19 yards in Week 1. In two games against the Rams last season, Kittle had just 63 yards and a touchdown. He is a weekly starter, but Kittle isn't as safe as he once was.

Jake Moody, 49ers K: I won't talk about kickers much, but Moody could be one of the top fantasy kickers as a rookie. He has great matchups the next three weeks, so pick him up if he's still free. Moody is a waiver player who will continue to perform.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

No great streamers in this one.

Others to Consider

Cam Akers, Rams RB; Kyren Williams, Rams RB: I name these running backs here to advise AGAINST putting them in your lineup. The 49ers allowed the least rushing yards and least fantasy points to running backs last season, and Akers (who struggled mightily Week 1) and Williams (who surprised with two touchdowns as the second option) will struggle all day.

Puka Nacua, Rams WR: I want to put Nacua in the “Obvious Starters,” but I also want to see him do it a second time against a tough 49ers defense. His 15 targets in Week 1 tied Hill for the most in the league.

New York Giants vs Arizona Cardinals

Obvious Starters

Saquon Barkley, Giants RB: It was a Sunday night disgrace, as the Giants were beat 40-0 by the division-rival Cowboys, but Barkley had the best fantasy performance on the team with 63 total yards. He is an every-week starter as the team (hopefully) improves its performance.

Darren Waller, Giants TE: I predicted Waller would struggle against a tough Dallas defense, and he left Week 1 with just 36 yards. The Cardinals allowed the third-most receiving yards and second-most fantasy points to tight ends last season, and Washington's Logan Thomas was second on the team with both four receptions and 43 yards in Week 1 against Arizona. Fortunes may turn in Week 2 for Waller, a must-start tight end.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Another game with no streaming-specific players. This is getting odd…

Others to Consider

Daniel Jones, Giants QB: It was ugly: 104 yards, no touchdowns, two interceptions, and a league-high seven sacks. I don't believe in Jones as an above-average quarterback, but his running production makes him fantasy-relevant many weeks. Week 2 could be one of those weeks, but I'm not so sure. Arizona gave up the ninth-most passing yards and 10^th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2022, but they gave up a below-average number of rushing yards to QBs, Jones's strong point. There are better fantasy options than Jones.

James Conner, Cardinals RB: I called Conner “consistently mediocre” in the Week 1 wrap-up, and that's probably the case every week. He will get the ball (19 touches in Week 1, including five catches) but his production will usually be middling (70 total yards). I'm not trusting any other Cardinal player until further notice.

New York Jets vs Dallas Cowboys

Obvious Starters

CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys WR: Lamb had 77 yards in a game in which the Cowboys didn't have to throw the ball much with a huge lead. The Jets are a tough defense, but Stefon Diggs went for over 100 yards against them Week 1, so Lamb can still have a big week.

Garrett Wilson, Jets WR: Where to begin; Wilson's season was turned upside down by the injury to Aaron Rodgers, as the underwhelming Zach Wilson stepped back into the lineup. Garrett Wilson is still a player to start as an immensely talented receiver, but his breakout was tied to the upgrade to Rodgers at QB. Put him in your lineup unless you have a very good Plan B, but his ceiling has been lowered.

Tony Pollard, Cowboys RB: Pollard didn't have to do much in a blowout, but he had 70 rushing yards and two touchdowns for one of the few successful fantasy outings in the Cowboys' big win. Pollard is an every-week starter.

Breece Hall, Jets RB: Hall returned from a major knee injury in a huge way, totaling 147 yards on 11 touches. Fellow back Dalvin Cook struggled with just 33 yards on 13 carries, so Hall might be in line for a bigger role moving forward.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

These are two really good defenses, and there are no good matchups other than the Cowboys allowing points to opposing receivers. Wilson is the only Jets receiver to consider, though.

Others to Consider

Cook had more touches than Hall (16 to 11) and is still a player to consider, but I see a bigger role coming for Hall as he gets back into the swing of things. Start Cook only if you're short at the position.

Washington Commanders vs Denver Broncos

Obvious Starters

This is a game of two strong defenses and questionable offenses, and there are no obvious players in this contest.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

The good defenses mean there are no good matchups neither.

Others to Consider

Brian Robinson, Commanders RB: Robinson had 66 total yards and a touchdown in Week 1, but the big story was his 20 touches compared to just four for Antonio Gibson (who lost a fumble). I wanted to peg Robinson as a must-start, but that's probably a little aggressive. I still highly recommend getting Robinson in your lineup as your RB2 or especially flex.

Terry McLaurin, Commanders WR; Jahan Dotson, Commanders WR: I don't trust either of these players, especially against star corner Patrick Surtain II and a good defensive backfield. Some owners will have to consider them, especially in deep leagues. Both players are rated 29th or lower in both standard and PPR this week, so WR3/flex territory. That feels right, and I don't expect much.

Javonte Williams, Broncos RB; Samaje Perine, Broncos RB: Williams returned from a major knee injury to tally 17 touches for 57 yards. Perine was more efficient, gaining 78 yards on 12 touches. I have more faith in Williams as a consistent fantasy option, but it's a low-ceiling situation right now, especially against a good Washington defense.

Sunday Night

Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots

Obvious Starters

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins QB: Tua was the top quarterback in Week 1, and we've seen over the last two seasons that he can go off any given week. The Patriots have a good defense and limited the Eagles last week, but Tua is a top-10 rated quarterback and should only be benched if you have a top option.

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins WR; Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins WR: Hill might be the safest receiver in fantasy. Waddle is a top receiver moonlighting as a number two for an explosive offense. These wide receivers are starting every week.

Hunter Henry, Patriots TE: Miami allowed the eight-most receiving yards and fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2022, and they gave up a touchdown to Chargers' TE Donald Parham in Week 1. Henry was the top tight end in fantasy Week 1, turning five catches into 56 yards and a touchdown. Henry might be a weekly starter, and he's a top option in Week 2.

Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots RB: The Dolphins gave up an average amount of fantasy points to running backs in 2022, but they gave up the seventh-most receptions and receiving yards to backs. Stevenson had six receptions for 64 yards in Week 1. He had 18 touches to Ezekiel Elliott's 12, and Elliott lost a fumble, so Stevenson has a chance to strengthen his grip on the lead role. Austin Ekeler tore up the Dolphins in Week 1, but it's unfair to compare anyone to that standard.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Again, the good matchups are for players who are must-starts.

Others to Consider

Raheem Mostert, Dolphins RB: Mostert is the lead back right now on a high-powered offense, meaning he always has a chance to score, like he did in Week 1 to go with 50 total yards. It's hard to trust Mostert for consistency, but there are worse shots in the dark if you're desperate.

Monday Night

New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers

Obvious Starters

Chris Olave, Saints WR: Olave had over 1,000 yards his rookie season, and he started the season with eight receptions and 112 yards in Week 1. Olave is a weekly starter and has a chance to do damage in a good matchup against Carolina.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Rashid Shaheed, Saints WR; Michael Thomas, Saints WR: The Panthers gave up the fourth-most receiving yards and fifth-most fantasy points to receivers in 2022. Shaheed had 89 receiving yards and a touchdown while also running the ball twice in Week 1. Thomas had 61 yards against a Tennessee team that struggles to stop the pass. I'm not totally sold on these players, but they should both be considered for WR3/flex spots.

Derek Carr, Saints QB: The Panthers gave up the 10^th-most passing yards and 11^th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks in 2022. Their top cornerback, Jaycee Horn, will miss this game. Carr had 305 passing yards Week 1, fifth-most in the league. He could have a second good week against a questionable Panther defense, but Carr is not the safest pick; he's more of a borderline starter.

Others to Consider

Jamaal Williams, Saints RB: I tabbed Williams as a must-start player in Week 1, and I was left with egg on my face as his 20 touches produced just 52 yards. Williams should continue to get carries the next two week while Alvin Kamara is out, but expectations should be more tempered than my Week 1.

Miles Sanders, Panthers RB: Sanders had 22 touches in Week 1, twice as many as backup Chuba Hubbard. Sanders had 98 yards, a solid day, and he will continue getting most of the opportunities in the Carolina backfield. Sanders is a RB2/flex player most weeks, including this one against a tough Saints defense.

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers

Obvious Starters

Deshaun Watson, Browns QB: Watson and Joe Burrow both had terrible days throwing the ball in a rainstorm in Cleveland, but Watson salvaged his week with 45 rushing yards and a touchdown. He was the sixth highest QB scorer despite just 154 yards passing, and that rushing production is going to be what makes him consistent. Watson is a weekly starter.

Nick Chubb, Browns RB: Chubb is one of the top backs in the league and had 127 total yards in Week 1. Only Watson stealing his touchdown held him back from a great day.

Amari Cooper, Browns RB: Cooper had just three catches for 37 yards, but again, Week 1 was a slog for the Browns. He will hope to have better conditions Monday night (though Pittsburgh can bring it's own weather challenges) and Cooper should be a top-20 receiver most weeks.

Good Matchups and Streaming Options

Najee Harris, Steelers RB: Harris didn't get many opportunities as the Steelers fell behind early last week, and he finished with just 33 total yards. He faces another tough defense this week who allowed just 56 yards to Joe Mixon in Week 1. Harris has recent success against the Browns, though, and Cleveland gave up the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2022. I'm skeptical of Harris, but he is a good flex option.

Others to Consider

George Pickens, Steelers WR: Top receiver Diontae Johnson will be out a few weeks with a hamstring injury, so Pickens steps into the top spot. The entire Steeler offense struggled against a tough San Francisco defense, but Pickens did have five receptions (for a paltry 36 yards). Pickens is a freak athlete, but he faces another tough defense in the Browns in Week 2. Pickens could be considered for a WR2 spot in a deep league but is more of a WR3/flex option.

Pat Freiermuth, Steelers TE: Most owners are starting Freiermuth every week, but I see him struggling against this tough Browns defense that allowed the seventh-least fantasy points to tight ends last year. Freiermuth had a three-yard touchdown in Week 1, but it was his only catch.

Recent News & Advice

---