While the Chiefs and Jaguars ended up being a massive flop, a handful of picks hit pay dirt and helped us collect some cash. The Baker Mayfield-Mike Evans stack proved very fruitful, and the Tee Higgins get-right game could not have gone any better. Nico Collins was an absolute smash, and one David Montgomery injury kept us from unlimited power.
This week, it’s pretty clear the game we’ll be focusing on is the Chargers and Vikings, but keep an eye on the Falcons and Lions matchup.
Let’s ride!
QUARTERBACKS
Kirk Cousins $6,900 (vs LAC)
In easily the highest-totaled game on the slate, give me Kirk Cousins, who has thrown for 708 yards and six scores in two games. Cousins will get to square off against Justin Herbert in the dome with his awful defense. I love Kirk this week.
Deshaun Watson $6,100 (vs TEN)
For how bad Deshaun Watson was on Monday night, he still finished with 15ish points against the Steelers. The loss of Nick Chubb will hurt the offense but put more responsibility on Watson and the passing game. Plus, Watson faces the pass funnel offense of Tennessee’s defense, shifting the offensive game plan even more in his favor.
Desmond Ridder $5,000 (at DET)
Turning in arguably his best game as a pro, Desmond Ridder looked solid against a stingy Packers defense and displayed some rushing ability down at the goal line. Detroit is a team that will score at home and give up some points, especially after losing some key secondary members. Ridder is my QB punt play in a game where Arthur Smith is forced to throw the ball more than he usually does.
Other intriguing options:
Justin Herbert $7,500 (at MIN), Jared Goff $6,500 (vs ATL), CJ Stroud $5,300 (at JAX)
RUNNING BACKS
Bijan Robinson $7,800 (at DET)
In Atlanta’s first game, they eased the rookie stud into the fold and controlled the game script. Robinson saw the field more in their next game, playing from behind against Green Bay, and impacted the receiving game. This game could be a shootout, and it appears Arthur Smith is favoring Bijan over Tyler Allgeier, which is good to see. Plus, he’s due to find the end zone again.
Jahmyr Gibbs $6,600 (vs ATL)
While David Montgomery hasn’t practiced yet this week, and there have been weird conflicting reports between him and his coach on the injury outlook, I’d guess we won’t see him in Week 3. This would thrust Gibbs into the spotlight after he already had an increased presence last week. Sure, Craig Reynolds will be involved on the early downs, but Gibbs led the team in target share last week and should continue to see passing game involvement. With Amon-Ra St. Brown also dealing with a toe injury, they could lean on Gibbs and his playmaking even more.
Zack Moss $5,500 (at BAL)
The usage numbers for plodding Zack Moss are fascinating. No other Colts running back played an offensive snap aside from Moss, who has entered true workhorse status in Jonathan Taylor’s absence. With that much of a hold on the backfield and some receiving work sprinkled in, Moss offers great value at the position.
Other intriguing options:
Tony Pollard $8,000 (at ARI), Travis Etienne $6,900 (vs HOU), Raheem Mostert $6,000 (vs DEN), Gus Edwards $5,300 (vs IND), Jerome Ford $4,800 (vs TEN), Kendre Miller $4,300 (at GB)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Justin Jefferson $9,300 (vs LAC)
Like I have Kirk above, Jefferson has dominated usage with his receptions and yardage numbers. What’s astonishing is he’s yet to find the end zone, while rookie teammate Jordan Addison has two scores already. Jefferson is due for a touchdown while still putting up elite numbers in a big game.
Michael Pittman $6,200 (at BAL)
Currently dominating the Colts’ target share, Michael Pittman has double-digit looks in back-to-back games. We’re still waiting on Anthony Richardson to open it up and target receivers fully downfield, but Pittman is getting a lot of looks early on. It could be even more if Richardson dials it back, rushing wise to protect himself.
Amari Cooper $5,700 (vs TEN)
Despite the Browns’ poor effort, Amari Cooper was the lone bright spot for the offense. Clearly, the go-to option for Deshaun Watson, Cooper should benefit from this week’s matchup with the Titans. As noted above, it’s an extremely stingy run defense that funnels offenses toward the air. Look for plenty of usage Cooper’s way, who is also due for some touchdown luck.
Other intriguing options:
Keenan Allen $7,600 (at MIN), Mike Williams $6,000 (at MIN), Jordan Addison $5,500 (vs LAC), Drake London $5,000 (at DET), Elijah Moore $4,700 (vs TEN), Skyy Moore $4,400 (vs CHI), Tank Dell $3,600 (at JAX), Mack Hollins $3,500 (at DET)
TIGHT ENDS
TJ Hockenson $6,500 (vs LAC)
The Vikings have dominated through the air, and adding TJ Hockenson to their team has helped with that. He saw his snaps and routes run numbers increase from Week 1, and this shootout should have plenty of aerial pie to go around. A clear No. 2 for Cousins in the offense.
Zach Ertz $3,500 (vs DAL)
Despite seeing a little less work against the Giants, Zach Ertz still commanded a 30% target share from Josh Dobbs and plays a pivotal role in the offense. Averaging nine targets a game, he’s been a great outlet for the Cardinals passing game.
Other intriguing options:
Mark Andrews $6,000 (vs IND), Sam LaPorta $4,000 (vs ATL), Kyle Pitts $3,900 (at DET)
DEFENSE
Kansas City Chiefs $3,900 (vs CHI)
The Chiefs got their premier rusher back in Chris Jones, and it paid off, holding a strong Jaguars offense to only 9 points last week. This week, they get the struggling Bears offense that’s given up plenty of points to defenses through sacks and turnovers.
New York Jets $2,800 (vs NE)
The Jets have an amazing defense, and this week, they welcome the struggling Patriots offense under Mac Jones. The New England offensive line has been a disaster, leading to plenty of sacks and potential turnovers.
Other intriguing options:
Dallas Cowboys $4,400 (at ARI), New England Patriots $3,500 (at NYJ), Seattle Seahawks $3,200 (vs CAR), Buffalo Bills $2,900 (at WAS)
