September 16, 2024 • 1hr 16min
Week 2 Studs & Duds + Emotional Reactions, Injuries Suck - Fantasy Football Podcast for 9/16
Fantasy Footballers - Fantasy Football Podcast
Key Takeaways
- Christian McCaffrey suffered a fractured fibula and will be placed on IR, likely missing at least 3-6 weeks. This is a major blow to fantasy managers who drafted him early.
- Several new offensive coordinators are having success early in the season, including Clint Kubiak (Saints), Liam Cohen (Buccaneers), and Ryan Grub (Seahawks). All three teams are 2-0 and using increased pre-snap motion.
- Kyler Murray had a perfect passer rating in his return from injury, throwing for 250+ yards and rushing for 50+ yards. He looks poised for a strong fantasy season.
- Derek Carr and Baker Mayfield are the top 2 fantasy QBs through two weeks, surprising many. They may be viable streaming options going forward.
- Several high-profile players had disappointing performances in Week 2, including Josh Allen, Jared Goff, Anthony Richardson, Patrick Mahomes, D'Andre Swift, and Jamarr Chase.
- Emerging players to monitor include Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rashid Shaheed, and Trey McBride.
- The tight end position remains volatile outside the top tier, with players like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews underperforming expectations so far.
Introduction
In this episode of the Fantasy Footballers podcast, hosts Andy, Mike, and Jason recap the key storylines and performances from Week 2 of the NFL season. They discuss the major injuries, breakout players, disappointing stars, and emerging trends that fantasy managers need to be aware of. The hosts provide analysis on which developments are likely to continue and which may be anomalies as they help listeners navigate early season roster decisions.
Topics Discussed
Injuries and News (18:05)
The hosts begin by discussing the major injury news from Week 2, headlined by Christian McCaffrey's fractured fibula that will land him on IR:
- Christian McCaffrey (49ers RB) - Fractured fibula, placed on IR. Likely to miss at least 3-6 weeks.
- AJ Brown (Eagles WR) - Ruled out for Monday Night Football with a hamstring injury.
- Evan Engram (Jaguars TE) - Late scratch with hamstring injury.
- Isaiah Pacheco (Chiefs RB) - Suffered fractured fibula, likely headed to IR.
- Cooper Kupp (Rams WR) - Left game with ankle injury, seen in walking boot after.
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings WR) - Left with quad contusion but expected to be fine.
- Joe Mixon (Bengals RB) - Getting MRI on ankle after hip drop tackle.
The hosts emphasize the major impact these injuries will have on fantasy lineups and discuss potential waiver wire replacements to target.
Offensive Coordinator Changes (10:00)
The hosts highlight the early success of several new offensive coordinators:
- Clint Kubiak (Saints) - Offense clicking with increased pre-snap motion and play-action.
- Liam Cohen (Buccaneers) - Expanded role for Chris Godwin in the slot.
- Ryan Grub (Seahawks) - Breakout game for rookie WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Andy notes: "It's unbelievable. It's like one of the most directly correlative stats and then you see some teams that just are boring."
Week 2 Studs (30:20)
Quarterbacks
- Kyler Murray (Cardinals) - Perfect passer rating, 250+ passing yards, 50+ rushing yards
- Derek Carr (Saints) - Efficient performance, offense clicking
- Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers) - Currently QB1 on the season
Running Backs
- Alvin Kamara (Saints) - Dominant return from suspension
- James Cook (Bills) - Breakout Thursday night performance
- Breece Hall (Jets) - Impressive receiving and rushing numbers
- J.K. Dobbins (Ravens) - 131 rushing yards and a TD
Wide Receivers
- Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals) - 4 catches for 132 yards and a TD
- Malik Nabers (Giants) - 18 targets, 10 catches for 127 yards and a TD
- DK Metcalf (Seahawks) - Bounce-back game with 10 catches for 129 yards and a TD
- Calvin Ridley (Jaguars) - 2 TDs including one rushing
Tight Ends
- George Kittle (49ers) - 7 catches for 76 yards and a TD
- Trey McBride (Cardinals) - 6 catches for 67 yards and a TD
- Hunter Henry (Patriots) - 8 catches for 109 yards
Week 2 Duds (50:20)
Quarterbacks
- Josh Allen (Bills) - No touchdowns, inefficient performance
- Jared Goff (Lions) - 55 pass attempts but only 307 yards and 2 INTs
- Anthony Richardson (Colts) - 3 INTs, 2 fumbles in rookie struggles
- Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) - Continuing 2022 trend of underwhelming fantasy production
Running Backs
- Rachaad White (Buccaneers) - Only 5 receiving yards, left briefly with injury
- D'Andre Swift (Eagles) - 14 carries for only 18 yards
- Zack Moss/Chase Brown (Bengals) - Ineffective committee approach
- Cowboys RBs - Messy timeshare between Elliott, Dowdle and Vaughn
Wide Receivers
- Jamarr Chase (Bengals) - Second straight disappointing week
- Garrett Wilson (Jets) - Struggling with Zach Wilson at QB
- DJ Moore (Bears) - Frustrated with lack of targets and production
- Amari Cooper (Browns) - Only 1 catch for 11 yards on 7 targets
- Michael Pittman (Colts) - Struggling with rookie QB Anthony Richardson
Tight Ends
- Travis Kelce (Chiefs) - Surprisingly uninvolved in offense so far
- Sam LaPorta (Lions) - Rookie hype not translating to production yet
- Dalton Kincaid (Bills) - Minimal involvement in Thursday night game
Waiver Wire Targets (1:16:27)
The hosts preview some potential waiver wire targets to consider for Week 3:
- Jordan Mason (49ers RB) - Likely to see increased work with McCaffrey out
- Rashid Shaheed (Saints WR) - Emerging deep threat in Saints offense
- Quentin Johnston (Chargers WR) - Rookie scored 2 TDs, could see expanded role
- Mike Gesicki (Patriots TE) - 7 catches for 91 yards, emerging as key target
They note the full waiver wire show will air tomorrow with more in-depth analysis of pickups.
Conclusion
The hosts wrap up by emphasizing the importance of not overreacting to two weeks of data, while still being aware of emerging trends. They encourage listeners to stay active on waivers and be willing to cut underperforming players for upside options. The injuries to stars like Christian McCaffrey will create opportunities for savvy managers to improve their rosters.
Key points to remember:
- New offensive coordinators are having early success with pre-snap motion
- Several highly drafted players are struggling, creating buy-low opportunities
- Emerging players like Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers warrant increased attention
- The tight end position remains volatile outside the elite options
- Stay active on waivers to capitalize on injuries and breakout performances
The hosts tease tomorrow's waiver wire episode and encourage listeners to check out their website jointhefoot.com for additional tools and resources. They sign off looking forward to Monday Night Football and preparing for Week 3 waiver decisions.