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Fantasy Football Trade Advice: Week 3
Players to Buy
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
Breece Hall led the ground game with 14 carries for 62 yards (4.4 YPC), including a long run of 30 yards. He was held to just nine rushing yards in the first half.
Rookie Braelon Allen followed with seven carries for 33 yards (4.7 YPC), with a long of 20 yards and a rushing TD. They took Hall out after he caught a pass in the red zone and Allen scored on the next red-zone attempt. Breece Hall also saw significant action in the passing game, with eight targets (27%), catching seven passes for 52 yards and a GREAT touchdown. 38% target rate per route run. Braelon Allen contributed four targets (13.3%), catching two passes for 23 yards and 1 TD, adding 24 YAC. Both Allen’s scores came inside the red zone. Note that on Allen’s TD reception BOTH he and Hall were in the backfield. It was a fake to Hall that the defense bit HARD on to open up a wide-open TD grab for Allen. The snaps were 72% for Hall and 35% for Allen. Hall was at an 82% snap rate in Week 1. I guarantee people are freaking out about Allen’s TDs as “hurting” Hall. Note that Hall was in a 50/50 committee for nearly half the season last year and finished as the RB2 in PPR. Buy. The Patriots are next on Thursday night.
Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
Ja’Marr Chase caught 4 of 5 targets (13.9% target share) for 35 yards, including 19 YAC. The Chiefs force offenses to look elsewhere than their primary weapons. Chase was horrible the first two weeks of the 2023 season. Rinse and repeat, folks. With the Washington Commanders on deck, I cannot think of another bigger blow-up spot in fantasy football than Chase versus this atrocious Commanders secondary.
De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
Per Next Gen Stats, De’Von Achane led the Dolphins in both rushing (96 yards on 22 carries) and receiving (69 yards and a TD on seven receptions), while also forcing nine missed tackles across 29 total touches. He played 62% of the snaps and earned four red-zone carries.
Achane had never had more than 22 touches in a game in his career. Achane was more efficient as a receiver (+25 receiving yards over expected) than he was as a rusher (-26 rushing yards over expected). The Dolphins’ lone touchdown on the night came on an Achane 5-yard flat route late in the first quarter.
De’Von Achane‘s role in the underneath passing game makes me less concerned about him in the long term. If anything, I’d look to buy him LOW. Miami could lean more on the run game with a downgrade at quarterback.
James Cook (RB – BUF)
James Cook dominated the ground game with 11 carries for 78 yards and two touchdowns, including a long run of 49 yards, averaging an impressive 7.1 YPC.
Similar to how Happy Gillmore learned how to putt to take his game to the next level, Cook has “learned” how to score TDs. He’s finally getting red-zone usage, which will put his fantasy production to the ceiling. In Week 2 of the 2023 season, Cook exploded. But he didn’t have the TDs to match the production. This year, he does.
Buy high.
Nico Collins (WR – HOU)
Nico Collins was the standout performer, catching eight of 10 targets (28% target share) for 135 yards and a touchdown, averaging 16.9 yards per reception with 47 YAC. Dude is the unquestioned alpha in this offense. Buy high.
Easily my biggest L in fantasy through two weeks. Fading Collins because of target competition. And not buying enough into his 2023 body of work. Luckily, I keep profiting from betting his weekly receiving prop OVERs.
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
Brandon Aiyuk saw five targets (14%, twice in the red zone), catching four passes for 43 yards with 3 YAC. 4 red-zone targets so far this season, but zero TDs. But his WR1 role returned in Week 1, as he ran a route on 93% of the dropbacks. He should see a major bump in production with Deebo Samuel sidelined the next few weeks. Jauan Jennings was targeted four times (11.1%) and caught two passes for 37 yards. Add him as he looks to fill in the Samuel role. Also look for Ricky Pearsall in deeper formats as a stash. The 49ers face the Rams, Patriots and Cardinals in their next three games. It’s a blow-up game for Aiyuk coming against the LA defense.
Trey McBride (TE – ARI)
Trey McBride caught all six of his targets (29%) for 67 yards in Week 2. Among TEs through two games, McBride leads the NFL in target share (29%). Buy low.
Josh Jacobs (RB – GB)
Josh Jacobs was the star of the Packers’ ground game, dominating with 32 carries for 151 yards (4.7 YPC) and a long run of 34 yards. He lost a fumble in the end zone and had another 20-yard TD removed due to a holding penalty. He played 67% of the snaps.
He leads the NFL in red zone carries without a touchdown score (7). This backfield had similar issues scoring last season in the red zone, so eventually the regression will kick in.
Given his projected workload with Willis at QB, I’ll continue to acquire Jacobs wherever possible.
Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)
Mark Andrews was targeted five times (15% target share) and brought in four receptions for 51 yards in Week 2, with 16 YAC. 63% snap share and 73% route participation.
Isaiah Likely hauled in two of his three targets (9%) for 26 yards. He was held to a 49% snap share and sub-50% route participation. Very unusual for the Ravens to put the “Likely genie” back in the bottle after unleashing him in the season opener.
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
The New England Patriots leaned heavily on the ground game in their Week 2 matchup, as Antonio Gibson led the charge with 11 carries for 96 yards (8.7 YPC) and a long of 45 yards. Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 21 carries for 81 yards (3.9 YPC) and a long of 18 yards, providing solid production throughout the contest. His role as a workhorse isn’t going away, and I love the matchup on deck versus the Jets in Week 3.
Stevenson was involved in the passing game as well, catching two of five targets (18.5%) for 9 yards. His 72% snap rate was just a slight downgrade from Week 1. Antonio Gibson caught his only target for seven yards.
Stefon Diggs (WR – HOU)
Stefon Diggs had six targets (17% target share), catching four passes for 37 yards.
Both Diggs and Dell underwhelmed in Week 2, and have posted modest target rates (bottom-50) through two games. However, given a matchup against the blitz-heavy Vikings in Week 3, I’d expect both guys to be more involved as Stroud’s quick outlet. If I have to pick one, I do prefer Diggs given his low average depth of target. Also, I prefer my undersized WRs not taking a bunch of handoffs.
Tony Pollard (RB – TEN)
Tony Pollard led the ground game with 17 carries for 62 yards (3.6 YPC), with a long run of 15 yards. 67% snap share. Tony Pollard saw six targets (21.4%), catching five passes for 40 yards, and adding 27 YAC. Tyjae Spears added six carries for 20 yards (3.3 YPC). Was dealing with an ankle injury. 33% snap share.
George Pickens (WR – PIT)
George Pickens caught two of four targets (20% target share) for 29 yards, contributing with six YAC.
At a quick glance, it’s easy to write this stat line as “Pat Surtain treatment.” Not quite. Pickens had a 51-yard catch (with Surtain in coverage) wiped away due to a holding penalty away from the play.
He has another TD call nullified because of OPI on Van Jefferson. Fields also missed him deep twice. Buy low.
Jayden Reed (WR – GB)
You likely weren’t starting any Packers WRs this past week, as you shouldn’t with Willis under center. The Packers are going to super run-heavy until they get Jordan Love back.
In the meantime, buy low on these talented Packers WRs. With No bye weeks until Week 5, you should be fine trading for them knowing you can stash them on your bench for the long haul.
Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – WAS)
Brian Robinson led the ground game with 17 carries for 133 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry and a long run of 40 yards. 60% snap rate to Ekeler’s 43%. Bigger gap than in Week 1.
Austin Ekeler chipped in eight carries for 38 yards, maintaining a steady 4.8 yards per carry. Both Commanders RBs earned four carries inside the 20-yard line. B-Rob had three inside the 10, to Ekeler’s two. Robinson also ran more routes than Ekeler. It’s a great matchup for the Commanders ground game in Week 3 versus the Bengals.
Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
The Indianapolis Colts offense struggled in this matchup, with quarterback Anthony Richardson completing 17 of 34 passes for 204 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, resulting in a 41.8 passer rating. Richardson also showcased his athleticism, rushing four times for 37 yards, with a long of 21 yards.
Per Next Gen Stats, Richardson completed six of 16 passes over 10 air yards for 100 yards, a touchdown and three interceptions (one was on a Hail Mary attempt).
Adonai Mitchell‘s role could decrease with the return of Josh Downs, who was close to playing this week. Downs was a human hype piece during training camp, and maybe is the missing cog that Richardson needs to get his passing back on track. It’s another reason to buy low on Richardson, coming off a poor performance.
Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
Zay Flowers was the focal point of the passing game in Week 2, receiving 11 targets (32% target share) and catching seven passes for 91 yards and a TD, including 22 YAC.
Through two games, the one constant in the Ravens offense has been Flowers. 27% target share through two games.
Dalton Kincaid (TE – BUF)
Dalton Kincaid caught four of four targets (21% target share) for 33 yards, showing his reliability as a tight end. Kincaid was out-snapped by Dawson Knox (53% vs 42%). After Kincaid was second on the team in routes run after Week 1, he finished 3rd in Week 2.
Still, 75% route participation is strong as his 27% target rate per route run. In a weak TE landscape, I still think Kincaid is worth sending low-ball offers for.
Calvin Ridley (WR – TEN)
Calvin Ridley was targeted six times (21.4% of passing attempts), catching four passes for 77 yards, including 18 YAC and one TD. Per Next Gen Stats, Will Levis‘ 40-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Ridley had a 16.5% completion probability, the most improbable completion of Levis’ NFL career. Ridley actually had an earlier chance at a long TD grab that he came up just short of catching. Through two games, Ridley leads the NFL in air yards (300). The QB play leaves a lot to be desired, but Ridley is seeing ridiculous usage in Brian Callahan’s offense.
Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
Najee Harris was the primary workhorse with 17 carries for 69 yards (4.1 YPC), including a long run of 11 yards. Despite strong red zone usage the first two weeks, he has yet to find the end zone.
Jaylen Warren added 42 yards on nine carries (4.7 YPC), showing explosiveness with an 11-yard run.
Warren out-snapped Harris in Week 2 48% to 45%. Warren seemingly looks back to full health, making him a GREAT buy low target.
Warren was efficient in the passing game as well, catching both of his two targets (10% target share) for 19 yards and gaining 20 YAC.
Rashid Shaheed (WR – NO)
Rashid Shaheed was the standout receiver, catching four of his four targets for 96 yards and a touchdown. This man ran a route on 96% of the dropbacks. Shaheed is here to stay as an integral part of the Saints offense under new OC, Klint Kubiak.
This going to sound crazy, but Shaheed is the exact player to target as part of a “sell-low.” His stigma as boom-or-bust WR has nobody believing in him. Believe. His new role in this offense is unlocking his ceiling. 8th in receiving yards through two games on nine targets.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba saw the highest target share at 16 targets (36%), catching 12 passes for 117 yards, proving to be a reliable weapon underneath and in the middle of the field with 41 YAC. He was targeted early and often. And more importantly, he has broken out of the part-time usage that hampered him as a rookie. He has a full-time role and is breaking out before our eyes.
Nearly 170 total air yards with the targets coming for JSN.
Keep this in mind in regard to JSN. Last year, he had a high target rate per route run (compared to the other Seattle WRs). And now that he’s running more routes, the targets are following.
Buy high. There’s no coincidence one of Smith’s best games came when Smith- Njigba was HEAVILY involved. Per Next Gen Stats, Smith recorded most of his production in Week 2 in the short passing game, completing 28 of 31 passes under 10 air yards for 201 yards.
Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)
Keon Coleman was held without reception on his lone target.
I’d buy low on Coleman after a tougher matchup. He still played the most snaps (91%) and ran the most routes among the Bills WRs.
This was not a matchup that called for Josh Allen‘s arm to be used in much capacity.
Buffalo plays the Jaguars on Monday Night Football in Week 3, followed by the Ravens and Texans.
Jared Goff (QB – DET)
The Detroit Lions fought hard offensively but faced difficulty in finding the end zone despite high yardage from key players. Jared Goff led the passing attack, completing 34 of 55 passes for 307 yards but threw two interceptions. Goff attempted 13 red-zone passes, but Todd Bowle’s defense locked the Lions out in the red zone.
Goff leads the NFL in red-zone pass attempts without a red-zone TD thrown (19).
Diontae Johnson (WR – CAR)
Adam Thielen was targeted three times, catching two for 20 yards. Diontae Johnson had six targets but only caught three for 15 yards. Johnson has three red-zone targets this season and zero TDs. He had a 49% air yards share in Week 2 because Bryce Young had generated just 75 air yards passing. Johnson and Thielen both played 94% of the snaps. Still didn’t matter. This offense is so sad with Young at quarterback. And Panther head coach Dave Canales took action, by benching Bryce Young for Andy Dalton on Monday. I honestly expect that based on the Panthers current offensive personnel. We are going to see a much better offense with Dalton under center. In his one start last season for the Panthers, Dalton threw for 361 yards and two TDs. Young has been the problem with the offense, not the supporting cast that has improved from last season. He has no pocket awareness and never looks to throw the ball downfield.
Christian Kirk (WR – JAC)
Christian Kirk had three targets but ended the game with -1 receiving yard on just one catch. (Target Share: 10%). Kirk did have a TD wiped off the board due to an illegal shift penalty.
I’d buy low on Kirk. We don’t know how long Engram is going to miss and two bad games to open the year have tanked Kirk’s value. The Jaguars offense has not played well, and a lack of Kirk probably hasn’t helped.
Given how the Bills look to limit big plays, this is a layup spot for Kirk to have a marquee double-digit game as Jacksonville looks to get back on track. The Jags will play Buffalo, Houston and Indianapolis over the next three games.
Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC)
Quentin Johnston led the receiving corps with 6 targets, catching 5 for 51 yards, including 2 touchdowns. He operated as the WR1 with Josh Palmer entering the game with a knee injury. Ladd McConkey caught 2 of his 4 targets for 26 yards, while Palmer added 2 catches for 19 yards (2 targets).
McConkey’s routes were fewer than QJ’s in Week 2 but he was still targeted at a 27% clip. They have identical target shares through the first two games. I think you know where my lean is. Go for the rookie.
Geno Smith (QB – SEA)
Matchups against the Dolphins and Lions are up next for Chef Geno after a great outing versus the Patriots in Week 2. The Seattle Seahawks came away with a strong offensive performance in Week 2, led by Geno Smith, who completed 33 of 44 passes for 327 yards, 1 touchdown, and no interceptions, posting a passer rating of 103.1. Chef Geno was COOKING.
Hunter Henry (TE – NE)
Hunter Henry was the standout receiver, catching 8 of 12 targets (44.4% target share) for 109 yards and a touchdown, with an impressive 66 YAC. 84% snap share as the No. 1 target on the Patriots TE-centric offense.
Jalen Tolbert (WR – DAL)
Jalen Tolbert was the most targeted player with nine targets, catching six for 82 yards (over 100 air yards). He looked good for a player that was hyped up during the offseason, and his role increased dramatically from Week 1 going from 69% route participation to 89% in Week 2.
Jordan Whittington (WR – LAR)
Jordan Whittington had two targets, catching both for 22 yards, with 27 YAC. 50% snap share. He is the Rams WR I have the most interest in for the long haul. Most unknown upside that you can keep on your bench for next to nothing. At this point in their NFL careers, we know who Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson are. Whittington in a full-time role and should take over in the slot (Kupp’s role). The rookie played the majority of his snaps from the slot in Week 2.
Players to Sell
Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
Alvin Kamara was the workhorse, carrying the ball 20 times for 115 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, with a long run of 15 yards and three rushing TDs. He was supported by Jamaal Williams, who added eight carries for 39 yards, and Taysom Hill contributed three carries for 18 yards. Kamara was heavily involved in the passing game as well, catching two of his three targets for 65 yards and a TD. Kamara’s four TD performance is just another addition to his list of insane fantasy outings for one of the all-time great RBs to play the last 10 years. But here’s a friendly reminder about Kamara. He started very strong last year as well. RB6 in points per game Weeks 3-9. He then fell to RB17 Weeks 10-18. I acknowledge that his receiving usage thus far (20% target share) is great, but the TDs amid potential middling rushing efficiency for an older RB and questionable OL that could be problematic down the stretch.
Kamara has already scored as many TDs (5) as he has averaged over the past two seasons. I think this is an easy sell-high window.
Sam LaPorta (TE – DET)
Unless Amon-Ra St. Brown‘s injury is serious, I am not sure LaPorta is going to break out of his funk anytime soon. Jameson Williams showed that his Week 1 performance is no fluke. He is a staple part of the offense. And through two games, LaPorta has been hurt the most. Unless one of the WRs or RBs goes down, I am afraid LaPorta isn’t going to turn things around. His 11.8% target rate is a bottom-5 mark for TEs this season. And the red-zone targets that went to LaPorta last season are now finding their way into Jamo’s path.
Not to mention the Cardinals (Lions play in Week 3) have been strong against TEs through two games this season.
Davante Adams (WR – LV)
Davante Adams dominated in the receiving game, seeing 12 targets (32% target share), catching nine passes for 110 yards, and adding 14 YAC plus a TD score (three red-zone targets).
With Minshew at the helm, it will be a bumpy ride with Adams. Anytime he booms, he should be placed firmly on the trade block. The target volume has been there both weeks for Adams in the Raiders’ quick, short passing game, but I could see him suffering greatly in less favorable game scripts (such as the ones that are coming up in the next few weeks for the Raiders).
Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
Kyren Williams led the ground attack, rushing 18 times for 50 yards and a touchdown, while playing 91% of the offensive snaps. He was the focal point of the backfield, contributing in both the running and passing games. Ronnie Rivers, not Blake Corum (who played 0% of the snaps), served as the RB2, rushing two times for 16 yards. However, Williams struggled with his efficiency, posting 2.8 yards per carry and -1.1 rushing yards per attempt over expectation. The Rams were blown out at Arizona in Week 2. They were undermanned given the vast amount of injuries they have suffered the past two weeks from WR Puka Nacua, WR Cooper Kupp, tackle Joseph Noteboom, G/C Steve Avila OL Kevin Dotson. In Week 2, Williams contributed 12 rushes for 25 yards (2.1 YPC) with his longest run being 9 yards. He did score a rushing touchdown while playing 79% of the snaps. Williams was listed as a sell last week, and got by with the TD. I don’t think he will be as lucky with the Rams offense struggling to move the ball with all their injuries. It’s possible he gets enough volume to survive, but the overall offensive struggles will hurt his total output especially with all the OL injuries. I’d sell off the high snap share and TD score.
Josh Allen (QB – BUF)
As a result of James Cook‘s red zone emergence, I think we see less of Josh Allen rushing TDs. Given the state of his receivers, I’m lower on Allen ROS compared to the remaining elite crop of fantasy QBs.
Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)
Derrick Henry led the rushing attack with 18 carries for 84 yards (4.7 YPC) and a long run of 29 yards and one rushing TD. But this was a grim way to start the game. In the first half, Henry had five rushing yards on seven carries.
Henry contributed to the passing game with one catch on one target for 12 yards. Justice Hill also added two catches for 10 yards on two targets.
Two games in and I am not exactly thrilled with how Henry has rushed behind the Ravens offensive line. Hill also out-snapped Henry for the second straight game. If Baltimore continues to play in more back-and-forth contests, Henry’s production will remain super volatile. Perhaps there’s a sell-high opportunity ahead of a matchup versus the Cowboys.
They will face Dallas, Buffalo and Bengals over the next three games.
J.K. Dobbins (RB – LAC)
Running back J.K. Dobbins was the star on the ground, rushing 17 times for 131 yards (7.7 YPC) with a long of 43 yards, scoring a touchdown. Like last week, the move still remains to sell high for the injury-prone Dobbins. Tougher matchup on deck versus the Steelers. But if you don’t get anything worthwhile, just continue to ride the wave of the NFL’s leading rusher.
Rachaad White (RB – TB)
In Week 1, Bucky Irving led the rushing attack with 62 yards on nine carries, including a 31-yard burst, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. Rachaad White struggled to find running lanes, managing just 31 yards on 15 carries (long of 15 yards), while Mayfield added 21 rushing yards on three scrambles. The Buccaneers starter still played 70% of the snaps to Irving’s 31%. The White/Irving split is somewhat concerning. White saw a 70% snap share or less one time last season. And it was in a game where he struggled immensely as a rusher averaging fewer than two yards per carry. Irving steps in immediately as a rookie and excels rushing in the new scheme orchestrated by new OC Liam Coen. Irving was handpicked by Coen during the NFL Draft as a plan to lessen White’s workload. And rookie RBs (especially Day 3 picks) don’t usually play this much in Week 1. White’s pass-catching is still top-notch, but his continued struggles as a rusher are hard to ignore.
Given that Irving is my favorite RB to target off waivers this week, it makes me hesitant on White long-term. Don’t think he goes to zero due to the receiving, but the carries could shift dramatically if Irving is just more efficient in this rushing scheme. Keep in mind that other than being undersized and not overly athletic, Irving was a talented RB prospect from Oregon. His 3.11 yards per play rank in the top five in the class.
Things did not improve for White in Week 2. Irving managed seven carries for 22 yards (3.1 YPC), while White struggled to get going again, gaining just 18 yards on 10 carries (1.8 YPC). He left the game for a portion with a groin injury but returned to action. He still played 71% of the snaps, but the injury may have contributed to his lack of production.
Irving played 35% of the snaps, a slight increase from Week 1. White also caught just 1 pass on his 1 target (5.3%) for 5 yards.
Aaron Jones (RB – MIN)
Ty Chandler had an impressive game on the ground, rushing 10 times for 82 yards (8.2 YPC), including a long run of 25 yards.
Aaron Jones contributed nine rushes for 32 yards (3.6 YPC) but lost a fumble, while Sam Darnold chipped in with five carries for 32 yards (6.4 YPC). He played more than in Week 1 (61% snap share) while Chandler’s snap rate remained the same at 35%. His first carry came more than halfway through the second quarter.
I don’t think the box score accurately portrays Jones as the RB1. Still, it’s a friendly reminder that Chandler has a role in this Vikings offense, and that Jones isn’t the most reliable RB over a 17-game span. After a hot start, I’d be looking to cash out sooner rather than later on Jones. The Texans are also a no-joke run defense.
Per Next Gen Stats, Houston allowed Bears running backs to gain more yards than expected on just 1 of 16 rushes (6.3%), their lowest rate of runs over expected since 2018. In 2023, the Texans allowed -270 RYOE to opposing running backs, the fewest in the NFL and the 3rd-fewest over the last six seasons.
Jerome Ford (RB – CLE)
Jerome Ford led the Browns’ backfield, rushing 7 times for 64 yards (9.1 YPC) with a long of 36 yards. Ford caught 1 target for 0 yards. He only ran a route on 29% of the dropbacks. Big decline from his Week 1 usage where he was heavily involved in the passing game. 36 routes versus 11 in Week 2.
D’Onta Foreman added 42 yards on 14 carries (3.0 YPC), with his longest run going for 9 yards. Foreman started this game as the Browns wanted to get him more involved (38% snap share) after he barely played in Week 1. He also drew the carries in the red zone for the Browns.
Javonte Williams (RB – DEN)
Jaleel McLaughlin carried the ball 10 times but only managed 27 yards, while Javonte Williams had eight carries for 23 yards (52% snap share) in Week 1. Seattle stacked the box on 50% of Williams’ rushing attempts. Audric Estime contributed 14 yards on two carries (fumbled), including a long run of 12 yards. Williams started, but McLaughlin was involved throughout. Both guys were used in the red zone (although Denver wasn’t there much).
The ground attack for Denver was abysmal in Week 1 versus Seatle. Williams only ran a route on 41% of the dropbacks while McLaughlin settled at 29%. The target rates were stark with McLaughlin seeing a 41% target rate to Williams’ 11%. Javonte’s lack of pass-game work is a red flag.
In Week 2, Williams was largely ineffective, rushing 11 times for 17 yards, averaging just 1.5 yards per carry. Two red-zone carries for not much production. Williams was at least a factor in the passing game, catching all 5 of his targets (14.3% target share) for 48 yards, with 48 YAC. He played 66% of the snaps. Sell high on the snap share. This Sean Payton backfield is impossible to project weekly. One week it’s Williams, the next it’s McLaughlin, etc.
In Week 2, Jaleel McLaughlin added six yards on three carries. McLaughlin (like Williams last week) had one touch in the second half. Woof.
Zack Moss (RB – CIN)
Zack Moss led the backfield with 12 carries for 34 yards, averaging 2.8 yards per carry. He played 80% of the snaps. Moss was targeted once for 13 yards and had five red-zone carries with zero TDs. But Chase Brown had a productive day on limited touches, carrying the ball four times for 31 yards, averaging 7.8 yards per carry. I hate to beat a dead horse here, but Moss hasn’t been inspiring at all with his usage thus far. I think Cincy might switch things up in the backfield if Moss doesn’t improve. Sell Moss and hold Brown. Alexander Mattison‘s role as RB1 for the Vikings was unmatched through two weeks in 2023. We all know how that ended up.
Rico Dowdle (RB – DAL)
Rico Dowdle led the ground attack with seven carries for 30 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He started and had the first carry. Ezekiel Elliott carried the ball six times for 16 yards. Deuce Vaughn had four rushes for 11 yards. Dowdle contributed to the passing game too, catching 4 of 5 targets for 29 yards. The snaps were 43% Dowdle, 40% of Elliott and 14% for Vaughn. Elliott ran the most routes. An ugly 3-way committee is forming where nobody can have success. To make matters worse, Zeke still looks to be the preferred candidate for red-zone usage. They played Elliott less to let Vaughn play more in Week 2. Sell Dowdle after he “started” in Week 2. With the Cowboys continuing to underwhelm in the ground game I’d speculatively add Dalvin Cook in deeper formats. Maybe he gets more run with nobody currently running away with the Dallas RB1 job. They will host the Ravens in Week 3, followed by the Giants, Steelers and Lions.
Zamir White (RB – LV)
Zamir White led the rushing game with nine carries for 24 yards (2.7 YPC), with a long of eight yards. Through two games, he ranks dead last in the NFL in rushing EPA. Sell.
Alexander Mattison had four carries for one yard and one TD. He was used at the goal line instead of White. I fully expect Mattison to take over this backfield sooner rather than later.
Sam Darnold (QB – MIN)
The Vikings had the fifth-hardest schedule entering 2024, but they had an easy start in Week 1. In Week 2, Darnold was impressive. But it gets tougher. Weeks 3-5 before their Week 6 bye week: The Texans, Packers and Jets in London.
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