Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings, Grades & Start/Sit Advice (2024)

Welcome to Week 2, friends. As always, we’re here to provide you with some fantasy football Quick Grades (or Start/Sit Grades, if you prefer) for the week.

We tapped into our consensus projections and rankings and Derek Brown’s weekly Primer to generate this week’s Quick Grades. See below for the results and accompanying notes.

• Fitz’s Tiers & Rankings
• Weekly Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
• Fantasy Football Start/Sit Advice
• Fantasy Football Trade Tools

Want to read about only your players? Sync your team (free) to get My Primer

Week 2 Quarterback Start/Sit Grades

Dak Prescott (QB)

I’m not taking much away from Prescott’s QB22 fantasy finish in Week 1 with the tough matchup and the route by Dallas. Prescott remains a talented/elite quarterback who ranked eighth in yards per attempt, second in CPOE, and fifth in fantasy points per dropback last year. I do expect more QB2 numbers for Prescott in Week 2, though. New Orleans remains a stout pass defense. In Week 1, they destroyed Bryce Young, allowing only 5.1 yards per attempt, a 0:2 passing touchdown to interception ratio, and a 31.8 passer rating. Last year it was much of the same for quarterbacks as the Saints allowed the tenth-lowest yards per attempt, the fourth-lowest CPOE, and the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

Derek Carr (QB)

Carr was objectively awesome on paper in Week 1. As the QB6 in fantasy, he was sixth in yards per attempt, first in CPOE, second in passer rating and fifth in fantasy points per dropback. I was expecting a jump for the Saints offense under Klint Kubiak, but I wasn’t expecting this. Yes, I know it was against Carolina, but it still has to be mentioned. Carr could stack back-to-back surprising outings against Dallas. Yes, I know this was one of the top pass defenses in the NFL last year, and they crushed the Browns in Week 1. Let’s get this out of the way, though. Deshaun Watson is one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL as he was last year when under center, so I take their stomping of the Browns’ offense with a grain of salt. Digging deeper, Dallas was only 20th in CPOE, and their pass rush wasn’t impressive. They allowed the ninth-highest time to throw while applying only a 10.7% pressure rate, as they didn’t blitz at all. Carolina only managed to pressure Carr on 27.4% of his dropbacks last week (second-lowest rate). I know there’s a big difference in pass rush quality, but we could be overrating Dallas’s ability to bring pressure here with only Micah Parsons striking fear in the Saints’ hearts. Carr could post solid numbers again in Week 2.

Justin Herbert (QB)

Herbert finished as the QB24 in his first game in this new-look Greg Roman offense. Herbert finished with QB2 numbers across the board in numerous categories. Among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, he was 24th in yards per attempt, 22nd in pass attempts, 28th in passing yards, and 20th in fantasy points per dropback. It was good to see him finish 10th in CPOE, but as we worried all offseason, his volume and the context of the offense could be a hindrance to his fantasy production. Luckily for Herbert, he faces a Carolina pass defense that was decimated by the Saints last week, and he is projected to be one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Carolina allowed the seventh-highest yards per attempt and the second-highest passer rating and CPOE last week. Herbert is likely a QB2 again this week despite the wonderful matchup unless he runs hot with touchdowns. His four rushing attempts last week isn’t enough to compensate for the lost passing volume in fantasy.

Bryce Young (QB)

Until Young proves he can be at least a competent NFL quarterback, there’s no way I can start him in fantasy. Last week, Young was the QB21 in fantasy, but that’s only related to his rushing score, which accounted for 51.7% of his fantasy scoring in Week 1. Among 33 qualifying quarterbacks in Week 1, Young ranked 25th in yards per attempt, 33rd in passer rating and CPOE, and he had the second-highest off-target throw rate.

Baker Mayfield (QB)

Mayfield was amazing in Week 1 as the QB2 in fantasy. He was cool in the pocket while displaying off-script playmaking ability and flashing some rushing upside (21 yards). Among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked fourth in yards per attempt, sixth in CPOE, fifth in adjusted completion rate, and third in fantasy points per dropback. Mayfield faces a tougher test in Week 2, but he looks up to the challenge. In Week 1, Detroit allowed the 13th-lowest yards per attempt and the 12th-lowest passer rating while sitting at 16th in CPOE. The Lions ranked 10th in pressure rate with the ninth-lowest time to throw allowed. Mayfield was stellar in Week 1 against pressure, though, as he was first in pressured passing grade and ninth in adjusted completion rate when pressured. Mayfield could post QB1 numbers again this week.

Malik Willis (QB)

Take this with a grain of salt, but Willis was pretty good this preseason for the Titans. Among 61 qualifying passers, he was eighth in passing grade, ninth in yards per attempt, and 16th in adjusted completion rate. The rushing upside with Willis is obvious. In 2022, in his three starts, Willis averaged 6.6 rushing attempts and 31.6 rushing yards per game. Once upon a time in 2018, Matt LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for Tennessee, with Marcus Mariota at quarterback. In that season, Mariota was ninth in designed runs, eighth in carries per game, and seventh in red zone carries among quarterbacks. Last year, Indy allowed the 10th-highest yards per attempt to passers while also ranking 17th in passing yards per game and 19th in CPOE permitted. Willis could return solid QB2 numbers in Week 2.

Sam Darnold (QB)

Don’t look now, but Sam Darnold is playing good football. Yes, I know it was against the Giants, but it was still impressive. Last week, among 33 qualifying quarterbacks, Darnold ranked seventh in yards per attempt, third in CPOE, ninth in highly accurate throw rate, and eighth in fantasy points per dropback. Darnold faces a tougher test in Week 2 against a 49ers pass defense that held Aaron Rodgers in check. Last year, San Francisco allowed the fifth-fewest yards per attempt, the eighth-fewest passing touchdowns, and the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Darnold can likely return decent QB2 numbers in Week 2, but keep your expectations in check.

Aaron Rodgers (QB)

Rodgers was noticeably shaking off the rust in Week 1. Among 32 quarterbacks, he ranked 10th in yards per attempt and ninth in highly accurate throw rate, but he was also 22nd in CPOE, 19th in off-target rate, and 15th in fantasy points per dropback. Tennessee had a fantastic defensive showing in Week 1, but it was against rookie Caleb Williams, so let’s take the results with a grain of salt. After one week of NFL action, the Titans have allowed the lowest yards per attempt, the fewest passing yards, and the sixth-lowest passer rating. Their pass rush was okay but not earth-shattering, with the 10th-best time to pressure, while they only ranked 16th in pressure rate. Rodgers likely puts up QB2 numbers again this week as he continues to round into form.

Will Levis (QB)

There’s no way Levis is finding his way into my lineups this week especially after his horrendous Week 1 showing. Among 32 qualifying quarterbacks in Week 1, Levis had the fourth-lowest yards per attempt, the fifth-lowest passer rating, and the sixth-lowest catchable target rate as the QB27 in fantasy. I don’t see any of those numbers improving this week against the Jets vaunted secondary. Last year New York allowed the fewest fantasy points per game, the fourth-lowest yards per attempt and passing touchdowns, and the second-lowest CPOE to quarterbacks.

Geno Smith (QB)

Smith finished Week 1 as the QB7 in fantasy, ranking 12th in CPOE and sixth in fantasy points per dropback with the ninth-lowest off-target rate. Helped pad his fantasy output with 30 rushing yards and a score. This is a tough matchup that likely punts him back to the QB2 area code, though. Last year, New England allowed the tenth-fewest passing yards per game, the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns, and the seventh-lowest yards per attempt.

Jacoby Brissett (QB)

Brissett isn’t fantasy viable until he and this passing attack show some life. Among 32 qualifying quarterbacks in Week 1, he had the sixth-lowest yards per attempt and the seventh-lowest fantasy points per dropback while sitting at 19th in CPOE and 17th in off-target rate. With the seventh-fewest passing attempts in Week 1, Brissett doesn’t have the efficiency to overcome volume and the context of this offense.

Get the FantasyPros News App for iOS and Android now

Week 2 Wide Receiver Start/Sit Grades

Amari Cooper (WR)

Cooper walked away from Week 1 with only two receptions and 15 receiving yards despite earning a solid volume clip. He had a 20% target share, a 47.7% air-yard share, and a 22.9% first-read share despite 0.31 YPRR. This is partially a Watson problem, but Cooper’s per-route metrics are also frightening. Among 78 qualifying wide receivers in Week 1, Cooper had the 23rd-lowest separation score and the tenth-lowest route win rate. We’ll see if this is an isolated finding that clears up quickly, but it had to be mentioned. Getting back to Watson, though, he is definitely part of the problem, as only 44.4% of Cooper’s targets were deemed catchable. If Cooper still has the juice, he should have no problem taking advantage of the Jags outside corner duo this week. He’ll run about 78% of his routes against Ronald Darby (83.3% catch rate and 158.3 passer rating) and Montaric Brown (career: 69.2% catch rate and 123.2 passer rating).

Christian Kirk (WR)

The Jaguars’ insistence on running the ball in Week 1 hurt Kirk, but his market share numbers were ok. He only saw four targets, securing one for 30 yards. He had an 80% route run rate with a 19% target share, a 29% air-yard share, 1,50 YPRR, and a 25% first-read share. Among 78 qualifying receivers, he ranked 31st in separation and 41st in route win rate. These aren’t amazing, but they also aren’t diarrhea-inducing numbers. In Week 1, the Browns utilized single-high at the highest rate in the NFL (85.7%). Last year against single-high (among 84 qualifying receivers), Kirk ranked 21st in separation and 31st in route win rate. Kirk will run about 70% of his routes against Greg Newsome (2023: 59.7% catch rate and 80.8 passer rating). Cleveland was near league-average against slot receivers, ranking 20th in PPR points per target allowed.

Jerry Jeudy (WR)

Jeudy opened the 2024 season with a WR33 finish, which was heavily influenced by him getting in the end zone. He did have solid market share metrics with a 17.8% target share, a 31.4% air-yard share, and a 20% first-read share, although all he did was post 0.58 YPRR. His per-route numbers, though, do portray a receiver that was held by bad quarterback play. In Week 1, among 78 qualifying receivers, Jeudy ranked 18th in separation and 21st in route win rate. If Cooper is cooked, Jeudy could be the receiver in this offense to emerge with a big game in Week 2, running about 65% of his routes against Ronald Darby (83.3% catch rate and 158.3 passer rating) and Montaric Brown (career: 69.2% catch rate and 123.2 passer rating).

Brian Thomas Jr. (WR)

In Week 1, Thomas Jr. finished as the WR20 in fantasy, drawing a 19% target share, a 26.7% air-yard share, and a 25% first-read share (tied for the team lead) with 2.61 YPRR. His touchdowns helped his fantasy outing immensely. Among 85 qualifying receivers, he ranked 43rd in route win rate. I’m not bullish on the rookie’s outlook this week against the stellar perimeter duo of Denzel Ward (2023: 51.5% catch rate and 77.3 passer rating) and Martin Emerson Jr. (2023: 49.3% catch rate and 53.3 passer rating). He will run about 72% of his routes against them. Last year, Cleveland allowed the third-fewest PPR points per target to perimeter wide receivers.

Gabe Davis (WR)

Davis will also have to deal with Denzel Ward (2023: 51.5% catch rate and 77.3 passer rating) and Martin Emerson Jr. (2023: 49.3% catch rate and 53.3 passer rating) on about 73% of his routes, but I’ll say between Davis and Thomas Jr. I’m a little higher on Davis this week. In Week 1, Davis had a 14.3% target share, a 27.3% air-yard share, 2.95 YPRR, and a 12.5% first-read share. In Week 1, the Browns utilized single-high at the highest rate in the NFL (85.7%). Last year against single-high (among 84 qualifying receivers), Davis was 26th in separation and 16th in route win rate. These numbers stand out. With Davis’ 16.0 aDOT, his looks likely come downfield which hurts his outlook. Last year, Cleveland allowed the lowest passer rating and the third-lowest adjusted completion rate to deep passing. It’s a mixed bag for Davis in Week 2, but I won’t be surprised if he does haul in a deep target for a score.

Elijah Moore (WR)

In case anyone didn’t learn last year, Moore shouldn’t be rostered in fantasy. Last year he was the WR75 in fantasy points per game with only one game with more than 70 receiving yards. He managed only three games with weekly fantasy finishes of WR30 or higher. He opened the 2024 season as an afterthought in the Cleveland passing attack with an 11.1% target share, 0.18 YPRR, and an 11.4% first-read share.

Malik Nabers (WR)

In his first NFL game, Nabers finished as the WR32 in fantasy with a 16.7% target share, a 27.5% air-yard share, 1.38 YPRR, and a 31.8% first-read share. Among 78 qualifying receivers, he ranked 27th in separation and 53rd in route win rate. This is the perfect matchup for Nabers to show the world his talent if Jones can get him catchable targets, which is a massive question. Last week, oddly enough, it wasn’t as 85.7% of his targets were catchable. Nabers will run about 88% of his routes against Benjamin St. Juste (75% catch rate and 131.8 passer rating) and Noah Igbinoghene (career: 56.5% catch rate and 110.3 passer rating). Nabers is dealing with a knee issue, but he has been deemed good to go for Week 2. He was limited in practice on Thursday before upgrading to a full session on Friday.

Terry McLaurin (WR)

In Week 1, McLaurin wasn’t the target hog we were promised during draft season. He had only a 16.7% target share, a 64% air-yard share, 0.68 YPRR, and a 22.2% first-read share. Washington’s offense looked like a unit that is still finding its way and will mature as quickly as their rookie quarterback does. Daniels took off running and checked down for most of the day, so I’m not hitting the panic button yet. This is a good get-right spot for Mclaurin. Last year, the Giants allowed the 12th-most receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers. McLaurin will run about 88% of his routes against Deonte Banks (60% catch rate and 138.3 passer rating) and Adoree’ Jackson (2023: 65.9% catch rate and 98.3 passer rating).

Wan’Dale Robinson (WR)

Robinson surprised last week with a 26.2% target share (11 targets), a 33.3% air-yard share, and a 36.4% first-read share. Now, he only finished with 1.38 YPRR (44 receiving yards) with his 5.2 aDOT, but volume is volume, especially in PPR leagues. Robinson was the WR31 in fantasy last week and could out-kick that finish this week. He’ll run about 84% of his routes against Mike Sainristill (85.7% catch rate and 139.0 passer rating).

Davante Adams (WR)

Adams walks out of Week 1 as the WR37 in fantasy scoring with an interesting market share profile. Against the Chargers, he had an 18.2% target share, a 41.1% air-yard share, 1.69 YPRR, and a 30% first-read share. While Adams led the team in first read rate, he was behind Brock Bowers in target share. There’s no world where Adams should be behind anyone on this team in market share. I get Bowers was an amazing prospect, but this should never happen in 2024. We should see this normalized moving forward, possibly as soon as Week 2. The matchup for Adams is tough, though. Last week, Baltimore utilized Marlon Humphrey in the slot, but he could be pushed back to the boundary this week with Adams running on the perimeter. Adams will match up with Brandon Stephens (2023: 63.6% catch rate and 82.4 passer rating) and Marlon Humphrey (2023: 52.5% catch rate and 69.2 passer rating) all day.

Zay Flowers (WR)

Flowers’ Week 1 usage was quite similar to his 2023 season. Baltimore still funneled underneath looks to him with a 6.1 aDOT and a 40% designed target rate. Overall, Flowers had a 24.4% target share, a 20.8% air-yard share, 0.79 YPRR, and a 30.4% first-read share. The yards per route run jumps off the page, but the Chiefs were clamping down on these underneath passes all game with increasing success as the game moved along. Flowers could find more success with the short passes in Week 2, though, against a defense that had the 11th-most missed tackles last year while also giving up the third-most yards after the catch. Flowers will run about 76% of his routes against Jakorian Bennett (2023: 65.6% catch rate and 102.3 passer rating) and Jack Jones (2023: 60.6% catch rate and 68.1 passer rating).

Rashod Bateman (WR)

Bateman only saw a 12.2% target share and an 8.7% first-read share in Week 1 as the team’s downfield weapon. He did soak up a 23.6 aDOT with a 40.3% air-yard share, which could come in handy this week if you’re looking for some sneaky ceiling from your flex. In Week 1, the Raiders utilized single-high on 53.8% of their defensive snaps. Last year, while the counting stats weren’t there for Bateman, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t good against single high. Among 112 qualifying wide receivers, he ranked tenth in separation score and 12th in route win rate. If Lamar Jackson is looking for big plays downfield in Week 2, expect Bateman to be the receiver he turns to. Bateman will run about 90% of his routes against Jakorian Bennett (2023: 65.6% catch rate and 102.3 passer rating) and Jack Jones (2023: 60.6% catch rate and 68.1 passer rating).

Chris Olave (WR)

Olave’s Week 1 was among the biggest unexpected flops of the fantasy landscape. His 8.3% target share, 5.6% air-yard share, and 11.1% first-read share were surprising. The data backs up his rough Week 1 outing. Among 104 qualifying wide receivers, he ranked 55th in route win rate. That’s not a coffin nail, but it’s not what we expected entering this season. Considering Olave is in the prime of his career, and he ranked 24th in YPRR and 16th in FD/RR last year, I’m willing to write off his Week 1 performance, but it deserves monitoring. This week could be more of the same for Olave against Dallas’s new look two high defense. In Week 1, they ranked tenth in two high rate (50.9%). Last year, among 104 qualifying receivers, Olave ranked 49th in separation and 51st in win rate against two-high. Last year against two high, Olave had a 19.4% target share, a 35.6% air-yard share, 1.45 YPRR (yikes!), and a 27.6% first-read share. Olave will run about 76% of his routes against Trevon Diggs (66.7% catch rate and 30.6 passer rating) and Caelen Carson (55.6% catch rate and 105.8 passer rating).

Brandin Cooks (WR)

Cooks finished Week 1 as the WR21 in fantasy with the touchdown he scored doing much of the lifting there. Cooks did have a 21.8% target share, a 28.1% air-yard share, 1.60 YPRR, and a 24% first-read share. All of these are solid statistics from a volume standpoint. Last year, New Orleans had a 53.9% rate of single-high. That climbed to 66.7% in Week 1, which was the fifth-highest rate in the NFL. Last year, Cooks had a 19% TPRR, 1.79 YPRR, and a 17.3% first read-share (second-best on the team) against single-high. Cooks will run about 77% of his routes against Paulson Adebo (2023: 56.8% catch rate and 69.9 passer rating) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (2024: 66.7% catch rate and 109.7 passer rating).

Diontae Johnson (WR)

The Panthers got the doors blown off by the Saints in Week 1, so it has muddied some of their usage metrics as the team sat players late. In the first half of their Week 1 contest, Johnson had a 33.3% target share, a 49.3% air-yard share, and a 37.5% first-read share. Those market share numbers are bonkers, but we can’t be surprised, considering Johnson’s talent and the receiver depth chart around him. Last year among 144 qualifying receives, Johnson ranked second in separation and first in route win rate. If the team can keep this game close, we should see Johnson fed in Week 2 against the Chargers two high coverage. In Week 1, the Bolts ranked fourth in two high usage (77.5%). Last year, Johnson was also amazing against two high, ranking second in separation and first in route win rate. Johnson will run about 67% of his routes against Asante Samuel Jr. (2023: 64.7% catch rate and 98.0 passer rating) and Kristian Fulton (2023: 72.5% catch rate and 129.3 passer rating).

Ladd McConkey (WR)

McConkey exits Week 1 as the WR19 in fantasy points per game after scoring with his only end zone target. I don’t say that to diminish his Week 1 performance, but that’s what helped him in the fantasy scoring department, as he only managed five grabs and 39 receiving yards outside of it. He did command a strong market share with a 26.9% target share, a 25.8% air-yard share, and a 25% first-read share. He produced 1.86 YPRR with his 6.6 aDOT. His underneath targets will hurt his weekly upside unless he breaks one for a big gain. McConkey is a solid PPR flex that will run about 61% of his routes against Troy Hill (2023: 63.6% catch rate and 100.3 passer rating).

Joshua Palmer (WR)

Better days are ahead for Palmer. He led the team with a 96.4% route run rate with a 15.4% target share, a 25.3% air-yard share (11.3 aDOT), and an 8.3% first-read share. The first-read share isn’t great by any stretch of the imagination. He did struggle in Week 1 to gain consistent separation, but it’s a one-game sample, so I’m willing to give Palmer a mulligan. In Week 1, among 104 qualifying receivers, he ranked 54th in separation and 59th in route win rate. Last year, among 144 receivers, Palmer ranked 24th in separation and 23rd in route win rate. If you’re targeting a Bolts’ wide receiver to consider flexing this week, it’s McConkey, though, as Palmer’s matchup on the perimeter isn’t great. Palmer will run about 67% of his routes against Jaycee Horn (2023: 60.7% catch rate and 88.2 passer rating) and Mike Jackson (68.8% catch rate and 93.5 passer rating). Palmer was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday before missing Friday’s session (knee). He has been listed as questionable.

Adam Thielen (WR)

Until Young displays the ability to support at least one viable fantasy receiver, much less multiple, I won’t be starting any receiving options in this Carolina offense outside of Diontae Johnson. Thielen’s Week 1 showing doesn’t inspire any confidence either. In the first half, before the game got out of hand, he had only an 8.3% target share and a 15.9% air-yard share. In Week 1, among 104 qualifying receivers, he ranked 44th in separation and 77th in route win rate.

Xavier Legette (WR)

Until Young displays the ability to support at least one viable fantasy receiver, much less multiple, I won’t be starting any receiving options in this Carolina offense outside of Diontae Johnson. Legette also was splitting the WR3 role in Week 1 with Jonathan Mingo. In the first half, Legette only had a 58.8% route run rate. Young has to prove himself, and Legette has to earn the full-time starting role before we should consider plugging him into a fantasy lineup.

Week 2 Running Back Start/Sit Grades

Rachaad White (RB)

Different season, but the same result. White was the clear workhorse for Tampa Bay, as he was awesome in the passing game and forgettable as a rusher. He swallowed up a 20% target share while producing 3.75 YPRR with 75 receiving yards. He finished with a 70% snap rate, 21 touches, and 106 total yards as the RB16 in fantasy. Among 34 qualifying backs, he was 18th in missed tackles forced per attempt (13%) and 30th in yards after contact per attempt. White had the fourth-highest stuff rate among sampled backs. He’ll have to do most of his damage through the air again in Week 2. The Lions fielded a stellar run defense in Week 1 which continued a trend they started last year. They allowed zero explosive runs or missed tackles, with only 1.70 yards after contact per attempt. Last year, Detroit allowed the second-lowest explosive run rate and yards after contact per attempt and the second-fewest rushing yards per game. White will be a volume play.

David Montgomery (RB)

Montgomery continued the steady RB2 production that we have come to love from him during his time in Detroit. He was the RB17 while playing 47% of the snaps and rolling up 18 touches and 93 total yards. Predictably, he played 60% of the rushing play snaps in Week 1, but what’s also interesting is that he only had a 40% snap rate in the red zone as Gibbs took the lead. Among 34 qualifying backs, Montgomery ranked sixth in missed tackles forced per attempt and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. Tampa Bay still looks like a team in 2024 that you can’t run on. In Week 1, they allowed the ninth-lowest missed tackle rate and the third-lowest yard after contact per attempt. Last year, they gave up the seventh-lowest yards after contact per attempt, the eighth-lowest explosive run rate and rushing touchdown rate, and the fifth-lowest missed tackle rate. Montgomery needs a touchdown to pay off in fantasy this week likely.

Josh Jacobs (RB)

Jacobs finished Week 1 as the RB25 in fantasy points per game, playing 73% of the snaps with 18 touches and 104 total yards. It’s only one game, but Jacobs’ tackle-breaking juice looks to have returned for the 2024 season. Among 34 qualifying backs, Jacobs ranks eighth in missed tackles forced per attempt and fifth in yards after contact per attempt. While Malik Willis could hurt the overall efficiency of the offense, this could be a week for Green Bay to ride Jacobs and lean on their offensive line. Last week, Indy was steamrolled up front by Houston’s offensive line, finishing with the third-lowest stuff rate and the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt. They still held Joe Mixon to the ninth-lowest explosive run rate, but Houston played bully ball on the ground. Green Bay could do the same. Last week, their offensive line was second in yards before contact per attempt and ranked 11th in run-blocking grade. Expect Green Bay to lean on Jacobs this week.

Jordan Mason (RB)

Mason crushed the Jets and every expectation anyone should have had for his first starting performance. Mason finished with an 81% snap rate, 29 touches, and 152 total yards as the RB5 for the week. Among 34 qualifying backs, Mason ranks 10th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. In Week 1, Minnesota was again a brutal rushing matchup, not allowing an explosive run with only a 5% missed tackle rate and 2.19 yards after contact per attempt. These numbers look eerily similar to last season when Minnesota surrendered the lowest explosive run rate and the eighth-lowest yards after contact per attempt and rushing yards per game. Mason has a tough hill to climb, but he can overcome it with volume, talent, and one of the best offensive minds in the NFL.

Aaron Jones (RB)

Jones looked in vintage form in Week 1 as the RB9 for the week. He played 55% of the snaps for Minnesota with 16 touches and 109 total yards. Among 34 qualifying running backs, he was second in explosive run rate, missed tackles forced per attempt, and yards after contact per attempt. If he can stay healthy all year, Jones could be one of the best values of draft season. Jones quietly has a solid matchup this week against the 49ers. In Week 1, they allowed the 14th-highest explosive run rate and the fifth-highest missed tackles per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. This lines up well with last season when San Francisco gave up the 11th-highest explosive run rate and the seventh-highest yards after contact per attempt.

Tony Pollard (RB)

After watching Week 1, I don’t think we gave Pollard enough credit in the offseason for how much of this backfield he could possess in 2024. Pollard finished Week 1 as the RB11 in fantasy, playing 61% of the snaps with 19 touches and 94 total yards. Among 34 qualifying backs, Pollard ranked 13th in explosive run rate and 10th in yards after contact per attempt. This is an average matchup for Pollard if Levis can somehow keep the Jets from stacking the box. In Week 1, New York allowed the seventh-highest missed tackle rate and the ninth-highest yards after contact per attempt while lining up well with 2023. Last year the Jets allowed the 11th-highest missed tackle rate, the ninth-highest yards after contact per attempt, and the second-most gap rushing yards (Pollard 68% gap in Week 1).

Tyjae Spears (RB)

Spears is a decent flex play this week. In Week 1, he played 45% of the snaps with eight touches and 32 total yards. He was the Titan’s primary passing-down back, accounting for 58% of the snaps on passing plays. The problem is he only managed 25% of the snaps when they got to the red zone, so the touchdown upside here is slim unless Spears breaks a long play. Spears had a 12.5% target share and 20% TPRR in Week 1. His pass game usage is his best route to flex appeal this week. Last year, the Jets allowed the 13th-highest receptions and the seventh-highest receiving yards and yards per reception to backs.

Zach Charbonnet (RB)

Charbonnet will be the team’s workhorse this week with Walker out. Last year, Charbonnet had three games in which he played at least 60% of the snaps. In that sample, he averaged 19.6 touches and 75.3 total yards. Among 49 qualifying backs last year, he ranked 20th in explosive run rate and 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Last week, New England allowed the 13th-lowest missed tackle rate while ranking 15th in yards after contact per attempt permitted. While they might not be elite as a run defense this year, they still likely aren’t a pushover. This is a tougher matchup for Charbonnet. Last year, the Patriots allowed the second-lowest explosive run rate and the lowest missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt. Charbonnet can still pay off for fantasy as a volume RB2 this week.

Rhamondre Stevenson (RB)

MONDRE bullied the Bengals run defense in Week 1 to the tune of 28 touches, 126 total yards, and an RB7 finish. He played 78% of the snaps while putting up a monster tackle-breaking performance. Among 34 qualifying backs, he ranked first in missed tackles forced per attempt, third in yards after contact per attempt, and ninth in explosive run rate. The jury is still out regarding the skill of the Seattle run defense for 2024. They were a bottom-five unit last year, but in Week 1, they had the fourth-highest stuff rate and the ninth-lowest yards after contact per attempt allowed while sitting at 16th in missed tackles per attempt. This was also against a putrid Denver passing attack, but the New England passing attack isn’t much better, so Seattle could load the box. The biggest concern for Stevenson is that his offensive line didn’t do him any favors last week, with the third-lowest yards before contact per attempt generated. Stevenson will have to do it all himself again this week in a tougher matchup.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB)

Etienne had a ho-hum start to the 2024 season, playing 70% of the snaps with 14 touches and 59 total yards as the RB30 for the week. His tackle-breaking metrics are something to note but not get overly concerned about after only one game. Among 34 qualifying backs, he ranks 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 28th in yards after contact per attempt. The Browns were a low-key mediocre run defense last year, but after one week of football, they look to have improved. Again, it is only a one-game sample, but they allowed the 12th-lowest missed tackle rate, zero explosive runs, and the 10th-lowest yards after contact per attempt. Etienne will need all the help he can get from his offensive line that opened the season, ranking 12th in yards before contact per attempt.

Jerome Ford (RB)

A decent amount of Ford’s production last week occurred in garbage time, but hey, fantasy points are fantasy points. The big takeaway is that Ford was the clear workhorse for Cleveland, playing 75% of the snaps with 18 touches and 69 total yards. He was the RB17 for Week 1. Ford was ok but not outstanding in tackle-breaking metrics. Among 34 qualifying backs, he ranked 15th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 16th in yards after contact per attempt. Ford can volume his way to another solid day in Week 2, but the matchup is tough, so don’t expect a monster game. In Week 1, Jacksonville didn’t allow an explosive run while giving up the fifth-lowest missed tackle rate and the 11th-lowest yards after contact per attempt.

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB)

Robinson Jr. finished last week as the RB14 in fantasy points per game, playing 56% of the snaps with 15 touches and 89 total yards. His tackle-breaking metrics weren’t great, but it’s a one-game sample, so I’ll wipe it away because he was extremely good last year in a larger sample. Among 34 qualifying backs, he was 24th in missed tackles forced per attempt and yards after contact per attempt. His offensive line didn’t do him any favors either, ranking 20th in yards before contact per attempt. Robinson could easily be a strong RB2 with borderline RB1 numbers this week against a Giants’ run defense that allowed the seventh-highest explosive run rate, the fourth-highest missed tackle rate, and the sixth-highest yards after contact per attempt in Week 1.

Devin Singletary (RB)

Singletary finished as a middle-of-the-road RB3 last week (RB34) despite playing 70% of the snaps with 14 touches and 52 total yards. He didn’t manage an explosive run or a missed tackle forced, but he was sixth in yards after contact per attempt. The Giants’ line was offensive, logging in with the fifth-lowest yards before contact per attempt. This is another week of Singletary being a low-ceiling RB2/flex play against a run defense that, in Week 1, allowed the sixth-lowest missed tackle rate, the second-lowest yards after contact per attempt, and the ninth-lowest yards per carry. This all happened despite Tampa Bay last week finishing with the eighth-highest yards before contact per attempt. Singletary will get swarmed as soon as he gets the handoffs.

Austin Ekeler (RB)

If you need a desperation flex play, then Ekeler is in the conversation. He played 53% of the snaps last week with six touches and 62 total yards. He accrued most of that production through the air (four receptions, 52 receiving yards). A lot of that had to do with Daniels’ reluctance to go downfield (second-highest check down rate), but that volume could easily dry up this week. Ekeler looks spry with the touches he received, but I’m not a big believer that his volume will be sustainable week to week. The other worry is his touchdown equity in this offense, as he only played 28.6% of the snaps inside the red zone. The Giants allowed the fewest receptions to backs last year but they did concede the ninth-highest yards per reception.

James Conner (RB)

Conner finished Week 1 as the RB8 in fantasy with a 67% snap rate, 19 touches, and 83 total yards. His efficiency on the ground was concerning as he ranked 20th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 31st in yards after contact per attempt among 34 qualifying backs. I’m willing to explain this away as small sample variance, as Conner was one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL last year on a per-touch basis. It was good to see that his offensive line got a decent push up front, ranking seventh-best in yards before contact per attempt. The Rams defensive line got pushed around last week by the Lions, allowing the third-highest yards before contact per attempt. If the Cards line is for real they could open up holes again this week for Conner. The Rams also had the second-lowest stuff rate and the ninth-highest missed tackle rate last week. Conner is an RB1/2 again this week.

Zack Moss (RB)

Moss finished Week 1 as the RB22 in fantasy while playing 65% of the snaps with 11 touches and 61 total yards. This could be a game where Cincy leans on their ground game. In Week 1, among 36 qualifying backs, Moss ranked 10th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 13th in yards after contact per attempt. Last year, Kansas City allowed the 10th-highest explosive run rate and the 13th-highest yards after contact per attempt, and it had the second-lowest stuff rate. The Bengals line did a good job at opening up holes up front last week, ranking 10th in adjusted yards before contact per attempt. Let’s see if they can do it again versus Kansas City. The Chiefs allowed the 10th-highest yards before contact per attempt last year.

Chase Brown (RB)

Brown didn’t have the role that we heard out of camp out of the gate. He was the clear backup and not 1B in this offense. Brown only played 33% of the snaps in Week 1, logging six touches and 23 total yards. Hold him on your rosters if you have room, but don’t consider starting him anytime soon unless there’s any injury to Moss.

Najee Harris (RB)

Harris was the RB35 in fantasy Week 1 as he played 56% of the snaps, logging 21 touches and 79 total yards. Among 34 qualifying backs, he was 16th in explosive run rate and 12th in missed tackles forced per attempt. Harris has more of the backfield work this season, at least through one game, than he did last year. He had a 70% snap rate on rushing plays and a 41% snap rate on passing downs (Warren 48%). When the Steelers entered the red zone, Harris had a 64% snap rate, and when they were inside the 10-yard line, that snap share still stood at 60%. Harris should post RB2 numbers (at least) this week against a Denver run defense that allowed the second-highest explosive run rate, the 13th-highest missed tackle rate, and the 12th-highest yards after contact per attempt in Week 1.

Javonte Williams (RB)

Williams had a tough Week 1. He played 52% of the snaps but only had nine touches and 23 scoreless yards to show for it. Seattle’s defense didn’t respect the pass and clogged the running lanes which could easily happen again this week. Williams has an interesting tackle-breaking profile that we’ll have to continue to monitor to see if he’s back to his pre-injury form. Among 40 qualifying backs in Week 1, he was 10th in missed tackles forced per attempt, but he was also 28th in yards after contact per attempt and didn’t manage one explosive run. His offensive line also didn’t do him any favors, as they had the seventh-lowest yards before contact per attempt. If Nix can keep the Steelers run defense honest (big if), then he could find some running room this week against a team that allowed the fourth-highest missed tackle rate, the sixth-highest yards after contact per attempt, the 13th-highest gap yards per carry (Williams 63% gap Week 1), and the 12th-highest gap success rate last year.

Jaleel McLaughlin (RB)

What the surface box score doesn’t tell you is that McLaughlin played more on rushing plays and less on passing downs than Javonte Williams in Week 1. McLaughlin had a 50% snap rate on rushing plays (Williams 40%) and a 30% snapshare on passing downs (Williams 55%). Some of that could be related to pass pro because McLaughlin still earned a 42% TPRR and 11.9% target share (five targets) in Week 1. McLaughlin was still effective with the work that he received on early downs, ranking 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (among 40 qualifying backs). Yes, I know you’re wondering how I can say this, looking at his box score, but his offensive line only managed 0.20 yards before contact per attempt on his carries. Basically, as soon as he got the ball, a defender was already in his face. It’s nearly impossible to expect a back to produce in any offense when that’s the case every snap. Overall, McLaughlin played 35% of the snaps with 15 touches and 28 total yards. If Nix can provide decent quarterback play, we could see McLaughlin’s numbers improve in Week 2.

Week 2 Tight End Start/Sit Grades

Mark Andrews (TE)

Isaiah Likely and Andrews’ usages were flipped last week. Andrews had a 70% route run clip, with 72% of his snaps coming from the slot, so it’s not like he wasn’t out there. Unlike Flowers, though, Andrews didn’t have any designed targets. Andrews finished with a 4.9% target share and an 8.7% first-read share. I don’t see either of these metrics continuing as his norm moving forward unless there’s an injury or underlying reason that hasn’t been shared publicly by the team. The Raiders utilized single high on 53.8% of their defensive snaps in Week 1. Last year, Andrews was second on the team in target share (18.5%) and first-read share (20.3%) against a single high. Last year against single-high, among 40 qualifying tight ends, Andrews ranked fifth in separation score and second in route win rate. Last season, the Raiders allowed the ninth-most receptions to tight ends while ranking 17th in fantasy points allowed to slot tight ends.

Brock Bowers (TE)

In Week 1, Bowers led the team with a 24.2% target share, 2.0 YPRR, and 0.103 FD/RR while ranking second in first-read share (25%). He finished the week as the TE3 in fantasy while running 55.2% of his routes from the slot with a 72.5% route run rate. Bowers has a tough matchup incoming, but his target volume and usage will keep him among the TE1 ranks. Last year, Baltimore allowed the 10th-lowest yards per reception, the second-fewest receiving touchdowns, and the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Isaiah Likely (TE)

Likely went bonkers in Week 1 with a 29.3% target share, a 38.2% air-yard share, and 3.58 yards per route run. His 26.1 fantasy points will likely be a season-high, but we can’t dismiss Likely’s usage. He will remain involved heavily in this offense, but these market share numbers aren’t sustainable unless Andrews isn’t as healthy as we’ve been led to believe. Likely only had a 60.8% route participation. The Raiders utilized single high on 53.8% of their defensive snaps in Week 1. Last year against single-high, among 40 qualifying tight ends, Likely ranked eighth in separation score and 11th in route win rate. Last season, the Raiders allowed the ninth-most receptions to tight ends while ranking 17th in fantasy points allowed to slot tight ends.

Taysom Hill (TE)

Hill is the ultimate tight-end dice roll. Last week, he played 32% of the snaps with six touches and 36 total yards. He didn’t register a red zone touch or target. I won’t rule out Hill finishing as a TE1 in any week, as he managed to do so seven times and was the TE15 in fantasy points per game last year.

Juwan Johnson (TE)

Last week, Johnson got into the end zone and finished as the TE5 in fantasy points per game, but he will not be startable until his usage increases. While he drew a red zone target and successfully converted it last week, the rest of his profile is lacking. Johnson had only a 42.3% route run rate, a 12.5% target share (three targets), and an 11.1% first-read share. None of these usage or market share metrics scream, “I MUST START Juwan Johnson!.” Considering the state of the tight end position after one week of NFL action, he’s fine to hold on a roster if you have the space, but if you need it for a sexy waiver wire add, I don’t mind cutting him from your squad.

Cade Otton (TE)

Otton is only a low-end matchup-based streaming option. With McMillan in town, Otton has been bumped further down the target pecking order this year. In Week 1, he only had a 6.7% target share and 8.3% first-read share with 0.21 YPRR. If you wedge him into a lineup, you’re praying for a touchdown. Last year, Detroit was a good matchup for tight ends, allowing the seventh-most receiving yards, the fifth-highest yards per reception, and the eighth-most fantasy points to the position.

Tucker Kraft (TE)

I have always been a proud card-carrying member of the Tucker Kraft hive. Despite this, it surprised me that Kraft was Green Bay’s clear starter at tight end in Week 1. He had a 56.8% route run rate, an 8.6% target share, 1.76 YPRR, and a 4.2% first-read share. He entered the game banged up, which could also account for the route run rate not being higher. Kraft is a dart throw only, though, this week with Malik Willis under center. The entire passing attack is in question. This is a good matchup for Kraft, though, if Willis can somehow provide competent quarterback play. Last year, Indy allowed the 10th-most receiving yards and fantasy points to tight ends.

Tyler Conklin (TE)

Conklin isn’t on the streaming radar until he earns more of a market share in this offense or Rodgers starts balling out. Last week he had a 77% route share, but he did relatively nothing with it. He only drew a 6.9% target share (two targets) and a 4.8% first-read share. Tennessee was also stout against tight ends last year, allowing the sixth-fewest receiving yards and the third-fewest fantasy points to the position.

Chig Okonkwo (TE)

Okonkwo isn’t fantasy-viable despite securing a touchdown last week. He only had a 50% route share, which amounted to a 6.3% target share (two targets) and an 8% first-read share. Levis has to prove he can play better before we should ever consider a part-time tight end/tertiary receiving option in this Titans offense.

Hunter Henry (TE)

Henry falls into the low-end matchup-based streaming bucket again for Week 2. Last week, he had an 82% route run rate, a 12.5% target share, a 21.1% air-yard share, the only end zone target for the passing game, and 0.58 YPRR. The biggest concern is Jacoby Brissett wasn’t looking for him early in progressions, as he had a minuscule 6.3% first-read share. That could be corrected this week against a secondary that allowed the eighth-highest receiving yards and yards per reception to tight ends last year.

Noah Fant (TE)

Fant is an uninspiring TE2 this week. Last week, he had a 68% route run rate with a 16% target share, 0.58 YPRR, one end zone target, and a 16.7% first-read share. New England was tough on tight ends last year, allowing the eighth-lowest yards per reception and second-fewest receiving yards and fantasy points per game.

Evan Engram (TE)

There’s no world that we should live in where Engram gets only a 68% route run rate, but that’s what happened in Week 1. He did draw a 19% target share and a 25% first-read share (tied for the team lead), but he only produced 0.29 YPRR as only 50% of his targets were catchable. Engram’s snap and route run rate should bump back up in Week 2, but we need to see it. Engram has a tough matchup in Week 2 against a Cleveland pass defense that last year allowed the second-lowest yards per reception and the fewest receiving yards and fantasy points to tight ends.

Zach Ertz (TE)

Last week, Ertz had a 72.7% route run rate with a 16.7% target share, 1.17 YPRR, and a 22.2% first-read share. He was the WR2 in the Washington offense. There will be weeks that he will have some steaming upside, but this isn’t one of them. Last year, New York allowed the 11th-fewest receiving yards and the sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends.

Week 2 Defense / Special Teams Start/Sit Grades

Week 2 Kicker Start/Sit Grades