Final score: Bears 23, Texans 20 (Push, O40)

Key Postgame Storylines

In what was likely predicted to be the most boring game of the morning slate, both teams tried their hardest to make that come true. Neither team looked overly competent on offense through the large majority of the game.  Davis Mills had a throw tipped at the line of scrimmage late in the fourth quarter, which resulted in an interception that ended any sort of comeback attempt from the Texans who fell to 0-2-1 on the season.  The Bears advanced to 2-1 on the young season with a winnable matchup looming against the Giants next Sunday.  Somehow they are finding a way to win games by taking the ball out of Justin Fields’ hands, who finished Sunday’s contest with just 8-of-17 pass attempts. They are relying on their strong run game, and defense, which featured Khalil Herbert after David Montgomery exited the game with an apparent ankle/knee injury.  The Texans have a stud running back making a name for himself too, as rookie Dameon Pierce has a grip on the backfield touches and scored his first touchdown as a pro.

Top Performers

RB Khalil Herbert:  Herbert has looked solid in his limited attempts over the first two weeks, but might be taking over this backfield for good if David Montgomery is going to miss some time due to injury.  The back rushed 20 times for 157 and a pair of scores, something that Monty has only done once in his career, while not being targeted in the passing game.  Herbert is going to be worth an immediate add on the waivers, especially against the Giants who have given up over 90 yards per game against opposing running backs. 

RB Dameon Pierce: After a very bland Week 1, this Texans’ backfield belongs to the rookie. Once again Rex Burkhead was nonexistent, while Pierce rumbled for 80 yards and a touchdown on 20 attempts.  He also added a pair of receptions for 21 yards. Pierce was the preseason darling who rocketed up the draft boards as the season approached and that rise in ADP seems to be paying off for the fantasy GMs who took a shot on him.

TE Jordan Akins: Akins found the end zone in the first quarter on a nice toss from Mills.  Unfortunately, this will not be a regular occurrence for Akins who only had three receptions for 31 yards on the night.  These were his first targets of the season and it could very likely be a few games before he sees anymore. 

Biggest Busts

WR Brandin Cooks: The Bears defense played some serious help coverage defense against Cooks and did not allow the veteran receiver much room to work. Cooks turned in his worst game of the young season with only two receptions for 22 yards while being targeted seven times.  He should have no issues rebounding next week and this poor performance might allow for a buy-low window. 

QB Justin Fields: As sad as it is to say, Fields without a doubt is not worth rostering in redraft leagues at this point.  He tied his season-high with 17 attempts and had a whole eight completions. He threw for 106 yards and a pair of interceptions.  He has not thrown a touchdown since Week 1 and has yet to find much of a rhythm running the ball.  

WR Darnell Mooney: At this point, Mooney is almost becoming a drop candidate, with taking a shot on certain waiver-wire flyers. Although he is beyond talented and looked great in a pairing with Fields last year, the new offensive regime is running the offense completely differently.  Mooney only turned in 23 yards and two receptions on his six targets.  He is absolutely not to be started on any rosters at this point, but his draft capital makes it a very tough decision to make before dropping him.  His trade value is also at an all-time low and the entire Bears’ offense is a mess, yet they keep winning games. 

Final score: Titans 24, Raiders 22 (Titans covered +2.5, O45.5)

Key Postgame Storylines

The Titans never trailed on Sunday, but the Raiders tried to turn the tables on last week’s comeback defeat and flip the script on the Titans in this one.  The Raiders scored with 1:18 left, after countless attempts to find the end zone and being bailed out by penalties, but were unable to convert on the two-point try.  Surprisingly, the Raiders never targeted their Pro Bowl WR Davante Adams in that stretch, who turned in a rather mediocre game.  The Titans came out of the gate hammering the rock with Derrick Henry but got away from it as the clock ticked down, allowing the Raiders to attempt to mount a comeback.  Josh Jacobs was able to suit up after missing the team’s flight due to an illness, although his efforts were far from his best, rushing for 66 yards on 13 attempts while adding five receptions for 31 yards.  

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Top Performers

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