Was anyone else having trouble putting up points last or was it just me? Scoring was down across the NFL compared to week 1’s in recent memory. Hopefully week 2 is kinder to our fantasy output. Friendly reminder to read Larry Vannozzi’s weekly weather report to make sure you’re as prepared as possible. Good luck to everyone who isn’t playing against me this week!

First, a few housekeeping notes..

Q’s Quick Pick Record: 3-12, -8.96u (ouch)

Picks: Odds are from DraftKings. Picks are for entertainment purposes only and are strictly based on vibes. Check out the Wager Pass for legit gambling talk.

Reminder: Start your studs.

Start Sit Decisions: These are yours and yours alone to make. Hopefully my previews help provide context to assist you in making an informed decision.

Matchup: San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings

Location: US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

The Quarterbacks: (SF) Brock Purdy is always going to be on the radar due to the offense, weapons, and reputations he’s earned as a solid starting quarterback. The Vikings feel like a nice matchup, making Purdy a back end QB1, high end QB2.. (MIN) Sam Darnold carved up the Giants last week, completing 12+ passes in a row to open the game. I find it hard to imagine he’ll have the same success against the 49ers fierce pass rush. Look away in 1 QB leagues, and be cautious in SF/2QB formats.

The Running Backs: (SF) If Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) plays, you play him. Too bad he was ruled out on Friday. Jordan Mason may have known he was starting last week before the rest of the world, and he made the most of his opportunity. The starting running back in a Kyle Shanahan offense holds a lot of weight.. (MIN) Aaron Jones turned back the clock last week, but this week will bring a much tougher opponent than the New York Giants. San Francisco held Jets RB Breece Hall to under 100 total yards. I’d expect less from Jones, making him more of a low end RB2/flex. Ty Chandler doesn’t get any love this week, maybe next time.

The Wide Receivers: (SF) Slow start to the year for Brandon Aiyuk, but I’m willing to give him a pass because he didn’t practice all season. We saw more Jauan Jennings than expected, but it shouldn’t last. Deebo Samuel is the official WR2 and RB2, and we love the versatility. Start both him and Aiyuk.. (MIN) Justin Jefferson should be started no matter what. He gets the added bonus of Jordan Addison (ankle) being ruled out this week. Then again, this could also allow the 49ers to focus on JJ more and disrupt the Vikings offense all together. Again, Justin Jefferson should be started no matter what.

The Tight Ends: (SF) George Kittle remains a top option at a shallow position. We all know he’s volatile, but if you want TE1 Kittle, you gotta be willing to take TE25 Kittle as well. The fun part? You never know which week will be which.. (MIN) Johnny Mundt and Josh Oliver both had two catches last week. That’s cool and all, but there’s nothing to see here.

Matchup: Seattle Seahawks at New England Patriots

Location: Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

The Quarterbacks: (NE) Jacoby Brissett appears poised to remain the starter in Week 2, meaning we will continue to wait for Drake Maye. Brissett is nothing more than a QB3.. (SEA) Geno Smith was a victim of the low passing stats around the league week 1, The offense has the firepower to support a some sort of QB2 week for Smith. There’s risk involved though, as the offense could bottom out against a good defense at home.

The Running Backs: (NE) Rhamondre Stevenson started 2024 with a bang, and is probably the only startable asset on this Patriots offense right now. There’s not a lot of talent commanding touches elsewhere, so volume alone makes him a fine RB2. If he can find the end zone again, Stevenson could put up another stellar performance. Antonio Gibson looked like a clear second fiddle.. (SEA) Oh boy, Kenneth Walker (oblique) missed practice Wednesday and Thursday. If he ends up playing, I’d question starting him based on how reports go over the weekend. As of Friday, he’s listed as doubtful. Zach Charbonnet would be the beneficiary of extra touches out of the backfield. If Walker misses, Charbs may feel like a smart start, but New England isn’t going to roll over. I’d still be cautious, but a RB2 finish feels like a realistic expectation with anything more being a bonus.

The Wide Receivers: (NE) Nobody had more than three receptions or 31 yards, so the likes of Ja’Lynn Polk and DeMario Douglas aren’t in consideration until we get a QB change.. (SEA) I’m fading all three pass catchers a bit this week due to the matchup and up and down nature of this offense. DK Metcalf can always provide a big plat to save his day. Tyler Lockett still seems to be around and kicking, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba still hasn’t surpassed him for a bigger role. There’s enough talent to spread the ball around, making all three less appealing than they maybe should be.

The Tight Ends: (NE) Austin Hooper was more productive than Hunter Henry last week. Hooper had three targets compared to Henrys 2.  All this means is that you probably have better options, otherwise you’re hoping for one of them to fall in the end zone.. (SEA) Largely the same for Noah Fant. He’s the 4th man on the totem pole for targets without counting the running backs. I’d shy away in a tough matchup with a touchdown dependent player.

Matchup: New York Giants at Washington Commanders

Location: Northwest Stadium in Landover, MD

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: Washington Commanders -2 (-108)

The Quarterbacks: (NYG) It looks like all hope is lost for Daniel Jones after a tough Wweek 1 which featured a pick-six on a screen pass. Tough to trust him here, even if the Commanders have a less-than-stellar secondary. The clock is ticking until we possibly see Drew Lock or even Tommy Devito as QB1. There is a positive though! Jones generally plays the Commanders well, totalling 1510 passing yards, 10 TDs, and 3 INTs to go with 324 rushing yards in seven career matchups. Maybe he’s a back end QB2.. maybe.. (WSH) Jayden Daniels should run all over this Giants’ defense en-route to another QB1 finish to start his young career. New York, until further notice, is a team to target when making roster decisions.

The Running Backs: (NYG) Devin Singletary is certainly no Saquon Barkley, and it showed Week 1. This offense is a mess, and it affects everyone. Tough to be confident in Singletary as anything more than a hopeful flex play at best.. (WSH) Brian Robinson, Jr. takes a small hit with Daniels rushing ability, but he’s in a great spot this week. I’m comfortable with him as my RB2. As fir Austin Ekeler, if he’s going to continue catching passes, he’s in low end flex range with some upside to surprise.

The Wide Receivers: (NYG) Malik Nabers picked up an injury designation during practice this week, and that is the last this this offense needs. Wan’Dale Robinson saw a dozen targets, which we love to see. The Commanders secondary can be had, making these guys playable if need be. It’s going to be ugly unless Jones completely flips the script.. (WSH) Terry McLaurin is the only player from this Washington receiving unit that can be started. The matchup is nice, and he’s by far the best pass catcher the team has. Fire away.

The Tight Ends: (NYG) Until the offense looks competent, Theo Johnson can’t be played.. (WSH) Zach Ertz enters streaming consideration due to the matchup and role as the starting tight end. He out-targeted Ben Sinnott four to zero, and was more active in the game plan, running 21 routes in comparison to the four that Sinnott ran.

Matchup: Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers

Location: Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: TE Hayden Hurst Anytime Touchdown (+275)

The Quarterbacks:  (LAC) This is a great matchup for Justin Herbert, but it might be too good. Unless Herbert helps them get out to a big lead early through the air, the Chargers may just run the ball all afternoon, limiting his upside to anything more than a QB2. He’s at least a high end QB2, not the low end dusty kind.. (CAR) Speaking of, Bryce Young and the Panthers may be in trouble. Can’t play anyone here.

The Running Backs: (LAC) JK Dobbins was the more explosive back last week, so I’d expect an uptick in work, giving him a bit more of the touches compared to a near even split last week. Gus Edwards shouldn’t be counted out after a poor week 1. Both of these guys can be in starting lineups as RB2’s. If you happen to have both, I’d lean Dobbins based on what we saw last week.. It was a tough week all around in Carolina, but Chuba Hubbard was supposed to be a shining light on a team who wanted to pound the rock. He’s buried in flex territory and may not be as inspiring as I anticipated.

The Wide Receivers: (LAC) With the Chargers having more rush attempts than pass attempts week one, how on earth do we trust Ladd McConkey or Josh Palmer? The matchup, again, is great. So if you’re short on talent, sure. I guess they’re okay at best flex options.. (CAR) Until we see it with this offense, because week one looked worse than last year did, hold off on starting Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, or Xavier Legette. The last two may not even need to be rostered.

The Tight Ends: (LAC) Hayden Hurst is a streamable option against a bad Panthers defense. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman loves his tight ends, and he had a hand in selecting Hurst in the 2018 draft as the Ravens assistant head coach and tight end coach.. (CAR) Ja’Tavion Sanders isn’t on the fantasy radar this week.

Matchup: New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys 

Location: AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: DAL Cowboys DST Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+320)

The Quarterbacks: (NO) Derek Carr was a top QB last week in a bad matchup at the friendly confines of the Superdome, but now comes a true test. Dallas has some elite playmakers on defense and the Saints offense isn’t electrifying by any means despite scoring 47 against the Panthers. I’m not starting Carr, even in super flex leagues, this week. (DAL) You’re going to start Dak Prescott because the Dallas passing offense can blow up at any given moment. The Saints usually have a top notch pass defense, so things may be tough. Temper expectations.

The Running Backs: (NO) Alvin Kamara is still efficient in the run game, and catching a lot of passes. Dallas is a good defense, Kamara always seems to find a way to keep himself in the conversation. I see him as more of a top-20 option opposed to a top 10 option this week.. (DAL) Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle are a true RBBC, and neither is going to hit my lineup this week.

The Wide Receivers: (NO) Chris Olave only saw two targets last week, and that’s not common. He’s a low end WR2 with Dallas being a tough defense for wide outs to crack. Rashid Shaheed is a boom/bust player. He boomed last week, he may this week too. It just takes one play. If you’re projected to lose big and need an extreme upside pick, Shaheed is among the top considerations.. (DAL) Start Ceedee Lamb, got it? Good. Now, let’s talk about Brandin Cooks. It feels like the fantasy world isn’t in on him, but I am. I think he’s a fine flex in a pass heavy offense as the clear second option, especially with Ferguson likely out for this contest.

The Tight Ends: (NO) Juwan Johnson was out-snapped by Foster Moreau, but Moreau is a better blocker so this shouldn’t be shocking. Johnson profiles as the better receiving threat. He seems to be a popular name for weekly streaming consideration, so why not I guess?.. (DAL) With Jake Ferguson (knee) listed as doubtful on Friday, I do want to mention Luke Schoonmaker as the next man up. Maybe he surprises, but you can’t possibly start him unless you’re an insane Cowboys fan in a desperate spot.

Matchup: Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers

Location: Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI

Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024 at 1:00pm EST

Q’s Quick Pick: Indianapolis Colts -3 (-102)

The Quarterbacks: (IND) Wow, Anthony Richardson was great for fantasy last week. He wasn’t great passing the ball, only having nine completions. NINE?! Yikes. That’s a let down for the receivers, but Richardson was drafting for his rushing ability, and that keeps him afloat in the high end QB1 discussion.. (GB) Jordan Love (knee) isn’t going to play this week. Instead, Malik Willis gets his shot for the Packers. He shouldn’t get his shot for you.

The Running Backs: (IND) Jonathan Taylor is an automatic start. Unfortunately it looks like Richardson may take away enough carries, yards, and rushing touchdowns, to cap Taylors upside though.. (GB) Josh Jacobs should see plenty of touches with Willis under center. I imagine Green Bay wants to protect Willis. It’s a nice matchup for running backs, so Jacobs will have chances to make play.

The Wide Receivers: (IND) Richardsons passing line is certainly concerning for the Colts wideouts. Michael Pittman, a guy I LOVED coming into the year, probably takes the biggest hit of the bunch unless his QB is able to improve his passing stats. Pittman isn’t a field stretcher, and in week 1, that’s how the Colts moved the ball through the air. Alec Pierce and Ashton Dulin were the beneficiaries of that and are dart throw options in deep leagues. As far as Pittman, he still led the team in targets (8). He’s someone who should still be in starting lineups as a flex, especially against a tough Packers secondary. Adonai Mitchell is a stash, while Josh Downs (ankle) is still a wait and see.. (GB) Jayden Reed emerged as the primary target, followed by Romeo Doubs if you’re looking at targets. Christian Watson remained involved while Dontayvion Wicks not having a catch. All those words to say none of them are playable with Malik Willis at the helm. You might be in a spot where Reed is your best option. He does have the added upside of potential involvement in the run game a couple times a game, so there are worse options if you’re stuck.

The Tight Ends: (IND) No Colts tight end had a catch Sunday, showing how little value there is here.. (GB) Turns out Tucker Kraft is the TE1 in Green Bay. He’s worth picking up, but tough to trust with Love sidelined. As far as Luke Musgrave, we have to assume that he’s playing second fiddle to Kraft, which provides little value.

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