Is Tutu Atwell A Good Fantasy Football Pickup For Week 2? Waiver Wire Outlook

Third-year Los Angeles Rams wideout Tutu Atwell had a huge Week 1 after collecting six receptions for 119 yards in their season-opening victory against the Seattle Seahawks.

He and teammate Puka Nacua had identical receiving yards to help defeat their division rivals.

With Cooper Kupp sidelined for at least three more games after being placed on injured reserve, Atwell will see his playing time increase. But does an increased role on the Rams' offense make him a worthy pickup from the waiver wire?

The Cautious Optimism Surrounding Tutu Atwell

Matthew Stafford found Atwell and Nacua against the Seahawks all day, finishing with 24 completions for 338 passing yards. It’s a tremendous accomplishment, considering the Seahawks have Tariq Woolen and Jamal Adams in their secondary.

But while you might be inclined to get Atwell for Week 2 after a terrific opening week, Los Angeles’ upcoming opponents could make you reconsider. The Rams will face the San Francisco 49ers at home in a 2021 NFC Championship Game rematch up next.

Despite playing on the road, the 49ers limited the Pittsburgh Steelers to seven points in Week 1. They intercepted Kenny Pickett’s passes twice and limited the Steelers’ top receiver in that game (Allen Robinson II) to 64 yards.

Playing at SoFi Stadium is like an extra home game for the 49ers because their fans make the trip to Los Angeles. Therefore, they will be fired up by their supporters’ cheers as they take the field.

If Atwell will have a superb game, he must outwit an impressive Niners defensive secondary with Charvarius Ward, Talanoa Hufanga, Tashaun Gipson Sr., and Deommodore Lenoir. His chances don’t bode well against that unit, and Fred Warner will also cover the intermediate routes.

Still, Stafford will look for Atwell because he has no other targets in the passing game. However, replicating his Week 1 performance might be a tall order against a defense that ranked first in total yards allowed per game last season.

Therefore, keep Tutu Atwell on the waiver wire as long as better options are available. Make him a reasonable pick as a last-case scenario.

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