49ers D/ST Worth Consideration In Week 18
Jan 4, 2025, 12:17 AM ET
The San Francisco 49ers defense/special teams unit will close out the 2024 campaign against the Cardinals in Arizona. To the surprise of nobody the 49ers did fantasy managers no favors in Week 17, sacking Detroit's Jared Goff twice but forcing no turnovers and allowing 40 offensive points. San Francisco has it easier in Week 18, facing a Cardinals offense that is nearly exactly average in points per game. They've performed similarly in turnovers lost while being eighth-stingiest in sacks allowed. San Francisco's starting defense is mostly healthy, with nickel Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder) out, linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) doubtful, and safety Ji'Ayir Brown (ankle) questionable. Arizona's offense has a tackle and a wideout listed as questionable, but more importantly, both of their top running back options -- James Conner and Trey Benson -- are on Injured Reserve. The 49ers are RotoBaller's 11th-ranked option in Week 18.--Brad Beltz - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.COM
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Aaron Donald Set to Make 2026 Debut in Week 2
Will Brady
Will Brady
Sep 18, 2026, 9:09 PM ET
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is set to make his return to the field on Monday night in his team's Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Donald retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, but he announced in late August that he would be returning to the Rams. Donald did not play in Los Angeles' season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, and it's unclear how many snaps he will play against the Giants. However, assuming Donald still has some gas left in the tank, the 35-year-old has the ability to impact a game on any given play. Across 10 NFL seasons, Donald has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and been named a first-team All-Pro eight times. With Donald on the field, life will be a little bit harder for Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart in Week 2.--Will BradySource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Bo Nix a Risky Play in Week 2
Alex Brasky
Alex Brasky
Sep 18, 2026, 9:01 PM ET
The season opener did not go as planned for quarterback Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. There will be no rest for the weary in Week 2, as Denver now takes on a talented Jacksonville Jaguars team. Nix finished Week 1 against Kansas City with just 131 yards passing and a touchdown along with an interception, while he was sacked four times and recorded just five fantasy points. The Jacksonville defense is coming off an outstanding performance against a lowly Cleveland Browns offense, allowing 10 points and just 272 yards of total offense a week ago. Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finished the game 16 of 22 passing with a touchdown and an interception. Nix is RotoBaller's 19th-ranked quarterback, making him an option for fantasy managers in two-quarterback leagues at best.--Alex BraskySource: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Getting Close to a Return to Practice?
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Friday that the team is getting close to being able to set a date for when running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) will begin practicing again, according to Gregg Bell of The Tacoma News Tribune. Charbonnet missed all of training camp this summer and was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the 2026 season, which means he will be forced to miss at least the first four weeks of the season after he had reconstructive knee surgery to fix a torn ACL in February. Even though Charbonnet's 2026 debut is a ways off, he should be stashed in leagues that feature an IR spot while he recovers. When the 25-year-old former second-rounder from UCLA returns, he will most likely be eased in, but eventually, he is expected to see a large share of Seattle's backfield touches after seeing a career-high 184 carries for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. He also snagged 20 receptions for 144 yards as a receiver, and Charbonnet has scored 20 total times on the ground in the last two years with Seattle. Right now, he is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.--Keith HernandezSource: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
TreVeyon Henderson Officially Cleared for Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 8:18 PM ET
New England Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) practiced in full all week and was not on the team's final injury report on Friday, clearing the way for him to make his season debut on Sunday in a Week 2 matchup against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, per the team's official website. The 23-year-old former Ohio State star RB was held out of the Week 1 season-opening loss last Wednesday to the Seattle Seahawks due to an ankle injury that he suffered late in training camp. He has made great progress this week, though, and is ready to rejoin a backfield that also includes Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots' coaching staff still has plenty of trust in Stevenson, but he averaged a paltry 2.8 yards per carry last week, and they will surely welcome Henderson and his explosive backfield abilities back into the fold. In what should be a near-even timeshare between Stevenson and Henderson, Henderson should not be much more than an RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in his 2026 debut.--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com
Trey McBride Good to Go for Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 8:12 PM ET
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (back) was a full participant in Friday's final practice of the week and has been cleared to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, according to the team's official website. McBride was given the day off on Wednesday to rest a back injury that turned out not to be serious at all after he practiced in full on both Thursday and Friday. The 26-year-old is one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the game, and he has developed some excellent chemistry with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett since the start of the 2025 season. The former second-rounder from Colorado State got his season started strong in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Chargers, catching nine of his 13 targets for 95 yards and his first touchdown of the year. McBride is a must-start in traditional fantasy lineups anytime he is active. In two games against Seattle last year, McBride caught 16 of his 24 targets for 179 yards and a touchdown.--Keith HernandezSource: AZCardinals.com
Denzel Boston Could Find Going Tough In Week 2 Matchup With Bucs
Brian Buckey
Brian Buckey
Sep 18, 2026, 8:06 PM ET
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston is coming off a Week 1 performance in which he snagged a touchdown pass from Deshaun Watson against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Boston caught two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown on his four targets. Boston looks like the main receiving target for Watson but is not worth starting in Week 2 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Buccaneers held the explosive passing attack of the Cincinnati Bengals in check in their Week 1 matchup. The lead cornerbacks for the Bucs are Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison and both did a good job of containing Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins of the Bengals. Boston should find the going tough against the Bucs in a passing attack that is much less formidable than the Bengals. Boston is a talented receiver and could do the most damage of the Browns receivers in this game, but there is not much that is trustworthy within the Browns' passing attack at the moment.--Brian Buckey - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
Quinshon Judkins Has Tough Matchup Week 2 At Bucs
Brian Buckey
Brian Buckey
Sep 18, 2026, 7:50 PM ET
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins had a rough time establishing a run game in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and he could see more of the same in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He carried 12 times for 33 yards in the opening week, good for 2.8 yards per carry. He did add two receptions for 17 receiving yards. The Bucs limited Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown to 56 rushing yards in Week 1 and allowed 106 team rushing yards to the Bengals. With Deshuan Watson at quarterback, Judkins could find it hard to get established again in Week 2 with the Bucs likely dominating the flow of the game and possession of the ball. While Judkins rushing ability could be stymied, he is a capable pass catcher and could be a threat in the underneath passing game of the Browns. However, a strong Bucs defense playing at home should not yield much overall to Judkins. Judkins is a talented back but until the Browns get the quarterback situation resolved, he will continue to find it tough to see big openings in the run game.--Brian Buckey - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
Deshaun Watson Not Worth a Fantasy Start in Week 2 Vs. Bucs
Brian Buckey
Brian Buckey
Sep 18, 2026, 7:36 PM ET
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is not a start-worthy quarterback option for fantasy teams in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watson struggled in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and his matchup is not much better at the Buccaneers. Against the Jaguars, Watson was 16-for-22 passing for 205 yards and a touchdown with an interception. Tampa Bay limited Joe Burrow and the explosive Bengals passing attack to 245 yards passing and intercepted him one time and returned it for a touchdown. Watson should struggle against the Bucs pass defense on the road at Tampa Bay. The Bucs feature cover cornerbacks Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison with safeties Tykee Smith and Antoine Winfield Jr. Watson could also be under pressure from Vita Vea and the Bucs defensive line. Watson is hardly worth a roster spot in most fantasy leagues and this week should not do much to change that. He is a low-end quarterback among those who will be starting in Week 2. Look beyond Watson for a fantasy quarterback in Week 2.--Brian Buckey - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com
Darien Porter Ruled Out as Raiders Defense Preps for Uphill Week 2 Battle
Chelena Goldman
Chelena Goldman
Sep 18, 2026, 7:34 PM ET
The Las Vegas Raiders have ruled out cornerback Darien Porter (foot) for Week 2, which could have ramifications for the defense ahead of a road battle against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Silver and Black haven't defeated the Bolts since 2023 and don't have a win against them at SoFi Stadium since 2020, with the Chargers putting up 31 points when the teams last met in Southern California in November 2025. Justin Herbert connected on 62.9% of his passes for 209 yards with one touchdown in Week 1, though he also threw an interception in the second half of a 26-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Even with wide receiver Ladd McConkey (ribs) ruled questionable to play on Sunday, Las Vegas' defense will be challenged to contain a Chargers offense that has outplayed them at home in recent years. RotoBaller ranks the Raiders defense 20th ahead of an uphill battle in Week 2.--Chelena GoldmanSource: Raiders.com
Michael Mayer a Strong Streaming Option on Sunday vs. Chargers
Chelena Goldman
Chelena Goldman
Sep 18, 2026, 7:15 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has big shoes to fill yet again in Week 2 against the host Los Angeles Chargers. With Brock Bowers (knee) doubtful to play on Sunday, Mayer inherits the TE1 role against a Bolts pass rush that allowed just 179.9 passing yards per game in 2025. Mayer was efficient in Week 1, catching six of seven targets and converting three first downs against the Miami Dolphins, though he logged just 32 yards and no touchdowns. Injuries have peppered the Notre Dame product's NFL career, and he has yet to play a full season since entering the league in 2023. However, his chemistry with new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins could lead to even more targets in Week 2. This is Mayer's opportunity to boost his production in Bowers' absence, making him a viable streaming option.--Chelena GoldmanSource: ESPN
George Kittle Officially Cleared for Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 6:59 PM ET
As expected, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) upgraded to a full practice on Friday and was not on Friday's final injury report, according to David Furones of The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Kittle tore his Achilles tendon in a playoff game in January, but he made enough progress to be active in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia, although he played only 46% of the offensive snaps and caught two of his five targets for 12 yards. The 32-year-old veteran had a quiet season opener, but that was to be expected in his first game back from a season-ending injury late last season. In Week 2 at home against the visiting Miami Dolphins, Kittle should see more of the field, especially since fellow TE Jake Tonges (knee) has been ruled out for the year. The seven-time Pro Bowler might not be totally back to himself yet, but he should be a more acceptable low-end TE1/high-end TE2 play in fantasy lineups in a cushy matchup.--Keith HernandezSource: The South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Puka Nacua Misses Practice Due to Hip Injury
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 6:46 PM ET
Updating a previous report, Los Angeles Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) did not practice on Friday due to a hip injury, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. There is no word on the severity of Nacua's hip injury, but hopefully we will be able to find out more when the media talks to head coach Sean McVay on Saturday. The good news is Nacua and the Rams have an extra day before their Week 2 game on Monday Night Football against the New York Giants. The 25-year-old did not come away from the Week 1 season-opening loss in Australia last Thursday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers with an injury after catching five of his nine targets for 74 yards. If Nacua does not practice in full on Saturday, he could head into Monday's action with a questionable tag. Nacua is obviously a must-start when he is active in all fantasy football formats. Fellow wideout Jordan Whittington (quadriceps) could also be questionable this week, which could severely thin out L.A's pass-catching group to veteran Davante Adams and an inexperienced group consisting of Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels.--Keith HernandezSource: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
RJ Harvey Questionable for Week 2 With Hamstring Injury
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 6:38 PM ET
Denver Broncos second-year running back RJ Harvey (hamstring) is listed as questionable to play in Week 2 against the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the team. Harvey did not practice on Wednesday before putting in limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. He could be considered a game-time decision on Sunday, so fantasy managers should check back this weekend for a status update. If Harvey does not get the green light to play this weekend, rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman would see a boost in role, as would starter J.K. Dobbins. In the 31-10 blowout loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night in the season opener, Harvey and Dobbins combined for 11 carries and 54 yards on the ground, with Harvey catching all four of his targets for 23 yards in the passing game. On the ground, Harvey saw just three carries for 18 yards (6.0 yards per carry). He was efficient, but until the Broncos emphasize more of their ground game, it will be hard to trust Harvey as much more than a low-upside RB3/flex.--Keith HernandezSource: Denver Broncos
Jakobi Meyers Will Play in Week 2 in Denver
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 5:57 PM ET
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) was limited in practice all week, but he does not carry an injury designation on Friday's final injury report and will play in Week 2 on Sunday in Denver against the Broncos, per The Florida Times-Union's Ryan O'Halloran. Meyers, who was a bit of a forgotten man during the summer in training camp, caught both of his targets for 40 yards and a touchdown in the season-opening win over the Cleveland Browns. The 29-year-old dealt with a thumb injury late in training camp, but it was nothing serious, and he was able to play in the season opener. Now that he is officially cleared for Week 2, Meyers should be considered a WR3/4 in his second game of the 2026 season as he competes for targets with Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. In last year's 34-20 win over the Broncos in Denver in Week 16, Meyers caught four of his eight targets for 45 yards.--Keith HernandezSource: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Jalen Nailor Not Worth the Risk vs. Chargers in Week 2
Chelena Goldman
Chelena Goldman
Sep 18, 2026, 5:57 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor has to leap off the stat sheet in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers after an almost non-existent start to the season. The former Minnesota Viking entered the 2026 season with plenty of fanfare after signing a three-year, $35 million contract in the offseason. However, he was stymied in the season opener against the Miami Dolphins, catching three of five passes for just 27 yards. The game plan didn't help Nailor's case in Week 1, with Las Vegas leaning on the run game and new starting quarterback Kirk Cousins preferring short passes to running back Ashton Jeanty and targeting young receiver Jack Bech. Plus, the door hasn't completely closed on Nailor yet since Brock Bowers' (knee) absence for a second straight week could lead to more targets. While things could turn around for Nailor, fantasy managers should sit him until he shows legitimate production.--Chelena GoldmanSource: ESPN
Brian Thomas Jr. Cleared to Play in Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 5:52 PM ET
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) was limited in practice all week but does not carry an injury designation on Friday and is cleared to play in Week 2 on Sunday against the hosting Denver Broncos, according to Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. Thomas returned from a shoulder injury in the Week 1 season-opening blowout win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, but he finished with only three catches for 40 yards while seeing both Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers find the end zone. There is bounce-back potential for the former first-rounder in 2026, but in Jacksonville's crowded WR room, Thomas is going to continue to be more of a WR4/flex option for fantasy managers, especially coming off a shoulder injury last week. In a late-season game in 2025 in Denver, Thomas did not do much, catching two of three targets for only 18 yards in a 34-20 victory.--Keith HernandezSource: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Tre Tucker Has Flex Appeal in Week 2 vs. Chargers
Chelena Goldman
Chelena Goldman
Sep 18, 2026, 5:46 PM ET
The door is open for Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker to be a more active participant in Week 2 as his team travels to face the Los Angeles Chargers. Tucker could see an increase in targets now that tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful to play on Sunday, though Tucker also has to overcome a very quiet season-opening performance. The 25-year-old was expected to be a top target for Kirk Cousins in the home opener against the Miami Dolphins, especially since Bowers was sidelined. However, Tucker finished Week 1 with just two catches for 27 yards and no touchdowns. The fourth-year wideout played all 17 regular-season games in 2025, logging 57 receptions for 696 yards and five touchdowns. He has 14 receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns over six career games against the Chargers, tallying both of those TDs when the Raiders last beat the division rival in 2023. Tucker has the potential to add receiver depth on the road and has flex upside in Week 2.--Chelena GoldmanSource: ESPN
Marvin Mims Jr. Ruled Out for Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 5:45 PM ET
Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (foot) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 2 at home against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to the team. Mims' fantasy stock continues to fall early in 2026, which should not be a surprise after the Broncos added speedy receiver Jaylen Waddle in a blockbuster offseason trade. The 24-year-old played only nine snaps on offense in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night and was not targeted at all on a night in which the Broncos' offense was punchless. At this point, Mims is not going to have much of a role on offense unless a player or two ahead of him on the depth chart miss time with injury. Where Denver will feel Mims' absence the most on Sunday against Jacksonville will be on special teams in the return game. In Monday night's loss, Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Pat Bryant operated as the team's top three wideouts. With Mims out, Troy Franklin will be the clear WR4 in Week 2.--Keith HernandezSource: Denver Broncos
Jack Bech Aims to Boost Fantasy Stock in Week 2 vs. Chargers
Chelena Goldman
Chelena Goldman
Sep 18, 2026, 5:30 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech is looking for more sneaky production in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The WR3 on the Raiders depth chart stood out in a rather quiet receiving corps in Week 1 against the Dolphins, connecting with veteran QB Kirk Cousins for a 15-yard touchdown pass to open up the game. Cousins has to do a better job working with the receivers in Week 2 against a Chargers pass rush that allowed just 179.9 yards per game in 2025, so it's unclear how often Bech will be targeted on Sunday. However, his chances at another impressive week have increased now that star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is doubtful to be on the field in Week 2. The second-year receiver out of TCU hasn't shown consistent production yet to start in standard fantasy leagues, but he's a viable deep-league stash while his repertoire takes shape.--Chelena GoldmanSource: ESPN
Kaelon Black Questionable for Week 2
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Sep 18, 2026, 5:25 PM ET
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black (groin) is listed as questionable to play in the team's Week 2 contest on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Black popped up on the team's injury report on Thursday and was listed as limited, the first sign that he might be in danger of missing this weekend's home opener. The 24-year-old third-rounder from Indiana has become the handcuff option for fantasy managers who have Christian McCaffrey rostered after he was impressive with 14 carries for 65 yards in the season-opening win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia last week. If Black is unavailable to play in what would be his second NFL game, Jordan James would see a much bigger role as the change-of-pace option behind CMC, who the 49ers might be looking to monitor in terms of his workload all season long.--Keith HernandezSource: NBC Sports - Matt Maiocco
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