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The second week of the 2024 NFL season is upon us, and insiders Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano are here to tackle the most pressing questions, share the latest news, and highlight key buzz leading into the upcoming games. Additionally, they will identify teams that could be prone to upsets and advise on which players belong in your fantasy football lineups.
Who should be on high alert after Week 1? Which new coach made the strongest impression? Are the Packers satisfied with Malik Willis during Jordan Love’s recovery from a knee injury? And which running back situations have become clearer after the opening week? All these queries will be addressed as Dan and Jeremy provide insights and disclose their reporting notes in preparation for Week 2.
Jump to:
Week 1 concerns | Coach debuts
Running backs | Packers QBs
Upset picks | Fantasy tips | Latest buzz
Which team should have the most concerns after Week 1?
Graziano: Most likely the Panthers, though their struggles were anticipated. Thus, I would point to the Browns instead. Yes, edge rusher Micah Parsons and the Dallas defense can
He appeared to be the same quarterback who excelled for the Texans from 2017 to 2020, accumulating 2,386 passing yards over 13 games in Cleveland. The signature qualities of his play in Houston—poise and exceptional playmaking under pressure—have unfortunately become shortcomings in Cleveland.
Questions must be raised about whether he can ever regain his former prowess. Yet, those within the Browns organization have insisted they noticed flashes of the old Watson during the preseason. Although this may seem distant after just one week, the Browns remain hopeful that consistent playtime without injuries will help restore his confidence.
Turning to another team facing significant quarterback uncertainty—the Giants—they definitely need a strong performance in Week 2. The momentum Daniel Jones built in 2022 is quickly evaporating. It’s crucial for New York’s offense to demonstrate progress. Failure to improve will put Jones’ contractual future directly in the spotlight. Fortunately for the Giants, they are facing their Week 2 opponent, the Commanders, during a transitional period.
Graziano: Absolutely, and the Commanders are the one team against whom Jones has consistently played well throughout his career. If he struggles to perform well against them, he could be in serious trouble. The four-year, $160 million contract Jones signed prior to the 2023 season includes only two years of fully guaranteed money. Thus, if the Giants were to release him after this season, they would incur $22.21 million in dead money against their salary cap, but they would avoid paying him the $78 million in salary and bonuses that are scheduled for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
What are your thoughts on the Jets? The highly anticipated second debut of Aaron Rodgers turned out to be a significant disappointment on Monday night. Wasn’t their defense expected to rank among the best in the league? The 49ers scored on eight consecutive possessions with a backup running back! Sure, the Niners are one of the top teams in the league, but wasn’t Rodgers supposed to help the Jets compete against the NFL’s elite? The Jets appeared to be nowhere near the level of the 49ers. I have concerns about their defensive depth and a relatively weak offensive playmaker group.
Fowler: The Jets being outclassed was somewhat unexpected. Their roster possesses enough talent to vie for playoff contention and win critical games. They should have performed better defensively against the run. Although Rodgers showed some rust, his arm remains top-notch. The Jets will need another offensive playmaker—either a tight end or a wide receiver like Mike Williams—to alleviate pressure on the existing players, yet their current tight end options are lacking. Still, they should manage well; the offensive line has improved, which is beneficial.
2:08
Stephen A. on Jets loss: ‘Robert Saleh is on the clock’
Stephen A. Smith criticizes Robert Saleh after the Jets’ loss to the 49ers, arguing that his job “should be in jeopardy.”
The Raiders also come to mind. Their scoring capability was a concern heading into the season, and they did nothing to alleviate that concern in Week 1. Winning games with scores like 15-12 simply
I know a lot of people who expected them to win that game. Personally, I thought this season would focus on solidifying the offense in preparation for when Drake Maye steps in as the quarterback. It may still come to that, but it was an exciting first day for Mayo.
Regarding other new head coaches, I’m unsure who might qualify as a surprise. The Falcons, for instance, were certainly a significant disappointment, but I don’t think that falls squarely on Raheem Morris. So, let me highlight new Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. Yes, Tennessee lost, but Wilson’s defense made the debut of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams forgettable, limiting the Bears to just 148 total yards and only 2.1 yards per pass attempt. Wilson has earned a reputation as an exceptional secondary coach, and now he’s getting the opportunity to lead his own defense under new Titans head coach Brian Callahan. I believe that once Williams finds his rhythm, we will reflect on his debut as one heavily influenced by an unexpectedly tough defensive opponent rather than rookie nerves.
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Fowler: Wilson was an excellent offseason acquisition for Tennessee, managing to beat out multiple contenders for his talents. This move should pay dividends over the course of 17 games. The curious interception by Will Levis hampered what could have been a promising debut for Callahan. Morris’ introduction in Atlanta was marred by turnovers, which tends to be a deciding factor in low-scoring, messy games. However, the Falcons did not appear ill-prepared.
In terms of Dave Canales in Carolina, the roster has significant deficiencies in various areas, especially on defense. The manner of their loss to the Saints was somewhat unexpected, as quarterback Bryce Young was anticipated to be more accurate this season. Instead, he seemed anxious. I expect the Panthers’ coaching staff to address this, and for Young to demonstrate improvement. He needs to.
Graziano: He needs to, or the Panthers might find themselves in the position of selecting a quarterback with the first overall pick for the second time in three years, which is not ideal. I believe Canales can help Young to develop and become at least competent, but that decision will
I believe the Bengals currently have more confidence in Moss than in Brown to execute their offense and gain yards after contact. While Brown has the potential to step up and create a competition or at least a more balanced division of work, Moss appears to be the clear successor to Joe Mixon based on recent insights and our observations from Sunday.
Fowler: Rams. This situation is pretty straightforward. Kyren Williams has established himself as the primary running back, yet Blake Corum generated considerable anticipation this summer. Rams insiders were enthusiastic about him during training camp, so I was expecting him to contribute in some capacity against the Lions on Sunday. However, he did not receive any carries. This could change soon, but for now, Williams remains a simple fantasy choice.
Additionally, I’m curious about the running back scenarios following the Jacksonville-Miami matchup. It seems the Dolphins have discovered a way to effectively utilize both De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, sometimes in the same backfield. I’m closely monitoring the Jaguars, who gave Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby 12 carries each.
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Graziano: The Jaguars have a favorable view of Bigsby, and I anticipate he will receive a fair share of the workload, even though Etienne remains the leading back. I was present in Atlanta for the Falcons-Steelers game, and despite the Falcons struggling on offense, fantasy managers must be pleased with Bijan Robinson’s 23 touches in a game where his team held possession for just 24 minutes and 24 seconds. Tyler Allgeier is a talented player who might have days when he breaks big plays and shines, but for this particular game, it appeared that offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was keen on utilizing Bijan Robinson, an electrifying playmaker.
Fowler: The backfield situation in Denver is set to escalate in Week 2. Javonte Williams logged the most snaps among Broncos running backs in Week 1 but had only eight carries compared to Jaleel McLaughlin’s 10. Both should see significant action against Pittsburgh as Denver supports rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who threw 42 passes in his debut.
Will the Packers explore the trade or free-agent market for insurance behind Malik Willis in the coming month?
Fowler: The options available are rather limited. Free agent Ryan Tannehill is capable and familiar with the system, but he hasn’t played since suffering an injury midway through last season. Blaine Gabbert was part of Matt LaFleur’s staff in Tennessee in 2018. Beyond that, the options diminish. The Packers might consider scouting a practice squad (Arizona’s Desmond Ridder stands out), but the ideal time to pursue a trade for a young quarterback was during the preseason, which led the Packers to acquire Willis.
If Jordan Love’s knee injury turns out to be lengthy, trading for Jimmy Garoppolo from the Rams or Jarrett Stidham from the Broncos could be sensible options. However, the focus is primarily on navigating Weeks“`html
It’s significant to note that the Packers chose not to place Love on injured reserve on Monday. This may suggest a measure of optimism regarding his potential to avoid missing four games. I am somewhat surprised they opted for Willis instead of Sean Clifford, who served as Love’s backup last season. However, the team traded for Willis, indicating they see something in him. I share your sentiment; I don’t anticipate the Packers bringing in anyone externally unless Willis completely underperforms and it becomes clear that Love will be sidelined longer than currently expected.
What is your favorite upset pick for Week 2?
Graziano: Falcons (+6.5) over Eagles on “Monday Night Football.” Indeed, that’s accurate. The Falcons displayed a lackluster performance. I was there, right on the sideline, witnessing T.J. Watt dominate their backfield. Nevertheless, they must improve, and I expect to see that against an Eagles secondary that is still finding its rhythm. Also, we possess no data on how teams perform the week following a game in Brazil. What if the Eagles are still experiencing the repercussions of travel? It’s a Hail Mary choice.
Fowler: Buccaneers (+7) over Lions. It appears that both of us are making bold predictions, bypassing the narrow spreads for true upsets. Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers’ offense appeared to be decisively in control in Week 1. Mayfield was well-protected, the running game was robust, and Mike Evans remains a force. Tampa Bay will be inspired by their 0-2 record against Detroit last season, including a disappointing six-point showing in Week 6. I don’t foresee the Lions entering this match lethargically; I am merely anticipating a spirited back-and-forth, with the Buccaneers executing a crucial play at the end.
What is your top fantasy football tip of the week?
Fowler: Stick with the J.K. Dobbins trend for at least one more week. Even if the Chargers implement a balanced running back split between Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Dobbins possesses the big-play capability that will enhance his value. The concern regarding Dobbins has consistently revolved around his durability rather than his performance. For now, he appears both durable and motivated. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman is aware that Dobbins can be a top-tier NFL back when healthy throughout the season. Moreover, Los Angeles’ opponent in Week 2, the Panthers, recently allowed 180 rushing yards to the Saints.
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Other players I favor in Week 2 include San Francisco RB Jordan Mason (a clear starter if Christian McCaffrey is out), Mayfield, Jacksonville rookie WR Brian Thomas Jr., and Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson Jr. (if De’Von Achane or Raheem Mostert“`html
L’interception ratio est de 52-39.
Quoi d’autre entendez-vous cette semaine ?
Graziano :
• Bien que la semaine soit encore jeune et que le match des Steelers soit contre l’ancienne équipe de Russell Wilson, j’attends toujours de voir Justin Fields commencer son deuxième match pour Pittsburgh pendant que Wilson revient d’une blessure au mollet. Wilson souffre de cette blessure depuis le premier jour du camp d’entraînement, et la récurrence de la semaine dernière rappelle que les blessures au mollet peuvent être délicates et persister. Les Steelers préfèrent éviter que cela traîne, et l’entraîneur Mike Tomlin a déclaré mardi que Wilson n’était pas prévu pour participer à beaucoup d’entraînements mercredi, prévoyant en début de semaine que Fields soit le titulaire lors de la Semaine 2. Fields aurait certainement pu faire mieux dimanche. Il était nerveux en début de match, et les entraîneurs savent qu’il doit travailler sur la réduction de son anxiété. Cependant, les Steelers ont élaboré un plan de jeu offensif très conservateur contre l’ancienne équipe de Arthur Smith, mettant un point d’honneur à éviter que les passes de Fields ne soient lancées vers le milieu du terrain, où le safety des Falcons, Jessie Bates III, excelle pour perturber les plans offensifs. Les statistiques Next Gen de la NFL montrent que Fields n’a lancé aucune passe entre les hashes, seulement une entre les chiffres, et peu de passes profondes. Il est évident que les Steelers préféreraient terminer les séries avec des touchdowns plutôt qu’avec les six placements de 50 yards réussis lors de la victoire 18-10 de dimanche, mais Fields a bien joué, surtout compte tenu du court préavis.
• Les nouvelles allégations contre Deshaun Watson pourraient entraîner des sanctions supplémentaires de la part de la ligue, qui avait clairement indiqué en annonçant sa suspension de 2022 qu’elle pourrait agir davantage si de nouvelles informations émergeaient. Un examen du contrat de Watson avec les Browns me fait également penser que cela pourrait mettre en péril son argent garanti. En 2022, lorsque Watson a signé son contrat entièrement garanti de cinq ans et 230 millions de dollars avec Cleveland, ce dernier comportait une clause standard de défaut de contrat de la NFL permettant à l’équipe d’annuler les garanties si le joueur était suspendu en vertu de la politique de conduite personnelle. Cependant, le contrat de Watson incluait une exception si la suspension était liée à des comportements “en rapport avec des questions divulguées au Club par écrit … et si cette suspension rend le joueur indisponible uniquement pour les matchs durant les années de la Ligue NFL 2022 ou 2023.”
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La mention concernant les questions divulguées par écrit fait référence à une lettre annexe qui n’est pas déposée avec le contrat officiel car il s’agissait apparemment d’une communication privée entre Watson et l’équipe, mais à
• The contract extension of Dak Prescott in Dallas truly came down to the wire. On Sunday morning, at 8:30 a.m. ET, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones reached out to Prescott’s agent, Todd France, in an attempt to finalize the agreement. Since Jones had not yet departed for Cleveland, where the team was scheduled to play that day, it was 7:30 a.m. in Dallas when the call occurred. Both Prescott and France had not ruled out continuing negotiations into the season, but the season opener served as an unofficial deadline, as Prescott believed that his asking price would likely increase with each passing week leading up to potential free agency.
The primary sticking point was guaranteed money. Prescott secured an impressive $80 million signing bonus alongside $129 million fully guaranteed upon signing, which included this year’s $1.25 million salary and next year’s $47.75 million salary. His salary for 2026, valued at $40 million, is guaranteed for injury and will become fully guaranteed in March 2025. Similarly, his $45 million salary for 2027 is injury-guaranteed and fully guaranteed by March 2026. From his $55 million salary for 2028, $17 million is injury-guaranteed and transitions to full guarantee in March 2027. Altogether, this results in $231 million in total guarantees, representing 96% of the contract’s overall value of $240 million. The contract also features a no-trade clause and a no-franchise/transition tag clause, positioning Prescott as the first player in league history to earn at least $60 million per year. Moreover, the Cowboys retain the option to restructure the deal and introduce additional void years (currently spanning from 2029 to 2032) to facilitate salary cap relief as necessary.
Could Prescott have achieved a more favorable outcome by opting for free agency? Theoretically, yes. He possessed leverage. The no-franchise/transition clause was part of his previous contract, and the Cowboys faced a substantial dead-money salary cap hit exceeding $40 million in 2025 if they failed to re-sign him. However, pursuing free agency came with its own set of risks. This past offseason, Prescott experienced ankle soreness (recall the image of him in a walking boot?). Although he was fit to play and chronic concerns were absent, uncertainty loomed over how the season would unfold with the Cowboys’ revamped offensive line. The Cowboys were well-acquainted with Prescott’s ankle, having examined it multiple times and expressed confidence in it. Yet, would another team entering free agency feel equally assured about guaranteeing four or five years at that financial level? Perhaps, but the answer is far from certain.
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Ultimately, Prescott attained the desired outcome in the location he wished to play, and he will have another opportunity to enter free agency again at age 36, a relatively young age for
“I was initially hesitant about making a trade for such a player if they are unwilling to pay him,” commented a different NFC executive. “This was my immediate reaction when Atlanta acquired [Matthew Judon]. However, he appears to be content to see it through, which seems to change things. Nonetheless, if you decide to pursue that kind of move, you generally need to be ready to negotiate a deal.”
• Prescott’s four-year contract worth $240 million highlights an unprecedented offseason in quarterback compensation, surpassing $1 billion and nearing $1.5 billion in total payouts. The surge began with Baker Mayfield’s contract in Tampa Bay ($100 million over three years) and Kirk Cousins’ agreement with Atlanta ($180 million over four years), setting off a rapid escalation. Jared Goff of Detroit ($212 million over four years) followed suit in May, while Trevor Lawrence from Jacksonville received $275 million over five years just a month later. The intensity continued in August with Miami and Green Bay each shelling out $212.4 million and $220 million, respectively, for Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love on four-year contracts.
The most surprising aspect? Not a single one of these quarterbacks ranked higher than No. 9 on ESPN’s top-10 list, as determined by votes from league executives, coaches, and scouts. “Being in the middle is preferable to being without a quarterback,” stated one NFL head coach. “Winning is incredibly difficult without a competent passer, prompting teams to overpay for proven talent.” This notion will persist in driving the market, even as teams grow weary of giving top-tier contracts to quarterbacks who may not rank in the top five of their position. This occurs amid Week 1 performances from quarterbacks that were largely uninspiring, with seventeen of the thirty-two starters throwing for under 200 yards and six being sacked at least four times.
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• Although Fields is anticipated to start for the Steelers against Denver, it’s believed that Wilson will reclaim his starting role upon his return from a calf injury. The Steelers feel that Wilson’s grasp of the offense is superior, and it appears that only an exceptional showing from Fields can change this situation.
• Ja’Marr Chase came close to securing a contract with Cincinnati prior to Week 1, but ultimately, no agreement was reached. Discussions around the league suggested that the Bengals were prepared to offer him a contract near the top tier of the wide receiver market, potentially in the range of CeeDee Lamb ($34 million per year) and Justin Jefferson ($35 million). If this is accurate, it seems the offer wasn’t sufficient—especially given Chase’s assertive comments to the media on Friday, expressing confidence that he could surpass Jefferson’s deal.
• The Chiefs are somewhat hopeful about the return of wide receiver Hollywood Brown sooner rather than later. His sternoclavicular dislocation, while akin to Tyreek Hill’s injury in 2019, did not involve a fracture as Hill’s did, according to what I’ve been informed. Hill made his return in just four weeks, partly due to Kansas City’s belief in his unique healing abilities. Given that Brown’s injury occurred on August 10, he is on track to return as early as this week, though the Chiefs will not rush him back if he isn’t fully ready. They plan to assess how he reacts during the week.
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Week 2 NFL Preview: Key Questions, Upset Alerts, and Fantasy Football Insights
Key Matchups to Watch
Week 2 of the NFL season promises to be thrilling, with several key matchups that could impact division standings and playoff positioning later in the year. Here are some of the most anticipated games:
- Chicago Bears vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Can Justin Fields bounce back after a tough Week 1?
- Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Patrick Mahomes maintain his MVP-level performance against a tough Jaguars defense?
- Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots: A classic AFC East rivalry, can the Dolphins continue their offensive momentum?
Key Questions Heading into Week 2
As we approach Week 2, several pivotal questions arise:
1. Will the Injury Bug Bite Again?
Injuries can change the landscape of any NFL season. Key players like:
- Aaron Rodgers (NY Jets): After a devastating injury, how will the Jets adapt?
- DeAndre Hopkins (Tennessee Titans): Is he fully healthy to make an impact this week?
2. Which Teams Will Remain Undefeated?
After Week 1, several teams started strong. Will they keep their momentum?
- San Francisco 49ers: Can Brock Purdy lead them to victory against the Los Angeles Rams?
- Buffalo Bills: Will they continue their dominance against the Las Vegas Raiders?
3. Can Newcomers Make Their Mark?
Rookies and new signings are always a talking point. This week, keep an eye on:
- Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): The rookie running back had a standout debut. Will he continue to impress?
- Jordan Addison (Minnesota Vikings): Can he step up in a crucial matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles?
Upset Alerts: Which Teams Could Surprise Us?
Every NFL season has its surprises, and Week 2 is likely to be no different. Here are some teams that could pull off unexpected victories:
1. Tennessee Titans Over San Diego Chargers
The Titans may be overlooked, but their physical style of play can disrupt the Chargers’ rhythm.
2. New York Giants Against Arizona Cardinals
After a rough start, the Giants are poised for a comeback against a vulnerable Cardinals team.
3. New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers
The Saints may be underdogs, but their defense could create problems for the young Panthers’ offense.
Fantasy Football Insights
As fantasy football continues to gain popularity, Week 2 offers valuable insights for managers looking to optimize their lineups:
Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em
Here’s a quick guide on who to start and who to sit this week:
Position | Start ‘Em | Sit ‘Em |
---|---|---|
Quarterback | Jalen Hurts (PHI) | Deshaun Watson (CLE) |
Running Back | Travis Etienne (JAX) | Ezekiel Elliott (NE) |
Wide Receiver | Tyreek Hill (MIA) | Michael Thomas (NO) |
Tight End | Darren Waller (NYG) | Hunter Henry (NE) |
Waiver Wire Wonders
Don’t miss out on these potential breakout players available on the waiver wire:
- Rashid Shaheed (WR, New Orleans Saints): Capitalizing on his speed and big-play ability.
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, Detroit Lions): Expected to take on a larger role after solid performances.
Player Performance Predictions
Here are some players expected to shine in Week 2:
- Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs): Projected for 300+ yards and 3 TDs.
- Christian McCaffrey (RB, San Francisco 49ers): Likely to have a multi-touchdown game.
- Davante Adams (WR, Las Vegas Raiders): Anticipated to post over 100 receiving yards.
Defensive Matchups to Exploit
In fantasy football, picking the right defense can be crucial for maximizing your points:
Top Streaming Options
- Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: The Steelers’ defense is known for creating turnovers.
- Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets: With an uncertain Jets offense, the Cowboys can take advantage.
Case Studies: Last Year’s Trends
Examining trends from last season can provide insights into player performance and matchup outcomes:
Game Performance vs. Top Defenses
Here’s a look at how top quarterbacks fared against top defenses last season:
Quarterback | Team | Avg. Fantasy Points | Defensive Rank |
---|---|---|---|
Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | 25 | 3rd |
Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | 22 | 5th |
Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | 20 | 7th |
Practical Tips for Fantasy Managers
To succeed in fantasy football, consider these strategies for Week 2:
- Stay Updated on Injuries: Monitor injury reports closely leading up to game time.
- Matchup Analysis: Always check player matchups. Some players thrive against specific defenses.
- Trade Wisely: If a player underperforms, evaluate trade opportunities before values drop.
First-Hand Experience: Lessons Learned from Week 1
Reflecting on Week 1 can provide valuable lessons. Here are some insights:
- Don’t Overreact: A poor performance in Week 1 doesn’t define a player’s season.
- Trust the Process: Stick to your pre-season strategies; data-driven decisions often yield better results.
Conclusion
Week 2 of the NFL season is packed with potential and intrigue. Whether you’re analyzing matchups, managing your fantasy lineup, or simply enjoying the games, staying informed is key. For more insights and updates, explore the official NFL Fantasy website for personalized tips and live stats [[1](https://fantasy.nfl.com/)].
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