Faux Football Preview - Week 2
Chew previews Week 2 in the NFL with some redraft and dynasty fantasy advice.
Week 1 is in the books, and we could not be more satisfied/disappointed. There were pleasant surprises in Justin Fields, Javonte Williams, Quentin Johnston, and Juwan Johnson; however, there were bummers such as Tua Tagovailoa, Kaleb Johnson, A.J. Brown, and Theo Johnson. Just remember that this time last year Derek Carr was the QB-6, Jordan Mason was the RB-5, Allen Lazard was the WR-3, and Foster Moreau was the TE-2.
Check out last week’s preview here to see how things shook out. As a reminder, both redraft and dynasty are considered in this weekly roundup, so without further ado, let’s get to it.
DYNASTY BUY/SELL
Once the NFL season starts, the dynasty mindset can take a backseat to the redraft mindset. Each week, I will highlight two players to buy and two players to sell in dynasty, providing examples for each. As always, the trades are taken from the dynasty-daddy.com trade database.
Buy #1 - A.J. BROWN
If there is ever a time to take advantage of a suppressed dynasty value, it’s after a poor Week 1 performance. Brown has been able to hang his fantasy hat on his efficiency despite not getting an outrageous number of targets. Week 1 was too far in the wrong direction as Brown did not see his first target until the fourth quarter. Brown’s fewest targets in one game in 2024 was four, so look for him to get in a groove with Jalen Hurts.
Trade #1: A.J. Brown + ‘26 1st + ‘27 3rd ←→ Brian Thomas Jr.
Trade #2: A.J. Brown + ‘27 3rd ←→ Kaleb Johnson + ‘27 1st
Sell #1 - QUENTIN JOHNSTON
If there is ever a time to take advantage of an inflated dynasty value, it’s after a booming Week 1 performance. This is the antithesis of A.J. Brown, as Johnston had a Gabe Davis-like boom week right off the bat. The Chargers’ passing offense was on point as a whole, and I expect Johnston to benefit from it, albeit without the week-to-week consistency. Moving off of Johnston to get a similarly valued receiver plus a pick would help build a dynasty manager’s war chest.
Trade #1: Quentin Johnston ←→ George Pickens + ‘26 3rd
Trade #2: Quentin Johnston ←→ Josh Downs + ‘27 2nd
Buy #2 - HAROLD FANNIN
It should not be shocking that Harold Fannin parlayed an all-time collegiate season into a booming Week 1. Fannin is a great buy both in dynasty and in redraft (see TE Streamers). I do not expect much from the Browns offense but David Njoku is an unrestricted free agent and Fannin is the next man up. There could soon be a new quarterback and new direction for the Browns before you know it and why not get the tight end that will be a part of it.
Trade #1: Harold Fannin ←→ Rashid Shaheed
Trade #2: Harold Fannin + ‘26 3rd ←→ Brian Robinson Jr.
Sell #2 - HOLLYWOOD BROWN
Why on earth would you sell someone that just got 16 targets in Week 1?! This is similar to Wan’Dale Robinson’s value in 2024, receiving tremendous target volume with minimal yardage. Brown edges closer to his age 30 season and has been frequently hobbled by injury. There is short-term value in redraft leagues for Brown as Worthy recovers and Rashee Rice remains suspended but for dynasty the time to sell is now.
Trade #1: Hollywood Brown ←→ ‘26 2nd
Trade #2: Hollywood Brown + Jameson Williams ←→ Tee Higgins
HANDCUFF HEIRARCHY
The running back position can be one of frustration in fantasy as we scour the bench and waiver wire to fill in when injuries and bye weeks strike. But since we are just now getting started with the NFL season, here is a look at the various tiers for all 32 backup running backs. As the season progresses, we will see players rise and fall amongst the tiers, so stay tuned!
*This list only includes each team’s RB-2; thus, if the RB-1 is injured, then the RB-3 will take the place of the RB-2 on this list.
STANDALONE VALUE
These players have flex appeal even with the RB-1 being healthy in Week 2.
Some exciting names on this list could overtake the current RB-1s even without injury.
TreVeyon Henderson and Jacory Croskey-Merritt have the upside, but they still split touches with an inefficient Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 1.
Dylan Sampson overshadowed Jerome Ford in Week 1, but with Quinshon Judkins signed, how does that shake up the Browns’ backfield?
Zach Charbonnet got valuable touches while Kenneth Walker had a down week; a sign of things to come?
SPOT STARTER
The initial RB-1 is injured, and everyone moves up the depth chart, or a specialized role is created for the player.
There are some touchdown vultures and gameflow beneficiaries that could creep into flex territory if the stars align.
The Jaguars gave the lion’s share of the touches to Travis Etienne in Week 1, but with the trade of Tank Bigsby to the Eagles, Bhayshul Tuten instantly becomes relevant in a Liam Coen offense.
Tyrone Tracy, along with the entire Giants’ offense, had a Week 1 to forget; however, Cam Skattebo showed value with a huge blitz pickup and a nifty catch along the sideline.
Braelon Allen got some work, but Breece Allen showed himself to be one of the few bell cow backs in the NFL.
IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you are in a DEEP league, these are the rest of the bunch that you’re picking from for Week 1.
I expect some of these names to change as Week 1 could reveal a change in the RB-2, as compared to the current depth charts.
Well, Kenneth Gainwell proved to be the second running back, but the Steelers stuck to their guns and rolled out Jaylen Warren as their RB-1.
Despite a claim that Kyren Williams would cede touches to his supporting cast, Blake Corum did not take much of a step forward in Week 1 as compared to his 2024 role.
TIGHT END STREAMERS
Of all the fantasy-relevant positions, it’s the tight end that is my favorite to stream. If you were not fortunate enough to get one of the top few tight ends, it can be a futile process to find fantasy points at the tight end position. Here are three tight ends ranked outside the top 12 who are stream-worthy in Week 2.
Week 1 (If Top-12 ✅)
Hunter Henry → 10.6 points ❌
Zach Ertz → 11.6 points ❌
Brenton Strange → 9.9 points ❌
Week 2
HAROLD FANNIN (TE-18) @ BAL
What a start for the collegiate superstar Harold Fannin in Week 1! Despite the presence of the well-paid David Njoku, Fannin was narrowly behind him in snaps and routes but well ahead of him in targets and yards. Hopefully, the Browns continue two-tight-end sets to give Fannin a consistent flow of targets. I will take that optimism and ignore the tough matchup against the Ravens’ defense in the hopes that Fannin can replicate his Week 1 success.
JUWAN JOHNSON (TE-19) v. SF
Another surprise is Juwan Johnson with the second-most targets for the Saints and he played nearly every tight end snap. I have caution with the Saints in Week 2 going up against the 49ers and arguable the best linebacker in the NFL, Fred Warner. The catches and yards may not come as easily in Week 2 but with similar target volume and possibly a touchdown I think Johnson’s prospects as a top-12 tight end are looking good.
JONNU SMITH (TE-22) v. SEA
If Arthur Smith likes you then you have fantasy value. Despite already having Pat Freiermuth on the roster, Arthur wanted to get the weapon he remembers so fondly from his days in Atlanta, Jonnu Smith. As fate would have it, Jonnu led the Steelers’ tight ends in snaps and targets, and even nabbed a touchdown in the red zone. This is not a volume play like with Fannin or Johnson, I am just banking on Jonnu to be given the premium opportunities as dictated by Arthur.
So you made it this far, and hopefully you enjoyed it (that’s what she said). If you wouldn’t mind sharing this in your group message with your fellow fantasy football degenerates, I would greatly appreciate it!
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