Fantasy Football Recap Week 2: 20 Things You Need To Know

Heading into Week 2, many people were disappointed at the lack of offensive firepower in the season’s opening weekend. Fortunately, for those folks, there was enough action in the first half of the early games to last all day. With 10 games scheduled, Sunday boasted the biggest early slate of the season. Big plays seemed to come from all directions. Rashid Shaheed is a problem for NFL defenses but a delight to his fantasy managers. He caught a 70-yard touchdown, his second 50+ yard score of the early season. Justin Jefferson caught a 97-yard touchdown pass just before halftime. Terry Bradshaw said he had never seen a touchdown that long. CeeDee Lamb ducked two defenders and raced 65 yards to the end zone during the Cowboys' loss. JK Dobbins somersaulted in for a second-quarter touchdown for Los Angeles. There was plenty to be seen. Here is what must be mentioned.

Top Players

DK Metcalf streaked past defenders on a first-quarter 56-yard touchdown catch. It would be his longest play of the day, but far from the last. He was targeted 14 times and ended the day with 10 grabs for 129 yards. Seattle defeated New England in overtime.

Alvin Kamara is still pretty good. Through two weeks, he is making a case for fantasy player of the year. He exploded on Sunday for four total touchdowns, three on the ground and one through the air. He scored on a 57-yard catch and run in the second quarter. Kamara had recorded three touchdowns by halftime. He finished with 20 rushes for 115 yards, adding 65 yards on a pair of catches.

Chris Godwin has fantasy managers laughing all the way to the bank. The WR1 after two weeks, Godwin was selected as a sixth-round pick in 12-team drafts. He made a beautiful 47-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter helping the Buccaneers to a 2-0 start for the fourth consecutive year. Godwin caught seven of eight targets and tallied 117 yards to go along with his touchdown.

Chris Godwin = Copper Kupp 2.0

— Aaron Schill (@aaron_schill) September 15, 2024

Davante Adams was a major part of a furious comeback by the Raiders. After a quiet start, the Raiders came alive on offense, particularly in the fourth quarter. Adams made a spectacular toe-tap sideline catch and contributed the game-tying touchdown reception. He totaled 110 on his nine grabs.

Kyler Murray was a model of efficiency despite making wildly improvised plays while avoiding the pass rush. The dynamic quarterback completed 17 of 21 pass attempts and ran for 11.8 yards per carry. He bagged 226 passing yards and three touchdowns. Murray also ran for 59 yards.

Pop Players

Derek Carr is certainly paying dividends as a fantasy asset. Carr was drafted as QB27, going in the 16th round of 12-team drafts, if he was even drafted at all. He currently stands QB1 after two weeks. The New Orleans offense that he has led has scored at least 44 points each game. According to Scott Hansen of NFL Redzone, Carr led 15 straight scoring drives to open the season. He threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score in a rout of Dallas.

I said bad things about Derek Carr and as a man ima admit I was wrong.

— Eric Ray (@EricRayweather) September 15, 2024

Malik Nabers was all that Daniel Jones could think of against Washington on Sunday. Nabers’ 18 targets earned him an absurd 66% target share. He collected 10 receptions and converted them into 127 yards and his first career touchdown.

Brock Bowers had his breakout game in his second start. During the Raiders’ comeback effort, Bowers was one of Gardner Minshew's favorite targets. The rookie tight end hauled in all nine of his targets and compiled 98 receiving yards.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba set a career-high in both catches and yards on Sunday. The Seahawks put on an aerial display against the Patriots. The second-year receiver led the team with 12 receptions and finished second with 117 receiving yards.

Marvin Harrison Jr. scored twice in the first quarter. Fantasy managers were nervous after the touted rookie saw only three targets in Week 1. Harrison quickly put minds at ease catching four passes for 130 yards in the first quarter including a couple of touchdown snags. Harrison saw eight targets in the game.

Quentin Johnston caught five passes for the second time in his career. He also marked his first multiple-touchdown game when he scored twice before halftime. He earned 51 yards and could be available in your league.

Braelon Allen made an impression on Jets’ fans. He manufactured two touchdowns including the go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. New York would go on to win with the rookie running back chipping in 33 rushing yards and 23 receiving yards on two catches. Allen should be a target on the waiver wire this week.

Flop Players

Christian Kirk had his second straight contest with a single catch. This time he lost a yard and failed to record a full point even in PPR scoring. He has become a forgotten part of Jacksonville’s offense.

Rachaad White made little noise in the Buccaneers’ victory over the Lions. He carried 10 times but managed only 18 yards. He added one catch for five yards. White has not shown the form he displayed last season.

Sam LaPorta fell flat this week. Targeted just three times in the game, he reeled in two of them for 13 yards. It was a disappointing afternoon for the second-year tight end.

Travis Kelce is off to a slow start. He still has Taylor Swift watching him from the luxury suite, but she certainly cannot like what she sees. The veteran tight end had a lone catch for five yards in the Chiefs’ matchup with the Bengals.

Drop Players?

Justin Herbert left in the third quarter and was taken to the medical tent with a right foot injury. He was able to return to the game.

Justin Jefferson left with a quad injury and went to the locker room for further evaluation. He did not return to the game. Jefferson told reporters after the game that he did not expect to miss time.

Cooper Kupp was seen limping on the sideline in the third quarter after injuring his left ankle late in the first half. He was immediately ruled as doubtful to return and did not play in the second half. He wore a boot on his foot following the game. The injury will be one to monitor.

Cooper Kupp is hurt now? Yeah, I am about ready to pack things up for the season

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 15, 2024

Isiah Pacheco was injured late in the Chiefs’ victory over Cincinnati. He limped to the sideline. Following the game, Pacheco was seen leaving in a walking boot with crutches. According to the team, he is being evaluated for an ankle injury and will undergo testing on Monday.