The Bears have announced that offensive lineman Ryan Bates (shoulder/elbow) has been placed on IR and will be eligible to return for their Week 6 game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars. In Bates' absence, Nate Davis will take over as the starting right guard, as confirmed by Coach Matt Eberflus. Davis will start in this role for Sunday's game against the Texans. Bates had played 68 percent of the Bears' offensive snaps in Week 1 against the Titans, filling in for Davis, who originally started at right guard. Although Davis may have a higher potential, his performance on Sunday revealed a lower floor that could lead to significant issues. Bates' roster spot will be filled by long snapper Scott Daly. The Bears' interior offensive line struggled last week against the Titans, and adding another injury to the mix is a setback for quarterback Caleb Williams and running back D'Andre Swift.

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Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's clash with the Atlanta Falcons. The 27-year-old popped up on the injury report on Friday because of hamstring tightness. As a result, he practiced in a limited fashion. However, the concern about Brown's availability for Monday night grew after he didn't participate in Saturday's session. Fantasy managers should begin preparing immediately, especially since there is a good chance the wideout won't be out there. The safest approach would be to add Jahan Dotson off waivers, where available. If successful, fantasy managers can make an immediate lineup swap if Brown is officially ruled out. But if Dotson has been claimed, it may be best to keep Brown out of the starting lineup altogether, considering the Eagles play on Monday night, well after all of the Week 2 contests have concluded. With that said, DeVonta Smith, Saquon Barkley, and Dallas Goedert could benefit the most if Brown isn't healthy enough to get on the field against Atlanta.

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The San Francisco 49ers D/ST unit is in Minnesota to take on the Vikings in Week 2. In Week 1, the 49ers defensive performance looked sharp in real football terms, but only produced modestly for fantasy purposes. They gave up 19 points to the New York Jets offense and totaled one sack and one interception. The third touchdown came in garbage time, making San Francisco's defensive performance appear worse and knocking points off their fantasy total in standard formats. Minnesota's offense was productive in Week 1 against the Giants, as they come into this week's contest with the 13th-most yards in the league. But they had two turnovers in that one -- a Sam Darnold interception and a C.J. Ham fumble. The Niners are a solid choice for lineups, due to a solid pass rush and some ball-hawk skills in the secondary but they mostly suffered last year from a lack of D/ST touchdowns, which will always be the fickle mistresses of the fantasy football world. The 49ers defense will look to confuse a familiar Sam Darnold into some bad decisions when they check in as a Top-5 option on Sunday.

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Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday's meeting with the Indianapolis Colts. The signal-caller didn't practice all week, leaving most to assume he was heading in this direction anyway. However, head coach Matt LaFleur didn't rule out the chance of Love playing along with the team officially reporting him as questionable on the injury report, so it appeared there was a small chance he'd suit up. But now that there is a little more clarity regarding Love's health, fantasy managers should prepare for backup quarterback Malik Willis to handle things under center versus Indianapolis. Unfortunately, the former Titan is hard to trust based on his history. His presence also isn't good news for the Packers pass-catchers, who could struggle without Love. On the other hand, Josh Jacobs could thrive, especially if Green Bay opts to utilize the run more than initially planned. On a separate note, the Packers elevated Sean Clifford from the practice squad, adding more doubt about Love's potential availability on Sunday.

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Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery will look to continue his strong performance in Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who boast a tough run defense. In Week 1, Montgomery impressed with 91 rushing yards on 17 attempts, averaging 5.4 yards per carry, and scored the game-winning touchdown. He again led in touches over Jahmyr Gibbs, with a 20-15 split, though Gibbs scored earlier in the game on a rare goal-line carry. The Buccaneers' defense is anchored by elite run-stopper Vita Vea, and only seven running backs surpassed 60 rushing yards against Tampa Bay last season, with three needing at least 20 carries to do so. Given the strength of the Buccaneers' run defense, the Lions will likely implement a pass-heavy game plan targeting Tampa Bay's banged-up secondary. While it's promising that quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Brian Robinson found success on the ground against the Buccaneers last week, Montgomery may find it challenging to replicate such a performance. As a running back who isn't heavily involved in the passing game, Montgomery should be considered a low-end RB2 or Flex option. Start him with caution and manage expectations, given the difficult matchup.

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With wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) listed as questionable for Sunday night's game in Houston, the Chicago Bears have elevated wide receiver Collin Johnson from their practice squad. Johnson, who was released by the Giants during final cuts in 2023, was signed to the Bears' practice squad on October 10th and was later promoted to the active roster. He played 40 snaps over the last three games of the season, catching one pass for 11 yards. Johnson showcased his potential during the preseason, recording three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Hall of Fame Game against the Texans on August 1. Despite this, he did not play in the subsequent three preseason games due to injury and failed to make the Bears' 53-man roster. If Allen or Odunze are unable to play, the Bears will miss the size and physicality that Johnson, standing 6'6" and weighing 222 pounds, can provide. Johnson has had more time to learn the offense and could fill that gap. While he doesn't need to be rostered in fantasy leagues at this time, he could be a useful emergency fill-in if both Allen and Odunze are sidelined.

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San Francisco 49ers kicker Jake Moody will kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. The former third-round pick began his sophomore season last week with a career day, hitting six of six field goal attempts from 46, 51, 31, 53, 23, and 42 yards away. He also hit both of his extra-point attempts. Minnesota's defense is probably nothing special -- regardless of their domination of Daniel Jones and the New York Giants last week -- so Moody should be able to ride the coattails of San Francisco's explosive offensive attack as usual. It might actually be a good thing for Moody that touchdown hog Christian McCaffrey is sidelined (Achilles). If Moody has improved his accuracy issues from last year and the 49ers continue to put him in positions of field goal volume, the talented Moody will be a top fantasy option for the foreseeable future. He's a top-3 play in Week 2.

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AJ Brown (hamstring) was noticeably absent at the start of Eagles practice on Saturday. He appeared on the practice report yesterday as a limited participant with a hamstring issue. Eagles coach Nick Sirianni mentioned that Brown experienced "a little tightness" in his hamstring during Friday's session, prompting the team to proceed cautiously on Saturday. Since joining the Eagles in 2022, Brown has missed only one game (last season's playoff clash with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). If active, Brown will hold a significant physical advantage over defensive backs Mike Hughes and Dee Alford, making him a must-start for fantasy managers. Should Brown be ruled out, it will boost the fantasy value of DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and Saquon Barkley, who will likely see increased usage. While Jalen Hurts may be slightly downgraded without his top target, he remains a strong quarterback option due to a favorable matchup. Keep an eye on the final injury report released by Philadelphia on Monday night before the game.

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The San Francisco 49ers are placing running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles tendinitis) on Injured Reserve today, aiming for him to fully recover from his Achilles tendinitis over the next four games. McCaffrey missed most of training camp and did not play in the preseason due to a calf strain, which head coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed on August 6. The reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey led the league last season in touches (339), rushing yards (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,032), and scrimmage touchdowns (21). The earliest he can return is October 10th against Seattle on Thursday Night Football. In his absence, Jordan Mason stepped up as the 49ers' RB1, delivering a standout performance with 152 yards and a touchdown on 29 touches. While Mason's impressive showing provides some reassurance, it's important to note that McCaffrey's unique skill set and versatility are irreplaceable. Mason will serve as an RB1 until McCaffrey's return, and this situation underscores the importance of rostering your running back's handcuffs to prepare for potential injuries.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle heads to Minnesota this week as the team takes on the Vikings. In last week's home victory over the New York Jets, Kittle caught four of five targets for 40 yards and no touchdowns. The Vikings defense held the New York Giants tight ends Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger to two catches for 21 yards last week. In 2023, Minnesota's defense was 13th-best in the NFL at suppressing tight end fantasy production in half-PPR. Kittle's output has been notoriously volatile over the past few years, but his duds have been more than evened out by his monster games. Last season, he finished as the overall TE5 in half-PPR scoring. He's a no-brainer high/mid TE1 start in Week 2.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton had a team-high 12 targets and played 91% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but that led to only four receptions for 38 yards in rookie quarterback Bo Nix's wobbly debut. Sutton is fully expected to lead Denver's wideouts in targets by a wide margin in 2024, and volume shouldn't be an issue this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially with rookie Devaughn Vele (ribs), who had eight targets in the season opener, ruled out. However, Sutton is going to need to be more efficient with Nix to be a worthwhile WR4/flex play on a weekly basis for fantasy managers. The Steelers held Falcons WR1 Drake London to only two catches for 15 yards last week and present another difficult matchup for Nix and this new-look Broncos offense. Don't be surprised if Sutton struggles with efficiency again in the team's home opener.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was removed from the final Week 2 injury report on Friday and is good to go for Sunday's contest on the road against the Minnesota Vikings. Jennings briefly exited the Week 1 win over the New York Jets with an ankle issue but returned to the contest and finished out the game with five receptions for a team-high 64 yards on Monday night. The 27-year-old was third among the team's wideouts while playing 49% of the offensive snaps, but he was more involved in the passing game as the Niners eased Brandon Aiyuk back after his lengthy training camp hold-in this summer. Jennings should continue to work as the WR3 in San Fran behind Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel Sr. with rookie Ricky Pearsall (chest) out, but he's unlikely to see enough weekly targets to be considered a realistic flex play in most fantasy leagues.

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Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin said he will be active for his NFL debut in the Week 2 home opener against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers with fellow rookie Devaughn Vele (ribs) ruled out this weekend. Franklin was inactive in the season-opening loss on the road to the Seattle Seahawks but will now get his chance to provide receiver depth for the Broncos behind Courtland Sutton, Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims Jr. The 21-year-old out of Oregon was paired with rookie quarterback Bo Nix in April's draft in the fourth round, but it's unlikely that he'll have much of a role in his first regular-season NFL contest against a tough Steelers defense. Franklin is a stash candidate in dynasty/keeper leagues but is unlikely to make an impact in single-year fantasy formats in a Broncos offense that will be inconsistent under a rookie signal-caller.

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Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said that wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) "felt a little tightness" in his hamstring during practice on Friday. Sirianni said the team will likely be cautious with Brown in practice on Saturday. The Eagles put Brown on their injury report on Friday, putting his availability in question for the Monday night contest against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. With the game being on Monday, it could potentially put fantasy managers in a tough situation if Brown ends up being questionable on Saturday's final injury report. If Brown is limited or out entirely for Week 2, DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert would see a boost in their fantasy ceilings, while Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson would also have bigger roles in the passing game. Brown is a must-start in fantasy when he's active after going over 100 yards with a score in the Week 1 win over the Packers.

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New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (hip) was removed from Friday's final injury report and will suit up in Week 2 to face the Seattle Seahawks. Gibson was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday before being removed from the report on Friday. Fantasy managers will want to stay away from the 26-year-old in starting lineups as the clear backup to starter Rhamondre Stevenson in a low-volume offense led by veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Gibson saw just seven carries for 18 rushing yards in the surprising Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals and wasn't targeted at all in the passing game. He played only 22% of the offensive snaps, with Stevenson playing 78% of the snaps. Gibson could have a slightly elevated role if JaMycal Hasty (knee) isn't cleared to play, but it still probably wouldn't be enough to make him attractive as a fantasy starter against Seattle.

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The Atlanta Falcons and quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) said all offseason and throughout training camp that he didn't have any restrictions coming off an Achilles tear last year. But after Cousins and the Falcons' offense struggled in the Week 1 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, it was hard to tell if Cousins was 100%. Based on conversations, Cousins' leg feels good and doesn't have lingering issues from his surgery. However, there appears to be a rust factor while working with first-time play-caller Zac Robinson. "Just as we afford rookie QBs some leeway, let's extend the same understanding to first-time play callers," a source said. Cousins didn't play in any preseason games and was facing a swarming Steelers defense in Week 1. Fantasy managers that have Cousins rostered as their No. 2 signal-caller will be hoping he can knock off the rust for a Monday night showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has kept the door open for quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to play in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, listing him as questionable for Sunday's game, but a source said, "That's not happening." Love suffered an MCL sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil and has not been medically cleared to play. The Packers hope Love is week-to-week with his knee injury, but the reality is that the Week 3 contest against the Tennessee Titans is considered by those in the know to be "a long shot." The most optimistic timeline would have Love back in Week 4 to face the Minnesota Vikings. He's expected to wear a knee brace when he does return. For now, the Packers are planning to roll with former Titans QB Malik Willis under center. Fantasy managers should expect a run-heavy approach with a lot of Josh Jacobs this weekend against the Colts.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson not only had a rough season opener in the blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but he's facing a new civil lawsuit alleging he sexually assaulted a woman in 2020. Despite Watson's struggles in Week 1, there is a belief in the building that Watson can rediscover his on-field magic and there have been no talks about benching him in favor of Jameis Winston or Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Watson's contract has been the subject of media scrutiny the last several days, but there are too many unknowns to say anything definitively. However, there appears to be a chance the Browns could void guarantees in Watson's contract if he didn't alert the team about the new civil suit and an NFL investigation reveals the lawsuit to be credible. On the field, Watson is quickly falling in the QB2 ranks as he heads into a Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff had a mediocre start to the 2024 season. Goff passed for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Goff faced off against one of the easiest passing defenses in the league in Week 1, now he has to go against a better defense in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Goff has done well against them in the past, throwing for 353 yards and two touchdowns last season in Week 6. Tampa Bay will also be without star defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr. With week one behind them, the Detroit Lions should only be getting better, making Goff a high mid-level fantasy QB going into Week 2.

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Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had a disappointing Week 1 performance. The Lions star receiver will look to bounce back against the Tampa Buccaneers in Week 2. St. Brown had three catches on six targets for only 13 yards. Most of the air yards went to Jameson Williams, who led the team in targets, catches, yards, and receiving touchdowns. St. Brown is still, without a doubt, the team's first option, but the USC product will see a more challenging matchup in Tampa Bay's defense. He should definitely see improvement from his season opener, as St. Brown has had a better Week 2 than Week 1 in every season of his career. He also had 12 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 last year against the Buccaneers. As always, St. Brown is a must-start in all fantasy leagues.

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