San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is in Minnesota as the team prepares for a Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings. The former South Carolina Gamecock fulfilled expectations and then some in Week 1 against the New York Jets. He finished the game with five receptions on nine targets for 54 yards through the air to go with eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown on the ground. It's reasonable to expect similar usage in the running game, given running back Christian McCaffrey's continued absence and San Francisco's success with their approach last week. The similarities may stop with the passing game though, as 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk was playing in his first game action after sitting out the preseason, so the window for Samuel Sr. to take target advantage of Aiyuk's lack of football readiness may be closing. Minnesota's pass defense tamped down the fantasy performances of all New York Giants involved last week, but it's also possible New York's offense is just inept against everybody. Last year's Vikings defense was sixth-worst in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in half-PPR. Samuel Sr. is a locked-and-loaded WR1 in Week 2.

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New York Giants kicker Graham Gano steps into Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, looking to rebound after a quiet start in Week 1. Despite only managing two field goals against Minnesota, Gano is still a reliable scoring option, as he has a career average field goal percentage of 83.7%, including an impressive 43-for-64 from 50+ yards. Facing a Washington defense that allowed 37 points in Week 1, Gano's opportunity for kicks should be plentiful, especially if the Giants stall in the red zone. Expect Gano to hover around double-digit fantasy points, as the Commanders' bend-don't-break defense could set him up for several mid-range field goal attempts.

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New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is looking for a strong Week 2 performance against the Washington Commanders this Sunday. Johnson was targeted four times in his rookie debut but only reeled in one reception for 18 yards. He also dropped two catchable balls, so he could have had a bigger day but struggled with the rest of the Giants offense. Moving forward, what most impressed most as a fantasy manager was that he saw 61 offensive snaps, so he looks like the clear-cut TE1 on the Giants.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will run up against the Vikings when the team visits Minnesota in Week 2. Last week, Aiyuk disappointed fantasy players, a victim of his own offseason "hold-in" rustiness and a negative game script. The 26-year-old with the new contract extension could only muster two catches for 28 yards and no touchdowns on five targets. This week, however, he'll have the benefit of another week of practice and not having to go against Sauce Gardner and a top-rated pass defense. The Vikings dominated Daniel Jones and the New York Giants wideouts last week, whose top receiving performance came from rookie Malik Nabers at 5 catches, 66 yards, and no touchdowns. However, the Giants' passing attack was not expected to be a challenge for anybody and Minnesota's defense allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points to wide receivers in 2023. Last year's Vikings defensive secondary remains largely unchanged. Aiyuk should be in line for more action in Week 2 after having his snaps managed in Week 1 and with a better matchup, he's a solid WR2.

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The Chicago Bears' defense and special teams are poised to build on their stellar performance from Week 1 as they face the Houston Texans on Sunday. After leading the league in fantasy points last week, there's a lot of optimism surrounding the Bears' defensive unit heading into this primetime matchup. However, relying on defensive and special teams touchdowns can be unpredictable, and turnovers are notoriously fickle. With Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud expected to improve upon his performance against the Colts and with Joe Mixon demonstrating effective running, the Bears' defense will face a tougher challenge. Laremy Tunsil, one of the league's top tackles, will be a formidable opponent for the Bears' pass rushers, Darrell Taylor and Montez Sweat. Meanwhile, the secondary must replicate their impressive debut performance and contain Stroud's receiving targets, including Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell. Given his proven track record, Stroud represents a more significant test for the Bears' defense than Will Levis. Given these challenges, exploring other streaming defense options might be wise if available. However, if you prefer to stick with one defense, the Bears should still manage to hold their own against the high-powered Texans offense.

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Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos is a solid fantasy option for Week 2 against the Houston Texans. Santos has quietly established himself as one of the NFL's most reliable kickers. In Week 1, he accounted for nearly half of his team's points, successfully converting on all his attempts, including field goals from 24, 48, and 50 yards, along with two extra points. With the Bears' offense struggling to find its rhythm, Santos had plenty of chances to score. While Caleb Williams and the offense are expected to improve, they might not be able to find the end zone consistently just yet. With a favorable 46.5 over/under for the game, Santos remains a strong fantasy play until Chicago's passing game shows more consistency.

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New York Giants running back Devin Singletary is set for a pivotal Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Sunday. Singletary, coming off a poor Week 1 performance where he rushed for only 37 yards and added 15 yards receiving, will look to exploit a Commanders defense that allowed 37 points in their opener. Singletary's volume should increase, especially if the Giants can get a lead early, making him a possible RB2 play for fantasy managers needing added production in Week 2.

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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is a borderline Flex/RB3 for Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans, who have shown to be a tough opponent for running backs. Swift aims to rebound from a lackluster Week 1, where he managed only 30 yards on ten carries and was targeted only once in the passing gamea notable concern given his past effectiveness as a receiving threat. Compounding the issue was poor offensive line play, with Titans rookie defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat dominating the interior. This situation does not bode well for the Bears' rushing attack going forward. Although the Texans allowed 4.7 yards per carry against the Colts last week, they have been stingy with rushing yards, allowing an average of just 73.6 yards per game to visiting backs since last season and holding Jonathan Taylor to only three yards per rush. With the Texans allowing more than 100 rushing yards to just one player last season, Swift is a risky flex option. Khalil Herbert was out-snapped by Travis Homer, making Swift the only viable running back fantasy option. Of course, only if the Bears can sustain drives and improve their offensive line performance.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore remains a solid WR2 option for this week's potential high-scoring matchup. Moore will look to bounce back from a modest Week 1 performance, where he recorded 36 receiving yards on five catches and added a 14-yard rush. With fellow wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) not practicing and listed as questionable, Moore is poised for an increased target share. The Texans will be fielding rookie corner Kamari Lassiter alongside Derek Stingley, and Moore will likely test the rookie's coverage. The Texans' defense allowed a league-high 9.5 Net Yards per Attempt in Week 1, suggesting opportunities for explosive plays. Their vulnerability was evident in their game against the Colts, where Alec Pierce and Ashton Dulin caught long touchdown passes. Moore, known for his ability to capitalize on deep passes, averaged 14.2 yards per catch over his seven-year career, and he had five different games in 2023 in which he averaged over 16 yards per reception. If the offensive line can provide adequate protection, expect quarterback Caleb Williams to target Moore deep and frequently, mainly if Allen and Odunze are limited or sidelined. Moore should be a major focal point for an offense eager to improve upon its Week 1 performance.

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Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet is in a timeshare with Gerald Everett, who out-snapped him and ran more routes in Week 1. Kmet was on the field for less than half of the team's offensive snaps and received just one target during those 27 plays. Given that the Bears passed the ball on 57% of their offensive plays, this lack of involvement stems from the playbook rather than the game script. It appears that specific offensive packages are designed to feature Everett over Kmet. Conversely, with wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) not practicing and listed as questionable, Kmet could see an increase in targets in Week 2. If the Bears continue to ease rookie quarterback Caleb Williams into the game, particularly with two of his top wideouts potentially limited, Kmet may see more action. Expect him to run more routes, potentially catching three to four passes, with a chance for a red-zone opportunity. While Kmet is a risky, touchdown-dependent play in deep leagues, this could be the week to take a chance on him, given the uncertain status of Allen and Odunze.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones faces an intriguing Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. While Jones struggled in Week 1, scoring just 5.3 fantasy points against the Minnesota Vikings, the Commanders' secondary allowed 289 passing yards in their opener. Jones has a 5-1-1 record in seven career starts and ten total touchdown passes against the Commanders, so this is just the team he needs to face after coming up with a dud in Week 1. Expect Jones to hover around QB2 numbers this week, particularly if the Giants' offensive line holds up, giving him time to exploit mismatches downfield.

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This Sunday, Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams presents a high-risk, high-reward option as he faces off against the high-scoring Houston Texans. Williams aims to bounce back from a rough Week 1, where he completed just 14 of 29 passes for 93 yards and failed to throw a touchdown. His average depth of target was 8.0 yards, placing him in the middle tier among quarterbacks for the week. While his debut performance was underwhelming, it's not unexpected for a rookie quarterback, and the presence of a strong defense can be a significant asset for the top pick. However, Williams faces additional challenges this week with key playmakers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) listed as questionable. Williams will have only one reliable target in DJ Moore if both other wide receivers are unavailable. With the spotlight on him in Houston, Williams might struggle to keep pace with C.J. Stroud and could make mistakes under pressure. For now, Williams isn't a strong start outside of superflex leagues. Instead, let him develop on your bench and focus on his long-term potential. As he gains experience, his value could rise, making him a worthwhile investment for the future.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason will draw another start when the team clashes with the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on Sunday. Mason catapulted himself into the forefront of fantasy football conversations by shredding the New York Jets' run defense last week as the replacement for All-Pro starter Christian McCaffrey (Achilles). Mason finished that game with 147 yards on 28 carries and a touchdown while chipping in one reception for five yards. Those looking for an encore to Mason's career day are faced with a Minnesota defense that held New York Giants running backs to 42 yards rushing, 29 yards receiving, and no touchdowns in Week 1. The Vikings were also quite good against the run in 2023 as well, allowing the eighth-fewest points to running backs in half-PPR. Mason is not CMC, but a Top-10 finish is in play this week even against a quality defense, given the 49ers' perennial commitment to the run game and how sharp it looked last week. Treat Mason as a back-end RB1 in Week 2.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a defensive clinic in their season opener and appear primed for another dominant showing against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Denver's offense managed just 16 points in Week 1 and turned the ball over three times. Broncos quarterback Bo Nix struggled in his debut, and Pittsburgh's relentless pass rush led by T.J. Watt is sure to make it difficult for the rookie to improve on Sunday. Even if the Steelers' defense fails to record prolific counting stats, fantasy managers should feel safe deploying it in what is projected to be a very low-scoring affair. Pittsburgh's DST can be locked in starting lineups of all shapes and sizes this week.

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Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) is anticipated to play against the Chargers on Sunday. The 2021 No. 83 overall pick has battled hamstring and back issues for a while, keeping him off the field for the Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints. As a result, Ja'Tavion Sanders got more involved, although the rookie finished with only one grab for four yards. While Tremble's expected return for Week 2 is good news for the Panthers offense, he has an uphill battle before fantasy managers can consider him a starting option in any format.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will try to pick up a second-straight win in a Week 2 matchup versus the Vikings in Minnesota on Sunday. He'll be going up against a defense that was almost exactly league-average in 2023 for fantasy points per game allowed to opposing quarterbacks, but who held Purdy to 272 yards, two interceptions, and one touchdown last year (albeit without stud tackle Trent Williams and receiver Deebo Samuel). The Vikings made mostly minor changes to their defensive personnel in the offseason, most notably losing standout edge rusher Danielle Hunter and replacing him with first-round pick Dallas Turner. In their opener last week, the Vikings made New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones look horrible but how much credit goes to the defense versus Jones' ineptitude is debatable. Last week, Purdy was solid but rather unhelpful for fantasy managers in a home victory over the New York Jets, with 231 yards passing, 11 yards rushing, and no touchdowns or picks. At any rate, he'll have his whole complement of receivers in this one -- save for running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) -- so Purdy should be in for a decent day, especially with wideout Brandon Aiyuk getting another week of practice under his belt. Look for Purdy to find the end zone in Week 2, as he sits on the fantasy QB1/2 border.

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Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell was incredible in Week 1 and will hope to have another busy outing against the Denver Broncos. Pittsburgh's offense did not show enough last week to be trusted to move the ball consistently, but it may not matter if the defense continues to generate turnovers that give the Steelers great field position. It's important to note that Sunday's contest has been given the lowest projected point total of the week, so the chances of an offensive outpouring are extremely slim. Fantasy managers rolling with Boswell will be chasing a similar game script to what they saw last week, and they could very well get it in this matchup. The 33-year-old can be viewed as a low-end starting option in Week 2.

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New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau (concussion) will play on Sunday versus the Dallas Cowboys. The veteran caught all four targets for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 massacre of the Carolina Panthers before exiting the game in the fourth quarter. While he practiced in a limited fashion on Wednesday, he logged full sessions on Thursday and Friday. Without question, his availability is good news for New Orleans. Unfortunately, the Saints have a difficult matchup on the horizon against a talented Cowboys defense. Fantasy managers in all formats should keep Moreau out of the starting lineup.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth was somewhat quiet to start the 2024 campaign but will be looking to build chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields in a Week 2 bout with the Denver Broncos. This is the perfect matchup for Freiermuth to take advantage of as the Broncos surrendered the most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season. Furthermore, lockdown cornerback Patrick Surtain II will likely be assigned to receiver George Pickens for most of the contest, which could result in additional opportunities for Freiermuth. Pickens and Freiermuth were the only two Steelers to earn more than two targets in Week 1. Pittsburgh's offense is difficult to get excited about, but fantasy managers should be intrigued by Freiermuth as a low-end TE1 on Sunday.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens operated as the favorite weapon of quarterback Justin Fields last week and will hope to find continued success against the Denver Broncos in Week 2. Unfortunately for the Steelers and fantasy managers alike, Pickens will likely be shadowed by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain, the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history, held Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf to just 29 yards on three receptions in Week 1. Pickens should still earn a respectable target share given Pittsburgh's lack of proven commodities at receiver, but fantasy managers must keep their expectations in check heading into Sunday's contest. The 23-year-old should be viewed as a WR3 or flex option this week.

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