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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

Alabama continues NFL opening roster dominance

Thu Sep 12 8:55pm ET
Field Level Media

Alabama averaged nearly two players for all 32 NFL teams when the 2024 regular season kicked off last week.

For the eighth consecutive year, the Crimson Tide were the college program with the most or tied for the most players on NFL kickoff weekend rosters, with 61. That outpaced No. 2 Ohio State, which had 51, followed by Georgia (45), Notre Dame (41) and national champion Michigan (40).

Alabama also placed the most players on season-opening NFL rosters in 2018 (44), 2019 (56), 2020 (53), 2021 (54), 2022 (58) and 2023 (57), and it shared the league lead in 2017 (39).

In all, 234 colleges had at least one player on an active kickoff weekend roster.

COLLEGES WITH MOST NFL PLAYERS

Alabama (61)

Ohio State (51)

Georgia (45)

Notre Dame (41)

Michigan (40)

LSU (39)

Penn State (36)

Oklahoma (33)

Washington (32)

Texas (31)

Clemson (30)

Florida (30)

Oregon (28)

Southern California (28)

Texas A&M (27)

Florida State (26)

Iowa (26)

Tennessee (26)

Stanford (25)

Wisconsin (25)

UCLA (24)

Illinois (22)

Ole Miss (22)

Auburn (21)

Miami (21)

South Carolina (21)

The Crimson Tide led all schools with the most running backs (six), defensive tackles (eight) and defensive backs (13), while tying USC with eight wide receivers and North Carolina and Oklahoma with three quarterbacks. The 13 DBs led all position groups by five.

MOST PLAYERS BY POSITION

Centers: Penn State, Wisconsin (4)

Guards: Michigan (6)

Tackles: Oklahoma (7)

Tight Ends: Iowa, Notre Dame, Stanford (5)

Quarterbacks: Alabama, North Carolina, Oklahoma (3)

Running Backs: Alabama (6)

Wide Receivers: Alabama, USC (8)

Defensive Tackles: Alabama (8)

Defensive Ends: Ohio State (8)

Linebackers: Penn State, Wisconsin (8)

Defensive Backs: Alabama (13)

Punters: Penn State (2)

Kickers: Notre Dame (2)

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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
Jauan Jennings Sep 12 8:30pm CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for Jennings to open the week. This isn't a good look after Jennings suffered an ankle injury during the season opener. The hope is that Jennings will practice in full on Friday which would give him a good chance of playing against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. Otherwise, Chris Conley could see increased snaps, but he wouldn't be a recommended fantasy option. Instead, Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk would see an uptick in value if Jennings is forced out.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 8:20pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (ankle) picked up an injury during Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old has missed practice each of the last two days. It's now being announced that Schultz is dealing with an ankle sprain. The good news is that the injury isn't considered severe, so Schultz should be able to suit up in Week 2. There is still a chance for Schultz to practice on Friday, which would give him a better chance of playing this weekend. Otherwise, Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover would likely split up the reps. Neither player is an ideal streaming option if Schultz is forced out of action.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 12 8:10pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (toe) has been upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. This means Fant should be ready to play after getting in a limited practice on Wednesday. It's worth noting that Fant has been dealing with this toe issue throughout the preseason. It could very well come back at him, but for now fantasy managers should expect him out there for the Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots. Fant was quiet in the season opener with two receptions for 11 yards in the win. The Seahawks have a handful of options on offense, so sometimes Fant gets lost in the shuffle. He'll be on the TE2 radar for this weekend's matchup against the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Sep 12 7:00pm CT
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (thigh) was listed as a limited participant in yet another practice on Thursday. Lockett was also listed as limited in each of the first two practices last week before he was active in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. In that victory, the 31-year-old was out-snapped by both DK Metcalf and second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but he finished with a solid six catches on seven targets for a team-high 77 yards. Lockett's ceiling certainly is lowered with Smith-Njigba around, but he's not going away anytime soon, and he should play in Week 2 versus the New England Patriots. The healthier Lockett gets, too, the more snaps he'll likely see in Seattle's offense. Sure, Lockett was much more attractive in fantasy when it was just he and Metcalf soaking up targets, but he remains in play as a big-play, WR4/flex option in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Sep 12 6:40pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (oblique) remained out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Walker suffered an oblique injury in the Week 1 over the Denver Broncos and is now firmly up in the air to suit up in Week 2 against the New England Patriots. His status for Sunday's game will ultimately come down to whether he can get back onto the practice field on Friday. Still, Walker could be questionable to be active in Week 2, so fantasy managers planning on starting him again this weekend need to formulate a backup plan. Backup Zach Charbonnet would become Seattle's lead back in a plus matchup if Walker is limited or out entirely. Charbonnet should be scooped up off the waiver wire if he's available and you're thin at the RB position. He is currently rostered in only 52% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 12 6:30pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) told ESPN that the hamstring injury that he injured last week in practice that kept him out of the season-opening loss to the New England Patriots is completely unrelated to his contract status. Higgins hasn't practiced since getting hurt on Sept. 5. "I just don't understand why fans think I'm faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over," Higgins told ESPN. "I just don't understand why they think I'm faking an injury. It doesn't make sense to me." He has sought a contract extension in each of the past offseasons and requested a trade in March before signing the franchise tag on June 17. Higgins appears to be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 2 against the Chiefs, and fantasy managers shouldn't forget that he also missed three games with a hamstring injury in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 12 6:20pm CT
Jaylen Wright

After being a healthy scratch in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins rookie running back Jaylen Wright is active in Week 2 against the division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. It comes after Raheem Mostert (chest) was ruled out on Wednesday. De'Von Achane (ankle) was also listed as questionable, but he is officially active. Achane should be Miami's lead back on Thursday with Mostert sidelined, but Miami figures to mix in Jeff Wilson Jr. and Wright as well as change-of-pace backs. It's unclear how many snaps and touches all three backs will split, but Wright is at least intriguing as a boom/bust flex play if you're already hurting at the RB position early on. The 21-year-old fourth-round speedster needs to at least be stashed in most fantasy formats, especially if you have Achane or Mostert rostered.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 12 6:10pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially active for the Thursday night showdown against the division-rival Buffalo Bills after he entered the game with a questionable tag. On a short week early in the year, both Achane and Raheem Mostert (chest) missed two practices earlier this week and were up in the air to play against Buffalo. Mostert was ruled out on Wednesday, so Achane's already high fantasy ceiling just went up considerably against a Bills defense that is banged up and not as formidable as its been in recent years. The explosive and speedy second-year back is a must-start every week, especially so with Mostert sidelined. The 22-year-old had 10 carries for only 24 yards in a Week 1 win over the Jaguars, but he also scored a TD and caught seven passes for 76 yards. Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wright will have roles as well with Mostert out, but Achane should be in all lineups.

From RotoBaller

Roman Wilson Sep 12 6:00pm CT
Roman Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) was a full participant in practice for the first time on Thursday and is hoping this is the week that he will make his NFL debut. Wilson missed the entire preseason and the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons due to an ankle injury that he suffered in training camp. He has missed valuable time learning the offense, but the third-round pick back in April feels like he's ready to do whatever is asked of him. The 23-year-old now has a much better shot to be active in Week 2 against the Denver Broncos, but even if he is, expect Pittsburgh to ease Wilson into their offense because of how much time he missed leading up to the regular season. But in time, Wilson could easily become the team's No. 2 behind George Pickens in 2024, making him worth a bench stash in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 12 5:40pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in practice for the second straight day with a calf injury that kept him out of the season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons. Justin Fields got the start in Week 1, and with Wilson still nursing his calf injury, the Steelers continue to prepare as if Fields will start in Week 2 on the road against the Denver Broncos. For what it's worth, the 35-year-old Wilson says he's "getting closer and closer" to playing, but it looks like he'll sit out a second straight week as the team plays it cautious with him. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that even though Fields is expected to start in Week 2, the belief is that Wilson will get the starting job once he returns from his calf injury. The Steelers think Wilson's command of the offense is stronger, and it seems as though only an explosive performance from Fields would change that plan.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Hopkins Sep 12 5:30pm CT
DeAndre Hopkins

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (knee) said his knee injury is a sprain similar to an ankle sprain, and it isn't a tear. Hopkins played in the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears despite entering with a questionable tag, but he played only 27% of the offensive snaps, which was fourth among Titans pass-catchers. It led to just one catch on his only target for an eight-yard gain. The 32-year-old veteran and five-time Pro Bowler clearly wasn't fully healthy. However, he's off the Week 2 injury report entirely and is expected to have a much bigger role in Week 2 against the New York Jets. Fantasy managers should expect Hopkins to be more involved on offense this Sunday, but his conditioning is still a question mark, and the matchup against the Jets isn't idea. Hopkins' fantasy stock is certainly down in 2024, but he should be a slightly more attractive WR4/flex another week removed from his knee sprain.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 12 5:30pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Updating a previous report, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was officially listed as a non-participant in practice on Thursday for the second straight day. A previous report stated that Ferguson was working out on the side, but he didn't officially take part in practice, and his status is firmly up in the air for the Week 2 contest at home against the New Orleans Saints. In addition to Ferguson, tight end John Stephens (hamstring) has also missed both practices this week. Ferguson suffered a bone bruise and MCL sprain in the Week 1 victory over the Cleveland Browns and is on the wrong side of questionable for this weekend's game. Fantasy managers that started Ferguson in Week 1 should have already made plans to be without him in Week 2. With both Ferguson and Stephens banged up, it's looking like Luke Schoonmaker will take on a bigger role against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 12 5:20pm CT
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz's (ankle) was held out of practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, putting his status up in the air for the Week 2 tilt at home against the visiting Chicago Bears. Schultz will likely have to suit up in some capacity at Friday's practice to avoid being ruled out entirely. The 28-year-old caught all three of his targets for only 16 receiving yards in a disappointing first game in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts as well. As things stand right now, he is shaping up as a very shaky TE1/2 for fantasy managers against a tough defense this weekend. If Schultz is out on Sunday or limited on offense, the Texans would be forced to turn to some combination of Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover at the position. Fantasy managers looking for a TE streamer would be better off looking elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 12 5:20pm CT
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby had a surprising Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins, putting up 12 carries and a team-leading 73 rushing yards. After a good preseason, it was clear Bigsby would be the handcuff for Travis Etienne Jr., but not even the most optimistic of fantasy managers expected this kind of outing from the sophomore RB in Week 1. The backup back had just two fewer touches than starter Etienne Jr., who only had 59 total yards and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Auburn product had a forgettable rookie season, but this great Week 1 performance could mean a bounce-back year two. While starting him in Week 2 against the stout Cleveland Browns defense would be a huge overreaction, Bigsby is worth picking up as a bench stash, whether as a handcuff or an upside option for the future. Keep Bigsby on benches for now, but if he's still on waivers after the initial wave, he's worth picking up.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Sep 12 5:20pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) was added to the team's Week 2 injury report after he was listed as limited at practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good sign, but at least Pierce was able to do something at practice. Still, the 24-year-old could have an injury designation heading into the Week 2 contest at home against the Chicago Bears, depending on how much he's able to get done on Friday. Pierce really shouldn't be in consideration for a starting lineup spot in fantasy as the backup to Joe Mixon, but Houston's RB rotation could be affected against Chicago if Pierce is out or limited. Pierce played just 11% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, which ranked third behind Mixon and Dare Ogunbowale. Pierce is currently rostered in just 5% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 12 5:10pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin was surprisingly the leading receiver during the season opener. The veteran wideout led the team in both targets and receiving yards during the Week 1 win over the Washington Commanders. Godwin finished the day with eight receptions for 83 yards and a touchdown. The 28-year-old is back in the slot and looks to be fully healthy once again. He'll get a Detroit Lions defense in Week 2 that allowed the sixth-most passing yards last season. The Bucs should continue to air it out which makes Godwin a fine WR2 for Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 12 5:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) was on the practice field in uniform with the rest of the team on Thursday for what was not a fully padded session. McCaffrey was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday and probably will end up with another limited designation on Thursday. Still, the fact that the 28-year-old is practicing at all after being a surprise inactive in Monday night's win over the New York Jets is good news. Last year's rushing champion is reportedly dealing with Achilles tendinitis in addition to a calf injury he suffered early in training camp. CMC hasn't been ruled out for Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, but signs are pointing to him being unlikely to suit up as the 49ers play things extra cautious with their star back. If McCaffrey is held out again this Sunday, Jordan Mason will be a must-start in this high-scoring 49ers offense as the lead back.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 12 5:10pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan was able to find the end zone during his NFL debut last week. The rookie wideout won the No. 3 role with an impressive performance during camp. He was able to make some noise by hauling in one of his three targets for a 32-yard touchdown in the win over the Washington Commanders. As expected, McMillan isn't going to have a huge role with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin seeing a bulk of the targets. That is likely going to continue which means McMillan might only see a few chances each week. It probably won't be enough to warrant rostering McMillan is most fantasy formats. He's worth stashing in dynasty formats but probably won't see much action in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 12 5:10pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) missed another day of practice on Thursday as the team manages a right-ankle injury that he suffered in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants. Addison's status for the Week 2 showdown against the San Francisco 49ers is now firmly in question after two missed practices this week. The 22-year-old second-year pass-catcher will most likely need to practice in some capacity on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. In addition to injuring his ankle last Sunday, Addison caught just three of four targets for 35 yards despite Minnesota's offense blowing out the Giants. If Addison is ruled out entirely or limited in any way by his ankle in Week 2 in a difficult matchup, Jalen Nailor figures to serve as the team's No. 2 wideout behind Justin Jefferson, with Brandon Powell also seeing an increased role.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 12 5:00pm CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving outperformed lead back Rachaad White during the season opener last week. The fourth-round rookie rushed nine times for 62 yards while hauling in two receptions for an additional 14 yards. It was a nice debut for Irving who could carve a bigger role for himself as the season goes on. However, White is expected to remain the workhorse back for now. If he continues to struggle then Irving could continue getting more carries. The Bucs head into a tougher matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. A defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards in the league last season. Irving is worth stashing in deep and dynasty formats, but his usage is unknown right now which makes him a shaky fantasy option.

From RotoBaller