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Raheem Morris, Falcons bracing for 'tell the truth moment' ahead of Eagles clash

Mon Sep 9 6:00pm ET
Field Level Media

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- Raheem Morris's debut as Atlanta's head coach didn't pan out as hoped on Sunday, with new-look Falcons falling 18-10 at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Twenty-four hours later, Morris was ready to move on to Week 2, with the schedule only getting tougher. Atlanta heads to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles next Monday before hosting the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 22.

"Last night didn't go our way, but we were able to go in today and reevaluate our plans, talk about our stuff, what went well and what didn't go well," Morris said on Monday. "It's a ‘tell the truth moment' for our team and for ourselves, and now, it's on to the Philadelphia Eagles."

Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for just 155 yards and overrode his lone touchdown pass with two costly interceptions in Sunday's loss.

Coming off a season cut short by a torn Achilles, Cousins, 36, made his debut for the team paying him $180 million over the next four years.

"(Kirk) probably had some rust from not playing for so long," Morris said. "But we've got to play better at the position and play better around him. ... The assessment of Kirk yesterday was easy. It wasn't good enough. He threw two interceptions, and we've got to make better decisions in the passing game all around. It just wasn't good enough and we're going to be clear about that."

Switching focus to the Falcons' first appearance on Monday Night Football since 2020, Morris and company are dealt with the task of slowing a Philadelphia offense flooded with talent.

"That whole offense, looking at those guys, you're talking about a bunch of superstars across the board," Morris added. "A.J. Brown, Saquon (Barkley), the guy they just traded for, Jahan Dotson. They've got the biggest offensive line in the history of the game. Jalen Hurts was the runner up for MVP just two years ago. We've got to get in the lab, and that's what today and tomorrow are about."

In their 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers last Friday in Brazil, the Eagles totaled 410 yards, including 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns from Barkley in his team debut. Atlanta was outgained 270-226 against Pittsburgh.

Monday marks the Falcons' first game in Philadelphia since an 18-12 loss in the 2018 opener. Atlanta, which has lost four of its last five against the Eagles, has not won at Lincoln Financial Field since 2012.

--Jack Batten, Field Level Media

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Starts/Sits: Week 1

Player Notes
Jordan Love Sep 9 5:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is not going on Injured Reserve, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. Love would have been required to miss at least four games if he had been placed on the IR after suffering an MCL sprain at the end of the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil last Friday. Until Love is able to return -- he's projected for a three- to six-week timetable -- backup Malik Willis will take over starting duties under center in Green Bay, beginning with a Week 2 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Fantasy managers can only keep Love in an IR spot and hope for a speedy recovery. The Packers are fully expected to take a cautious approach to their franchise signal-caller's injury. With Love out, the entire Packers offense will have less upside in fantasy, mainly receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed.

From RotoBaller

Malik Willis Sep 9 5:20pm CT
Malik Willis

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that quarterback Malik Willis will be the team's starter until Jordan Love (knee) is able to return from his MCL sprain, which could take anywhere from three to six weeks. The Packers aren't putting Love on Injured Reserve, which would have required at least a four-game absence, but they are expected to play it safe with the franchise signal-caller's recovery. "If Jordan is not cleared, then we'll start Malik, and Sean will be the backup," LaFleur said. Willis, 25, appears in line to start in Week 2 at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, where he'll be a desperation QB2 play in superflex leagues. The Titans former third-round pick will most likely be asked to manage the game for Green Bay's offense, lowering the fantasy ceiling of all of his wideouts, while the Packers could opt to lean on their ground game.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 9 5:10pm CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) injured his hamstring in practice last Thursday and didn't suit up in the season-opening upset loss to the visiting New England Patriots on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of Higgins' status for the upcoming Week 2 showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, but ESPN's Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show on Monday that he would be surprised if Higgins plays against the Chiefs. The Bengals offense looked dead in the water on Sunday against the Pats and with lead wideout Ja'Marr Chase being eased back in after holding in all summer during training camp during a contract dispute with the team. Chase led the team with six catches for 62 yards, with Andrei Iosivas serving as the WR2 with only three catches for 26 yards. If Higgins misses another game, expect Iosivas and tight end Mike Gesicki, who nearly had a TD in Week 1, to benefit the most.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 9 4:50pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) is heading to the injured reserve after injuring his knee during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions. He appeared to re-aggravate the bursa sac injury in his right knee, which he picked up in early August at training camp. The 23-year-old had a stellar rookie season, breaking the rookie receiving yards record, but will now miss at least four games. This is a massive blow to the Ram's offense, as Nacua won't be eligible to return until Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Cooper Kupp managers can expect him to see a huge target volume after seeing 21 targets in Week 1 with Nacua out most of the game. At the same time, Demarcus Robinson should see an uptick in targets as the Rams' No. 2 wide receiver with Nacua sidelined. Robinson is worth adding in most formats for managers looking for a replacement for Nacua.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 9 3:40pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said on Monday that quarterback Josh Allen (hand) has been cleared to practice this week and will play on Thursday Night Football in Week 2 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins. On his second rushing touchdown of the Week 1 win over the visiting Arizona Cardinals, Allen injured his left (non-throwing) hand after leaping a defender to cross the goal line. However, the 28-year-old dual-threat signal-caller said after Sunday's game that he thought he was "fine," although he was expected to undergo cautionary X-rays. Apparently the X-rays didn't show anything concerning and Allen will be good to go this week. In the Week 1 comeback win, it wasn't all pretty for Allen, but in the end he threw for two touchdowns and scored two with his legs. With Allen being good to go for Week 2, keep him locked in fantasy lineups as an elite QB1.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 9 3:20pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) aggravated the right-knee injury he dealt with during training camp in the summer in the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday night at Ford Field in the overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. While Nacua is still going through additional testing on Monday after leaving Sunday's game early, he is expected to be considered week-to-week, according to sources. It's unclear exactly when the Rams and fantasy managers might get the 23-year-old second-year wideout back, but nobody should be expecting him to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Nacua was dealing with a bursa-sac injury in his knee back in camp. With Nacua leaving on Sunday, Cooper Kupp caught a league-high 14 passes on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown, so his value will rise for however long Nacua is out. Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson figure to see bigger roles as well.

From RotoBaller

Tyrique Stevenson Sep 9 3:10pm CT
Tyrique Stevenson

On Sunday, the Chicago Bears' defense and special teams played a crucial role in securing a victory over the Tennessee Titans. With the Bears trailing 17-3 and struggling offensively, the special teams unit turned the tide by blocking a Titans punt and returning it for a touchdown, reigniting the Bears' chances. In the fourth quarter, the defense stepped up when Tyrique Stevenson intercepted a pass from Will Levis and returned it for a touchdown, giving the Bears their first lead of the game. To clinch the win, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson added another interception late in the game. The Bears' defense and special teams made a strong impression in their season opener, but fantasy managers should temper expectations for the upcoming week as the team faces a high-powered Houston Texans offense.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 9 2:50pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a disappointing debut on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, catching only one pass for 11 yards on four targets. His lone reception came on an unusual play where the ball, initially intended for DJ Moore, was deflected into the air and snagged by Odunze. He fumbled after the catch, but fortunately, an offensive lineman recovered the ball. Adding to his woes, Odunze left the field with a knee injury sustained during the Bears' final drive with 4:22 left in the game. He appeared to be rolled up on while blocking for a screen pass to Velus Jones Jr., and though he stayed in for one more play, he walked gingerly to the sideline afterward. If Odunze is sidelined for an extended period, the Bears must rely on DeAndre Carter and Tyler Scott to step up. Odunze is scheduled for an MRI on Monday, and the team hopes for positive news. With the Bears set to face the Houston Texans next Sunday night, they will need all available offensive talent.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 9 2:30pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) had a subdued performance against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, finishing with just 29 yards on four receptions despite being targeted a team-high 11 times. Allen missed a couple of key opportunities that could have turned his game around. In the first quarter, he was open down the sideline after a well-executed move, but quarterback Caleb Williams overthrew himan opportunity that could have resulted in a significant gain or even a touchdown. Later, Allen was targeted in the end zone for a potential touchdown, but he dropped a pass he typically would have caught. While the new offense may need some time to develop fully, seeing how frequently Williams looked to Allen is encouraging. Additionally, Allen entered the game with a heel injury and appeared to limp late in the match. Hopefully, he will recover for next Sunday night's game against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 9 2:20pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that there is no issue with quarterback Anthony Richardson's right hand after he hit it on an opponent's helmet late in Sunday's Week 1 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans. It wasn't the best performance for Richardson to open the season, as he continued to display a concerning lack of accuracy on open receivers, but fantasy managers aren't complaining after he produced three total touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) in the 29-27 loss. The 22-year-old went just 9-for-19 passing for 212 yards, two touchdowns and a pick while adding 56 rushing yards on six carries and a third TD. You'll have to continue to take the good with the bad with Richardson after he played in just four games in his rookie season in 2023 due to a shoulder injury, but his upside is through the roof and it gives him high-end QB1 upside each week.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 9 2:00pm CT
Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings are being cautious with wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) after he left the team's 28-6 victory over the New York Giants in the third quarter. Before his departure, Addison hauled in 3-of-4 targets for 35 yards on a day where the Vikings did what they wanted against a hapless Giants squad. When asked about his young wideout, head coach Kevin O'Connell said, "He's got pretty significant soreness We'll just see. Still hopeful he'll have a chance this week, but we'll be smart with him." It's not exactly an encouraging endorsement for the 22-year-old, though it is good news that it is not the same ankle he injured previously. Minnesota will square up for an early-slate tilt in their home opener against the San Francisco 49ers in a tough matchup this coming Sunday. It would benefit Sam Darnold to have all of his weapons, but Addison is unknown for now.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Sep 9 1:50pm CT
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a busy but ultimately unremarkable game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. He led the team with 36 receiving yards on five catches and added a 14-yard rush. Moore's day seemed at risk after he made two receptions for 12 yards and then took a hard fall out of bounds, prompting him to remove his helmet and struggle to get up. Fortunately, the injury was not severe; Moore walked off on his own and returned to the game shortly after that. Given the challenging matchup against cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, it was anticipated that Moore might have a subpar performance. However, he is expected to bounce back and perform better in the upcoming game against the high-scoring Houston Texans next week.

From RotoBaller

Jack Jones Sep 9 1:50pm CT
Jack Jones

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer and Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones are not expected to be suspended, as per Tom Pelissero. Palmer and Jones began brawling after a failed LA 2-point conversion with under four minutes to go in the fourth quarter. Both players were ejected and could still potentially be fined by the league, but they seem to have avoided missing time. The Raiders' DB was unavailable to the media after the game, but Palmer was and had a few interesting things to say. "They came and started throwing punches, but we're not going to be punching bags," said the fourth-year wideout. "So we had to defend ourselves." The 24-year-old racked up just four targets in the Chargers' 22-10 win as Jim Harbaugh deployed a run-centric scheme, culminating in LA rushing one more time (27) than they threw it (26). They'll take on the Panthers in Carolina this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 9 1:30pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (undisclosed) was not seen at Monday's practice, per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Well, this is mildly alarming. Jackson most recently produced a staggering 395 total yards with one touchdown and one interception in Baltimore's Thursday night 27-20 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also lost one fumble. There is no reason for Jackson's absence at practice, as the Ravens' first injury report of the week is released on Wednesday. However, we'll be able to learn more about this matter over the next few hours, with head coach John Harbaugh scheduled to speak with the media after practice. Baltimore will square off against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener this Sunday. Josh Johnson is the only other QB on the Ravens' roster at this time.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 9 1:30pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had a lackluster performance against the Tennessee Titans as the offense struggled to gain any momentum. Trailing 17-0 early, the Bears' offense could not find its rhythm. Swift managed a standout 20-yard carry, the longest play for the Bears all game, but only accumulated 10 yards on his remaining nine carries. He did catch a pass for a two-point conversion, but surprisingly, he did not record any other receptions. On a positive note, Swift was the lead back, with no other running back on the roster getting more than two carries. Swift will look to rebound next week against the formidable Houston Texans defense, which limited Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to under 50 rushing yards in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 9 1:20pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had a mediocre night against the Los Angeles Rams. LaPorta caught four passes for 45 yards, with the longest reception being 18 yards, averaging 11.2 yards per reception. The Lions went with a very run-heavy offense on Sunday night, running the ball 31 times in their win. Jared Goff's favorite target through the air was his third-year receiver, Jameson Williams. LaPorta is still one of the most elite tight ends in the league, and fantasy managers should continue to start him without question going into Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 9 1:20pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 18 of 28 passes for 217 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Goff went against one of the weaker defenses in the league, but that can be excused some, considering it was only Week 1. However, things will only get more brutal as they face a much better Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense in Week 2. Goff should still be considered a mid-level fantasy quarterback, making him a mid-range QB2 heading into Week 2 against the Bucs.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 9 1:13pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp had 14 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Rams loss to Detroit on Sunday night. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that should answer any questions about Kupp being healthy. Now 31, Kupp is certainly on the "back 40" of his career but this night showed yet again he has the ability to win a fantasy game for a managers almost single-handedly. If Puka Nacua is out for an extended period of time, Kupp is going to be an elite-level option in the short-term. If you're a rebuilding team with Kupp on your roster, now is the time to cash out. Conversely, if you're searching for a title and need a veteran receiver, few are better.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tyler Johnson Sep 9 1:13pm CT
Tyler Johnson

Dynasty | Rams wide receiver Tyler Johnson had five catches for 79 yards in a SNF loss to Detroit. Dynasty Analysis: Johnson hasn't done much over his first four years in the league with Tampa Bay and Los Angeles but this was a notable performance after he received some glowing reports this off-season. With Puka Nacua possibly out for a while, Johnson could have a significant role moving forward. He looks like a solid waiver add this week in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jameson Williams Sep 9 1:13pm CT
Jameson Williams

Dynasty | Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown had three catches for 13 yards in the Lions win against the Rams. Dynasty Analysis: It's just one week but it's also clear Jameson Williams is going to get more targets than last season. Still, this is likely going to be St. Brown's worst game and anyone who is getting anxious probably doesn't have the stomach for fantasy football. Stay the course. Things will get better. St. Brown is still a top-five option each week.

From Dynasty League Fantasy