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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

Hall of Famer, Lions legend Joe Schmidt dies at 92

Thu Sep 12 5:33pm ET
Field Level Media

Pro Football Hall of Fame middle linebacker Joe Schmidt has died. He was 92.

Schmidt's family said the Detroit Lions' legend died Wednesday. No cause of death was revealed.

Schmidt was a 10-time Pro Bowler who helped the Lions win NFL championships in 1953 and 1957. The only linebackers with more Pro Bowl selections are fellow Hall of Famers Ray Lewis (12), Junior Seau (12) and Derrick Brooks (11).

Schmidt played in 155 games over 13 seasons (1953-65) with Detroit and had 24 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns. He also returned a fumble for a score.

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Schmidt," the Lions said in a statement. "Joe was a Lion through and through, having spent his entire career in Detroit, including 13 years as a linebacker and six seasons as our head coach. He patrolled the middle of our defense with such ferocity that he was named to 10 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1955 to 1964.

"Joe was an enduring link to our Championship era and one of the proudest Lions you will ever meet. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 and was an inaugural member of our team's ring of honor, the Pride of the Lions, which will ensure his place in our history forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Marilyn, and the entire Schmidt family as we all mourn his passing."

Schmidt entered the league as a seventh-round draft pick before becoming one of the top defensive players in the NFL. He was named NFL Defensive MVP in 1960 and 1963. After his player career ended, he was named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team and the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team in 2019.

Schmidt and legendary running back Barry Sanders share the Detroit record of 10 Pro Bowl selections.

Schmidt compiled a 43-34-7 record as Lions coach from 1967-72 and guided the club to a 10-4 record and a playoff berth in 1970. However, Detroit lost 5-0 to the Dallas Cowboys in what was the franchise's lone postseason game over a 24-season span.

Schmidt was a college star at Pitt before entering the NFL. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

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Fantasy Preview: Week 2

Player Notes
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

Mike Evans Sep 12 5:00pm CT
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans had seemingly no issues as he tore apart the Washington Commanders defense last week. The veteran wideout hauled in five of his six targets for 61 yards and two touchdowns in the blowout win. Evans has been one of the most reliable wideouts over the last decade and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon. He will get a tougher challenge in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions defense. However, the Lions secondary still has holes, so Evans should be able to continue producing WR1 numbers in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 12 4:50pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. is still a great starting option for fantasy managers in Week 2 despite a mediocre Week 1 performance against the Miami Dolphins. He had 44 rushing yards on 12 carries, a rushing touchdown, two receptions for 15 yards, and a costly fourth-quarter fumble. The Jaguars face the Cleveland Browns this week, a defense better against the pass than the run. The offense struggled in Week 1, especially in the second half, meaning establishing the run early could be the strategy to try and get back on track. Tank Bigsby, who surprisingly led the team in rushing against the Dolphins (12 carries for 73 yards), could be a part of that strategy. However, Etienne Jr. still led the team in touches, and losing his starting job would be a massive overreaction to one game. Etienne Jr. managers will be disappointed that a guy they drafted as an RB1 is already viewed as an RB2, but the upside for RB1 status remains.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 12 4:50pm CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White struggled to find much room to run during the season opener. White rushed the ball 15 times, but managed only 31 yards on the ground during the win over the Washington Commanders. Luckily, White was able to salvage his fantasy value with six receptions for 75 yards through the air. Rookie back Bucky Irving was more efficient on the ground, but White should remain the workhorse back for now. It won't get any easier for White against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. A defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing yards last season. The good news is that White is heavily used in the passing game. That being said, White should be fine to plug in as a RB2 in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Sep 12 4:40pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is coming off a fantastic season opener against the Washington Commanders. Mayfield threw for 289 yards with four touchdowns in what ended up being a blowout win for Tampa Bay. The former first-round pick was nearly flawless with only six incomplete passes during the opener. He looks to keep the good times rolling against the Detroit Lions in Week 2. Mayfield will have a tougher challenge in Week 2, but still remains a solid fantasy choice. The Lions defense allowed the 10th-most points per game last season. Mayfield should be considered a low-end QB1 for this game.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Sep 12 4:20pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. He had 161 passing yards and one touchdown, producing a measly 11.3 fantasy points. In Week 2, Lawrence faces the Cleveland Browns, a defense that held Dak Prescott to 11.5 fantasy points last week. The Browns defense is known for a great pass rush and elite secondary, which allowed the least passing yards per game in the NFL last year. It may be easy for fantasy managers to see 33 points allowed in Week 1 by the Browns and think they should start the Jaguars QB, but context is important. After an Ezekiel Elliot rushing touchdown with five minutes left in the second quarter, the Cowboys didn't score a single offensive touchdown. Similarly, the Jaguars scored zero points entirely in the second half against the Dolphins. Lawrence is firmly entrenched as a QB2 this week, meaning managers should look to the waiver wire to find a higher upside option.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 12 4:00pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) did not practice again on Thursday due to a heel injury. Allen was sidelined during Thursday's practice and could be in danger of missing Sunday's game if he doesn't have successful practice on Friday. The 32-year-old was on the injury report all week prior to their season opener but was able to suit up. In that game, Allen saw a hefty 37.9% of the team's targets and was targeted on an impressive 47.8% of the routes he ran. If Allen does suit up for Sunday's game, he should present a solid floor in PPR formats, making him a safe WR2. However, if Allen were to be limited or miss Sunday's game, DJ Moore should see an uptick in targets and potentially tight end Cole Kmet, who saw just one pass come his way in the opener.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 12 4:00pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (illness) was limited during Thursday's practice due to an illness. The budding receiver practiced in full on Wednesday. The Texans could be leaning on the side of caution ahead of their Week 2 matchup to give him an extra day of rest. However, fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should suggest if Collins will be ready to suit up. In the season opener, Collins continued his 2023 breakout campaign by catching six passes for a team-high 117 yards in their victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Collins should remain locked into all lineups as a high-end WR2 over the weekend.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 12 3:50pm CT
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (knee) did not practice again on Thursday, according to ESPN's Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Odunze suffered an MCL sprain in the season opener but was considered to be "day-to-day" according to Chicago head coach Matt Eberflus on Wednesday. The ninth-overall pick in this year's draft was held to just one catch for 11 yards in his regular-season debut. However, he saw the second-highest total snaps among Chicago wideouts, which is a promising sign going forward. Fantasy managers should look to find an alternate option for Odunze, as he may play in a limited capacity if he does suit up for their Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 12 3:40pm CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) did not practice on Thursday due to a foot injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Garrett was surprisingly added to the injury report as he did not show any signs of an injury earlier in the week. The Browns could be exercising caution with their superstar pass rusher. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should follow any updates regarding Garrett's status before Sunday's game. In the season opener, the former first-overall pick made two solo tackles, one of which was a sack. He also forced a fumble. The Texas A&M product has tallied double-digit sacks in all but one season throughout his career. Garrett remains one of the top IDP options in leagues that value sacks.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Sep 12 3:40pm CT
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker has a strong matchup against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Coming off a game in which he made all three of his field goals and his only extra point try, Dicker could see even more chances to kick against a team that just gave up 47 points to the New Orleans Saints. Dicker's Week 1 field goals came from 53, 24, and 25 yards out. He doesn't have the strongest leg in the NFL in terms of distance, but he's shown excellent accuracy and was the overall K10 in fantasy last season. He's a top-10 option again for Week 2 lineups.

From RotoBaller

Quentin Johnston Sep 12 3:30pm CT
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will look to increase his momentum from a relatively solid performance in Week 1 when the Chargers take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Johnston drew five targets in the season's opening game, making three catches for 38 yards. He was on the field for 67% of the team's offensive snaps. Johnston has shown that he is certainly able to get open against an NFL secondary, but actually catching the ball when it is thrown perfectly to him by an NFL quarterback has proven to be a challenge. Week 1 was a positive sign but certainly not yet enough to move him into starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 12 3:30pm CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (ankle) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice, according to Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News. Williams appeared on the injury report on Wednesday with an ankle injury and remained in the same status on Thursday. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should provide some clarity on the severity of his injury. For now, Williams should be considered day-to-day heading into Sunday's matchup. The Alabama product enjoyed a breakout game in Week 1 as he caught a team-high 121 yards and a touchdown. Williams should be valued as a high-end WR3 in Week 2, as the Lions will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in what could be a high-scoring affair.

From RotoBaller

Hayden Hurst Sep 12 3:30pm CT
Hayden Hurst

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Hayden Hurst is a low-end floor play at best in a Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. In the first game of the season, Hurst saw three targets and made two catches for 33 yards. He was on the field for 61% of the team's offensive snaps while fellow tight end Will Dissly showed up on the field for 44% of them. Dissly had a few costly penalties which may have led to him playing fewer snaps, but this looks to still clearly be a tandem tight end situation. Hurst would be the pass catching side of that group, but his production will be limited by a run-first approach and several wide receivers who traditionally excel at shorter routes. Hurst is touchdown-dependent in terms of being any kind of a fantasy difference maker, but should at least have a decent floor each week based on his role.

From RotoBaller

Robbie Chosen Sep 12 3:20pm CT
Robbie Chosen

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Robbie Chosen was elevated to the active roster ahead of their matchup on Thursday against the Buffalo Bills. Chosen rejoined the Miami Dolphins practice squad in August after appearing in nine games for the Dolphins last season. During that small stint, the 31-year-old caught four passes for 126 yards and a score. Anderson was brought up from the practice squad before their Week 1 matchup as well. On Sunday, he logged just 11 snaps, which was tied for the lowest among Miami wideouts, and did not see a target. Fantasy managers should expect Anderson to serve in a similar depth role on Thursday evening. He should not be considered for any DFS competitions given his current placement on the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 12 3:20pm CT
Josh Palmer

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (knee) had a rough game in Week 1, picking up a knee injury and getting ejected while only putting up two catches for 15 yards. Assuming he's healthy after picking up a limited tag in practice, Palmer should be in a much better place to perform against a Panthers defense that coughed up 47 points in the season opener. Palmer should operate as the team's WR1 and was on the field for 81% of the offensive snaps in Week 1. As long as he plays, he's essentially a lock to outscore his 2.5 fantasy point performance from the Raiders matchup. If healthy, Palmer is a fairly safe WR3 with decent upside.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 12 3:10pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was added to the injury report on Thursday with a knee injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. This is a surprise, as the 21-year-old did not appear to be dealing with an injury earlier in the week. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report, as it could suggest how serious this injury is. In his regular-season debut, the former sixth overall pick in this year's draft caught five of his seven targets for 66 yards. He saw 18.4% of the team's targets, which suggests he could be in store for a big rookie season. If Nabers were to be limited or miss Sunday's game against the Commanders, Wan'Dale Robinson should serve as the No. 1 pass catcher for quarterback Daniel Jones against a weak Washington secondary.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Sep 12 3:00pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey is set to repeat his solid NFL debut performance in a Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. McConkey scored his first touchdown in Week 1 and caught a total of five passes for 39 yards. The rookie slot receiver had a 26.9% target share and was the first read on 25% of Justin Herbert's drop backs. McConkey will run a lot of underneath routes for planned short gains, making him much more valuable in PPR formats, but his usage in Week 1 showed that he can certainly develop into a weekly WR3/FLEX option even in a run-first offense.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Sep 12 2:50pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins will look for a repeat performance of his outstanding Week 1 game when the Chargers take on the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Dobbins played on 58% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 1 and put up 139 yards on 13 touches. He also ran 17 pass routes and most importantly, looked completely healthy after injuries forced him to play in just nine games in the past two seasons combined. Dobbins put up his gaudy Week 1 numbers against a Raiders defense that was supposed to be strong against the run. In Week 2, he gets to face a Panthers defensive unit that allowed the third-most rushing yards in the season's opening week. Dobbins has RB1 upside this week, but is safer as a higher-end RB2.

From RotoBaller

Gus Edwards Sep 12 2:50pm CT
Gus Edwards

Los Angeles Chargers running back Gus Edwards will look to establish himself in his role in a Week 2 game against the Carolina Panthers. Edwards and J.K. Dobbins were expected to have an almost even share of the backfield this season, but in Week 1, Dobbins put up 139 combined yards while Edwards gained just 28. Edwards was on the field for 42% of the offensive snaps and ran just six passing routes compared to 17 for Dobbins. The way Edwards plays always makes him a threat to score a goal line touchdown, but he'll likely need to find the end zone in order to put up a decent fantasy performance. He's a risky RB3 even with an excellent matchup against a Panthers offense that was torched on the ground in Week 1.

From RotoBaller