Post-Honeymoon Blues
Are you feeling a bit down, with “post-wedding” depression. Feeling like the honeymoon phase is over and the realities of everyday life have set in? Well, that feeling might just be mirrored in your fantasy football team’s start to the season. Injuries have hit hard, sidelining big names like Aaron Rodgers, JK Dobbins, and Nick Chubb. Additioally, players like Christian Watson, Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, Cooper Kupp, and Diontae Johnson have missed time due to injuries. It’s almost like someone left Injury Mode toggled on to start the season.
Maybe it was surprising “bust” games from Tee Higgins, Drake London, or Breece Hall that cratered your launch. Accordingly, you might be experiencing a bit of a “post-draft depression.” But fear not! We’re here to help you bounce back. In this article, we’ll break down key statistics from the first two weeks to get your team on track with a fresh start. Let’s turn things around and get your fantasy football season back on the winning track!
The Colts have allowed over 32 fantasy points per game to wide receivers and tight ends
The Colts have allowed the 3rd most fantasy points per game to WR and TE groups combined through the first two weeks. That includes blow up performances from Calvin Ridley (24.1), Zay Jones (16.5), Nico Collins (27.6), Tank Dell (20.2), and Robert Woods (13.4). Now, the Colts travel to Baltimore where the Ravens rank top-12 in points per game, total yards, and yards per play. Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers are both averaging over 24-percent Target Share per game. Both are auto-starts, while Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham (ankle) are FLEX considerations in Week 3.
The Vikings have passed on nearly 78-percent of their plays through 2 games
No team has exceeded a 68-percent pass rate over the last twelve seasons. Pass volume plus Kirk Cousins‘ efficiency elevates every pass-catcher for the Minnesota Vikings. Justin Jefferson (WR1), Jordan Addison (WR18), KJ Osborn (WR51), and TJ Hockenson (TE1) all have met or exceeded expectations. Here comes a Week 3 matchup against the Chargers, who have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers on the season. It’s a recipe for a fantasy shootout. Start all Vikings with confidence in Week 3.
James Cook ranks in the Top-12 among all RBs in total rushes, rushing yards, yards after contact per attempt, and missed tackles forced
The question of whether James Cook is the lead back for the Buffalo Bills has been put to rest. Not only is Cook handling the rush volume of an RB1 for fantasy, his 13.3-percent Target Share ranks ahead of pass-catching backs like Rachaad White, Rhamondre Stevenson, and D’Andre Swift. Cook’s efficiency metrics and volume project for an elite season. Cook is a set-it and forget-it auto-start RB1 moving forward.
Hunter Henry is playing 62.6-percent of snaps out of the slot
Among TEs with at least five targets through Week 2, only Mark Andrews and Mike Gesicki have run a higher percentage of routes from the slot. It’s no surprise, then, that Henry ranks No. 3 in targets and No. 2 in fantasy points per game. He hasn’t played more than 60-percent of slot snaps in any season except 2021– when he finished as the TE9 overall. Henry is tracking to repeat as a top-10 TE on a Patriots team desperate for offensive production and finding it with Henry. He ranks second behind Darren Waller in tight end receiving yards through two weeks. Continue to start Henry as a solid TE1 going forward.
Time to Take Action!
In a season with a fair share of surprises and setbacks, it’s important to remember that fantasy football is a marathon, not a sprint. While injuries and unexpected underperformances may have derailed your initial expectations, there’s plenty of time for redemption. These insights and statistics from the first two weeks are the tools you need to make strategic decisions that can turn your fantasy football season around.
Now that we’ve highlighted favorable matchups and standout performers, it’s time to take action. Adjust your lineups, stay vigilant on the waiver wire, and trust in your ability to bounce back. Remember, every season has its ups and downs, but it’s how you navigate the challenges that defines your fantasy football prowess. Stay engaged, stay confident, and let’s work to get your fantasy football season back on track and aiming for the championship. Cheers to better weeks ahead and a triumphant return to winning ways!
