NFL Week 2 | Everything You Need to Know

by Matt Babich · Betting & Props

Week 1 is in the books, and we have an entire new slate of headlines and trends to sift through. Last week, we correctly picked your “All-In” games to attack in DFS with LAC/MIA and JAX/IND. Additionally, we faded the right rookie QBs in their NFL debuts. On the other hand, despite good process, we whiffed on Seattle and the point total in DAL/NYG.

Taking what we learned in Week 1, let’s review everything you need to know for Week 2.

Injury Report

Zack (Moss) is Back

With Jonathan Taylor and Evan Hull sidelined, the lead back in Indianapolis is now Zack Moss. While that sounds gross (because it is gross), Moss was the RB20 down the stretch in 2022 when acting as the lead back in Indianapolis. 

Moss is now fully participating in practice after recovering from his broken forearm. It’s growing more likely that Moss is inserted back into the lineup this week, making him a roster addition in deeper leagues. The Colts face-off against the Texans on Sunday, which would make Moss a flex consideration.

Austin Ekeler Dealing with Potential High Ankle Sprain

Austin Ekeler suffered an ankle injury late in the third quarter during Week 1’s game versus Miami. He exited the field with a noticeable limp, and only played four snaps post-injury. From the film, multiple recognized therapists are placing their bets on a high ankle sprain. This, as we know, could force players to sit for multiple weeks.

Austin Ekeler went on Matt Harmon’s podcast and literally told the world to add Joshua Kelley to their rosters. The 25-year-old was going drive-for-drive with Ekeler pre-injury. He has a role in this offense with Ekeler healthy and immense upside if the veteran were to miss time. Get him on your rosters.

Travis Kelce Should Suit Up in Week 2

The Chiefs star tight end was seen jumping around at practice today, where he was a limited participant. Jeff Mueller is expecting Kelce to suit up with a brace. Should he be activated, he’s likely going straight back into your lineup.

Implied Team Totals

Highest Implied Team Totals

  • Buffalo Bills (28.25)
  • Kansas City Chiefs (27.5)
  • San Francisco 49ers (26.25)
  • Detroit Lions (25.75)
  • Miami Dolphins (25)

This week’s DFS points-fest is going to be between the Chiefs and the Jaguars. After misfiring without Travis Kelce, the Chiefs offense is due for a bounce back. The two teams combined for 47 points in their last matchup and, at 51.5, have the highest game total on the slate.

The second game to target is between Detroit and Seattle. Last season, this game was the DFS-winner, with a whopping 93 total points scored. This time around, Seattle’s offense is projected to struggle without their two starting tackles. However, they only gave up 2 sacks last week and should bounce back offensively after a week of preparation.

Lowest Implied Team Totals

  • New York Jets (14.5)
  • Arizona Cardinals (17.25)
  • Washington Commanders (17.25)
  • Carolina Panthers (18.25)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (18.5)

Without Aaron Rodgers, the Jets enter the wasteland of fantasy production. Zach Wilson brings everyone in this offense down when projecting. Garrett Wilson remains a fantasy starter, but lacks the true upside needed to be a DFS option. Carolina and Pittsburgh find themselves in two low-scoring, divisional battles this week, and should also be avoided in DFS contests.

Washington travels to Denver to face a defense who let the Raiders move the ball, but ultimately held them to 16 points. The Broncos front-7 is going to create problems for Sam Howell, a quarterback who tends to hold the ball too long. Aside from Jahan Dotson, after seeing what Jakobi Meyers did, I would not trust any Commanders.

Usage Report

Before Sunday rolls around, you need to get these players on your rosters. Unfortunately, two of my biggest buys this week are injured, but you may be able to get a discount before positive news begins rolling out early next week.

Justice Hill

In the wake of J.K. Dobbins‘ injury, Justice Hill received three goal-line carries and scored two touchdowns. The buzzards will mention his inefficiency on a per-touch basis, but you can only do so much when your carries are three yards from the end zone. Don’t fall for Gus Edwards‘ box score stats. Hill is the better fit to replace Dobbins. He’s shiftier, has more juice, and is the clear pass catcher. If he’s still out there, grab him now.

Justice Hill Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile

Kenneth Gainwell

Kenny Gainwell dominated the Eagles backfield in Week 1, chalking up a 78% Opportunity Share on 14 carries and four targets. He is officially the Eagles RB1. He struggled against a stout Patriots defense (as did the rest of the team) and will sit against the Vikings with a rib injury. This is a good time to get him on your roster.

Jakobi Meyers

Jakobi Meyers was always the real deal. Alongside Davante Adams, Meyers earned a 38-percent Target Share and lead the team in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. He was efficient as he’s ever been, producing 3.68 Yards per Route Run and 1.32 Fantasy Points per Route Run. This is not a Week 1 fluke. His usage is for real. While he remains in concussion protocol, see if you can work him onto your rosters.

Trends: Giants are 7-0 ATS following a loss under Brian Daboll

The Giants got absolutely walloped on Sunday night, losing 40-0 to the Cowboys. Surely, Daboll was not kind to his players following the loss, and the team has gone through a tough week of preparation. They get to take out their frustration on the Arizona Cardinals, who only managed two red zone trips and only mustered 16 points in Week 1.

The Giants are currently six-point favorites entering Sunday’s contest, a more favorable line than the Washington Commanders received the week prior. While they struggled last week, saying they’re a worse team than Washington is a massive overreaction. The Giants will have to travel to Arizona, but that shouldn’t stop them from rolling through the birds. This is my line of the week.

Trends: Rookie QB’s are 42-60 ATS Following an Outright Loss

Since 2018, rookie quarterbacks have been abysmal against the spread following an outright loss (per VSiN). We identified last week that rookie QB’s should be faded in their Week 1 starts, and now we’re going to double down in Week 2.

After a tough loss to the Falcons, the Panthers face off against another division rival in the New Orleans Saints. The Saints will get a breather after getting suffocated by the Titans pass-rush, and Derek Carr will be sure to take advantage. The Saints passing game flashed at points last week, with Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed all getting involved.

Carolina’s offense is likely to sputter yet again against a ferocious Saints pass-rush. Without Jaycee Horn on the other end, this offense will need more than two Red Zone trips to keep this game close. I expect the Saints to control this game from start to finish and cover their three-point spread.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reviewed the top news and notes for Week 2, it’s time to put this information to action to win your fantasy matchups, take home your DFS prizes, and cash your sports bets. Happy hunting!