There was a Monday last year, or maybe two years ago, where it seemed like all we could talk about was injuries. Yesterday some of fantasy's biggest names had minor-to-major injuries. We don't yet know what this means for all these elite and near-elite players. But as always, let's try to make sense of things heading into this week's waivers, highlighting the most notable fantasy impacts of each Sunday game.
Cowboys vs. Falcons -- A stunning comeback. I drafted Dak Prescott in the fifth round for games like this. He's the only QB not named Lamar or Mahomes who has a serious shot as 2020's #1 fantasy quarterback. Oh, and we can't ignore Dalton Schultz; who saw that coming? For Atlanta, while my Matt Ryan prediction looked foolish, my Calvin Ridley suggestion does not. Julio Jones was getting overdrafted as a potential co-#1 receiver, not as the clear-cut #1 we're used to.
Packers vs. Lions -- It was Aaron Jones's turn. If he's treated like a bellcow this year, as he should, he's in great shape for top-6 production. Also keep an eye on Davante Adams' hamstring injury. And Detroit's backfield remains as muddy as ever.
Titans vs. Jaguars -- Jonnu Smith, folks. Jonnu Smith. Been saying it on this page for three years, and on into this summer. Arguably was the most underrated fantasy TE. For the Jags, D.J. Chark had only four targets and remains more TD-dependent than managers thought they were getting when they drafted him.
Colts vs. Vikings -- Jonathan Taylor did everything and Nyheim Hines did pretty much nothing. Hines will return to at least semi-relevance. But let's all assume Taylor is headed for a top-14 rookie campaign. And Kirk Cousins had his worst performance since his Washington days. If you're in a two-QB league, pay pennies for him. He'll rebound.
Dolphins vs. Bills -- Mike Gesicki and Isaiah Ford leading all receivers and Myles Gaskin leading the backfield isn't exactly how Miami drew it up this summer. Anyone who drafted any Dolphin has to be feeling a little uneasy. And the Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss battle remains a battle.
Jets vs. 49ers -- Chris Hogan was the next receiver up with Jamison Crowder out and Breshad Perriman getting hurt. Interestingly, Chris Herndon's targets shrank, even though he was needed more. Maybe his Week 1 fumble cost him. And if Raheem Mostert misses time, Jerick McKinnon and Tevin Coleman will be big-time pickups when waivers open--just in time for those of you who've already lost your starting RBs.
Eagles vs. Rams -- Although Zach Ertz fell back a bit in 2019, it was still his second best fantasy season (after 2018). Now you have to wonder why he's been unstartable through two games, despite the fact he's (arguably) the most reliable pass-catcher on the field. And Darrell Henderson seized control of the Rams' backfield, and if Cam Akers can't get healthy and/or momentum, Henderson could make a play to lead this corps for a while.
Steelers vs. Broncos -- James Conner shined, and Benny Snell busted. Snell once again is no better than a handcuff. And Jeff Driskel outplayed Week 1's version of Drew Lock in a tougher matchup, and without Courtland Sutton. With Lock now out 2-6 weeks, Driskel could work his way into a quarterback controversy. I've publicly warned Lock was getting too much love this summer. We'll see what Driskel can do.
Buccaneers vs. Panthers -- Leonard Fournette! And CMC's injury means all eyes are on Mike Davis (or really, all eyes are on CMC as he tries to get healthy).
Cardinals vs. Washington -- Larry Fitzgerald is on pace for 96 targets. Christian Kirk cannot be fantasy relevant if DeAndre Hopkins and Fitz are consistently out-targeting him. And Antonio Gibson surprised me with 13 carries, and he looked good doing it.
Chargers vs. Chiefs -- Another Tyrod Taylor, another shot for a highly touted rookie. And Justin Herbert seized the moment (minus the victory). His arrival was good news for L.A.'s receivers. We'll see how quickly he can continue acclimating to the NFL (my guess: pretty quickly). And injuries to Sammy Watkins and Darrel Williams open tiny potential doors for Mecole Hardman and Darwin Thompson.
Texans vs. Ravens -- J.K. Dobbins had only three touches. A shocker, and also a big reason why I didn't feel comfortable investing in Baltimore's backfield. Gus Edwards reminded us there are at least three starter-caliber RBs, plus Lamar Jackson. It could be a very unpredictable season there. And as expected, Brandin Cooks proved himself as the #2 receiver in this offense. What about the #1? As of writing this, still no official explanation about Will Fuller's sporadic absence and invisible play. Given his injury history, it's concerning.
Seahawks vs. Patriots -- Which way will Chris Carson go? He was the consensus preseason 16th-ranked RB. He made me nervous at that spot, and he still makes me nervous. Meanwhile, James White's pre-game family tragedy forced Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead to get more involved, and without much to show for it. White continues to be the only somewhat safe PPR RB in New England.