Dark Horses Week 2
Quarterbacks
Baker Mayfield vs CLE
The Browns look like a team in even more disarray than we expected. Trevor Lawrence went 18-23 for 245 yards and 4 touchdowns last week against the Browns, and that was in 3 quarters. Baker had a bad game in Cincinnati and is too good to have another dud. Expect a bounce back game.
Carson Wentz vs CHI
Last year, the Bears were one of the most favorable pass defenses and while most of the talk about the Bears game in Week 1 was how good the offense was. But Bryce Young had 361 passing yards and 4 total touchdowns against the Chicago defense. Wentz has had a full week playing with the first-team offense and with great weapons including superstar Justin Jefferson, he could end up a surprise in Week 2.
Running Backs
Kaelon Black vs MIA
Black had a decent role in his debut with a 43% snap share and 14 carries in Week 1 against the Rams. What’s more he was also effective, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. This week against the Dolphins could be a runaway for the 49ers, which means Black could see extra work as the 49ers continue to manage CMC’s workload to keep him fresh and available.
Devin Singletary vs LAR
After Tyrone Tracy fumbled yet again, Devin Singletary took over as the passing down back on the Monday night opener for the Giants. Singletary got most of his work in about a half a play with a respectable 38 yards and a touchdown. This week, he might have enough passing down work to make him flex worthy. If he’s available on the waiver wire, he’s at least worth a grab and stash to see if he takes over the passing down role for New York.
Alvin Kamara vs BAL
After signing Travis Etienne to a massive contract in the off-season, the Saints surprised us by running a committee approach to the run game. While ETN still lead the charge (16 touches) Kendre Miller was sharing the backfield (9 touches) filling in for Kamara. AK says he is healthy and ready to go. Kamara could deploy as a pass game weapon in a game where the Saints will need to keep pace with the high scoring Ravens offense.
Wide Receivers / Tight ends
Jalen McMillan vs CLE
His worst ability is availability. McMillan already has a rapport with Baker Mayfield and has proven to be a big scoring threat and a red zone weapon for the Buccaneers. Facing inept Browns defense McMillan could be a hit. He just needs to be on the field.
Antonio Williams vs DAL
The Cowboys defense were the most favorable for opposing wide receivers in 2025. They didn’t fair much better in their season opener against the Giants who had a highly efficient night with 230 yards & 3 touchdowns through the air. Commanders have ruled out TE Chig Okonkwo for week 2 which means Antonio Williams could see more work in the slot to build on his week one 4 reception 64 yard 1 touchdown rookie debut.
Caleb Douglas vs SF
CD had the 7th most yards in a rookie debut in NFL history. He’s in good company. The other WR in the top 10 are Hollywood Brown, Terry McLaurin, Puka Nacua, Will Fuller, Ja’marr Chase, AJ Brown, CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf, Zay Flowers and Cooper Kupp. While I don’t trust Miami in this game, it’s likely the Dolphins will have to pass a lot in the second half which could bode well for the team’s top receiver.
Dalton Schultz vs CIN
While the Bengals definitely improved on defense, last year they were the most favorable defense for opposing tight ends. Before the season began, the Texans lost their #2 wide receiver Jayden Higgins. Now they will be without their top receiver Nico Collins this week. Expect Dalton Schultz to see a heavy target share in this game.
Tre Harris vs LV
Let’s face it, the Chargers were an offensive disaster in week one. I don’t expect that’s going to happen again two weeks in a row. In the preseason I did a spotlight on Harris that he could be a surprise this year. He will get his shot if Ladd McConkey (Rib) is either limited or misses the game completely. Either way the match up against the Raiders is a good one for Harris and the Chargers pass game.
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