Week one has just begun and every fantasy team is still on equal footing, but things move fast in the NFL. Here’s what you need to know for week two of the 2016 season.
Demaryius Thomas, WR DEN
In the season’s opening game, Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas suffered a hip injury that has left his status for this weekend’s game up in the air. While one game would not affect his dynasty value, this type of nagging injury, combined with the questionable quarterback situation the Broncos find themselves in has many people doubting Thomas’ current and future value.
Kevin White, WR CHI
Bears wide receiver Kevin White made his long-awaited debut last week and it did not quite live up to the expectations of many, including Chicago offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains, who said he is considering scaling back White’s role in the offense for the time being. White totaled just 34 yards and had some clear mental mistakes. Essentially a rookie after missing the 2015 season, it seems reasonable to expect a slow start from White, so this move is surprising, especially considering the Bears lack of weapons in the passing game.
Sammy Watkins, WR BUF
There has been a lot of talk surrounding Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins over the past couple of weeks and the majority of it has not been positive for Watkins, the Bills or his dynasty owners. Watkins is off to a slow start through two games and there is a debate if that is due to the foot injury that will reportedly bother him throughout the season, or recently fired offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Bills coach Rex Ryan promises the new Buffalo OC, Anthony Lynn, will make Watkins a priority in the offense. It doesn’t seem like that should have to be something you push on a play caller, but regardless of what the exact issue is, Watkins has seen his value dip in the season’s first two games.
Chris Ivory, RB JAX
Jaguars running back Chris Ivory missed the team’s opener after he was admitted to a hospital with an issue unrelated to his hamstring injury that left him questionable for the game. We still know very little about Ivory’s medical issue, other than he has since been released from the hospital and won’t play in this week’s game. TJ Yeldon didn’t take advantage of his opportunity to carry the load last week, though he’ll have at least one more chance to do that against the weak Chargers defense. This looks like another season where the Jags may throw the ball all over the field.
Quincy Enunwa, WR NYJ
One of the surprises of the early season is Jets wide receiver Quincy Enunwa, who has established himself as a threat in that offense, alongside veterans Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker. After leading the team in receptions in week one, Enunwa caught all six of his targets in Thursday’s Week Two kickoff. If he’s somehow still on your league’s waiver wire, make the move to grab him immediately.
Laquon Treadwell, WR MIN
Vikings rookie receiver Laquon Treadwell did not play a single snap in week one. Even though he was a first round pick, there was an expectation Treadwell might be slow to transition to the NFL, but this is a wake up call for his owners. It’s far too soon to write off a rookie, but it has to be a concern when he can’t overtake Adam Thielen or Cordarrelle Patterson. This could be a redshirt type season for the former Ole Miss star and obviously his dynasty value is tumbling.
Keenan Allen, WR SD
Obviously (and unfortunately), the big news from week one was the knee injury that ended the season of Chargers star receiver Keenan Allen. After missing much of last season with a lacerated kidney, Allen entered the 2016 season with huge expectations upon him, at least by dynasty owners (many of whom made Allen their first or second round draft pick). Allen’s torn ACL will keep him out the remainder of the season, but he should be on track to return possibly by training camp in 2017. Allen is a player you should be buying low on in every league. He’ll be the top option for Philip Rivers once again next season. With Allen gone, the expectation is second-year receiver Tyrell Williams gets his chance to pick up the slack. I don’t expect him to match Allen’s expected production, but he should be a solid weekly contributor.
Robert Griffin III, QB CLE
Just one week into the season and there are already changes being made at the quarterback position, in this case due to an injury. Near the end of the Browns loss to the Eagles, quarterback Robert Griffin III looked for some sideline contact against the Philadelphia defensive back Jalen Mills and it might have cost him his season. Griffin suffered a shoulder injury and the Browns quickly placed him on the injured reserve list. There is a chance he could be the player the team designates to return to the active roster later this season, but that move would surprise me. For now, veteran Josh McCown will take over as the starter until the Browns can use one of their first round picks to crush the hopes of a current college star quarterback.
CJ Spiller, RB FA
The New Orleans Saints released veteran running back CJ Spiller. There were rumors in the preseason that he might not make the team, which were soon followed by a “leaked” report he would play a major role this season. This was obviously an example of the Saints looking for some trade leverage and when that didn’t happen, they cut bait. Spiller will likely get another shot elsewhere, but I won’t be holding him to see where exactly.
Zach Ertz, TE PHI
Eagles tight end Zach Ertz got off to a solid start in week one, but we later learned of a rib injury that could cost him the next few weeks. Ertz actually had a rib displaced, which evidently means his top rib was moved up and under his collarbone – that rare injury sounds terribly painful. The Eagles were already limited as far as pass-catching options, so Jordan Matthews might see even more looks from rookie quarterback Carson Wentz until Ertz returns.
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