By Winsto (09/13/2025)
- I wonder if Caleb Williams (QB-Bears) can turn things around. After the opening drive in Week 01, Chicago’s offense did not look overly impressive. As ESPN Chicago contributor, Shea Norling, noted on social media, “it’s like watching the 2024 lions offense except jared goff makes the wrong decision every single time.” Williams averaged 6.3 YPA (yards per attempt) last season; that is not good. In Week 01, his YPA was 6.0. I am interested to see if this offense can show improvement in Week 02 versus Detroit. If not, we are going to see limited ceilings on D.J. Moore (WR-Chi) and DeAndre Swift (RB-Chi), and little upside fantasy plays with Rome Odunze (WR-Chi), Colston Loveland (TE-Chi), and the rest. In addition, I am interested to see the impact of Roschon Johnson (RB-Chi), who is expected to suit up in this game, will have on Swift and Kyle Monangai (RB-Chi). This backfield could wind up being a major headache for fantasy managers.
- Reacting to TNF’s Washington-Green Bay game, I will start with a super-secret subtle take—Green Bay looks pretty good so far! However, the receiving corps is looking more like a crap-shoot. Even with Jayden Reed (WR-GB) leaving the game, Matthew Golden (WR-GB), the supposed emerging WR1 on the team, saw two targets. Two targets. Yes, he could have had over 100 yards and 2 TDs on those targets if they were better thrown, but WR1s see more than 2 targets in a game. For those thinking he could emerge as a top 20-25 WR, it is not looking good thus far. Now, he is a rookie, it is a long season, and there is talent there, so patience is required. He is not on my cut-list at this point. Meanwhile, Tucker Craft (TE-GB) seems to be the actual number one receiving option on the team. For Washington, with Austin Ekeler (RB-Was) suffering an Achilles tear, the door has been blown open for Jacory Crosky-Merritt (RB-Was) to emerge. His ceiling, however, will be limited until he can prove he is able to play on passing-down/3rd down situations. Still, a top 25 RB finish is now well within reach.
- With Xavier Worthy (WR-KC) and Jalen Royals (WR-KC) both being ruled out for KC’s game versus Philadelphia, I would expect a heavy dose of Hollywood Brown (WR-KC), Travis Kelce (WR-KC), and even a little JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR-KC). I would also consider Tyquon Thornton (WR) as a Hail Mary play, as he could be on the receiving end of a long TD pass. Also, yes, Patrick Mahomes (QB-KC) will be missing his top 2 receivers for this game, but he is still Patrick Mahomes!
- Speaking of heavy dose of targets, Ricky Pearsall (WR_SF) should see MANY. The question is will the targets be on-target enough from Mac Jones (QB-SF). I think Kyle Shanahan (HC), who has done solid work with back-up QBs before, will find ways to get Pearsall the ball. On a side note, Christian McCaffrey (RB-SF), will also see plenty of touches.
- I like Emeka Egbuka (WR-TB) for the season a lot, actually, but I am wondering if we are overhyping him a bit early on. His 4 catches 67 yards on 6 targets in Week 01 is solid, but it is not elite. His 2 TD receptions in Week 01, however, really make him seem like a great play. I do think he is a good play in Week 02, but we may want to tap the brakes here.
- This is just a weekly reminder that Isaac TeSlaa (WR-Det) is going to be fantasy relevant.
- Another reminder—Harold Fannin Jr. (TE-Cle) is good at football. He is being used all over the offense. He should be rostered in more than 42% in Yahoo. I truly believe he will finish as a Top-9
- Surely Miami’s offense is not that bad, right? 211 total offensive yards against an Indy team that did not really scare anyone coming into the season is concerning. I will be paying attention to this unit in Week 02 against a New England defense that gave up 389 offensive yards to Las Vegas offense. If Miami’s showing is rough again, I will be lowering my projected ceilings for Tyreek Hill (WR) and De’Von Achane (RB).
- I wonder if Kenneth Walker III (RB-Sea) fantasy managers are concerned. I would be. Zach Charbonnet (RB-Sea) saw 12 carries to Walker III’s 10. He averaged almost 4 ypc compared to Walker’s 2 ypc. Charbonnet saw 30 snaps to Walker III’s 21. Charbonnet saw 4 Red Zone opportunities compared to Walker III’s 2. We may need to be ranking Charbonnet ahead of Walker moving forward. And this is not all just based on 1 game. Charbonnet has had a higher YPC than Walker III in each year the former has been in the league. Charbonnet has also been more durable. Yes, I would be concerned if I rostered Walker III.
- And finally…, I wonder why leopards never win at hide-and-seek. I guess they just always get spotted.