Sunday, May 05, 2024

Fantasy Football, Trending

Week 1 Duds Who Will Be Week 2 Studs

Week 1 of the NFL made us feel great. Rivalry games like Packers and Bears, Cowboys and Giants, Chiefs and Lions… OK maybe not the last one. Even though it was great to have the NFL back, fantasy football owners were left frustrated by high draft picks, or typically dependable players that fell short in week one. Here are some Week 1 duds who will be Week 2 studs.

QB Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow was under pressure all day vs. the Browns. He is a week 1 dud who will be a week 2 stud.
CLEVELAND, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 10: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is sacked by Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Joe Burrow has a great WR group to throw to, but coming off a preseason injury and facing a tough defense in game one, led to a poor outing. Burrow finished the game 14/31 for only 82 yards and zero touchdowns. The Browns’ defense sacked him only twice but hit him consistently all game. In Week 2 Burrow will face the Baltimore Ravens who beat the Texans in the first game. Baltimore gave up 242 yards to a rookie QB with average Receivers. Burrow will be back to top-six fantasy form in Week 2.

RB Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

The Titans cannot depend on Ryan Tannehill, they have to run the football to have success. Derrick Henry may be in his final year of fantasy relevance, but he will not have another 15 touches day. Henry will be carrying the ball 22 to 25 times minimum moving forward. The Titans host the Chargers in week two. LA did not get challenged on the ground against the Dolphins, but they will against the Titans.

RB Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – SEPTEMBER 10: Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs the ball against Dean Lowry #94 of the Minnesota Vikings during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 10, 2023, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

The Bucs surprised a lot of people by beating the Vikings, but Rachaad White only managed 39 yards on 17 carries. His 17 carries led the team by a lot with the next back only getting five touches. Tampa faces the Bears next week who just allowed the running backs for the Packers to rush for 82 yards and another 86 yards by running backs through the air. White is the main back for Tampa and will be more valuable for fantasy owners in his Week 2 matchup.

WR Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow will not be the only Bengal to bounce back in Week 2. Tee Higgins was targeted eight times in week one but had zero catches. As mentioned above, the Ravense allowed 242 yards through the air, and Higgins will be a valuable WR2 in Week 2. He is another of the Week 1 duds who will be Week 2.

Follow Vince on Twitter and catch him every Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. on YouTube as he hosts the Sports Stove Podcast.