The 2021 NFL season kicked off last week and it was as fun and unpredictable as expected. From some incredibly wild games, to a multitude of surprising fantasy performances, opening weekend did not disappoint (besides for Green Bay fans). Here’s a rundown of the key players in the top three skill positions that will play above their value in fantasy football in Week 2.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Value Players
Quarterback: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Watching Joe Burrow in Week 1 was a refreshing site for Cincinnati Bengals fans. One season removed from a disastrous knee injury, Burrow told fans he was ready to go, and he wasn’t lying. While Joe Mixon saw a bellcow’s worth of carries on the ground, Burrow’s 74.1 percent completion percentage and two beautiful touchdown passes reminded the world why he was drafted number one overall a year ago. Mixon should be tamed some on the ground this week, which will open up the Bengals aerial attack even more against a Chicago Bears secondary who was scorched last week versus Matthew Stafford. Burrow will likely continue connecting with his plethora of wide receivers so be sure to lock him in as a fantasy starter in lineups. Finishing as the QB17 last week, expect his upside to jump him into the low-end QB1 range for this week’s matchup.
Joe Burrow first game back from injury:
20/27
261 YDS
2 TD
0 INTAnd a game winning drive in OT. pic.twitter.com/vgw9Mktnbt
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 12, 2021
Other Value Quarterbacks for Week 2: Matthew Stafford; Teddy Bridgewater; Mac Jones
Running Back: Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
Austin Ekeler had an interesting lead up to opening day this past weekend for the Los Angeles Chargers. Missing some practices with a hamstring strain – which was an issue that kept him out six games in 2020 – fantasy managers were nervous about his workload going into Week 1. Seeing only 57 yards on 15 carries and not even one target out of the backfield, his fantasy day was salvaged by a short touchdown run. The 3.8 yards per carry average tied in with the nonexistence in the passing game can definitely come off as a red flag statistically. However, there are some silver linings that will help ensure Ekeler will be the RB1 he was drafted as this off-season.
One of the big concerns coming into 2021 was Ekeler’s lack of goal line usage and potential touchdown upside. Not only did he score on a short, goal line run, but he was tied for the league lead in rushing attempts in the red zone with seven in Week 1. His lack of targets were also a troubling site for Ekeler managers. Dating back to opening weekend of 2020 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ekeler was also a big talk of the fantasy world when he registered one lone catch for a mere three yards. Yet, he finished the season with a hefty 6.5 targets and 5.4 receptions on a per game basis. Look for Ekeler to finish as an RB1 in Week 2 as his overall game (and health) improves this week in a favorable matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Austin Ekeler's total goal-line (inside-the-five) carries in Week 1 — 2
Ekeler GL carries in the 2020 season (in 10 games) — 2
— Graham Barfield (@GrahamBarfield) September 13, 2021
Other Value Running Backs for Week 2: David Montgomery; D’Andre Swift; Nyheim Hines
Wide Receiver: Antonio Brown, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antonio Brown had a phenomenal start to the season as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicked of 2021 on Thursday night last week. Registering five catches for 121 yards and a beautiful touchdown snag, Tampa Bay’s third wideout finished as the top one for Tom Brady on opening night. Fellow receivers Chris Godwin (who finished with a statline of 9/105/1) and Mike Evans being in the mix every week, make it tricky to decide if they can all be trusted on a weekly basis.
After joining the Buccaneers in Week 9 last season, Brown finished as a WR2 on a per game basis. Brady not only looked his way on numerous occasions last season, but continued the trend on opening day last week. There are always plenty of balls to go around in this electric offense of the defending Super Bowl Champions. Lock Brown in as an excellent WR2/FLEX play for an intriguing matchup versus the lowly Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.
Highest-Scoring Receivers (WR/TE), Since Week 13 (Last 6 games)…
1. Darren Waller (26.5 FPG)
2. Travis Kelce (25.3)3. Stefon Diggs (24.3)
4. Davante Adams (23.4)
5. Brandin Cooks (21.7)
6. Tyreek Hill (21.2)
7. Antonio Brown (20.8)
8. Marvin Jones (20.5)— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) September 16, 2021
Other Value Wide Receivers for Week 2: Brandin Cooks; Tee Higgins; Courtland Sutton
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
