Compared to Week 1, Week 2 was a bonanza of fantasy points that we were hoping for. Wide receivers finally put up big-time numbers, while some unexpected names are at the top of the leaderboards in terms of fantasy quarterbacks. A few running backs in good matchups showed up, while the tight end position is as barren as ever.
As Week 2 wraps up, fantasy managers are either celebrating unexpected heroes or lamenting underwhelming performances. Let’s break down the biggest surprises and disappointments from this week’s action.
Surprises of Week 2
Rome Odunze, WR- Chicago Bears
Fantasy Points: 31.8 (PPR)
Why It’s Surprising: The Ben Johnson hype on him from the summer was real, as the second-year and former first-round pick has the 9th most yards among all wide receivers this year. Rome Odunze already has 3 touchdowns, which have accounted for most of the Bears’ offensive production, to go along with his yards.
Odunze could be growing into the alpha WR1 that many projected him to be coming out of college last year and into this year. His hot start warrants praise despite the ugly start Johnson’s offense has had this season. He’s already surpassed anything he did as a rookie, as he is the 4th ranked fantasy wide receiver in PPR.
Fantasy Impact: Odunze has to be a must-start WR 2 weekly.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB- New England Patriots
Fantasy Points: 21.2 (PPR)
Why It’s Surprising: Somehow, rookie TreVeyon Henderson‘s snap percentages have gone down again for the second straight game. In Week 1, according to the Snap Count Leaders on Blitz Sports Media, the second-round rookie back had just 25 snaps after all the preseason hype surrounding him.
Now, he is playing second fiddle to Rhamondre Stevenson, the veteran back who has had fumbling issues at times. But in the meantime, Stevenson can be a weekly flex play depending on the matchup after a 20+ point fantasy performance in PPR.
Fantasy Impact: Stevenson could be a flex option weekly if Henderson isn’t utilized more.
Bonus Surprise
Russell Wilson, QB- New York Giants
Fantasy Points: 30.3
Why It’s Surprising: Just like Daniel Jones in Week 1, Russell Wilson was the waiver quarterback that blew up in fantasy points that likely helped no one. Russ carved up the Dallas Cowboys and is now the passing leader in the NFL after a 30.3 point game. I wouldn’t expect this type of game to repeat, especially against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night, but it is good to know old Russ is back and can cook when given the chance.
Fantasy Impact: Wilson enters streamer status that is matchup dependent, which could lead to QB 2 numbers in the right matchup.
Disappointments of Week 2
Courtland Sutton, WR- Denver Broncos
Fantasy Points: 3.1 (PPR)
Why It’s Disappointing: Courtland Sutton was Mr. Reliable for Bo Nix as the top receiving option for the Denver Broncos. What is surprising is the Colts’ secondary being legit this year, as they shut him down. Troy Franklin went off instead, but he is more the ancillary deep threat, so I wouldn’t bank on that happening week in, week out. Sutton might not have the highest ceiling, but normally his floor is pretty reliable (besides this game).
Fantasy Impact: Sutton is still a low-end WR2, and this should be an outlier game.
Derrick Henry, RB- Baltimore Ravens
Fantasy Points: 2.3 (PPR)
Why It’s Disappointing: This was just weird.
The Ravens had multiple chances to score at the one with Derrick Henry, and they decided against that. The Cleveland Browns did stop him, but it was more the usage that was questionable, even though they put up 40+ points again. After the Browns gave the King bulletin board material, Baltimore didn’t give him that many opportunities, and better yet, he fumbled for the second straight game.
Fantasy Impact: Still a top-5 fantasy running back, but the floor is lower than expected. The King should rebound as the usage in this game was strange, and they were up by a lot. Expect them to go back to Henry early and often against the Lions Monday night. He might be more game flow dependent if the Ravens’ passing game is clicking or not.
Bonus Bust
Sam LaPorta, TE- Detroit Lions
Fantasy Points: 5.6 (PPR)
Why It’s Disappointing: Even though all the Detroit Lions ate against the Bears, apparently Sam LaPorta didn’t get the memo. He was left out after they put up 50+ points and stumbled after a great Week 1. In Week 2, he was one of the few top 10 tight ends who didn’t put up at least double-digit fantasy points in PPR.
Fantasy Impact: Still a top 10 tight end, but was the odd man out against the Bears. Has a good ceiling in a top offense, but his floor isn’t quite as high if LaPorta doesn’t score.
