NFL Week 2 Fantasy Buy or Sell?
In Week One, we saw many underperformances. With that said, I feel that from an NFL standpoint and an entertainment aspect, it was one of the better Week Ones we have had in the past few seasons. The only real blowout (Dolphins vs. Colts) saw a resurgence from Daniel Jones! Which was very entertaining. Let’s look at some of the players to buy low and sell high. This is the most important time of year to do so, so please pay attention.
Note: All fantasy points mentioned will be in PPR formats.
Week 2 Buys
Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson. RB of the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of my favorite running back targets this offseason. Grabbing him in the back half of the 8th round was an exciting pick for me. This did not manifest itself as the Steelers’ Offensive Coordinator (Who had a great day), Arthur Smith, opted for a near 50/50 split between newly extended Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell. While it was frustrating to see Johnson have one rushing attempt for -2 yards and less than zero fantasy points, this does not deter me from trying to trade him.
Trying to trade for Johnson after a week like that might give you, the buyer, the best opportunity yet. Warren got four redzone carries, which is high, but I could see Johnson moving into this role as the season moves forward. Warren is a great pass catcher and could see him being utilized in that role as we go along. I am not worried about Kenneth Gainwell long-term. No further analysis needed. He is a journeyman 3rd-string guy and does not anticipate the third-round pick, Johnson, to have to worry about him for long. His duties were allocated to kickoff returns in week one, but I think that will change very soon.
I would trade players like off solid weeks like Wan’Dale Robinson, Jerry Jeudy, and Austin Ekeler for Johnson. These four players are all from different tiers, so start with the lower-end players. It depends on how your league values Johnson after week one.
Confidence: 8/10
Omarion Hampton
Omarion Hampton is another rookie who got off to a slow start. He also made a bone-headed play against the Chiefs on Friday night that could have cost them the game. Normally, this would be a concern for workload going forward, with a veteran head coach, but Jim Harbaugh is a coach who empowers his guys. The Chargers look like a team that can really be explosive this season, and Hampton fits that profile. He only totaled 8.1 fantasy points last week, and as a potential 3rd/4th round pick, managers may be panicking. I am just excited to trade for him. Najee Harris was not much of a factor, and Hampton’s workload was exciting.
I project Hampton to be a top-24 RB and would trade wide receivers like Deebo Samuel and Garrett Wilson for him. The two of them are coming off big week ones, and you could probably get a small asset back with Hampton by trading Wilson. Hampton is poised for a big season in LA, and this week one performance does not deter me.
Confidence: 10/10
DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith had one of his patented bust week performances against the Cowboys on Thursday night to kick off the season. He only had 3 catches on 3 targets for 16 yards. Which was actually better than the man opposite him, A.J. Brown. Smith is a player that I want to have as a WR2 or WR3 in a 12-team league. His upside is tremendous, and some managers may be deterred by this profile. Smith is explosive and an amazing vertical threat for the Eagles. He has these types of weeks, but more often than not, he is a very valuable asset to have.
I would trade players like Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, and James Conner to acquire Smith in a trade. His upside is higher than these guys week-to-week. He will be pricey as the manager of Smith would likely know this is his game, but he is well worth the price.
Confidence: 6/10
Week 2 Sells
Alvin Kamara
I like Alvin Kamara as a player, I really do, but he is a massive sell for me. Spencer Rattler is a player that I cannot get behind, and although the Saints looked frisky this week. I do not expect it to continue. Kamara is on the wrong side of 30 and in arguably the worst offensive ecosystem in the NFL. He catches dump-offs constantly from the quarterback, which makes him fantasy relevant, but he is one injury or cold streak away from being unstartable. Get out now while the value is still there.
Try to acquire players like DeVonta Smith, Emeka Egbuka, and TreVeyon Henderson for Kamara’s services. These guys are in the range of Kamara and are very possible. The cliff is right there in front of us, and believing in that cliff is always a good process. Trading Kamara may be the best decision that you make this early in the season.
Confidence: 6.5/10
James Conner
This may not be the last time you see James Conner’s name on one of these lists. He scored a touchdown this week, meaning that his value cannot be higher if you subscribe to the belief that Trey Benson is the better running back at this point in both of their careers. Benson looked explosive. He had 8 carries for 69 yards with an important 52-yard run. I expect his impact to be felt greatly on this team throughout the year, and Conner’s to diminish.
I would trade Conner for Benson + if you can. If you are looking to get out of the Arizona backfield, look for receivers like DeVonta Smith, Deebo Samuel, and Courtland Sutton. These moves will impact you long-term. If you are a squad that rosters Benson and Conner, you can hold on to Conner, but I would try ot get something for him while you can, as this split is going to change rapidly.
Confidence:10/10
Javonte Williams
On Thursday Night, I knew that Javonte Williams was going to be in this article. Two touchdowns against the Philadelphia Eagles on National television to kick off the 2025 NFL Season? For a player that was not drafted overly high? Yeah, he is a sell. It doesn’t seem that Dallas will be relying on the run much this season. With their defense being poor and the passing game being so strong, it makes Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens more exciting than it does for Javonte Williams. He averaged an extremely inefficient 3.6 yards per carry, but for Williams buyers, all they see would be the two touchdowns in less sharp leagues. Take advantage of this before you no longer can.
If you are unable to get a deal done for Williams, I think that he has some value, but his job is definitely on the hot seat with Jaydon Blue waiting in the wings. I do not think that we have to worry about Miles Sanders because he had a patented Miles Sanders moment the other night. Having a 49-yard rush and immediately fumbled later in the drive.
I would trade Javonte Williams for any of the following players: Jordan Mason, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, DJ Moore, and Xavier Worthy with the Injury. This ensures you a steadier hand with higher potential upside than the Dallas RB Position.
Confidence: 7/10
