Richard Dean
Updated on: October 10, 2024 6:45 pm GMT
The NFL’s Week 2 matchups offer fantasy football enthusiasts several opportunities to capitalize on players whose roles have expanded due to injuries or favorable matchups. Notable among these players are Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard, and Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson, each of whom are positioned to deliver strong performances this week.
Jerome Ford: A Key Asset for Running Back Needs
Jerome Ford emerged as the standout workhorse for the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, playing 73% of the snaps and handling an impressive 86% of the team’s carries. This elevated role led to a noteworthy performance, as Ford accumulated 15.9 fantasy points from 18 opportunities, showcasing his potential as a reliable starting running back.
Ford’s success is particularly noteworthy given that he played without two starting offensive tackles, Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin. There is optimism that both players may return for their Week 2 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who presently rank as a bottom-10 run defense by Pro Football Focus (PFF). In their opening game, Jacksonville allowed a combined 145 total rushing yards to Miami Dolphins running backs, signaling a favorable matchup for Ford. As the Browns prepare for the Jaguars, fantasy owners should expect Ford to continue his significant role in the offense.
Tony Pollard Seizes Opportunity
Tony Pollard’s involvement in the Tennessee Titans’ Week 1 game was unexpected yet promising. He played 62% of the offensive snaps and earned 70% of the team’s rushing attempts, defying the expectations of a 50/50 split between Pollard and teammate Tyjae Spears. This newfound role solidifies Pollard as the primary back heading into a pivotal Week 2 contest against the New York Jets.
Without defensive standout Hassan Reddick, who is currently on holdout, the Jets struggled defensively in their season opener. The San Francisco 49ers capitalized, rushing for 181 yards, indicating that Pollard could exploit similar weaknesses. As the Titans face off against New York, Pollard presents a strong option for fantasy owners seeking consistent production from the running back position.
Demarcus Robinson: A Rising Star in the Rams’ Offense
With the injury to Puka Nacua, who has been placed on injured reserve due to a knee issue, Demarcus Robinson is set to see an expanded role in the Los Angeles Rams’ offense. Robinson displayed his potential during the last five games of 2023, finishing as a top-12 fantasy receiver despite the presence of both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
In Week 1, Robinson participated in 92% of the offensive snaps and received seven targets, signifying his integral role in the Rams’ passing game. As he prepares to face a challenging Arizona Cardinals secondary, which ranks as the 29th coverage unit, fantasy managers should consider starting Robinson. The matchup is ripe for significant scoring opportunities, making him an intriguing option for those bolstering their receiving corps.
Strong Matchups for Other Fantasy Players
Rashid Shaheed’s Encouraging Debut
Rashid Shaheed had an impressive introduction to the NFL, earning 66 receiving yards in his debut despite facing constant pressure. With a clean slate in Week 2, Shaheed will face the Washington Commanders, whose secondary has shown vulnerability. Washington allowed 280 passing yards and four touchdowns to quarterback Baker Mayfield in their season opener. This favorable matchup suggests that Shaheed could be poised for strong production.
Amari Cooper’s Bounce-Back Opportunity
After a frustrating Week 1, where he scored only 3.6 fantasy points, Amari Cooper remains a critical component of the Browns’ offense. He led the team with nine targets, narrowly missing a 50-yard touchdown reception. With potential improvements expected in the offensive line and against a Jaguars defense that struggled to generate pressure, this week may provide Cooper with an opportunity to regain momentum.
Colby Parkinson’s Rising Prospect
Colby Parkinson is attracting attention as a tight end option after his considerable usage in the Rams’ offense. In Week 1, he ran routes on 82% of the passing plays, ranking him among the top 10 tight ends in terms of usage. Parkinson caught four passes for 47 yards, and with the upcoming matchup against the Cardinals, he has a chance to enhance his fantasy appeal. Given Arizona’s questions at linebacker, Parkinson should be considered by fantasy managers targeting tight ends.
Looking Ahead
The beginning of the NFL season has presented several players with opportunities to step up and contribute, especially with injuries impacting team rosters across the league. Jerome Ford, Tony Pollard, Demarcus Robinson, and Colby Parkinson are just a few key players with potential to make an impact in Week 2. As teams settle into their rhythm, the matchups will continue to evolve, providing fantasy managers with both challenges and opportunities.
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