Week 2 Waiver Wire: Hollywood Brown, Harold Fannin, Daniel Jones headline top targets

Summary

Fantasy Football Happy Hour with Matthew Berry

Episode: Week 2 Waiver Wire: Hollywood Brown, Harold Fannin, Daniel Jones headline top targets
Date: September 9, 2025
Host(s): Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, Jay Croucher

Episode Overview

In this episode, Matthew Berry, Connor Rogers, and Jay Croucher dive deep into Week 2 waiver wire recommendations, cautioning against overreactions but encouraging listeners not to underreact to key trends from the NFL's first week. The trio breaks down top waiver targets—focusing on wide receivers like Hollywood Brown and Cedric Tillman, running backs such as Dylan Sampson and Trey Benson, top tight end adds led by rookie Harold Fannin, as well as quarterback and defense streaming plays.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Week 1 Lessons: Overreaction vs. Underreaction

• Matthew Berry stresses the importance of balancing Week 1 reactions:

  "You don't want to overreact to week one, but you don't want to underreact either. There are some telling data points that come through in week one..." (02:40)

• The group highlights how underlying player usage tells us more than simply looking at box scores—callouts to Dwayne McFarland's Utilization Report underscore the value of metrics like routes run and snap participation (03:42).

2. Top Waiver Wire Wide Receivers

Hollywood Brown (Chiefs)

• Scenario: Xavier Worthy injury forced KC to make Brown the focal point (16 targets).
• Berry:

  "As long as Xavier Worthy is out and we know Rashee Rice has five more games on the suspension...I think they're going to pass, starting with Hollywood Brown." (06:04)
  "This is somebody who had a 6.3 average depth of target...But the fact that they're using him on short and intermediate routes...just getting him easy catches...that's exciting" (09:12)

• Jay:

  "He should be rostered in every single league...Hollywood Brown, all of a sudden now looking like a kind of wide receiver 2 type for the next little bit." (07:10)

Cedric Tillman (Browns)

• High route participation (96%), 19% target share—solidified role with Flacco at QB.
• Berry:

  "All he's done when he's healthy is earn targets at a high rate. Over his last five full games, averaging over 18 fantasy points per game..." (10:11)
  "I'm a big fan of Cedric Tillman because Connor Rogers turned me on to Cedric..." (12:08)

Keenan Allen & Quentin Johnston (Chargers)

• Chargers’ offense became unexpectedly pass-heavy under Greg Roman.
• Keenan Allen (50% available):

  "He's going to be a wide receiver, too, in an elite passing offense." – Jay Croucher (15:54)

• Quentin Johnston (91% available, two TDs in Week 1):
  • Berry and Jay note QJ’s role is shakier, may face competition from Trey Harris/KLS as the season progresses.
  • Berry:

    "If you're asking me Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnston, I'm saying Keenan Allen. I think his role is more secure." (16:30)

Deep League Mentions

• Kayshawn Booty: Led team in receiving yards. “Booty I think should be rostered...” (19:54)
• Josh Palmer: 20% target share in a wild game.
• Wandell Robinson: Still a PPR cheat code (25% target share).
• Torrey Horton, Malik Washington: Down-the-line names with upside if opportunity strikes.
• Berry:

  "If Tyreek Hill gets moved...Malik Washington is the guy who most obviously profiles to take that role..." (23:41)

3. Running Back Waiver Targets

Dylan Sampson (Browns)

• 19% target share, mostly a pass-catching back.
• Berry:

  "It feels like... Sampson and not Jerome Ford is their passing down back, which was sort of shocking to me..." (24:37)

  • Emphasizes Quinshon Judkins (if available) is the best stash for most leagues (25:45)
• Connor:

  "It's probably though October that we're not talking about any other Cleveland running back anymore besides Quinshon Judkins." (25:15)

Trey Benson (Cardinals)

• Out-touched expectations as more than just James Conner’s backup.
• Jay:

  "He was able to get eight rushing attempts...I think ultimately he's only going to arrive at true value if James Conner gets hurt." (26:41)

• Berry:

  "If you're desperate for a flex play this week, I do think Benson has some deeper league flex play value in the right matchup." (27:10)

Tank Bigsby (Eagles, trade from JAX)

• Value diminishes in fantasy going from JAX timeshare candidate to Eagles insurance/possible returner.
• Berry:

  "If you have Tank Bigsby, this is a big loss because where you drafted him, you drafted him as a top 40 running back with the idea that, like, he might be the guy in Jacksonville..." (29:06)

• ETN & Bashal Tootin: Both see an uptick in value after trade.

Kareem Hunt & Kenneth Gainwell (deep league stashes)

• Hunt splitting short yardage/goal line work; Gainwell seeing snap volume but low upside (33:12).
• Jay:

  "Kenneth Gainwell...the poster boy for, do you just need seven, eight points?" (33:33)

4. Tight End Targets

Harold Fannin (Browns, rookie)

• Unique role—not directly replacing Njoku, instead playing as a move chess piece.
• Berry:

  "He ran only 10 fewer routes than Njoku and saw three more targets...Fannin needs to be a priority on the waiver." (36:27)
  "This was something we talked about and you'd heard in camp how excited they were about Fannin..." (37:04)

Deep Tight End Stashes

• Brenton Strange (JAX): Berry’s favorite; led team in receiving yards, involved in scripted plays (37:51)
• Jonnu Smith (Falcons): Still receiving Arthur Smith’s affection. 20% target share in Week 1.
• Juwan Johnson (Saints): Emerging as Saints’ #3 passing option.
• Michael Mayer (Raiders): Involved in two-TE sets; deeper league option.

5. Quarterbacks

Daniel Jones (Giants)

• Massive Week 1; improved O-line and a coach leaning into aggressive play.
• Berry:

  "We're a believer in Shane Steichen's offense and Daniel Jones' skill set in that offense." (40:08)

• Jay:

  "He’s willing to throw it downfield...with what he gives you with his legs...wouldn’t be shocked if he's a top 15 quarterback this year." (41:03)

• Good superflex/2QB streamer—even over guys like Tua or Stroud (41:46).

Deeper QB Streams

• Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Jackson Dart (eventual Giants starter): All named as speculative adds; Dart especially for his future rushing upside (42:17).

6. Defense/Special Teams Streaming

• Rams, Titans, 49ers, Cowboys, Seahawks, Chargers highlighted as best Week 2 streaming options.
• Berry:

  "Shocked the Seahawks are available in like 80% of leagues...we all agree the Seahawks are one of the best defenses in the NFL." (44:12)

7. Rookies and Offense Trends

Vikings Outlook: J.J. McCarthy

• Rookie QB looked overwhelmed, slow processing (48:03-48:44), putting a damper on all but Justin Jefferson and Hawkinson.
• Berry:

  "I'm not ready to panic just yet...I think you just have to hold steady and hope for better performances from JJ McCarthy." (49:35, 51:37)

• Running Backs: Jordan Mason is now the 1A over Aaron Jones.

  "Jordan Mason is going to be their every down back...and Jones is going to be more of the passing down back." (50:30)

Bears/Caleb Williams Concerns

• Ben Johnson’s offense underwhelmed as Caleb Williams was slow to process, DJ Moore a concern (52:21).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Matthew Berry on Waiver Strategy:

  "I feel like you don't want to overreact to week one, but you don't want to underreact either...there are some telling data points." (02:40)

• Jay on the Chargers Passing Game:

  "Even if they don't throw as much as they did on Friday night, but throw more than we expect. This is pretty interesting...they have one of the six best quarterbacks on the planet. Let him cook." (15:54)

• Berry on Harold Fannin:

  "Fannin needs to be a priority on the waiver. Honestly, if you have a tight end or if you don't, this was something we talked about. I didn't think it was coming week one." (37:04)

• Jay on Daniel Jones:

  "It was one of the best pass-blocking performances from any group this week ... wouldn't be shocked if he's a top 15 quarterback." (41:03)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Overview on Week 1 Data & Overreactions: 02:40–03:40
• Utilization Report & Usage Metrics Plug: 03:42–04:56
• Hollywood Brown Waiver Wire Analysis: 05:43–09:51
• Cedric Tillman Case: 09:51–13:21
• Chargers Passing Offense (Allen & Johnston): 13:22–18:31
• Deeper Wide Receiver Stashes: 19:54–23:40
• Running Back Targets (Sampson, Judkins, Benson, Bigsby trade): 24:12–31:31
• Tight End Focus (Fannin and deep options): 34:17–39:08
• QB Streams (Daniel Jones & more): 39:22–43:15
• Defense Streaming: 43:47–44:31
• Vikings/Bears/Offense with Rookies: 47:57–53:22

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Flow and Recommendations

• The tone is lively, data-driven, and full of humor/personal anecdotes among co-hosts.
• The hosts push for a usage-based approach (emphasizing target share, routes, snap share), guiding listeners to prioritize opportunity over fluky box scores.
• Recurring message: "Take waiver swings early in the year; don’t be afraid to move on if the data doesn’t back it up."

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Summary Table: Top Week 2 Waiver Adds

| Position | Add | Availability | Key Reason | |----------|---------------|--------------|--------------------------------------| | WR | Hollywood Brown | 75% | Target monster, focal point w/injury | | WR | Cedric Tillman | 72% | High target share, stable QB play | | WR | Keenan Allen | 50% | Wide receiver 2 in pass-first team | | RB | Dylan Sampson | 54% | Pass-game role, immediate usage | | RB | Trey Benson | 61% | Carved out more work as rookie | | TE | Harold Fannin | 82% | Move tight end, strong usage/trust | | QB | Daniel Jones | 95% | O-line/OC upgrades, dual-threat |

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Final Thoughts

The early weeks are all about decisive waiver moves, especially for players whose underlying usage points to sustainable relevance (not just hot box scores). Hollywood Brown, Cedric Tillman, and Daniel Jones lead the way as the waiver pickups who could swing fantasy matchups. Tight end Harold Fannin is a priority for those burned by Kittle’s injury. Don’t wait around: opportunity knocks loudest after Week 1.

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Transcript

[Matthew Berry]

Comcast business helps retailers become seamlessly restocking, frictionless paying favorite shopping destinations. It's how nationwide restaurants become touchscreen ordering, quick serving eateries and how hospitals become the patient scanning data managing healthcare facilities that we all depend on. With leading networking and connectivity, advanced cybersecurity and expert partnership, Comcast business is powering the engine of modern business powering possibilities. Restrictions apply. And now a next level moment from ATT Business. Say you've sent out a gigantic shipment of pillows and they need to be.

[Connor Rogers]

There in time for International Sleep day.

[Matthew Berry]

You've got AT and T5G so you're fully confident, but the vendor isn't responding. And International Sleep Day is tomorrow. Luckily, AT&T 5G lets you deal with any issues with ease.

[Connor Rogers]

So the pillows will get delivered and.

[Matthew Berry]

Everyone can sleep soundly, especially you. AT&T 5G requires a compatible plan and device coverage not available everywhere. Learn [e-mail] 5G Network Good question from Raise the flags and I'll let you two answer this. I can't judge my own.

[Connor Rogers]

Who has the better ankles, Matt Prater or Matt Berry?

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, that's a good question.

[Connor Rogers]

You know what, actually, Matt Frater today after that performance.

[Matthew Berry]

Fantasy Football Happy hour with Matthew Berry.

[Connor Rogers]

Welcome to the Fantasy Football Happy Hour. Connor Rogers, Matthew Berry, Jay Croucher. What's happening, fellas? You look like you had something really important to say, so I kind of wanted to let you go.

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, no, I was just. I'm happy to be here.

[Connor Rogers]

I've worked with you long enough.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes, sir.

[Connor Rogers]

You go like this to the camera when you really want to go.

[Matthew Berry]

Hello, how are you?

[Connor Rogers]

Welcome in Mr. Rogers.

[Matthew Berry]

Excited to have everyone excited to have the regulars back again, Jay. Sure, sure. Yeah. Good.

[Jay Croucher]

Good night for us on the Bennett front.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes, exactly. Two for one.

[Connor Rogers]

T.J. hawkinson's missing somewhere. We're still looking for him.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, but that's right. Alamode Zacchaeus over Cashes and the Jordan mason over cashes. T.J. hawkinson, you, in fairness to you, thought J.J. mcCarthy could throw for a.

[Connor Rogers]

Full game for maybe 190 yards.

[Matthew Berry]

I mean, like, right? It was.

[Connor Rogers]

We're going to get into all of it. We are going to break down the game.

[Matthew Berry]

By the way, the actual Jack Reacher says welcome to Connor's gun show and Barry's ankle show. Yeah, we're. We're all about giving the fans something. So, Jay, what do you bring to the table?

[Connor Rogers]

Get a haircut, Jay.

[Jay Croucher]

No, I got my haircut like 10, 10 days ago, Connor. Thanks for noticing. 10 days late.

[Connor Rogers]

I Don't pay attention to.

[Jay Croucher]

I shaved a couple of days ago.

[Matthew Berry]

Something's different.

[Jay Croucher]

See, now I look like 24 years old.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, exactly. I know. I was sort of getting used to the. To evil J. I was kind of digging that.

[Jay Croucher]

It'll be back in a few years.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm sure once you hit puberty, we're all excited about it. So lots to get to today. Big waiver wire, week two. Waiver wire. I feel like you don't want to overreact to week one, but you don't want to underreact either. Like, there are. There are some telling data points that come through in week one that sort of either confirm some stuff that we thought about in the preseason, or we're like, oh, we think that's legitimate.

[Connor Rogers]

Like, there's two roads traveled.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

I think of last year. It's weird, the things you remember. Isaiah likely went nuts weekly, and people were like, oh, man, I got to have it all. And we saw how that turned out. But then two years ago, everybody was like, who the hell's Puka Nukua? And like, we're not buying this. This is just a Sean McVay right now machine. Yeah.

[Matthew Berry]

Just get a bunch of scam artists.

[Connor Rogers]

One people leagues that year.

[Jay Croucher]

I think it's a reminder to. With week one just assessing not so much the headline stats, but the underlying usage, correct usage is so much more sustainable. Think about Puka. It wasn't just he had like, 120 yards, whatever, like, 15 targets from Matthew Stafford. So, all right, if you ever get 15 targets in your life from Matthew Stafford, then that's a real thing.

[Matthew Berry]

And I will listen. I mean, you guys know me. I'm a company man, but I will just give a shout out. So my guy, Dwayne McFarland [e-mail] does an article, and it is free, 100% free, called the utilization report. And not only does he. He does exactly what you're talking about, Jay. What he does is he looks at every single game, and it's not just about, oh, this guy got a lot of targets. It's like, how many targets per route run? What's his route participation? How many snaps is he playing? How many snaps is he playing? You know, what's their pass rate over expectation? Just every underlying stat to say, like, yeah, this guy just got lucky on a couple of broken, you know, broken plays defensively. And, like, you can ignore this or, you know what, oh, actually, this guy's legit. Because this guy was out there a ton looking for a Ton. He was first read targeted. You know, just. They do crazy stuff. Did you know Russell Wilson last week was one of the league leaders in design quarterback runs? I don't know what I mean. They're trying to generate anything kind of offense in New York, but he was like one of the top eight quarterbacks last week in terms of design quarterback runs. So just. Anyway, I highly recommend checking that out.

[Connor Rogers]

Good predictor.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

It's only increasing the odds and you'll find things. It was in obviously the Fantasy Life preseason guide as well, the entire concept of the utilization report. And I just think it kind of shows things more likely to happen for.

[Matthew Berry]

The future for sure. Dwayne just absolutely grinds and crushes and he has created a metric called the utilization score, which is just a. Literally just one number that sort of gives you on a scale like, oh, this guy gets used a lot. This guy doesn't. Anyway, go check it out. Let's get to the players here. Connor Rogers, I believe we're supposed to hear from Mr. Mahomes.

[Connor Rogers]

That's exactly right. Matthew, Great toss on no Xavier Worthy.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I mean, obviously other guys had to step up. I thought Tyquan and Hollywood and juju did a great job of kind of filling some of those roles, but that's something that's a huge part of our game plan and someone that we're counting on to go out there and make plays against some of the man coverage that they played and thought guys did a good job kind of stepping up in those roles. But you could tell it took us a little bit to get going.

[Connor Rogers]

Waiver wired returns. We start with the wide receivers. That was Patrick Mahomes talking about their current wide receiver situation. As you look Vice from the Friday game against the Chargers in Brazil. Yes, that is right. Hollywood Brown had 16 targets. Now, to be fair, guys, a little bit of an unpredictable script when Xavier Worthy gets hurt essentially immediately that the entire game plan had to change.

[Matthew Berry]

And you heard the broadcast. On the broadcast they actually talked about this. Eisen and Kurt Warner talked about the fact that in talking with Andy Reid in pre production meetings, their entire game plan was Xavier Worthy. Like that's where, by the way. And Xavier Worthy was on the love list and was one of the guys that we talked about that we felt like that they could attack the Chargers deep. That that was an area of emphasis. And so it sort of makes sense that once he went down, it was suddenly like, all right, well, who's the guy that we got that's closest to Xavier Worthy? It's Marquis Brown. But that's what's going to be the case here. Now. Does he get. Does he get 16 targets against the Eagles? I don't know. But I will say I thought, I thought that even without Jalen Carter, I thought that the Cowboys had more success in the air than they did running the ball. You're going to have a. We expect an angry and motivated Jalen Carter to be back for the Eagles. We'll see. We'll see about the suspension. But right now my expectation is he plays this week. And so I think they're going to pass again this week, and I think they're going to pass starting with Hollywood Brown. As long as Xavier Worthy is out and we know Rashee Rice has five more games on the suspension.

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, he should be rostered in every single league. A champion of the chubby leather daddies. Hollywood Brown, all of a sudden now looking like a kind of wide receiver 2 type for the next little bit. A very leathery performance from Hollywood in Brazil.

[Matthew Berry]

I. I have Xavier Worthy. I just took a zero and Rotopat defeated me despite me having one of the better. Yes.

[Jay Croucher]

Biggest loss of the week, actually.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, it was a. Yeah, it was a. It was. Yeah. He had everyone go off. He had Josh. Yeah. No, he had. He had Josh Allen. He just. Rotopat had a. Just everyone. Everyone went off on him. It's all right. That's all right.

[Connor Rogers]

The old Josh Allen excuse. I couldn't win. He had Josh Allen.

[Matthew Berry]

I mean, listen, that's who I had on my team last year. Josh Allen is, you know, is a man of the champions. Right. You know, so who knows? Maybe he will once again lead a team in our league to a championship title. Proud fantasy life investor Josh Allen. It's just. Whatever. It's just one game. I think I lost week one last year as well. It's okay.

[Connor Rogers]

You like the Bengals. Slow starter.

[Matthew Berry]

Slow, slow starter. I got two titles. Honestly, I could not win for the next five years and I'm still good.

[Connor Rogers]

Oh, my God.

[Matthew Berry]

Good Lord, please. I've won two of the first three years of this league. Next five years saying if I've got two titles in six years, that's still a pretty good mark.

[Connor Rogers]

Could you imagine the opening monologue of the draft after year five of no championship?

[Jay Croucher]

I feel like that's what Patrick Mahomes goes into the Chiefs locker room every season. Like, guys, it doesn't matter if we don't win one for the next five years. We've already banked three.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm just saying I've got two titles. Back to back titles. You. You guys have zero. I feel like the pressure is more on you guys from the fans than me. My, my base is looking for a three peat, but I've. I've earned a little bit of a leash here as a general manager with the fans.

[Jay Croucher]

There's only one man.

[Matthew Berry]

You're Joe Shane. Come on. What?

[Jay Croucher]

There's only one man in the league who speaks exclusively in monologues around the league. So the pressure is on you Matres.

[Connor Rogers]

The chat is, is chiming in. Kate Gemma said the next five years. Who is this guy?

[Matthew Berry]

I got, I got a long leash.

[Connor Rogers]

Josh Burkovsky. I'm pro team Barry. But he needs to be humbled.

[Matthew Berry]

Absolutely. Well, Xavier Worthy's injury hurts that and there will be. Unfortunately, we will not be able to get Hollywood Brown in our league because he is a chubby leather daddy, but he is 75% available, mostly across, across that. This is somebody who had a 6.3 average depth of target in this one, which, you know, which isn't. Which I think is exciting in this sense. It's a lot of short targets. Like, we know Hollywood Brown can get deep. We know he can do the deep stuff. I'm not worried about that. But the fact that they're using him on short and intermediate routes, just getting him sort of easy catches, trying to use his speed, get him in space, I think that's exciting in terms of trying to get him, you know, multiple looks in PPR leagues.

[Connor Rogers]

You know, Matthew, I think the call this morning was the most proud of you I've ever been because we got to Hollywood Brown and then we went to the second wide receiver and you said, no, no, no, Cedric Tillman needs to be the next wide receiver on Waiver Wired, not these other guys. Cedric Tillman, 72% available off the week of five catches, 50, 52 yards and.

[Matthew Berry]

A touchdown, 19% target share, 96% route participation for club said. And you sit here and go like, okay, whenever there's a performance, you're sort of like, hey, why did this happen? Can it repeat? All he's done when he's been healthy and out there is earned targets at a very high rate. And so nothing that I saw from the Browns on Sunday makes me think this isn't repeatable as long as Joe Flacco is the quarterback. And honestly, like, the reason the Browns lost this game have nothing to do with Joe Flacco. Like all of our jokes aside on this, on this show is that Joe Flacco was Competent. Joe Flacco ran that offense and like again like is he the long term answer at quarterback for them? Of course he isn't. But like they had every, they should have won that game. And the reason they didn't had nothing to do with Joe Flacco. The two interceptions weren't his fault. They bounced off the receiver's hands. Right. You know, and if their kicker makes a field goal and an extra point. Right, right. They're winning. Insane. They're winning this game. And so at the Ravens, home to the packers, at the Lions, home to the Vikings, at the Steelers, really tough defenses, that's one challenge here. But they're going to have to be throwing. I don't think they'll be able to run against the these teams, not against the Ravens, the Packers, the Lions, the Vikings, the Steelers. So they're gonna have to throw and maybe it's some junk time here but over his last five full games dating back to last season, he's averaging over 18 fantasy points per game. Jay? Yeah.

[Jay Croucher]

And he's routinely outperformed Jerry. Judy, there's a real chance that Cedric Tillman's the number one wide receiver for an NFL offense that to your point, like Flacco, even though his stats weren't good. I agree. Joe Flacca, I thought he played well. You know, he's against the Bengals.

[Matthew Berry]

We'll see.

[Jay Croucher]

Although like Raven, I guess it's Josh Allen. But the Ravens past defense didn't look amazing. Jerry getting absolutely toasted. It's not like he's getting toasted by Pete Jamar Chase either. So I think that the Browns will be able to move the ball through the air.

[Connor Rogers]

Try to tighten up. Raise your hand if you can't add Cedric Tillman because you already drafted him.

[Matthew Berry]

Let's go.

[Connor Rogers]

Sounds like somebody listen to the show.

[Matthew Berry]

Try to tighten up. There you go. Listen, Club's head has been a favorite of you and I for a long time and I always say this. The reason I'm a big fan of Cedric Tillman is because Connor Rogers turned me on to Cedric Tillman when he was drafted.

[Connor Rogers]

I think if he didn't have the significant concussions at the end of last year and actually got to finish out the season, he would have been a thing this summer. But everybody just kind of forgot about him because he was hurt at the end of the year.

[Matthew Berry]

But club said and I think there was questions about the Cleveland offense. I think people are just sort of like this is going to be a disaster. They got four quarterbacks. They don't they don't really have one quarter, you know, like just I think a lot of that. And I'm, I'm with you. The, the Bengals defense made it a look at a. Look a lot easier than, you know, than the Ravens, packers and Lions defense are going to. But still, this is a team that as long as Joe Flacco has been quarterback for him, go back to two years or, you know, they chuck it. Yeah. Stefanski wants to throw. Yep.

[Jay Croucher]

And he kind of has to throw as well.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, he kind of has to have.

[Connor Rogers]

The script is going to flow. One of the surprises of the first week, guys, is not how well Justin Herbert played, but how much the Chargers threw the ball in this Greg Roman offense. Matthew, where we have both of their wide receivers on waiver wire this week. KEENAN Allen at 50% available, so there's a good chance he might not be available in your league. Quinton Johnson we'll get to in a second who's available in 91% of leagues. But all of these guys essentially got to eat in Brazil.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, they really did. I mean, and not only did, not only were the Chargers in terms of pass rate over expectation high, they were the highest in the NFL by a wide margin. Shout out to my friend Ben Gretsch, who does a great job tracking all this stuff. So I just. Ben. Ben is the one who sort of turned me on to that and so shout out to Ben Gretsch, who follow him at yards per Gretch on social media. He is. He does a great job. Ben does. But anyway, the fact is the Chargers became a throwing team and I don't know if that's because the Chiefs just. That's how they felt like they had to defeat the Chiefs. But if they're going to throw, even if they don't throw as much as they did on Friday night, but they throw more than we expect. Right. Because we always expect a Harbaugh Greg Roman team to be a run heavy. This is pretty interesting. 78% route participation for Keenan Allen, 29% target share. His last eight games dating back to last season, he's averaging over 16 fantasy points per game. We always talked about in the off season that Kenan Allen not having a team wasn't because he was done. It was because honestly he wanted, at this stage of his career, he wanted to pick, he wanted to go to a team where he wanted a certain amount of money. There was. And there was a certain. There were a lot of teams that didn't want to pay the amount of money that he Wanted. He wanted to play on the west coast and he wanted to play for a contender. And so it took a while, but eventually, you know, being reunited with the Chargers made sense, you know, and obviously, you know, the money was good for him. West coast team that he's familiar with the quarterback and he knows they're going to be, you know, a playoff contender.

[Jay Croucher]

I think he's a super interesting player because there's a couple of things. We had a question here from vedp, Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnson, who's the better pick? I think it's Keenan Allen. And the reason why there's a few things. 1, 20, 22, 2023. Ken Allen was awesome. We're in the charge 11. He had a bad year last year, but it was in a bad offense, new system, everything. He looked slim, he looked quick on Friday night in Brazil. He has an established rapport with Justin Herbert. And here's the other big thing is that like, Jim harbor and Greg Roman talking about, like, they want to run the ball, they want to pound the rock. Like, your actions speak louder than words. And since the second half of last year, this. They were throwing the ball a ton in the second half of last year. Yeah, like, they only, they only ran the ball a lot in the first half. When Herbert's coming off the plantar fasciitis in the preseason and he was banged up as well. Since he's gotten healthy, they have thrown the ball as much as anyone in the NFL. And that carried in that 98th percentile pass rate over expectation against the Chiefs. And it just makes sense. Like, you got one of the six best quarterbacks on the planet. Let him cook, put the ball in his hands. So I think that Kane Allen's going to be a wide receiver, too, in an elite passing offense.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. And by the way, I don't have a stat on this. I mean, I mean, I think what. Quentin Johnson is going to be popular in waiver wires this week and he should be picked up, right? Because the two touchdowns. But I mean, like, it was like a busted coverage, right? And like, and, and I just sort of think, I just sort of think to myself, like, he also had drops in this game, which has plagued him throughout his career. And I just sort of think about, again, I go back to, like, forget stats, just think about people. This is the second year of the Jim Harbaugh, Greg Roman regime, Right. They drafted Trey Harris, they drafted KLS. They, you know, they, they drafted Lad McConkey.

[Connor Rogers]

They got there.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, they drafted Lad McConkey. They signed Keenan Allen this year, the only guy in that wide receiver core that they sort of inherited was Quentin Johnson. And I know that he had like the flashy game and he had the two touchdowns, he got the seven targets, five for 79. But I, you know, I, I don't know. If you're asking me Keenan Allen or Quentin Johnson, I'm saying Keenan Allen. I think his role is more secure. I could see, as Trey Harris gets up to speed, I could see him. I feel like QJ's role is more in jeopardy with Trey Harris or KLS.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I think that's possible. I think what was interesting in this game is going back to how much they passed over. Expectation is they also ran 10 personnel, just one running back, no tight end, five times in this game, something they, they didn't do in the past. So they're looking to get more wide receivers on the field and maybe that inspires some hope for QJ to still stay impactful. But I think the bottom line is in this situation, you have a better chance of getting qj. There's a good chance Keenan Allen's not in your league where he might be worth a flyer at this point because you won't have a lot of options.

[Matthew Berry]

Yep.

[Jay Croucher]

I think just broadly as well, like, I just think you want to get as many shares of this Charger right as possible. There is such a history going back of quarterbacks really taking a leap in year two of an offensive game, which just makes sense. Like it just becomes more innate. Everything is more automatic. Justin Herbert looks so comfortable. He has a pretty good Chiefs defense. On Friday he just torched them. They had no chance whatsoever. Here's, I think on talent, a top five, top six quarterback in the NFL, if they're going to give it to him and let him throw.

[Matthew Berry]

Also they let him run a little bit too. Like he ran more like, I mean, he's fully healthy and so I think he's probably like more of a top eight quarterback in the NFL on talent than, than top five or six. But you got him six, that's fine. But like, I'm just saying. But like he's right there. Like, yes. And given where he went in drafts this year, because I think people, and I'll raise my hand as being one of those people that had him, that didn't have him as a top 12 play this year for sure. I think Herbert is, Herbert is legit, fantasy wise. And I think you're right on the theory of try to get as much of this offense as you can get.

[Connor Rogers]

A Question from Tej. Before we take a look at some deep league wide receiver targets, does this hurt Lad's fantasy value?

[Matthew Berry]

No, lad McConkey's a stud.

[Connor Rogers]

He's a stud and they're going to throw the ball a lot. And at the end of the day, if QJ and Keane now and have an impact, that chips away a little attention from Ladd for sure. If anything, this is good for lad McConkey.

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, he's still the God of eight man coverage. Like he's the guy who actually bait his man more than anyone else.

[Matthew Berry]

100%. All right, here's some, some deep league mentions, guys you know. Kayshawn Booty led the team in receiving yards, tied for the team lead and targets receptions, if that defense is any indication. Like they're going to have to be throwing quite a bit. Stefon Diggs doesn't look like he is fully up to speed. Demario Douglas only playing in three wide receiver sets. Pop Douglas. So Kayshawn Booty, like again, Kyle Williams, no one really to the scene. Booty I think is the lead should be rostered in a lot more leagues. Hey, Josh Palmer had a 20% target share in week one. Now again, that was a crazy game where, you know, Josh Allen threw it a zillion times. But Palmer's going to be part of one of the best offenses. Wandell Robinson, of course, still a PPR cheat code, 25% target share for him. He's against the Dallas Cowboys. Calvin Austin was the clear number two wide receiver for the Steelers opposite DK Metcalf. And like, I mean, I don't know that you're excited to drop somebody to go grab Calvin Austin. But like, if, if you're like me and you're in a deep league where you have Xavier worthy, that you're going to throw in an IR spot and there's like no one available in the league. Calvin Austin is out there as well and let's. We've talked about him during the preseason. Connor, but Ella Koemanner.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, like how about a 28% target.

[Matthew Berry]

Share against the Broncos, right?

[Connor Rogers]

And if you think about it, I know the day didn't look great just in the box score, but Brian Callahan missed a very obvious challenge because he didn't know the elbow in bounds counts as a catch. He didn't challenge a play to IO Manor. That was a big play. That would have really, it would have helped his stats a little bit. I mean, this is one of my bold predictions before the season. IO Manor is going to finish as a top 50 receiver. I think by the end of the year, he's going to be Cam Ward's number one wide receiver. And boy, does Cam Ward need somebody to help him out.

[Jay Croucher]

It was fertile. It was tough.

[Connor Rogers]

Watch.

[Jay Croucher]

It's funny, like his stats, everything statistically was horrific about Cam Ward. Watch the game. I think he was playing that badly. No health, pretty. No help there.

[Matthew Berry]

I want to mention two other guys, a couple of guys real quickly. Ray, Ray McLeod, I mean, again, Darnell Mooney did not play in week one. Drake London now dealing with a shoulder injury. So Ray Ray McLeod on a, on a. You know, they're playing Minnesota. It's a tough defense, but we know Michael Penix is going to throw Torrey Horton. I just, guys, this might be it for Cooper Kopp, like, give it one more week. Again, Darnold was under pressure. Tough matchup in San Francisco, but end of the year poorly. And just, you know, other than jsn, it didn't look like anyone in that Seattle passing offense. And so Torrey Horton, who had a great camp.

[Connor Rogers]

Connor, I remember what we said when they got Cooper Cup. We did the show. We were like, this is a conflicting skill set with jsn, but JSN is just so much better. All of those things now at this stage of his career where Torrey Horton, who had a great summer, had a great camp, can win vertical. This is an offense that they need somebody to win down the field. And Torrey Horton at some point should be on the field for that. I mean, it's tough to say and it's a little early, but maybe it's not really. This is what Cooper Cup's been for a while.

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, we'll give him another week. Give another week for cup. But if he's nothing again and non existent against the Steelers, who really struggled against the jets of all offenses, then I think it's interesting. And also, like, they just never threw the ball either. Like they just want to run the ball and they weren't having any success on the ground either. They just kept on running it, running it, running it. So, yeah, Seattle offense did not look great. Cooper, he's dropping passes. They used him and like they was out there a lot. They were using him in like bunch formations next to jsn. But then Kup would like trip and then drop a pass. It wasn't good at all for Kip.

[Matthew Berry]

No, it certainly wasn't. And so obviously when you head to your waiver wire, it sort of depends on what you need. Do you need somebody this week? You, you lost Xavier Worthy or you lost George Kittle, which we're going to get to here in a second. Right. If you need somebody this week, then, you know, at wide receiver, somebody like Ray. Ray McLeod, somebody like Wandell Robinson, you know, Kayshawn Booty, like again, deeper leagues, right. Or obviously any of the main guys we mentioned Hollywood, Cedric Tillman, the two Chargers. But if you're like, you know, actually I'm pretty good, but like, I'm just looking for somebody to stash. AO Manor is somebody that I would stash. Torrey Horton is somebody that I stash. I don't know that you're using this week, but that you think that down the road they will have value. And I'll give you one more name. Malik Washington. We sort of talked about this a little bit last yesterday as well, and Pro Football Talk talked about this as well on if you go to Pro Football Talk, Florio did a story about this that Tyree Kill has a very good chance of being this year's Devontae Adams. That if the things don't go as well as the Dolphins hope, and there's a very real chance they're 1 and 3 or, you know, they're 2 and 4 if you look at sort of their upcoming schedule and they've got a tough one coming up, that Tyreek Hill could be on the move as they sort of have to tear it all down. The Chiefs and the Steelers are two teams that have been mentioned as well that you could use. They could use a veteran wide receiver. Tyreek reuniting with Mahomes and Andy Reid just makes so much sense given the needs that they have where that team is. They brought back Kareem Hunt, so there's, there's precedent there for bringing back a player that where it ended poorly. But then they, you know, Hall's forgiveness.

[Connor Rogers]

We need each other.

[Matthew Berry]

That's what that's called. Right. Exactly. And so we'll break that down. But if Tyreek Hill gets moved, whether it's the Chiefs, the Steelers, wherever, if Tyreek Hill gets moved and I think there's a decent chance or even if he gets hurt, that somebody's dealt with injuries, Malik Washington is the guy that most obviously profiles to take that role in the offense, like he played that role in the preseason when Hill was sitting out. He's crazy fast. Yes. Great athlete. And I have, I have Malik Washington in every Dynasty league and highly recommend a stash for deeper leagues.

[Connor Rogers]

Let's move over to running backs for Waiver Wired and we start with Cleveland. The rookie Dylan Sampson is 54% available. Twelve carries for only 29 yards, but he caught eight passes for 64 yards. There is a chance that the other rookie running back, Quinshon Judkins does play Sunday.

[Matthew Berry]

Mr. Samsonite, why do I not get that?

[Jay Croucher]

What's the Samsonaut? It's a brand.

[Matthew Berry]

I understand, but like Dylan Samson, Samsung. Okay, all right.

[Jay Croucher]

It's a very easy one.

[Matthew Berry]

It took me a minute. Feels like a stretch, I'm not gonna lie. But I will tell you what is not a stretch and that is Dylan Sampson's pass catching ability here. 19% target share. He was targeted on 53% of his routes. And you think about the Browns who are an 11.5 point underdog in week two to the Ravens. And so you'd expect them to. They're going to have to pass a lot in this game as well. And it feels like weirdly Sampson and not Jerome Ford is their passing down back. Which was sort of shocking to me, Jay and Connor, but that's how it played out.

[Jay Croucher]

The question is Connor is like how does Quintean Judkins fit?

[Connor Rogers]

That's the problem with all of this. And this goes back to Terrence's question right here. I need some Quinshon Judkins insight. He's going to take over this backfield. I feel like he's the most talented running back. It's probably not this week. It's probably not even the following week. It is probably though October that we're not talking about any other Cleveland running back anymore besides Quinn, Shawn Judkins. So if you need, and you probably do a lot of people, you need a running back for the flex or you lost somebody to injury. If you need somebody to catch a couple of short passes in PPR and give you some points, Sampson can do that. I just wouldn't blow a lot of fab. Expecting a long term help here.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, no, but I do. I could see a scenario where Judkins and Sampson coexist and Ford is just. And Ford is just time to move on. Yeah, it's time to move on. I mean they drafted both these guys this year. It's worth noting. By the way, check just to see for those of you in shallow leagues, it's worth noting. It's worth checking to see if Judkin's available. Like he's available in about 45% of leagues out there. So again, which is wild, which is right. But as the held as the holdout went over and people that are in leagues with like Short benches, four or five man roster, four or five man benches. I could see that. Anyway, just it's worth seeing if Judkins is available and by the way, if he is, unless you need somebody this week, I'd prefer Judkins over Sampson, you know, or any of the guys we're about to mention.

[Connor Rogers]

How about Trey Benson? Jay looked pretty good with his eight carries for 69 yards. Also quota pass as well, 61% available. Kind of looked at as just James Conner's backup. But for Arizona, maybe they have different plans for this committee.

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, absolutely. The fact that he was able to get eight rushing attempts, two Connors 12. I was surprised. I certainly would have taken the under on eight rushing attempts to Trey Benson just given Conor, Given Kyler Murray running the ball as well. And he'll help out maybe a little bit in the receiving game, but yeah, I was surprised by it. I think ultimately he's only going to arrive at true value if James Conner gets hurt. James Connor has dealt with injuries in his career. He's an older running back, so it's certainly possible and looks like he's not going to be, you know, a total non entity even when Connor is healthy.

[Matthew Berry]

By the way, they play the Carolina Panthers this week. Panthers allowed 200 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per carry week one to the Jaguars. Obviously Travis Etienne's big run contributing to that. But still, like if you're desperate for a flex play this week, I do think Benson has some deeper league flex play value in the right matchup like it would be this week against the Panthers. And to your point, just, you know, he's carving out more of a role for himself in this offense. They still trust Connor when they get in close. As long as Conor's healthy, he's still going to be the main guy. But Benson getting more and more work.

[Connor Rogers]

How about a post week one trade, guys? Tank Bigsby wakes up and goes from Jacksonville to the super bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles right here. This is from Mike Garofolo. The Eagles trade for Tank Bigsby is in part due to a need for another kick returner. Sources say he'll be in the mix of that role with Will Shipley who had one return against the Cowboys. He's dealing with a rib injury. Garofolo also followed up just on how important the kick return is being viewed right now by teams with the change in rules. But Tank Bigsby, you drink for free.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

I mean, nothing against Jacksonville, but.

[Matthew Berry]

No, right. But you, you wake up, you know, in, in Jackson, you, you go to bed thinking you're a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars and you know, you're. You're trying to get out of the cellar of the AFC south and you wind up like, you know, right. Aren't they. I mean, I know they won, but like, come on. And the Jacks will be all right this year.

[Connor Rogers]

I picked them to win the division.

[Matthew Berry]

But yeah, I did whatever. But going to the super bowl, going to a team that won the super bowl, you know, that's pretty good. Two of the last three years and, you know, defending super bowl champions. Just saying, no disrespect to Jacksonville. Look, you guys know I like Jacksonville's offenses here. I'm just not convinced on the defense. But I.

[Connor Rogers]

For Tanks, Big Tank Bigsby, who was clearly the odd man out, this is a great opportunity.

[Matthew Berry]

And see, I actually disagree.

[Connor Rogers]

Not in fantasy, but I'm talking about playing football.

[Matthew Berry]

Oh, yeah. I mean, he's not even, he's not.

[Connor Rogers]

Even a thought in Jacksonville. At least he has a role with the Eagles.

[Matthew Berry]

Right? But I mean, fantasy wise, I actually think if you have Tank Bigsby, this is, this is a big loss because where you drafted him, you drafted him. You drafted him like, you know, as a top 40 running back with the idea that, like, he might be the guy in Jacksonville. He was somebody who was running with the ones in practice during preseason etn, of course, got the run with the ones in the actual preseason games. But still, like, there was a hope that Bigsby would at least be half of a committee in what we think is going to be a pretty good offense. And now he is basically an insurance back. If you have Saquon Barkley, if something were to happen to Saquon Barkley, maybe it's Shipley, maybe it's Bigsby, maybe it's a committee. So he takes a massive hit from fantasy value because there was a scenario there where Bigsby was half of this of what we think is a productive backfield. The big winner here is Travis Etienne, who, you know, wherever you got Travis Etienne, that's a bargain. This is a guy that was going as a top 15 running back a year ago. And just because of the injuries and Bigsby taking over somewhat, he dropped in drafts because of the uncertainty around his role. But again, we think this Jaguars offense is ultimately going to be very good. And he's clearly the guy. He looked. He looked to be the guy again, right? I mean, he had that speed and that burst. And also Bashal Tutin, who's still. He's not 100% rostered he's, you know, rostered in a lot of leagues. But if Bashal Tutin is out there, uptick for him because now you expect him to have more of a role. And obviously if anything were to happen to Etna, Toot would be pretty interesting here. By the way, there was a Lant Allen sighting as well. Syracuse's own Lant Allen got on a guy pass catcher. Yeah, yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

Pass catching back.

[Jay Croucher]

Would you try and sell high on ATN after?

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I just don't have ever have confidence in him staying healthy anymore. That's always the issue. We get these flashes and we're like, oh, great.

[Jay Croucher]

I wonder if this is the pinnacle of the ETN. He's coming off an amazing game now he's RB1 workload. And they got the Bengals this week too. So maybe you wait one more week. But then schedule gets a lot tougher for Jacksonville after this and yeah, I just worry that doesn't usually work out.

[Connor Rogers]

For Trapsee Julio think you are Tootin upside here or more of an indicator of confidence in etn? I think both. I think both. Right. It speaks volumes that if something happened to etn, they trust Tootin to help.

[Matthew Berry]

And lake Allen right away. I mean like, like he's gonna have like a pass catching role. I do think in deeper PPR leagues he, you know, if you're like, that's a guy that should be on your radar as well. Just because he may carve out a roll. But the fact that he got a couple of snaps, he got like I think two targets or something like that.

[Connor Rogers]

That's his skill set.

[Matthew Berry]

Right? Exactly. Like I always liked him at Syracuse. So anyway, just. I think it's. I think it's about that. I think it's trying to free up some. Its confidence in Tootin and Allen and.

[Connor Rogers]

Obviously in etn, some deeper league running back targets. For the millionth year in a row. Kareem Hunt makes this list now he's got the Eagles defense this week, so.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, but we'll see, right?

[Connor Rogers]

I mean, I just. It's hard to figure out this backfield anymore, Matthew.

[Matthew Berry]

It is, but he had the same number of touches, the same number of targets as Isaiah Pacheco in week number one. He played 40% of the snaps. And they, they like him in short yardage. For whatever reason they like him in short yardage. I would think it'd be Pacheco, but they do, they trust him around the goal line. And so, you know, I sort of think he's washed, but like, doesn't matter what I Think. It doesn't matter what I think. So, yeah, you're probably not using him this week, but yeah, he's going to half of that. And then Kenneth Gainwell. We tried to talk to you throughout the preseason about, like, how annoying Arthur Smith's backfield was going to be and that Kenneth Gainwell is going to play more than you want him to. He's going to be super annoying. And that we did not. We were avoiding Caleb Johnson at price just because we thought it was going to be tough for him to get on the field. And that's exactly what happened in week number one. Eventually Caleb Johnson will get there like they're going to need him, like they're going to need his talent and his ability. But no running back played more snaps than Kenneth Gainwell. He played 52% of the snaps in week one. He had almost 14% target share. Like, again, they're not going to use him when he gets in close. And he's not as good a pass catcher as Jalen Warren. So it's more about like you're hoping. You know, it's hard to take a ton away from that game because that game against the jets was so weird, guys. Very off script, but he's a guy that's getting run on a decent offense.

[Connor Rogers]

He's on the field and this didn't come out of nowhere. He was on the field during camp and preseason.

[Matthew Berry]

Like him a lot.

[Connor Rogers]

We were saying, like, you have to be patient for Caleb Johnson and the Steelers are showing their hands, so we just need to see if they can effectively run the ball because the jets run defense, which is improved, it was bad last year, really shut them down in this game.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. And they're playing Seattle this week. So, like, you know, Christian McCaffrey is.

[Jay Croucher]

Coming off one of the least efficient running games of his entire career against what I think is a really good Seattle run defense and defense overall. So I think that is going to be tough. But Kenneth Gainwell, is he going to come like the poster boy for do you just need seven, eight points? Yeah, because he's the guy who's going to be out there and have a high floor and extremely low ceiling.

[Matthew Berry]

Yes, I think that's a correct way to phrase it. Yeah.

[Connor Rogers]

On the tight end side of things, guys, some not so fun news to kick off our waiver wired is that George Kittle is expected or likely, per Ian Rappaport, to be out three to five weeks with a hamstring injury, source says, making him a candidate for ir. So there are a lot of fantasy players right now, Matthew that are gonna need help at tight end, are gonna need a starter at tight end. And we kick off with the rookie heralds fantasy players. Are you?

[Matthew Berry]

Me, me as fantasy players. Because in addition to losing, this is what I get by the way. This is the fantasy gods sending karma my way because of after my.

[Connor Rogers]

Soliloquy.

[Matthew Berry]

My TED Talk at the start of our draft, bragging about my expertise and the fact that I've dominated you guys for two seasons in a row. Xavier Worthy and George Kittle in week one, plus a loss to Rotopat, who had the highest score in our league. Just if I'd played anyone else, like if I, you know.

[Jay Croucher]

So if you'd played me, you would have lost. If you'd played Connor, you would have.

[Connor Rogers]

Lost by a lot.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, but if I would have played other, like if you played the other words, Denny, like some of the other producer, Adam, I think I would have won. Whatever. Fact of the matter is, is I played the guy that had the highest score in the league and I lose both Kittle and, and Xavier Worthy. Not fun for me. Not fun for anyone. I have a ton of Kittle this year. Like a ton of good.

[Jay Croucher]

That first drive as well.

[Matthew Berry]

It was awesome. I'll have to hang on that. That'll keep me warm over the next month. But yes, if you need a tight end and chances are you do because Kittle was the third tight end up the board and some of that, you know, was on the love list. We thought he was a bargain this year. Yeah, you're going to need a tight end. And it starts, not surprisingly, Connor with Harold Fannin. Harold, look at the Browns. Look at the Browns with the running backs now.

[Connor Rogers]

Harold Fannin, they are making the most of their rookies right here. And we even have a question. We'll get to Fannin in just a second. Edu, correct me if I'm wrong, but Fannin isn't taking over Njoku's role. I think that's a good take. Fannin has a very unique role. Listen to his snap counts here. Three in the backfield, 29 in line, which is actually surprising because he didn't play. He's not really an inline tight end. 16 in the slot and six out wide. So what Kevin Stefanski is telling you is David njoku at an 86% snap rate. Matthew, he's our true tight end. Harold Fannin is more of this chess piece like he was at Bowling Green that we can move all around, which is great for his target share as.

[Matthew Berry]

Well, it really is. He ran only 10 fewer routes than Njoku and he saw three more targets. Fannin did. The thing about Njoku is he's an unbelievable blocker. So like he's never, he's never coming off the field.

[Connor Rogers]

Fannin any role.

[Matthew Berry]

He's not losing any role. The problem is will he maybe lose a few targets because they have Fannin, because they have club set and Jerry Judy, they suddenly have more pass catching options than maybe we would have thought of at the beginning of the season. So like I had in Joku as like a top seven tight end and now I'd probably rank him as, you know, a top 12 tight end. Still a tight end one but like lower. But Fannin needs to be a priority on the waiver. I honestly, if you have a tight end or if you don't as well. This was something that we talked about and you'd heard in camp how excited they were at Fanon and we thought this was coming. I didn't think it was coming week one.

[Connor Rogers]

Neither did I.

[Matthew Berry]

You know, and they playing the bagels and so. And they were throwing a ton. But still, but still like the skill set is. We've talked about this. We like the skill set coming out of college, Connor. And it's a nice matchup actually with Baltimore who last last week a lot of the third most fantasy points to tight ends. Kincaid got in the end zone. Was it Jackson Dawes? The, you know.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, Georgia Tech. Yeah, Georgia Tech blocking tight ends.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. Got into the end zone like, I mean so anyway, yeah, they played two.

[Jay Croucher]

Two separate tight ends over 70% of the snaps. That's all you really need to know. This is how they want to play.

[Connor Rogers]

This is a trend that's really gaining a lot of steam too. You know, you saw the Raiders do it, Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers. So you're going to see a lot of this around the league. Let's look at some deep league tight end targets in case you can't get Fannin. You always are a big proponent of Breton Strange, Matthew.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, you know, listen, it's been said that I like me some strange. That's Breton strange, of course, the tight end for Jacksonville. That's all I'm talking about. That's who I like. I like Breton Strange. Look, he led the team in receiving yards. He had three targets on the first try. That's the scripted plays, right? Yep, those are the scripted plays. And so like Trevor Lawrence has traditionally liked throwing to his tight end and oh, by the way, he's playing Cincinnati this week. So, yes, I do. In fact, like me some strange this week. Hey, my guy, John Smith. We talked about it again, like, it never ends. Like, again. Tell my daughters, look at. Find a guy that looks at you the way John Smith and Arthur Smith look at each other. He had a 20% target share in week one, tied for second in the week. Like, they gave him a. You know, they gave him a bs. That was one of Rogers touchdown passes, too, was a pop pass. A pop pass. Like, that's what he threw four touchdowns through four touchdowns. Come on, you handed it off for one of them. But the fact is, John Smith is going to be out there a ton. How about Juwan Johnson, suddenly the third receiving option for your beloved New Orleans Saints?

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, Spencer Rattler looked okay. Like, he looked confident out there. Also, he threw an absolute dime to Juwan Johnson to tie the game up with like six seconds left. John just dropped it in the end, but I think Rattler showed enough that he's going to at least be able to get these guys the ball and they're going to run a functional offense.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. And then in Michael Mayer, just mentioning him, obviously Brock Bowers is the guy there. But, like, they played Meyer a lot, as we talked about, sort of these two tight end sets played 63% of the snaps. He had a 12% target share. Again, if you're in a deep league and the other guys are gone.

[Connor Rogers]

All right, let's go to quarterbacks here. We're going to kick off with Danny Dimes, who, after they absolutely smashed the Dolphins in week one, we got to hear from Daniel Jones, who was one of the best fantasy quarterbacks of the week, on why he wasn't surprised about the outcome.

[Matthew Berry]

No, I don't think it was surprising to us. I think, yeah, like I said, I mean, we've.

[Connor Rogers]

We've had a lot of confidence based.

[Matthew Berry]

On our preparation and the work we've put in through training camp and kind.

[Jay Croucher]

Of where we think we've. We've grown and improved. You know, you always got to go out there and do it on the field and perform.

[Matthew Berry]

So there's that element to it. But, no, we weren't surprised.

[Connor Rogers]

But like I said, now the challenge is to grow with it, build and.

[Jay Croucher]

You know, continue to develop as a.

[Matthew Berry]

Team, as an offense. Yeah, this week will be the real test. They're home against the Broncos. That'll be the real test. It's one thing to dominate the Dolphins. It's another thing if you can hold your own against the Broncos. But we talked about this yesterday we're a believer in Shane Steichen's offense and Daniel Jones skill set in that offense.

[Jay Croucher]

Yep, offensive line looked phenomenal. It gave him a ton of time. It was one of the best pass blocking performances from any group this week. Tyler Warren look great. Michael Pittman look good. Alec Pierce deep threat also here's the thing. Connor like Dan Jones, he's willing to throw it downfield, right. He's taking shots and that to me that was the big kind of inflection point as to whether it's going to be be viable. And the fact he was willing to throw it down the field makes me think this offense I think is going to be as good as it was last week consistently. But I do think it's going to be viable and with what he gives you with his legs. Also he's sniping Jonathan Taylor at the goal line too. He's going to have the like the Daniel Jones tush push element sneaks. I think that he is going to be not be shocked at all if He's a top 15 quarterback this year.

[Connor Rogers]

In fantasy, I think in the balance they have Tyler Warren was awesome in this game. It's someone he can lean on. You brought up Pittman and just taking shots down the field and we know what he could do as a runner. So. But like you said, this is definitely one Matthew, where we're kind of, we're kind of wait and see because this matchup is huge in week two home.

[Matthew Berry]

Home to Denver, but then at Tennessee at the Rams home to Las Vegas. Like it gets easier after the Broncos and I don't know that I'd want him as my QB one and like a one quarterback league. But I definitely think he, he needs to be rostered in more than 5% of leagues which is where he's currently rostered. And I do think he's a very viable two quarterback super flex league starter. To the extent he's in any of.

[Jay Croucher]

Those leagues, I think I'd rather have him over guys like CJ Stroud to be honest. Just because of the rushing guy?

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, for sure.

[Connor Rogers]

The offensive line is a lot better as well.

[Matthew Berry]

Rather have them than Tua right now.

[Jay Croucher]

Yep, absolutely.

[Matthew Berry]

You know, like there's yeah, 100% some.

[Connor Rogers]

More 49ers injury news as that just doesn't seem to stop at any point at this point. As you see from Matt Mayoko, quarterback Brock Purdy has a left shoulder injury and a toe injury. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. He said Purdy's toe is the bigger concern and if there's anyone you could trust in this world, it's Kyle Shanahan when it comes to injuries. And by trust I mean don't expect anything from Brock Purdy or expect the worst at this point as you see some deeper targets here.

[Matthew Berry]

Matthew. Yeah, Michael Penix obviously is averaging 38 pass attempts over his last three starts. We talked about Gino. Gino looked good. Gino looked really good against the Patriots and just a perfect fit for Chip Kelly's offense. Offense. They were top three in passing yards, yards per attempt and average depth of target in week number one. And then the last one there you saw Jackson Dart. I thought Russell Wilson looked. It was not a Russ Assize.

[Jay Croucher]

He looked Cooper cuppish.

[Matthew Berry]

He looked bad. He looked bad and like they've already named Russell Wilson as the starter for week two. But I don't. I, I think we see Jackson dart sooner than later. Honestly. They. They should start Jackson Dart this week. They're afraid.

[Connor Rogers]

They're afraid to put him behind that line.

[Matthew Berry]

That's what it is.

[Connor Rogers]

Andrew Thomas didn't play. He's not ready which is a very big concern. But I don't think this is one Andrew Thomas patch away from being fixed. I thought the whole unit was bad still though.

[Jay Croucher]

I mean you can't Ross out there if he's going to look like that. I would set the over under at four and a half weeks. I think they might have the Saints in week five.

[Connor Rogers]

And then you go Eagles. Denver Eagles.

[Jay Croucher]

Yes.

[Connor Rogers]

There's no soft landing.

[Matthew Berry]

No. At some point you just have to sort of throw him out there and he's just going to have to learn. But like they have to. Jackson Dart I think will be a very viable fantasy quarterback because of his rushing whenever he gets the job there. Honestly, if I was the Giants I'd have start Jameis this week. If they don't. If they don't want to put Dart behind that line, I get it. But throw Jameis out there because that.

[Connor Rogers]

Was at some point Brian Dable's got to do everything he can to win.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah. So that was.

[Connor Rogers]

Clock's already ticked.

[Matthew Berry]

That was brutal for your Giants. I don't understand why you backed them.

[Jay Croucher]

I'm a science man now.

[Connor Rogers]

You need a defense. Here's some options for you.

[Matthew Berry]

Not allowed at the top.

[Connor Rogers]

The Rams who might have the best front in football. I mean they're just insane. They got the Titans and we saw how Denver kind of made life tough for Cam Ward. The Niners against your Saints. Jay the Cowboys against the Giants, who, as Matthew said, are still starting Russell Wilson. So that gives you some optimism for the Cowboys defense. Seattle against the Steelers and the Chargers against the Raiders. That'd be a trickier one if Geno can keep this up.

[Matthew Berry]

I'm just shocked the Seahawks are available in like 80% of leagues. Like we take this from the league platforms. Like that's not a, that's not a made up number. But like we all agree the Seahawks are one of the best defenses in the NFL.

[Jay Croucher]

Brock Purdy Brock Purdy just faced the highest pressure rate of his entire career.

[Connor Rogers]

Right.

[Jay Croucher]

Trent Williams is getting destroyed out there. Like this is an awesome defense.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, it's shocking to me.

[Connor Rogers]

We're Gonna take our first break when we're back. Still to come, JJ McCarthy rallied the Vikings to a win, but should we be concerned about the quarterback keeping others fantasy viable this season? And the answer coming right up.

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[Jay Croucher]

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[Matthew Berry]

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[Jay Croucher]

Going to the Vikings run game, Jordan Mason over 39 and a half rushing yards. He's set 11 yards lower than Aaron Jones, which I don't agree with. I think this will be a pure split. I think that Kevin o' Connell will want to lean on the run.

[Connor Rogers]

I agree with you. I think also in the past game they're going to want to lean on team the tight end for the young quarterback TJ Hawkinson going over 43 and a half receiving yards.

[Matthew Berry]

Alameda Zacchaeus. That's right. I'm going with an Alamede Zacchaeus bet as well. He's the number three wide receiver in a in a game in which I think Caleb Williams will have to throw the line was 21 and a half at the start of the show. It's up to 23 and a half now.

[Connor Rogers]

Everyone's buying it.

[Matthew Berry]

Still taking over. Everyone loves a la Zacchaeus. So give me the over on Zacchaeus at 23 and a half receiving yards tonight.

[Connor Rogers]

Nicely done, fellas. I have to say though, I'm, I'm starting to think our production team is out to get me. Yeah, Friday, great call. Friday, great call. Pickup lines Tennessee Broncos under cashes. Not a peep in this building. Not a peep. J.J. mcCarthy can't find T.J. hawkinson plastered everywhere. My face with an X through the spot. That is what it is.

[Matthew Berry]

Just pick a winner.

[Connor Rogers]

I'll sit this segment. I don't know anything about these teams. Obviously.

[Jay Croucher]

J.J. mcCarthy. Honestly, what do you make of the J.J. mcCarthy performance? I was thinking like maybe they should bring Carlson Winston.

[Connor Rogers]

To be honest with you, it was very similar to a lot of college performances where you watch the first half and you're like this guy's just rattled and overwhelmed and then he just finds a way. I think it is concerning this year for what we do in fantasy, not for the Vikings long term and the prospects of JJ McCarthy being their long term answer at quarterback because you saw the shortcomings of this pass game with him being rattled against the Bears. That's where it concerns me. And he got going to Justin Jefferson but a lot of other guys that never got going. So I mean he's a rookie quarterback really because of the injury he had last year, where it is his first year, but I was concerned with just how overwhelmed he looked and the processing speed was not great.

[Jay Croucher]

Yeah, he reminded me of like a pitcher who can throw 100 mile hour fastball, which he kind of does kind of throw with his arm. No off speed stuff. Doesn't really understand the strategy.

[Matthew Berry]

Like it was like one thing he's got isn't working. It's sort of deer in the headlights.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I mean credit to him because that is a crazy spot to be in and to kind of rally yourself and rally your team. And you saw how much that team loves him after the game. But man, it just felt like the Bears completely gave this away in an inexplicable fashion to me.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I agree, I agree with all of that. And I, I ended up joining a survivor pool late like until I only had last night's game and I took the Bears like I was like, you know, it's like it's a home team, whatever, it doesn't matter. It's a stupid.

[Jay Croucher]

But I guess like what are the actions of this? Because obviously they're not doing anything with Justin Jefferson. TJ Hawkinson gets downgraded it, but I think you still have to start him.

[Matthew Berry]

You do. Like here's, here's the thing. I, I'm not ready to panic just yet. Yeah, it's first game, you're on the road. Soldier Field's a tough place to play. It just always is when you're, when you're a, when you're an opposing quarterback. I think the Bears have a pretty good defense. I know they were banged up still.

[Connor Rogers]

Okay. That's what concerns me. I don't think they played very well missing the corner.

[Matthew Berry]

I know, I know, exactly. But the other thing here is that for much of the preseason, their offense that they practice with was Jordan Addison, Justin Jefferson, Hawkinson and Jalen Naylor. Obviously Addison's not there and now you've added Adam Thielen to the mix, which he's familiar with Kevin O', Connell, but like J.J. mcCarthy, you know, doesn't know him. And so there's a little bit of that. Plus, by the way, I think what they want to do just generally speaking is they want to be more run heavy. They want to be more run balanced, I should say, like, as opposed to, you know how pass heavy they were last year. They improved their offensive line. They added Jordan Mason. We'll get to the running backs here in a second. Ryan Smith wants to know Jordan Mason over a, a Ron Jones. Moving forward. Yeah, I mean, like, honestly, like Jordan Mason saw 65% of the running back rushes. He led the backfield with a 57% snap rate. He got 75% of the team's red zone rushes. Jones saw zero here. And so Jones, I mean, I think it's fairly simple. Jordan Mason is going to be there every down back, their first and second down back and they're close, the guy that they use when they get in close. And Jones is going to be more of the passing down back. Now, Jones will get some run. He did, you know, early in the game and everything like that as well. But like I just thought to the eye test, guys, Jordan Mason just looked like the better, more explosive running back he did.

[Jay Croucher]

And look Aaron Jones on the other side of the aging curve. They brought in Jordan Mason to add that compliment. And the offense just looked better as soon as Jordan Mason came in. He was the only one who gave them any life at the beginning of that comeback. So, yeah, I would prefer Jordan less of an injury risk as well. I would say Naron Jones. So, yeah, I think Jordan Mason's the guy you want.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I mean, Jones bails out with a touchdown, obviously in terms of fantasy points. But this week I'll have Mason ranked ahead of Jones. I don't think there's yet to your point about like, what do you do with all this? I don't think there's anything to do other than the fact that like, you're not like rushing out to pick up Jalen Naylor or Adam Thielen on the waiver wire. If had they had big games, maybe you would be. We'd be talking about him. But again, like, I don't know that you're going to, you're not going to find better than Hawkinson on the waiver wire and Jefferson is Jefferson. So I'm not panicking and I certainly, I'm not trading for Jefferson because there's a little bit of a concern. And if I have him, I'm not trading him away because his value is lower than it was. And I think you just have to sort of kind of hold steady and hope for better performances from JJ McCarthy.

[Jay Croucher]

How did you change your mind about Ben Johnson, Chicago offense? I thought Caleb Williams, he just taking so long to get the ball out and even on that first drive where it's like six for six and they march down. Oh, Ben Johnson, coach, he didn't get the ball out on time once on that drive, let alone the rest of the game.

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, that's the issue right now is that he did not really play within structure at the rate you hope he can. You hope that gets better throughout the year. He didn't run a lot in this game, which it's good to see his athleticism on display like that when he's not confident. 58 rushing yards. DeAndre Swift gets the bulk of the rushing carries. And it was nice to see. Nice to see Roma Dunes, they get that touchdown at the end. I know that was kind of a. Not a fluky play, but surprising they threw in that situation.

[Jay Croucher]

Ben Johnson ish play, but a very.

[Connor Rogers]

Ben Johnson ish play for Roma Dunes.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, tough night at the stadium for DJ Moore here. I'm a little concerned about him, honestly.

[Jay Croucher]

Colson Loveland.

[Matthew Berry]

Yeah, I mean, Colson Loveland, you can't start him until you see. Until you see it like he's on the wrong side of that. The positives here about for the Bears at Detroit, home to Dallas at Las Vegas. So the schedule gets easier for the Bears over the next three.

[Connor Rogers]

All right, Sunday night. J.J. mcCarthy again makes his Sunday Night Football debut at home as the Vikings host Michael Penix Jr. And the Falcons coverage of the NFC battle begins at 7:00pm Eastern on NBC. And Peacock, we're taking our last break, but when we're back, we're circling some games on our betting card. Early line alert is right after this. You've got the football jersey, you've got the passion, but you're chasing it with.

[Matthew Berry]

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[Connor Rogers]

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Gran Centenario Grand Centenario tequila. 40% alcohol by volume. Proximal proximospirits.com if this were a Reese's TV ad, you'd be staring at a Reese's peanut butter cup. And sure, my voice is peanut butter.

[Jay Croucher]

Buttery smooth, but still, you need to.

[Matthew Berry]

See the peanut butter cups, right? No, I can really just say Reese's and you'll go get some. Okay. Reese's, Reese's, Reese's really working. Actually, Reese's, Reese's, this. I'm onto something. Reese's, Reese's, Reese's, Reese's Halliday presents in the red corner, the undisputed undefeated weed whacker guy. Champion of hurling grass and pollen everywhere. And in the blue corner, the challenger, extra strength Hanaday eye drops that work all day to prevent the release of histamines that cause itchy allergy eyes. And the winner by knockout is Pataday Hattieday. Bring it on.

[Connor Rogers]

DraftKings Sportsbook is an official sports betting partner of the NFL. New customers can bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets instantly and $2 NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube TV. Just download the sportsbook app and use promo code FFHH when you sign up. Drafting Sportsbook Cyber. Last call. As we do on Tuesdays, we're going to take a look at some early lines for the weekend coming up here, guys. Jay, what do you got?

[Jay Croucher]

Second Seahawks plus three at Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers played well against the Jets. He still can't move and he's going to get pressured a lot by the Seahawks. Think that deep defense gets that done?

[Connor Rogers]

Yeah, I'm looking for a an underdog as well. I like the Falcons getting five and a half points at Minnesota. I know obviously they're at Minnesota's home, but this Falcons defense pressured Baker Mayfield on 41% of his drop backs last week. They're going to be in J.J. mcCarthy's face. Five and a half points. I trust Michael Penix to at least keep them in the game if not win it outright.

[Matthew Berry]

Completely agree. Give me the Eagles just money line. Like the lines already moved to just 0.5 to half a point right here. But like, like the Eagles, the Chiefs are banged up coming over from Brazil. Yeah. Give me the Eagles to win again. For Jay and Connor, I'm Matthew. It's closing time. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here. We'll see you tomorrow. Peace out. Reese's peanut butter cups are the greatest, but let me play devil's advocate here. Let's see. So no, that's a good thing. That's definitely not a problem.

[Connor Rogers]

Reese's.

[Matthew Berry]

You did it. You stumped this charming devil Hataday presents. In the red corner, the undisputed undefeated weed whacker guy. Champion of hurling grass and pollen everywhere. And in the blue corner, the challenger, Extra strength Hanaday eye drops that work all day to prevent the release of histamines that cause itchy allergy eyes. And the winner by knockout is Pataday Paddiday. Bring it on.