Fantasy Playbook: NFL Week 2 Scores, Projections, and Matchups
Welcome to the Week 2 NFL Fantasy Playbook! This guide provides score projections, over/unders, win probabilities, and in-depth fantasy advice for season-long leagues and DFS. Use this information to make informed sit/start decisions, waiver adds, and lineup choices. We've also integrated Shadow Reports to give you an edge in WR/CB matchups.
Key Features
This playbook is centered on 12-team PPR leagues with standard scoring and lineup settings. Charts include all players projected for at least 6.0 fantasy points and all D/STs. "Matchup" is determined using a proprietary metric factoring in fantasy points allowed to each position.
Editor's Note: Projections and rankings align closely, with slight variations due to factors like upside or risk. This column will be updated throughout the weekend, with rankings and projections refined up to kickoff.
Game-by-Game Breakdowns
CLE-BAL
JAX-CIN
Projected score: Bengals 28, Jaguars 22
Lineup locks: Joe Burrow, Chase Brown, Ja'Marr Chase, Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter, Tee Higgins
Fantasy scoop: The Jaguars' RB situation is clearer following the trade of Tank Bigsby. Travis Etienne is the clear leader, but LeQuint Allen and Bhayshul Tuten will be involved. Etienne is a viable flex option. Allen will factor in passing situations and Tuten may see more change-of-pace carries. Monitor Etienne's efficiency as Tuten could earn a larger role.
Fantasy scoop: Hunter had a quiet debut (33 yards), but he played 30 of 33 pass plays, leading the Jaguars in targets (six) and catches (six). While his 28% target share may not be sustainable, even a 20% to 25% share makes him a good WR2-3. Lock him into lineups against a shaky Bengals defense.
Over/under: 49.2 (fourth highest)
Win probability: Bengals 71% (third highest)
NYG-DAL
Projected score: Cowboys 24, Giants 21
Lineup locks: CeeDee Lamb, Malik Nabers
Fantasy scoop: Javonte Williams was Dallas' clear feature back in Week 1, playing 80% of snaps and totaling 15 carries and three targets. Despite low efficiency (3.6 YPC, 3.3 YPT), two touchdowns salvaged his fantasy day. His heavy usage positions him as a fringe RB2 against the Giants. Watch for Miles Sanders and rookie Jaydon Blue to chip away at his workload if efficiency doesn't improve.
Shadow Report: Expect Trevon Diggs to shadow Nabers in Week 2. Nabers was productive in both 2024 matchups. Start him with confidence. Darius Slayton should be considered a Week 2 sleeper against Kaiir Elam.
Over/under: 44.7 (12th highest)
Win probability: Cowboys 62% (11th highest)
CHI-DET
Projected score: Lions 27, Bears 22
Lineup locks: Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Sam LaPorta
Fantasy scoop: Rome Odunze led the Bears' WR room in snaps (59), routes (34), and targets (9). He found the end zone, and his 26% target share is sustainable. Odunze should be in lineups as a WR3 this week. Colston Loveland was out-snapped and out-targeted by Cole Kmet. Stash Loveland on benches until his playing time increases.
Over/under: 48.1 (fifth highest)
Win probability: Lions 68% (seventh highest)
NE-MIA
Projected score: Patriots 23, Dolphins 23
Lineup locks: De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill
Fantasy scoop: The Patriots' running back deployment saw Rhamondre Stevenson leading in snaps, routes, and carries, while TreVeyon Henderson had fewer routes but held an edge in targets and was more productive. Henderson's role may increase, but limited rushing usage knocks him down to RB2/flex fringe. Stevenson is a low-ceiling flex option.
Over/under: 46.1 (sixth highest)
Win probability: Patriots 50% (16th highest)
SF-NO
Projected score: 49ers 25, Saints 19
Lineup locks: Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Ricky Pearsall
Fantasy scoop: George Kittle is sidelined, opening opportunities for Jake Tonges and Luke Farrell. Neither is a recommended fantasy start, but the target shares of Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings stand to benefit. Pearsall is a WR3 and Jennings a flex (if he plays). With Brock Purdy sidelined, both have added risk.
Fantasy scoop: The Saints force-fed passes to Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson, and Rashid Shaheed in Week 1, but the results were underwhelming. Johnson is a good TE2 to watch. Olave and Shaheed are on the flex radar but hard to trust with Spencer Rattler at quarterback.
Over/under: 44.4 (13th highest)
Win probability: 49ers 69% (sixth highest)
BUF-NYJ
Projected score: Bills 28, Jets 22
Lineup locks: Josh Allen, Justin Fields, James Cook, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson
Shadow Report: Sauce Gardner shadowed DK Metcalf in Week 1. This week, there's a reasonable chance that Gardner will travel with Keon Coleman, who emerged as Allen's top perimeter target. Expect regression for Coleman; he's best valued as a WR3/flex.
Shadow Report: Garrett Wilson can expect shadow coverage from Christian Benford. Wilson fared well in previous matchups against Benford and Rasul Douglas. Given Buffalo's struggles against Baltimore's receivers, Wilson's Week 2 outlook appears promising.
Over/under: 49.5 (third highest)
Win probability: Bills 73% (second highest)
SEA-PIT
Projected score: Steelers 22, Seahawks 18
Lineup locks: Jaylen Warren, DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Fantasy scoop: Kenneth Walker III had his worst fears realized as Zach Charbonnet led the Seattle backfield. It's possible Walker will reclaim lead back duties, but it's far from guaranteed. Both backs will be hard to trust this week and make for fringe flex plays against a tough Steelers defense.
Shadow Report: Riq Woolen shadowed Ricky Pearsall and will likely follow DK Metcalf in Week 2. Metcalf can be started with confidence.
Over/under: 39.7 (16th highest)
Win probability: Steelers 66% (eighth highest)
LAR-TEN
Projected score: Rams 26, Titans 20
Lineup locks: Kyren Williams, Tony Pollard, Puka Nacua, Davante Adams, Calvin Ridley
Fantasy scoop: Tony Pollard was a clear feature back in Week 1, playing 89% of the team's offensive snaps. He's a strong bet to push for 20 touches again this week. He should be in lineups as a solid, low-ceiling RB2.
Over/under: 45.6 (eighth highest)
Win probability: Rams 71% (fourth highest)
CAR-ARI
Projected score: Cardinals 25, Panthers 20
Lineup locks: Kyler Murray, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard, Tetairoa McMillan, Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride
Fantasy scoop: Tetairoa McMillan's NFL debut was very promising. Carolina's offensive struggles could limit McMillan's TD output, but it's very possible he'll sustain a high target share. McMillan's solid start is enough to make him a lineup lock WR3 against Arizona.
Over/under: 45.5 (ninth highest)
Win probability: Cardinals 69% (fifth highest)
DEN-IND
Projected score: Broncos 21, Colts 21
Lineup locks: Jonathan Taylor, Courtland Sutton, Tyler Warren
Fantasy scoop: J.K. Dobbins led the Broncos' RB usage in Week 1. Dobbins is a deep league flex option, whereas Harvey should be stashed on benches until he sees an expanded role.
Shadow Report: Worried about Pat Surtain II shadowing Michael Pittman Jr.? There's still some risk of a shadow here, but it's far from a sure thing, so Pittman remains on the flex radar.
Over/under: 41.6 (15th highest)
Win probability: Broncos 51% (15th highest)
PHI-KC
Projected score: Eagles 25, Chiefs 25
Lineup locks: Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, Hollywood Brown, DeVonta Smith, Travis Kelce
Fantasy scoop: With Rashee Rice and Jalen Royals sidelined and Xavier Worthy injured, Hollywood Brown emerged as the Chiefs' top wideout. Brown should be in lineups against the Eagles. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Tyquan Thornton are sneaky flex options in deeper leagues.
Shadow Report: Trent McDuffie figures to shadow Hollywood Brown this week. Brown's bust rate is higher than usual, but he should remain in lineups.
Over/under: 49.9 (second highest)
Win probability: Eagles 53% (14th highest)
ATL-MIN
Projected score: Vikings 24, Falcons 20
Lineup locks: Bijan Robinson, Justin Jefferson, Drake London, T.J. Hockenson
Fantasy scoop: The Vikings' RB usage split between Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones. Both backs are on the flex radar against Atlanta, with Jones' receiving role supplying him with a tiny edge.
Shadow Report: Expect A.J. Terrell to shadow Justin Jefferson. Expectations for Jefferson can remain high.
Over/under: 44.3 (14th highest)
Win probability: Vikings 65% (ninth highest)
TB-HOU
Projected score: Buccaneers 24, Texans 22
Lineup locks: Bucky Irving, Nico Collins, Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka
Fantasy scoop: Houston utilized four tailbacks in Week 1. Nick Chubb was the lead. This is a situation to avoid completely, at least until Joe Mixon returns.
Shadow Report: Mike Evans can expect the shadow treatment from Derek Stingley Jr. It's fair to lower expectations a bit against Stingley this week.
Over/under: 46.1 (seventh highest)
Win probability: Buccaneers 58% (12th highest)
LAC-LV
Projected score: Chargers 25, Raiders 20
Lineup locks: Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Jakobi Meyers, Ladd McConkey, Brock Bowers
Fantasy scoop: Omarion Hampton's debut usage provides a ton of reasons for optimism. Lock Hampton into your lineup against the Raiders, whereas Harris should be on either waivers or the end of your bench.
Shadow Report: Upgrade Los Angeles' receivers. The Raiders surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to receivers in Week 1.
Over/under: 45.3 (10th highest)
Win probability: Chargers 65% (10th highest)
Dylan Sampson Start or Sit: Week 2 Fantasy Football Advice
Despite aiming for a strong start, the Bengals struggled in Week 1 against the Browns. The Browns accumulated 327 offensive yards compared to the Bengals' 141. Rookie running back Dylan Sampson led the team in rushing yards and receptions.
While neither Sampson nor Jerome Ford gained significant ground, Sampson's receiving usage was exceptional. He ranked as RB9 in PPR leagues despite lacking a touchdown or 100 total yards. He caught all eight of his targets, totaling 20 touches for 93 yards.
Fantasy Football Analysis: Browns, RB, Dylan Sampson
Sampson has surpassed Jerome Ford as the lead back, and rookie Quinshon Judkins just signed but missed practice due to a league meeting. Sampson shouldn't be concerned about Judkins impacting his snaps this week.
The Browns face a Ravens team that recently surrendered a 15-point 4th quarter lead to Josh Allen and the Bills. The Ravens will be prepared at home for their 30th anniversary festivities. We expect Sampson to receive check downs in this game.
Start or Sit in Week 2 PPR Leagues?
Start. As 11.5-point underdogs, Joe Flacco and company will likely pass frequently, benefiting Sampson.
Start or Sit in Week 2 Standard Leagues?
Start. While less valuable in standard leagues, Sampson is worth a flex if he approaches 20 touches again.