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NFL Week 2: Defending Super Bowl Champs Aim to Avoid an 0-2 Start

Week 2 games are just about to kick off. Let's get it!

September 17, 2023

Top 5 Must-Watch Football Games Week 2

By The Draft Team

1. Chiefs (0-1) vs. Jaguars (1-0)

Where: EverBank Stadium, Jacksonville, FLWhen: 1:00 pm ET | CBSGet Chiefs NFL Shop 2023 Gear | Get Jaguars NFL Shop 2023 Gear

  • Defending Super Bowl champions aim to avoid an 0-2 start.

  • Oddsmakers predict the game will be the highest-scoring contest in Week Two.

  • Two young star quarterbacks battle it out in a rematch from last season’s playoffs.

2. Ravens (1-0) vs. Bengals (0-1)

Where: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OHWhen: 1:00 pm ET | CBSGet Ravens NFL Shop 2023 Gear | Get Bengals NFL Shop 2023 Gear

  • Bengals want to avoid an 0-2 start for the second straight season.

  • A Bengals victory would even the all-time record between the two teams at 28-28.

  • QB Joe Burrow looks to bounce back after a career-low 82 passing yards in Week 1.

3. Jets (1-0) vs. Cowboys (1-0)

Where: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TXWhen: 4:25 pm ET | CBSGet Jets NFL Shop 2023 Gear | Get Cowboys NFL Shop 2023 Gear

  • The Jets will look to salvage the season without quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

  • Cowboys have fourth-best odds to win the Super Bowl following 40-0 their Week One win.

  • Back-to-back shutouts have been extremely rare in NFL history, but the Cowboys have a chance against the Rodgers-less Jets.

4. Browns (1-0) vs. Steelers (0-1)

Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburg, PAWhen: Monday, September 18 / 8:15 pm ET | ABC & ESPNGet Browns NFL Shop 2023 Gear | Get Steelers NFL Shop 2023 Gear

  • Cleveland looks for its first 2-0 start since 1993.

  • Browns vs. Steelers is among the most storied rivalries in NFL history.

  • Head coach Mike Tomlin has never had a losing regular season in Pittsburgh, but oddsmakers predict that this year could be his first.

5. Packers (1-0) vs. Falcons (1-0)

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GAWhen: 1:00 pm ET | FOXGet Packers NFL Shop 2023 Gear | Get Falcons NFL Shop 2023 Gear

  • The last four meetings between the two teams have been decided by at least 10 points, but oddsmakers predict this game will have the second-closest score in Week Two.

  • Both teams have the same odds (+5000) to win the Super Bowl.

  • Closely-contested rivalry: Packers have a 17-14 edge historically in the regular season.

The Rundown

The stories and players that matter most

1. LAC: Austin Ekeler ruled out 

Our view: With Ekeler out, Joshua Kelley is the focus for Fantasy GMs this week after a promising performance in Week 1. Expect him to carry the burden against the Titans, establishing himself as a solid choice in RB2 positions.

2. CLE: Amari Cooper aggravates groin 

Our view: Fantasy GMs should have a backup plan as Cooper's status against the Steelers is doubtful. Should he be sidelined, Elijah Moore, David Njoku, and Donovan Peoples-Jones could have increased roles in the Browns' offense.

3. HOU: Questionable tag for C.J. Stroud

Our view: Despite the shoulder injury, Stroud is expected to play but should avoid unnecessary contact. This presents a minor concern for the team's offense, potentially affecting extended plays.

4. LAR: Cooper Kupp to return in Week 5? 

Our view: Kupp's potential return in Week 5 could shift targets in the Rams' receiving core. In the meantime, Puka Nacua might continue to enjoy increased production, making him a worthwhile consideration for fantasy lineups.

5. KC: Travis Kelce listed as questionable 

Our view: Despite being tagged as questionable, Kelce is expected to play against the Jaguars, though with potentially limited snaps. Fantasy GMs should keep him in their lineups, as he remains a valuable asset when on the field.

6. LAR: Sean McVay expects Puka Nacua to play 

Our view: Nacua, after an impressive debut, seems set to play in Week 2. His presence, even with a recent oblique injury, still warrants consideration as a flex play in fantasy leagues.

7. CAR: DJ Chark questionable 

Our view: Chark's full participation in Saturday's practice signals promising odds of him playing on Monday night against the Saints, possibly serving as a viable flex option for Fantasy GMs this week.

8. PIT: Diontae Johnson ruled out 

Our view: With Johnson ruled out and George Pickens' status uncertain, the Steelers may depend more on players like Allen Robinson, Calvin Austin, and Pat Freiermuth to step up against the Browns.

9. PIT: Pat Freiermuth good to go 

Our view: Freiermuth is expected to play in Week 2, offering a potential upside as a TE2 option for Fantasy GMs, as the Steelers aim to rebound against the Browns.

10. DEN: Greg Dulcich to miss Week 2 

Our view: With Dulcich ruled out, the Broncos are likely to rely more on TE Adam Trautman. This shift could also increase the roles of Chris Manhertz and possibly Lil Jordan Humphrey.

11. TEN: Tyjae Spears expected to play 

Our view: Spears is gearing up for action in Week 2, holding potential as a deep flex option in PPR formats, especially with the anticipation surrounding his future in the league.

12. TEN: Treylon Burks likely will play 

Our view: Burks is expected to play, but his fantasy value might be constrained by Tannehill's performance. Despite this, he remains a decent choice for WR3/flex spots against the Chargers.

13. DEN: Jerry Jeudy not on injury report 

Our view: Jeudy is set to play in Week 2, potentially becoming a primary target for the Broncos' offense, making him a worthy flex option in fantasy leagues this week.

14. CLE: Browns' final Week 2 injury report 

Our view: Cooper's questionable status should have Fantasy GMs on alert, potentially paving the way for increased roles for Elijah Moore, David Njoku, and Donovan Peoples-Jones against the Steelers.

15. IND: Kylen Granson added to injury report 

Our view: Granson's addition to the injury report presents a concern for Fantasy GMs, possibly shifting more targets towards Mo Alie-Cox in Week 2 against the Texans.

16. PIT: George Pickens added to injury report 

Our view: With a hamstring concern, Pickens' playing status is uncertain, leaving fantasy GMs in a precarious position. If active, he can serve as a WR3/flex option, albeit with cautious expectations against the Browns.

Last- Minute Fantasy Picks

For more in-depth coverage on our gameday picks, subscribe below

Running Backs

To Play

  1. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

  2. AJ Dillion, Green Bay Packers

  3. Kyren Williams, LA Rams

To Sit

  1. Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  2. Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins

  3. Brian Robinson, Washington Commanders

Wide Receivers

To Play

  1. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers

  2. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  3. Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns

To Sit

  1. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets

  2. Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars

  3. Nico Collins, Houston Texans

Quarterback

To Play

  1. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts

To Sit

  1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Tight End

To Play

  1. Hunter Henry, New England Patriots

To Sit

  1. Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

Players to Watch This Week

  1. Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons

  2. Drake London, WR, Atlanta Falcons