Flex Options for Week 2 (Fantasy Football)
One week is in the books, and the fantasy roller coaster continues. Week 1 saw some huge flex success for those who started the Panthers from last week’s article, with Coker finishing at WR1 and Chuba coming in as RB9 for the week. Michael Wilson beat his ranking by a few spots. The Buccaneers/Bengals game had plenty of scoring, but unfortunately Gainwell’s six touches did not amount to much. Even more abysmal was the performance by the Titans’ offense, who abandoned the run, leaving Pollard to finish as the RB45. Thankfully, a new week brings new opportunities to pan for gold amongst the RBs ranked outside the top 24 and WRs ranked outside the top 36 in the Fantasy Footballers rankings.
Here are some names to consider:
Khalil Shakir, WR, Buffalo Bills
This one is going to require a quick decision because Shakir plays Thursday night, but if you are already dealing with WR injuries (looking at you, AJ, Ladd, and Zay owners), this flex option may be for you. The Bills are hosting the Lions in what Vegas projects to be the highest-scoring game for Week 2. This Lions team allowed the most passing yards (410) and most completions of 20+ yards (7) in Week 1. While it is true the Saints’ pace of play maximized opportunities (56 attempts), the Bills faced the vaunted Texans defense and finished fourth in passing yards and third in completions of 20+ yards in about half the attempts (29)! Shakir finished Week 1 tied for second in team target share (20%) and led the Bills in red zone targets. Shakir served as a safe passing option for Josh Allen in Week 1 and should reprise that role in Week 2 to beat his rank of WR39.
Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
In Week 1, the Packers’ receiving yards and receiving TDs were led by Christian Watson, but it was Matthew Golden who led the pass catchers in target share (28.5%), targets per route run (TPRR), snap percentage, and route rate. Golden also led the receiving corps in red zone snaps and red zone targets. Entering the week ranked as WR38, Golden is matching up against a Jets secondary that ranks in the bottom third of the league. With Watson and Tucker Kraft also presenting receiving threats, all the ingredients are in place for Golden to have success in Week 2.
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Stefon Diggs, WR, Washington Commanders
The Commanders travel to Dallas for what Vegas projects to be the third highest scoring game of the week. While Terry McLaurin saw blanket coverage by all-pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell in Week 1, Diggs led the Commanders in targets. Diggs found ways to exploit the defensive coverage while running out of the slot, and that should continue into Week 2. The Cowboys secondary ranks in the bottom third of the league, which should allow great opportunities for the Commanders WRs. It is easy to see a path for Diggs to beat his current ranking against the bottom-half Cowboys defense.
Bonus: Rookie Antonio Williams, ranked WR74, had a solid NFL debut and may see his role boosted while TE Chig Okonkwo deals with a hamstring injury.
Aaron Jones Sr., RB, Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones showed he still has a bit left in the tank, leading the Vikings RBs in snap percentage (46%) in a divisional matchup against a Packers defensive front that ranks in the top third. Week 1 saw Jones splitting RB duties with Jordan Mason, including evenly split red zone carries. Mason is now on the IR, leaving Jones to benefit from the consolidation of opportunities. The Vikings continue the divisional tilts against the Chicago Bears, who have one of the weakest defensive fronts in the league. Week 1 saw the Bears allow 5.7ypc and three rushing TDs against a split backfield. Garbage time or not, the Bears allowed last week’s RB9. With Mason out, Jones has all the runway he needs to beat the rank of RB25.
Kaelon Black, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Week 1 showed the 49ers drafted Black with a clear plan for utilization. Against the Rams, Black logged seven carries in each half to the tune of 4.64 yards per carry in his NFL debut. Black was the go-to back to spell Christian McCaffrey, including while CMC dealt with cramping. While I do not think Black will have standalone flex power every week, the 49ers are hosting Miami, one of the worst defenses in the league. The sportsbooks have the 49ers with the most implied points for the week, meaning there should be plenty of rushing opportunities, including to keep the clock moving while closing out the game. The 49ers have already shown a desire to manage Christian McCaffrey’s workload, so Black, currently ranked RB 36, has a good chance to see some real work.
Bonus: Someone has to score the highest implied points, and the currently ranked WR37 Deebo Samuel has shown he has the trust of the coaching staff & Brock Purdy with six receptions & one carry in Week 1.
Comments
So say you have Aaron Jones AND you added Kaelon Black. Who you FLEXIN?