Joe DiCarlo 
Week One is in the books, and what a week it was! Some games played out as expected, and some were disappointments. I hope some of you profited from last week’s takes, Cash Game options Alvin Kamara and Tyreek Hill should’ve carried you across those pay lines. Mike Evans and Baker Mayfield were GPP gold too, and there’s more where that came from.
On to Week Two fellas, the time to start building your lineups is now. We have another 13-game banger, loaded with a few fifty-point totals. We have you covered all week long, so let’s get moving.
Stay tuned to all our injury news, updates, and building advice on Discord. Also, check out our Optimizer and Projection Models to get the best possible performance from your lineups. Also, check back into the article during the week as we approach kickoff for more content, as more game breakdowns will be available as we approach the Sunday Slate.
Sunday Main Slate 9/15/24
Raiders @ Ravens (-9.5) (U/O 50)
The Ravens kick off the afternoon slate by hosting the Raiders and are looking to get back on track after a tough Thursday Night loss to the Chiefs. Lamar and company looked fresh out the gate but in the end, lost by a Likely toenail out of bounds in the end zone. The Vegas near ten-point spread tells us to prepare for a Raider a$$ whopping, so I’ll have my shares of Ravens this weekend, especially their run game. Vegas gave up a total of 176 yards rushing to the Chargers last week, mostly to a J.K. Dobbins running back coming off two years worth of ACL repairs.
Receiver Zay Flowers ( ten targets, 6REC/37YDS) and tight end Isaiah Likely (12 targets, 9 REC/111 YDS/1 TD) appear to be Jackson’s one-two punch on offense this season. I’m fine using them in Cash or GPPs. Mark Andrews, however, still does not appear to be 100% after his motor vehicle accident in the off-season. He’s off my radar at his current price tag for DFS until we see better performances.
if Baltimore does run the score up on Vegas, the Raiders will be playing from behind for a decent portion of the game. So we’re not interested in Zamir White, although Alexander Mattison (six targets, 4REC/43YDS/1TD) (hurry-up offense on the field, garbage time) for a GPP option would be a worthy dart throw. I’m not playing Minshew against a solid, blitzing Ravens defense (two sacks, three pressures on Mahomes in Week One) but Davante Adams and his fellow pass-catchers can be tournament plays.
Cash: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers
GPP: Alexander Mattison, Davante Adams, Brock Bowers,Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Jakobi Meyers, Justice Hill (in case you feel he vultures from Henry)
Niners @ Vikings (+5.5) (O/U 48)
The Niners have finally entered the Sunday Slate, and they’ll have a great match-up on the road. The Vikes have some momentum coming into this game after destroying Daniel Jones and the Giants’ offense on the road last weekend. We should see plenty of rushing attempts from both sides (Minnesota ranked ninth in offensive lines), especially the Niners (38 RuATT) if they get Christian McCaffrey back this weekend.
Let’s figure out this game script, shall we? Minnesota is given almost a touchdown on the spread, so they may need to throw the ball a little more than last week since their defense mainly won that game. Justin Jefferson14.9 YPR/1 TD in Week One) is always a lock, and Aaron Jones is their workhorse in the backfield (6.7 YPC/1 TD in Week One), that’s about it for certain. Until tight end TJ Hockenson gets back from his ACL and Jordan Addison’s second ankle injury gets evaluated, it’ll be a more condensed offense for Sam Darnold. The Niners’ defense is a play here too.
If it ain’t broken, Kyle Shanahan won’t fix it. They’ll continue to force their run game down their opponents’ throats. If CMC takes another week off because of his calf, it will be the Jordan Mason show again (5.3 YPC/128 YDS/1 TD). Deebo Samuel may also see some of the work, especially after he got into the end zone against a tough Jets defense. I love Purdy, but he just doesn’t fit the game script here if Minnesota comes up short on the scoreboard. Kittlecan can be a play for some underneath screen passes, and maybe Aiyuk will finally find paydirt this weekend after getting some practice under his belt. GPP is only for me.
Cash: Justin Jefferson, Christian McCaffrey (Jordan Mason if he is out)
Update: Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Addison are OUT
GPP: Aaron Jones, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Brandon Aiyuk, Brock Purdy
Saints @ Cowboys (-6.5) (O/U 45.5)
Both teams enter this game with a 1 – 0 record this Sunday, but only one team can leave victorious here, and I have a feeling it will be the home team. The Cowboys put the Browns’ offense and Deshaun Watson in a vise in Cleveland, so expect that defense to repeat that performance on Sunday. New Orleans kept up their end of the bargain on defense too, but to a much inferior Carolina team.
CeeDee Lamb had a quiet afternoon in Cleveland (5 REC/61 YDS), but it was because of the game flow, as the Browns could not move the football or keep possession of it (Two INTs/1 Pick Six). He has a tough matchup against Marshon Lattimore and may see some extra coverage from Tyran Mathieu, so keep Lamb in GPPs. Tight end Jake Ferguson came down with an injury, Dak’s second option, so consider Brandin Cooks or Jalen Tolbert as other GPP targets in this contest.
The Saints’ Derek Carr had a very efficient game (86.2% completion) throwing three touchdowns, but it was against a bottom-feeder Panthers team. Dallas will put the heat on Carr on the road, which could lead to plenty of mistakes and an inability to move the ball. They’ll be playing catchup, yet Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed will see plenty of Trayvon Diggs and Jourdan Lewis, so they can be risky to roster. Dallas loves to blitz with Micah Parsons, so Carr will need to get rid of the ball fast. Alvin Kamara (5 REC in Week One) and his tight ends Juwan Johnson (2 REC/26 YDS/1 TD in Week One) and Foster Moreau (4 REC/43 YDS/1 TD in Week One)
Cash: Cowboys DST
GPP: CeeDee Lamb, Alvin Kamara, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau, Dak Prescott
Update: Jake Ferguson unlikely to play
Colts @ Packers (+3.5) (O/U 41)
The Pack are home from Brazil where they suffered a loss to the Eagles but took a bigger blow after Jordan Love suffered an MCL sprain, which will keep him off the field for a few weeks. Indianapolis put up a good fight but came up short to Houston this past Sunday, and will look to rebound from a Packers team looking to start Malik Willis.
We’re not sure what the Packers’ head coach has up his sleeve yet, but I feel he will play some “hide the quarterback” on Sunday. Malik Willis has never passed for over 100 yards or completed a touchdown pass in the 11 games he has played since 2022. On that note, we can’t have much faith in his receivers other than Jayden Reed who could be utilized in some trick plays. We should also see a heavy dose of Josh Jacobs, who has a great matchup. The Colts are still recovering from the blood bath from Joe Mixon (5.3 YPC/159 RuYDS/1 TD), who put them dead last in DVOA to opposing running backs this season. All Cheese Heads for GPP only, including Willis for his rushing upside and skimpy price tag ($5,000 on DraftKings). The Colts’ defense is a play too.
Indy will look to get into the win column on the back of their franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson. He threw for two touchdowns and ran one in himself against a tough Texan defense built by head coach DeMeco Ryans. His arm may not be needed if the Packers fail to score, but Richardson’s legs provide a very high ceiling for him. Richardson is safe for Cash games averaging over eight yards per carry on turf to a Packers defense that was trampled by Saquon Barkley a week ago.
Cash: Anthony Richardson, Colts Defense
GPP: Malik Willis, Josh Jacobs, Jayden Reed
Update: Josh Downs, Marshon Lloyd, and Jayden Reed are questionable, Jordan Love is OUT
Jets @ Titans (+3.5) (O/U 40.5)
Gang Green came up short Monday Night, but it was a sight for sore eyes to finally see Aaron Rodgers back on the field. The Jets have an identity now that they have a respectable quarterback, and should be able to move the football during the season. They’ll be on the road again in Tennessee to face a Titans team that was in total disarray in Week One against Chicago.
Will Levis of the Titans had his cage rattled by the Bears, throwing two picks, one taken to the house by Tyrique Stevenson. Levis will see even more pressure from the Jets’ front seven along with Sauce Gardner shadowing DeAndre Hopkins. Tennessee will lean once again on Tony Pollard (5.1 YPC/1 TD/94 TOT YDS) and the run game to move the chains until Levis can get his game together. Pollard saw a 60% snap share of the backfield in Week One, but the coaching staff has already mentioned getting Tyjae Spears “more involved” moving forward. Both are GPP plays and have a matchup that allowed Jordan Mason a career-high 147 rushing yards (5.3 YPC).
New York should go back to the well of their cut-and-dry style of offense, Rodgers to Breece Hall or Garrett Wilson…easy peasy. Hall’s yards per carry were only 3.4, but he never left the field with an 82% snap share and was very involved in the passing game (20.2% target share). Garrett Wilson was even more of a pillar to the offense with a 98% snap share and 37% target rate, seeing 11 against the Niners. But hey, let’s not forget about Rodgers’ teammate in Green Bay Allen Lazard. He has been resurrected officially from the fantasy graveyard and put back into perspective after his 6 REC/89 YDS/2 TDS stat line.
Cash: Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Jets DST
GPP: Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Update: Mike Williams to get more of a workload
Seahawks @ Patriots (+3.5) (O/U 38)
The lowest total on the slate will be played at Gillette Stadium as the Pats look to keep the momentum going against the visiting Seahawks. Jerod Mayo used the playbook of his predecessor Bill Belichick of running the ball and playing tight defense, which turned into an upset victory in Cincinnati. Seattle also came out on top in Week One, capitalizing on an inexperienced Broncos team that failed to secure the football and relying on rookie quarterback Bo Nix to make plays.
We should again see plenty of the same from New England, get the ball into the hands of Rhamondre Stevenson (4.8 YPC/120 YDS/1 TD), and keep Seattle’s offense on the sidelines. Their defense could be another option this week, as they are still under $3,000 on DraftKings. The salary relief was tremendous in gathering studs for Week One and at the same time gave us an ROI of nearly five times the price tag. Gillette is a rough stadium on the road, so Geno Smith may sometimes struggle. I would only play Stevenson in tournaments, but the defense is safe for cash.
Seattle’s players received very high ratings in their Broncos victory, especially OT Charles Cross with a 94.8. Because of him and the rest of Seattle’s offensive line, Kenneth Walker was able to perform well (5.2 YPC/103 YDS/1 TD). But he left the game in the fourth quarter Sunday with an abdominal injury and did not practice on Wednesday. We’ll need to pay close attention to Walker’s status, in case he doesn’t suit up, Zach Charbonnet will get a tremendous bump up in workload. The potential loss would also force Geno Smith to rely on his receivers to move the chains. Whether Kenneth Walker plays or not, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett would be ideal for GPPs.
Cash: New England DST, Kenneth Walker (Zach Charbonnet if he is OUT)
GPP: Seattle DST, Rhamondre Stevenson, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett
Update: Kenneth Walker is doubtful
Chargers @ Panthers (+6) (O/U 39)
LA fresh off winning their home opener, will visit Carolina for a cupcake matchup against the Panthers. We generally avoid low-total games with touchdown spreads, but there are always useful pieces to build lineups in every game for DFS. LA will keep it simple again this week, play solid defense, and pound the football up the middle. Harbaugh will play the hot hand with his running backs, and last week it was the return of J.K. Dobbins.
Dobbins carved up the Raiders’ interior defense, averaging over 13 yards per carry for 135 yards and a touchdown, so he’ll get first dibs. But I wouldn’t put it past Harbaugh to let Gus Edwards eat a little this weekend, especially against a 29th-in DVOA Panthers rushing defense. J.K. and the Chargers DST are safe for Cash but put Edwards in tournaments only.
Carolina seems to still be a work in progress for head coach Canales. They deployed a platoon of running backs, with Chuba Hubbard only seeing six carries. Bryce Young only averaged 5.4 yards per pass attempt, with a pathetic 43% completion rate. His skill position players are all GPP options, so if you decide to go this route for tournaments, pay down. Jonathan Mingo and Xavier Legette combined for 12 targets. If this game gets out of hand, we can assume these youngsters see plenty of snaps in garbage time.
Cash: J.K. Dobbins, Chargers DST
GPP: Gus Edwards, Jonathan Mingo, Xavier Legette
Update: Josh Palmer is questionable
Giants @ Commanders (-2.5) (O/U 43.5)
New York was embarrassed in their home debut and will hit the road this weekend to face NFC East rival Commanders in Washington D.C. The Giants were held to two field goals by Minnesota, mainly because of Daniel Jones’ first game removed from a torn ACL, who simply does not look to fit the part. He does get a great matchup, as we witnessed Baker Mayfield go bananas for four touchdown passes against this same Washington secondary.
Jayden Daniels exploded onto the scene in his first NFL game, completing 70% of his passes and running in two touchdowns in Tampa Bay. Kudos to you if you had the stomach to start him for DFS, and why not double down against this Giants’ defense that allowed Sam Darnold to pass for two touchdowns? Terry McLaurin disappointed us big time last week, but I believe he will bounce back in this smash spot. The waters are still murky in Washington for receivers tied to Daniels, so keep McLaurin in GPPs for now.
And let’s not forget about Brian Robinson, he is a true piece of this offense. He continues to see the red zone work (1 TD/72% Opp Share in Week One). If the Commanders go ahead, it will be Robinson running down the clock in the second half. He’s a solid Cash play on the slate and under $6K on DraftKings.
The Giants I imagine will be playing catch-up again in this contest, and somebody has to see targets. Malik Nabers and Wan’Dale Robinson caught Jones’ eye the most last Sunday combining for 19 targets, Nabers saw a 100% snap share. Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans (5 REC/61 YDS/2 TDS) and Chris Godwin (8 REC/83 YDS/1 TD) massacred the Commanders’ secondary (31st in DVOA), so why not Nabers and Robinson?
Cash: Jayden Daniels, Brian Robinson Jr.
GPP: Commanders DST, Terry McLaurin, Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson
Bucs @ Lions (-6) (O/U 50)
A Cart-la-Blanche contest for DFS, loaded with options and a 50-point total. The Lions will look to keep that momentum moving in the right direction against a hungry Bucs team that is playing with a full head of steam. The game flow should play out in Detroit’s favor and could enforce their run game again, which steamrolled over LA in Week One.
Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery combined for 28 rushing attempts, 131 yards, and two scores. Tampa’s run defense has been suspicious and was exploited by Washington last week (128 RuYDS/3 TDS). Both backs should only be used in GPPs because of their timeshare and the unpredictability of Dan Campbell’s decisions. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta were ghosts last week while Jameson Williams stole the show (5 REC/121 YDS/1 TD). Look for them to be more involved as Williams popped up on the injury report, GPP only.
Tampa will continue to air it out with Baker Mayfield, especially given the matchup in Detroit (32nd in DVOA of opposing receivers). As they also will see a negative game script, we love all of his weapons for DFS this week. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin (combined for 144 REC YDS/3 TDS in Week One) are safe for Cash, Rachaad White, and Cade Otton. For Tournaments. I’d even go deeper into Tampa’s receiver room with the rookie Jalen McMillan (50 snaps, 10DKFPTS.) in a larger entry contest for leverage.
Update: Jameson Williams is IN (GPP/Cash)
Cash: Baker Mayfield, Amon-Ra St. Brown
GPP: Jared Goff, Sam La Porta, Jahmyr Gibbs, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, David Montgomery, Rachaad White, Cade Otton, Jalen Macmillan (Punt)
Browns @ Jaguars (-4) (O/U 41.5)
The Browns and Jags enter this game 0-1, both getting embarrassed in their season openers. Somebody will end up in the win column this weekend, and it could very well be Cleveland. Jacksonville got pretty beat up by Miami last week, especially in their secondary. The Jags will be without defensive back Tyson Cambell and safety Daniel Thomas, which will be very enticing for Kevin Stefanski to scheme on.
Jacksonville is still considered to be a pass funnel, so running the ball at the line of scrimmage will be meaningless (Miami averaged 3.2 YPC). Deshaun Watson may be in line for a big day this Sunday, and very sneaky for tournaments after his disastrous performance against Dallas. Amari Cooper, and Jerry Jeudy, will also be in play along with a discount tight end option Jordan Akins, who’s filling in for the injured David Njoku. However, I would keep them all in tournaments.
Jacksonville thrived in their running game last week with Tank Bigsby eating from Travis Etienne’s plate. The latter out-performed Etienne in his short time on the field (30% of the snaps) rushing at 6.4 YPC (77 yards). Trevor Lawrence could be in for another long afternoon if Myles Garrett has his way, and Denzel Ward contains Christian Kirk. Evan Engram may be his only safe option away from this pressure by dinking and dunking with short passes.
Cash: None
GPP: Deshaun Watson, Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Jordan Akins, Tank Bigsby, Evan Engram, Christian Kirk
Update: David Njoku is OUT
Rams @ Cardinals (+1.5) (O/U 50.5)
The Rams visit Arizona to open the afternoon part of the slate, and Vegas is anticipating it will be a burner. The tight spread indicates a back-and-forth type of atmosphere, one we would like to invest in for DFS. Puka Nacua has been placed on IR, so expect a very chalky Cooper Kupp this weekend. But let’s explore some pivots in this game, the ball will be all over State Farm Stadium.
Cooper Kupp (14 REC/110 YDS/1 TD in Week One) is officially back on the scene after a subpar 2023 season, mainly due to never being 100% healthy. But he isn’t going to see 23 targets, someone else will need to fill in Puka’s shoes. Demarcus Robinson (14.3% target share), Colby Parkinson (88% snap share), and Tyler Johnson (7 targets) are all candidates to step up this week. McVey may deploy a heavier run game too, so Kyren Williams may never leave the field this week, after seeing a 90% snap share in Detroit.
The Cardinals, where do I start? The only guy relevant for fantasy against the Bills last week was James Conner, the guy is like a machine. He only ran for 3.1 YPC but he can catch the football and find the endzone, making him viable. Hopefully, Kyler Murray can do his job this weekend instead of pointing the blame at the coaching staff, to distribute the football to the open man. We’ve all seen the highlights by now of Marvin Harrison waving on an island in the fourth quarter. LA gave up a ton of big plays last week to Jameson Williams (5 REC/121 YDS/1 TD), so this week the Cardinals could gain some traction.
Cash: Cooper Kupp, Matt Stafford, James Conner
GPP: Kyren Williams, Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr, Demarcus Robinson, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Johnson
Update: Davis Allen is OUT
Bengals @ Chiefs (-6) (O/U 48)
The defending champs have finally arrived at the Main Slate, and boy are we in for a treat. We’ll be like kids in a candy store for Cash Games since Kansas City provides plenty of secure options. But the Bengals are not the same 2022 AFC Champion team they once were. From Tee Higgins’ hamstring to Ja’Maar Chase’s contract drama, Cincinnati has their work cut out for them after that loss to New England.
The Chiefs opened up the season last Thursday night with a bang, with Patrick Mahomes (291 YDS/1 TD/72% Completions) carving up the Ravens’ defense. They clicked on all cylinders, from Pacheco’s hard-nosed running style (16 FPTS) to Rashee Rice (7 REC/103 YDS), and Xavier Worthy’s monstrous debut with a 21-yard touchdown run. The number one tight end in football was dormant (3 REC/34 YDS in Week One) , but his ceiling is still too high to pass up rostering. Look for KC to come out with the same tempo as the Bengals have become a rivalry over the years.
Injuries and hold-in negotiations weren’t the only off-season headaches that cost the Bengals a loss to a young Patriots squad, it could also be blamed on their offensive line woes. Burrow was sacked three times on Sunday and landed a QBR of 55.1. Without Tee Higgins, Ja”Maar Chase will see extra attention once again, forcing us to only use him in tournaments. Although my favorite Bengal would be Chase Brown. If the Bengals find themselves chasing a lead, Zack Moss would leave the field in favor of the Browns burst after the catch (11 yards per catch in 2023)
Cash: Isaiah Pacheco, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Rashee Rice
GPP: Ja’Maar Chase, Xavier Worthy, Chase Brown, Chiefs DST
Update: Tee Higgins is OUT, Marquise Brown is on IR
Steelers @ Broncos (+3) (O/U 37)
Pittsburgh is a giant mystery with their quarterback situation. Russell Wilson is trending to missing the second game of the season from a calf injury, yet he was suited up on the sidelines last week. Fields got the job done, it wasn’t pretty for DFS, but the Steelers pulled off the win in Atlanta. Bo Nix and the Broncos will have another tough matchup against a Steelers defense that pressured Atlanta’s Kirk Cousins nine times, which turned into five sacks and two interceptions.
If Justin Fields does get the nod again, I would have no problem rolling him out in DFS. Under $6K on DraftKings is still a bargain for a guy who can easily put 30 fantasy points up at the drop of a hat. George Pickens is tethered to him being the only guy to throw to, but stay clear of the Pittsburgh backfield. The timeshare of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren will continue to be whittled down even more as Fields takes off downfield himself.
All Broncos skill positions should stay in GPPs against this strong opponent in my honest opinion. News broke out this afternoon of Week One leading receiver Devaugn Vele listed out this week, so more opportunities will be available for Courtland Sutton and Josh Reynolds. The Denver defense may also be a move, because as we all know Fields is in Pittsburgh now for a reason…and one of them is for turning over the ball.
Cash: Justin Fields
GPP: George Pickens, Josh Reynolds, Steelers DST, Courtland Sutton, Broncos DST, Najee Harris
Update: Devaughn Vele is OUT, and Russell Wilson is questionable… I think he has cold feet returning to “Broncos Country”
Thanks for reading my NFL DFS Game by Game Breakdown for Week 2! Remember to check back daily for more content up until kickoff. You can reach me on X @JoeDiCarlo78 or in our Discord tag me @DiCarlo78 for any lineup build opinions or questions, always here to help! Gain access to our Projection Models and jump into our Discord where we will have our experts and myself talking plays across every sport 24/7/365! May your screens always be green!
