Fantasy Football Column: Injuries Plague Week Two

Kyle Elderkin 
Contributing Writer

Week two of the NFL season was a unique week full of injuries and sluggish play from some of the top players in the game. The sluggish play was evident when it came to those players who had a “boom” week (scoring 25 or more fantasy points). 

Last week, 26 offensive fantasy players scored 25 or more points. This week that number was down to 13. In fact, the second leading scorer from this week wasn’t even a player: New England’s defense racked up four interceptions, two touchdowns and seven sacks against the dreadful Dolphins offense.

The injuries were probably the biggest storyline. New Orleans Saints starting quarterback Drew Brees went out of the game late second quarter with a thumb injury. After the game, Brees said he was “concerned” and planning on seeing a specialist for more insight. Estimates have Brees missing six weeks after surgery. 

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered an injury on his throwing elbow in the first half against the Seahawks. He is going into a season-ending surgery and leaving the team in the hands of Mason Rudolph. Roethlisberger’s teammate James Conner, a running back, also left the game. Conner suffered a knee injury. 

The Philadelphia Eagles saw several of their players leave the game due to injuries. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffery had a strained calf, Corey Clement went down with a shoulder injury and DeSean Jackson tweaked his groin.

Despite the sluggish play and injuries, several players still looked like standouts in week 2 of the NFL season.

Patrick Mahomes and Demarcus Robinson – Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes has been stellar, again. For most quarterbacks, 31.6 Fantasy Points would be the best of the season, for Mahomes it almost feels like a letdown. All four of his touchdowns and 273 of his 443 passing yards came in the second quarter. With Tyreek Hill sidelined, Mahomes must spread the ball around to different players. Last week, it was Sammy Watkins with the breakout game. This week Demarcus Robinson was the guy who stepped up. Robinson, who had just four touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, came in huge, reeling in all six of his targets for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Flip a coin as to who will be the guy next week, but the top scorer in fantasy two straight weeks has been a Patrick Mahomes target. This week Robinson lead the league with 35.2 points.

Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens

Jackson continued his stellar season, this time using a balanced running and passing effort. Jackson was 23 for 37 passing for 272 yards and two touchdowns. More impressively, he kept the ball 16 times for 120 yards on the ground. With his second straight week of 30+ points (this week 30.9) he is a MUST START in all leagues.

Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings

The running back is on a mission in 2019. After suffering injuries in his first two seasons, the 24-year-old is starting this season off strongly. Cook had 20 carries for 154 yards and a score. Add in three catches for 37 more yards and you have a solid 28.1 fantasy point outing for the young man. Through two games, Cook has been the most consistent running back in the NFL with a similar stat line of 21 carries and 26 fantasy points in week one. With Kirk Cousins looking sluggish against a mediocre Green Bay secondary, expect cook’s numbers to remain high.

Odell Beckham Jr. – Cleveland Browns

After a quiet first week with the Browns, Odell erupted in week two. He added an 89-yard touchdown run and another incredible one-handed sideline catch to his highlight reel. The star wideout had six catches for 161 yards, one touchdown and a two point conversion to round out the night with a solid 28.1 fantasy points in his first game back at MetLife stadium.

Stinkers

Running back Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals – 11 Carries for 17 yards, three receptions for 10 yards, 5.7 fantasy points.

Tight end O.J. Howard, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 0 Catches on 60 offensive snaps, 0 points.

Tight end Trey Burton, Chicago Bears – 2 receptions for 5 yards, 2.5 Fantasy Points.

Running back Tarik Cohen, Chicago Bears – 4 Carries for 18 yards, 2 receptions for 7 yards, 4.7 fantasy points.

Cover photo courtesy of Wikimedia