Which players can you count on in Week 2 and beyond?
Saquon Barkley. Michael Thomas. James Robinson. These familiar names each came up big in their season opener, but which of them has the staying power to lead your fantasy teams this season? Eric Karabell’s trade index and rest-of-season rankings helps make sense of all that and highlights the players who are worth trading for at each position.
Looking more closely at Week 2, be sure not to miss Mike Clay’s E+Shadow Report for a breakdown of the best and worst WR/CB matchups. And if you’re still looking for players to upgrade your roster, check out Eric Moody’s free agent pickups and Matt Bowen’sE+streaming pickups to make sure you’re not missing out on anyone good.
Wentz racked up 27.7 fantasy points against the Jaguars in Week 1, demonstrating great rapport with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel. Against a questionable Lions secondary, he could repeat this performance in Week 2.
The Rams rolled with Henderson at running back, a surprising move since most fantasy managers expected Cam Akers to be the starter. Henderson played on 54 snaps to Akers’ 12. Henderson can be viewed as a flex option with RB2 upside against the Falcons.
Despite having half the attempts as David Montgomery, it was Herbert who led the team in rushing yards against the 49ers. It’s not out of the realm of possibility for him to eventually emerge as the leader of the Bears’ running back committee.
Writing about Jones in a waiver wire column feels weird, but here we are. On film, he looked great in his first regular-season game with Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Jones reached the seventh-fastest top speed (20.62) of anyone in Week 1.
Higbee was targeted nine times against the Bills in Week 1, tying him for the league lead among tight ends. Higbee amassed 61 receptions and 560 receiving yards last season and, for a Rams team without much wide receiver depth, he could well play a huge role in the passing game going forward.
While promising rookie Dameon Pierce took most of the headlines during the preseason, it was Burkhead who was leaned on more heavily in the Week 1 tie against the Colts. Burkhead had 14 carries and five receptions and may be a bigger factor in Houston than originally expected.
James Cook Buffalo Bills
The rookie second-rounder fumbled on his first NFL rushing attempt in the win over the Rams and did not receive another carry or target in the passing game. With Zack Moss getting six carries and six receptions, it appears that Cook may be buried in the depth for now behind Devin Singletary and Moss.
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