Everybody panic! Everyone is getting injured... Yet again. I feel like we lived this last year. What is happening in the league to get a large number of stars injured on a weekly basis? Now, I suppose it's time to delve to the sleepers and streamers earlier than people would've liked to so they can sub out guys like AJ Brown and Cooper Kupp.
Let's get right to it...
QUARTERBACKS
START Sam Darnold vs Houston Texans
I never thought I would see the day with Sam Darnold making a hell of a comeback but what place is better suited to do it than in Minnesota? Darnold has looked quite capable leading the Vikings so far this year with over 260 yards passing in the most recent game taking down an NFC powerhouse in San Francisco. Most of it came on a massive catch and run from Justin Jefferson (97 yards!) but it doesn't hurt having a weapon like that. Jefferson is expected to play and he will help Darnold against another 2-0 team in Houston. The Texans will be facing their first capable passing QB in Darnold after going up against Anthony Richardson and a raw Caleb Williams who combined put up 300 yards of passing on the Texans. Houston pass defense will have their first big test of the season and Darnold is a decent spot start if you are missing a QB like Tua Tagovailoa.
Honorable Mention: Derek Carr, Jared Goff
SIT Brock Purdy vs Los Angeles Rams
The Rams have been decimated with injuries in just the first two weeks of the season. The Niners have been bitten recently and mostly on the offensive side of the ball. Brock Purdy will be missing George Kittle and Deebo Samuel along with Christian McCaffrey who has been out since the start of the season. If the Niners have any chance in winning, they will be running Jordan Mason, their newly minted RB stud, all over the Rams. I would leave Purdy on the bench this week for his lack of weapons.
Honorable Mention: Deshaun Watson, Caleb Williams
RUNNING BACKS
START JK Dobbins vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Don't even think about sitting the hot hand. Dobbins has been nothing short of electric in his return to the field. Even though the Chargers are going up against a tremendously stout defense in Pittsburgh this week, you can not take Dobbins out of your starting lineup because you're scared he'll produce a dud. His two straight 20 point weeks are enough to give you confidence to keep him in your starting lineup and potentially break off something big.
Honorable Mention: Carson Steele, Alexander Mattison
SIT Aaron Jones vs Houston Texans
I think for the Vikings to stay in this game, Darnold will have to show how capable he is and get the ball to his star receiver (see 'START Sam Darnold above). Along with this, the running game won't see much action. Aaron Jones also saw less action last week than running mate Ty Chandler as the latter was more efficient with more yardage on less carries. I wouldn't feel comfortable with Jones this week in a game script that may have them passing the ball more downfield.
Honorable Mention: Zamir White, Tyjae Spears
WIDE RECEIVERS
START Tyler Johnson vs San Francisco 49ers
Did I mention the Rams were decimated with injuries? Well losing Puka Nacua in Week 1 and Cooper Kupp in Week 2 will definitely hurt. There are, however, names that can definitely step up. The Niners defense will focus in on DeMarcus Robinson leaving a big play receiver in Tyler Johnson open for more looks. He was able to break off a big one against the Lions in Week 1 along with multiple other looks from Matthew Stafford and could see his target share rise dramatically trying to stay in the game versus the Niners.
Honorable Mention: Wan'Dale Robinson, Rome Odunze
SIT Michael Pittman vs Chicago Bears
This has not looked good for the Colts passing offense. Richardson has not looked great in the pocket and Pittman is suffering. The Colts have been relying on the big play all to often with Alec Pierce receiving all of those types of looks. Pittman comes into the game with an injury designation and potentially going up against elite defensive back Jaylon Johnson doesn't give me any confidence in starting the Colts WR1 this week. He's hard to sit but find someone else if you can.
Honorable Mention: Terry McLaurin, Gabe Davis
TIGHT ENDS
START Mike Gesicki vs Washington Commanders
It's time for Gesicki to return to the Mike Gesicki of old... Meaning 2020-21 seasons where he finished in the top 10 for tight ends in PPR format. Gesicki has been targets 13 times in the first two games by Bengals QB Joe Burrow. He capitalized on a big day against Kansas City where he caught 7 passes for 91 yards. He appears to be getting looked at more and more and he's going to be back into the solid tier of tight ends with above average QB play again. You can begin starting Gesicki with confidence in most weeks from here on out, but he's got an especially tasty matchup against the lowly Commanders defense.
Honorable Mention: Isaiah Likely, Jonnu Smith
SIT Brenton Strange vs Buffalo Bills
Just because he takes over a starting role for an injured player doesn't mean he will put up big numbers. Evan Engram put up a dud in Week 1 and then got injured. Engram was one of QB Trevor Lawrence's top targets all of last season and the void Engram leaves won't be immediately filled by Strange. If Lawrence is to win his first game of the season, he needs to trust his familiar target in Christian Kirk who hasn't garnered any attention from Lawrence this year so far. The Jaguar's pass offense looks below average this year so far apart from rookie Brian Thomas who appears to have the only starting appeal of any Jaguars player. I would find another replacement at tight end if you can.
Honorable Mention: Noah Fant, Cole Kmet
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