Tell your friends (just not your leaguemates until next week)
by Optimus Staff
Rankings are great; they give us a great starting point for making lineup decisions. But they’re also just one data point. Experts also have substantial differences in how they view player values compared to the consensus ranks. It’s all a gamble in the end.
Here at Optimus Fantasy, we want you to feel confident about your lineup decisions. So every week, we’re going to bring you a roundtable from our experts highlighting players they’re significantly higher or lower on than consensus ranks, and why. You know, just like the card game. Simple enough, right? Come on down and play Higher/Lower with us!
Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 2
Players We Are Higher On:
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Consensus Rank: QB19
Lou’s Rank: QB9
Embed from Getty Images
Yeah, I’m going to keep beating this drum. For all the wailing and teeth gnashing on social media, Caleb turned in a pretty nice performance in Week 1 against a really good defense. Yes, there were warts to it, but it was still good enough for QB9 on the week. What if that range is just Caleb’s baseline?
Yes, Caleb’s passing still needs work. After all, a 60% completion percentage won’t get it done. But six scrambles for 58 yards and a TD helps keep that scoring floor nice and high for him. Heck, I might even be too low on him vs a defense that Jordan Love just managed a 72.7% completion percentage against.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Consensus Rank: QB4
Evan’s Rank: QB2
Embed from Getty Images
That Week 1 game for the Bengals against the Cleveland Browns was UGLY. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown pass, finishing as the QB28 in Week 1. As a result, fantasy managers are overreacting and ranking him too low. Bryce Young may not have done well against the Jaguars’ defense, but the Bengals have a much better offense. When you’re an elite quarterback with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Noah Fant, the Jaguars don’t stand a chance at stopping them. Joe Burrow is an easy must-start this week. Patience is key for your fantasy lineups at this time of year.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: RB10
Bryan’s Rank: RB5
Embed from Getty Images
Watching the Jaguars pound the rock over and over again against the Carolina Panthers has me very excited for James Conner this weekend. Despite some early offseason buzz that this backfield would be a timeshare between Conner and Trey Benson, Conner was on the field for twice as many snaps as Benson. I’m not worried about Benson stealing reps, and I don’t think you should be either. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on Conner to close out this game.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Consensus Rank: WR40
Nate’s Rank: WR23
Embed from Getty Images
It would appear that the Bills finally have WR1 in their midst, and it’s Keon Coleman. In a thrilling Week 1 win, Coleman led the team in targets (11), receptions (8) and receiving yards (112) and added a TD on his way to a WR3 finish. This week, Buffalo faces their division rivals, the Jets, who gave up 34 points to the WR position in Pittsburgh last week. While I don’t believe we’re in for another WR3 week from the second-year pass-catcher, he will be a solid WR2/Flex play in your Week 2 lineups.
Players We Are Lower On:
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Consensus Rank: WR18
Lou’s Rank: WR33
Embed from Getty Images
Two words: Mac Jones.
What, you need more than that? Fine, I’ll humor you. This is the Saints. Their offense is terrible, but their defense is pretty OK. Does this sound like a recipe for anything to you? If you said, “An unlimited number of Christian McCaffrey touches,” I’m right there with you. Mostly. I also think the 49ers will heavily involve Brian Robinson. If Kyle Shanahan can run the ball 50 times in this game, I think he’d like to. And get one week closer to having his QB and cadre of pass-catchers healthy enough to play.
I’m sure Ricky Pearsall will get enough targets to matter; that’s why he’s a low-end WR3, after all. But prepare for disappointment if you’re counting on Pearsall to return a high-end WR2 performance this week.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Consensus Rank: RB9
Evan’s Rank: RB17
Embed from Getty Images
The Houston Texans defense didn’t stop Kyren Williams from scoring last week, but they did hold him to 66 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.67 yards per carry. Without being involved in the passing game, he finished as the RB20 in Week 1. I expect Bucky to provide similar production against this same defense. I am a bit concerned that he only averaged 2.64 yards per carry against a bad Falcons defense, but I don’t think that will be the case all season long. What doesn’t help Bucky get more work is that Rachaad White is behind him to sub in for change-of-pace carries and pass blocking. Treat Bucky as a solid RB2 this week.
Marvin Harrison, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: WR15
Bryan’s Rank: WR28
Embed from Getty Images
In the same game, and due to the optimism around the run game, I am a little bearish on the Cardinals’ passing attack. The Panthers somehow held the Jaguars to 178 yards passing. TE Brenton Strange led all pass catchers with just 59 yards. I don’t see the Cardinals struggling that much to get Trey McBride the ball, but it does leave Marvin Harrison in an odd spot. I don’t think he’ll be needed as much in this one. He’s still a fine play, as not everyone has a readily available, higher upside type of player. I just happen to be a bit lower on him than most.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Consensus Rank: TE4
Nate’s Rank: TE17
Embed from Getty Images
Rookie TE Tyler Warren got his NFL career off to a hot start last weekend, hauling in 7 catches for 76 yards and finishing as the overall TE5. Week 2 is unlikely to be as kind as the soft Miami defense was to the rookie bookend. Indianapolis hosts the vaunted Denver Broncos defense this weekend. The same defensive unit that allowed a total of 5.5 fantasy points to Chig Okonkwo and company last Sunday. There will be plenty of opportunities to fire up Warren this season and reap the rewards. This is not one of those weeks.
For more fantasy football insights and advice, head over to our Discord channel and chat with our analysts!
Rankings are great; they give us a great starting point for making lineup decisions. But they’re also just one data point. Experts also have substantial differences in how they view player values compared to the consensus ranks. It’s all a gamble in the end.
Here at Optimus Fantasy, we want you to feel confident about your lineup decisions. So every week, we’re going to bring you a roundtable from our experts highlighting players they’re significantly higher or lower on than consensus ranks, and why. You know, just like the card game. Simple enough, right? Come on down and play Higher/Lower with us!
Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 2
Players We Are Higher On:
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Consensus Rank: QB19
Lou’s Rank: QB9
Embed from Getty Images
Yeah, I’m going to keep beating this drum. For all the wailing and teeth gnashing on social media, Caleb turned in a pretty nice performance in Week 1 against a really good defense. Yes, there were warts to it, but it was still good enough for QB9 on the week. What if that range is just Caleb’s baseline?
Yes, Caleb’s passing still needs work. After all, a 60% completion percentage won’t get it done. But six scrambles for 58 yards and a TD helps keep that scoring floor nice and high for him. Heck, I might even be too low on him vs a defense that Jordan Love just managed a 72.7% completion percentage against.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Consensus Rank: QB4
Evan’s Rank: QB2
Embed from Getty Images
That Week 1 game for the Bengals against the Cleveland Browns was UGLY. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown pass, finishing as the QB28 in Week 1. As a result, fantasy managers are overreacting and ranking him too low. Bryce Young may not have done well against the Jaguars’ defense, but the Bengals have a much better offense. When you’re an elite quarterback with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Noah Fant, the Jaguars don’t stand a chance at stopping them. Joe Burrow is an easy must-start this week. Patience is key for your fantasy lineups at this time of year.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: RB10
Bryan’s Rank: RB5
Embed from Getty Images
Watching the Jaguars pound the rock over and over again against the Carolina Panthers has me very excited for James Conner this weekend. Despite some early offseason buzz that this backfield would be a timeshare between Conner and Trey Benson, Conner was on the field for twice as many snaps as Benson. I’m not worried about Benson stealing reps, and I don’t think you should be either. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on Conner to close out this game.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Consensus Rank: WR40
Nate’s Rank: WR23
Embed from Getty Images
It would appear that the Bills finally have WR1 in their midst, and it’s Keon Coleman. In a thrilling Week 1 win, Coleman led the team in targets (11), receptions (8) and receiving yards (112) and added a TD on his way to a WR3 finish. This week, Buffalo faces their division rivals, the Jets, who gave up 34 points to the WR position in Pittsburgh last week. While I don’t believe we’re in for another WR3 week from the second-year pass-catcher, he will be a solid WR2/Flex play in your Week 2 lineups.
Players We Are Lower On:
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Consensus Rank: WR18
Lou’s Rank: WR33
Embed from Getty Images
Two words: Mac Jones.
What, you need more than that? Fine, I’ll humor you. This is the Saints. Their offense is terrible, but their defense is pretty OK. Does this sound like a recipe for anything to you? If you said, “An unlimited number of Christian McCaffrey touches,” I’m right there with you. Mostly. I also think the 49ers will heavily involve Brian Robinson. If Kyle Shanahan can run the ball 50 times in this game, I think he’d like to. And get one week closer to having his QB and cadre of pass-catchers healthy enough to play.
I’m sure Ricky Pearsall will get enough targets to matter; that’s why he’s a low-end WR3, after all. But prepare for disappointment if you’re counting on Pearsall to return a high-end WR2 performance this week.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Consensus Rank: RB9
Evan’s Rank: RB17
Embed from Getty Images
The Houston Texans defense didn’t stop Kyren Williams from scoring last week, but they did hold him to 66 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.67 yards per carry. Without being involved in the passing game, he finished as the RB20 in Week 1. I expect Bucky to provide similar production against this same defense. I am a bit concerned that he only averaged 2.64 yards per carry against a bad Falcons defense, but I don’t think that will be the case all season long. What doesn’t help Bucky get more work is that Rachaad White is behind him to sub in for change-of-pace carries and pass blocking. Treat Bucky as a solid RB2 this week.
Marvin Harrison, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: WR15
Bryan’s Rank: WR28
Embed from Getty Images
In the same game, and due to the optimism around the run game, I am a little bearish on the Cardinals’ passing attack. The Panthers somehow held the Jaguars to 178 yards passing. TE Brenton Strange led all pass catchers with just 59 yards. I don’t see the Cardinals struggling that much to get Trey McBride the ball, but it does leave Marvin Harrison in an odd spot. I don’t think he’ll be needed as much in this one. He’s still a fine play, as not everyone has a readily available, higher upside type of player. I just happen to be a bit lower on him than most.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Consensus Rank: TE4
Nate’s Rank: TE17
Embed from Getty Images
Rookie TE Tyler Warren got his NFL career off to a hot start last weekend, hauling in 7 catches for 76 yards and finishing as the overall TE5. Week 2 is unlikely to be as kind as the soft Miami defense was to the rookie bookend. Indianapolis hosts the vaunted Denver Broncos defense this weekend. The same defensive unit that allowed a total of 5.5 fantasy points to Chig Okonkwo and company last Sunday. There will be plenty of opportunities to fire up Warren this season and reap the rewards. This is not one of those weeks.
For more fantasy football insights and advice, head over to our Discord channel and chat with our analysts!
Rankings are great; they give us a great starting point for making lineup decisions. But they’re also just one data point. Experts also have substantial differences in how they view player values compared to the consensus ranks. It’s all a gamble in the end.
Here at Optimus Fantasy, we want you to feel confident about your lineup decisions. So every week, we’re going to bring you a roundtable from our experts highlighting players they’re significantly higher or lower on than consensus ranks, and why. You know, just like the card game. Simple enough, right? Come on down and play Higher/Lower with us!
Higher or Lower? Fantasy Football Players We’re Backing or Fading in Week 2
Players We Are Higher On:
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Consensus Rank: QB19
Lou’s Rank: QB9
Embed from Getty Images
Yeah, I’m going to keep beating this drum. For all the wailing and teeth gnashing on social media, Caleb turned in a pretty nice performance in Week 1 against a really good defense. Yes, there were warts to it, but it was still good enough for QB9 on the week. What if that range is just Caleb’s baseline?
Yes, Caleb’s passing still needs work. After all, a 60% completion percentage won’t get it done. But six scrambles for 58 yards and a TD helps keep that scoring floor nice and high for him. Heck, I might even be too low on him vs a defense that Jordan Love just managed a 72.7% completion percentage against.
Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
Consensus Rank: QB4
Evan’s Rank: QB2
Embed from Getty Images
That Week 1 game for the Bengals against the Cleveland Browns was UGLY. He completed 14 of 23 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown pass, finishing as the QB28 in Week 1. As a result, fantasy managers are overreacting and ranking him too low. Bryce Young may not have done well against the Jaguars’ defense, but the Bengals have a much better offense. When you’re an elite quarterback with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Mike Gesicki, and Noah Fant, the Jaguars don’t stand a chance at stopping them. Joe Burrow is an easy must-start this week. Patience is key for your fantasy lineups at this time of year.
James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: RB10
Bryan’s Rank: RB5
Embed from Getty Images
Watching the Jaguars pound the rock over and over again against the Carolina Panthers has me very excited for James Conner this weekend. Despite some early offseason buzz that this backfield would be a timeshare between Conner and Trey Benson, Conner was on the field for twice as many snaps as Benson. I’m not worried about Benson stealing reps, and I don’t think you should be either. Expect the Cardinals to lean heavily on Conner to close out this game.
Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
Consensus Rank: WR40
Nate’s Rank: WR23
Embed from Getty Images
It would appear that the Bills finally have WR1 in their midst, and it’s Keon Coleman. In a thrilling Week 1 win, Coleman led the team in targets (11), receptions (8) and receiving yards (112) and added a TD on his way to a WR3 finish. This week, Buffalo faces their division rivals, the Jets, who gave up 34 points to the WR position in Pittsburgh last week. While I don’t believe we’re in for another WR3 week from the second-year pass-catcher, he will be a solid WR2/Flex play in your Week 2 lineups.
Players We Are Lower On:
Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Consensus Rank: WR18
Lou’s Rank: WR33
Embed from Getty Images
Two words: Mac Jones.
What, you need more than that? Fine, I’ll humor you. This is the Saints. Their offense is terrible, but their defense is pretty OK. Does this sound like a recipe for anything to you? If you said, “An unlimited number of Christian McCaffrey touches,” I’m right there with you. Mostly. I also think the 49ers will heavily involve Brian Robinson. If Kyle Shanahan can run the ball 50 times in this game, I think he’d like to. And get one week closer to having his QB and cadre of pass-catchers healthy enough to play.
I’m sure Ricky Pearsall will get enough targets to matter; that’s why he’s a low-end WR3, after all. But prepare for disappointment if you’re counting on Pearsall to return a high-end WR2 performance this week.
Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Consensus Rank: RB9
Evan’s Rank: RB17
Embed from Getty Images
The Houston Texans defense didn’t stop Kyren Williams from scoring last week, but they did hold him to 66 yards on 18 carries, averaging 3.67 yards per carry. Without being involved in the passing game, he finished as the RB20 in Week 1. I expect Bucky to provide similar production against this same defense. I am a bit concerned that he only averaged 2.64 yards per carry against a bad Falcons defense, but I don’t think that will be the case all season long. What doesn’t help Bucky get more work is that Rachaad White is behind him to sub in for change-of-pace carries and pass blocking. Treat Bucky as a solid RB2 this week.
Marvin Harrison, WR, Arizona Cardinals
Consensus Rank: WR15
Bryan’s Rank: WR28
Embed from Getty Images
In the same game, and due to the optimism around the run game, I am a little bearish on the Cardinals’ passing attack. The Panthers somehow held the Jaguars to 178 yards passing. TE Brenton Strange led all pass catchers with just 59 yards. I don’t see the Cardinals struggling that much to get Trey McBride the ball, but it does leave Marvin Harrison in an odd spot. I don’t think he’ll be needed as much in this one. He’s still a fine play, as not everyone has a readily available, higher upside type of player. I just happen to be a bit lower on him than most.
Tyler Warren, TE, Indianapolis Colts
Consensus Rank: TE4
Nate’s Rank: TE17
Embed from Getty Images
Rookie TE Tyler Warren got his NFL career off to a hot start last weekend, hauling in 7 catches for 76 yards and finishing as the overall TE5. Week 2 is unlikely to be as kind as the soft Miami defense was to the rookie bookend. Indianapolis hosts the vaunted Denver Broncos defense this weekend. The same defensive unit that allowed a total of 5.5 fantasy points to Chig Okonkwo and company last Sunday. There will be plenty of opportunities to fire up Warren this season and reap the rewards. This is not one of those weeks.
For more fantasy football insights and advice, head over to our Discord channel and chat with our analysts!
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