Updated

Updated · FantasyPros · Sep 17

FantasyPros Releases Week 2 NFL Rankings, Tabs Jaxson Dart QB12 and Aaron Jones RB20

Updated

Updated · FantasyPros · Sep 17

FantasyPros Releases Week 2 NFL Rankings, Tabs Jaxson Dart QB12 and Aaron Jones RB20

Q: With Jordan Mason on IR and Kyler Murray concussed, which hidden backup will become the ultimate Week 2 fantasy winner?

Carson Wentz looks like the best hidden Week 2 fantasy winner. Kyler Murray’s concussion creates the clearest sudden opening, and Wentz already showed why he matters. After replacing Murray in Week 1, he threw three touchdown passes and helped Minnesota finish a comeback win. Reporting around the Vikings says Wentz would be a viable QB2 if Murray cannot clear protocol, and the matchup with Chicago gives him real streaming appeal because he still has Justin Jefferson and a productive offense around him. Aaron Jones also gets a major boost from Jordan Mason going on injured reserve, but he is not really a “hidden backup.” He is already an established fantasy name, and the main impact is that his workload should consolidate rather than that a deep reserve suddenly emerges. Analysts expect Jones to take the lead share, potentially around two-thirds of the work, with the Vikings likely still mixing in lesser-known depth backs behind him. If the question is specifically about an under-the-radar backup stepping into a Week 2 fantasy swing role, Wentz has the strongest case. He has the clearest path to immediate starter volume, he already produced in relief, and fantasy coverage this week has specifically identified him as a worthwhile pickup and play. Among deeper stashes, Kaelon Black remains interesting after his Week 1 usage, but his role is still too uncertain to rank above Wentz for immediate Week 2 impact.

Q: Can Quentin Johnston salvage his fantasy value and exploit Ladd McConkey's rib injury to dominate the Chargers' target share?

Yes, Quentin Johnston can regain short-term fantasy value this week, but “dominate” the Chargers’ target share is too strong. The case for Johnston is real. Ladd McConkey is day-to-day with a rib injury, missed Wednesday’s practice, and was working off to the side Thursday, so his Week 2 role is clearly in doubt. Johnston already played 78% of the snaps in Week 1, and fantasy analysts have moved him up specifically because McConkey’s absence would open volume. He also has recent evidence of usable fantasy upside: when healthy over larger stretches last season, he handled around a 20% target share and remained a red-zone threat. There are still reasons for caution. McConkey was the Chargers’ best weapon before getting hurt, posting 5 catches for 82 yards, and the offense noticeably stalled after he exited. That does not automatically make Johnston a target hog; it may simply make the entire passing game less efficient. Justin Herbert is also being ranked below consensus because of interior offensive line concerns and a potentially thinner receiver group, which could limit overall passing volume. Johnston’s profile remains boom-or-bust. He is the clearest beneficiary if McConkey sits, and that makes him a credible flex or WR3-type play for Week 2. But expecting him to fully command the passing game is risky, especially with Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, and the tight ends also likely to absorb some of the vacated work.

3 articles · Updated · FantasyPros · Sep 17

Week 2 rankings from FantasyPros lean aggressively toward Jaxson Dart at QB12, with the outlet saying his 230-yard, three-touchdown debut and 54 rushing yards make him a clear start against the Rams.
The advice fades several bigger names: Justin Herbert sits below consensus because of Chargers line injuries and Ladd McConkey’s rib issue, while Patrick Mahomes is viewed as a midrange QB2 in a run-heavier Chiefs offense.
At running back, Aaron Jones gets a boost after Jordan Mason went on injured reserve with a thumb injury, and Bucky Irving remains a high-end RB2 after out-snapping Kenny Gainwell 36-25 in Week 1.
The receiver and tight end calls are more matchup-driven, with Drake London downgraded if Cooper Rush starts again, Marvin Harrison Jr. benched after an 8.1% target share, and Mark Andrews lifted by Zay Flowers’ hamstring absence.
The overall theme is that one week of usage data is already reshaping lineup calls, with snap shares, injuries and target volume outweighing preseason expectations across positions.