The Athletic Publishes Week 2 NFL Fantasy Rankings After 1 Wild Opening Week

Q: If TreVeyon Henderson misses Week 2, will Rhamondre Stevenson completely dominate the Patriots' backfield touches for fantasy managers?

Not completely, but Stevenson would be the clear fantasy winner if TreVeyon Henderson misses Week 2. The Athletic’s update says Henderson being out would push Rhamondre Stevenson up, and other reporting is stronger: ESPN’s Mike Reiss called Stevenson the “clear-cut starter,” with a larger-than-normal workload if Henderson sits. In that scenario, New England would likely lean on Stevenson for most early-down, short-yardage, and pass-protection snaps, especially because the Patriots trust his blocking more than Henderson’s and the depth behind him is thin. That said, “completely dominate” is too strong. Corey Kiner is on the 53-man roster, and the Patriots could elevate Lan Larison or Hassan Haskins for depth. So Stevenson would not be the only back to touch the ball. But the available evidence points to him getting the overwhelming majority of meaningful touches, particularly the high-value ones near the goal line and in passing situations. For fantasy managers, that makes Stevenson a volume-based Week 2 play rather than a guaranteed smash spot. The matchup matters: Pittsburgh was one of the better run defenses last season and limited fantasy production from running backs. Stevenson’s Week 1 efficiency was also poor, but fantasy analysts have emphasized that his value comes from workload, not yards per carry. So if Henderson is out, expect Stevenson to lead the backfield decisively, but not to handle every touch.

Q: With Nico Collins sidelined, which under-the-radar Houston receiver is primed to exploit the massive target void in Week 2?

Jaylin Noel looks like the best under-the-radar Houston receiver to target in Week 2. With Nico Collins ruled out and Tank Dell still on injured reserve, Houston is short on proven wideouts. The reporting around the Texans points to Noel, Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte as the main candidates to absorb the extra work, but Noel has the strongest sleeper case. He caught two passes for 53 yards in the opener, and outside reports specifically flagged him as a player who “could come in handy” against Cincinnati if Houston gets pushed into a pass-heavier script. Noel also fits the type of opportunity fantasy managers chase: a rising role in an offense that should still throw with C.J. Stroud, even if analysts are slightly cooler on Stroud this week because of pass-protection concerns. Hutchinson played more snaps than Boutte in Week 1 and is a viable deeper-league option, but Noel offers more big-play appeal and is the cleaner upside bet for the sudden target void. Boutte is part of the conversation, but the available reporting describes him more as a lower-volume deep threat after just one catch in Week 1. Dalton Schultz should also benefit in the middle of the field, but among Houston wide receivers specifically, Noel is the most intriguing breakout candidate.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 20

Week 2 rankings from The Athletic reset fantasy decisions after a volatile Week 1, pairing updated start-sit advice with position-by-position notes that will change through kickoff.
Quarterback and skill-position guidance centers on injuries and role shifts, including Kyler Murray, Zay Flowers and Ladd McConkey, while Jaxson Dart, Malik Willis and Jayden Daniels draw matchup-based scrutiny.
Running back notes flag David Montgomery as a possible sell-high, project more work for MarShawn Lloyd after a 50%-to-75% touch split, and say Rhamondre Stevenson would rise if TreVeyon Henderson sits again.
Wide receiver and tight end calls lean on usage data: Courtland Sutton still leads Pat Bryant 87.9% to 63.6% in route participation, and Dalton Kincaid's fantasy output improves when he reaches at least 68.8% of snaps.
The package also adds a Fantasy Concierge comparison tool, Week 2 projections and waiver-wire links, framing the rankings as a live resource rather than a one-time list.