Fantasy football buzz: Giants' Nabers trending toward playing Sunday

Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.

Sept. 24: Notes from NFL Nation

  Giants' Nabers (shoulder) trending in right direction for Sunday

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers practiced for a second straight day Thursday and said he's feeling good and should be fine after injuring a shoulder Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. Nabers looks like he's trending toward playing Sunday against the Tennessee Titans without any playing-time restrictions. An X-ray earlier in the week on Nabers' injured shoulder didn't reveal any serious problems. "Good results," he said. "I'm smiling. I'm out there playing, catching the ball. So, good results." -- Jordan Raanan

Sept. 23: Need a QB before Week 3? The best reliable, under-the-radar options

By Tristan H. Cockcroft

You couldn't find much more contrast between Weeks 1 and 2 of this NFL season.

A week after the NFL matched the opening-week record for points scored (791), the 32 teams combined to score only 647 in Week 2. Per ESPN Research, the 647 are the fewest points in any non-Week 18 slate since Week 2 of the 2024 season.

Injuries had quite a bit to do with it, particularly at the quarterback position. Through two weeks, we've already seen five starters depart games due to injury, and that excludes the Atlanta Falcons' two combatants for their starting job (Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.) who have yet to play in 2026. Among the quarterbacks expected to be absent for Week 3 are three members of the position's top 10 in terms of ADP (average draft position): Jayden Daniels, Jaxson Dart and Caleb Williams.

These high-profile injury setbacks have sent many a fantasy manager scrambling to find a quality quarterback, and there are plenty of options out there to be had -- standard, Knockout, Vampire, etc., leagues alike. Three in particular stand out, players who went 17th or later at the position in the preseason but are suddenly viable starters:

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints: His Consistency Ratings won't reflect it due to his initial backup status to begin last season, but if we splice Shough's results into the games he started versus served in a backup capacity, he has been remarkably reliable. He's one of five quarterbacks to score 20-plus fantasy points in each of 2026's first two weeks, finishing eighth in scoring at the position in each, and he has been a top-10 scorer in five of his past seven starts.

Shough still has inconsistencies, especially with how deliberate he has been with his throws early in those games (not to mention taking too many sacks), but the mettle he has shown while leading his team to an overtime loss and a win over the Baltimore Ravens speaks highly for his future potential. Shough is already in my top 10 rankings for Week 3 (LV) -- he was my must-get in our staff Vampire league -- and he has a good matchup for Week 4 (ATL), too.

Shough, incidentally, leads all quarterbacks in expected fantasy points, yet he's still out there in 32.1% of ESPN leagues.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: The one of these three who wasn't out there in any of our staff leagues, Goff was the QB17 in terms of ADP during the preseason, despite the high-octane offense he leads and the supremely favorable schedule his team faces in 2026. He's fourth on the aforementioned expected fantasy points list, and he turned in a top-10 weekly quarterback score in 42% of his games since the beginning of 2024. While unfortunately unavailable in any of our staff leagues, Goff was a clear QB2 target of mine in my home two-quarterback league, and he's still out there in 24.9% of ESPN leagues.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers: Admittedly, it's tough to rely on a quarterback who in only six of his 30 starts in 2024-25 combined earned a place in your fantasy lineup -- meaning a top-10 weekly positional score -- with five of those coming across the season's final eight weeks. But Young looks like a decidedly different player this year, particularly his improvements on deep throws. On attempts of 10 air yards or greater, he has completed 68% of his passes, more than 23% better than his career rate entering 2026 and been off-target on only 24%, down 11%. At the very least, Young is now a streaming option, and he has a good Week 3 matchup in the Cleveland Browns. He's also out there in 40.4% of ESPN leagues.

Sept. 23: RB Brooks out for at least six weeks

Jonathon Brooks is set to miss at least six weeks after undergoing core muscle surgery, leaving Chuba Hubbard as the undisputed No. 1 in Carolina's backfield with AJ Dillon as the backup.

In this week's Facts vs. Feelings, Liz Loza pointed out that Hubbard finished as fantasy's RB10 in both Week 1 and Week 2, commanding Carolina's backfield with 27 touches for 151 scrimmage yards and three total touchdowns. 

She was already treating Hubbard as a low-tier RB 2 for his matchup against the Browns.

NFL Nation's Mike Kaye reports that the Panthers will bring in Austin Ekeler for a workout. At this point it is too early to make a speculative add in anything but the deepest of formats.

Sept. 22: Giants take a hit with loss of Jaxson Dart, uncertainty around Bears starting QB

By Michael F. Florio

Adam Schefter reported Tuesday that tests revealed that Jaxson Dart's knee injury is worse than initially thought, and the QB is now facing the possibility of season-ending surgery. Dart missing the season would be a crushing blow for the fantasy stock of Giants players.

Jameis Winston is the next man up. While that has meant good things for his receivers in the past, he looked rough Monday night. Given his past tendencies to lock in and pepper his top receiver with targets, Malik Nabers still has fantasy hope. While this news drops Nabers into more of the WR2 range for the rest of the season, he still brings upside given his immense talent ... just expect more weekly volatility as well. If Nabers managers are panicking after his 1.1 fantasy points Monday with Winston under center, it could be a good time to buy low.

Isaiah Likely remains a TE1, though his fantasy ceiling does take a hit here (Likely was targeted nine times by Winston for a 33% target share). While this news could mean the Giants become a more run-heavy offense, that would help keep Cam Skattebo afloat. His fantasy value still takes a slight hit as there will be less consistent scoring chances without Dart, but he should see enough volume to remain in the low-end RB2 range.

Some QBs managers can look to add to replace Dart in one-QB leagues are Kyler Murray, Tyler Shough, Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud. As for Winston, he is purely an option for superflex leagues and is more of a depth QB3 than a starter.

Bears' starting QB up in the air for Week 3

Tyson Bagent is in the concussion protocol, and his status is up in the air for Week 3. With Caleb Williams dealing with a hamstring injury, that would leave veteran Case Keenum as the starter for the Chicago Bears. To make matters trickier, the Bears play on "Monday Night Football," so fantasy managers will have to decide what to do with their Bears players on Sunday, potentially without knowing who will be starting at QB.

For those looking to replace Williams, the options to replace Dart (Murray, Shough, Young and Stroud) are good options here, too. For those in superflex, your options are more limited, as you can add Marcus Mariota or Winston.

The bigger fantasy question is what should fantasy managers do with their Bears in a tough matchup against the Eagles? D'Andre Swift, who has seen safe volume as a runner and receiver, is the Bear you can start with the most confidence. Kyle Monangai would be a flex option who could see a boost in volume, as the Bears likely would try to run more than usual. Last season against Philly, Swift ran for 125 yards and a touchdown, adding in a 13-yard catch. Monangai ran for 130 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears' pass catchers have been disappointing to start the season, and in this matchup, with potentially a third-string QB, none are must-starts. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III are both outside the top 30 WRs in ESPN consensus Week 3 rankings and should be viewed as "boom or bust" flex options.

Colston Loveland has been the biggest fantasy disappointment on the Bears to start the season. Through two games, he has just one catch for 3 yards (the third-most yards among Bears TEs). On top of that, the Eagles have allowed the second-fewest yards to tight ends this season, after allowing the second-fewest yards to the position in 2025. Some tight ends I would play over him are Dalton Kincaid, George Kittle, Isaiah Likely, Tucker Kraft, Dalton Schultz and Terrance Ferguson.

Falcons pledge to get TE Pitts more involved

By Marc Raimondi

Kyle Pitts Sr. has just one catch through two games. Fantasy football team managers want more. So does Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator and playcaller Tommy Rees.

"We've gotta get it going," Rees said Tuesday when asked about the tight end. "That's my job. He's an integral part of what we want to do."

The return of Michael Penix Jr. should be a boon for those who have Pitts on their fantasy teams. Penix will return from left ACL surgery to start Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers.

Pitts had 88 receptions for 928 yards last season, trailing only Trey McBride in both categories at the position. Quarterback play has been an issue this season. Third-stringer Cooper Rush had Total QBRs of 2.6 and 5.2, respectively, the first two weeks of the season, the worst marks in the league.

Notes from "Monday Night Football"

By Michael F. Florio

• The Rams looked like the Rams again on "Monday Night Football". Matthew Stafford played like an MVP, throwing for 327 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. He is a QB1 most weeks, but with the Denver Broncos on tap next week, he is a little more option-dependent.
• Wide receiver Davante Adams was the star of the night with Puka Nacua sidelined. Adams caught eight of 10 targets for 195 yards and two touchdowns. The future Hall of Famer is in play weekly, but he is a must-start any time Nacua is out.
• Both of the Rams' RBs balled out. Kyren Williams played 55% of snaps, with 12 carries, 14 routes and two targets, turning that work into 97 yards and a touchdown. Blake Corum played 45% of snaps, with 12 carries, seven routes, one target and 92 scrimmage yards. Williams is sharing more carries than in the past, but his red zone and pass-game usage keeps him in play as a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2. He has a very safe floor and clear upside. Corum is a high-upside flex option.
• Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson will be a popular name on the waiver wire this week. He saw nine targets, second on the team, and caught six of them for 54 yards and a touchdown. There were a couple of just-missed, big-play opportunities as well. Ferguson has breakout upside in one of the league's best offenses.
• While he is not a fantasy piece, Aaron Donald's return for the Rams was notable as well. Seeing his first action since his return from retirement, the defensive tackle played 58% of the snaps, producing one QB pressure and one run stuff. He drew seven double-teams, the most of anyone on the Rams defensive line. The big fella is back, and he's still got it.
• Malachi Fields saw six targets and continues to operate as the WR2 for the Giants. While fantasy managers should not trust him with Winston, they should keep an eye on him once Dart returns.

Sept. 21: Nacua ruled out for 'Monday Night Football'

By Michael F. Florio

Rams superstar wide receiver Puka Nacua has been ruled out for "Monday Night Football" because of a hip injury. That leaves Davante Adams as the top target for Matthew Stafford against the New York Giants.

For those fantasy managers who rolled the dice on Nacua's availability, replacement options are Malachi Fields, Tutu Atwell, Konata Mumpfield and Darnell Mooney. For those who left him in the flex spot, Terrance Ferguson is an upside option whom I would use over all those receivers except Fields. If you have Blake Corum available to plug in as your flex, he is the top option.

Sept. 21: Kyler Murray clears protocol, will start Week 3

By Michael F. Florio

Kyler Murray has cleared the concussion protocol and will start in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. We have not seen much of Murray in a Vikings uniform, but he brings QB1 upside due to his rushing ability and the matchup.

The Bucs have allowed 234 passing yards per game, which ranks 11th highest in the NFL. That is after allowing the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL in 2025. Last week they allowed 19.72 fantasy points to Deshaun Watson, 11th-best among QBs through Sunday.

Murray was a fantasy target of mine this summer due to him being in the best system of his career, with great pass catchers around him. He has been top 12 in fantasy points per game among QBs in every year but one of his career. That is largely due to his rushing ability and highlights the safe floor he brings.

Some QBs I would start him over in Week 3 are Drake Maye, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield and Jordan Love.

Which Commanders should you start with Daniels out?

Marcus Mariota is expected to start Week 3 for the Washington Commanders as Jayden Daniels continues to seek opinions on his dislocated left elbow. Daniels does not have a timetable as of now.

Mariota started eight games for the Commanders last season, averaging 200 passing yards and 32 rushing yards per game. He threw 10 touchdowns and added another with his legs.

Mariota is not someone fantasy managers should be looking to force into their lineups. He is more an option for those in superflex leagues who now find themselves in a pinch. He brings a safer floor than you might expect, thanks to the rushing numbers, but falls far short of Daniels' ceiling.

Washington faces the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, so even those in superflex leagues should look in another direction to help replace Daniels in their starting lineup. I would also recommend trying to avoid the Commanders' pass catchers in this one. Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs remain the team's top options, but they are more "boom-or-bust" WR3 or flex plays.

Mariota did throw four times each to McLaurin and Dyami Brown in Week 2. He threw three times to Diggs, but the duo did connect for a touchdown.

Dallas Goedert to miss time

Goedert suffered a sprained MCL and is expected to miss a few weeks, per Adam Schefter and Ian Rapoport. Goedert exited early in Week 2, playing only 26% of the snaps.

Goedert was the go-to receiving option in the red zone for the Eagles, evident by his two Week 1 touchdowns. The Philadelphia tight ends room is very thin at the moment with rookie Eli Stowers on injured reserve. That likely leads to an uptick in targets for the Eagles' receivers. Dontayvion Wicks should be added off waivers. Makai Lemon remains an upside stash.

Dalton Schultz, Juwan Johnson, Darren Waller and Oronde Gadsden are tight ends fantasy managers in need can look to add off the waiver wire.

Sept. 21: Who got the ball Sunday?

By Eric Moody

The box score doesn't tell you everything. Here are the roles and usage trends from Sunday that stood out to me.

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Chuba Hubbard led the Panthers' backfield in snaps, routes and touches (14), finishing with 14.4 fantasy points. Carolina used more of a committee approach with Jonathon Brooks before he left in the fourth quarter with a groin injury and didn't return. If Brooks is ruled out, Hubbard can be viewed as a midrange RB2 against the Browns.

Kyle Pitts Sr. remains in a tight end rotation with Austin Hooper and Charlie Woerner. Pitts saw just three targets and finished with 2.5 fantasy points, although the Falcons did pull their starters for the final 13 plays. Pitts' reduced playing time, particularly in 11 personnel, remains a concern. Cooper Rush's struggles also limited the entire offense. Pitts moves back into TE1 consideration if Michael Penix Jr. returns in Week 3 but is difficult to trust if Rush starts again.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Aaron Jones Sr. led the Vikings' backfield in snaps and carries (23), rushing for 105 yards against the Bears. With Jordan Mason on injured reserve and wet, windy conditions limiting the passing game, Minnesota leaned heavily on Jones. He wasn't targeted but recorded his first 100-yard rushing performance since 2024. Jones suffered a knee injury in the second half but played through it. His health is worth monitoring, but he's firmly on the RB2 radar against the Buccaneers in Week 3 if active.

Rome Odunze led the Bears' receivers in snaps (62) and routes (38), while Luther Burden III played 42 snaps and ran 30 routes. Colston Loveland played 64 snaps but ran just 29 routes as he was asked to pass block more often. Burden's playing time remains a concern, while Loveland's limited route participation hurts his upside. Caleb Williams' hamstring injury could further limit all three players if Tyson Bagent starts against the Eagles in Week 3.

D'Andre Swift led the Bears' backfield in snaps and touches (21), finishing with 12.9 fantasy points against the Vikings. Kyle Monangai played fewer snaps and had 12 touches, rushing for a team-high 47 yards. Swift also lost a costly fumble at the goal line. The backfield remains a committee, but Swift has the edge in playing time and receiving opportunities, leading the way in snaps, routes and targets. Both backs could see more work in Week 3 if Williams misses time with his hamstring injury.

Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans

Saquon Barkley missed significant time after suffering a stinger in the first quarter but returned for the second half. Tank Bigsby handled most of the early-down work in his absence, while Will Shipley took on more passing down snaps. Bigsby finished with 15 touches and 11.8 fantasy points. He's the Eagles' insurance back to roster and would have league-winning upside in this offense if Barkley misses extended time.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots

Jaylen Warren played a career-high number of snaps against the Patriots and dominated the Steelers' backfield after Rico Dowdle left with a toe injury in the second quarter. Warren has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 7.3 yards per reception in his career but has rarely had the backfield to himself. In six career games with at least a 60% snap share, he has averaged 13.0 fantasy points. He has also averaged 14.4 fantasy points in 19 games with at least 15 touches. Warren's fantasy upside increases significantly if Dowdle misses time.

DK Metcalf led the Steelers' skill-position players in snaps, routes and targets against the Patriots, but he caught just four passes and finished with 8.0 fantasy points. He also had two drops. His 19 targets and 44.7% share of Pittsburgh's air yards this season are encouraging, but his 42.1% catch rate needs to improve. Metcalf has scored just 14.7 fantasy points through two games, far from the start fantasy managers were hoping for. He's best viewed as a low-end flex option heading into Week 3.

Hunter Henry, Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins led the Patriots in routes but combined for just 10 targets, with Henry and Doubs seeing four apiece. Drake Maye and the passing game continue to struggle through two games. Doubs finished with 12.6 fantasy points and remains the Patriots receiver to roster with A.J. Brown on injured reserve, even as Maye continues to spread the targets around. Doubs is still best viewed as a flex option in deeper leagues.

TreVeyon Henderson led the Patriots' backfield in snaps, routes run and carries (16), finishing with 13.6 fantasy points thanks in part to a 39-yard touchdown run. He capitalized on an early fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson and now has five rushing touchdowns of at least 30 yards since the start of last season, the most in the league. Henderson can be viewed as a low-end RB2 against the Jaguars in Week 3.

Green Bay Packers at New York Jets

The Packers used a three-man backfield with Josh Jacobs still out. Kaleb Johnson led the team with eight carries, while MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks split the remaining work. Brooks dominated passing situations, while Lloyd led the way with 8.6 fantasy points but lost a fumble in the fourth quarter. All three remain difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.

Tucker Kraft played nearly every snap against the Jets and appears to have no playing time restrictions. He ran nearly as many routes as Christian Watson and Matthew Golden but saw just three targets. If Jayden Reed misses Week 3 due to injury, Watson, Golden and Kraft should see additional targets in Green Bay's passing game.

Cleveland Browns at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucky Irving led the Buccaneers' backfield in early down, third down and short-yardage snaps, finishing with 21 touches and 13.0 fantasy points. Kenny Gainwell managed just five touches and 4.5 fantasy points. Irving has taken control of this backfield and is firmly on the RB2 radar. Gainwell is merely an insurance back with little standalone fantasy value.

Quinshon Judkins led the Browns' backfield in snaps, routes and touches (17) following Dylan Sampson's placement on injured reserve. Judkins finished with 9.8 fantasy points as Cleveland's running game struggled, managing just 44 yards at 1.9 yards per carry. Despite the poor production, Judkins' workload keeps him firmly on the RB2 radar.

New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens

Alvin Kamara finished with 14 touches but managed just 22 yards against the Ravens. Travis Etienne Jr. led the backfield in snaps, while CJ Donaldson maintained his third-down role. Kamara dominated the touches early, but Etienne saw more work in the second half. The committee approach and lack of production make both backs difficult to trust. Kamara is a desperation flex option against the Raiders in Week 3, while Etienne is a low-end RB2.

Juwan Johnson caught all four of his targets for 66 yards against the Ravens, but his playing time raises concerns. With Oscar Delp returning, the Saints used more of a tight end rotation involving Johnson and Noah Fant. Johnson's route participation dropped significantly from Week 1 to Week 2, making his production difficult to sustain. He's best viewed as a TE2 against the Raiders in Week 3.

Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans

David Montgomery and Woody Marks split snaps fairly evenly in the Texans' backfield against the Bengals. Montgomery managed just 4.4 fantasy points on eight touches after scoring 28.9 fantasy points in Week 1. Marks finished with 8.5 fantasy points on 13 touches, including five receptions. Houston continues to rotate backs by drive, limiting both players' fantasy ceilings. Montgomery remains on the RB2 radar against the Colts in Week 3, while Marks is a flex option.

Jacksonville Jaguars at Denver Broncos

J.K. Dobbins suffered a hamstring injury late in the third quarter and didn't return, opening the door for Jonah Coleman with RJ Harvey already sidelined. Coleman led the Broncos' backfield in snaps and touches (13), finishing with 14.8 fantasy points. He handled early downs after Dobbins exited, while Tyler Badie took passing-down work. Coleman is a priority waiver wire pickup and could have RB2 upside against the Rams if Dobbins and Harvey are out.

Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars' backfield in snaps, routes and touches (15), finishing with 14.2 fantasy points. His usage compared with Chris Rodriguez Jr. was notable. We'll see if that trend continues in Week 3. Tuten is firmly on the RB2 radar against the Patriots in Week 3.

Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys

Jake Ferguson caught all four targets for 43 yards and two touchdowns against the Commanders, but his usage is concerning. He played just 60% of snaps and ranked fourth in routes and targets behind CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens and Ryan Flournoy. Reduced playing time and increased target competition make Ferguson more touchdown-dependent. He's a TE2 against the Ravens in Week 3, and now is a good time to explore his trade value.

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers

Omarion Hampton led the Chargers' backfield in snaps and touches (25), finishing with 17.5 fantasy points against the Raiders. Keaton Mitchell saw six touches, while Kimani Vidal became more involved on third downs. Despite the three-man rotation, Hampton continues to dominate the workload, but his second lost fumble in two games is concerning. He remains firmly on the RB2 radar against the Bills in Week 3.

Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr. played the third-most snaps and tied Trey McBride for the second-most routes among Cardinals pass catchers, but he finished without a catch on one target. He has just four targets and one reception through two games. His snap share has also declined, with Michael Wilson seeing more work in single receiver sets. McBride continues to dominate targets, leaving Harrison difficult to trust. He's a boom-or-bust flex option against the 49ers in Week 3.

Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers

George Kittle caught all four of his targets for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Dolphins. He's still working his way back from an Achilles injury, but his route participation increased from Week 1 to Week 2 as the 49ers used him more in passing situations. Kittle's playing time remains limited as he continues to split snaps with Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis, but his increased involvement in the passing game is encouraging. He remains on the TE1 radar against the Cardinals in Week 3.

Indianapolis Colts at Kansas City Chiefs

Rashee Rice caught four of six targets for 83 yards against the Colts, but his role in Kansas City's offense has changed. He's spending less time in the slot, while Xavier Worthy is earning targets at a higher rate. Travis Kelce (17) and Kenneth Walker III (16) lead the team in targets through two games, with Walker seeing more opportunities on shorter passes. Rice remains on the WR2 radar with Patrick Mahomes under center, but his changing usage and increased target competition are concerning.

Sept. 20: Week 2's scoring leaders through Sunday Night Football

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks - 42.5
2. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills - 40.82
3. CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys - 35.3
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, Detroit Lions - 35.2
5. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions - 29.8
6. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys - 29.76
7. Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts - 29.2
8. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs - 29.98
9. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers - 28.48
10. DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles - 27.7

Check out the complete list of scoring leaders here.