In light of what we saw in Week 2, Week 1 reminds me of the first scene at the Moscow hospital in the television series “Chernobyl.” Firefighters responded to the explosion of a nuclear reactor at the Chernobyl nuclear reactor in Ukraine. Those that survived were transported to Moscow for treatment for severe radiation exposure. The wife of firefighter Vasily finds her husband playing cards and smoking cigarettes on a hospital bed during a reprieve in symptoms.
Week 2 of the 2020 NFL season was the end of that Chernobyl episode, where Vasily and his comrades experienced cellular disintegration turning them into molten lumps of flesh. Shocking and irreversible was the injury carnage of Week 2.
Those leaving the field with injuries sustained in Week 2 include 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, Colts safety Malik Hooker, Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr, Seahawks edge defender Bruce Irvin, and Seahawks safety Marquise Blair. These represent only a small sample of players lost for the season across the league on both sides of the line of scrimmage.
The list of options available to fantasy gamers after Week 2 is not what it was after Week 1. The beneficiary of snaps behind Nick Bosa, assuming his own return to health, is the widely-rostered Dee Ford.
The players recommended below are available in at least two-thirds of IDP leagues on MyFantasyLeague.com (MFL). Recommendations are position-specific for lineup requirements including cornerbacks and defensive tackles unless noted otherwise.
Jerry Tillery, DT – Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers’ starting undertackle Justin Jones was among those lost to injury in Week 2. Through two weeks, Jones rotated with second-year pro and former first-round pick Jerry Tillery. Jones, a former third-rounder, is a sound NFL player with a low ceiling. He started the year because Tillery was a disaster in Year 1 and had no preseason to make up ground on the incumbent.
Unlike his rookie year, Tillery’s first two weeks have been those of a competent NFL player. Pro Football Focus credits Tillery with eight pressures of the quarterback, including 4 hits and a sack. Tillery’s situation, including stud defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, sets the stage for huge numbers if Tillery can develop into a quality player.
Fantasy gamers should give the 23-year-old in his second season the chance to emerge.
Lorenzo Carter, EDGE – New York Giants
Lorenzo Carter emerged from a crowded group of edge defenders in training camp by compiling 4 sacks of QB Daniel Jones in an intrasquad scrimmage. Carter’s numbers haven’t reflected that he’s playing full time, as the Giants haven’t found their footing in the new season for new coaches. Carter’s role is that of a 3-4 outside linebacker, which affords him tackle opportunities in the box and in coverage in addition to pass-rush opportunities.
Carter has compiled 11 tackles, including one for loss, plus a quarterback hit through two games. He’ll have a chance to pad his stats against the 49ers’ JV squad in Week 3 in his home stadium.
Those in conventional IDP leagues in need of a defensive end should consider Kansas City’s Tanoh Kpassagnon, Seattle’s Benson Mayowa, or New England’s John Simon. All three are playing nearly full time for their respective defenses due to line-ups depleted by injury and/or free agency. All have relatively low ceilings due in part to pedestrian play, but in full-IDP leagues, ends getting this much work should be rostered.
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB – Chicago Bears
One of the more interesting depth-chart question marks entering the season was the Washington LB corps. By mid-August, Jon Bostic and Thomas Davis appeared locked into starting roles at middle and weak-side linebacker, respectively. Kevin Pierre-Louis was working as Bostic’s back-up at MIKE.
Pierre-Louis simply refused to be ignored in camp. News broke late in the week before the season opener that Thomas Davis was banged up. He didn’t suit up, opening the door for Pierre-Louis to start alongside Bostic and play full time in The Football Team’s Week-1 win over the Eagles.
Washington activated Davis in Week 2. Bostic and Pierre-Louis maintained their full-time roles, leaving Davis on the bench. Pierre-Louis didn’t even have to play special teams. All he did on defense was compile 15 tackles and force a fumble
Kenny Vaccaro, S – Tennessee Titans
After a relatively even split of safety duties in Week 1, the Titans deployed free safety Kevin Byard deep more frequently in Week 2. Kenny Vaccaro spent more time close to the line of scrimmage, which afforded him more pass-rush opportunities. He converted one to a sack and added ten more tackles to two pass break-ups.
It’s no surprise that Vaccaro’s ownership lies below 33% in IDP leagues on MFL. He’s done nothing but underwhelm for years until Sunday. Last month, I wrote about his opportunity to finally emerge in 2020. Tennessee let Logan Ryan walk and needs a defensive back to rove around the box, blitzing and taking away the flats. Week 2 was an indication that Vaccaro might have earned more of these duties
In Closing
Don’t pick up those assets with a half-life of one week! It’s too easy to pick up shiny nuggets that put up big points in one week but do nothing but burn your hand after you pick them up. Nuke your competition with players whose values have a chance for season-long stability.
Clemson and Michigan alum… Panthers and Cowboys fan… I try to see both sides of every debate and each trade. Find me on Twitter @DynastyTripp.
