If you missed any of the fantasy football action in Week 2, catch up on the players who won the week for their owners with our look at the top 15 fantasy football scoring leaders from Sunday.
Was Panthers quarterback Cam Newton big game against the 49ers enough to earn him the top spot in our top 15 fantasy football scoring leaders of week 2? Find out on the following slides. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Week 2 in the NFL is just about in the books, and fantasy football season is definitely in full swing. Hopefully your weekend of fantasy football was full of plenty of celebrations like Cam enjoyed in the picture above. To see who brought their owners plenty of happiness and excitement this week, check out the fantasy football scoring leaders on the following slides.
Each week in our fantasy football scoring leaders, you can find the top options at each of the main fantasy positions. We’ll highlight the players who went off and powered their fantasy teams to win. You want your players to be on this list and not on the fantasy football busts which will come out later today. Make sure to check back later today as well for our fantasy football sleepers who emerged out of Week 2.
To stay tuned in to all our weekly coverage make sure to drop a bookmark on our fantasy football hub so that you’re ready for Week 3. You can also check out our new start/sit tool and follow @FansidedFantasy on Twitter to help you get into the winners’ circle for next week.
The following ten players were the fantasy football scoring leaders from Week 1 based on most standard scoring systems. I’ve included each of the main fantasy positions except for kicker, but make sure to check back later this week for an update on our all-kicker fantasy football league called FootSided.
Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) evades a tackle by Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Maxwell (41) during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Martellus Bennett-TE-New England Patriots
When Rob Gronkowski missed Week 1, many fantasy owners scrambled to grab his replacement Martellus Bennett. Bennett wasn’t much to write home about in Week 1, but he earned his way into our fantasy football scoring leaders for his big Week 2.
Bennett ended up with 114 yards on his five catches on six targets which came from both Jimmy Garoppolo and his replacement Jacoby Brissett. Brissett will likely start for the team on Thursday night against the Texans, so the fact that Bennett was one of his favorite options is a good sign.
It’s also looking unlikely that Gronk will return this week, so Bennett should get another week to be a fantasy football starter. He’s a fringe TE1 with little risk this week since Brissett will definitely feel comfortable getting the ball to the 6-foot-6 tight end from Texas A&M.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) catches the ball as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Keith Reaser (27) defends in the third quarter. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27 at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Greg Olsen-TE-Carolina Panthers
Olsen and the Panthers rolled over the 49ers in Week 2 and evened their record after Week 1’s heart-wrenching loss in Denver. Olsen was relatively quiet in that defeat, but he bounced back to be the top tight end in our fantasy football scoring leaders from week 2.
Olsen edged Martellus Bennet by finishing with eight more yards than the Pats’ tight end. While he got into the end zone on one of Cam’s touchdown passes, Olsen totaled 122 yards on his five catches while being targeted eight times.
The Panthers do have Kelvin Benjamin back as their no. 1 option in the passing game, but Olsen is still a very capable second option who should continue to be a big-time red zone weapon.
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Melvin Gordon-RB- San Diego Chargers
Last season, Melvin Gordon was a fantasy football bust, but he has gotten off to a great start to his sophomore season. Gordon is quickly going from bust to a regular in our fantasy football scoring leaders.
In Week 2, Gordon was one of only three running backs to get over 100 yards as he totaled 102 yards on his 24 carries. After not finding the end zone in his whole first season, Gordon ran for his third touchdown in the last two weeks. He also added 18 yards by hauling in all three passes thrown his way in the Chargers’ romp over the Jaguars.
Gordon remains a strong RB2 with RB1 upside heading into next week against a soft Colts’ run defense. The biggest boost to Gordon’s value in this game and going forward was the absence of Danny Woodhead who left in the first quarter. Woodhead’s absence left plenty of work for Gordon and gives him a huge opportunity to step up in the coming weeks.
Sep 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) extends the ball forward while tackled by Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines (23) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
DeAndre Hopkins-WR-Houston Texans
Hopkins owners might be have been getting a little nervous early in the Texans Week 2 game when Will Fuller seemed to be getting all the attention, but Houston’s passing game re-focused on the elite option by the end of the game. He ended up as one of the fantasy football scoring leaders, so things worked out well for him and his owners by the end of the game.
In Houston’s Week 2 win, Hopkins hauled in an early touchdown and finished with seven catches for 113 yards. There was only one touchdown in the Texans 19-12 win, and Hopkins hauled it in. He was targeted 11 times to Fuller’s eight, so his role as the go-to option appears safe for now.
In a best-case scenario for Hopkins owners, Fuller’s emergence will create more space for Nuk moving forward. He clearly has a good enough connection with new QB Brock Osweiler to keep him a elite-tier WR moving forward.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) celebrates his second touchdown of the game during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Corey Coleman-WR-Cleveland Browns
In his first start in Cleveland since the Browns took him at no. 15 overall in last year’s NFL Draft, Coleman showed a great connection with new QB Josh McCown and put up big numbers. While the end of the game disappointed Browns fans (again), Coleman’s fantasy owners were far from disappointed with his numbers.
Coleman had just two catches for 69 yards Week 1, but he filled up the box score with five catches for 104 yards while being targeted eight times in Week 2. Coleman grabbed a touchdown early in the first quarter, and he added a second score with a catch at the gaol line.
He was one of five receivers with multiple touchdowns in Week 2, and he gave owners a glimpse of his upside moving forward. His quarterback play could make him inconsistent from week-to-week, but don’t be afraid to use him as a WR3 or flex play moving forward with McCown under center.
Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Isaiah Crowell (34) runs the ball past Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Zach Orr (54) for a first down during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Isaiah Crowell-RB-Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a pair of players in our fantasy football scoring leaders, but they still managed to blow the game against the Ravens. Early in the contest, Crowell was very involved in helping to build the lead and put together one of the best weeks for any running back.
Crowell turned the Browns’ second possession into a touchdown with an 85-yard run to daylight. He was given a total of 18 carries and finished with 133 yards. He threw in an extra 15 yards on his one catch.
Even with Josh McCown under center, Crowell still out-snapped and out-performed Duke Johnson Jr. As long as he stays healthy, Crowell looks like he’ll be a RB2 or flex consideration each week. Next week, Crowell gets a nice matchup against the Dolphins.
Sep 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) and running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
LeGarrette Blount-RB-New England Patriots
Blount was busy in Week 2 helping the Patriots hang on to their big lead to beat the Dolphins and improve to 2-0. New England opened their big lead on Miami early behind great play from Jimmy Garoppolo, but after Garoppolo left with a shoulder injury they turned to Blount to carry the load.
Blount earned his spot in our fantasy football scoring leaders by totaling 123 yards on his 29 carries and punched it into the end zone for a late touchdown. Not surprisingly, he wasn’t involved in the passing game, but he was still a workhorse.
With Garoppolo looking unlikely to return on Thursday Night Football this week, look for Blount to be a running back to lean on again Week 3. Blount doesn’t have a ton of sizzle, but he’s a strong grinder-back with relatively low risk.
Sep 18, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams (34) reacts to his touchdown catch as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Michael Johnson (90) and Steelers tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) also react during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
DeAngelo Williams-RB-Pittsburgh Steelers
Williams has revived his career since moving to Pittsburgh after fading a bit after successful seasons in Carolina. Williams has limited long-term fantasy football value since he’s just keeping the seat warm for LeVeon Bell.
He has been great in his limited time, though, and was a big part of the Steelers’ 24-16 win over Cincinnati. He ended up with 94 yards on his 32 carries doing the heavy lifting while the passing game stumbled a bit. He was also involved in the passing game hauling in four passes for 38 more yards and getting into the end zone as a receiver.
In a week where running backs weren’t getting into the end zone that often, Williams was again a nice fill-in. Enjoy your one more week of Williams as the feature back as he takes on the Eagles in Week 3.
Sep 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos outside linebacker Von Miller (58) sacks and forces a fumble against Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Broncos D/ST
The Broncos won the Super Bowl last year by relying heavily on their defense, and they were back in force this week. Denver’s big D powered them to a 34-20 win over Indianapolis with a pair of late touchdowns.
In the fourth quarter, the Denver defense scored on a 46-yard interception return by Aqib Talib to go up 23-13. They iced the game as well with a 15-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the final two minutes.
Denver got to Andrew Luck for five sacks and forced those two critical turnovers. The Broncos D barely beat out the Cardinals for the defense of the week, but the fact that they made the difference in the game gets them my nod for the defense spot in our fantasy football scoring leaders for Week 2.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) catches a pass during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Kelvin Benjamin-WR-Carolina Panthers
The Panthers rolled the 49ers, and for the second week in a row Kelvin Benjamin looked fully recovered from his knee injury. He has definitely re-established himself as the no. 1 receiver for the Panthers and a bona fide red zone target.
This week, he found the end zone twice while hauling in seven passes for 108 yards. He was edged out by another Benjamin for the top WR spot in our fantasy football scoring leaders, but he still helped his owners to a big week.
Benjamin should remain heavily involved in the Panthers passing attack moving forward. He’ll take on the Vikings next week and remains a strong WR2 play on a weekly basis.
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Travis Benjamin (12) makes a second quarter catch against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Benjamin-WR-San Diego Chargers
Benjamin was one of my top options in my last-minute sleeper wide receivers week 2, and he came through with a monster game. Benjamin was helping the Chargers replace the injured Keenan Allen, and he stepped up in a big way as San Diego routed the Jaguars.
In his breakout performance, Benjamin piled up 115 yards and a pair of touchdowns while hauling in all six of the passes thrown his way. He will continue to be extremely involved in the Chargers pass-heavy attack, so look for more big games from Benjamin going forward.
If you can get your hands on Benjamin for the next three weeks, he’s set up for a monster run. Next week, he’ll face the the Colts in Indianapolis before returning home to take on the Saints. In Week 5, he’ll face the Raiders secondary in Oakland before hitting the Broncos.
Sep 18, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Palmer-QB-Arizona Cardinals
Palmer and the Cardinals looked “ok” in week 1, but the whole team stepped up as they routed the Buccaneers 40-7. They were led by their QB Carson Palmer who earned his spot in our fantasy football scoring leaders with 308 yards and three touchdowns.
His numbers for this week are even more impressive when you realize he didn’t play much of the 4th quarter. He looked much more in rhythm with his receivers and Bruce Arians’ offense this week and remains a QB1 going forward.
Next week, he should be set up for another big game since he’ll face the Bills torchable secondary. If you were worried about Palmer after his Week 1, you can come back off the ledge.
September 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) passes the football against Oakland Raiders defensive end Jihad Ward (95) during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Ryan-Atlanta Falcons
The Raiders secondary looks to be one of the best matchups to attack early in the fantasy football season since they’ve been torched the first two weeks of the season by Drew Brees (one of last week’s fantasy football scoring leaders) and Matt Ryan.
It was Ryan’s turn to light them up this week as he turned in his second straight vintage “Matty Ice” performance. Ryan threw for 396 yards and three touchdowns on the road in Oakland. He completed 26 of his 34 passing attempts and was among the top fantasy QBs for the second straight week.
Ryan and the Falcons’ offensive line have looked great this year in their first two games, and they should continue to find success as they take on another vulnerable secondary in Week 3. Atlanta is on the road again next week as they travel to the Superdome for a potential shootout with their NFC South division-rival Saints.
Sep 15, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Matt Forte (22) runs for a touchdown as Buffalo Bills strong safety Aaron Williams (23) pursues during the second half at New Era Field. The Jets beat the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Matt Forte-RB-New York Jets
Although it happened back on Thursday night, Matt Forte’s big night was the best of any running back this week. He earned his place in our fantasy football scoring leaders with his big game against the Bills in the Jets 37-31 victory.
Forte totaled an even 100 yards on his 30 carries and found the end zone three times. Since no other running back had multiple touchdowns of any type, his numbers were head-and-shoulders above the other options.
He and the Jets should be well rested heading into a tough Week 3 matchup in Kansas City. He looks like he’s following the Brandon Marshall track leaving the Bears to find success late in his career with the Jets. As long as he’s healthy and this involved, he is a great RB1 in every format.
Sep 18, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) pretends to take a picture after a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Bank of America Stadium. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 46-27. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton-QB-Carolina Panthers
Cam and the Panthers looked great in their home debut racking up plenty of fantasy points in their 46-27 win. Newton is the third of the Panthers in our fantasy football scoring leaders for this week and had more fantasy points than any other player in most scoring formats.
Newton threw for four touchdowns and a total of 353 yards against the 49ers. He did throw one pick, but he also mixed in 37 rushing yards which probably more than covered any negative points for the turnover.
Newton has looked very strong in each of the first two weeks of the season, and he is a QB1 to use with confidence as he faces the Vikings, Falcons, Bucs, and Saints before getting a bye in Week 7. Newton looks locked in and pretty-much matchup proof as a fantasy football star.
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