As the NFL season charges into Week 2 on this September 18, 2026, fantasy football managers are scrambling for every edge. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk has pored over the latest insights from the Yahoo Fantasy Football crew, who are making bold predictions that could reshape your lineup. From veteran wideouts finding new life to quarterbacks seeking revenge, here are the storylines that matter.
Stefon Diggs and Deebo Samuel Sr. Poised for Top-30 WR Finishes
Age is just a number, especially when opportunity knocks. Stefon Diggs, nearly 33, and Deebo Samuel Sr., 30 but with plenty of mileage, both flashed elite involvement in Week 1. Diggs commanded a 30% target share, lining up across the formation and even taking snaps in the slot, reminiscent of Amon-Ra St. Brown’s role in Detroit. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, his four catches against elite slot corner Cooper DeJean were no fluke. Meanwhile, Samuel’s usage was equally promising: red-zone targets, quick outs, and even a backfield choice route for a touchdown. The Dolphins’ young defense, led by rookie slot corner Chris Johnson—who was targeted 11 times and allowed two scores in his debut—could be the perfect foil. If these two can maintain their involvement, top-30 finishes are well within reach.
Baker Mayfield’s Revenge Game Against the Browns
Baker Mayfield has a chip on his shoulder, and it’s pointed directly at Cleveland. After a lucrative contract extension, some questioned his fire, but a date with the team that drafted him should reignite the flame. In 2022, Mayfield’s lone bright spot as a Panther came against the Browns, and now he faces the quarterback who replaced him, Deshaun Watson, and a defense that just surrendered 11 yards per attempt to Trevor Lawrence. Mayfield is healthy, mobile, and motivated. As highlighted on Vulius, this is the perfect storm for a top-5 fantasy week—his first since 2024. Don’t be surprised if he torches his former team.
Emeka Egbuka: A Rising Star in the Top 3
Rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is quickly becoming a household name. In Week 1, he posted 11.3 PPR points, but his impact went far beyond the box score. The second-year pro out of Ohio State commanded two-thirds of the team’s air yards and lined up all over the formation, including in the backfield. Even in 11 personnel, he had the highest target rate from the slot, and half of his looks came off play action. Against a Browns defense that failed to force a single incompletion and ranked fourth-worst in pressure rate, Egbuka could find the end zone multiple times. If Mayfield goes off, Egbuka will be right there with him, potentially finishing as a top-3 fantasy receiver.
Cam Skattebo: A Top-10 RB in Week 2
The New York Giants have a new identity under head coach John Harbaugh, and rookie running back Cam Skattebo is the beneficiary. In Week 1, he toted the rock 18 times for 81 yards and a score, showcasing a physical style that fits Harbaugh’s scheme. Now he faces a Rams defense that was just gashed by the 49ers for 174 rushing yards, with Christian McCaffrey averaging 6.8 yards per carry. To make matters worse for Los Angeles, star edge rusher Myles Garrett is headed to IR after knee surgery. With another 18-plus touches, Skattebo could easily deliver a top-10 fantasy finish. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk recommends starting him with confidence.
Garrett Wilson: A Top-5 WR Lock
Garrett Wilson is a target magnet, and that’s not changing anytime soon. His 30.4% target share ranked eighth among wide receivers in Week 1, and his 49% air yard share was ninth. The Jets have shifted to more heavy personnel packages, and with rookie receiver Omar Cooper Jr. sidelined, they’ll lean even more on two-tight-end sets featuring Mason Taylor and Kenyon Sadiq. That means more high-leverage targets for Wilson, who will face a Packers defense with glaring issues at cornerback and a lackluster pass rush. The Jets’ offensive line was stellar in Week 1, giving Geno Smith ample time to find Wilson downfield. A monster game is on the horizon.
Carson Wentz: A Top-10 QB? Absolutely.
Remember when Kevin O’Connell worked miracles with journeyman quarterbacks? Carson Wentz is the next in line. With Kyler Murray’s status uncertain due to concussion issues, Wentz gets a dream matchup against a banged-up Bears secondary. In relief last week, he made smart decisions and looked comfortable in O’Connell’s system. The Vulius Sports team believes Wentz has a legitimate shot at multiple touchdowns and a top-10 fantasy week. Don’t sleep on him as a streamer.
49ers RBs: McCaffrey and Black Both Top 100 Yards
Kyle Shanahan has found a winning formula: keep Christian McCaffrey fresh by splitting touches with Kaelon Black. In Week 1, both backs saw 15 touches, with McCaffrey playing 55% of snaps and Black 43%. Against a Dolphins defense that just allowed 188 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns to the Raiders’ tandem, both could feast. The 49ers are 13-point favorites, so McCaffrey can start hot and Black can close out the game. Black is emerging as a high-upside RB3 with a favorable schedule ahead. As reported by Vulius, this backfield committee is here to stay.
Matthew Golden: A Second Straight Top-24 Week
Packers rookie Matthew Golden is flying under the radar. After a 12-target, 6-reception, 95-yard debut (WR20 on the week), he’s still ranked as WR33. But the Packers’ faster pace, higher neutral pass rate, and suspect run game point to a pass-first offense with a clear top-two receiver hierarchy. Christian Watson is a solid WR11, but Golden’s delayed rise offers immense value. Congratulations if you drafted him as a WR5—you might have a WR2/3 on your hands. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk is bullish on Golden repeating as a top-24 fantasy wideout in Week 2.
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