As the 2026 NFL season hits its second full week of action on September 18, fantasy managers are already grappling with the harsh realities of early-season volatility. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk brings you a comprehensive breakdown of the top fades and busts for Week 2, with a special focus on two highly-touted rookies who, despite their immense talent, find themselves in precarious situations. From injuries to brutal matchups, here’s why you should think twice before locking these players into your lineups.
Quarterback Quandary: Justin Herbert’s Depleted Supporting Cast
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is a generational talent, but even the best can’t overcome the loss of their top weapon. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Chargers’ offense cratered when wide receiver Ladd McConkey exited last week’s game with a rib injury. The numbers, courtesy of Next Gen Stats, are staggering: with McConkey on the field, Herbert averaged 10.3 yards per attempt and a 128.4 passer rating; without him, those figures plummeted to 5.4 yards per attempt and a 42.3 passer rating. McConkey is currently day-to-day and not practicing, making it unlikely he suits up—or plays a full complement of snaps—on Sunday.
To make matters worse, the Las Vegas Raiders revamped their defense this offseason, adding impact players like Nakobe Dean, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, and Treydan Stukes. In Week 1, they flashed that potential, with Maxx Crosby recording 1.5 sacks. Herbert is outside our top 12 quarterbacks for the week, so if you have a capable QB2 or a streamer like Brock Purdy, Jaxson Dart, or Trevor Lawrence, make the switch. Even Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, or Bryce Young could outperform Herbert in this spot.
Running Back Roulette: Quinshon Judkins and Jeremiyah Love Face Uphill Battles
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is trapped in an offense that looks utterly broken. In Week 1, the Browns managed just two red-zone trips, scoring only a field goal. Judkins mustered 33 rushing yards on 12 carries—fewer than quarterback Deshaun Watson—and posted bottom-tier metrics across the board. With Cleveland as 8.5-point underdogs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and an implied team total of 16.5 points, Judkins is well outside RB2 territory. He’ll likely see double-digit touches, making him a desperation FLEX play at best. In PPR formats, pivot to a mid-range wide receiver like Stefon Diggs or Jalen Coker.
Similarly, Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love faces a daunting matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Despite his talent and draft capital, Love logged fewer snaps, carries, and rushing yards than Tyler Allgeier in Week 1. He also saw just 2.8 expected yards per carry, the fewest among all running backs with at least five carries. The Seahawks have allowed the lowest explosive run rate and EPA per carry to running backs since the start of last season, making this a nightmare spot. Love is a borderline starter based on talent, but consider pivoting to David Montgomery, D’Andre Swift, Rhamondre Stevenson, or Chuba Hubbard if available.
Wide Receiver Woes: DK Metcalf and Carnell Tate Draw Tough Assignments
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf saw 10 targets in Week 1 but managed just four catches for 40 yards, looking out of sync with Aaron Rodgers. This week, he’ll likely be shadowed by New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who held Metcalf to four catches for 27 yards on seven targets in their last meeting in 2024. Gonzalez also limited Jaxon Smith-Njigba to zero catches on two targets when matched up last week. Metcalf is a bench candidate, with teammate Michael Pittman Jr. a preferable option in the same game.
Tennessee Titans rookie Carnell Tate is another talented receiver stuck in a dysfunctional offense. The Titans reached the red zone just once in Week 1, and quarterback Cam Ward posted a league-worst 4.4 yards per attempt. Tate now faces an Eagles defense that surrendered the fewest fantasy points to outside receivers in Week 1, thanks to corners Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen. Slot receiver Wan’Dale Robinson is a better bet in this matchup. Bench Tate and consider any of the 40-plus wide receivers with better situations.
Tight End Trouble: Kyle Pitts Sr. Continues to Disappoint
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. is a perennial tease, and Week 2 offers little hope. With third-string quarterback Cooper Rush under center, the Falcons’ offense sputtered in Week 1, and Pitts posted a zero on just one target. Even if Tua Tagovailoa or Michael Penix Jr. returns, Pitts has historically struggled against the Carolina Panthers, averaging 6.1 fantasy points per game and topping nine points just once in 10 meetings. Stream a tight end like Isaiah Likely, Juwan Johnson, Michael Mayer, Dalton Schultz, or Jake Ferguson instead.
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