After two weeks of NFL action, it is time to separate the flukes from the foreshadowing. Some stars shined again, others fell flat, and a few unexpected names made waves. Let’s take a look at the studs and duds from Week 2 of the season.
Stud: Malik Nabers
This performance speaks for itself. In just two weeks, Malik Nabers has shown why he was a first-round fantasy pick. Against the Cowboys, he hauled in nine of his 13 targets for 167 yards and two touchdowns, good for 37.7 fantasy points. One of those scores was a 48-yard bomb that gave New York the lead with 30 seconds left.
Although Nabers gets the headlines, Russell Wilson also deserves credit. The veteran quarterback threw for 450 yards with a 73 percent completion rate and three touchdowns. It proves “Mr. Unlimited” still has something left in the tank. Fantasy managers should be careful though. Wilson’s 2020 season started with 15 touchdowns in three games before he cooled off dramatically, finishing with just 26 more the rest of the year and several poor outings. There is no hate toward Wilson, but the key is consistency. If he can sustain this level of play and hold off Jaxon Dart, the Nabers–Wilson connection could become a fantasy goldmine.
Dud: Derrick Henry
It hurts to see Derrick Henry drop from a Week 1 stud to Week 2’s biggest dud. In Baltimore’s win over Cleveland, Henry carried the ball only 11 times for 23 yards. The Ravens offense ran almost entirely through Lamar Jackson, who threw for four touchdowns.
Henry’s struggles were compounded by ball security. In the second quarter, he fumbled after a “Peanut Punch” from Browns corner Cameron Mitchell. Baltimore recovered, but it was Henry’s second fumble in as many weeks after coughing up a critical one late against Buffalo. With a matchup against the Lions coming in Week 3, Henry needs to find his footing quickly.
Stud: Amon-Ra St. Brown
Detroit’s offense exploded for 52 points, and Amon-Ra St. Brown led the way. The star receiver caught nine passes for 115 yards and three touchdowns, totaling 39.2 fantasy points.
After a quiet Week 1 against Green Bay, this bounce-back reestablished him as a top-five fantasy wideout. What stands out most is his red-zone dominance. St. Brown leads all receivers with six red-zone targets, three touchdowns, and a 75 percent target share inside the 20. That level of usage cements his elite status. The Lions proved they can thrive even without former coordinator Ben Johnson, but a Week 3 matchup with Baltimore will be a major test.
Dud: Josh Allen
Coming off a 38.8 fantasy point performance in Week 1 against Baltimore, Josh Allen looked poised for another big outing against the Jets. Instead, he managed just 148 passing yards, 59 rushing yards, no touchdowns, and 11.82 fantasy points.
The Bills leaned heavily on the ground game. James Cook carried 21 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns, while six different players recorded rushes. Buffalo ran the ball 43 times compared to Allen’s 25 pass attempts. The game plan worked, but it limited Allen’s production. His gunslinger style thrives in shootouts, so fantasy managers should expect better numbers in higher-scoring matchups.
Stud: Brandon Aubrey
It is rare for a kicker to make the studs list, but Brandon Aubrey earned it. In the Cowboys’ win over the Giants, he went 4-for-4 on extra points and 4-for-4 on field goals, including makes from 51 and 44 yards.
His biggest moments came late. With 25 seconds left in regulation, he drilled a 64-yard bomb to tie the game. Then in overtime, he nailed a 46-yarder to seal the win. Aubrey’s 23 fantasy points outscored stars like Christian McCaffrey, Saquon Barkley, and CeeDee Lamb. He is also 5-for-5 on kicks from 50 yards or longer this season, making him a sneaky weekly difference-maker at the kicker position.
Dud: Brian Thomas Jr.
The sophomore slump seems to be hitting Brian Thomas Jr. After a quiet Week 1, he followed with four catches for 49 yards and 8.9 fantasy points in a shootout against Cincinnati.
Head coach Liam Coen revealed after the game that Thomas had been dealing with a wrist injury, which may explain why he shied away from contact despite his 6’3 frame. He also struggled in Week 1, managing just 9.1 fantasy points with a short rushing touchdown. Many expected a bounce-back against a weak Bengals defense, but it did not happen.
The volume is still there, as Thomas was targeted 12 times, but his catch rate was only 33 percent. Trevor Lawrence’s inconsistency played a role, as he overthrew Thomas multiple times and was even caught on camera waving off his coach after one misfire. Coen later downplayed the exchange, calling it “not personal.” For fantasy managers, I still have faith in Thomas and believe he is a perfect “buy low” candidate. Now could be a great time to float some trade offers out there if you don’t currently have him on your roster.
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