Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 15, 2024, 1:00 ET
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Network: FOX
Indianapolis Colts
Quarterback
Anthony Richardson: Start, QB1
Anthony Richardson was the QB4 in Week 1, and he did so while completing only nine passes. The completion percentage may always be a problem, but it shows his potential upside. Not only that, but he also ran less (6 carries) than both Josh Allen (9) and Jayden Daniels (16), the QB1 and QB3, respectively. He is showing us Allen before Stefon Diggs. The good news for Richardson is that he has Michael Pittman, Adonai Mitchell, and Josh Downs (whenever he returns). So, the Allen-like breakout could still be coming this season. Week 2 brings a defense that could be taken advantage of, especially on the ground, which is a positive sign for Richardson and Taylor in Week 2.
Running Back
Jonathan Taylor: Start, RB1
Jonathan Taylor is my RB4 this week. Taylor’s one problem is the pace of play in Week 1 (43 offensive plays) and the fact that the Texans led the way in time of possession. The good news is that of those 47 plays, Taylor touched the ball on 16 of them. The solution is that the Packers are without Jordan Love, and they also allowed the most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1. Fire Taylor up in a big bounce game in Week 2.
Wide Receiver
Michael Pittman: Start, WR1
Adonai Mitchell: Start, WR3/FLEX
The things that Anthony Richardson does do well are truly insane. The issue that creates for his pass catchers is that there is a lot of inconsistency. Michael Pittman saw a 42% target share in Week 1, which is nothing short of baffling. The target quality was a bit inconsistent, though, and with the limited pass attempts, that 42% only equates to eight targets. Pittman should see similar work in Week 2, but he may get the Jaire Alexander treatment, which is not ideal. I recommended Adonai Mitchell as a FLEX option last week, and while it didn’t work out, the usage tells us to hold firm, especially in good matchups. Mitchell saw the second-highest target share on the team, falling only three targets short of Michael Pittman. Richardson missed him on a couple of would-be touchdowns that would have drastically changed the narrative around Mitchell. If he is on waivers, you should throw him at the end of your bench at the very least.
Tight End
Sit All
The Colts’ tight ends are a bit of a mess. With no single option to lead the way, it’s best to avoid them this week.
Green Bay Packers
Quarterback
Malik Willis: Sit, QB3
Jordan Love is most likely out with a knee injury. While the Packers are still leaving the door open for Love to play, you should make other plans. Malik Willis is going to draw the start, and while he has some rushing upside, he has given us very little to get excited about in terms of fantasy football production.
Running Back
Josh Jacobs: Start, RB2
Emanuel Wilson: Sit, RB4
Josh Jacobs averaged over 5 yards per carry in Week 1. He gets a much easier matchup in Week 2 with the Colts, who let up the third most points to the running back position. He also had nearly 20 total touches. Jacobs could find his way to the end zone in Week 2, even if he does get slightly less work with the emergence of Emanuel Wilson. Speaking of Wilson, he didn’t register on the fantasy radar, but he was able to compile 46 yards on only four carries. I would not be surprised to see him get more work in Week 2.
Wide Receiver
Jayden Reed: FLEX Option
Christian Watson: FLEX Option
In Week 2, I am sticking to my guns and advising fantasy managers to ignore both Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks when setting their lineups. Jayden Reed and Christian Watson land as my WR40 and WR41, but that is only due to Malik Willis drawing the start. Obviously, Reed kicked off his 2024 campaign with a bang finishing as the WR1 overall. He saw only six targets, but he was able to showcase his route-running and tackle-breaking ability on his way to 138 receiving yards and a touchdown. Watson saw slightly less usage when it came to his snap share (63%) and overall targets (5). He was only able to convert that into 13 total yards, but his calling card rang true when he got into the end zone. I would expect a heavy reliance on the run until Jordan Love returns, which limits the ceiling for both playmakers for the time being.
Tight End
Tucker Kraft: Sit, TE2
Luke Musgrave: Sit
As discussed in last week’s article, the problem with the Packer’s tight ends is that they are both talented. The expected leader in the room, Luke Musgrave, ended up playing behind Tucker Kraft, who came on in the later parts of last season. With both players seeing the field regularly and Malik Willis leading the way, it is safe to ignore the entire room until Love returns.