NFL Fantasy Football Week 2: A Deep Dive Into McLaurin And McMillan's Potential

David

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Post on Sep 12, 2025

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NFL Fantasy Football Week 2: A Deep Dive into McLaurin and McMillan's Potential

Fantasy football managers are already scrambling after Week 1's surprises, and Week 2 presents another crucial set of decisions. This week, we're focusing on two players with significant upside: Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders and Khalil Herbert of the Chicago Bears. Should you start them? Let's dive into their potential.

Terry McLaurin: A Bounce-Back Candidate?

Week 1 saw McLaurin deliver a relatively quiet performance, leaving many fantasy owners questioning his viability. However, a closer look reveals reasons for optimism. While the Commanders' offense struggled against the Arizona Cardinals, their game plan often neglected McLaurin's deep-threat capabilities. The Cardinals' defensive strategy successfully limited big plays, impacting McLaurin's overall numbers.

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Factors Favoring McLaurin in Week 2:

• Improved Offensive Efficiency: The Commanders' offense needs to improve, and they'll likely adjust their game plan to better utilize McLaurin's strengths. Expect more deep targets and opportunities for explosive plays.
• A More Favorable Matchup: Their Week 2 opponent presents a potentially more favorable matchup. Researching the defensive weaknesses of their upcoming opponent is crucial for fantasy owners. Check out reputable fantasy football analysis sites for detailed matchups.
• Sam Howell's Development: While still young, Sam Howell showed flashes of potential. As he gains experience, his connection with McLaurin should strengthen, leading to more consistent production.

Potential Concerns for McLaurin:

• Commanders' Offensive Struggles: The Commanders’ offensive line remains a concern, potentially limiting Howell's time to throw and impacting McLaurin's opportunities.
• Red Zone Targets: McLaurin's red zone targets were limited in Week 1. An increase in targets near the end zone is essential for fantasy success.

Verdict on McLaurin: While Week 1 was underwhelming, McLaurin remains a high-ceiling WR2. His potential for a big game makes him a worthy start in most leagues, but monitor the news closely leading up to kickoff.

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Khalil Herbert: A Potential RB1 in the Making?

The Chicago Bears' backfield situation is a complex one, but Khalil Herbert emerged as a significant contributor in Week 1, and he's a player fantasy managers should be watching very closely. With David Montgomery now a member of the Detroit Lions, Herbert’s role has expanded considerably.

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Factors Favoring Herbert in Week 2:

• Increased Workload: Herbert is now the clear lead back in Chicago, meaning a significant increase in touches and opportunities.
• Offensive Line Improvement: The Bears' offensive line showed improvements in Week 1, paving the way for a more effective running game.
• Game Script Potential: If the Bears fall behind, Herbert's pass-catching ability could make him a valuable asset.

Potential Concerns for Herbert:

• Injury Risk: Any injury to Herbert could significantly alter the Bears' backfield dynamic, impacting his fantasy value. Keep an eye on injury reports.
• Passing Game Dependence: While Herbert is a capable receiver, the Bears' success will largely depend on the effectiveness of their passing game, which could affect his rushing attempts.

Verdict on Herbert: Herbert is a strong RB2 with RB1 upside, especially in PPR leagues. His potential for a high volume of touches and his pass-catching ability make him a valuable fantasy asset. He’s a player to strongly consider starting in Week 2.

Conclusion:

Both McLaurin and Herbert present intriguing options for your Week 2 fantasy lineup. Thoroughly analyze their matchups, consider the potential for offensive improvements, and don't forget to check the latest injury reports. Remember, fantasy football is a game of adapting to the ever-changing circumstances, and careful consideration of these factors will significantly impact your chances of success. Good luck!

Remember to stay updated with the latest news and injury reports before setting your lineup!