3 Lessons Learned After Week 2

Photo: USA Today Sports

Like most of you, I’m still adjusting to the new season. It’s like watching a thriller-mystery movie and we’re focused on the action while simultaneously searching for clues. But we’re only through two weeks. We’ve got a picture, but it’s still too blurry. Regardless, let me sift through the data and review my lessons learned from the week.

Quarterback: Marcus Mariota, Falcons

Week 2 Results: (Projected) 19.6, (Actual) 13.4

I’ll be honest. I thought Atlanta’s offense would look much worse. Not just because of Mariota, but a lacking skill group outside of Kyle Pitts and Cordarrelle Patterson. No shade toward Drake London, but we didn’t know how he’d look after his preseason injury. Regardless, it was fair to question Mariota’s fantasy utility. But, after Week 2, fantasy managers should look for him if they need a quarterback streaming option.

Advice Moving Forward

Use Mariota as a matchup-based starter. His passing efficiency combined with the rushing can serve as a viable floor. Plus, Atlanta’s defense should force potential shootouts against productive offenses.

Mariota flashed his running ability when he was still in Las Vegas. So, I was comfortable with the rushing component of his fantasy production. It was the passing portion I couldn’t square. He hasn’t started two games since 2019, and I wanted to believe his elbow injury was his downfall. So far, it looks like he’s doing fine.

Let’s contextualize Mariota’s situation. London leads the pass-catchers with a 37.4% air yard share. Pitts is close by at 24.2% but only has 38 receiving yards. Mariota has had to rely on KhaDarel Hodge and Olamide Zaccheaus to move the offense. And yet, he’s 11th in EPA per play despite the subpar supporting cast. Plus, we’ve still got his rushing upside to consider.

It’s not like designed runs count for more fantasy points. We’ll take whatever we can get. However, I’d look to quarterbacks with a higher designed run rate for stability. Their mobility is a part of the offense and not just a reaction to pressure. So we can see a level of rational coaching in getting Mariota out in space. Mariota also has six attempts from inside the 20-yard line. It’s all we need for a starter.

But he’s not an every-week option. Pitts is still underutilized, and nobody’s rostering Atlanta’s third or fourth option. But, like this week against Seattle’s porous defense, fantasy managers can plus Mariota in if they need some help at quarterback until further notice.

Running Back: Austin Ekeler, Chargers

Week 2 Results: (Projected) 18.2, (Actual) 18.4

If you didn’t watch TNF or even catch any Week 1 highlights, you’d be fine with Austin Ekeler’s output so far. Not ecstatic as he’s yet to find the paint. But you’d be fine. He’s still a top-12 RB on a productive offense, and we can’t ask for much more. However, I can feel the waves of panic coming off those who’ve seen the games. Regardless, I’m not worried yet.