This article is part of our FantasyDraft NFL series.
The first week of NFL DFS was fairly straightforward. If you went with safe players you knew were going to get touches, it likely resulted in success. Of course, you probably didn't win a big contest without the help of Kareem Hunt. With more knowledge about which players touch the ball the most, we can take a few more risks as the season moves along. After a solid week using two running backs for my flex spots, I decided to mix things up for Week 2.
QUARTERBACK
Matt Ryan, ATL vs. GB ($14,100): I didn't want to play games at quarterback this week as there are four that stand out with two games having an over/under above 50 points. The Packers' secondary may have some new faces, but they are less than a year removed from getting carved for 392 yards and four touchdowns in last year's playoffs. Ryan may not reach those totals, but he should be headed to at least 300-plus yards and a couple touchdowns in Atlanta's home opener at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
RUNNING BACK
Melvin Gordon, LAC vs. MIA ($13,300): Gordon didn't have a great Week 1 (3.0 yards per carry), but it was clear he's going to dominate backfield touches with 15 carries and five receptions. That should be the case again in a home game the Chargers shouldn't go down by 17 points in. The Dolphins had the 22nd-best rush defense last season (according to Football Outsiders' DVOA) and only really added Lawrence Timmons and Williams Hayes, neither of which will be immediate impacts against the run.
Leonard Fournette, JAX vs. TEN ($12,300): The Jags won't have as easy of a time winning this week, but that doesn't mean Fournette will see less than 20 touches. The Titans have a solid run defense so there is some trepidation with this pick. Yet, after three receptions last week, I'm confident Fournette has a high enough floor to take him in a game in which the Jaguars are less than a field-goal underdog.
WIDE RECEIVER
Doug Baldwin, SEA vs. SF ($12,600): Coming off a wretched performance, I expect better things for the Seattle offense in the home opener. In this spot last season, Baldwin grabbed eight balls for 164 yards and a touchdown as the Seahawks dropped 37 points on the 49ers. He probably won't reach those heights, but the upside makes him an enticing lower-priced receiver.
Cooper Kupp, LAR vs. WAS ($8,000): I'm slightly surprised Kupp's price wasn't higher after leading the Rams with six targets in a blowout. Now in a game that's expected to be closer, eight or nine targets wouldn't be a stretch for the rookie. At this price, you can't do much better than that and the Washington secondary was just roasted by Carson Wentz.
TIGHT END
Coby Fleener, NO vs. NE ($6,000): I stole Zach Ertz for $7,000 in Week 1 and his price jumped to $10,000, so I had to look elsewhere. That said, Fleener's price doesn't fit the matchup or the five catches and a touchdown he had against the Vikings. With this game expected to be a shootout between mediocre-to-bad defenses, Fleener should have another double-digit fantasy outing.
FLEX
Ty Montgomery, GB at ATL ($10,900): I considered grabbing a Packers receiver but felt Montgomery may be the safer play. He was great in pass protection last week and that should turn into more receptions against an attack-heavy defense. In addition, Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen carved the Falcons apart in Week 1. With another 20 touches possible in a game that will have points, I like Montgomery's chances.
Brandin Cooks, NE at NO ($15,400): The price is hefty, but I think Cooks could be in for a huge game against a secondary that was just beat up by Sam Bradford. Cooks couldn't get much going in the opener, but I envision either 100 yards or a touchdow if not both with the Patriots expected to hit 30 points. Throw in Danny Amendola's concussion and Cooks should see more targets, as well.
DEFENSE
Baltimore Ravens vs. CLE ($7,300): The range in pricing for defenses is extreme and the days of getting a team like the Chargers at $5,000 are seemingly gone after one week. I liked the Ravens more than anyone going into the season and they lived up to the billing by smashing the Bengals. After Pittsburgh had seven sacks against the Browns, I expect the Ravens to reach at least five to go with a pick or two.
