1. QB Sam Howell, Washington Commanders
19/25, 188 yds, 2 TD, 3 Att, 17 yds, 17.22 PPR
Howell put together easily the top performance of any player this week against the Ravens, playing close to perfect football while distributing the ball to all of his weapons.
Of particular note was his high target rate to his running backs, with both Antonio Gibson AND Brian Robinson catching multiple passes from Howell in the first half. Howell also found Gibson for a touchdown just before halftime.
Two weeks pf promising gameplay has Howell looking more than capable of supporting the Commanders offense in 2023, which could feature two starting lineup-worth wide receivers and more than one running back earning targets.
2. WR Austin Watkins, Cleveland Browns
14 Targets, 7 Rec, 139 yds, 1 TD, 26.9 PPR
He’s not likely to challenge any of the Browns starting receivers for significant play time in 2023, but when you garner double-digit targets and have almost 140 yards receiving, you’re a top performer.
Watkins consistently took his receptions for 15+ yard gains and put up the most receiving yards of any receiver in Week 2. He might not be the most fantasy-relevant player to have a big day, but credit where credit is due.
3. RB Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints
10 Carries, 23 yards, 1 TD, 3/3 Receptions, 36 yards, 14.9 PPR
Miller returned to action in short order and had himself a very promising night, getting plenty of run in the receiving game and showing why he’s a popular fantasy pick to take control of the Saints backfield while Kamara is out.
2.3 yards per carry isn’t all that inspiring, but the understanding with Miller has been that his value would come in the receiving game – and he proved that he can meet that expectation with an excellent over the top grab down the sideline for a big gain.
Miller is so much more dynamic than Jamaal Williams, and should be drafted over him in every scenario. He could have a shot at season-long value if he can take advantage of the increased workload early on.
4. WR Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
9 Targets, 8 Rec, 96 yds, 17.6 PPR
Rice didn’t score, but he demonstrated his playmaking ability on two plays of 25+ yards and earned a high target share – two things that will certainly help him see the field in the regular season.
His production also came exclusively in the first half, and any additional time in the game would have seen him eclipse 100 yards on the day. With the Chiefs WR room standing on some promising, but unproven legs, Rice could reasonably push for considerable targets if anybody would happen to go down to injury (*cough cough* Kadarius Toney *cough*).
5. WR Jalin Hyatt, New York Giants
5 Targets, 4 Rec, 35 yds, 1 TD, 13.5 PPR
Hyatt is part of a very crowded New York WR room, but he has the talent to make some headway into fantasy relevance if he can continue to string together big plays like the one he had this past weekend.
His touchdown catch was the highlight of the game, but constituted all but two of his receiving yards on the day (33 yards). His other catches on the day went for -3, 0, and 5 yards.
Hyatt will have to do more in the receiving game besides take the top off the defense to contribute on a regular basis, but there’s no reason to believe that can’t improve. He’s a fine dynasty stash, but will likely struggle to be worth starting in most fantasy lineups.