Daniel Jones Emerges as Top QB Replacement for Joe Burrow

The NFL landscape shifted significantly for fantasy football managers following the second Sunday of the season, particularly with the injury of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. As Burrow is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months due to a toe injury, managers are now seeking viable replacements. Among the top options emerging from Week 2 is Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts, who delivered a strong performance that could solidify his role in fantasy lineups.

In Week 2, several players excelled, with six surpassing 30 points in PPR leagues, showcasing a variety of scoring potential. While Burrow ranked third in fantasy scoring last season, his absence creates a void that many fantasy managers must navigate. The swift pace of the NFL means players’ values can change rapidly, making weekly evaluations crucial for fantasy success.

Quarterback Options to Consider

One immediate replacement option is Jake Browning, who is currently rostered in 0.0% of ESPN standard leagues. Browning has had a solid albeit limited career as a backup, averaging 20 fantasy points per game over seven starts this season. In the Bengals’ recent victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he scored 17.74 points, despite throwing three interceptions. He has talented receivers at his disposal, including Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. However, with challenging matchups against Minnesota and Denver in the upcoming weeks, his reliability may be a concern.

Another notable name is Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams, currently available in 33.5% of leagues. While Stafford has yet to reach the top 10 in fantasy scoring this season, he remains a consistent performer, scoring 13.6 points in Week 1 and 17.32 in Week 2. With a history of strong performances against the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford could be a valuable asset for those adjusting their lineups.

Jones, who is rostered in 21.2% of leagues, has shown improvement, scoring over 20 points in consecutive weeks. His ability to run the ball, coupled with a strong passing performance of 316 yards and three touchdowns against the Denver Broncos, positions him as a solid pickup for Week 3 against the Tennessee Titans.

Potential Deep League Gems

In deeper leagues, Mac Jones of the San Francisco 49ers could provide a viable option. Rostered in just 0.6% of leagues, he stepped in for starter Brock Purdy and delivered a respectable performance with 279 yards and three touchdowns against the New Orleans Saints. With favorable matchups against the Arizona Cardinals and the Jacksonville Jaguars in the coming weeks, he may become a more prominent name.

Other noteworthy players include Bhayshul Tuten of the Jacksonville Jaguars, who turned ten touches into 15.4 points in his last game, and Tyler Allgeier of the Atlanta Falcons, who scored 15.0 points in a recent outing. Both are emerging as potential flex options as they navigate their respective team dynamics.

On the receiving front, Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers has seen increased opportunities following an injury to teammate Jayden Reed. With a touchdown in hand, Doubs could be a strategic addition for managers searching for depth at wide receiver.

As the season progresses, fantasy managers must remain proactive in evaluating player performances and making roster adjustments. With the NFL’s unpredictable nature, the ability to adapt quickly can be the key to success in fantasy leagues.