Saints defense eyes a marquee Week 2 upset as a hobbled 49ers squad visits New Orleans. With Purdy, Kittle, and Aiyuk sidelined or limited, Spencer Rattler and a rebuilt Saints attack must lean on a stout defense and a smarter game plan to steal a win.

Bold projections color the page: a pass rush that adds five sacks, Rashid Shaheed erupting for big yards, and Cameron Jordan delivering multiple sacks. In a low-scoring, defense-driven game, fantasy managers should chase Saints playmakers while tempering expectations for the visiting offense.

DaRon Bland's stint on the shelf tests Dallas's secondary, coming as Week 2 pits the Cowboys against Malik Nabers. Week 1’s shutdown of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith showed the unit's ceiling, but depth is now under the microscope. Dallas elevates Zion Childress and Robert Rochell and brings Ryan Flournoy back, signaling a rotation-heavy approach. Expect Nabers to draw a primary ghost of targets, while the revamped depth will shape DFS and fantasy lineups.

New England trades Ja'Lynn Polk and a 2028 seventh-round pick to New Orleans for a 2027 sixth-round pick, a move that clears Patriots WR depth and adds future draft capital. Polk is coming off a shoulder injury and won’t suit up for the Saints until 2026 after landing on season-ending IR. New Orleans bets on a fresh start for the former UW star, while New England shifts focus to internal development and a potential WR addition in the upcoming draft.

The saga reshapes both teams’ long-term WR outlooks: Saints gain a high-upside asset with a patient timeline, and Patriots recoup a mid-round pick to chase immediate depth and upside through the draft. Fantasy managers should watch Polk’s recovery trajectory and Saints’ 2026 usage plans closely.

Arizona hosts Carolina in Week 2 with a chance to start 2-0 at State Farm Stadium, a feat not achieved since 2021. Gannon emphasized rapid three-phase improvement after Week 1 and adapting to Blount’s season-ending injury, pushing interchangeable players into elevated roles. Carolina counters with a mobile quarterback, a strong O-line, and Hubbard in support, plus emerging targets like McMillan. Week 2 will test Cardinals’ depth and how quickly the defense can gel behind its corners and pass rush.

Fantasy takeaway: Blount’s absence nudges opportunity across Arizona’s defense and depth chart, while Hubbard remains a focal point for Carolina. McMillan’s Week 1 flashes hint at red-zone and gadget usage, and the Cardinals’ secondary will be tested by Carolina’s balance. This game serves as a proving ground for Gannon’s plan and for players stepping into expanded roles across three phases.