Mac Jones steadied the ship for San Francisco, stepping in for Brock Purdy and delivering a 26-for-39, 279-yard, 3-TD performance with no picks in a 26-21 win over New Orleans. He thrived on third downs (3 TDs on 7 attempts) and connected on key plays such as a 46-yard score to Jauan Jennings, helping the 49ers move to 2-0. The defense and special teams provided punch, Bryce Huff sparked the pass rush, and SF heads home to Levi’s with two tough tests ahead vs Arizona and Jacksonville.

Week 2 expands the sample to reveal who’s real and who’s not in the NFL, with the defending champs Eagles proving depth and consistency as other contenders mix high highs with worrying lulls. The Packers, Bills, 49ers and Ravens show dominant floors, while the Chiefs stumble to a rough start that tests every facet of their title window. Surprises abound from the Colts and Cardinals to the Jaguars and Raiders, shaping early fantasy value through balanced offenses, emerging playmakers, and defensive clamps. Injuries and scheme shifts ride shotgun to the narrative, nudging rosters and weekly projections in real-time.

Troy Franklin is emerging as Denver’s top target, with Tuten stepping up in Jacksonville after Bigsby’s trade. Penix shows rest‑of‑season upside for Atlanta despite Week 2 hiccups, while Browning could be a Week 3 streamer for Cincinnati if Burrow misses more time. The piece maps waiver targets by league size and time frame, and highlights Panthers, Commanders, Bills, 49ers, and Vikings as key upcoming matchups to leverage.

Mac Jones shines in his firstSan Francisco start, going 26-of-39 for 279 yards and 3 TDs, easing concerns about Purdy’s toe injury. McCaffrey’s workload normalizes to 13 carries and 6 receptions for 107 yards and a score. Williams shows upside with 5 tackles and 2 TFL. Juszczyk exits with a concussion; Colby steps in with solid interior work as Bartch goes down. Warner forces Kamara fumble; Bosa sacks Rattler; Pineiro redeems after an early miss, SF dominates in third downs and red zone while Saints struggle.