Top 5 Rushing Matchups
Atlanta vs Carolina
Bijan Robinson started the season about as well as fantasy managers could have hoped in Week 1. In a perceived difficult matchup against Pittsburgh with Cooper Rush starting as the quarterback, Robinson amassed 173 yards, of which 90 came through the air. Bijan was on the field for 77% of snaps, which is encouraging in this Kevin Stefanski offense, where Brian Robinson Jr is firmly a backup here with just 23% of snaps. If there is a problem for Atlanta ahead of this premier matchup, it is that as of Wednesday, they are unclear who their quarterback will be this week. Michael Penix Jr. does not seem comfortable, as he has not returned to live action; although he’s been cleared for practice, Tua Tagovailoa is still day-to-day with an oblique injury, and Cooper Rush is now getting treatment for a back injury. It would seem that Rush would be the most likely option, although if the fans had a choice, it would be undrafted rookie Jack Strand from D2 Minnesota State-Moorhead, which just seems to be an inconceivably big jump for the rookie. Along the offensive line for Atlanta, the concern is the tackles. 34-year-old Jake Matthews has been a franchise left tackle for the Falcons, but he did look a step slower in Week 1, while newly acquired Jawaan Taylor got off to a slow start as the right tackle looks to rebuild his career after struggling in his three seasons in Kansas City.