NFL Week 2: 3 Fantasy Football Surprises
Every season delivers shockwaves to fantasy football managers, and the NFL 2025 season is proving to be no exception. Just in the NFL week 2 into the year, storylines are already turning leagues upside down. The Kansas City Chiefs, last season’s 15-2 juggernaut, are shockingly winless, Daniel Jones looks reborn in Indianapolis with the Colts sitting at 2-0, and Giants wideout Wan’Dale Robinson has emerged as a top-10 fantasy receiver.
But beyond the headlines, a few players have flipped fantasy football expectations on their head. From unexpected breakouts to resurgent veterans, these are the guys changing matchups, trade values, and waiver wire strategies everywhere. Let’s dive into the three biggest fantasy football surprises from Week 2 and explore whether their early dominance is built to last.
#1 Javonte Williams Resurgence in Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys came into the season with a massive question mark at the running back position. They signed Javonte Williams, former Panthers running back Miles Sanders, and drafted rookie running back Jaydon Blue out of Texas.
With the running back room in shambles, I’m not sure anyone would have believed preseason that the Texans would have a top-five fantasy football running back. That is the case, as Williams is averaging 22.7 PPR fantasy points per game through the first two weeks. That included three rushing scores for the explosive Cowboys offense. Can Williams keep up his top-five pace all season? Probably not, but there is no denying he is a significant surprise through two games.
#2 Travis Etienne is the Lead Running Back in Jacksonville
Travis Etienne came into the season with doubts about his talent. The Jaguars drafted rookie speedster running back Bhayshul Tuten out of Virginia Tech and returned gritty third-year running back Tank Bigsby. After the Jaguars’ week one win, Bigsby was surprisingly traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for a 6th round future draft pick.
Etienne has rushed for 214 yards through two games, 31 receiving yards, and a touchdown. His hot start has placed him among the top 12 running backs through the first two games. A top 12 start is a surprise, as Etienne was routinely drafted outside the top 5 running backs in fantasy football leagues before the season. I expect Etienne to continue his hot streak in a surprisingly good Jaguars offense.
#3 Rome Odunze Off to a Top 5 Start
Bears’ second-year wide receiver, Rome Odunze, is red hot through two games. His 23.8 PPR fantasy football points per game are suitable for a top-five mark at the wide receiver position. Odunze has done it all for the Bears, hauling in three receiving touchdowns while being targeted 20 times.
Odunze has taken advantage of the Bears’ focus on the passing game in Ben Johnson’s offense. Going forward, Odunze can continue being the favorite target of former number one overall pick Caleb Williams. If the Bears’ defense continues to struggle, Odunze should continue to see targets, as the Bears’ offense has to keep up with their opponents.
Who Surprised You the Most?
To be honest, no one saw any of the players starting the season this hot. Will they continue their dominance? That is for you to decide in your fantasy football leagues.
These three players will be hot commodities in trades for sure. Now the decision is to buy or sell these three players. Personally, I would be selling Odunze and Williams, while buying Etienne. I am nervous about Williams being able to hold up throughout the season, while Odunze could struggle when he starts to draw the attention of the other team’s number one corner. O
On the other hand, Etienne has a clear path to an elite workload. With Bigsby out of town, Etienne will get the elite RB1 workload to win you fantasy football leagues.
NFL Week 2: Biggest Fantasy Football Surprises
No one could have predicted Javonte Williams returning to elite form, Travis Etienne looking like a workhorse RB1, or Rome Odunze vaulting into top-five wideout territory. That’s the beauty of one hot start can change the entire seasonfantasy football… anything can happen, and . The real question is: will these players continue to dominate, or will regression hit hard in the weeks ahead?
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FAQs
Q: Why is Javonte Williams considered a major fantasy surprise?
Williams is averaging 22.7 PPR points per game with three rushing TDs despite the Cowboys’ crowded backfield. Few expected him to emerge as a top-five fantasy RB.
Q: What’s Travis Etienne’s fantasy outlook?
With Tank Bigsby traded, Etienne has a clear path to an elite RB1 workload in Jacksonville. He’s rushed for 214 yards and a touchdown through two games, making him a hot early-season asset.
Q: How is Rome Odunze performing so far?
Odunze is posting 23.8 PPR points per game, including three receiving touchdowns. As Caleb Williams’ favorite target, he’s off to a top-five wide receiver start in fantasy.
Q: Should I buy or sell these players in my fantasy league?
Expert take: Sell Odunze and Williams before defensive adjustments hit, but buy Etienne for his clear RB1 opportunity and high-volume potential.
Q: Can I use these insights to win real prizes?
Absolutely! BullRush sports competitions let you predict player performances, call game outcomes, and put your fantasy football knowledge to the test for real cash prizes.
