It was indeed a challenging weekend for fantasy football managers, with several marquee players failing to deliver the production their draft positions demanded. The slate of disappointing performances from Week 2 extends well beyond the usual suspects, creating headaches for fantasy managers who thought they had locked in reliable production from their star players.
Brian Thomas Jr.'s Alarming Start Continues
The Jacksonville Jaguars' second-year wide receiver's rough start to the 2025 season reached new depths in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Thomas managed just four catches on 12 targets for 49 yards, a concerning continuation of his Week 1 struggles where he caught only one of seven targets for 11 yards. Over two weeks, Thomas has accumulated a measly five receptions on 19 targets for 60 total yards.
The target volume suggests the opportunity is there, but the chemistry between Thomas and quarterback Trevor Lawrence remains non-existent. Thomas dropped a potential touchdown pass in the end zone and had another pass bounce off his hands for an interception. His 26.3% reception rate ranks 79th among NFL receivers and represents the worst mark on his own team. Making matters worse, reports emerged that Thomas was dealing with a wrist injury during the Week 2 performance.
The disconnect between Lawrence and Thomas isn't just about individual failures – it's symptomatic of Jacksonville's adjustment to offensive coordinator Liam Coen's new system. For a receiver many expected to build on his solid rookie campaign, Thomas's early-season struggles represent one of the most concerning developments for fantasy managers who invested early-round capital.
AJ Brown's Continued Fantasy Frustration
Philadelphia Eagles star AJ Brown managed just five receptions on eight targets for 27 yards in the team's 20-17 victory over Kansas City. While this represented an improvement from his one-catch, eight-yard showing in Week 1, the production remains unacceptable for a player drafted as a top-tier WR1.
Brown led the Eagles in targets but finished behind DeVonta Smith in receiving yards. The concerning trend isn't just the low yardage totals – it's Philadelphia's run-heavy offensive approach that has limited the entire passing attack through two games. The Eagles' offensive philosophy appears to prioritize ball control over explosive passing plays, creating a low ceiling for all their receivers.
Fantasy managers hoped the Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City would provide the stage for Brown to break out, but instead witnessed another frustrating performance. Through two games, Brown has managed just six catches for 35 total yards, putting him on pace for career-low numbers that would make him virtually unstartable despite his elite talent.
Patrick Mahomes Shows Uncharacteristic Struggles
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback posted 187 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the loss to Philadelphia. While he added 66 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown, the overall performance fell short of the elite standards fantasy managers expect from the two-time MVP.
Mahomes completed just 55.2% of his passes against the Eagles, continuing an efficiency dip that began in Week 1. The Chiefs' receiving corps limitations, with Xavier Worthy battling injury and the suspension of key contributors, have clearly impacted Mahomes's ceiling. His 22.08 fantasy points in Week 2 represented a solid but not spectacular outing for a player many view as matchup-proof.
The concerning element isn't necessarily the single-game performance but rather the pattern emerging. Mahomes appears to be working harder for his fantasy production, and the supporting cast limitations could create more inconsistency than managers bargained for when drafting him as a top-five quarterback.
Justin Jefferson Suffers Through Quarterback Struggles
Minnesota Vikings superstar Justin Jefferson caught just one pass for nine yards in the team's 22-6 loss to Atlanta on Sunday Night Football. The performance marked a dramatic decline from his Week 1 showing and highlighted the growing concerns about quarterback J.J. McCarthy's development.
Jefferson has now totaled just five catches for 53 yards over two games, numbers that would be concerning for a mid-tier receiver, let alone the player many consider the NFL's best at the position. McCarthy completed only 52.4% of his passes in Week 2 with 158 yards and two interceptions, creating virtually no opportunities for Jefferson to showcase his elite route-running and playmaking ability.
The quarterback instability has reached a breaking point, with McCarthy now expected to miss Week 3 with an ankle injury. While veteran Carson Wentz may provide more stability, Jefferson's fantasy value remains compromised by the overall offensive dysfunction in Minnesota.
Marvin Harrison Jr.'s Sophomore Slump Deepens
Arizona Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. caught just two passes on five targets for 27 yards in the team's 27-22 victory over Carolina. After a solid Week 1 performance that included 71 yards and a touchdown, Harrison disappeared against one of the league's weaker defenses.
The concerning aspect of Harrison's Week 2 showing wasn't just the production but the context. The Cardinals scored 27 points and dominated for most of the game, yet Harrison barely factored into the offense. His struggles came despite facing a vulnerable Panthers secondary that should have provided an ideal matchup for the former Ohio State star.
Harrison's target share and overall involvement have fluctuated wildly through two games, suggesting the Cardinals haven't yet figured out how to consistently utilize their high-draft-pick investment. For fantasy managers who expected immediate WR2 production, Harrison's early-season inconsistency represents a significant disappointment.
Other Concerning Developments
Michael Penix Jr. posted just 6.7 fantasy points in Sunday night's loss, throwing for only 135 yards without a touchdown. After a promising debut, the Falcons quarterback struggled against a Vikings defense that should have provided a more favorable matchup.
Derrick Henry had a disappointing game with just 23 yards on 11 carries against Cleveland, failing to find the end zone despite Baltimore's high-scoring victory.
The key insight from Week 2's disappointments is that early-season struggles don't necessarily indicate long-term problems, but they do create immediate roster management challenges. Fantasy managers should resist panic moves while acknowledging that some players may need more time to find their rhythm in new systems or overcome early-season obstacles. The season's narrative will ultimately be written over 17 games, not two, but these early warning signs deserve attention and careful monitoring moving forward.
