Each week the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week (Scoring thresholds – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points [10 for shockers], WR: 11 fantasy points: TE: 10 fantasy points; .5 PPR).
Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars
| Start pct. | 15% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Bengals |
| BetMGM line | Cin -3.5 |
| BetMGM total | 50.5 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 18.3 fpts |
It’s abundantly clear cats are not fond of water. See the less than exciting feline fracas that occurred in DUVAL in Week 1.
Highlighted by an hourlong weather delay, Panthers/Jaguars did not meet most gamers’ high expectations. With quality efforts from running backs Chuba Hubbard and Travis Etienne the exception, practically every highly drafted fantasy option left backers mopey. Not even that six-pack of 8.0% IPAs helped quell the pain.
He may have walked away with the convincing victory, but Lawrence’s 178-1-1 line didn’t win the quarterback any favors with investors. To gamers who entered the season feeling 2025 was a make or break campaign for the supposed “generational passer,” his underperformance was a misstep.
Yes, it’s a single-game sample size, but Lawrence’s uninterrupted mediocrity was a familiar feeling. Keep in mind, he hasn’t once finished inside the fantasy top-11 in total QB scoring in his five-year career. If another round of flavorless efforts mount, he’ll soon be dropped en masse.
However, with high flyers Brian Thomas, Travis Hunter, Brenton Strange and Etienne on roster and proven play-caller Liam Coen orchestrating the scheme, he should -- emphasis on SHOULD -- come around.
There’s no better time to begin the ascension than Week 2. For the love of the fantasy gods, elder statesman Joe Flacco, who campaigned for Abraham Lincoln in 1860, nearly tossed 300 yards against the Bengals last Sunday.
Cincinnati's gashable secondary needs to be bombarded. Already No. 20 in dropback success rate defense, it will likely be one of the worst vertical Ds in the league. CB Cameron Taylor-Britt alone allowed a whopping 151.5 passer rating to his assignments in Week 1.
Fantasy heartthrob Thomas connected with Lawrence only once for 15 yards on seven targets in the opener. Look for the pair to rekindle their on-field bromance in the followup.
The Blond Bomber purrs. A QB1-level effort is entirely possible in enemy territory.
Be merciful, Mother Nature.
Fearless Forecast: 263 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 11 rushing yards, 21.3 fantasy points
BONUS FLAME
C.J. Stroud, Texans
| Start pct. | 14% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Bucs |
| BetMGM line | Hou -2.5 |
| BetMGM total | 43 |
| BetAlytics proj. | 15.1 fpts |
Fly your flag loud and proud, Team Stroud members.
Candidly, his first start of the season in Los Angeles wasn’t exactly colorful. His 70.4% completion rate was fruitful, but he sorely lacked overall, tossing just 188 yards, zero touchdowns and a pick. Stroud's 32 rush yards did help curb the negativity. Still, his QB25 finish in fantasy left banana in the hammock.
What was most alarming about the QB’s unexciting opening act was the steady pressure felt. Placed under duress on 8.8% of his dropbacks, Stroud absorbed three sacks. As tracked by NFL NextGen Stats, he posted the 10th lowest Week 1 time to throw at 2.35 seconds.
The constant pocket collapses reminded viewers Houston’s turnstile offensive line very much remains a work in progress. After one game, the Texans' trench men rank a ghastly No. 29 in pass-blocking efficiency at Pro Football Focus.
Against the Falcons, Tampa's projected basement-dwelling pass defense lived down to expectation. Michael Penix occasionally sliced and diced them via air and ground, posting the eighth-best QB line of the week. Currently No. 22 in dropback EPA D, Todd Bowles' secondary will again struggle.
Nico Collins won't be held under 30 yards in consecutive contests. The plutonium-packed wide receiver is always a nuclear threat. He should detonate versus veteran corner Jamel Dean, who notched only the 57th-best coverage grade in Week 1 and surrendered a 66.1 catch% to his assignments last year.
Monday night, Stroud howls at the moon.
Fearless Forecast: 246 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 17 rushing yards, 21.0 fantasy points
Season QB Flames record: 1-1