Sports
Ready for Sunday? We have last-minute Week 2 sleepers, surprises, trends to watch and more
Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season is here, and our NFL analysts have you covered at the 11th hour. Don’t miss our last-minute prep for a loaded slate.
First, analytics writer Seth Walder breaks down three stat trends that could be pivotal this weekend. Then fantasy football writer Eric Moody runs through five players who are rostered in under 50% of ESPN fantasy football leagues as of Saturday and could be started in a jam. That’s followed by NFL analyst Ben Solak predicting three potentially big surprises and NFL analyst Matt Bowen picking one key matchup to watch. Finally, sports betting analyst Pamela Maldonado gives her favorite bet of Week 2.
Can J.J. McCarthy find ways to beat Jessie Bates III in the Vikings’ pass game? Does Juwan Johnson have fantasy upside this week? Could James Conner have a big rushing day? And which NFC South team could pull an upset? Let’s dive in.
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Stat trends | Fantasy sleepers
Potential surprises | Key matchup
Best bet of the week
Walder: Three key stat trends that could determine Week 2 winners
Can QB Caleb Williams fix accuracy issues against the Lions?
Williams’ accuracy woes were on full display in Week 1. He recorded a 29% off-target rate and a negative-13% completion percentage over expectation (CPOE), which were both the worst among all quarterbacks per NFL Next Gen Stats.
What stands out the most about Williams’ career accuracy numbers is that the problems are particularly pronounced when throwing outside the numbers. He actually is roughly average when throwing between the numbers, with a 0% CPOE since the start of last season. But outside the numbers, that drops to minus-4%. And his 28% off-target rate outside the numbers is outdone only by Colts QB Anthony Richardson Sr.
In general, this actually makes me slightly more bullish on Chicago because of Williams’ new coach. No team threw more between the numbers last season than Ben Johnson’s Lions. But facing Detroit’s defense might not be the ideal matchup. The Lions faced throws between the numbers only 46% of the time last season, the third-lowest rate in the league. We don’t yet know if the Lions will deter middle-of-the-field targets in the same way under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, but the pattern largely held Week 1 against Green Bay (41% of targets between the numbers).
Can the Rams’ interior line hold off Titans DT Jeffery Simmons?
Injuries hit the Rams hard at guard in Week 1, with both Steve Avila and Kevin Dotson getting hurt in that game (though Avila returned in Dotson’s stead). Both are now week-to-week, and if at least one cannot play, that presumably means Beaux Limmer will step in again. Limmer played 870 snaps at center as a rookie, but his guard debut was shaky last week. He was beaten clean by Folorunso Fatukasi for a sack. The matchup will be tougher this time around against Simmons and the Titans.
Simmons ranked 10th in pass rush win rate as an interior rusher last season (12%) and eighth in Week 1 (14%). He would be a threat to QB Matthew Stafford against even the best guards, so this could be a challenging day with the Rams’ backups in there.
Will the Texans get their running game going against the Buccaneers?
Houston’s change at offensive coordinator from Bobby Slowik to Nick Caley has meant a dramatic shift in the team’s run scheme. The Texans ran outside zone 47% of the time last season (sixth-most) and barely any duo (8%) — but the team’s duo rate jumped to a league-high 55% in Week 1 this season.
This change in scheme might not be ideal this week. Since the start of last season, the Buccaneers have allowed just 3.5 yards per carry against duo runs — third-lowest in the league. Perhaps it’s just variance due to a small sample, but it also might be a credit to the players on the defensive front under Todd Bowles (especially Vita Vea). Tampa Bay hasn’t had much turnover from last season’s defensive front (edge rusher Haason Reddick was the only major addition), so this strength should continue.
Moody: Five fantasy sleepers you need to pick up — and can start this week
Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns (46.1% rostered)
Tillman saw eight targets and posted 16.2 fantasy points against the Bengals in Week 1, matching wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in snaps and routes. With quarterback Joe Flacco projected for a lot of passing volume and Cleveland likely playing from behind versus Baltimore, Tillman remains firmly on the flex radar in most leagues.
Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints (37.6% rostered)
Johnson led the Saints in receiving against the Cardinals with eight receptions for 76 yards, hinting at a big role in new coach Kellen Moore’s offense. With no Taysom Hill (torn ACL) in the mix, Johnson could remain a reliable target and sneaky sleeper despite a tough 49ers matchup.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jaguars (36.1% rostered)
I had Lawrence in this section last week, but he didn’t have to do much against the Panthers since the Jaguars built a huge lead and leaned heavily on running back Travis Etienne Jr. Lawrence should outperform his 10.3 fantasy points from the opener in Week 2, as the Bengals-Jaguars game is expected to be one of the higher-scoring games on the slate. Jacksonville will likely rely on the passing game against Cincinnati, especially targeting wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter.
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons (26.8% rostered)
Penix was superb in the season opener against the Buccaneers, finishing with 24.0 fantasy points. The second-year QB showed solid command of the Falcons’ offense in just his fourth career start. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney‘s status is uncertain (shoulder), but Drake London is expected to play against the Vikings after leaving the Week 1 game early with his own shoulder injury. The Bears’ Caleb Williams posted 24.2 fantasy points against Minnesota’s defense, so Penix has the potential for a similar performance.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs (20.3% rostered)
Running back Isiah Pacheco didn’t have the Chiefs’ backfield on lockdown against the Chargers, playing just 51% of snaps and logging seven touches for 4.8 fantasy points. Hunt basically matched him with seven touches and 4.6 fantasy points in fewer snaps (38%). Hunt is capable of contributing as a runner, receiver and blocker; he can also handle short-yardage and goal-line work. Since his fantasy projection against the Eagles isn’t far off from Pacheco’s, it might be worth taking a risk on Hunt this weekend.
Solak: Don’t be surprised if …
The Bears run a trick play. There were no classic Ben Johnson whirligig plays against the Vikings (end-of-game prayer notwithstanding). But against his former team in Week 2, I would wager Johnson has something goofy planned. Nothing embarrasses a defense quite like a receiver throwing a touchdown pass to an offensive tackle (or something like that).
The Bills score 40-plus points again. The Jets’ secondary was a mess against the Steelers — corners falling down, blown coverage assignments and missed tackles. The last time Josh Allen‘s Bills played Aaron Glenn’s defense, they put 48 on the Lions. All of the man coverage Glenn likes to run is an issue against a Bills team that trusts so many receivers to win matchups and has a deadly scrambling quarterback. If Justin Fields and the Jets’ rushing attack torch Buffalo’s shaky rush defense, this one could get crazy.
1:08
Schefter: ‘The road to the Super Bowl will go through Buffalo’
Adam Schefter and Damien Woody explain why the Bills are now the team to beat in the AFC.
Cardinals running back James Conner leads the league in rushing this week. Including last season, the Panthers have given up over 200 rushing yards in seven straight games. Now, they face a Cardinals team with one of the more creative rushing attacks in the league. It certainly doesn’t help that their new defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton is out for the next few weeks with a hamstring injury. If the Cardinals start to mount a large lead, Conner could rack up ridiculous garbage-time production.
Bowen: Key matchup to watch
Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy vs. Atlanta Falcons safety Jessie Bates III
McCarthy can benefit from the schemed throws in Kevin O’Connell’s offense, but identifying Bates post-snap will be a critical aspect of this game. With 14 interceptions over the past three seasons, Bates has the range and ball skills to make splash plays from both post and split-field alignments.
McCarthy played his best football in the second half of the Monday night win over the Bears, completing eight of 12 attempts for two touchdown passes (not to mention his third score on a designed rushing attempt). The poise and confidence is clearly there for the second-year QB returning from knee surgery. But he will be tested by Bates in the middle of the field Sunday night.
Maldonado: My favorite bet for Week 2
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +2.5 at Houston Texans
Houston’s offense isn’t fully clicking yet. Against the Rams, quarterback C.J. Stroud recorded 7.0 yards per pass attempt with no touchdowns to his depleted receiver room. And the team’s rebuilt offensive line gave up three sacks.
Meanwhile, Bucs QB Baker Mayfield quietly delivered enough explosive plays to wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Mike Evans to defeat the Falcons. Running back Bucky Irving flashed efficiency, too, giving this offense balance. Defensively, the Texans are solid, but takeaways were their bread and butter last season (fifth-most in the NFL with 29). Though some regression is expected, they had none in Week 1.
The Bucs’ third-down success — 50% in Week 1 — could be the difference in a possession-driven game. Tampa Bay has the healthier skill players, steadier OL and more ways to win. I’m having flashbacks to the 2023 season, when Stroud threw five touchdowns and beat the Bucs by only two points. Back Tampa.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kyndal Stowers and Logan Lednicky combined for 34 points to lead Texas A&M to a 29-27, 25-21, 25-20 sweep of Pittsburgh on Thursday, punching its ticket to the national championship game in women’s volleyball.
Stowers led the way with 18 points and 16 kills on a 53% kill rate, and Lednicky had 16 points and 14 kills on a 45% kill rate. It was Lednicky’s 22nd consecutive match with double-digit kills. Maddie Waak had 47 assists.
The No. 3-seeded Aggies (28-4) reached the final for the first time in program history after never having advanced beyond the final eight. It’s the second No. 1 seed the Aggies have defeated in the tournament after stunning previously undefeated Nebraska in a regional final. Texas A&M also knocked off No. 2 seed Louisville.
Pitt had not been swept this season before Thursday.
Olivia Babcock, a finalist for American Volleyball Coaches Association National Player of the Year, led the Panthers (30-5) with 25 points, finishing with 22 kills and a 54% kill rate. No other Panthers player had double-digit points. Brooke Mosher had 31 assists.
Texas A&M will play Kentucky, a five-set winner over Wisconsin in the late semifinal, in Sunday’s final.
Kentucky outlasts Wisconsin
Eva Hudson had 31 points, leading Kentucky to a 12-25, 25-22, 21-25, 26-24, 15-13 win over Wisconsin.
Hudson, a finalist for the AVCA National Player of the Year, carried the No. 1-seed Wildcats (30-2) with 29 kills on a 53% kill rate, including the final kill of the game. Brooklyn Delaye added 18 points and a team-high five blocks. Kassie O’Brien had 54 assists, and Molly Tuozzo had 17 digs.
The No. 3-seeded Badgers (28-5) dominated the first set with a 68% hitting rate, but the following sets were tightly contested.
The Badgers were led by Mimi Colyer, a fellow finalist for player of the year, who tallied 32 kills on a 46% kill rate. Carter Booth had 21 at a 70% kill rate to go with a game-high six blocks. Charlie Fuerbringer led all players with 63 assists, and Grace Egan had a team-high 15 digs.
It was the 27th consecutive win for the Wildcats, who won a ninth consecutive SEC title this season.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
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Former NBA star Penny Hardaway now devotes most of his time to the film room, practice and the sideline while guiding the Memphis men’s basketball team.
Hardaway, in his eighth year coaching the Tigers, revealed his plans for the upcoming brief holiday break.
Despite a holiday layoff from Dec. 22 through New Year’s Eve, Hardaway plans to watch 50 college games, saying on his weekly radio show that he prefers the college game over today’s NBA style.
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Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway looks on against the Tulane Green Wave during the semifinal game of the American Athletic Conference Tournament at the Dickies Arena in Forth Worth, Texas on March 11, 2023. (Adam Davis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hardaway argued the professional ranks lack an element of fun. “It’s just not fun to watch anymore,” the four-time NBA All-Star said. “It’s just not fun to watch anymore,” the four-time NBA All-Star said.
“It’s like, over the years, to me, it’s just getting worse and worse. Not in a bad way. But for me to watch, because I’m in college, I see the fundamentals and playing team ball,” he said. “And just shooting all the 3s now is just a little irritating to me to just watch an NBA game. No one shoots layups anymore. It’s fun to watch for fans.
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“But for guys that were pure in the game, it’s a little difficult.”
Hardaway was the third overall pick in the 1993 NBA Draft and the runner-up at the end of that season’s Rookie of the Year voting. While Hardaway has placed the pros on the back burner, there are still a few teams he enjoys watching.
Head coach Penny Hardaway of the Memphis Tigers reacts during the second half against the Houston Cougars at FedExForum on March 5, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
“I do love watching (the Oklahoma City Thunder), not because they’re the best team in the NBA, but they play the game the right way,” he said.
“(And the) Celtics, they play the game the right way. And I still enjoy watching the Grizzlies. I still like watching to see how they’re progressing. The Knicks, watching Jalen Brunson. I watch Minnesota with Anthony Edwards.”
Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway (1) of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Jan. 5, 2003 in Los Angeles, California. (Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
While the advent of name, image and likeness (NIL) has been widely debated, it has undoubtedly shifted the college sports landscape. Hardaway acknowledged the changes in recent years but still concluded that college hoops’ style is more appealing than what the NBA presents.
“But I’ll take that style over the NBA,” he said.
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Hardaway has guided Memphis to three consecutive NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament appearances. The Tigers enter Saturday’s visit to Mississippi State with a 4-6 record.
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Greg Biffle, his wife and children were killed in a plane crash in North Carolina on Thursday, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., said in a post on social media.
Biffle and his family members were on board a Cessna C550 with the tail number N257BW making its way to the Bahamas via Sarasota, Florida, when it crashed at Statesville Regional Airport. The plane had the tail number N257BW, which is owned by GB Aviation Leasing LLC, according to federal aviation records. The company is owned by Biffle.
“I am devastated by the loss of Greg, Cristina, and their children, and my heart is with all who loved them,” Hudson wrote on X.
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NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle appears during the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on March 20, 2022. (Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports)
“They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others. Greg was a great NASCAR champion who thrilled millions of fans. But he was an extraordinary person as well, and will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”
“The Biffles flew hundreds of rescue missions in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.”The last time I spoke with Cristina, just a couple of weeks ago, she reached out to ask how she could help with relief efforts in Jamaica. That’s who the Biffles were. Our prayers are with their family, friends, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”
Iredell County Sheriff Darren Campbell said in an earlier press conference he could “confirm there were fatalities” in the crash. Officials didn’t identify who the deceased were or how many people were on board the plane. The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed to Fox News Digital that there were seven fatalities in the crash.
NASCAR confirmed that Biffle, his wife and two children were killed in the crash, along with three others.
“NASCAR is devastated by the tragic loss of Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, daughter Emma, son Ryder, Craig Wadsworth and Dennis and Jack Dutton in a fatal plane crash,” NASCAR said in a statement. “Greg was more than a champion driver, he was a beloved member of the NASCAR community, a fierce competitor, and a friend to so many. His passion for racing, his integrity, and his commitment to fans and fellow competitors alike made a lasting impact on the sport.
“On the track, Greg’s talent and tenacity earned him championships in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, as well as numerous wins and accolades in the NASCAR Cup Series. Beyond his racing career, he gave of himself for the betterment of our community. Most notably, Greg spent countless hours of his time helping the citizens of North Carolina during the disasters that followed Hurricane Helene. His tireless work saved lives.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Greg’s entire family, friends, and all who were touched by his life.”
The Federal Aviation Administration told Fox News Digital the C550 crashed around 10:20 a.m. ET. FAA officials and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating, with the NTSB leading the probe.
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A massive fire is seen at Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
The fire continued as emergency personnel rushed to the scene of a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
Smoke is seen billowing from a plane crash at Statesvlle Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina. (WJZY-TV)
Later, the families of the deceased released a joint statement. Biffle, his wife Cristina Biffle and children Ryder and Emma were among those identified as the victims of the plane crash along with Dennis Dutton, his son Jack and Craig Wadsworth.
“We are devastated by the loss of our loved ones. This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” the joint statement read.
“Each of them meant everything to us, and their absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.
“We ask for privacy, compassion and understanding as we grieve and begin to process this unimaginable loss. We are grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to our families during this incredibly difficult time. At this moment, our focus is on honoring their lives and supporting one another.”
An official with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that the small jet crashed after it took off shortly after 10 a.m.
Video from the scene showed first responders rushing onto the runway as flames burned near the scattered wreckage from the plane.
Golfers at the nearby Lakewood Golf Club said they dropped to the ground as the plane flew overhead. They said the ninth hole was covered with debris.
“We were like, ‘Oh my gosh! That’s way too low,’” Joshua Green, of Mooresville, told The Associated Press. “It was scary.”
Statesville Regional Airport offers corporate aviation facilities for Fortune 500 companies and several NASCAR teams, according to the airport’s website.
Biffle, 55, drew significant praise last year when he used his personal helicopter to deliver supplies and internet service to those who need it in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in parts of North Carolina. He even located a stranded family while flying due to their use of a mirror against the sun.
Biffle had been delivering Starlink services to residents of western North Carolina and reflected on his experience helping out the stranded family whose mirror use saved them.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Greg Biffle (44) talks to the press during Daytona 500 media day at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida, on Feb. 16, 2022. (Mike Dinovo/USA TODAY Sports)
“Only way we were able to find someone stranded in the mountains at bottom of steep canyon. 6 attempts to land due to difficulty but we got there – got him a chainsaw, EpiPens, insulin, chicken food, formula, gas, 2 stroke oil, and sandwiches premade from Harris Teeter before we left,” Biffle posted at the time.
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Biffle had 19 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, six of them coming in 2005 when he finished second in the Cup standings. He won three consecutive Ford 400s from 2004 to 2006 at Homestead. He also earned 20 wins in the Xfinity Series, winning the 2002 title, and got 17 other checkered flags in the Craftsman Truck series, winning the championship in 2000. Biffle had originally stopped racing in 2016 but returned six years later.
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