Fantasy Football Week 2: Analyst flags Herbert and Judkins for potential benching
Matt Okada’s latest report identifies six players to fade, citing injury concerns for the Los Angeles Chargers and offensive struggles for the Cleveland Browns.
Fantasy football analyst Matt Okada has released his list of six players to fade for Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season, with Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins highlighted as primary candidates for the bench. The report, part of a 17-week series, suggests that while a "fade" designation does not automatically require benching, these players are expected to fall short of their statistical expectations based on current team dynamics.
Herbert’s prospects are complicated by the injury status of wide receiver Ladd McConkey, who is currently day-to-day with a rib injury and has not been practising. Next Gen Stats data cited in the report indicates a significant drop in offensive efficiency when McConkey is off the field, with the Chargers averaging 4.2 yards per play compared to 6.3 yards per play when he is on the field. Herbert’s passer rating also declined from 128.4 to 42.3 in McConkey’s absence, raising concerns about his immediate output.
The Chargers face an additional hurdle in the form of the Las Vegas Raiders defence, which has shown marked improvement this season. In Week 1, Raiders defenders including Nakobe Dean, Kwity Paye, Quay Walker, and Treydan Stukes made impact plays, while Maxx Crosby recorded 1.5 sacks. Okada notes that while Herbert is talented, these defensive and offensive red flags place him outside the top 12 quarterbacks for the week, suggesting managers consider alternatives such as Brock Purdy or Jaxson Dart.
Quinshon Judkins is flagged following a poor Week 1 performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he recorded just 33 rushing yards on 12 carries. His 2.8 yards per carry average and 25 per cent success rate were described as bottom-tier among running backs, with zero explosive runs. The report attributes these struggles to a lack of offensive line support and Judkins’ limitations as a receiver, noting that the Browns’ offence was "atrocious" in its overall execution.
The Cleveland Browns offence managed to enter the red zone only twice in Week 1, scoring a single field goal on one drive and turning the ball over on downs on the other. Judkins is set to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2, a matchup that offers little relief given the structural issues within his own team’s offensive unit. Okada’s analysis suggests that without significant improvement in the offensive line or receiving corps, Judkins may continue to underperform.
The full list of six fades includes other players not detailed in the summary, but the focus on Herbert and Judkins underscores the impact of injury and offensive line play on fantasy value. As the 2026 season progresses, managers are advised to monitor waiver wire options and roster depth before making final lineup decisions for the upcoming weekend.
