The Playbook: Shadow Reports, lineup locks and projected scores for Week 2

Week 2 of the NFL season kicks off Thursday with a Lions–Bills matchup, and ESPN fantasy analyst Mike Clay’s Playbook lays out projected scores, over/under context, win probabilities, and lineup guidance. Using play-by-play data, Clay folds in “Shadow Reports” that track WR/CB matchups and potential shadow situations to inform sit/start decisions and DFS targets. The column is built around 12-team PPR formats (1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 Flex, 1 K, 1 D/ST) and includes only players projected for at least 6.0 points, plus all D/STs. Projected: Bills 29, Lions 27.