Week One of the NFL is officially in the books! We learned a lot in regards to fantasy football. The Steelers were able to run the ball just as well without Le’Veon Bell, Tyreek Hill is going to have an awesome year with Patrick Mahomes throwing him the ball, and the Bears defense loves Khalil Mack, while the Raiders defense misses him. There is a lot to figure out when it comes to your week two lineup but look no further. We have you covered with your good options to start and good options to sit for EVERY game this week! Let’s get right to it with our Start Em Sit Em Week 2 guide!
Fantasy Football Start Em, Sit Em Week 2 Guide
Ravens vs. Bengals
Interesting Start: Nick Boyle, TE, Baltimore Ravens
Boyle has emerged as the tight end in the Ravens offense. Joe Flacco loves to throw to his tight end’s and the Bengals just gave up 124 yards and one touchdown to the Colts tight ends last week. This may not be a huge game for Boyle, but this match-up warrants a streaming start if you lost either Delanie Walker or Greg Olsen on your team.
Interesting Sit: Randy Bullock, K, Cincinnati Bengals
When a kicker scores 11 points, you could be wondering why would this warrant a sit this week? The Ravens totally manhandled the Bills in week one and this could lead to a repeat performance against a division rival. The Ravens are most likely still bitter about their last minute loss to the Bengals in the final week of the 2017 campaign. So Cincinnati’s offense may not be able to get into scoring range often, which would limit the potential for Bullock to get many points, which means you should look elsewhere for points from your kicker.
Panthers vs. Falcons
Interesting Start: Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons
This start may not be that peculiar, but if Devonta Freeman is not able to play then Coleman will benefit. Even if Freeman plays, it may be in a limited capacity and the healthier back in Coleman should flourish. In a divisional clash with Carolina, Coleman can be utilized in all facets of the offense which can lead to big fantasy numbers.
Interesting Sit: Atlanta Falcons DST
This is only interesting for the fact that two of the Falcons’ prized defenders are lost for a significant amount of time (Keanu Neal and Deion Jones). The Panthers offense is now led by Norv Turner and this can lead to lots of scoring opportunities for them if the Falcons don’t have the depth to recoup those two losses. In other words, find another defense to start or suffer a possible negative score from this one.
Chargers vs. Bills
Interesting Start: Caleb Sturgis, K, Los Angeles Chargers
Sturgis probably went undrafted in many fantasy leagues. Currently owned in only 2.7% of teams on ESPN, Sturgis has a chance to finish the league as a top-10 kicker. He will get more than enough opportunities and none will be fatter than this upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.
Interesting Sit: Any Bills Offensive Player
This may not come at a surprise after the absolute beat down they suffered at the hands of the Ravens. This offense is facing an identity crisis with no real answer at any skill position. LeSean McCoy is the biggest name worth mentioning, but the Chargers boast a strong defense and no doubt they will focus in on him. Especially with the gigantic question mark placed on the passing offense. Seems obvious but it needs to be said, do not start any Buffalo Bills player this week or for near future.
Vikings vs. Packers
Interesting Start: Geronimo Allison, WR, Green Bay Packers
Randall Cobb led the team in targets, receptions, and yards against the Bears last week. Now, this may warrant him to be the start to make, but you need to account for a fierce defense like Minnesota’s. This is where Allison may be the wiser start because he can do his damage against the number three/nickel corner, Mackensie Alexander. Xavier Rhodes and Trae Waynes may shut down Cobb and Davante Adams, but this could be a game for Allison to step up for his offense.
Interesting Sit: Minnesota Vikings DST
If you just read the previous bit about Rhodes and Waynes shutting down the offense, you may be wondering why the Vikings appear under interesting sit. Now even with an elite level defense, this divisional game may end up being a shoot-out. We all saw how Aaron Rodgers came back from a brutal knee injury to lead his team to a victory in the second half. So even with a sub-par performance from the Packers defense, Rodgers put the team on his back and scored 24 points to gain the win. Rodgers will make the plays to put his team in a position to win and it may be wise to scavenge the waiver wire for a spot start this week.
Texans vs. Titans
Interesting Start: Dion Lewis, RB, Tennessee Titans
The versatility Lewis brings to the Titans offense will lead to more usage over Derrick Henry. Henry may be the better runner of the two, but his limitations in the passing game will hinder his opportunities. Against the Texans, look for Lewis to get a healthy dose of touches in both facets of the offense. He can put up some great numbers, even against a highly-regarded defense.
Interesting Sit: Jonnu Smith, TE, Tennessee Titans
Delanie Walker is going to be out for the entire 2018 season. This would mean that whoever takes over for him should see similar production, right? Not necessarily. Although Smith can be a productive player in the Titans offense, it’s best to wait one week before starting him right away. For sure grab him off the waiver wire, but stash him on the bench until we see how he plays in a starting role.
Browns vs. Saints
Interesting Start: New Orleans Saints DST
Last week was a complete fluke when the Buccaneers offense posted 48 points and 529 total yards against the Saints. This Saints defense is going to bounce back and in a big way. They face the Browns at home and look to rebound from that humiliation on the road. As much as fans want to crack open a cold one to toast a Cleveland victory, they may have to wait one more week at least. This Saints defense will be playing angry and that means points by the barrelful for your team.
Interesting Sit: Josh Gordon, WR, Cleveland Browns
Gordon is a great talent to have on the field. Problem is, he shares a field with a reception monster in Jarvis Landry. This led to Gordon only having one reception on three targets. He may become a more reliable option later in the season but as mentioned earlier, he is facing an angry Saints secondary in New Orleans. Keep Gordon on the bench for this game.
Dolphins vs. Jets
Interesting Start: Quincy Enunwa, WR, New York Jets
After a promising 2016 season, Enunwa’s star crashed to Earth after suffering a neck injury that made him miss all of 2017. So coming into 2018, he was a question mark in most fantasy leagues, mainly going undrafted. If his game against the Lions is any indicator, rookie quarterback Sam Darnold might have found a reliable target to throw to. This means the stock is rising for Enunwa and you better jump on it now before someone else realizes his potential. Against the Miami defense, look for Enunwa to strengthen that bond with Darnold in the passing attack.
Interesting Sit: Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets
Isaiah Crowell seemed to do the most damage with his limited carries. Powell had only two fewer carries than Crowell, but he was not able to accomplish the same production as Crowell. Powell may be in a timeshare right now, but it might not take long for head coach, Todd Bowles, to realize who is the better back. Keep him on the bench until he actually can usurp Crowell’s touches in the Jets offense.
Chiefs vs. Steelers
Interesting Start: Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
This start is interesting for the fact that he is essentially a rookie quarterback. Most people may want to wait it out to see if the first game was a good prognosis on how Mahomes will be in fantasy. The way that offense ran on all cylinders was telling enough. He looked calm and cool in the pocket and made this offense take advantage of all scoring chances. The Steelers are coming off a rough road tie against the Browns and this might be the best time to catch them if you’re a young quarterback like Mahomes.
Interesting Sit: Sammy Watkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
The Tyreek Hill Show was on repeat every time the Chiefs offense was on the field. Watkins hauled in only three receptions on five targets for 21 yards. The big offseason addition to the Kansas City offense has been not targeted so far. Until we see Mahomes going to Watkins more regularly, it’s best to keep him out of your starting lineup.
Eagles vs. Buccaneers
Interesting Start: Chris Godwin, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DeSean Jackson had himself a whale of a game against the Saints. Even with a week two game against his former team, Jackson will not repeat that kind of statline. Look for Godwin to become the more consistent Robin to Mike Evans’ Batman. Godwin may not put up eye-popping numbers against a stout Eagles defense, but he should get enough targets to warrant a flex start.
Interesting Sit: O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Howard may be a tight end on the rise in fantasy, but as of right now he is not. Against a strong Eagles defense, Howard may not see many targets this weekend. His partner in crime, Cameron Brate may be worth a red zone touchdown, but Howard is a yards guy. Those will be hard to come by this week and Howard is best left on your bench or the waiver wire.
Colts vs. Redskins
Interesting Start: Ryan Grant, WR, Indianapolis Colts
T.Y. Hilton is the deep threat in the Colts offense and this is where Grant supplements that threat. He handles all the chain moving routes and can be a real PPR machine this season. He faces a middle of the road Redskins defense that can be exploited with short to medium routes. These routes can then set-up the chunk plays to Hilton and really get points on the board for the Colts. Great flex start that may go under the radar this week in your league.
Interesting Sit: Paul Richardson, WR, Washington Redskins
Alex Smith enjoyed feeding the ball to his tight ends and running backs in last week’s contest against the Arizona Cardinals. Richardson saw the most targets out of the Redskin receivers, but he is not going to be the receiver to target moving forward. Jamison Crowder and Josh Doctson will be Smith’s go to receivers and consider this one contest a bit of an outlier. Richardson may be a good streaming option down the road, but this week he should remain out of your starting lineup.
Cardinals vs. Rams
Interesting Start: Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams
Goff had a pretty good game against the Raiders on Monday night. Look for this to continue against a divisional foe in the Arizona Cardinals. He has a plethora of weapons to utilize and Goff should have no trouble carving up the defense. Even if he doesn’t throw Patrick Peterson’s way, he should still be able to put some points on the board through the air.
Interesting Sit: Brandin Cooks, WR, Los Angeles Rams
As mentioned earlier, Goff should have no trouble putting up points through the air. The one thing to know is that Peterson is going to lock-down Cooks, which limits his ability to score fantasy points. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp should have no trouble getting things going in the scoring department, but it might be smarter to keep Cooks on the bench this week.
Lions vs. 49ers
Interesting Start: Alfred Morris, RB, San Francisco 49ers
The veteran running back did not look all that great against the Vikings. Keep in mind, the Vikings are one of the best defenses in the league and they can take away any team’s running game. A home match-up against the Lions may be just what the doctor ordered for Morris to get back on track. His familiarity with Kyle Shanahan’s offense could lead to him having a great season. So disregard his opening day flop, stay the course and stick with Morris in your starting lineup this week.
Interesting Sit: Kerryon Johnson, RB, Detroit Lions
One of the highlights of the 49ers defense is stopping the run. The opening game indicator for the Lions also showed that they have not figured out how to run the ball effectively. San Francisco also has a passing defense that can be taken advantage of. The secondary is still trying to figure out how to work together and the Lions offense is ready to air it out. Keep Johnson on the bench against the 49ers.
Raiders vs. Broncos
Interesting Start: Marshawn Lynch, RB, Oakland Raiders
Lynch is one of the few bright spots in the Oakland offense currently. Derek Carr will have to deal with a scary passing defense, so the Raiders may be more reliant on the running attack to score. Lynch is very capable of scoring some red zone touchdowns but he may be able to move the chains as well.
Interesting Sit: Phillip Lindsay, RB, Denver Broncos
This may not be that interesting. Consider the performance that Lindsay turned in over the weekend an anomaly. Can he be a good complimentary piece to Royce Freeman? Of course. Will he be having any more games scoring 18 fantasy points? Probably not. Lindsay had a good outing in week one, but don’t expect it to happen on a regular basis.
Patriots vs. Jaguars
Interesting Start: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Yeldon has appeal in this offense. Leonard Fournette went down with an injury in week one and if he is not able to go, Yeldon is an instant start. Even if Fournette is able to play, his ability to spell Fournette and be used in the passing game can lead to a flex position start. Keep an eye on Fournette but even if he plays, Yeldon is still worth a start this week against a weak rush defense in the Patriots.
Interesting Sit: Phillip Dorsett, WR, New England Patriots
Tom Brady targeted Dorsett seven times during the course of the game against the Texans. This may be because the Texans focused in on Chris Hogan, which led to more opportunities for Dorsett. With New England bringing in two new receivers in Bennie Fowler and Corey Coleman, this offense may be more balanced through the air. This means Dorsett had his 15 minutes of fame and will now fall by the wayside. Keep him on your bench till further notice.
Giants vs. Cowboys
Interesting Start: Aldrick Rosas, K, New York Giants
This week two contest being between NFC East divisional opponents can mean it can be a tough, grind it out, sort of game. This means that points may come at a premium or we may witness a barn-burner. The Giants have the offense to get into scoring range often and that means great chances for Rosas to get some kicking work in. Rosas went 3-3 on field goals against the Jaguars and he can see similar work against Dallas this coming weekend.
Interesting Sit: Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
Usually, in a divisional game, you can see a good battle from both sides of the ball from both teams. In this case, you may not want to start Prescott against the Giants this week. Prescott did not look like he knew what to do against the Panthers, which can spell trouble for the offense and opposing teams may now start to key in on Ezekiel Elliott every week, only. This will force Prescott to do more and if he plays like he did in the Carolina game in week one, then he needs to be on the bench more often than not. Until he shows he has the same ability that made him a budding star for the Cowboys, best going elsewhere for your starter at quarterback this week.
Seahawks vs. Bears
Interesting Start: Brandon Marshall, WR, Seattle Seahawks
This interesting start comes with the fact that Doug Baldwin will be missing the next few weeks with a knee injury. The benefactor may be Tyler Lockett, but more likely it will be the veteran Marshall. Russell Wilson will rely on his veteran player to move the ball down the field and it showed with Marshall getting six targets against Lockett’s four, against the Broncos. Marshall may be a good waiver wire addition if you lost some players to injury and he could be good weekly start till Baldwin is ready to suit up again.
Interesting Sit: Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, RBs, Seattle Seahawks
Two for the price of one! Carson and Penny will have a tough time trying to break off runs against the Chicago defense. With a shoddy offensive line for both passing and running, this Bears defense will be feasting on whoever is toting the rock, whether that’s Carson, Penny, or Wilson. Best to stay away from this match-up if you own either running back and see if you can find another running back to swap into your starting lineup.