Here we are, week two of the NFL season! Week one was like Christmas for NFL fans. We had comebacks, shut outs, close games, and almost everything else a fan could want. Hopefully, you also got everything you could want out of your fantasy team in week one. If you did not, it’s okay we still have a lot of weeks to go. But let me try to get you back on your feet or keep your winning streak going with my week two edition of fantasy start ’em/ sit ’em.
Cleveland Browns Running Back Isaiah Crowell. Photo Credit: Keith Allison – Under Creative Commons License
Start ‘Em
Marshawn Lynch, RB
This starter pick was easy after we got to see how ready for NFL action Lynch was in the Raiders opener. Lynch ran well and was as powerful as ever against the Titans defense. This week he goes against the Jets. The Jets do have a formidable front seven but the Raiders offensive line is still no joke and the defense will get tired out quickly since the Jets offense can not stay on the field. The game is also in Oakland and Marshawn will be ready to show out for his hometown.
Cardinals D/ST
Okay, last week the Cardinal’s showed they have clearly lost a few steps. The defense did not play spectacular and the offense struggled with getting anything going. If the matchup was anyone else besides the Colts, Arizona would not be here. But thankfully this hungry defense gets to matchup against a lost Indianapolis team that the Rams just demolished last week. The L.A defense scored 29 fantasy points and there’s no reason the Cardinals defense should not perform just as well.
Brandin Cooks, WR
The Patriots were not the giants we expected them to be in week one and a lot of that has to do with their injuries on both sides of the ball. With Julian Edelman out and Danny Amendola most likely out with a concussion, Brady has limited options to pass to. While Rob Gronkowski will see most of the targets this week, I expect Brandin Cooks to assume a larger role. Cooks looked good in the season opener and seems to have a growing relationship with Brady. The matchup against the Saints defense is too good as they gave up a top five fantasy performance to Stefon Diggs in the opener. Also, it’s totally a revenge game for Cooks who has probably had this matchup against his former team circled on his schedule since he signed in New England.
Carson Palmer, QB
As I mentioned earlier in this article, the Cardinals offense looked mediocre at best last week. Palmer threw three interceptions and ruined a lot of people’s fantasy week. But, this matchup is exactly what Palmer needs for a bounce back game. The Colts defense let Jared Goff have a field day against them. With David Johnson gone, this offense should transition into more of a passing attack and Palmer should not have trouble against a lifeless Colts defense. If you are streaming quarterbacks, this has to be a top option.
Thomas Rawls, RB
Rawls is back and ready to take this starting spot from Eddie Lacy. His return in week two gives him a favorable matchup against one of the worst defenses in the NFL who just lost rookie linebacker Reuben Foster to a high ankle sprain. There are a few factors limiting Rawls ceiling, their names are C.J. Prosise and Chris Carson, but if Rawls starts strong this game he will start to see the larger share of the workload between him and Eddie Lacy. The game should have the Seahawks taking an early lead which will have them running the ball most of the second half where Rawls should shine.
Sit ‘Em:
Corey Coleman, WR
The Ravens defense had their way with Cincinnati in week one. They looked dominant and kept superstar A.J. Green to limited production. I would expect the same results when they play the Cleveland Browns this week. DeShone Kizer looked good against the Steelers but I expect him to struggle this week and that will directly correlate with Corey Coleman falling. Coleman was also inconsistent through his first year in the NFL and until he proves otherwise, he’ll have to sit against stronger defenses.
Alshon Jeffery, WR
I can not deny that the Eagles have me excited after week one. The Redskins are not an excellent team by any means but early in that game, they looked confident and talented. This week though, this matchup will cause some problems for the young team. Jeffery already has inconsistency issues and playing against one of the top corners in the game, Marcus Peters will cause him to basically disappear. Jeffery did not play well last week against Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland so why should we believe Jeffery will do any better this week? You could look at starting Nelson Agholor in his place.
Pierre Garcon, WR
I have been on the Garcon fantasy hype train all summer. His PPR opportunity is just outstanding. But Seattle’s defense is also outstanding. The matchup on Richard Sherman means Garcon essentially will get shut down and everyone else in this secondary will be all over the 49ers number one target. Garcon will probably get around four or five receptions but for minimal yards and no touchdowns.
Isaiah Crowell, RB
Crowell was a disappoint in week one against the Steelers. The same will be said this week against the Ravens. The Browns have drastically improved their offensive line but even against the Steelers front seven, Crowell could not get anything going. Two tough matchups in a row make Crowell a bust candidate for this week.
Hunter Henry, TE.
It hurts me to put Henry here. I have to because he had zero targets in week one. Yes, you read that correctly, zero! The Dolphins matchup is favorable but after week one we have to wait for Henry to prove it to us. Maybe have Philip Rivers prove to us that he knows another tight end besides Antonio Gates is out there. I would suggest other streamable options this week like Austin Hooper and let Henry take a seat on the bench.