Let’s get your fantasy football lineups ready to go for week 2 with some Start/Sit at each position. This list will exclude the every-week lineup starters, like Patrick Mahomes, CMC, Mark Andrews, etc. Let’s get into it.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: QB
Matt Stafford vs Atlanta Falcons:
Stafford didn’t look the best in the season opener, but a lot of QBs/teams that didn’t play in the preseason didn’t look well either. Look for Stafford to bounce back in a big way this week in a good matchup.
Derek Carr vs Arizona Cardinals
We just saw what Patrick Mahomes did to the Cardinals' defense. Not saying that Carr is Mahomes, but with his new weapon and best friend Davante Adams, look for him to put up some points.
Carson Wentz vs Detroit Lions
Carson Wentz finished week 1 as QB3. Yes, that is true. Wentz looked really good for the majority of the game. He has another positive matchup against the Lions and heads into the week as one of the top streaming options.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: QB
Mac Jones vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Mac Jones was middle tier in week 1. In week 2, Jones is set to face the Steelers. Despite the Steelers losing TJ Watt, they are still a formidable defense. Jones is also dealing with back spasms. He is currently slated to be good to go, but you never know when the back will tighten up, so you don’t want him in your lineup if it does.
Jameis Winston vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jameis is one of the top waiver targets after finishing as QB6 and leading the Saints to a dramatic comeback victory. This week he leads the Saints against the Bucs. While the Saints have gotten the best of Tampa Bay since Tom Brady joined the team, we saw on Sunday night how dominant the Buccaneers' defense can be. Also for what it’s worth, we saw Winston have a strong week 1, become a top waiver target, and then disappoint in Week 2 last year. Looking for history to repeat on Sunday.
Ryan Tannehill vs Buffalo Bills
Ryan Tannehill finished at QB 10 in week 1, against the Giants. This week he faces the Bills. Tannehill is still lacking a ‘go-to’ target. The Titans have had the Bills' number the last few years, but I would still suggest finding a different QB for fantasy this week.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: RB
Clyde Edwards-Helaire vs Los Angeles Chargers
If you look at the box score, you see Clyde had fewer carries than his teammate Isaiah Pacheco, but if you look closer you realize 2/3 of Pacheco's carries came on the last 2 drives. When the Chiefs offense was humming, it was Clyde out there. This is a big matchup on TNF with a high points total expected.
Cordarelle Patterson vs Los Angeles Rams
Since Patterson arrived in Atlanta he has produced. The most surprising thing about week 1 was he did it on the ground with 120 yards on 5.5 yards per carry. Plus, he still has the threat of pass-catching, if the team gets behind.
Darrell Henderson vs Atlanta Falcons
Henderson dominated the split in the season opener with Cam Akers. When Akers was on the field, he still seemed to lack the explosion he had pre-injury, which makes Henderson the #1 running back for the Rams and a good start in a plus matchup vs the Falcons.
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: RB
Kenyan Drake vs Miami Dolphins
As long as JK Dobbins remains sidelined with injury, Kenyan Drake looks to be in command of the backfield. He leads the Ravens with 11 carries in week one. However, he only averaged 2.8 yards per carry. This week he faces Miami Dolphins, who are coming off a week where they held the Patriots offense to 78 rushing yards, making this matchup not bode well for Drake.
David Montgomery vs Green Bay Packers
Without trying to overreact to week one, especially the game in Chicago with the terrible weather. While David Montgomery received a high volume of 17 carries and 4 targets. He turned that into 26 rushing yards and 24 receiving yards. While his backup, Khali Herbert had 9 attempts for 45 yards. With Herbert making a case for more playing time and facing a tough matchup with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night, you should consider looking elsewhere.
Dameon Pierce vs Denver Broncos
The offseason fantasy darling was barely seen in week 1. He was only on the field for 29% of snaps. Rex Burkhead was ahead of him in both rushing and receiving by a wide margin. Now if you do have him, don’t panic as head coach Lovie Smith said they want to get him more involved. Just have him on the bench until that happens.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: WR
Julio Jones vs New Orleans Saints
Julio Jones turned back the clock, at least for week 1. He had a nice 69 yards on 5 catches and looked fast. With Chris Godwin hurting his hamstring and expected to miss time, and Marshawn Latimore locking up Mike Evans, Julio looks to be heavily involved in week 2.
Mike Williams vs Kansas City Chiefs
I’m sure there will be some hesitation after Williams's week 1, but Keenan Allen is dealing with a hamstring issue and most likely won’t play. Against the high-powered Chiefs, he should be in for a big day. If you start him just remember to start him in a WR spot and NOT your flex spot.
Christian Kirk vs Indianapolis Colts
The Jaguars paid Christian Kirk like a number one WR, and in week 1 he was featured as one. 12 Targets, 6 catches, and 117 yards. This week he does face the Colts, but with the volume, he is getting, you can still start him.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: WR
Amari Cooper vs New York Jets
Cooper is going to be a tough start most weeks with Brisset. It doesn’t help that in week 1 he was out-targeted by Donovan Peoples-Jones. Don’t just think that because it’s the Jets he has to be in your lineup because that’s not the case.
Devonta Smith vs Minnesota Vikings
The Eagles put up 38 points and DeVonta Smith put up 0 fantasy points. Right now, Hurts is locked into AJ Brown and after the display on Sunday, I can’t say I blame him. Not quite ready to hit the Panic Button, but take him out of your lineup.
Chris Olave vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Being the first-round pick, a lot of the fantasy community had high expectations for Olave. Then week 1, the Saints veterans Micheal Thomas and Jarvis Landry said, “Don’t forget about us.” He is playing the Buccaneers this week, and this is not a matchup I would recommend playing the 3rd WR.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: TE
Hayden Hurst vs Dallas Cowboys
Hayden played well in his Cincinnati debut and finished with 8 targets. With Tee Higgins's status up in the air as he works back from a concussion, Hurst should be in line for another game of being highly targeted.
Pat Freiermuth vs New England Patriots
The 2nd year tight end picked right up where he left off in 2021. 10 targets turned into 5 catches for 75 yards. It seems doesn’t matter who the QB is Freiermuth will be involved.
Robert Tonyan vs Chicago Bears
Now I’ll be honest, this is a dart throw. As the Packers look to rebound from their poor showing in week 1. Tonyan could be in line for a big day against the Bears. He averaged 12 yards per catch in week 1 with limited opportunities. While Rodgers gets more acclimated to throwing to the rookies, look for him to target old reliable in Big Bob Tonyan.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: TE
Cole Kmet vs Green Bay
Cole Kemet laid an egg in week one. The dreaded 0. Granted he played on a slip n’ slide field. The Packers should have rookie Quay Walker back next to DeVondre Campbell for SNF. Facing two of the most athletic linebackers in the NFL does not bode well for the tight end this week.
Dawson Knox vs Tennessee Titans
Dawson Knox signed a new contract but was lackluster in the NFL opener. This week he faces the Titans who have beaten the Bills the last 2 seasons. In 2021 Titans held Knox to 4 points. You might have better luck elsewhere.
Mike Gesicki vs Baltimore Ravens
The strange offseason for Gesecki continued into week one. He only received 1 target for 1 yard. At least it wasn’t a goose egg. For some reason, he isn’t a part of the offense, and should not be a part of your lineup.
"STARTS" OF THE WEEK: DST
Bengals DST vs Dallas Cowboys
I’ll keep this one short. No Dak and depleted offensive line. Cincinnati's defense should dominate.
Browns DST vs New York Jets
The Browns took the Panthers right down to the wire, but at the end of the day only gave up 24 points. This week they get to take on the Jets at Home. Until the Jets prove otherwise, you’ll want to target the defense they are facing.
49ers DST vs Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers should rebound after the rainy game in Chicago that didn’t truly allow their pass rush to get after the QB. The Seahawks had a huge upset, but on a short week after their big win, could see them start slow.
"SITS" OF THE WEEK: TE
Ravens DST vs Miami Dolphins
Miami moved the ball well against the Patriots. Their offense should continue to gel and be a tough matchup for the Ravens, as they can score from anywhere on the field with playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Eagles DST vs Minnesota Vikings
The Eagles start the season with back-to-back NFC North opponents. They just gave up 35 points to the Lions. This week they have to face Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Dalvin Cook and company. Yes, I know it is primetime for Kirk Cousins, but still don’t play the Eagles DST.
Good luck this week!! Be sure to follow the Couch GMs on Twitter for the latest news on who is in and who is out this week. Listen to this week's podcast for even more insight on who you should start and who you should sit. Our DMs are always open for any fantasy advice you may need to win your matchup.
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