Daniel Jones (QB - IND) vs the Denver Broncos
Coming off a spectacular week where he scored 29.48 points, Jones looks to impress again against a tough defense in the Denver Broncos, though expectations should be tempered. But with two rushing touchdowns behind an improved offensive line in Week 1, Jones could be a sneaky start in deeper leagues.
Justin Fields (QB - NYJ) vs the Buffalo Bills
If you weren’t all in on Fields at the beginning of the season, you should be now. Fields looked comfortable in that Jets offense, and his connection with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson was impressive to say the least. With 29.25 points against a tough Steelers defense, Fields threw the ball for 218 yards and had a QBR of 119.1. While that can only mean so much, he rushed 12 times, going for 48 yards on the ground and two rushing touchdowns. Against the Bills in Week 2, it should be another shootout for the Jets. Start Fields comfortably as your QB1.
Baker Mayfield (QB - TB) vs the Houston Texans
Mayfield admittedly looked a little slower than in 2024, but still managed to rack up 22.58 fantasy points against the Falcons in Week 1. I wouldn’t attribute such a big overreaction to Mayfield, who threw for 167 yards and three touchdowns, along with 39 yards on the ground. Against a Texans defense that was spotty against the Rams, allowing for 245 passing yards, start Mayfield as a mid QB1 with upside.
Drake Maye (QB - NE) vs the Miami Dolphins
I had high hopes for Maye this offseason that he would take that next step for the Patriots that desperately need him to succeed. Against the Raiders, he was the focal point of this offense with 30 completions for 287 yards. He only rushed 4 times for 11 yards, but I see that going up as Mike Vrabel has stated they intend to get him more designed runs. He did throw an interception and fumble once, but he plays a Dolphins team in Week 2 that was torched by Daniel Jones.
Justin Herbert (QB - LAC) vs the Las Vegas Raiders
I don’t understand where all the Herbert hate comes from, but this week he had 27.92 points against the Chiefs, and he is not going to slow down. He had 318 yards in the air and three touchdowns with no turnovers. He also had 32 yards rushing. He is going to be a weekly start, especially against a Raiders team that is not as strong as Kansas City’s.
Sit 'Em
Trevor Lawrence (QB - JAX) vs the Cincinnati Bengals
Scoring only 10.78 points in Week 1 against the Panthers is a little concerning. Lawrence has always been spotty in fantasy, offering little rushing upside, only running for 12 yards. He only had one turnover, but until the passing volume is turned up, I would be cautious in starting him in all formats.
Bo Nix (QB - DEN) vs the Indianapolis Colts
You probably drafted Nix somewhere in the 7th round and are compelled to start him, but I feel that there are better starts this week to stream until Nix can figure it out. Without the two interceptions and fumble, he still would’ve only had 12.84 fantasy points, as he only passed for 178 yards and one touchdown. Seemingly starting a sophomore slump, until he can clean it up, I would try to sideline Nix as much as you can, especially playing a Colts team that stonewalled a Dolphins team with superstar-caliber talent.
Tua Tagovailoa (QB - MIA) vs the New England Patriots
We all saw this one coming. Week 1 resulted in 5.26 points, three total turnovers, and only 117 passing yards. No one in this Dolphins offense is safe except for Devon Achane. Stay far, far away from Tua and the rest of this team for now until they can figure it out.
Cam Ward (QB - TEN) vs the Los Angeles Rams
Ward only had 2.48 fantasy points in Week 1, throwing only 112 passing yards, no touchdowns, and also lost a fumble. Until he can establish a connection with his receivers and develop his running game, stay away.
C.J. Stroud (QB - HOU) vs the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I was really hoping I could include Stroud as a start this week, but after an anticlimactic start to the season, I don’t trust him to start against the Buccaneers. Nico Collins had only five targets in Week 1. Stroud posted 8.72 points and an interception. While he did have 32 rushing yards, I would stash him until he can find the chemistry with his receivers again.
By Alex Percey
Start 'Em
James Conner (RB - ARI) vs. Carolina Panthers
While Trey Benson did take a good chunk of carries in week one, Conner still carried most of the load. Carolina’s run defense was dismantled by Travis Etienne last week, so Conner should be able to do the same.
Kenneth Walker (RB - SEA) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week was worrying for K9 managers, as they saw Zach Charbonnet take a majority of carries. However, when it was crunch time, the team relied on Walker for the bulk of the rushes. The Steelers' rush defense was disappointing last week and shouldn’t prevent a bounce-back game for Walker.
Javonte Williams (RB - DAL) vs. New York Giants
The Giants made Bill-Croskey look like Marshawn Lynch last week. Javonte Williams was the clear leader of the Cowboys' backfield. Put those two together, and you’ve got the makings of an RB1-caliber performance in week two for Williams.
David Montgomery (RB - DET) vs. Chicago Bears
While Monty struggled in week one against a stout Packers defense, he still had more carries than his counterpart, Jahmyr Gibbs. This has the makings of a ground-and-pound game for Detroit, and I think Montgomery will be at the center of that philosophy.
Tony Pollard (RB - TEN) vs. Los Angeles Rams
Pollard got a large workload (18 carries) in week one, and now faces a team that made Nick Chubb look efficient in week one. He should have no problem converting his many touches into fantasy points this week.
Sit 'Em
Nick Chubb (RB - HOU) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There’s no doubt that Nick Chubb overperformed in week one. The Rams’ rush defense was awful, allowing him to put up pretty good numbers. The Bucs, on the other hand, held Bijan Robinson to 2.0 yards per carry.
Travis Etienne (RB - JAX) vs. Cincinnati
I know he was exciting, but half of Etienne’s yards came on one rush last week. This game likely won’t pan out in a rush-friendly fashion, as Cincinnati will air it out all afternoon. With the Jaguars likely playing from behind, Travis will likely get much less usage on the ground.
Aaron Jones (RB - MIN) vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons held both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White to pedestrian numbers in week one, and Jones didn’t look like his old self in the game. Jordan Mason ended up taking the bulk of carries, and Jones only had a good fantasy week because of the receiving touchdown at the end of the game.
Bill Croskey-Merritt (RB - WAS) vs. Green Bay Packers
The Bill hype was real last week, but we need to pump the brakes. Green Bay held the best RB duo in the league to 44 yards on 20 carries, and thinking Croskey and Ekeler will do any better is foolish.
Austin Ekeler (RB - WAS) vs. Green Bay Packers
Basically the same reasoning as for Bill, and while Ekeler’s receiving upside is attractive, I don’t see a reality where he gets enough volume to have a good performance against Green Bay.
By Alex Percey
Start 'Em
Tee Higgins (WR - CIN) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
It was a disappointing week one for him, but that’s the Tee Higgins experience. He’s a very up-and-down fantasy performer, and the Jaguars are one of the weaker secondaries in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes for 100 yards and a score.
Stefon Diggs (WR - NE) vs. Miami Dolphins
Despite the Patriots' loss, Diggs had a promising week one performance with six receptions. As his production ramps up with his health improving, he should have a good performance against the injury-ridden Miami secondary.
Keenan Allen (WR - LAC) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders allowed 100 yards to Kayshon Boutte last week, so they are obviously not prepared for the Chargers' receiving core. Allen had 10 targets last week and looked like his old self. There is no reason for him not to have another great week.
Devonta Smith (WR - PHI) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City’s secondary got lit up by Quentin Johnston and Keenan Allen last week, so Smith should be able to do substantial damage in this Super Bowl rematch. His low production last week was a product of Dallas taking away mid-long range passing options, but Smitty should return to good production in Week 2.
Chris Olave (WR - NO) vs. San Francisco 49ers
A bit of a sleeper here, and a guy who is available in most leagues. Bryce Young finished last season with a fantasy QB1 performance, and now faces the second-worst defense against quarterbacks. I believe this game will turn into a fantasy-friendly shootout and reward all Bryce believers.
Sit 'Em
Zay Flowers (WR - BAL) vs. Cleveland Browns
Last week, Cleveland limited Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to a combined 10 points. Flowers is also a notorious boom-or-bust performer, and after a big week one, expect him to be the focus of the Browns' secondary.
Jameson Williams (WR - DET) vs. Chicago Bears
The Lions' offense struggled heavily in their first game without Ben Johnson calling the plays. This week, they have to face Ben himself, who knows better than anyone not to let Jameson Williams take the top off the defense. Williams will have some big games this year, but probably not this week.
Jerry Jeudy (WR - CLE) vs. Baltimore Ravens
For the first three quarters of the Bills' game, the Ravens nearly locked down the Bills’ receiving corps. Joe Flacco is not Josh Allen, and the best secondary in the league should blanket the Browns’ top option for the whole game.
Tyreek Hill (WR - MIA) vs. New England Patriots
Hear me out here. Yes, you likely drafted Tyreek to be your WR2, but last week was awful, and Tua showed no signs of being able to run a productive offense. Last year, Tyreek wasn’t great against the Patriots, and with Christian Gonzalez returning to play this week, Hill is a dangerous gamble.
Keon Coleman (WR - BUF) vs. New York Jets
The Jets have one of the better secondaries in the league, and held Metcalf to four catches in week one. While Coleman had a huge performance in Week 1, the game script this week will likely be more run-heavy as the Bills take a more balanced offensive approach.
By Logan Lazarczyk
Start 'Em
Brenton Strange (TE - JAX) vs. Cincinnati Bengals
In Week 1, Strange led the Jaguars with 59 yards on four receptions. This week, Jacksonville will take on the Bengals, who allowed 10 receptions and 100 yards to Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku combined (Fannin finished with 67 yards on seven receptions, while Njoku totaled 37 yards on three receptions).
Hunter Henry (TE - NE) vs. Miami Dolphins
The Patriots' passing attack left a lot to be desired against the Las Vegas Raiders, but several players saw a healthy target share. One of those players was Henry, who earned eight targets, bringing in four of those for 66 yards. The Dolphins allowed 76 yards on seven receptions to the Colts’ rookie tight end, Tyler Warren, in Week 1. Look for Henry to replicate the same type of success against Miami’s pushover defensive unit.
T.J. Hockenson (TE - MIN) vs. Atlanta Falcons
J.J. McCarthy plummeted Minnesota’s pass catchers against the Chicago Bears in his first career start on Monday night. Still, the second-year quarterback found his footing, leading the Vikings to a comeback win. That success could carry over into Week 2, and Hockenson will be the top benefactor. Young quarterbacks lean on tight ends as a safety blanket in the middle of the field. The 28-year-old tight end could be in for a prime bounce-back spot in what could be a high-scoring affair against the Falcons.
Tucker Kraft (TE - GB) vs. Washington Commanders
The third-year tight end only caught two passes last week in the Packers’ dominant win, but one of those receptions accounted for a touchdown. In addition, Green Bay leaned on the running game in the second half with a commanding lead. Jayden Daniels could create more issues for the Packers' defense, leading to Jordan Love having to throw a bit more in the second half. A touchdown may not occur, but Kraft will see more volume on Thursday night.
Jonnu Smith (TE - PIT) vs. Seattle Seahawks
Smith was not efficient with his opportunities in Week 1, securing all five of his targets for 15 yards and a touchdown. However, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is going to utilize Smith in this offense. Before leaving the game last week with a hamstring injury, George Kittle dominated the Seahawks' defense with 25 yards and a touchdown on four receptions. Smith is obviously not on the same tier as Kittle, but this Seattle defense could be susceptible against opposing tight ends.
Sit 'Em
Travis Kelce (TE - KC) vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Although Kelce caught a 37-yard touchdown against the Chargers, that was the majority of his production, as he caught one other pass for 10 yards. The 35-year-old tight end is over the hill, and against an elite Philadelphia Eagles defense, do not expect Kelce to save his day with another touchdown. Even with Worthy going out three snaps into the game last week, Kelce still struggled to make a consistent impact on the game.
Mark Andrews (TE - BAL) vs. Cleveland Browns
Despite participating in a game that totaled 81 points combined between the Ravens and Bills on Sunday night, Andrew caught his lone target for five yards. That’s it. The 30-year-old tight end struggled early in the 2024 season, and he could be on the same track this season. Unless Andrews hits paydirt, this is going to be an underwhelming performance.
Cade Otton (TE - TB) vs. Houston Texans
Dealing with leg and groin ailments could have been the reason Otton was blanked in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. However, this type of production has become a common trend for Otton, who has topped 35 yards in just one of his last seven outings dating back to last season. Houston’s defense is an elite group against the pass and was middle of the pack against tight ends in 2024.
Colston Loveland (TE - CHI) vs. Detroit Lions
Monday night was a struggle for Caleb Williams and the passing offense, and that trend is expected to continue against the Lions. Loveland caught two passes for 12 yards against the Vikings, and with Williams unwilling to let it rip, it’s difficult to trust any of these pass catchers. Loveland could find his way in this offense at some point, but it’s too early in the season to trust him and this offense.
Tyler Warren (TE - IND) vs. Denver Broncos
There is going to be pushback with his suggestion after an impressive debut on Sunday, but Warren will be up against a legitimate defense in Week 2. It could be a rude awakening for Warren and the Colts’ offense this time around, with the Broncos next up on the slate. Denver’s secondary is one of the best with Patrick Surtain II, Talanoa Hufanga, and Jahdae Barron. The former Penn State tight end could prove this assessment wrong, but I'm not going to fully buy into an offense led by Daniel Jones just yet.
By Dominic Orrico
Start 'Em
Matt Prater (K - BUF) vs the New York Jets
After going 3/3 in field goals, grabbing 12 points in a high-scoring game against Baltimore, he goes up against the Jets team that will surely allow him into field goal range multiple times to score.
Cameron Little (K - JAX) vs the Cincinnati Bengals
Little scored 14 of the Jaguars' points on Sunday and went 4/4 in field goals made. Against a Bengals team in Week 2, which allowed almost 25 points per game last year, expect Little to have a big day.
Sit 'Em
Younghoe Koo (K - ATL) vs the Minnesota Vikings
In an away game with the Vikings, who are a tough defense for any team, combined with Koo’s accuracy struggles, avoid him in fantasy this week.
Graham Gano (K - NYG) vs the Dallas Cowboys
With a spotty Giants offense and a tough matchup against the Cowboys, I wouldn’t trust Gano or the NYG offense.
