Fantasy football Week 2: Start, sit and sleepers

Here’s a look back at Week 1’s action and fantasy advice for the week ahead:

WEEK 1 RECAP

Eagles 24, Cowboys 20: Dallas’ first two drives both ended with a touchdown by Javonte Williams. Who’s to say how things would’ve played out if Philadelphia’s All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter had kept his saliva to himself, but Williams dominated snaps and touches for the Cowboys, and looked good throughout. Give it a few weeks to see if this sticks before dropping dynamic rookie Jaydon Blue (a healthy scratch).

Chargers 27, Chiefs 21: Look who can catch now! Quentin Johnston finished with five receptions (seven targets) for 79 yards and two huge TD catches in the win. Maybe the hype surrounding rookies Tre’ Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith needs to be recalibrated. If this performance holds, and Justin Herbert is finally fulfilling his top-5 promise — Maybe Air Harbaugh is a thing now? — Johnston will have WR3/flex upside on a weekly basis.

Buccaneers 23, Falcons 20: Michael Penix Jr. was the overall QB10 in Week 1, producing 298 passing yards, 21 rushing yards and two total TDs in the loss. It wouldn’t shock me if Penix finishes as a top-10 fantasy QB in his first full-season as a starter. In the short term, keep an eye on the status of his top target (Drake London is day-to-day with a shoulder sprain, but expected to play on Sunday).

Bengals 17, Browns 16: There’s clearly a plan in place to utilize Harold Fannin Jr. in Cleveland. The talented rookie finished with seven receptions for 63 yards and a team-high nine targets. He even had a carry for three yards. Fannin’s solid debut didn’t necessarily come at the expense of Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku either — they both played over 70 percent of the offensive snaps — although Njoku is a free agent after this season (something to keep in mind). Fannin was my No. 3 tight end in April’s NFL draft behind only Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland.

Colts 33, Dolphins 8: Miami was the one team that looked like a total disaster in Week 1. Tua Tagovailoa completed 14 of 23 passes for a measly 114 yards and a TD against two interceptions vs. a decent, not expected to be great, Colts defense. If you invested in Tagovailoa, you were probably already apprehensive because of the health history. I just don’t see the upside anymore, especially with the bad vibes that constantly surround Tyreek Hill these days.

Raiders 20, Patriots 13: Kayshon Boutte tied Hunter Henry for New England’s team lead in targets (eight) and finished with 103 yards on six receptions against Las Vegas. I don’t believe there’s going to be a Black Friday-like stampede to pick him up, so this is something to monitor as Drake Maye and the Patriots’ offense continues to mature.

Cardinals 20, Saints 13: No Taysom Hill or Foster Moreau meant Juwan Johnson never left the field, and New Orleans trailed all day against Arizona, so the volume in the pass game was turned to 11. That could be the norm this season for the Saints. Johnson finished with eight receptions for 76 yards on 11 targets (only Chris Olave had more for New Orleans), which was good enough for TE10 in standard formats (TE1 in PPR).

Steelers 34, Jets 32: Calvin Austin III had four receptions for 70 yards and a TD, and appeared to have a rapport with a revitalized Aaron Rodgers. Austin also looks locked in as the WR2 in Pittsburgh — Roman Wilson only played 10 offensive snaps.

Commanders 21, Giants 6: We’re probably one more bad Russell Wilson performance from ushering in the Jaxson Dart Era in New York. Stash Dart if you’re not super confident in your quarterback situation.

Jaguars 26, Panthers 10: Jacksonville traded Tank Bigsby to the Eagles on Monday night. This may be your last chance to secure Bhayshul Tuten and his immense upside. Even LeQuint Allen is a stash candidate now, especially in PPR formats. I know Travis Etienne looked great against Carolina — 16 carries for 143 yards and three receptions — but new head coach Liam Coen likes to utilize his entire stable of running backs. Remember Sean Tucker last year with the Buccaneers against the Saints in Week 6 (192 total yards and two TDs)?

Broncos 20, Titans 12: J.K. Dobbins essentially doubled-up rookie R.J. Harvey in snaps (40-22), carries (16-6) and targets (2-1), but Tyler Badie was Denver’s passing-down back, keeping the Broncos’ backfield situation complicated like Sean Payton likes it. The shifty Harvey did have a 50-yard run, but Dobbins is the only one you can trust in fantasy until further notice.

49ers 17, Seahawks 13: Christian McCaffrey wasn’t efficient, but who needs efficiency when you touch the ball 31 times? McCaffrey finished with 22 carries and nine receptions for 142 total yards at Seattle. CMC will be a constant source of anxiety, but if he plays, few can match his ceiling.

Packers 27, Lions 13: Romeo Doubs was the only wide receiver to play over 50% of Green Bay’s offensive snaps, but there were five receivers total who played double-digit snaps, and had to split 13 targets between them. If you roster Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed or even Doubs, it’s going to be like playing Whac-A-Mole on week-to-week basis, figuring out who will be fantasy relevant.

Rams 14, Texans 9: Your guess is as good as mine when Joe Mixon might return from the non-football injury list, or even if he’ll return. Until then, Nick Chubb is Mixon’s clear replacement in Houston’s backfield. Chubb led the Texans in snaps, carries and routes run, while being fairly productive in defensive slugfest — he finished with 60 yards on 13 carries (4.6 yards per carry).

Bills 41, Ravens 40: Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are really, really good.

Vikings 27, Bears 24: Aaron Jones started the game at running back and played every snap on the first two drives for Minnesota. From there, Jones essentially alternated series with Jordan Mason, with Mason leading the Vikings in carries (15-8) and rushing yards (68-23). Jones also finished with three receptions for 44 yards and a TD — Mason had one reception for seven yards — but he only ran four more routes (13-9) than Mason. It’s basically a 50-50 split to begin the season, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the backfield opportunities start to shift towards Mason eventually.

Feel free to hit me up @UTEddieBrown on X, formerly known as Twitter, with any specific lineup questions I don’t cover in my posts.

Here’s my best bets for Week 2:

WASHINGTON AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Jayden Daniels (WAS), Terry McLaurin (WAS), Josh Jacobs (GB), Tucker Kraft (GB).

Who to start: Deebo Samuel (WAS) is the overall WR5 in standard formats (WR6 in PPR) after one week. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS) deserves flex consideration with RB2 upside after producing 82 yards and a TD on 10 carries against the Giants. Austin Ekeler (WAS) maintains flex value as the overall RB34 in standard formats (RB28 in PPR). Zach Ertz (WAS) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that allowed 79 yards on six receptions to tight ends in Week 1. Jordan Love (GB) deserves streaming consideration and is a premium option in Superflex formats.

Who to sit: I’m fading the Commanders D/ST at Lambeau. Matthew Golden (GB), Jayden Reed (GB) and Romeo Doubs (GB) are all boom-or-bust candidates.

Sleeper: The Packers D/ST have a tough matchup, but it’s at home and it’s a short week — this unit has the potential to be the best defense in the NFL and needs to be rostered in more leagues.

JACKSONVILLE AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: Brian Thomas Jr. (JAC), Joe Burrow (CIN), Ja’Marr Chase (CIN), Chase Brown (CIN), Tee Higgins (CIN).

Who to start: Travis Hunter (JAC) maintains WR3/flex upside after having six receptions on eight targets in his NFL debut last week. Travis Etienne Jr. (JAC) is the overall RB5 in standard formats (RB6 in PPR) after one week. Trevor Lawrence (JAC) deserves streaming consideration in a potential high-scoring affair.

Who to sit: Bhayshul Tuten (JAC) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until he sees more than three touches. I’m fading both the Jaguars D/ST and Bengals D/ST. Both Mike Gesicki (CIN) and Noah Fant (CIN) are TD-dependent.

Sleeper: Brenton Strange (JAC) is facing a defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1.

N.Y. GIANTS AT DALLAS

Obvious starters: Malik Nabers (NYG), CeeDee Lamb (DAL).

Who to start: Tyrone Tracy Jr. (NYG) has flex upside after receiving 12 touches in Week 1. Dak Prescott (DAL) played well at Philadelphia in the opener, and I’m anticipating a big game from Lamb. George Pickens (DAL) faces a defense that allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers last week. Javonte Williams (DAL) is the overall RB2 in standard formats (RB5 in PPR) after Week 1. Jake Ferguson (DAL) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that allowed a TD to Zach Ertz last week.

Who to sit: Cam Skattebo (NYG) remains a boom-or-bust candidate after only seeing four touches in his NFL debut. Devin Singletary (NYG) remains TD-dependent. Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) is dealing with an ankle injury and has a difficult matchup. Darius Slayton (NYG) had one target in Week 1, and remains the consummate boom-or-bust candidate. Miles Sanders (DAL) remains TD-dependent. Jaydon Blue (DAL) is a boom-or-bust candidate if he’s active.

Sleeper(s): Russell Wilson (NYG) faces a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to a quarterback last week and is missing a pass rush. Theo Johnson (NYG) faces a defense that allowed eight receptions to tight ends in Week 1.

CHICAGO AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: D.J. Moore (CHI), Jahmyr Gibbs (DET), Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Sam LaPorta (DET).

Who to start: D’Andre Swift (CHI) maintains RB2/flex upside after having 20 touches against the Vikings. Rome Odunze (CHI) is the overall WR22 in standard formats (WR19 in PPR) after Week 1. David Montgomery (DET) maintains RB2/flex upside against a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1. Jared Goff (DET) always deserves streaming consideration at home. The Lions D/ST deserve streaming consideration at home against Williams (It remains to be seen if Ben Johnson’s influence has sunk in).

Who to sit: Colston Loveland (CHI) and Cole Kmet (CHI) remain TD-dependent. Caleb Williams (CHI) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Jameson Williams (DET) remains a boom-or-bust candidate until further notice. Isaac TeSlaa (DET) is a boom-or-bust candidate until he starts seeing consistent targets (he only had one last week and made the most of it).

Sleeper: The Bears D/ST face one of eight offenses that allowed double-digit fantasy points to an opposing defense last week.

L.A. RAMS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: Puka Nacua (LAR), Kyren Williams (LAR), Davante Adams (LAR), Rams D/ST.

Who to start: Tony Pollard (TEN) has flex upside after producing 89 total yards on 19 touches against the Broncos last week.

Who to sit: Matthew Stafford (LAR) only has value in Superflex formats this week against a team where the Rams’ run game and defense should carry the day. Calvin Ridley (TEN) had eight targets last week, which should be his floor, but he remains a boom-or-bust candidate with a rookie QB against a great defense.

Sleeper: Chig Okonkwo (TEN) deserves streaming consideration against a defense that allowed seven receptions for 50 yards to tight ends last week.

NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Stefon Diggs (NE), Hunter Henry (NE), De’Von Achane (MIA).

Who to start: TreVeyon Henderson (NE) has flex value after finishing as the overall RB35 in standard formats (RB25 in PPR) in his NFL debut. Drake Maye (NE) is a premium streaming option against a defense that made Daniel Jones look like a superstar in the opener. The Patriots D/ST deserves streaming consideration against an offense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to an opposing defense in Week 1.

Who to sit: Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) is TD-dependent after only getting nine touches in Week 1. DeMario Douglas (NE) is a boom-or-bust candidate after scoring a TD on three touches despite receiving seven targets last week.

Sleeper: Kayshon Boutte (NE) is the overall WR20 in standard formats (WR17 in PPR) after Week 1.

SAN FRANCISCO AT NEW ORLEANS

Obvious starters: Christian McCaffrey (SF), 49ers D/ST, Alvin Kamara (NO).

Who to start: Ricky Pearsall (SF) certainly looked like the Niners’ WR1 against the Seahawks — Pearsall finished with four receptions for 108 yards on seven targets. Chris Olave (NO) maintains WR3/flex upside as the overall WR44 in standard formats (WR26 in PPR) after one week. Rashid Shaheed (NO) is always one play away from a big day and had six receptions on nine targets last week.

Who to sit: Brock Purdy (SF) is “a long shot” to play on Sunday. Jauan Jennings (SF) is banged up as well. Brian Robinson Jr. (SF) saw a healthy 10 touches in his San Francisco debut, but most weeks he’ll be TD-dependent. I’m fading Juwan Johnson (NO) despite his impressive Week 1 performance because I don’t like starting tight ends against Fred Warner.

Sleeper(s): Mac Jones (SF), Kendrick Bourne (SF) and Jake Tonges (SF) are all solid fliers in deeper leagues.

BUFFALO AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Josh Allen (BUF), James Cook (BUF), Justin Fields (NYJ), Garrett Wilson (NYJ), Breece Hall (NYJ).

Who to start: Both Keon Coleman (BUF) and Khalil Shakir (BUF) maintain WR2/WR3 upside with Allen throwing them the ball. Dalton Kincaid (BUF) faces a defense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in Week 1. The Bills D/ST are a solid bet to bounce back from a disappointing performance against the Ravens.

Who to sit: Ray Davis (BUF) remains TD-dependent unless Cook’s hamstring issue lingers.

Sleeper: Joshua Palmer (BUF) had five receptions for 61 yards on nine targets in his Bills debut and faces a defense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1.

SEATTLE AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA), DK Metcalf (PIT), Jaylen Warren (PIT), Steelers D/ST.

Who to start: Both Kenneth Walker (SEA) and Zach Charbonnet (SEA) have RB2/flex upside against a defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1. Jonnu Smith (PIT) faces a defense that allowed a TD to George Kittle and Jake Tonges (miraculously) last week. Aaron Rodgers (PIT) deserves streaming consideration after a throwback performance last week.

Who to sit: I’m fading Cooper Kupp (SEA) until we see him get consistent targets (Kupp only had three in Week 1). I’m fading the Seahawks D/ST traveling cross country against what appears to be an improved offense. I’m fading Calvin Austin III (PIT) against a defense that allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1. Kaleb Johnson (PIT) is TD-dependent until gets consistent usage. Pat Freiermuth (PIT) remains TD-dependent with only three targets last week. Kenneth Gainwell (PIT) only has flex appeal in deeper PPR formats.

Sleeper: Sam Darnold (SEA) faces a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to a QB in Week 1.

CLEVELAND AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: David Njoku (CLE), Jerry Jeudy (CLE), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Derrick Henry (BAL), Zay Flowers (BAL), Ravens D/ST.

Who to start: Cedric Tillman (CLE) has WR3/flex upside against a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1. Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) faces a defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1 and the talented rookie is essentially operating as a WR3 for the Browns. Dylan Sampson (CLE) has flex appeal if Quinshon Judkins (CLE) isn’t active — I’m fading both if Judkins is active until we see the workload split. Mark Andrews (BAL) is in a bounce-back spot and faces a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends in Week 1.

Who to sit: Jerome Ford (CLE) is TD-dependent after producing five yards on seven touches in Week 1. Even at his advanced age, Joe Flacco (CLE) can still sling it, but i expect the Ravens’ defense to rebound from their debacle in Buffalo. DeAndre Hopkins (BAL) is TD-dependent with only two targets in Week 1.

Sleeper: It was a disappointing start for Rashod Bateman (BAL), but he’s become one of Jackson’s favorite (and most trusted) targets in the red zone.

DENVER AT INDIANAPOLIS

Obvious starters: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Broncos D/ST, Jonathan Taylor (IND), Tyler Warren (IND).

Who to start: J.K. Dobbins (DEN) is the overall RB14 across most formats after producing 68 total yards and a TD on 18 touches against the Titans. Michael Pittman Jr. (IND) maintains WR2/WR3 upside despite the difficult matchup — Pittman is the overall WR7 in standard formats (WR8 in PPR) after Week 1. Only the Broncos scored more fantasy points than the Colts D/ST in Week 1.

Who to sit: Bo Nix (DEN) was very underwhelming at home to begin the season, so it’s hard to trust him anywhere outside of Superflex formats until he gives us a reason to. I’m fading R.J. Harvey (DEN) until we see more consistent usage. Evan Engram (DEN) is currently dealing with a calf injury he suffered against the Titans last week. Josh Downs (IND) faces a defense that allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last week and may have been replaced by Warren in the pass game hierarchy. I’m only trusting Daniel Jones (IND) in Superflex formats this week.

Sleeper: Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) feels like the ultimate lottery ticket this week.

CAROLINA AT ARIZONA

Obvious starters: Chuba Hubbard (CAR), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR), Kyler Murray (ARI), James Conner (ARI), Trey McBride (ARI), Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI).

Who to start: The Cardinals D/ST are at home and face an offense that allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to an opposing defense in Week 1.

Who to sit: I’m fading Xavier Legette (CAR) because I’m still not sure the Panthers’ offense can support multiple wide receivers in fantasy. Bryce Young (CAR) only has value in Superflex formats until further notice. Trey Benson (ARI) remains TD-dependent despite the 75 total yards on nine touches against the Saints.

Sleeper: Ja’Tavion Sanders (CAR) faces a defense that allowed eight receptions for 76 yards to tight ends in Week 1.

PHILADELPHIA AT KANSAS CITY

Obvious starters: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Saquon Barkley (PHI), A.J. Brown (PHI), Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC).

Who to start: DeVonta Smith (PHI) faces a defense that allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1. Isiah Pacheco (KC) faces a defense that allowed multiple TDs to Javonte Williams. With Rashee Rice suspended for the first six games of the season, and Xavier Worthy injured, Marquise Brown (KC) defaults to the WR1 for Mahomes.

Who to sit: Dallas Goedert (PHI) is currently dealing with a knee sprain. I’m fading the Eagles D/ST on the road against Mahomes, missing several players from their Super Bowl triumph. Tank Bigsby (PHI) is TD-dependent until further notice. Xavier Worthy (KC) won’t have surgery or be placed on IR with a dislocated shoulder, but I doubt he plays this week. JuJu Smith-Schuster (KC) only has flex appeal, primarily in PPR formats, if Worthy and rookie Jalen Royals (KC) are out.

Sleeper: Kareem Hunt (KC) has flex appeal against a defense that allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1.

ATLANTA AT MINNESOTA

Obvious starters: Bijan Robinson (ATL), Drake London (ATL), Justin Jefferson (MIN), T.J. Hockenson (MIN), Vikings D/ST.

Who to start: Kyle Pitts (ATL) deserves streaming consideration as the overall TE18 in standard formats (TE7 in PPR) after Week 1. Darnell Mooney (ATL) maintains WR3/flex upside if he’s active (shoulder). Both Aaron Jones (MIN) and Jordan Mason (MIN) have RB2/flex upside in the Vikings’ home opener. J.J. McCarthy (MIN) deserves streaming consideration at home as the overall QB11 after Week 1.

Who to sit: Tyler Allgeier (ATL) remains TD-dependent as long as Robinson is healthy. I’m fading Michael Penix Jr. (ATL) on the road against a good defense. Ray-Ray McCloud III (ATL) only has flex appeal if Mooney remains sidelined.

Sleeper: Adam Thielen (MIN) faces a defense that allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1.

TAMPA BAY AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Bucky Irving (TB), Nico Collins (HOU).

Who to start: Emeka Egbuka (TB) maintains WR3/flex upside after producing four receptions for 67 yards and two TDs on six targets in his NFL debut. C.J. Stroud (HOU) deserves streaming consideration at home against a beatable defense that blitzes a lot. Nick Chubb (HOU) has RB2/flex upside against a defense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1. It’s hard to bench the Texans D/ST in their home opener.

Who to sit: I’m fading Baker Mayfield (TB) on the road against a great defense. Rachaad White (TB) remains TD-dependent after receiving only three touches against the Falcons in Week 1. Cade Otton (TB) remains TD-dependent after failing to secure a catch on three targets last week. I’m fading Christian Kirk (HOU) until we see him test his hamstring. Jayden Higgins (HOU) is a boom-or-bust candidate after only receiving three targets last week with Kirk out.

Sleeper: Dalton Schultz (HOU) faces a defense that allowed seven receptions for 59 yards to Kyle Pitts in Week 1.

L.A. CHARGERS AT LAS VEGAS

Obvious starters: Justin Herbert (LAC), Ladd McConkey (LAC), Brock Bowers (LV), Ashton Jeanty (LV), Jakobi Meyers (LV).

Who to start: Omarion Hampton (LAC) has RB2/flex upside after receiving 17 touches against the Chiefs in Brazil. Both Keenan Allen (LAC) and Quentin Johnston (LAC) have WR3/flex upside against a defense that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1 — especially Allen in PPR. The Chargers D/ST deserve streaming consideration against an offense that allowed four sacks and an interception in Week 1.

Who to sit: Najee Harris (LAC) is TD-dependent until we see his usage get boosted. Dont’e Thornton Jr. (LV) is the quintessential boom-or-bust candidate. Michael Mayer (LV) only has value if Bowers is out (knee). I’m fading an improved Raiders D/ST against Herbert.

Sleeper: Geno Smith (LV) faces a defense that allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to a QB in Week 1.