Fantasy Football Week 2: Start and Sit

If there’s one thing I know about people who play fantasy football, it’s that we’re all rational human beings who never overreact to anything.

This means no one is panicking after Ben Roethlisberger laid an egg in New England (he’s prone to doing that on the road from time-to-time).

This also means you’re not blowing your FAAB wad on Malcolm Brown because he vultured Todd Gurley twice.

Wait, what? We aren’t rational? We do overreact to everything? Oh yeah, that sounds right.

Let’s try and make sense of Week 1, shall we?

• Lamar Jackson doesn’t have to throw five touchdowns every week to end up a top-five fantasy quarterback, although it’s nice to know he can.
• Start everyone who plays against Miami. They are REALLY bad.
• There’s a very small “buy-low” window open: the Browns, Mike Evans, Sony Michel and Mike Williams (assuming his knee injury isn’t too serious).
• Bruce Arians can’t save Jameis Winston.
• I wouldn’t waste my time on Antonio Brown. He’s toxic and who knows where this roller coaster ends? There are simply too many wide receivers with upside, available in most leagues.

Follow me on Twitter @UTEddieBrown if you have questions throughout the week.

Here’s my best bets for Week 2:

TAMPA BAY AT CAROLINA

Obvious starters: Mike Evans (TB), Chris Godwin (TB), O.J. Howard (TB), Cam Newton (CAR), Christian McCaffrey (CAR), D.J. Moore (CAR).

Who to start: His big-play potential keeps Curtis Samuel (CAR) in the flex conversation. The Panthers D/ST should thrive in this match-up with a turnover prone quarterback.

Who to sit: Jameis Winston (TB) has thrown one or fewer touchdowns in five of seven games against the Panthers. Peyton Barber (TB) clearly isn’t the Buccaneers best running back. A short week makes it hard to trust Greg Olsen (CAR) with a back injury.

Sleeper(s): Ronald Jones (TB) has flex potential against a defense who allowed Malcolm Brown to score two touchdowns. Ian Thomas (CAR) is a streaming candidate at tight end in deeper leagues with a banged up Olsen.

SAN FRANCISCO AT CINCINNATI

Obvious starters: George Kittle (SF), Tyler Boyd (CIN).

Who to start: Matt Breida (SF) has RB1 upside against a week Bengals front-seven that allowed 169 yards from scrimmage per game to running backs last season. You’re starting Joe Mixon (CIN) if his ankle injury allows it. Andy Dalton (CIN) deserves streaming consideration after throwing for 418 yards at Seattle. Zac Taylor’s offensive scheme supports the possibility we’re witnessing the ascension of John Ross (CIN).

Who to sit: Dante Pettis (SF) can’t be trusted until he proves his groin injury is behind him. The Bengals deep pass attack should be a good test for the newly productive secondary of the 49ers D/ST. You should have better options at quarterback until Jimmy Garoppolo (SF) works out his kinks. Marquise Goodwin (SF) is a touchdown-or-bust option. Tyler Eifert (CIN) is a boom-or-bust streaming option.

Sleeper(s): Deebo Samuel (SF) led all 49ers receivers in snaps played and tied for the lead in targets against the Buccaneers. Giovani Bernard (CIN) has RB2 upside if Mixon misses this one.

L.A. CHARGERS AT DETROIT

Obvious starters: Philip Rivers (LAC), Keenan Allen (LAC), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Kerryon Johnson (DET), Kenny Golladay (DET).

Who to start: Mike Williams (LAC) returns to Rivers’ top red-zone target with Hunter Henry out (assuming his knee injury isn’t serious). The Chargers D/ST are a solid streaming option considering their pass rush capabilities. Rookie tight end T.J. Hockenson (DET) is well on his way to becoming an elite fantasy option at the position. Marvin Jones (DET) is a WR3 candidate in standard leagues and Danny Amendola (DET) deserves flex consideration in PPR.

Who to sit: C.J. Anderson (DET) is a touchdown-or-bust option only.

Sleeper: Justin Jackson (LAC) deserves flex consideration after contributing 61 total yards on seven touches against the Colts.

MINNESOTA AT GREEN BAY

Obvious starters: Dalvin Cook (MIN), Adam Thielen (MIN), Stefon Diggs (MIN), Vikings D/ST, Davante Adams (GB).

Who to start: Kirk Cousins (MIN) has averaged 381 yards and three touchdowns in three games against the Packers. Aaron Jones (GB) had 93 total yards and a touchdown Week 12 against the Vikings last season.

Who to sit: Kyle Rudolph (MIN) is a touchdown-or-bust option at tight end. Aaron Rodgers (GB) has thrown one-or-fewer touchdowns in five of his last six games against the Vikings. Jimmy Graham (GB) is only an option at tight end in the deepest standard leagues. Marquez Valdes-Scantling (GB) has six yards on two receptions in two games against the Vikings.

Sleeper: Geronimo Allison (GB) had 64 yards on six receptions against the Vikings in Green Bay last season.

INDIANAPOLIS AT TENNESSEE

Obvious starters: T.Y. Hilton (IND), Marlon Mack (IND), Derrick Henry (TEN), Delanie Walker (TEN).

Who to start: None.

Who to sit: Jacoby Brissett (IND) has 408 passing yards and one touchdown in two previous starts against the Titans. This is a bad match-up for tight ends Jack Doyle (IND) and Eric Ebron (IND). Dion Lewis (TEN) only has value in the deepest PPR leagues. Marcus Mariota (TEN) hasn’t thrown multiple touchdowns against the Colts since 2016. Corey Davis (TEN) only has 117 yards on 11 receptions in three games against the Colts. Let’s see if Week 1’s performance earns rookie wide receiver A.J. Brown (TEN) more targets.

Sleeper: Deon Cain (IND) should be Indy’s No. 2 wideout with Devin Funchess sidelined.

NEW ENGLAND AT MIAMI

Obvious starters: Tom Brady (NE), Julian Edelman (NE), Sony Michel (NE), Josh Gordon (NE), James White (NE), Patriots D/ST.

Who to start: You’re likely starting Antonio Brown (NE), assuming he isn’t suspended. Even Rex Burkhead (NE) has flex potential in deeper PPR leagues with this match-up.

Who to sit: If you’re starting any Dolphins outside of my sleeper, you have some serious roster issues that need dealt with. Phillip Dorsett (NE) likely maxed out his production against the Steelers.

Sleeper: Kenyan Drake (MIA) has at least 55 receiving yards in two of his last three games against the Patriots.

BUFFALO AT N.Y. GIANTS

Obvious starters: Bills D/ST, Saquon Barkley (NYG), Evan Engram (NYG).

Who to start: It’s ugly, but Josh Allen (BUF) gets it done. John Brown (BUF) has WR2 upside. Devin Singletary (BUF) deserves flex consideration. Cole Beasley (BUF) has flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues. Sterling Shepard (NYG) has WR2 upside against a secondary that gave up 14 receptions to Jamison Crowder, assuming he exits the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Who to sit: It’s going to take higher volume to consider Zay Jones (BUF). Starting Eli Manning (NYG) would be an act of desperation.

Sleeper: Cody Latimer (NYG) led the Giants with 74 receiving yards (three receptions on eight targets) against the Cowboys.

SEATTLE AT PITTSBURGH

Obvious starters: Russell Wilson (SEA), Chris Carson (SEA), Ben Roethlisberger (PIT), James Conner (PIT), JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT).

Who to start: You’re starting Tyler Lockett (SEA) unless his back injury keeps him sidelined. D.K. Metcalf (SEA) has flex appeal after an impressive debut against the Bengals. A decent front-seven makes the Seahawks D/ST a productive unit. Vance McDonald (PIT) is a borderline TE1 this week.

Who to sit: Rashaad Penny (SEA) needs more volume before he establishes his flex value. Donte Moncrief (PIT) did nothing with his 10 targets last week. I’m fading James Washington (PIT) until he passes Moncrief on the depth chart.

Sleeper: Jaylen Samuels (PIT) practically split time with Conner against the Patriots.

DALLAS AT WASHINGTON

Obvious starters: Dak Prescott (DAL), Ezekiel Elliott (DAL), Amari Cooper (DAL).

Who to start: Michael Gallup (DAL) and Randall Cobb (DAL) deserve flex consideration against a susceptible Redskins secondary. Jordan Reed (WAS) faces a defense who allowed 116 yards and a touchdown to Evan Engram on 11 receptions. Chris Thompson (WAS) has RB2 upside in PPR leagues. Rookie wide receiver Terry McLaurin (WAS) deserves flex consideration because of his big-play ability.

Who to sit: Jason Witten (DAL) remains touchdown-dependent. Case Keenum (WAS) isn’t replicating Week 1 against the Cowboys. Vernon Davis (WAS) only has value if Reed is inactive. Adrian Peterson (WAS) had 134 rushing yards in two games against the Cowboys last season. Trey Quinn (WAS) only has value in the deepest PPR leagues. Paul Richardson (WAS) has limited upside this week.

Sleeper: This is a good match-up for the Cowboys D/ST.

ARIZONA AT BALTIMORE

Obvious starters: David Johnson (ARI), Lamar Jackson (BAL), Mark Ingram (BAL), Ravens D/ST.

Who to start: Volume makes Larry Fitzgerald (ARI) and Christian Kirk (ARI) viable flex starters. Mark Andrews (BAL) is on his way to becoming an elite option at tight end. Marquise Brown (BAL) obviously deserves flex consideration, but monitor his hip injury.

Who to sit: Let’s wait until Kyler Murray (ARI) puts a whole game together. The volume needs to be higher for us to trust Willie Snead (BAL) or Miles Boykin (BAL).

Sleeper: It’s a difficult match-up, but rookie wide receiver KeeSean Johnson (ARI) is clearly a priority for Murray (he had 10 targets against the Lions).

JACKSONVILLE AT HOUSTON

Obvious starters: Leonard Fournette (JAX), Deshaun Watson (HOU), DeAndre Hopkins (HOU).

Who to start: Wide receivers Dede Westbrook (JAX), D.J. Chark (JAX) and Chris Conley (JAX) all are viable flex options with upside. Duke Johnson (HOU) is a solid flex option with upside in PPR. Carlos Hyde (HOU) has flex value in most standard leagues. Will Fuller (HOU) is always a threat to score with Watson under center. The Texans D/ST faces a rookie quarterback making his first career start.

Who to sit: We’re a ways away from rookie quarterback Gardner Minshew (JAX) having value. Marqise Lee (JAX) had zero targets against the Chiefs. This is another terrible match-up for the Jaguars D/ST. Deep threat Kenny Stills (HOU) is a lottery ticket at this point.

Sleeper: Let’s how a healthy Keke Coutee (HOU) fits into the offense with the addition of Stills.

KANSAS CITY AT OAKLAND

Obvious starters: Patrick Mahomes (KC), Travis Kelce (KC), Sammy Watkins (KC), Damien Williams (KC), Josh Jacobs (OAK), Tyrell Williams (OAK).

Who to start: After an impressive Chiefs debut, LeSean McCoy (KC) has flex value in deeper standard leagues. Rookie wide receiver Mecole Hardman (KC) and Demarcus Robinson (KC) are the definition of high risk/high reward, but deserve flex consideration in this offense. Derek Carr (OAK) is a decent streaming option at quarterback. Tight end Darren Waller (OAK) is clearly a focus of the Raiders passing game.

Who to sit: You’re not starting the Chiefs D/ST on the road after they got picked apart by a rookie quarterback in his first appearance off the bench.

Sleeper: If you need a lottery ticket, consider De’Anthony Thomas (KC) as he helps replace an injured Tyreek Hill.

CHICAGO AT DENVER

Obvious starters: Allen Robinson (CHI), Bears D/ST, Phillip Lindsay (DEN), Courtland Sutton (DEN).

Who to start: Scatback Tarik Cohen (CHI) maintains his PPR value. Emmanuel Sanders (DEN) deserves flex consideration with this difficult match-up. The Broncos D/ST should play better at home.

Who to sit: I’m fading Mitchell Trubisky (CHI) because I expect the Broncos pass rush to bounce back. David Montgomery (CHI) and Mike Davis (CHI) cancel each other out, unfortunately. Eventually, Montgomery should get the bulk of the touches (if the Bears are smart). Start the rookie if you’re forced to choose this week. Fantasy commandment: Thou shalt not rely on Joe Flacco (DEN) in fantasy. This match-up doesn’t favor Royce Freeman (DEN) or DaeSean Hamilton (DEN).

Sleeper(s): A healthy Trey Burton (CHI) should be able to take advantage of a defense who allowed 70 yards on seven receptions to the opposing tight end Week 1. Rookie tight end Noah Fant (DEN) could benefit from Flacco checking down against relentless pressure.

NEW ORLEANS AT L.A. RAMS

Obvious starters: Drew Brees (NO), Alvin Kamara (NO), Michael Thomas (NO), Jared Goff (LAR), Robert Woods (LAR), Brandin Cooks (LAR), Cooper Kupp (LAR), Todd Gurley (LAR).

Who to start: Jared Cook (NO) remains a borderline TE1 despite a lack of volume against the Texans. Latavius Murray (NO) has flex value in most standard leagues.

Who to sit: Tre’Quan Smith (NO) is too touchdown-dependent at this point. This match-up is no place for the Saints D/ST or Rams D/ST. Find a streamer. Don’t expect any more two touchdown games from Malcolm Brown (LAR).

Sleeper: Don’t give up on rookie running back Darrell Henderson (LAR) just yet.

PHILADELPHIA AT ATLANTA

Obvious starters: Carson Wentz (PHI), Zach Ertz (PHI), Alshon Jeffery (PHI), Matt Ryan (ATL), Julio Jones (ATL), Calvin Ridley (ATL).

Who to start: Speedster DeSean Jackson (PHI) certainly deserves flex consideration. Miles Sanders (PHI) has flex value in PPR, while Jordan Howard (PHI) deserves flex consideration in most standard leagues. Devonta Freeman (ATL) is an RB2 with Ito Smith (ATL) cutting into his workload. Smith deserves flex consideration in deeper leagues. Austin Hooper (ATL) is a borderline TE1 in standard leagues (TE1 in PPR).

Who to sit: There’s simply not enough targets to support Nelson Agholor (PHI) or Dallas Goedert (PHI). Mohamed Sanu’s (ATL) value grows during the bye weeks. This potential shootout doesn’t favor the Eagles D/ST or Falcons D/ST.

Sleeper: Darren Sproles (PHI) is still doing Darren Sproles-type things. He’s an asset in deeper leagues.

CLEVELAND AT N.Y. JETS

Obvious starters: Baker Mayfield (CLE), Nick Chubb (CLE), Odell Beckham (CLE), Jamison Crowder (NYJ).

Who to start: Jarvis Landry (CLE) maintains his value in PPR leagues. A talented Browns D/ST faces a team who will likely start Trevor Siemian at quarterback (with Sam Darnold out due to mononucleosis) after being embarrassed by the Titans. You’re starting Le’Veon Bell (NYJ) if his shoulder injury isn’t serious.

Who to sit: This is a terrible match-up for David Njoku (CLE) who faces a defense that has allowed the second-fewest yards to tight ends since the beginning of last season. The loss of Darnold hurts Robby Anderson (NYJ). I’m fading the Jets D/ST because I expect the Browns offense to bounce back in a big way. Let’s get a sample size on how the Jets plan to utilize Demaryius Thomas (NYJ).

Sleeper: Ty Montgomery (NYJ) could be utilized in the passing game even if Bell is healthy enough to play. His value soars if Bell is inactive.