After a great start to the season where we saw many great NFL games, one thing that stood out was a lot of fantasy stars having underwhelming stat lines. One of the biggest surprises were the mediocre play of many Quarterbacks around the league. Only 15 QBs passed for over 200 yards in one of the lowest marks in Week 1 the NFL has seen in some time.
Without further ado, let's get into Week 2's Start 'Em Sit 'Em Presented by FansOnlySportz, Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen!
Authors' Note: All stats were found at teamrankings.com
Start 'Ems
Quarterbacks
Brock Purdy vs. MIN
Purdy had a solid week through the air last week, throwing for 231 yards (11th in NFL) against what is supposed to be one of the best defenses in the league in the Jets. Though he did not throw for a touchdown, look for that to change against an unproven Vikings secondary.
Jayden Daniels vs. NYG
Daniels had an unorthodox week for a QB, but a good one nonetheless. He posted 184 passing yards (17th in NFL) along with 88 rushing yards (10th in NFL and 2nd in NFL among QBs) on sixteen attempts (T11th in NFL and 1st among QBs). Daniels may be in for another exciting week against a Giants defense that allowed 208 passing yards (14th most in NFL) and 28 points (9th most in NFL) to Sam Darnold.
Kyler Murray vs. LAR
Murray had a solid week one, posting 162 passing yards, a touchdown, as well as 57 rushing yards against Buffalo. The Cardinals' offense seems to have untapped potential, with Marvin Harrison Jr. yet to be unleashed, so expect for Murray to improve against a Rams defense that gave up 363 total yards last week (10th most in NFL).
Matthew Stafford vs. ARI
Despite the loss, Stafford had a very solid week in Fantasy Football, posting 317 yards (2nd in NFL), a touchdown and an interception. Stafford plays the Cardinals this Sunday, who allowed 232 passing yards (10th worst in NFL) and 2 passing touchdowns (4th worst in NFL)
Justin Herbert vs. CAR????
Herbert is playing the Panthers, who have up 47 points, while also allowing 199 passing yards (14th worst in NFL) and 379 total yards (9th worst in NFL) to an average Saints offense. Look for Herbert to throw the ball early and often against one of the worst defenses in the league.
Running Backs
Josh Jacobs vs. IND
With Jordan Love injured, the Packers may rely heavily on their running game, setting up Jacobs for a big game on Sunday. Jacobs had 84 rushing yards (11th in NFL) on 5.2 yards a carry (7th among RBs) against a very good Eagles defensive line. His potential workload against a team in the Colts who allowed 213 rushing yards last week (Last in NFL) will make him a must-start in week two.
J.K. Dobbins vs. CAR Dobbins had an excellent performance against the Raiders, posting 135 rushing yards (3rd in NFL) on ten carries. Dobbins could be in for another big day on the ground against a Panthers defense that allowed 180 rushing yards last week (3rd worst in NFL).
Brian Robinson Jr. vs. NYG
Robinson Jr. had a mediocre week one (40 yards on 12 carries and 1 touchdown), with Jayden Daniels getting the bulk of the carries (16). However, Daniel's volume on the ground should not be that high every week. Look for Robinson Jr., a red zone threat and the Commanders' RB1 on the ground, to rebound against the Giants, who allowed 111 rushing yards in week one (18th in NFL).
Tony Pollard vs. NYJ
Pollard was the clear RB1 in Tennessee last week, posting 16 carries (T11th in NFL) for 82 yards (13th in NFL) and a touchdown against the Bears. Pollard plays the Jets, who allowed 180 rushing yards (4th worst in NFL) against backup running backs, so look for him to continue getting a decent workload.
BONUS: Jordan Mason vs. MIN
Mason is a must-start IF Christian McCaffrey does not play. Mason came off a monster game against the Jets last Monday, posting a whopping 147 rushing yards on 28 carries (both 2nd in NFL). Look for Mason to receive another heavy workload against the Vikings if McCaffrey sits out again.
Wide Receivers
Ladd McConkey vs. CAR
McConkey had a solid debut in the NFL, posting 5 receptions on 7 targets for 39 yards and a touchdown. With a game under his belt and chemistry building with Herbert, look for McConkey to maintain a good target share against a Panthers defense that allowed 199 passing yards (14th worst in NFL)
Jameson Williams vs. TB
Williams had a breakout performance against the Rams last week, posting 121 yards (4th in NFL) on 5 catches. With Williams's big play ability, he is a high-reward fantasy option against the Buccaneers, who allowed 6.7 yards per pass attempt (14th most in NFL).
George Pickens vs. DEN
Pickens was a positive in what was a very shaky Steelers' offense, producing 85 yards (12th in NFL) on 6 catches (T9th in NFL). Pickens is arguably the only receiving weapon in Pittsburgh's offense, making him a safe option to start against Denver, who allowed 158 yards through the air (13th most in NFL).
Devonta Smith vs. ATL
Smith was a big part of the Eagles' passing attack in week one, posting 84 yards (13th in NFL) on 7 receptions (8th in NFL). With his heavy workload and lack of attention (with defenses double-teaming A.J Brown), look for Smith to produce another good week in fantasy against the Falcons.
Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid vs. MIA
Kincaid struggled last week, only hauling in one catch for 11 yards. Arizona put everything they had into shutting down Kincaid, which will not be sustainable for most teams. Look for quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills' offense to change the narrative and heavily involve Kincaid against the Dolphins.
Dallas Goedert vs. ATL
Goedert was a pleasant surprise in a week of horrible tight-end performances in fantasy football, posting 4 receptions for 31 yards for the Eagles. Though the numbers aren't anything special, they are better than what most TE1's posted last week (scoring higher than Travis Kelce, Dalton Kincaid and Evan Engram). Goedert should be a safe enough option at the TE position to start him against the Falcons.
Trey McBride vs. LAR
Considering his expectations, McBride had a disappointing performance, producing just 30 yards on 5 catches. The Cardinals' young tight end did not have the fantasy performance owners hoped for in week one. However, his target share (9) is encouraging enough to predict a big week from McBride against the Rams.
Isiah Likely vs. LV
Likely was outstanding against the Chiefs on opening night, catching 9 passes (2nd in NFL) for 111 yards (7th in NFL) and a touchdown. Though it should be expected that Baltimore will involve Mark Andrews more in the passing game, Likely spent 62.2% of his snaps in the slot (according to PFF), which means that the Ravens view him as a legit weapon and have made a concrete spot for him in their offense. Start him against the Raiders.
Kickers
Chris Boswell vs. DEN
Boswell had an elite day on Sunday, connecting on all 6 of his field goals (T1st in NFL). With the Steelers still figuring out their offense, look for many of their drives to stall, allowing for Boswell to have multiple opportunities once again against the Broncos.
Jason Sanders vs. BUF
Sanders hit 2 of his three field goal attempts against Jacksonville in week one. The Dolphins Kicker plays the Jets, who allowed 20 points to Kickers in week one (most in NFL), making him a safe start in week 2.
Tyler Bass vs. MIA
Tyler Bass converted on each of his four PAT's and two field goals. The Bills' kicker should have big point potential playing a solid Miami defense
Cam Little vs. CLE
Cam Little had a quiet performance in week one of the season, hitting his only field goal attempt and 2 PATs. However, the kicker position is always boom or bust, and we expect Little to be a boom candidate against the Browns, who allowed 15 points to kicker Brandon Aubrey last week (4th most in NFL).
Defense/Special Teams
Jets vs. TEN
The Jets had a brutal start to the season, allowing 401 total yards against the 49ers (5th most in NFL). That said, with a defense so talented on paper, they might have just needed a week to start going. Look for the Jets D/ST to flip the switch against the Titans, who currently rank 25th in total offensive yards.
Chargers vs. CAR
The Panthers' offense ranks 2nd worst in total offensive yards, with the hope of that changing being very slim. The Chargers' D/ST will be a very safe bet against an abysmal Carolina offense.
Ravens vs LV
Baltimore is up against the Raiders in week two of the season, which ranks 18th in total offensive yards. If Las Vegas had a hard time finding a spark on offense against the Chargers, they will definitely not find one against a loaded Ravens defensive unit. Baltimore's D/ST is a must-start this week.
Steelers vs DEN
Pittsburg locked up the Falcons' offense, who only had 226 yards of total offense (4th worst in NFL). Fantasy owners should expect the Steelers D/ST unit to keep the ball rolling against a Broncos team that ranks 27th in total offensive yards with 231.
Sit 'Ems
Quarterbacks
Geno Smith vs NE
While the Seahawks are expected to have a better showing then last week against the Broncos, going against the Patriots defense may not their best look. With the Patriots holding Joe Burrow to 164 yards and sacking him three times, definitely leave Geno on your bench this week.
Trevor Lawrence vs CLE
With a decent performance against the Dolphins behind him, Lawrence will have a much more difficult task this week against the Browns defense. With a better pass rush and at least as skilled of a secondary, Lawrence will likely have a worse game than last week where he only had 162 yards and 1 TD.
Joe Burrow vs KC
Something is up in Cincinnati and they need to figure it out quick. Kansas City's defense is as legit as the Patriots and if Burrow plays like he did last week will shut them down just as easily. The Chiefs were pressuring Lamar Jackson all game last week, look for much of the same against Burrow.
Tua Tagovailoa vs BUF
Tua had a pretty good game last week but was very reliant on Tyreek Hill's 80-yard catch. With a better secondary in Buffalo, in all likelihood this is a game where we see Tua rely on his running backs and throw a lot less than last week.
Running Backs
Kenneth Walker III vs NE
Don't start against the Patriots defense. They were outstanding last week in Cincinnati and now they come home to play an offensively-worse team in Seattle. Double down on this sit 'em with the fact that Zach Charbonnet seems to be the receiving threat in Seattle
Jerome Ford vs JAX
After an okay performance in Dallas that saw him get a garbage time touchdown, look for Jerome Ford to fall out of the gameplan in Jacksonville this week. With only 12 carries last week it is clear that Ford' fantasy output will be reliant on the Browns being ahead in games which may not happen to much this season.
Najee Harris vs DEN
Najee only had 3.5 YPC against the mediocre Falcons' defense last week. With Russell Wilson expected to get the start against his former team in Denver, this team will likely pass the ball more meaning even less touches for Harris who only scored 7.9 points last week.
D'Andre Swift vs HOU
Going from one strong run defense to another, D'Andre Swift had only 10 touches for 30 yards last week. The Houston defense on the other hand held Jonathan Taylor to only 44 rushing yards at the same time. Couple this with the Bears offensive struggles in Week 1 and it seems Swift may be completely out of the gameplan by the second half.
Wide Receivers
Keenan Allen vs HOU
Same matchup but different position, Allen will suffer from many of the same problems Swift will. The one saving grace for Allen is that he may be the #1 option for most of the game if Chicago goes down early. Unfortunately though, Houston's secondary, (especially Derek Stingley Jr.) will be a ramp up in competition. Seeing how Caleb Williams struggled out of the gate, don't play Allen until the Bears show they can move the sticks.
Malik Nabers vs WAS
Nabers may have been the lone bright spot last week against Minnesota and while that is usually reason to play him, he now goes against a better secondary in Washington and unfortunately still has Daniel jones at Quarterback. Nabers will be a great talent in the league but he should be on your bench until Daniel Jones either steps up or is benched.
Chris Olave vs DAL
One of the biggest fantasy busts over the weekend was Chris Olave's 3.1 points last week in a blowout 47-10 win against Carolina. The Saints have shown that they will spread the ball out a lot this year which is not in Olave's favor, and neither is their opponents. Dallas only allowed 169 yards through the air while causing 2 turnovers and more than 16 QB pressures leading to 6 sacks. Olave can still turn it around this year, but it won't start this week.
Marvin Harrison Jr. vs LAR
What an underwhelming debut for one of the best rookies this year. Harrison Jr. only got 4 yards on 1 catch in 3 targets. While Harrison Jr. should still be a very productive rookie, the Cardinals have shown that they have a much better arsenal of weapons then most thought. This sit 'em is based solely on "need to see it to believe it." Let the rookie have a breakout game and then we'll feel better about starting him.
Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts vs PHI
Another year of fantasy football, another year of Kyle Pitts not putting it all together. Going against the Steelers defense and than the Eagles defense is a monumental task and if last weeks' game is any indication on how the Falcons' offense may look this year, we have to sit Pitts unless he's your ONLY TE option on your team.
Cole Kmet vs HOU
Very similar to Keenan Allen, we need to see the Bears offense click before we're ready to start any of them. Worse than Allen however, Kmet only had 1 catch for 4 yards. Kmet was dynamic in the Bears' offense last year but with the plethera of options the team now has, may get lost in the fold in Chicago.
Pat Freiermuth vs DEN
Freiermuth may have more success once Wilson gets back, but for now he's a strong sit 'em after last week's performance against Atlanta. The Broncos were very successful in limiting the Seahawks TE last week to only 2 catches for 11 yards. With Pittsburgh's obvious offensive concerns, best to leave Freiermuth on the bench this week.
Dalton Schultz vs CHI
Where was Dalton Schultz last week? Yes the Texans have a standout trio at WR now but to only get 16 yards on 3 catches is a huge concern. Going against the Bears defense won't do him much favors either as it's easy to see a run-based gameplan this week that could leave out Schultz entirely.
Kickers
Younghoe Koo vs PHI
The Falcons offense needs to prove they can drive the ball before we can start Koo. An unbelievable kicker, Koo may have to settle for 50+ yard field goals all season and while that can get you more points, it can also lead to a lot more misses.
Justin Tucker vs LV
The Raiders defense looked good last week despite losing to the Chargers, look for a low-scoring game where Tucker only attempts maybe 3 kicks. In the previous two season and last week, Tucker is also hitting less than 50% on kicks form 50+ yards.
Nick Folk vs NYJ
The Titans offense struggled against the Bears last week, what do you think will happen against the Jets this week? Look for Folk to barely see the field at all and definitely keep him on the bench this week.
Jake Bates vs TB
In what could turn out to be a low-scoring game, look for Bates to not see as many kicks as he did last week against the Rams. We also don't love his "line-drive" style of kicks and could see some misses from him sooner rather than later.
Defense/Special Teams
Bills vs MIA
The Bills defense had a better showing in the second half against the Cardinals but still looked shaky especially against the run game. Look for Miaim's explosive offense to take advantage of that and possibly run up the score tonight on TNF.
Buccaneers vs DET
The Buccaneers looked great last week against the Commanders but now run into an incredible Detroit defense who is better all-around. Look for this game to be a shootout and possibly the highest scoring-combined score of the week.
Packers vs IND
The Colts offense looks explosive this year and while it's reasonable to believe Anthony Richardson could throw a pick, it's likely the Colts score 3+ TDs this week. Add that to the fact Jordan Love will be out and the Packers' offense may stall a lot and it's best to avoid all Packers players on fantasy, especially their defense.
Raiders vs BAL
With Baltimore's offense being so explosive it's hard to believe the Raiders defense will be able to stop them, even being as talented as they are. The Raiders defense could be a staple in your lineups throughout the season, this week is one to bench them for sure.
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Catch ya next time!
-Matt Hylen
-Z.D.
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