By: Jake Rajala

Week 2 is on the horizon & it’s clear that fantasy football has already been more intense than the Avatar 2 trailer. With that said, I’m going to take a critical angle by untwining seven players to sit in Week 2. Let’s begin.

• Joe Burrow

The Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow may not have shown his true colors in Week 1 (five turnovers), but I don’t foresee him bouncing back against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. Micah Parsons had two sacks against Tom “GOAT” Brady and the Boys defense didn’t give up more than 20 points to TB12. It would be an understatement to say I’m worried about Burrow and his pass protection in Week 2.

• Mike Evans

The meme with Shila Bleouf shouting “zero” in the classic “Holes” movie could be appropriate for the potential receptions Mike Evans will have against Marshon Lattimore in Week 2. Lattimore has certainly transformed into Deion Sanders when facing Evans by sometimes not allowing him to have a single catch. The gifted Saints CB also had a couple of mental errors in Week 1, so he should be extra motivated to shine in Week 2.

• Leonard Fournette

Don’t take the bait — the Saints definitely don’t have a weak run defense. The Saints were bleeding against Marcus Mariota, but let’s not forget that Jalen Hurts has also constantly found success against the Saints. The Saints have an elite front seven with Cameron Jordan, Marcus Davenport, Pete Werner, and Demario Davis, but they still struggle against dual-threat QBs.

• Corey Davis

The Jets may be heavily relying on Corey Davis (984 yards and 5 TDs in 2020) in their Zach Wilson-less offense, but I don’t love his chances against the very superb CB Denzel Ward (who was voted the 87th best player in 2022) on Sunday. I expect Flacco to look for Garrett Wilson a lot more with his match-ups in Week 2.

• Derrick Henry

The Titans 6’4, 250 lb RB Derrick Henry didn’t look like a Thor-like figure in Week 1 (82 rushing yards, 3.9 YPC) & I don’t believe he’s in line to be an unstoppable force against the mighty Buffalo Bills in Week 2. I honestly don’t feel like the Titans will be able to feed Henry, as they may be down two-three scores early in the game.

• Justin Fields

I’m not sold on Justin Fields being a Pro Bowl-caliber QB in his sophomore year just yet. He will face an angry (after being embarrassed by Justin Jefferson) and talented Green Bay Packers defense that will be licking their chops at dominating in Week 2. The Packers still have a very good secondary and I’d be shocked if Fields has an above-average performance with his less-than-talented WR group next week.

• Tyler Boyd

Tee Higgins may sit out in Week 2 via a concussion, but don’t anticipate Tyler Boyd to go off in the WR2 spot. As previously mentioned, I’m iffy about Burrow having a superb outcome against the Dallas Cowboys. I’m only placing my trust in Ja’Marr Chase (who should have the edge over Trevon Diggs), who has similar gifts as Justin Jefferson, to shine in any circumstance.

The post Fantasy: 7 players to sit in Week 2 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

By: Matt Gruber

Week two is upon us and it is time for the weekly starts and sits. This is the second installment of the 17-piece series aimed to help you make the roster decisions to give you an edge over your opponent. Let’s jump into it and win some championships.

Quarterbacks

Start: Aaron Rodgers ”“ Green Bay Packers

After a week one shocker in which Aaron Rodgers let a lot of fantasy managers down, I expect a huge bounce back this week. Rodgers takes on the Detroit Lions, at home, in prime time. It doesn’t get much better than that. Dating back to 2019, in his four games against the Lions, Rodger has averaged 284 passing yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are going to make a statement on Monday night.

Honorable Mentions: Jalen Hurts vs. SF, Baker Mayfield vs. HOU, Matthew Stafford @ IND

Sit: Tua Tagovailoa ”“ Miami Dolphins

Coming off a week one win in New England, Tua Tagovailoa finds himself on the sit list for the second straight week. If it wasn’t for his rushing touchdown, he would have had a disappointing Sunday. This week, he goes up against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills were able to hold quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to under 200 passing yards and only one touchdown in week one. Facing an elite defense, the Miami Dolphins passing attack could be in trouble.

Honorable Mentions: Jared Goff @ GB, Carson Wentz vs. LAR, Derek Carr @ PIT

Running Backs

Start: Najee Harris ”“ Pittsburgh Steelers

The debut for the highly touted rookie running back did not go as planned. Recording only 5.9 fantasy points in PPR leagues, Najee Harris was on a lot of losing teams. However, there is a lot to look forward to. In week one, Harris played 100% of the offensive snaps. It was just a poor matchup. This week he goes up against the Las Vegas Raiders who just gave up 189 rushing yards and two touchdowns to the Baltimore Ravens. I am confidently starting Harris this week as a running back one.

Honorable Mentions: Jonathan Taylor vs. LAR, Aaron Jones vs. DET, Damien Harris @ NYJ

Sit: Josh Jacobs ”“ Las Vegas Raiders

In week one, Josh Jacobs salvaged his day on the ground by scoring two touchdowns. If it weren’t for those scores, he would have ended the day much worse. This week, he goes against a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense who held running backs to only 76 rushing yards in week one. Couple this with the fact Jacobs has been battling injuries the last few weeks and it is an easy pass for me. We saw how it was Monday night. Jacobs was coming in and out of the game, limping at times, changing shoes, or getting up slowly. He isn’t 100% and because of that, I will leave him on my bench.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Davis @ TB, Myles Gaskin vs. BUF, James Robinson vs. DEN

Wide Receivers

Start: Cooper Kupp ”“ Los Angeles Rams

Coming off a game where he logged 7 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown, Cooper Kupp will continue putting up numbers in week two against the Indianapolis Colts. It was evident that he and quarterback Matthew Stafford have a strong rapport as Kupp led the team in targets with 10. He will now face the Colts this week who just gave up over 150 yards and three touchdowns to Seattle’s wide receivers. Expect Stafford to continue to look Kupp’s way early and often.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Godwin vs ATL, Courtland Sutton @ JAX, Tee Higgins @ CHI

Sit: Robby Anderson ”“ Carolina Panthers

Before saving his day with a long touchdown reception, Robby Anderson was trending towards a goose egg. Finishing week one with one catch for a 57-yard touchdown, some fantasy managers are a bit worried. Anderson was only targeted three times all game. This was even three fewer targets than fellow wide receiver and rookie Terrace Marshall Jr. Week two doesn’t get any easier as the Carolina Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are riding high from their victory against Green Bay where they dominated. Holding Aaron Rodgers to under 150 yards, while giving up no touchdowns, Robby Anderson could be in for a long day.

Honorable Mentions: Will Fuller vs. BUF, Corey Davis vs. NE, Brandon Aiyuk @ PHI

Tight Ends

Start: Tyler Higbee ”“ Los Angeles Rams

Although he did not manage to find the endzone, Tyler Higbee had an encouraging first week. Second on the team with six targets, he was able to produce five catches for 68 yards. Furthermore, his usage was unparalleled. He played on 100% of the offensive snaps, owned a massive 23.1% target share, and had an 80.8% route participation rate. It is clear the Rams want him on the field and with Stafford’s love for big pass catchers, Higbee will be a solid play this week.

Honorable Mentions: Rob Gronkowski vs. ATL, Noah Fant @ JAX, Jared Cook vs. DAL

Sit: Gerald Everett ”“ Seattle Seahawks

Coming into week two, Gerald Everett may be the fifth pass-catching option on his team. He did manage to snag a touchdown catch in week one, however, it was done on only two targets. This was behind wide receivers Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf, tight end Will Dissly, and running back Chris Carson. Playing the same number of snaps as Dissly, in addition to receiving one fewer target, I am not confident with Everett in my starting lineup. While I do like his potential, I need to see more from him before I am willing to roll him out there. Pivot to another tight end option if possible.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Gesicki vs. BUF, Tyler Kroft vs. NE, Juwan Johnson @ CAR

If you enjoyed this piece, feel free to find more of my content on Twitter @FF_Worm. I am always available to talk fantasy football and answer any questions.

The post Fantasy Football: Week 2 Starts/Sits appeared first on Pro Football Mania.