How to Make Tough Week 2 Start/Sit Decisions
Week 2 start/sit decisions can be even more difficult than the choices fantasy owners faced in Week 1. We now have one game of actual NFL data, but it is still too early to completely trust every breakout or panic over every disappointing performance.
When making Week 2 start/sit decisions, fantasy owners should focus on expected workload, matchup, offensive environment, and how each player’s role developed in Week 1.
Here are some of the toughest Week 2 lineup decisions at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end, along with the player we would start in each matchup.
Quarterback Start/Sit Decisions
Dak Prescott vs. Caleb Williams
Start: Dak Prescott, DAL (vs. WAS)
Dak Prescott gets the nod in this divisional quarterback battle. After a disappointing Week 1, Prescott returns home against Washington in a matchup that could produce plenty of offensive opportunities.
Washington’s vulnerable pass defense creates a bounce-back opportunity for Prescott, particularly if Dallas can turn the game into a high-scoring divisional matchup.
Caleb Williams faces a much more difficult test against Minnesota and Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. The Vikings’ ability to generate pressure and blitz can create problems for young quarterbacks.
Carson Wentz vs. Jordan Love
Start: Carson Wentz, MIN (@ CHI)
Carson Wentz gets the Week 2 nod in a matchup that provides an appealing combination of coaching, weapons, and opponent.
Wentz steps into Kevin O’Connell’s quarterback-friendly system with elite playmakers such as Justin Jefferson at his disposal. He also faces a Chicago secondary that presents an opportunity for Minnesota’s passing game.
Jordan Love has plenty of fantasy appeal, but the matchup is considerably more difficult. Green Bay travels to East Rutherford to face an elite Jets pass defense.
Baker Mayfield vs. Trevor Lawrence
Start: Baker Mayfield, TB (vs. CLE)
Baker Mayfield is the preferred option because of his combination of matchup and projected game environment.
Tampa Bay is heavily favored at home against Cleveland, giving Mayfield a strong opportunity to produce multiple touchdowns. The Buccaneers should have plenty of opportunities to move the ball and reach the red zone.
Trevor Lawrence faces a much tougher challenge on the road against Denver. The altitude and Denver’s stingy pass defense make Lawrence a more difficult Week 2 start.
Running Back Start/Sit Decisions
Saquon Barkley vs. De’Von Achane
Start: Saquon Barkley, PHI (@ TEN)
Saquon Barkley gets the edge because of his expected workload and touchdown potential.
Barkley remains the unquestioned engine of Philadelphia’s ground game and enters Week 2 as part of a heavily favored offense. That creates an excellent opportunity for both rushing volume and goal-line work.
De’Von Achane brings explosive pass-catching ability, but the matchup against San Francisco is considerably more difficult. His touch projection also carries more uncertainty than Barkley’s.
Javonte Williams vs. D’Andre Swift
Start: Javonte Williams, DAL (vs. WAS)
Javonte Williams is the preferred start because of his role in Dallas’ backfield and the expected game script.
Williams commands the primary early-down and goal-line work for a Dallas offense favored at home. Those scoring opportunities give him a strong path to a productive fantasy outing.
D’Andre Swift faces a tougher matchup against Minnesota’s front seven, which can limit inside rushing lanes and make it more difficult for Swift to generate consistent rushing production.
Derrick Henry vs. Chase Brown
Start: Derrick Henry, BAL (vs. NO)
Derrick Henry is the clear choice in this Week 2 matchup.
Baltimore enters as a heavy home favorite against New Orleans, creating the type of game script that can produce a massive workload for Henry, particularly late in the game.
His combination of goal-line opportunities and multi-touchdown upside gives him an extremely attractive fantasy ceiling.
Chase Brown faces a much tougher matchup against Houston’s front seven, which can bottleneck inside rushing lanes and limit his overall floor.
Wide Receiver Start/Sit Decisions
Terry McLaurin vs. George Pickens
Start: Terry McLaurin, WAS (@ DAL)
Terry McLaurin gets the nod because of his expected target volume and central role in Washington’s passing game.
McLaurin remains the focal point of the offense and could benefit from a high-scoring game environment in Dallas. A potential shootout creates additional opportunities for targets, receptions, and touchdowns.
George Pickens brings significant big-play ability, but his target share could be less predictable while competing with CeeDee Lamb for opportunities in Dallas.
Luther Burden III vs. DK Metcalf
Start: Luther Burden III, CHI (vs. MIN)
Luther Burden III gets another Week 2 start after making this list in Week 1.
Burden’s explosive run-after-catch ability gives him significant upside in what could be a fast-paced divisional matchup. His ability to create after the catch also gives him multiple ways to produce fantasy points.
DK Metcalf remains a high-ceiling option, but he faces a difficult matchup against New England’s perimeter coverage. The Patriots’ defense can make it difficult for opposing receivers to consistently win downfield.
Xavier Worthy vs. Calvin Ridley
Start: Xavier Worthy, KC (vs. IND)
Xavier Worthy is the preferred Week 2 start because of his game-breaking speed and massive big-play ceiling.
The Sunday Night Football setting adds appeal to a matchup where Worthy can potentially create explosive plays against Indianapolis. His ability to score from anywhere on the field gives him significant fantasy upside.
Calvin Ridley faces a difficult Philadelphia secondary, particularly on the perimeter. That makes him a tougher player to trust in this particular Week 2 start/sit decision.
Tight End Start/Sit Decisions
Jake Ferguson vs. Juwan Johnson
Start: Jake Ferguson, DAL (vs. WAS)
Jake Ferguson is the preferred start following a matchup that sets up well for Dallas’ passing game.
Washington’s tight end defense was heavily exploited in Week 1, creating an opportunity for Ferguson to contribute both as a volume receiver and red-zone target. The projected high-scoring environment further increases his appeal.
Juwan Johnson commanded seven targets in Week 1, but he faces a much tougher matchup against Baltimore. The Ravens can limit middle-of-the-field passing production, making Johnson’s Week 2 outlook less appealing.
Mark Andrews vs. Kyle Pitts
Start: Mark Andrews, BAL (vs. NO)
Mark Andrews remains the preferred option because of his importance in Baltimore’s red-zone offense.
Andrews continues to offer valuable touchdown equity, and a favorable home matchup against New Orleans gives him a strong opportunity to find the end zone.
Kyle Pitts carries considerably more Week 2 uncertainty following a quiet opening game. His route-share concerns also make his weekly floor difficult to trust.
Dalton Schultz vs. Dallas Goedert
Start: Dalton Schultz, HOU (vs. CIN)
Dalton Schultz gets the edge because of the expected passing environment in Houston.
Schultz can serve as a reliable safety valve in a matchup that projects as an active, back-and-forth game. That creates opportunities for short and intermediate receptions, particularly in PPR formats.
Dallas Goedert remains a talented option, but Philadelphia has several high-level perimeter weapons competing for targets. That can make his weekly volume difficult to project.
What to Consider When Making Week 2 Start/Sit Decisions
Week 2 provides the first opportunity to incorporate real game data into your lineup decisions, but fantasy owners should be careful not to overreact to one performance.
When you’re stuck between two players, consider these factors:
1. Role: Did the player’s Week 1 usage match what was expected? Snap counts, routes, carries, and targets can provide valuable context.
2. Matchup: Consider how the player’s opponent defends his position and style rather than relying solely on overall defensive rankings.
3. Game Script: Favor players whose teams are expected to stay competitive or play with a lead. Both situations can create additional opportunities.
4. Touchdown Opportunities: Goal-line carries and red-zone targets can make the difference between an average fantasy performance and a difference-making one.
5. Week 1 Context: One game should influence your decisions, not completely redefine your player evaluations. A poor fantasy performance does not automatically mean a player’s role has changed.
Final Thoughts on Week 2 Start/Sit Decisions
The best approach to Week 2 start/sit decisions is to combine what we expected before the season with what actually happened in Week 1.
Players such as Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Terry McLaurin, and Mark Andrews offer attractive combinations of workload, role, and scoring opportunity. Meanwhile, difficult matchups can push otherwise talented players such as Jordan Love, De’Von Achane, and Calvin Ridley down the Week 2 starting lineup.
Fantasy owners should use Week 1 as additional information rather than allowing a single game to completely change their preseason evaluations. The goal is to identify the players with the strongest combination of opportunity and matchup and build the starting lineup around them.
