One week is not enough to completely change expectations and looking at last season is just as important as this season. Taking both into consideration will help your fantasy lineups for the second week of fantasy football. Here are some of the best starts and a few must sits for week two of the NFL season.
Start of the Week Quarterback – Drew Brees vs New England Patriots
For much on Monday night, Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saint offense looked lost, but a late drive salvaged the day for Brees owners and showed he is still very capable of quarterback mastery. If he can take the positives from his final drive and apply it against a New England’s Patriots defense that gave up four touchdowns and 368 yards to Alex Smith, he should be one of the top quarterbacks in week two.
Sit of the Week Quarterback – Jay Cutler vs Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers defense looked sharp against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, holding Denver’s quarterback to just 217 passing yards and grabbing an interception in the process. Jay Cutler and the Miami Dolphins are in a weird place, dealing with much turmoil. Leave Cutler on the bench this week and see how he does as a Dolphin before starting him this season.
Start of the Week Running Back – Terrance West vs Cleveland Browns
With the injury to Danny Woodhead, the majority of the rushing duties for the Baltimore Ravens will now go to Terrance West. West had over 1000 yards from scrimmage in Baltimore last season, including 77 against the Browns in Baltimore. Expect West to get at least 20 carries in week two. Last season when West had 20 or more carries, the running back averaged 88.3 yards rushing.
Sit of the Week Running Back – Frank Gore vs Arizona Cardinals
Even if the ageless wonder, Frank Gore, is a pivotal part of your fantasy team, his matchup in week two is tough. The Arizona Cardinals shut down Detroit’s top two running backs last week, limiting them to less than 2.5 yards per rush on 21 total attempts. Gore saw his role in the Colts offense diminish as the Rams built up their lead, which led to rookie running back Marlon Mack coming in and scoring the Colts only touchdown. Do not lean too heavy on Gore this week.
Start of the Week Wide Receiver – Randall Cobb vs Atlanta Falcons
Looking at Randall Cobb’s last four games, including the postseason, the wide receiver is back to being one of Rodgers favorite targets and a great fantasy option. Cobb is averaging 86.5 yards per game over the last four, which includes a game against the Seahawks and New York Giants. Expect Cobb to get plenty of targets on Sunday, as this game is expected to be high scoring.
Sit of the Week Wide Receiver – Dez Bryant vs Denver Broncos
Last week, Dez Bryant had the privilege of going head-to-head against one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Bryant was relatively quiet on Sunday night, catching two balls for 42 yards. This week, Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys travel to Denver to face another elite secondary. The Broncos were the only team in the NFL last season to allow less than 200 yards passing per game. Expect the Cowboys to ride Elliott in week two and limit their usage of the passing game.
Start of the Week Tight End – Cameron Brate vs Chicago Bears
Before Cameron Brate concedes the number one tight end duties to OJ Howard, Brate can get in one more great game against the Chicago Bears. Last year versus the Bears, Brate caught all seven of his targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. The Bears gave up 128 yards and a TD to Austin Hooper last week.
Sit of the Week Tight End – Coby Fleener vs New England Patriots
Even if the New England Patriots defense was overall terrible in week one, they did do one thing well. The Patriots held Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce in check in week one, limiting the Pro Bowler to just five catches for 40 yards. Fleener is not nearly as talented as Kelce. Expect Brees to look elsewhere on Sunday.
Start of the Week Defense – Washington Redskins vs Los Angeles Rams
The Washington Redskins defense was not the reason the team lost its week one game. In fact, the team had one of its best fantasy performances in the Jay Gruden era. The Rams, who walloped the Colts last week, do not have the offense to put up 40+ often. Last time these two teams played, the Redskins limited the Rams to just 217 yards and ten points.
Sit of the Week Defense – New England Patriots vs New Orleans Saints
There is little doubt that Bill Belichick is using every ounce of his coaching prowess to fix the defense, but with the amount of injuries the team sustained, it may take more than nine days to solve their problems. Heading on the road to play one of the best offense in the NFL over the last half-decade will not do the Patriots any services. Leave the Patriots defense on the bench for week two and grab a streaming option.
Start of the Week Kicker – Dan Bailey vs Denver Broncos
Kickers and mile high stadium go together like butter and popcorn but rarely do we get a chance to see a top-three fantasy kicker make a trip to Denver in the nice weather of September. That is the case though on Sunday. Bailey was excellent in his first game of the season, and the Cowboys will rely on him to get points on the board against a stout Broncos defense.
Sit of the Week Kicker –Steven Hauschka vs Carolina Panthers
The Buffalo Bill’s new kicker looked pretty good in his debut but is in for a tougher game on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers. The Bills offense may not be as efficient this Sunday, meaning Hauschka could have fewer opportunities to put points on the board. Switch out Hauchka for week two of the NFL season.
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