Week 1 is in the books. 16 teams are undefeated. 16 teams are winless.
You probably lost your opening week fantasy game because you tried to get cute with your roster…or you started Andrew Luck.
It’s important to note that even though running backs seem to get drafted higher than every other position every year, only two running backs were in the top 10 for scoring in week 1. It seems like the value positions are switching from running back to wide receiver and quarterback.
Who knew that quarterback was an important position in football?
Here’s some start/sit advice for Week 2 by position.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Quarterbacks
Start ‘em QB: Brandon Weeden
Just kidding! (But I still support him…)
GIF via FanSided.com
REAL Start ‘em QB: Drew Brees
Brees had just an OK game last week and was largely overshadowed by RGIII’s super productive inaugural start. Brees actually threw for more yards than RGIII, but the veteran threw two picks and his Saints ended up losing.
I don’t see Brees having two bad weeks in a row, and he should take out his frustrations on the struggling Panthers this week. I think Brees will be the top scoring QB in Week 2.
Sit ‘em QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick was projected by many to be one of the top 12 fantasy quarterbacks this year. He was just average last week against one of the best pass defenses in the league.
The Bills play the Chiefs, who looked horrible against the Falcons last week. I still think Kansas City is going to have a pretty good pass defense this year and that last week was just a Week 1 anomaly against a team determined to get its newly refined aerial attack going.
Couple the potentially poor matchup with the fact that WR David Nelson is out for the year with a torn ACL, and I don’t think Fitz is the best play if you have another good option at QB.
And now…we interrupt this fantasy analysis for a very important poll.
On beards.
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Ryan Fitzpatrick on the left, me on the right … whose beard kicks more ass?
Now back to fantasy football.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Running Backs
Start ‘em RB: Trent Richardson
The rookie only had 44 yards last week against a stout Eagles running defense, but it’s hard to judge a player by his first NFL game.
I watched the entire game and noticed that although he didn’t get too many carries, he was on the field for most of the game. So he appears to be healthy. Richardson showed flashes of brilliance on a play in which he knocked Kurt Coleman’s helmet off.
With the woes in the passing game that the Browns experienced last week, and the fact that Ray Rice had a field day against the Bengals D last week, I look for Richardson to get a lot more touches and be a lot more productive in his second start.
Sit ‘em RB: Beanie Wells
This former Buckeye saw limited action last week due to his injury, but he should be back full time this week.
The Patriots’ run D looked fierce last week against the Titans, and the Patriots should be so far ahead at halftime that the Cardinals will likely be passing the ball a lot. And with Ryan Williams there to steal carries, there just won’t be enough to go around to make Beanie worth the start.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Wide Receivers
Start ‘em WR: Wes Welker
Welker was pretty unproductive last week against the Titans. This was mostly due to the fact that he wasn’t a huge part of the game plan for the Patriots. But Bill Belicheck loves Welker, and I don’t see this being a recurring theme.
Couple this with the fact that they are playing the Cardinals at home, and it’s not time to sit Welker yet.
Wes Welker is still a stud – in fantasy football AND real life. (Image via @WesWelker)
Sit ‘em WR: Kevin Ogletree
Every year in Week 1 there is a rookie or unheralded veteran who comes out of nowhere and scores big for his team, prompting a waiver wire frenzy. These players don’t usually continue to produce at a high level.
Kevin Ogletree was that guy in Week 1, and Jerod laid out several reasons why you should tap on the brakes a bit before trusting Ogletree as this year’s Victor Cruz.
The Cowboys also travel to Seattle this week. The Seahawks have a great pass defense and one of the biggest home field advantages in the NFL. Look for Ogletree’s production to drop dramatically in Week 2.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Tight Ends
Start ‘em TE: Greg Olsen
This is a pick based on the match up. The Saints pass defense looks horrible this year, and Olsen should be a big target for Cam Newton this week. Look for Olsen to catch at least 90 balls for 45 touchdowns…at least.
Sit ‘em TE: None
You know what? If you have a good tight end that you think is going to be productive, start him. Tight Ends are quickly becoming the favorite target for quarterbacks around the league. I would say start any good Tight End that you have at the flex position.
[Editor's note: This is the most pathetic cop-out answer in the history of fantasy football analysis. Shame on you Gerlach.]
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Defense/Special Teams
Start ‘em: Oakland Raiders
Because any defense that is moderately decent should dominate the Dolphins, and the Raiders are moderately decent on D.
Sit ‘em: Cleveland Browns
The Browns D was one of the top fantasy defenses last week. But with Joe Haden out this week, and the Browns playing their first road game, I look for their pass defense to be a little less productive in Week 2.
They aren’t going to create 5 turnovers every week…right?….OR MAYBE THEY WILL!!!! 1985 BEARS LOOK OUT!!
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Kickers
Start: Whatever kicker you have on your team…especially if it’s Phil Dawson.
Phil Dawson is going to kick 200 field goals this year. Not bad for a guy that’s only 65 years old.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit: Sleeper Starts
QB Kevin Kolb
No, seriously. He didn’t look all that bad subbing for John Skelton at the end of the game against a tough Seahawks pass defense last week. The Pats should be up big early, so look for Kolb to throw the ball A LOT this week.
WR Andrew Hawkins
The Bengals wideout finished the game with 8 catches for 86 yards on Monday against Baltimore. Couple this with the fact that the Browns are missing their best player in the secondary this week (Haden) and Hawkins could be a great play for fantasy owners in PPR leagues.
He’s a speedster with sure hands as he caught 8 passes while 9 balls were thrown his way.
*****
Have questions? Ask below. Otherwise, best of luck in Week 2!
About Nicholas Gerlach
Good morning everybody,
So trying to avoid the Week one slow start drops but am looking to fortify backups. What is your longterm opinion on Beanie Wells? Also, who would you choose between LaFell, Alshon Jeffery, or Manningham? LaFell and Jeffery both had solid starts and are secondary options to big name #1′s so they will get more looks. My second RB spot is a bit of an issue. I have Ryan Mathews as a #1 but all my #2 were huge let downs Turner, Wells, Royster and Hunter. I am attempting to pick up Ingram off waivers. Daniel Thomas is there (concussion) and Pierre Thomas. Also LeShoure is available, any faith in him this year?
I made a mistake and left my opinion at the bottom of the page. Im noy gonna rewrite it. Its a little long.
Also… My WR are as follows Cruz, Lloyd, and Nate Washington. Would you sub in Jeffery for any of them? He had a great game last week and appears to be a good second option for Cutler.
my team is
QB – Tom Brady
RB – Doug Martin
RB – Sproles/Donald Brown
WR – Wes Welker
WR- Mike Wallace
TE – Grinkowski
FLEX – Miles Austin
D/ST -Patriots (for this week)
K – Dan Bailey
based of that, who should I start, Sproles or Donald Brown. if it wasn’t for the garbage time in 4th quarter last week, Sproles did NOTHING. I also have Michael Bush
*Gronkowski
Alex Smith or Eli Manning? Smith threw pretty well against a stout GB Dee and Eli Didn’t look very Manningy. Will he bounce back or should I take a chance on Smith in week 2?
I say u play Eli. Hes gonna have the best chance to get u the most yards tds. Im a 9er fan and I know Alex Smith. Hes only thrown for over 300yds I think twice in his career. He will also be lucky to throw more than two tds.. Eli however just might bang out 350+ and get u 4 tds at anytime.
Since Fred Jackson has gone out, I have not been able to decide who to start this week as my #2 running back. who I have are:
Mark Ingram
Jacquizz Rodgers
David Wilson
Kendall Hunter
Dexter McCluster
Thanks in advance for your help
Ben
I have Tamme and Cook as TE. Pettigrew and whitten are availible. So is Indys TE that looked real good last week. Should I pick up one of these TE off the wire or stick with what I have? Im thinking of starting Tamme this week or should I play one of these other TEs? Thank u for your help
I am completely confused on this one. I need to sit Dwayne Bowe or Stevie Johnson. Bpwe has veen silent in past 3 meetings with bills. Johnson scored 2xs in last 2 gaames vs chiefs not to mentionthe 40+ pt shalacking tje bills gave chiefs last game played. Johnson has a roin injury which he played through last uear with no problem plus last weeks td against jets. I like stevi but every site ranks bowe well ahead of stevie this week and when I bench bowe he likes to put up 100+ and 2 tds.. What is ur opinion on this matter. Its a tough one.
One more piece of advice. This may sound silly but id like t start Flacco over Matthews this week. Although Rogers did well fantasy wise last week against the niners d, Mathews turned the ball over several times and one scored one td against the rams. The lions were slowed down last year against the niners in detroit and they play in frisco this weekend. I expect Mathews to put up numbers yardage wise but turn the ball over a few times. Flacco will continue to be solid when they shalack philly in philly. Im dead serious. Please let me know I im trippin.
Benson or Hillis?
Help! My running backs are a disaster! The stupid autodraft picked Trent Richardson and Ryan Matthews for me first. I just picked up Stevan Ridley from waivers. Would BJE be better than Michael Turner and which 2 should I start this week? Thanks!
I say you definitely play Ridley. Boss hogged 125 yrds last week. Ridley looked good last year butt n.e. didnt play him much. Hes getting the carries this year and I think he could hav a break out season. Turner looked pretty horrible last week and I wouldnt trust him till he does something this year. Hold off on Richardson till he does the same. Id take BJE this week. Dude us gonna fet the rock.
I’ve got Spiller on my bench. Who do I take out, Michael Bush or Donald Brown? Thanks!!
if ryan matthews is clear to go this week would you go with him over bowe non ppr? and also who would you rather start Rudolph or Witten
Play Bowe. You never know how many touches Mathews will get even if he is healthy. Bowe will be on the field the whole game if he stays healthy. I also like Bowe to score a td this week.
Two questions:
1.) Danny Amendola, Mark Ingram, Mike Williams, Ben Tate or Kendall Wright at my flex position?
2.) Did you discontinue Sunday morning Live Chat?
Thanks!!
personally I go with Amendola or Ingram….I wouldn’t step foot near Tate
hey guys….wr option… I have Antonio Brown Miles Austin, Lance Moore…who do u play this weekend if u could only play 2?
Thanks
I would play Miles Auston. They are all a little inconsistant but Austin is the better of the 3 and should be your best play this week.
I would go LaFell. Smith has manny weapons and doesnt throw much for yards or tds. And after Chicagos O line vs gb I would hold off on Jeffery. If Mathews doesnt play ur screwed because u have no one else back there. For sure roll the dice with Turner. He may come back. You might want to consider picking up his back up if u have room to sit him a few weeks and see how things go for Atlanta. FOR SURE pick up Leshoure asap. He wont play this week but u need some rb depth and he may turn out to be a top back very soon. I would stay away from Ingram and either Thomas. Wells may come back as well before seasons end so keep a spot on bench for him.
Hey Nick – Jerod says you are giving Fantasy advice. Is this where we post? Wondering who “Mike” is as it seems he’s been answering all the posts here.
Anyway… here goes ::
Team #1 (10 TEAM PPR)
FLEX Options : Trent Richardson / A-Morris or Dez Bryant
Team #2
Vick or Luck? Worried about Vick especially vs the Ravens
Team #3 (10 Team Standard)
WR2 + FLEX Options : Miles Austin / Stevie Johnson / Trent Richardson (sit one i guess)
Team #4 (10 TEAM PPR)
FLEX : S-Jax / Stevie Johnson
Team #5
Do you start Witten? or Pickup Fleener?
Thanks a bunch…
#1 – I would hold off on Richardson until he produces. He may turn out to be a top rb but for now he sits the bench. The Browns offense looked horrible. Their rookie qb had a 5.1 qb rating. They only produced 16 points despite a terrific defensive effort that picked Vick 4 times! The rookie is going to have a tough road ahead of him in Cincy. He will get the carries but every team they play is going to key on him and him alone. Let him sit your bench for a wile and hope he can turn it around by mid season.
Morris sits my bench if I even care to have him on my team. I have zero faith in Wash or their word on who will be the starter week to week. Wash rbs are a fantasy owners nightmare. For all you know Helu or Royster may start this weekend putting your back on the sidelines most of the game. Morris is a good downhill runner but I’m not sure I saw him make any cuts or try and avoid any tackler last week. He was hit and usually stopped by the first defensive player to contest him. He did have that great run where he smashed into the end zone for 6. He also broke through the line for a huge gain once. Other than that he was stuck at the line all game. Morris sits the bench or gets traded today while he still has value.
Dez Bryant is easily your best play this week. Dez is a stud. Dallas has some good weapons and it’s tough to tell which wr will have the biggest game but you have to count on Dez every week to produce. He will catch balls, gain yards, and score tds all year. That dude is a freak. He’s a solid play every week. Richardson, Morris, or Bryant? Dez is your playmaker. Play Dez.
#2 – I have a real hard time playing Vick any time soon. Vick has been horrible. Since the start of last season Vick has thrown 18 tds and 18 ints. He threw 4 picks last week vs Browns and shoulda thrown 5 and lost that game.(The ball bounced off the defenders chest.) Vick is garbage and should be benched not only in fantasy but in Philly as well. Hmmm? Lets see. Injury prone and doesn’t produce? I expect Vick to have a very similar day against a stout Ravens D. Im predicting several turnovers from Vick this week. It sounds mean but I’m disgusted with Vick’s play and over the Vick hype. Done and Done. Luck has a better chance to produce this week. I expect him to bounce back from his rough start last week where he played against a rough Chicago D that kept constant pressure on him all game. Luck held his poise and did manage to top 300 yards and a td. He also threw 3 picks but lets be real. I wouldn’t want to start my NFL career as qb playing Chicago at their home. I expect better production and stability this week from Luck in Indy vs Vikings. I predict another 300+ with 2 tds and 2 picks. Not the best day for a qb but I think it beats what Vick will produce. Play Luck
#3 Sit Richardson. Miles Austin is sittin stud along side with Dez. They will both produce. Stevie Johnson should score this week. WIth David Nelson out for the season Johnson will be double covered all day. But what else is new? Another day at the office for Johnson. Dude is a stud even with the groin injury. Expect him to produce consistently all year. Play Austin and Johnson.
#4 S-Jax and Johnson? I didn’t watch Jackson play last week so I’m not sure how he looked out there. He had 21 carries for 53 yards plus 4 catches for 31 which will help in ppr. Not a monster day for a rb but he has consistently been solid for years. He will no doubt get 20+ touches this week and will more than likely have a solid performance. I think I trust him to produce more than Johnson this week. Play Jax
#5 – I’m not to high on Witten right now. Dallas has a lot of weapons and Witten is coming off an injury to his spleen. He may become productive later in the season as he did last year but I don’t expect much from him in the upcoming weeks. He’s a tough dude and will no doubt play this week but he won’t be close to 100%. I would start Fleener if I have the choice. Rookie qbs love t.e.’s and Andrew Luck already is looking Fleener’s way early. I expect 6+ tds from Fleener this year easily. Hope to get lucky. Play Fleener.
Thanks man!
Hey Nick
Which 2 rbs would u start (10 team league)?
Sproles, Marshawn lynch, Doug Martin, Steven ridley, Dexter Mccluster (wr and rb)
2WR ; Desean Jackson, anquan boldin, malcolm floyd, Dexter Mcccluster . Greg Jennings injury hurt me big.
Marshawn Lynch and Steven Ridley all day. They have the best chance to be great.
D Jax, Anquan Boldin, and Malcolm Floyd are a lot more difficult. Def no on Mccluster. I would go Boldin and Floyd but you never know when D Jax will light the house up. I’m guessing Flacco will have a better game than Vick but individually D Jax very well could go for over 100 and a td. Your safe pick is Boldin and Floyd. Your gamble for the money pick would be D Jax and Boldin. Tough pick. I say go with your gut on those three.
If you had (2) two spots on your bench who would you rather own ::
Ben Tate
Ryan Williams
Mikel LeShoure
Basically thinking I should drop Ryan Williams and pick up Leshoure asap before the next waiver period.
My other RB’s are pretty stout. Rice/D-Murray / D-Martin / F-Jax then Tate and R-Williams
I gambled with LeShoure in my league. I currently have a few rbs I’m very happy with and I have room for LeShoure on my bench to prove to me what he can and will do when given the opportunity. For now he sits my bench and that’s where he stays for the next few weeks min. Who knows? He just may blow up and I just may need him. He could very possibly have a huge impact on the league this year. When Foster receives his annually injury Tate automatically becomes a top rb, It sounds like you have plenty of room. Dump Williams and take a chance with a real stud in LeShoure.
Thanks. Djax did great but A.Gates burnt me this week. I didn’t have a replacement for him. Need help. I have lost 2 weeks in a row
1Qb ; Brees, A.luck
2RBs; sproles, lynch, doug martin, ridley, d.mccluster
3 WRs ; Malcolm floyd, Greg jennings, randall cobb, Djax, A.Boldin, D.Mccluster
1TE ; A.Gates
Def; Ravens
Need a win in week 3.
1) thinking of dropping, mccluster, cobb and Boldin for a back up TE and 2 better wide recievers/DST.
2) do you think Luck is worth trading now or should I wait?
3) Ravens have a bad match up against NE next week, any defense I could pick up for next week?
These players and more are available; ; RBs : Michael bush,
WRs : Greg little , Burleson, damian williams,
TE : d.pitta, M.Bennett (NYG), Brent celek
Def team: buffalo, oakland, miami, colts, Cincinnati, giants.
Thanks