Start/Sit: Week 2

By Joe Goodwin

Now that the dust has settled and the first week is in the books, many fantasy managers have feverishly hit the waiver wires to rectify first week injuries, or inadequate production from players once thought to be vital to the team’s success.

Before making any harsh judgements, check here each week as I try to identify players to start and sit in your fantasy football lineups for the week. After this week, I will also review the previous week’s predictions and hold myself accountable for each of those predictions. I will try to identify players at each position to help you make the right start/sit decisions for your lineups.

Start

Matt Stafford (LAR): Last week was not a typical Matt Stafford-like effort.  This week is a bounce back game.  Jameis Winston threw for 269 yards and 2 td’s against the Falcons defense and I don’t think the Rams and Saints are on the same level when it comes to offensive weapons.  This prediction is also based on some game plan corrections by Sean McVay.

Derek Carr (LVR): Carr had 295 yards in the air and 2 td’s against the Chargers last week.   This week they are going up against a Cardinals defense that was eviscerated by the Chiefs last week. I think the Raiders passing game has what it takes to replicate a similar output as the Chiefs.

Russell Wilson (DEN): After watching last week, I started to wonder if Wilson was missing DK and Lockett.  Then, I see a bomb get thrown Jeudy’s way, then I remember he as Jerry and Courtland.  Last week, Houston gave up 352 yards in the air to the Colts; and that’s with JT getting 31 carries!!  Wilson will bounce back in a big way and give the Denver home crowd something to get excited about.

Dart Throws

Baker Mayfield (CAR) and Daniel Jones (NYG): Ok, before the tomatoes get thrown my way, I believe this game sets up for one of the “shootouts” between 2 teams that are not very good. And both will run when necessary.  I believe you could do a lot worse than either of these two guys for a one week fill in; talking to you, Dak owners!

Others I LIke: Jalen Hurts, Kirk Cousins, Lamar Jackson, Carson Wentz

Sit

Mac Jones (NEP): Last week, Jones was only able to gain 219 yards in the air with a single touchdown and interception.  I don’t see many playmakers on the Patriots offense that are going to make an average Mac Jones look any better than that.  He’s only a deep, superflex start if you don’t have any other options.

Jacoby Brissett (CLE): Brissett only mustered 147 yards against, a better than you would think secondary, Carolina Panthers.  This week against the Jets, he should have an equally tough time.  The Jets only gave up 213 yards to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.  I don’t see Jacoby being any more effective in the air than Lamar, so keep him on the bench and look for other qb’s to throw a dart at.

Others I would sit: Justin Fields, Trey Lance, Ryan Tannehill

Start

DeAndre Swift (DET): Watching every minute of my beloved Eagles game, it was quite evident Swift is a star in the making. With 144 yards rushing last week and a Commanders defense that gave up 6.8 yards per rush, sets up for a HUGE Swift week. *Wednesday’s news of not practicing is concerning, so monitor closely.  However, Swift has gone on record and stated he is fine.

Ezekiel Elliot (DAL): So, Dak goes down and Cooper comes in.  And that means, the Dallas Cowboys will lean on the running game even more.  Ezekiel is primed for a monster game.  I would even look into the availability of Tony Pollard.  All systems are a go in Dallas until the passing game gets sorted out.

Others I like: Dalvin Cook, Antonio Gibson

Sit

Miles Sanders (PHI): Full disclosure, I am an Eagles fan.  And as such, I watch every Eagles game a little differently than the rest of the teams.  And I can tell you one thing with the Eagles, they never “feed the hot hand” for long.  Nick Sirianni loves to move the chess pieces around as Gainwell, Scott, and Hurts will all be active in the rushing game.  He may be good for one “splash” play this week, but I wouldn’t use a RB 2 or flex spot on him.

Kenneth Walker (SEA): I love Kenneth “Sky” Walker in dynasty formats and redraft leagues after week 9 when Rashad Penny inevitably gets injured and Walker has the unquestioned share in the backfield.  Until then, just hold tight of those shares, and play the long game.

Jeff Wilson (SF):  Elijah Mitchell goes down, and the natural thought is Jeff Wilson steps in and takes over the lions share of reps in the backfield.  And, although he may inherit the snap count, I wouldn’t jump to any conclusions on effectiveness.  Last week, Wilson had 9 runs for a total of 22 yards; his longest being a breakaway run for 5 yards.

Start

Deebo Samuel (SF): In the same vein that I am saying sit Wilson, I think it's Deebo Samuel time.  His whole off season spat with the Niners  was about his usage.  They quibbled over details, but in the end, Deebo got paid.  Now, Shanahan is going to call in his chip and ask Deebo for as many reps as he can handle.  Last week, Deebo had 8 rushes for 52 yards.  This week, I can envision over 12 rushes and as many targets.  Seattle gave up over 5.2 yards per carry to Denver, and I can see Deebo running all over that.  Plus, Seattle is playing without its spirit animal in Jamal Adams.

Jerry Jeudy (DEN): Last week, Jeudy showed his ability to make big plays as he capped off his 102 yard day with a 67 yard TD catch.  I love the match up against a Texans team that gave up 9 receptions and 121 yards to Michael Pittman.  

Stefon Diggs and Gave Davis (BUF): Diggs got just about whatever he wanted against one of the league’s better corners in Jalen Ramsey.  This week, he gets to face a Titans defense that watched the Giants offense look efficient on offense even without playmakers on the outside like Diggs.  And in Gabe, the hype couldn’t have been any higher after last year’s playoffs.  Davis continued his ways with 4 catches for 80 yards and a touchdown as he proved any doubters left wrong.  Bonus if your league rewards for distance receptions since both these guys had a catch for over 45 yards last week.

Others I like: AJ Brown, DJ Moore and Jarvis Landry

Sit

CeeDee Lamb (DAL): This offense is in big trouble with Dak Prescott out for at least a month.  Usually, most offenses will fall back on a run game to offset a shaky passing game that needs time to gel. Back up QB, Cooper Rush, only targeted Lamb once last week after replacing the injured Prescott. I am a BIG hold on this offense until we can see how it executes without Dak.

DeVonta Smith (PHI): Last year, Devonta Smith appeared to be the savior at receiver the Eagles had hoped for since passing on Justin Jefferson amassing over 900 yards in receptions on the league’s best rushing team.  Last week, he had ZERO receptions.  I do see better days ahead, but until Hurts is able to find him with AJ on the field, best to sit him and let his role become more established.

Kyle Phillips (TEN): The darling from last week will come back down to earth this week.  This assessment is less about Phillip’s ability, and more about how much Tannehill can stand up to the Bills defense.  If Phillips can find the same holes that only Cooper Kupp seemed to find last week, then he will prove me wrong.  Then again, would you count on Phillips being like Kupp?

Others I would sit: Drake London, Donovan Peoples-Jones

Start

Pat Friermuth (PIT): Only 2 Tight Ends led their teams in yards last week: Travis Kelce and Pat Friermuth.  The Steelers are getting a New England defense that didn’t allow many yards to tight ends, but the Dolphins appeared dedicated to Tyreek and Waddle.  I also love that Friermuth plays with “Check Down” Mitch.

Dallas Goedert (PHI): Goedert was quite efficient last week with 3 catches and 60 yards.  The Vikings surrendered over a 70% completion rate.  And I foresee Jalen Hurts taking advantage of that, and hitting Dallas down the seam for at least 5 grabs and a touchdown.

Others I like: Robert Tonyan, Gerald Everett

Sit TE

Noah Fant (SEA): Fant had only 4 targets, with an efficient 3 catches for 16 yards; one catch going for 13 yards.  Seattle had 8 different receivers get multiple targets last week and it doesn’t appear that Geno Smith has found a favorite target yet.  The 49ers can be a tough defense to play against and I foresee them clamping down this week after a let down against the Bears.

George Kittle (SF): Any player with a groin injury is an obvious sit.  But when the player is George Kittle, how do you sit him?  Most teams will not have an obvious replacement for him and will try to roll the dice in hopes he has a decent game.  Find a replacement now and give it a whirl.  Gerald Everett could be an interesting find. Update: Kittle looks like he's out against Seattle.

Others I would sit: Taysom Hill, Jonnu Smith

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