Week 2 Start Sit Advice (Part 1) | MUST-Start Players & Big Names to AVOID (09/17 Fantasy Football Podcast)

The source projects Aaron Jones to receive 13-plus carries and three to four targets against the Bears, a significant increase from the typical 9-11 carries the Packers backfield has been splitting. With Jordan Mason out and the Bears defense not being strong, the source prefers Jones over Chuba Hubbard and notes Jones has a nose for the end zone when healthy. The source ranks Jones in the top 20 for the week.

Aaron Jones is expected to be the early-downs back with DJ Dallas handling passing-down work, suggesting a split backfield role rather than a workhorse opportunity in Week 2.

Alec Pierce practiced in full after being limited last week, indicating he is healthy and available for Week 2.

Alec Pierce is preferred among Colts wide receivers because he has the potential for one big play, making him the better option over Josh Downs and Keenan Allen.

Preferred over Josh Downs and Keenan Allen in the Colts passing game because of his big-play upside; Heath values his potential for explosive plays.

Alvin Kamara is expected to play in Week 2, clearing a major injury concern and making him available for fantasy lineups.

Amon-Ra St. Brown is not preferred over Devon Vele and Marshawn Lloyd in Week 2 flex scoring; the source ranks him below both players in PPR and standard formats.

Firkser is not recommended as a start; Schultz is preferred over Fannin this week.

Source does not want to start either Antonio Williams or Matt Collins, but if forced to choose one, would pick Hollins instead; indicates both are poor start options.

The source projects Baker Mayfield as a top-10 fantasy quarterback against Cleveland; he averaged over 20 fantasy points per game at home last year despite a bad overall season, and the source expects the Buccaneers to have the ball a lot given Cleveland's defensive weakness (Trevor Lawrence just had four touchdowns against this defense). The revenge game narrative and home advantage support the upside.

Bo Nix is a must-sit in week 2, indicating the source has low confidence in his performance this week.

Brenton Strange is characterized as touchdown-dependent, suggesting limited baseline production and high variance in fantasy value.

Brian Thomas Jr. has a shoulder injury but the source expects him to play. He was shadowed by Patrick Surtain in the prior matchup against Denver, but the source highlights his 57% start percentage as surprisingly low given his production, questioning what more he needs to do to crack starting lineups.

The source identifies Brian Thomas Jr. as facing a challenging matchup against Denver's defense, which may be spooking fantasy players and contributing to his lower-than-expected start percentage despite strong week 1 performance.

Brian Thomas Jr. has a shoulder injury but is expected to play in Week 2, clearing a major concern for his availability.

Brian Thomas Jr. has a shoulder injury but is expected to play in Week 2.

Brian Thomas Jr. is not preferred over Devon Vele in Week 2 start-sit analysis.

Average route depth of 14.8 yards in Week 1 (14 routes) ranked second among 105 wide receivers with 10+ routes; source dislikes this metric, predicting boom-or-bust performance if trend continues. Source recommends sitting him in Week 2.

Brian Thomas Jr. has a shoulder injury and will likely be limited in week two. The source initially sounded the alarm on him but acknowledges he had a 24.1% target per route rate in week one, which was solid. However, the source is concerned about his highest average route depth in the NFL in week one (second-highest among 105 wide receivers), making him a risky play with the shoulder issue.

Trevor Lawrence's downfield throwing ability could support Brian Thomas, but Thomas had the second-highest average route depth among 105 wide receivers in week one, which the source views as a concern for consistency.

Brock Bowers missed practice but the source is not ranking him yet for Week 2, suggesting uncertainty about his availability or role.

Brock Bowers mispracticed and is not expected to play in Week 2; the source is not ranking him yet and does not expect him to be available.

Brock Purdy is preferred over Trevor Lawrence in a week 2 start-sit comparison.

Bryce Young is not preferred over Tyler Shuck in Week 2 start-sit analysis.

Bucky Irving's upside depends on whether Sean Tucker is the goal-line back; if Tucker is not the goal-line back, Irving could have a great year, but if Tucker takes that role, Irving's production will be limited.

Stroud is a sit recommendation for Week 2, likely due to matchup or early-season uncertainty.

Caleb Williams is preferred over Trevor Lawrence in a week 2 start-sit comparison, indicating higher confidence in the Bears quarterback.

Chase Brown had a good fantasy day against the Bucs, but the source attributes this more to the product of the Bengals offense being broken rather than the Bucs run defense being weak; the source thought the Bucs run defense was actually pretty good last week.

Start Chase Brown; the source recommends him over other Texans running back options.

The source prefers Chase Brown over Ashton Gentty in Week 2 start-sit decision.

Must-start wide receiver in Week 2 against the Ravens.

Chris Olave is the preferred start among a group including Parker Washington, Christian Watson, Travis Etienne, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 2 flex decisions.

Chris Rodriguez had four of five snaps on third-and-one or third-and-two situations, indicating a goal-line/short-yardage role that could provide touchdown upside.

Christian Watson is one of the two lowest-ranked players in a flex comparison group and is the preferred sit among Olave, Parker Washington, Watson, Travis Etienne, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 2 half-PPR scoring.

Chuba Hubbard is expected to be the lead running back for at least the short term, playing significantly more snaps than Jonathan Brooks, though the source notes Brooks will likely be eased back into the offense. The source is not a slam dunk on Chuba because Atlanta's quarterback situation is weak and the team is not expected to be very good, limiting upside despite favorable time-of-possession dynamics favoring Carolina.

The source ranks Chuba Hubbard similarly to Aaron Jones but prefers Jones for week 2 against the Bears, expecting both to have similar roles and production, though Jones has a better nose for the end zone.

CJ Donaldson played as a third-down back for Jacksonville in Week 1; the source hopes Alvin Kamara takes over that role in Week 2, suggesting Donaldson's role may be limited.

Cooper Rush is expected to be the starting quarterback for the Falcons in week two.

Preferred start over DK Metcalf in Week 2 start/sit decision.

DeAndre Swift was limited with knee and ankle issues but is likely okay; the source expects him to be available if he is limited in practice.

Dalton Schultz went from facing the most difficult tight end matchup last year to the easiest matchup this year, making him a good streaming option for Week 2. He had eight targets last week, though he only had five combined targets in two games without Nico Collins on 86 pass attempts.

Schultz is the most borderline tight end one and very close to a start; he had a 22% target share last week, and the Bengals were the easiest matchup for tight ends last year, making him a strong play this week.

The source prefers Mark Andrews over Dalton Schultz in a start-sit decision, with the preference contingent on Zay Flowers' health status.

Mentioned as a recently picked-up tight end option in the context of comparing alternatives to Travis Kelce; no specific ranking or projection provided.

The source is not sitting David Montgomery despite his lower ceiling compared to Tee Higgins this week. Montgomery is coming off a three-touchdown game but faces a Bengals run defense that looked really good last week. The source expects Montgomery to produce around 20 carries for 60 yards and may not score multiple touchdowns, though he could score one given his emotional connection to Cincinnati.

Montgomery is a preferred start option; he had three catches last week and split third-down reps evenly, making him a solid flex play in PPR formats.

David Montgomery is the preferred start over Devon Vele in Week 2, though the matchup is close in PPR scoring.

With Jordan Mason out on IR with a thumb injury, the source expects DeMond Claiborne to work in a little bit but does not expect a significant change to the 49ers backfield split.

The source spent 4% FAAB on DeMond Claiborne as a handcuff to Aaron Jones, noting he is one injury away from relevance given Jones's age, but the source does not expect immediate production and views him as a speculative add.

DeMond Claiborne is available as a potential pickup following Jordan Mason's IR placement; the source spent approximately 4% of their draft capital on him but notes he has not yet been picked up.

Carr is not recommended as a start; Burrow is preferred over Carr this week.

Must-start running back in Week 2; the source explicitly recommends starting him.

Metcalf is expected to draw Gonzalez in coverage this week, though the source notes that shadowing is inconsistent and Gonzalez did not shadow JSN last week.

Not preferred over DJ Moore in Week 2 start/sit decision.

Drake May is a near must-start quarterback in Week 2 against Pittsburgh; at QB8, he is close to a must-start option.

Drake May is not preferred over Tyler Shuck in Week 2 start-sit analysis.

Ingram lined up in line on 21 of 32 snaps (66%), a significant shift from his 47% in-line rate over his previous two seasons; he was barely used in the slot (unlike Jalen Waddell) and caught his touchdown when lined up out wide. Being on the end of the line of scrimmage for two-thirds of snaps is typically unfavorable for tight end fantasy production, despite his solid week one performance.

Lined up in line on 21 of 32 snaps (66% in-line rate), up from 47% in-line rate in previous two seasons; caught touchdown when lined up out wide. Different role from Jalen Waddle, who is being used heavily in slot.

Evan Engram is not ranked in the top 24 tight ends, indicating limited fantasy appeal in week 2.

Kittle is not recommended as a start; Schultz is preferred over Kittle this week.

Source would start Hunter Henry over Travis Kelce; positioned as a preferred tight end option despite Kelce's Week 1 production.

Had 26 touches in Week 1 (career-high or near-record workload) but on a short week; source concerned about the high touch volume and questions whether Chiefs will try to get Rashee Rice more involved instead of continuing to lean on Pacheco.

Jamar Chase did not look like himself in week one and had a terrible week; the source expresses concern heading into week two against the Houston Texans defense.

Ja'Marr Chase is a starter in Week 2 against Houston; the source is starting him.

The source expects everyone to start Jamar Chase this week; the source is not sitting him despite Chase coming off a knee injury suffered in camp. The source notes that if Stingley shadows Chase, Tee Higgins might have an easier path, but Chase remains a must-start.

Chase is likely to draw Stingley in coverage, though shadowing is inconsistent; Stingley did not shadow Chase last week despite being a top receiver, making the matchup uncertain.

Source expresses concern about Gibbs receiving 29 carries in a single week, viewing that volume as unsustainable and potentially scary for fantasy purposes.

Jake Tonjes is out for the season for the 49ers, removing him from fantasy consideration entirely.

Jake Tonjes is out for the season for the 49ers.

In PPR scoring, the source prefers Jalen Coker over Chuba Hubbard as a start this week, though health is a concern.

Jalen Coker was limited in practice but is expected to play in Week 2.

Jalen McMillan practiced in full, indicating he is healthy and available for Week 2.

Ranked QB12 for the week; Lions are five-and-a-half-point underdogs against Bills after offensive line injuries (guards Christian Mahogany and tackle Blake Miller out). Point total downgraded slightly from opening.

The source has Jared Goff tied with Joe Burrow in projections, with the decision likely coming down to which Lions offensive linemen play tonight. When forced to choose between Goff and Burrow, the source goes with Burrow.

Jared Goff is preferred over Trevor Lawrence in a week 2 start-sit comparison.

The source prefers Javante Williams over Montgomery in Week 2 start-sit decision.

Jalen Waddle is preferred over Devon Vele in Week 2 start-sit analysis.

Big role change in Week 1 with 65% slot rate, highest since rookie year (54% slot rate); previously averaged about 20% slot rate. Shift to slot represents significant usage change and potential upside.

Jaylen Waddle is a number three receiver on the Dolphins, and the source begrudgingly starts him despite the Jaguars' strong run defense making the matchup challenging.

If forced to choose between the Steelers running backs against the Patriots, the source prefers Jalen Warren based on his passing game production in Week 1, though the source would still prefer to avoid the Steelers backfield entirely due to the Patriots' dominant run defense and expectation of a low-scoring game.

Warren is comparable to Montgomery in start value; the source notes they are similar in appeal, with Montgomery slightly preferred in PPR and Warren in non-PPR formats.

Ranked QB12 alongside Jared Goff; apparently not healthy heading into the game. If able to start, the game could still be a shootout, but there's risk if you want to sit him due to health concerns.

Joe Burrow has shoulder soreness and was reported to have a brace on his shoulder; he says he will play but the source expresses concern about the Bengals' injury situation heading into a matchup against an angry Houston Texans defense.

Joe Burrow is a very borderline starter in Week 2 against Houston; the source is not quite there yet with him as a must-start option.

Burrow is the preferred start over multiple alternatives; the source recommends starting Burrow over Knicks, Dart, and Stafford in Week 2.

The source ranks Burrow as the preferred start in multiple Week 2 quarterback matchups: Burrow over Knicks, Burrow over Dart, Burrow over Stafford, and Burrow over Jordan Love (though Love was noted as back-to-back with Burrow in preference).

The source loves Jordan Love against the Jets, citing the Packers' new pass-heavy offensive approach (31.3% run rate, third-lowest in week 1) and Love's efficiency as an NFL quarterback. Love is ranked as a top 12 quarterback and the source would start him over Goff and Burrow; the Packers maintained a 71% pass rate even when leading in the first half.

Love is the preferred start over Burrow in this matchup comparison, indicating strong Week 2 potential.

The source notes Jordan Love as back-to-back with Burrow in preference, indicating Love is a strong start option in Week 2, though Burrow is still preferred in a direct matchup.

Jordan Mason is out on IR with a thumb injury, which impacts the 49ers backfield and elevates Aaron Jones' role against the Bears.

Jordan Mason is on IR with a thumb injury, removing him from availability for Week 2 and opening the door for backup running back opportunities.

Jordan Mason is on IR with a thumb injury and will not be available for week two.

76% rostered; got open frequently but didn't receive enough targets in Week 1, limiting his fantasy production despite high snap involvement.

Josh Downs got open frequently in week one but didn't receive enough targets, and at 76% roster ownership, the source prefers to get away from Colts wide receivers in week 2.

Justin Herbert is preferred over Bo Nix in a week 2 start-sit comparison.

Juwan Johnson missed practice with an illness but is expected to play in Week 2.

Juwan Johnson mispracticed with an illness but is expected to play in Week 2.

Juwan Johnson is the preferred tight end in the Ravens-Saints game, though the source notes it is close; he is preferred over Mark Andrews if Zay Flowers plays, and over Michael Mayer.

Mentioned as a recently picked-up tight end option in the context of comparing alternatives to Travis Kelce; no specific ranking or projection provided.

Pitts is not recommended as a start; Schultz is preferred over Pitts this week.

Kyler Murray is in the concussion protocol and will not start week two; Drew Locke is expected to start in his place.

The source recommends starting Lamar Jackson in Week 2 against New Orleans.

Must-start quarterback in Week 2; the source explicitly recommends starting him.

The source lists Luther Burden at Minnesota as one of the players they love this week.

Mark Andrews showed significant role expansion in Week 1 with a 26.1% target per route run rate, much higher than any of the last three seasons; he also posted a 79.3% route participation rate in Week 1, up from less than 70% in each of the previous two seasons. However, his usage spike was heavily dependent on Zay Flowers' injury: in the first half when Flowers was healthy, Andrews had an 18.8% target per route run rate, but in the second half with Flowers out, he jumped to 42.9% target per route run rate. Jacoby Lane's injury also contributed to the increased targets.

The source previously discussed Mark Andrews favorably in Week 2 start-sit analysis, indicating a positive recommendation.

The source is more optimistic than most about Marshawn Lloyd having a better game against the Jets, noting the Packers' pass-heavy approach and weak Jets defense, though Lloyd's role remains unclear given the backfield split.

Marshawn Lloyd is preferred over Devon Vele in PPR scoring for Week 2.

Marshawn Lloyd is preferred over Devon Vele and Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 2 flex scoring in standard formats.

The source is not excited to start Marvin Harrison in Week 2, citing concerns about the secondary and ongoing injuries the opponent is working through.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is preferred over Devon Vele in Week 2 flex start-sit analysis.

Stafford is not recommended as a start; Burrow is preferred over Stafford this week.

Matthew Stafford is preferred over Tyler Shuck in Week 2 start-sit analysis.

Michael Mayer is not preferred over Juwan Johnson in Week 2 tight end start-sit analysis.

Source would start Michael Mayer over Travis Kelce; positioned as a preferred tight end option despite Kelce's Week 1 production.

Michael Penix Jr. is not expected to be ready to play yet; the source will continue to monitor his status.

Michael Pittman was limited with a foot injury, but the source views this as a typical Wednesday limitation and not a serious concern for Week 2 availability.

Nico Collins has a hamstring injury and might miss Week 2; while the team doesn't think it's serious, Adam Schefter reports Week 2 is in jeopardy. Collins missed two games last year including a playoff game with hamstring issues, raising concern about his availability.

If Nico plays, the source recommends starting him; his status is uncertain but if available, he is a preferred start option.

Parker Washington is an easy start against Denver despite the Broncos' strong defense; he had a 19-point game against Denver last season and is coming off a strong game. He plays enough in the slot to avoid shadow coverage concerns from cornerbacks, and the source explicitly recommends starting him without hesitation.

Washington is not recommended as a start; Higgins is preferred over Washington this week.

The source states Parker Washington was great in week one and is the only player the source wants to trust in the Jacksonville offense. He was highlighted as a standout performer, with the source noting that while three other players caught touchdowns (not Brian Thomas Jr. or Travis Hunter), Washington's strong week one performance demonstrates his role in the offense.

Preferred tight end start over Ferguson in Week 2.

In top-12 QB conversation but ranked 15th overall; only 0.5 points separate him from Jordan Love at QB11; source prefers to avoid him this week due to Chiefs' run-heavy approach and expectation they'll play ahead, making him touchdown-dependent; ranked 15th-18th across analysts despite 25 fantasy points in Week 1.

Ranked 16th-18th across analysts; source has concerns about his top-end production ceiling; limited receiving-core upside due to Travis Kelce's dominance and the Chiefs' run-heavy offense; hopes he bounces back but expresses worry about his Week 1 performance.

Bateman was primarily a deep route runner in Week 1 without generating meaningful target opportunities; with Zay Flowers banged up, there may be some opportunity, but Bateman's role remains limited. Lamar Jackson was asked about Bateman yesterday, which the source notes is not encouraging given Flowers' injury.

Preferred start over Kyle Menongai in Week 2; source notes unless Swift is out, Stevenson is the choice. Also preferred over Montgomery and Scadaboo in separate start/sit comparisons.

The source does not want to start Rico Dowdle against the Patriots, citing the Patriots run defense as a dominant force when Milton Williams is on the field; the split between Dowdle and his backfield partner is not ideal, and the source would avoid starting either back if possible.

RJ Harvey was listed as out of practice with a hamstring issue and will be monitored heading into Week 2, creating uncertainty around his availability.

Sam Darnold has a glute issue and is expected to avoid IR but his status is uncertain heading into week two.

Sean Tucker practiced in full and may be the goal-line back for the Buccaneers, which would limit Bucky Irving's upside; if Tucker is not the goal-line back, Irving could have a great year.

Tee Higgins is a starter in Week 2 against Houston; the source is starting her.

The source prefers Tee Higgins over David Montgomery in flex scoring formats (non-PPR, half-PPR, full PPR), citing a higher ceiling if things go right. Higgins is healthier than Chase and may have an easier path if Stingley shadows Chase instead. The source is not sitting Higgins despite her not scoring a touchdown last week.

Higgins might have the easier path against Bengals cornerbacks; Stingley did not shadow Chase last week, and shadowing is inconsistent across the league, suggesting Higgins could see more favorable coverage.

The source prefers Higgins in start-sit decisions: Higgins over Parker Washington and Higgins over Jalen Waddell in Week 2 matchups.

Tony Jones Jr. faces a tough matchup against Jacksonville's run defense, which was third-best against running backs last year and strong in week one, making him a difficult start.

Travis Etienne is viewed as a top 24 running back but ranks among the least exciting top 24 backs; he may face a good Ravens defense in Week 2, though the Ravens did not perform well against the run in Week 1. The source compares Etienne to Jonathan Taylor similarly to how they view Bijan Robinson and Kenneth Walker—suggesting a less favorable matchup dynamic.

Travis Etienne is one of the two lowest-ranked players in a flex comparison group that includes Olave, Parker Washington, Christian Watson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown in Week 2 half-PPR scoring.

Travis Etienne is preferred over Devon Vele in Week 2 flex start-sit analysis.

Had a huge play in Week 1 that source views as fluky; Chiefs passed for less than 200 yards, suggesting Kelce may be touchdown-dependent going forward; source would start Michael Mayer and Hunter Henry over Kelce but wouldn't make a move to acquire them unless already rostered.

The source notes Trevor Lawrence scored 23.1+ fantasy points per game over Jacksonville's nine-game regular season winning streak (including the playoff game vs. Denver), averaging 33.7 points per game as a team during that stretch. He posted 37.2 fantasy points in week 16 at Denver last year. With Liam Cohen's offense, the source is very encouraged by Jacksonville's performance and believes Lawrence will perform at a high level again, though acknowledges ranking him slightly higher than warranted.

Trey McBride missed practice but it was listed as rest/back, and the source expects him to be just fine for Week 2.

Trey McBride mispracticed but is expected to be fine; the absence was listed as rest/back.

The source notes that Jordan Love has a couple of wide receivers and Tucker Kraft that he trusts, supporting Love's elevated passing volume and efficiency against the Jets.

Ranked in top five by Heath and Dave despite a poor Week 1 performance (only five targets, one touchdown); still a must-start tight end despite the disappointing outing.

Tyler Warren is a tough start to get away from in week 2, despite a terrible game in week one, indicating the source still has confidence in his talent and role.

Xavier Hutchinson either tied for the team lead or led the team in targets in both games without Nico Collins, establishing him as a primary receiving option when Collins is unavailable.

Preferred over Romeo Dobbins in full PPR if Nico is out; source indicates Hutchinson has better upside in that scenario.

Source recommends sitting Xavier Worthy in Week 2; no specific reasoning provided in excerpt but positioned as a sit recommendation alongside other Chiefs pass catchers.

Zay Flowers missed practice but is ranked in the source's Week 2 rankings, indicating more optimism about his availability compared to Lad McConkie.

The source rates Zay Flowers as a must-start in Week 2 if he plays, noting his importance to the Ravens offense. His health status directly impacts Mark Andrews' target share; when Flowers was healthy in the first half of Week 1, Andrews' target rate dropped significantly.

Must-start wide receiver if he plays in Week 2; the source notes he is playing hurt and recommends tuning in Sunday morning for injury status confirmation before starting.