Football is back! And so am I. So, all is right in the world again, correct? Well, not really, but it’s still nice that with all that went on in 2020, we were still able to have our beloved pigskin. If you followed along during the offseason – first, thank you! I hope you enjoyed all of them and were able to learn who are good players to target this year in your drafts.
Now, as the season is here, I will have even more information for you to follow. Each week, I will preview every game in the NFL and give you my thoughts on who are the best plays and not so good plays that week. Below you will find my template I will use to determine who you should feel confident starting, or who you might want to consider holding off on the bench this week.
Start with confidence – Great matchup
Temper expectations – Matchup isn’t the best, but talent will help produce
Look elsewhere – Bad matchup
Bust potential – Tough matchup. Could get phased out due to game script
Hopefully, you will find helpful when you have to make those tough start/sit calls. Also, one other thing, I will give a quick breakdown underneath each section as to my reasons for making those calls. Use it as you wish!
Ok, enough chatting. Let’s turn our attention to this week’s matchups and who you should consider starting/sitting for Week 2.
Early Games – Sunday, 1p
Giants @ Bears
Start with confidence
Giants: Saquon Barkley, Giants TEs
Bears: Mitchell Trubisky, David Montgomery/Tarik Cohen, Bears WRs
Plain and simple, you start Saquon each week. Don’t overthink it. Start your studs. Engram should bounce back this week, along with Kaden Smith maybe vulturing a touchdown. All Bears skill players except for Jimmy Graham are juicy plays this week.
Temper expectations
Giants: Giants WRs, Daniel Jones
Bears: None
Darius Slayton had a nice game last week, but I want to see more of that before I consider rolling him out each week. The Bears held Matthew Stafford to one touchdown and under 300 yards passing. It could be the same for Danny Dimes this week.
Bust potential
Giants: Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate
Bears: Jimmy Graham
Tate is expected to play today, but it might be tough to throw him out there this week. Shepard could disappear if the Giants fall behind in a big way. I think Slayton is the guy Jones trusts the most. Graham should be sat this week, as the Giants defense is a tough matchup against TEs.
Rams @ Eagles
Start with confidence
Rams: Rams WRs
Eagles: Miles Sanders, Eagles WRs, Zach Ertz/Dallas Goedert
Darius Slay shut down Terry McLaurin last week, but the Eagles face a more potent in Week 2. Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp should be in all lineups where you own them. Fire up Miles Sanders – did you see what Zeke did last week? Ertz is a must-play every week and Goedert is quickly approaching that level, too. Start both of them. As for Eagles wideouts, DJax is good to play this week and Jalen Reagor has another chance for a 50+ yard bomb.
Temper expectations
Rams: Jared Goff, Tyler Higbee
Eagles: Carson Wentz
What Wentz shows up this week? The one last week, or the one who led the Eagles to the playoffs last year with practice-squad players? I’m worried about Aaron Donald wreaking havoc in the backfield. I think Higbee sees a similar stat line as last week, as Eagles are a tough matchup against tight ends
Bust potential
Rams: Rams RBs
Eagles: None
The Eagles front seven showed last week they are still a force. Despite Peyton Barber notching two scores, they were at the goal line, in which both scores resulted from a short field. Other than that, the Eagles shut down the Washington rushing attack. The Rams roll out Malcolm Brown, Cam Akers, and Darrell Henderson as a three-man committee, but they could find it tough to find running lanes this week.
Falcons @ Cowboys
Start with confidence
Falcons: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones/Calvin Ridley, Todd Gurley
Cowboys: Dak Prescott, Zeke Elliot, Amari Cooper/Michael Gallup/CeeDee Lamb
All nine of these players you should role out confidently and watch the points accumulate. This has a chance to be the highest scoring game of the day. Both offenses are high-powered, and the defenses for either team aren’t talented to stop the other. And yes, you should absolutely start CeeDee Lamb from here on and out as a rookie.
Panthers @ Buccaneers
Start with confidence
Panthers: Christian McCaffrey
Buccaneers: Mike Evans, Ronald Jones, Tom Brady
I shouldn’t have to tell you to start CMC. He’s automatic each week. The Panthers defense is a juicy matchup, both in the air and on the ground. I think RoJo can find the end zone on Sunday. If Chris Godwin sits, then it could be a good day for Mike Evans and Tom Brady to hook up through the air quite a bit and maybe a couple of touchdowns.
Temper Expectations
Panthers: DJ Moore/Robby Anderson/Curtis Samuel
Buccaneers: OJ Howard/Leonard Fournette
The Bucs front seven is legit, so I think they will get home actively to Teddy Bridgewater, which is the reason I say to temper expectations for the Panthers top three WRs. If RoJo has himself a day, I think Arians will continue to feed him, but I think Fournette could get 8-10 carries due to the Panthers defense being a sieve. OJ Howard scored last week, but if Brady is connecting with Evans successfully, I think Howard just might not be needed all that much.
Look Elsewhere
Panthers: Teddy Bridgewater
If you have another/better option, consider that player. As mentioned above, the Bucs front seven is one of the best in the NFL, and I think it could be a long day for Teddy B.
49ers @ Jets
Start with confidence
49ers: Raheem Mostert, Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers WRs
Jets: None
Has it gotten that bad for the Jets? Anyway, Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, and John Brown all torched the Jets secondary through the air last week. With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out this week, fire up Kendrick Bourne as a flex/WR3. I’d even consider rolling out Brandon Aiyuk, as he will make his NFL debut this week.
Temper Expectations
49ers: None. See above. The Jets are bad
Jets: Sam Darnold, Chris Herndon
I was on the cusp of rolling out Darnold as a “start with confidence”, but then I remembered the 49ers are good and they played a better QB in Kyler Murray. Yes, the 49ers have to fly East, but they’re too talented and well-coached to fall to 0-2. I think the 49ers defense led by Nick Bosa will find their way to Darnold a few times.
Look Elsewhere
49ers: None
Jets: Jets WRs
Despite Richard Sherman going on IR, I still wouldn’t even consider rolling out any Jets WR this week. You could start Breshad Perriman, but that’s risky. I’m sure there are better options you have.
Broncos @ Steelers
Start with confidence
Broncos: Courtland Sutton/Jerry Jeudy
Steelers: Ben Roethlisberger, Juju Smith-Schuster, Eric Ebron
If Sutton plays, get him into your lineups. If not, Jeudy should be heavily targeted and continue to showcase his skillset. Big Ben, Juju, and Ebron are all solid plays in Week 2.
Temper Expectations:
Broncos: Drew Lock, Noah Fant
Steelers: Diontae Johnson/James Washington; James Conner/Benny Snell
I am still not sure what Drew Lock is yet, but he has talent. So, if he is your best option, then play him. Just don’t expect a 30 spot. The Steelers locked down Evan Engram last week, but Noah Fant showed himself well in Week 1, so he will find his way into the gameplan. If Sutton sits again, Fant will feature as the #2 option for Lock, maybe even #1 ahead of Jeudy. For the Steelers, keep an eye on how the pecking order takes shape behind Juju. Washington scored last week, but Diontae out-targeted him. For the Steelers RBs, Derrick Henry crossed the century mark, but it took him 31 carries and a 3.7 ypc to get there.
Bust potential
Melvin Gordon – Saquon finished with 15 carries and only 6 yards last week. Now, the Steelers front seven faces an inferior RB and they’re at home. It has the chance for Gordon to get phased out due to gamescript.
Jaguars @ Titans
Start with confidence
Jaguars: DJ Chark
Titans: Ryan Tannehill, Derrick Henry, Jonnu Smith, Corey Davis
If AJ Brown were available in Week 2, he’d be considered a must-start, too. Kudos to Corey Davis for making it to this category. Does his success from Week 1 carry over, or will he make me look silly? We’ll see. Henry should feast. And Tannehill and Smith have a good shot to hook up again for a score.
Temper expectations
Jaguars: Gardner Minshew, James Robinson, Laviska Shenault
Titans: None
The Titans defense held Drew Lock to under 220 yds and one touchdown. Minshew was efficient last week on only 20 attempts and threw three scores. Tennessee presents a much stiffer test, and I think can make Minshew into making a mistake or two. James Robinson carried a full workload last week and will do the same in Week 2. I think he sees a similar stat line as Melvin Gordon did last week(15/78/1; 3 rec/8 yds)
Look Elsewhere
Jaguars: Keelan Cole
Titans: Adam Humphries
These two are desperation plays only. You should have other options you can roll out.
Lions @ Packers
Start with confidence
Lions: Matthew Stafford, TJ Hockenson
Packers: Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Aaron Jones, Allen Lazard/Marquez Valdes-Scantling
From this group, Rodgers, Adams, Jones are all guys you roll out each week. Due to the matchup, Lazard & MVS can be played as flexes/WR4, as both Allen Robinson and Anthony Miller were successful in torching the Lions secondary. I think Matthew Stafford will bounce back this week, while TJ Hockenson showed he is trending toward being an elite option at the tight end position. With Golladay expected to miss Week 2, Hockenson should see same amount of work, maybe more.
Temper expectations
Lions: Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola, Adrian Peterson, D’Andre Swift
Packers: Jamaal Williams
Out of this group, Jones should see Jaire Alexander, who is one of the better cornerbacks in the game. As mentioned before with Golladay being out, Jones will slide in as the WR1, but Alexander is talented enough to lock him down, which might lead to a big day from TJ Hockenson. The Packers front seven slowed down Dalvin Cook last week, despite him scoring two TDs. So, don’t expect Peterson to have a big day. Swift is a risky play, after dropping a would-be touchdown in the closing seconds against Chicago last week. Does he find himself in Matt Patricia’s doghouse? Sure hope not.
Bills @ Dolphins
Start with confidence
Bills: Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs/John Brown, Zack Moss
Dolphins: None
Sooner or later, Zack Moss will find himself as the established RB1 in Buffalo. The Dolphins front seven doesn’t present much of a stiff test, so I think Moss can have a solid workload and maybe score again. Allen, Diggs, and Brown should all make it two consecutive weeks of solid production.
Temper expectations
Bills: Devin Singletary, Cole Beasley
Dolphins: Preston Williams, Mike Gesicki
With Devante Parker iffy to play, Williams will probably see a lot of Tre’Davious White, which doesn’t bode well for success this week. Singletary will see work in the passing game, but it could be Moss a lot on the ground. The Bills defense is just stout overall, but Gesicki might have a chance to have a decent day if White makes Williams disappear from the passing game.
Look elsewhere
Bills: Dawson Knox
Dolphins: Dolphins RBs
I like Knox as a young, upcoming tight end, but he’s still young and just not enough of work to go around. The Dolphins RBs all underwhelmed last week and looks like a situation to steer clear. However, Miles Gaskin would be the only consideration from this group. But I’d leave him on the bench this week.
Vikings @ Colts
Start with confidence
Vikings: Dalvin Cook, Adam Thielen, Kirk Cousins
Colts: Colts WRs, Jonathan Taylor/Nyheim Hines, Phillip Rivers
The Vikings were torched in Week 1 at home to the Packers. I understand it was Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams who did the most damage, but still, it is an indication that the Vikings secondary could present a solid matchup. Start all three of the top Colts WRs(Parris Campbell, TY Hilton, Michael Pittman). With Marlon Mack done for the year, it’s Jonathan Taylor time. I think Taylor has a chance to throw up a 20 spot, along with Hines seeing a lot of work in the passing game. Cook, Thielen, and Cousins are all guys you roll out each week.
Temper expectations
Vikings: Alexander Mattison
Colts: Mo Alie-Cox
It’s just a matter of being behind a stud for Mattison. He may see a similar workload as he did last week, but without an injury to Cook, he just won’t see enough volume to start him confidently. Alie-Cox gets the nod in place of Jack Doyle(and hopefully moving forward even if Doyle is healthy). Rivers loves to target his tight ends, but I wouldn’t expect a big day. Somewhere in the realm of 4/40 seems like the kind of day you should expect.
Look Elsewhere
Vikings: Kyle Rudolph, Tajae Sharpe
Colts: None
Rudolph and Sharpe are desperation plays at best and ones you should not have on your radar to start this week, or even rostered for that matter.
Late Games, Sunday 4:05, 4:25, 8:20p
Washington @ Cardinals
Start with confidence
Washington: Terry McLaurin, Logan Thomas
Cardinals: Kyler Murray, DeAndre Hopkins, Christian Kirk, Kenyan Drake
Obviously, you know to start Kyler and DeAndre. Those two will be fantasy gold right there. I think Kirk will bounce back this week and Drake should get most of the work, but keep an eye on Chase Edmonds. As the WR1 for Washington, McLaurin is a weekly starter and Logan Thomas is a streamer play, due to Arizona being atrocious against tight ends.
Temper expectations
Washington: Washington RBs, Steven Sims
Cardinals: Dan Arnold
For the Washington RB group, there is just too much volatility to determine who to start. Once that gets sorted out, then we will have a much better idea of who to play. Dan Arnold you can play if you want to as a middling TE2. Washington was torched last week by Dallas Goedert and Zach Ertz, so he might have some upside as a sleeper TE this week.
Look Elsewhere
Washington: Dwayne Haskins
Cardinals: None
Haskins was ok against the Eagles last week, but now he goes on the road in Week 2, and I don’t think he’ll be much better. Sit him this week and roll out a better option that you probably already have.
Ravens @ Texans
Start with confidence
Ravens: Lamar Jackson, Ravens RBs, Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews
Texans: None
Keep an eye on the RB situation in Baltimore. Rookie JK Dobbins scored twice and might climb the depth chart as the RB1 sooner rather than later.
Temper expectations
Ravens: Willie Snead
Texans: DeShaun Watson, Will Fuller
The Texans are at home, but it could be tough sledding for them against a potent Ravens defensive attack. Watson was sacked four times last week and could be more of the same.
Look Elsewhere
Ravens: None – most/all of the Ravens are startable this week
Texans: Texans TEs
Bust Potential
Ravens: Mark Ingram
Texans: David Johnson, Brandin Cooks
Ingram is in this section because it looks like he can be overtaken by Dobbins on any given week. Johnson and Cooks you need to be wary of, as Baltimore can also lock down on the back end and held both Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb to 132 yds total on the ground between both of them.
Chiefs @ Chargers
Start with confidence
Chiefs: Pat Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce
Chargers: Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry
All six of these guys are players you roll out with each week. Start them as you would.
Temper expectations
Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Chargers: Mike Williams, Joshua Kelley
CEH had an impressive debut, but now he faces a much stiffer test against the Chargers, who shut down Joe Mixon on the road last week in an impressive way. Still, I think he can find the end zone. Williams is good to play as a WR3, and Kelley you can roll out as an RB3, due to Justin Jackson being out this week.
Look Elsewhere
Chiefs: None
Chargers: Tyrod Taylor
Taylor disappointed in Week 1, and I think the same happens again this week. It is possible we see Justin Herbert at some point this season.
Bust potential
Chiefs: Sammy Watkins
Chargers: None
Watkins is notorious for following a letdown after a WR1 week. Don’t buy into the Week 1 success. He’s bound to disappoint sooner rather than later.
Patriots @ Seahawks
Start with confidence
Patriots: Cam Newton
Seahawks: Russell Wilson, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Chris Carson
Either Lockett or Metcalf will be manned up by Stephon Gilmore, so something to keep an eye on mind. You will still start them as WR2’s, but one of them may disappoint this week.
Temper expectations
Patriots: Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry
Seahawks: Greg Olsen
Bust Potential
Patriots: Patriots RBs, Patriots TEs
Seahawks: Carlos Hyde
The Seahawks front seven led by Bobby Wagner is still a tough matchup for any RB. There are no Patriots tight ends that you trust anyway to start, but even if you did, they’re going up against Jamal Adams. End of story.
