This article first appeared on RotoBaller.com
Welcome to our Week 2 matchups analysis and starts/sits column for fantasy football. We’ll be covering every matchup from every Sunday game to help you make the best decisions for your fantasy lineups.
We now have a little more information to work with so matchups become a little easier to predict. As always use this information to help you with tough start/sit decisions and don’t get crazy.
I’ll be on reddit Sunday morning to answer all your start/sit questions. You can also reach me directly on twitter @ChrisMangano. Let’s get to the matchups for week 2!
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Week 2 NFL Matchups – 1:00 PM EST Games
Browns at Ravens
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
DeShone Kizer (QB, CLE)
Kizer had a nice first NFL start throwing for 222 yards with one touchdown and one interception and adding another 17 yards on the ground plus a rushing touchdown. While owners were likely pleased, don’t expect a repeat this week against a defense that just turned Andy Dalton over five times and sacked him another five times. Kizer is a risky start against a great defense.
Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE)
Crowell struggled against a stout Pittsburgh front in week one totaling just 66 yards on 19 touches. Baltimore has one of the best front sevens in the league and held the Bengals to just 3.5 yards per carry. Crowell should find running room tough once again this week and you should probably look for better options.
Other Matchups:
Wide receiver Corey Coleman (WR, CLE) looks like Kizer’s favorite target as he turned six targets into five catches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Playing 57% of his snaps from the left side in week one gives him a tough matchup against right corner Jimmy Smith (ranked 12th) on most of his snaps. He’s in the WR3/4 range this week.
Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) does not look healthy and it appears as if the Ravens are trying to protect him. The Browns did allow 7.3 YPA against Ben Roethlisberger in week one, but Flacco only threw the ball 17 times and is barely worth a start until we see more from him. The Browns did a great job shutting down the Steelers run game in week one even without Myles Garrett, but this is a defensive line that is relatively weak. The Ravens will likely lean heavily on their running backs again so both Terrance West (RB, BAL) and Javorius Allen (RB, BAL) make for solid plays in either formats. Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (WR, BAL) played about half of his snaps from the slot which means he’ll see plenty of Briean Boddy-Calhoun who graded fourth-best among defensive backs in week one. He’s a tough start this week especially in what could be another low volume passing attack. Mike Wallace (WR, BAL) was almost invisible in week one seeing just one target. We’d like to see him more involved before he can be trusted in your starting lineup.
Bears at Buccaneers
Matchups We Love:
Jameis Winston (QB, TAM)
Winston has more weapons at his disposal than he ever has before and is primed for a big year. Getting to start against a Bears defense that gave up 308 passing yards and 10.7 yards per attempt in week one should help. The Bears secondary is extremely weak and Winston should find open receivers all game long.
DeSean Jackson (WR, TAM)
With most of the attention likely going to Evans (see below), Jackson should have plenty of one-on-one opportunities against this defense. The Bears tend to struggle against teams second wideouts and Sanu posted a six catch, 47 yard day against them. Jackson is more dynamic than Sanu and makes for a solid start in all formats.
Cameron Brate (TE, TAM)
Brate should have no problem getting open against the Bears linebackers and safeties. Don’t be worried about O.J. Howard, either, Brate is still the pass catching tight end on this offense and should get plenty of looks.
Matchups We Hate:
Mike Evans (WR, TAM)
The Bears do not have a strong secondary but one thing they do well is lock down team’s number one receivers. Vic Fangio’s defense puts an emphasis on shutting down the other teams top wideout by sending extra coverage their way. Evans is still a must start but fantasy owners who had to wait an extra week to get him in their lineup may be somewhat disappointed.
Other Matchups:
Mike Glennon (QB, CHI) had a better day than the numbers showed, as the Bears had multiple drops in or near the end zone. Still, with no real receiving weapons he remains little more than a low end QB2. The Buccaneers feature a tough defensive front as three of the four starters graded over 80 in 2016. It seems likely the Bears will want to slow the game down and use Jordan Howard (RB, CHI) more than they did in week one. The matchup isn’t ideal but your starting him this week. Tarik Cohen (RB, CHI) burst onto the scene turning 13 touches into 103 yards and a touchdown against the Falcons. It should be noted that the Falcons were one of the worst defenses against pass catching backs in 2016 so expectations should be tempered a bit. Still he makes a fine flex play in PPR formats. Kendall Wright (WR, CHI) gets another great matchup against slot corner Robert McClain, but he disappointed in this spot last week. He did see all of his targets after the Kevin White injury so perhaps that bodes well for his future. He is a tough start in all but the deepest leagues this week. Zach Miller (TE, CHI) saw six targets in week one and could see even more with the Bears receiving corps in shambles.
While the Bears did a good job against the Falcons rushing attack, Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, TAM) should be in line for all the work he can handle. While the matchup isn’t ideal, he is a solid start in all formats.
Vikings at Steelers
Matchups We Love:
Sam Bradford (QB, MIN)
Many will look at Bradford’s big week one and point to the fact it was against the Saints defense, but he now has three straight games with three touchdown passes dating back to last year. The Steelers secondary allowed 7.4 YPA to rookie Kizer last week and will have trouble stopping the duo of Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen. Bradford makes for another great streaming option this week.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)
Diggs played 88% of his snaps from either the slot or the right side in week one. In either case he will have great matchups as right corner Joe Haden (ranked 79th) and slot corner William Gay (ranked 52nd) should pose little problem for Diggs. Look for him to follow-up week ones performance with another solid outing.
Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)
Rudolph salvaged his week one with a 15 yard touchdown grab but did have two red zone targets. He makes for a great play this week against a Steelers defense that is weak at linebacker and in the secondary. Rudolph should have little trouble getting separation this week.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Rookie running back Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN) had a big coming out party in week one against the Saints rushing for 127 yards on 5.5 YPC and adding another three catches for 10 yards. Things will be tougher this week against a Steelers front that held the Browns to 57 yards on 25 attempts in week one. Still Cook is a must start in all formats. Wide receiver Adam Thielen (WR, MIN) turned in a huge day against the Saints with a nine catch, 157 yard performance. He lined up evenly across the formation which means he should get his share of good matchups. He is a solid start again this week.
The home/road splits of Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT) are well known by now, but Minnesota presents a tough test. The Vikings did allow 7.9 YPA to Drew Brees and the Saints, but they held to him to one garbage time touchdown. Still, at home Roethlisberger is always a good play even with the tough matchup. One of the many shockers of week one was Le’Veon Bell (RB, PIT) getting just 13 touches for 47 total yards. While the matchup is far from ideal, we expect Bell to be more heavily involved this week and is a must start. Antonio Brown (WR, PIT) is about as matchup proof as they come and is still a must start against one of the league’s best secondaries. Martavis Bryant (WR, PIT) busted in week one but did see six targets including three deep targets. He’s a risky start but if he connects on one of those deep passes he could pay off. If there is one area this Vikings defense can be attacked it’s with the tight end. Coby Fleener posted a five catch, 54 yard, one touchdown game against them. Jesse James (TE, PIT) is by no means a sure thing but in deeper leagues or two-tight end leagues he is a viable start as the Steelers clear number one tight end.
After being a surprisingly integral part of the Raiders offense last week, Jared Cook is a prime streaming option as the Raiders take on the Jets in Oakland.
Patriots at Saints
Matchups We Love:
Tom Brady (QB, NEP)
Brady looked all of 40 years old in week one against the Chiefs, but owners shouldn’t be worried as he draws a dream matchup against the Saints. Bradford just torched them for 346 yards, three touchdowns and a league-leading 10.8 YPA. Brady is a must start and could easily be this weeks QB1.
Brandin Cooks (WR, NEP)
Cooks played 72% of his snaps at slot and right wide receiver last week but it doesn’t matter where he lines up, he will have mismatches all across the board. Marshone Lattimore was the Saints highest graded corner in week one at 60.
Chris Hogan (WR, NEP)
Many people soured on Hogan after his week one performance and he may be on your waivers. If he is, grab him. Hogan led the Patriots with an aDOT of 20.6 against the Chiefs and the Saints just gave up eight pass plays of at least 20 yards to the Vikings. Hogan and Brady should be able to connect this week for some big plays.
Drew Brees (QB, NOS)
The Patriots defense was shredded by Alex Smith in week one as they were unable to put much pressure on him and looked lost in the secondary. While they should be better this week, Brees is an elite QB and a must start in what should be a high-scoring affair.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Running backs Mike Gillislee (RB, NEP) and James White (RB, NEP) seem to be the two running backs to own in this offense. Gillislee is the better play in standard as he will see the goal line work while White is a better start in PPR. Both are worthy of a start this week as the Patriots offense should be rolling. Rob Gronkowski (TE, NEP) is always a must start and this week is no different. While the Saints aren’t particularly terrible against tight ends Gronk should still have plenty of success this week.
The Saints used a committee backfield in week one but Adrian Peterson (RB, NOS) was the odd man out. Playing only nine snaps it looks like his days may be numbered. Overrated head coach Sean Payton continues to use his running backs in perplexing ways. He continually ran undersized Alvin Kamara (RB, NOS) straight ahead between the tackles but did get him involved in the passing game with six targets. He led the backfield in snaps and carries and should have flex value in PPR formats. Mark Ingram (RB, NOS) once again looked like the best running back on his team but Payton didn’t seem to notice. He was heavily involved in the passing game with five catches for 54 yards but his value will be limited as long as Kamara has such a big role. He’s nothing more than a RB2 until we see more clarity. Wide receiver Michael Thomas (WR, NOS) had a quiet week one and will now face one of 2016’s best corners in Malcolm Butler or the only corner who looked good last week for the Patriots, Stephon Gilmore. This secondary looked lost in week one but you have to think they are better than they showed. Thomas is still a must start but his owners may be disappointed once again. Ted Ginn (WR, NOS) saw five targets on Monday night but found it tough against the Vikings secondary. Like Thomas he is going to be seeing a lot of Butler and Gilmore and should likely be left on benches this week. Tight end Coby Fleener (TE, NOS) had a nice game posting five catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. He has seen a 20% target share in games Willie Snead has missed and just 12% in all others. He is a streaming option this week.
Eagles at Chiefs
Matchups We Love:
Alshon Jeffrey (WR, PHI)
Jeffrey played 80% of his snaps from the outside with 50% coming on the left. This is good as stud corner Marcus Peters (ranked 14th) only lines up on the right. Jeffrey should line up against Terrance Mitchell (ranked 90th) on most of his snaps this week. Start him with confidence.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
With Chiefs safety Eric Berry out for the season, Ertz should have little trouble finding open spots in the Chiefs defense. He tied for the team lead in targets in week one with eight and should continue to be one of Carson Wentz‘ favorite weapons. He is a must start this week.
Alex Smith (QB, KC)
Coming off a huge game against the Patriots, Smith looked like a different quarterback. Perhaps it is the threat of rookie Patrick Mahomes, but whatever it was Smith looked great. He should have another strong week against an Eagles secondary missing Ronald Darby. He makes for a solid start and a great stream this week.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC)
The Chiefs lined up Hill all over the field even using him at running back. Without Darby, the Eagle secondary should struggle to contain Hill. He should be a favorite target of Smith’s once again and make his fantasy owners happy.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Second year quarterback Carson Wentz (QB, PHI) looked good in the season opener. While the Chiefs did hold Tom Brady in check, they still allowed 7.4 YPA. Wentz should have another fine game. Running back LeGarrette Blount (RB, PHI) led the team in carries with 14 but turned them into just 46 yards against a weak Redskins rush defense. If it wasn’t for a touchdown catch, yes a catch, Blount would have had no fantasy value. The Eagles continue to use him in a way that doesn’t suit his strengths and he is a risky start in all formats. Pass catching back Darren Sproles (RB, PHI) tied Ertz with eight targets and also led the running backs in snaps. If Blount continues to struggle he could see an expanded role. He is a flex in PPR formats. Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI) was a hot waiver wire add after a six catch, 86 yard one touchdown game. But that was with Jeffrey being locked down by Josh Norman. We don’t recommend starting Agholor this week as he will likely see a diminished role.
Rookie running back Kareem Hunt (RB, KC) had one of the greatest first games in NFL history. He racked up 246 total yards and three touchdowns against what was supposed to be one of the league’s best defenses. The Eagles held the Redskins to just 3.8 YPC in week one so things should be tougher this week. Hunt still makes for a must start in all formats. The Patriots game-planned to stop tight end Travis Kelce (TE, KC) in week one and the Chiefs tried to get him involved anyway they could. In a better matchup he should be in for a bigger day in. He is an easy start in all formats.
Titans at Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
Leonard Fournette (RB, JAC)
Fournette was an absolute work horse in week one and that should carry over to week two. The Titans allowed over 100 yards and 3.8 YPC to the Raiders and we know the Jags want to pound the ball. Fournette is a must start in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Eric Decker (WR, TEN), Corey Davis (WR, TEN), Rishard Matthews (WR, TEN)
The Jaguars boast three outstanding corners in Jalen Ramsey (ranked 10th), Aaron Colvin (ranked 32nd) and A.J. Bouye. While Bouye only ranked 55th in week one he was an absolute stud in 2016 and we expect him to bounce back this week. Matthews and Davis would be the preferred starts if you had to start one of these receivers though Decker draws the better matchup.
Other Matchups:
The Jaguars defense was as good as advertised week one, holding the Texans to just 4.6 yards per pass. Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN) is a different level than Tom Savage and DeShaun Watson, obviously, and is still a solid start. The Titans run game was surprisingly held in check by the Raiders defense in week one, but look for DeMarco Murray (RB, TEN) and this run game to bounce back. The matchup isn’t great but he is still a must start this week. Delanie Walker (TE, TEN) took advantage of a defense that struggles against tight ends posting a seven catch, 76 yard one touchdown day but will find things tougher this week in Jacksonville. While you likely can’t bench him you should temper expectations.
Quarterback Blake Bortles (QB, JAC) threw the ball just 11 times in week one and is now without his number one target Allen Robinson who was placed on season ending IR. With Jacksonville content keeping the ball out of his hands, Bortles is barely even in the QB2 range. Marqise Lee (WR, JAC) will be asked to step up in the absence of Robinson. He was the teams number two receiver in 2016 but is coming back from injury. Still he draws the preferred matchup this week as he gets either Brice McCain (ranked 60th) or Adoree’ Jackson (ranked 83rd) on either side. Allen Hurns (WR, JAC) will also have a larger role but draws the tougher matchup against slot corner Logan Ryan (ranked 25th).
Cardinals at Colts
Matchups We Love:
Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI)
No one on this Colts secondary should present a test for Fitzgerald who will primarily see slot corner Nate Hairston (ranked 65th). Fitzgerald underwhelmed in a great spot in week one. Part of that was the woeful play of his quarterback, but he also dropped what would have been a touchdown grab that he normally catches. Look for Fitz to bounce back this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Colts Skill Position Players
Until we see something, anything, from this Colts offense you absolutely cannot start them and that includes T.Y. Hilton, sadly. Marlon Mack may have value in very deep leagues but otherwise you should avoid the Colts completely.
Other Matchups:
We should love Carson Palmer‘s (QB, ARI) matchup, but after he bombed in Week 1 you do need to have some caution. Still the matchup is tremendous as the Colts just gave up over 300 yards passing to Jared Goff and he makes for a viable streaming option. With the David Johnson injury this backfield has become cloudy. Kerwyn Williams (RB, ARI) is set to be the starter, with Andre Ellignton (RB, ARI) assuming the pass catching role. Chris Johnson (RB, ARI) will also likely see playing time. We recommend taking a wait-and-see approach with this backfield if you can. John Brown (WR, ARI) was not listed as the starter, but he was played like a starter. He saw nine targets turning them into four catches for 32 yards. Look for him to be better this week as the entire Cardinals passing game should improve against this defense.
Bills at Panthers
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Charles Clay (TE, BUF)
Clay was a matchup we loved in week one but he’s in a tough spot this week. Yes, he will still be Taylor’s safety valve, but the Panthers are strong at both linebacker and safety. They did give up the most touchdowns to tight ends in 2016 so there is hope. Still, Clay should have a tough time of it this week and you should try to find a better option.
Other Matchups:
The Bills took advantage of a soft matchup against the Jets in week one, but now get a tougher test with a Carolina defense that looked great. Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF) is still a decent option in two QB leagues, but against a defense that held the 49ers to just 5.5 YPA he is best left on the bench in one quarterback leagues. LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF) predictably ran wild through the Jets defense, but now faces one of the NFL’s strongest fronts. One area the Panthers do struggle is containing pass catching backs, they gave up the third most catches to backs in 2016 and eight combined to the 49ers in week one. He’s still a must start but don’t expect a repeat of last week. Jordan Matthews (WR, BUF) saw just three targets in week one but gets the best matchup this week against slot corner Captain Munnerlyn (ranked 57th). Still he is tough to trust in a low volume passing attack.
Cam Newton (QB, CAR) does not look healthy and it looked as though the Panthers were trying to minimize him in week one. His accuracy was an issue as well. Even though he is working himself back into shape, he’s still a solid start in what should be a good matchup. Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR) out-touched Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR) 20 to 18 but dominated in the red zone. He should continue to get the bulk of the red zone work but is better suited for standard scoring leagues. McCaffrey got plenty of looks in this one and out-snapped Stewart. He should stay heavily involved going forward and is a solid start in PPR formats. Kelvin Benjamin (WR, CAR) saw just five targets in a game the Panthers were winning comfortably. He’s going to be somewhat limited until Newton gets back to full health but is still a solid start against what should be a weak Bills secondary. Tight End Greg Olsen (TE, CAR) had a very quiet day against San Francisco but is in-line for a solid performance against the Bills defense. He is still a must start at the position.
Week 2 NFL Matchups – 4:00 PM EST Games
Jets at Raiders
Matchups We Love:
Derek Carr (QB, OAK)
Carr got off to a hot start against the Titans throwing for 262 yards and two touchdowns. He should continue his hot play as the Jets pose little resistance. Look for Carr to be one of the top quarterbacks this week.
Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK)
Lynch looked good in his return to action and carried the ball 18 times for 76 yards against a solid Titans front. Now he gets a Jets defense that just gave up 190 yards on the ground. He is a must start this week.
Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)
Cooper played almost 60% of his snaps lined up to the left where he will face the Jets “best” corner Justin Burris (ranked 48th). Burris should be no match for Cooper this week and he is an easy start.
Michael Crabtree (WR, OAK)
With Cooper primarily lining up on the left, Crabtree saw 80% of his snaps from the slot and the right. Most of the time he lines up on the right where he will face Morris Claiborne (ranked 68th). When he moves to the slot he will get Buster Skrine (ranked 77th). Both Cooper and Crabtree are excellent plays this week but Crabtree has the slightly better matchup.
Jared Cook (TE, OAK)
Though Cooper and Crabtree combined for 20 targets, Cook still saw five and caught all of them for 56 yards. Charles Clay just had a four catch, 53 yard one touchdown game against the Jets. Cook makes for a great start at the position this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Jermaine Kearse (WR, NYJ)
Kearse played 72% of his snaps on the outside where he will line up against Sean Smith (ranked 6th) and T.J. Carrie (ranked 15th). While he led the team with nine targets in week one he is not a guy you want to start outside of very deep leagues.
Other Matchups:
While the Raiders don’t present a great pass defense, Josh McCown (QB, NYJ) is barely fantasy relevant as he threw for just 187 yards and two interceptions in week one against Buffalo. Running backs Matt Forte (RB, NYJ) and Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) both did very little. Forte did out-snap Powell 35 to 30, but Powell out-touched him 12 to 9. The Raiders allowed 4.5 YPC to the Titans but neither of these running backs can be fully trusted at the moment.
Dolphins at Chargers
Matchups We Love:
Jay Ajayi (RB, MIA)
The Broncos ran the ball all over the Chargers to the tune of 140 yards and 3.9 YPC. Now the Chargers have to deal with Ajayi and a Dolphins team that wants to control the game on the ground. Fantasy owners who missed Ajayi last week should be well rewarded. He’s a must start.
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
Allen played almost half of his snaps from the slot where he will matchup with Bobby McCain. McCain graded very poorly in 2016. When not in the slot he usually lines up to the left where he will see Xavien Howard, one of the worst graded corners from last year. Allen looked good in week one and should keep that going this week in a plus matchup.
Matchups We Hate:
Jarvis Landry (WR, MIA)
Not only could Landry see less targets with new quarterback Jay Cutler, but he also draws a very tough matchup against slot corner Trevor Williams (ranked 16th). Williams gave up just one catch for two yards in the Week 1 matchup with the Broncos. You likely don’t have better options so temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
While the Chargers held the Broncos to just 181 yards passing, they did allow 7.8 YPA and two touchdowns. Jay Cutler (QB, MIA) will be making his first start for his new team and has a decent matchup. He should be in the QB2 mix. Cutler’s favorite target in the preseason, Devante Parker (WR, MIA) is likely to be shadowed by Casey Hayward. Hayward was great in 2016 but did just give up 5 catches and 81 yards to Demaryius Thomas. Parker still makes for a fine start. Tight end Julius Thomas (TE, MIA) is reunited with his old offensive coordinator Adam Gase and could see an increase in his production. He is in the TE2 mix this week.
Philip Rivers (QB, LAC) played well against one of the league’s most formidable pass defenses and gets an easier matchup this week against the Dolphins. He is a solid start in all formats. Running back Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC) had 23 touches against the Broncos and should be heavily involved once again. He is a must start in all formats. Outside wide receiver Tyrell Williams (WR, LAC) saw seven targets in week one. He draws the tougher matchup this week as he will see an equal amount of Byron Maxwell, one of the highest graded corners last year, and Xavien Howard, one of the lowest graded corners. He is a solid start in the WR3/4 range. Tight end Antonio Gates (TE, LAC) out-snapped second year player Hunter Henry (TE, LAC) 38 to 23. As long as the trend continues they will hurt each others value and neither is more than a TE2.
49ers at Seahawks
Matchups We Love:
Russell Wilson (QB, SEA)
Wilson disappointed in a great spot last week as neither team ran many plays and the Seahawks passing game struggled. This week should be a chance to redeem himself against the 49ers. He is an easy start this week.
Doug Baldwin (WR, SEA)
This is another great spot for Baldwin but he will need more than the four targets he saw last week. Playing 76% of his snaps from the slot he will be matched up against slot corner K’Waun Williams (ranked 50th). Baldwin should easily win this matchup and should rebound this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Brian Hoyer (QB, SF)
Hoyer was just OK in week one but gave his fantasy owners practically nothing. Expect more of the same this week against one of the league’s elite defenses. Hoyer is not someone you want to be starting in any format.
Carlos Hyde (RB, SF)
Hyde played well in a blowout loss against one of the league’s best defenses, averaging 5 YPC and adding six catches for 32 yards. While it was good to see him involved in the passing game, he gets perhaps an even tougher defense this week. You likely don’t have many better options so temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
As expected the Seattle backfield is a committee. Eddie Lacy (RB, SEA) ran the ball just five times for three yards while playing just seven snaps. Rookie Chris Carson (RB, SEA) looked much better in every way totaling 39 yards on just six carries and led the backfield with 26 snaps. Thomas Rawls (RB, SEA) seems to be on track to return this week which may spell the end for Lacy’s fantasy value and will possibly keep Carson from taking full control. If Rawls struggles, however, Carson could end up owning this backfield. Pass catching back C.J. Prosise (RB, SEA) saw just 16 snaps and surprisingly had no targets. None of these backs are guys you want to start just yet. Outside receiver Paul Richardson (WR, SEA) tied for the team lead with seven targets. While we don’t expect that to continue, he draws a fairly good matchup against corners Rashard Robinson (ranked 17th) and Dontae Johnson (ranked 72nd). He is only a start in deep leagues. Tight end Jimmy Graham (TE, SEA) tied for the team lead in targets but had just three catches for eight yards. We’ll just chalk this up to the entire passing game struggling and expect better against the 49ers defense.
As expected, Pierre Garcon (WR, SF) led his team in targets with 10. Playing half of his snaps on the left he will be matched up against rookie Shaquill Griffin (ranked 73rd). Garcon should win this battle. When he lines up on the other side he will see Richard Sherman, always one of the league’s top corners. Garcon should see plenty of targets once again and makes a solid start.
Redskins at Rams
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Todd Gurley (RB, LAR)
What was lost in the good Week 1 performance from Gurley was that the Colts held him to just 2.1 YPC. If not for his 56 receiving yards and touchdown this would have been an absolute dud. The Redskins, while not an elite run defense, are still an upgrade over the Colts. If Gurley isn’t heavily involved in the passing game fantasy owners will have shades of 2016 all over.
Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS)
While Crowder caught three passes, he did see seven targets including two in the red zone. Things could remain tough for him this week as he draws slot corner Nickell Robey-Coleman (ranked 18th). Robey-Coleman allowed just one catch for one yard last week. While we expect Crowder to do better than that he may disappoint his owners for the second straight week.
Other Matchups:
Quarterback Kirk Cousins (QB, WAS) struggled in pre-season and that carried over to week one. The Rams should have Aaron Donald back for this game and could be applying pressure all day. You’re starting him but temper expectations. While Rob Kelley (RB, WAS) led the team with 10 carries he could only turn them into 30 yards. The Rams have a strong front line made stronger with the return of Donald. Kelley is a guy you don’t want to have to be starting this week. Newly signed wide receiver Terelle Pryor (WR, WAS) saw a team high 11 targets but only seven were deemed catchable. His matchup this week will be split between left corner Trumaine Johnson (ranked 3rd) and right corner Kayvon Webster (ranked 71st). While not ideal he is still an easy start. Tight end Jordan Reed (TE, WAS) seemed to be showing no ill effects from his toe injury. He saw eight targets but with Cousins struggling he was only able to catch five for 36 yards. The Rams present a tough test but you’re starting Reed regardless.
Second year starter Jared Goff (QB, LAR) looked great against a terrible Colts defense in week one. He faces another soft pass defense that allowed almost 300 yards and 7.9 YPA to the Wentz led Eagles. If he really has improved we’ll find out this week.
Cowboys at Broncos
Matchups We Love:
Dez Bryant (WR, DAL)
Last week we cautioned against Bryant, this week we’re saying play him with confidence. Bryant plays the majority of his snaps from the left side which means he gets to match up against Bradley Roby (ranked 85th). Last week Roby gave up five catches for 77 yards and a touchdown. Bryant is a must start this week.
Matchups We Hate:
Jason Witten (TE, DAL)
Witten torched a Giants defense that has been terrible against tight ends recently to the tune of seven catches, 59 yards and one touchdown. The Broncos are much stingier against tight ends and you likely have better options this week.
Other Matchups:
Dak Prescott (QB, DAL) picked up where he left off in 2016 throwing for 268 yards and one touchdown. He gets a tough matchup this week against one of the leagues best pass defenses. While they did give up three touchdowns to Rivers and the Chargers they held him to just 5.8 YPA. Your starting him but don’t expect a whole lot. Running back Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL) had his best game against the Giants with 104 yards and five catches for another 36 yards. He draws another tough matchup this week but is a must start. While Chris Harris Jr. (ranked 46th) graded poorly last week, he only gave up 2 catches for eight yards, though one was a touchdown. Slot receiver Cole Beasley (WR, DAL) will be tasked with getting open against Harris Jr. Beasly is a PPR start in deeper leagues only.
Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian (QB, DEN) made some plays against the Chargers defense while throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. The Cowboys pass rush pressured Eli Manning relentlessly, but one has to wonder if that is more a product of the Giants than the Cowboys. Siemian is in the low QB2 mix. C.J. Anderson (RB, DEN) dominated Jamaal Charles (RB, DEN) in both snaps and touches. He should continue to see the bulk of the teams backfield work and is a solid start this week. Playing primarily on the outside will benefit Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN) as he will avoid the Cowboys best corner. Instead he will primarily line up against Chidobe Awuzie (ranked 21st) and Nolan Carrol (ranked 63rd). Expect another solid performance. Emmanuel Sanders (WR, DEN) was relatively quiet in week one but had a touchdown pass just slip off his finger-tips that would have changed his day. The Broncos use him all over the field so expect a better game from his this week.
Sunday Night Game – 7:20 EST
Packers at Falcons
Matchups We Love:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GBP)
The Falcons pass defense looks good after week one, but that was more a product of who they played than what they are. Rodgers and the Green Bay passing attack present a whole different level of problems and in a game that is expected to be a shootout Rodgers is a no-brainer start.
Ty Montgomery (RB, GBP)
Montgomery played all but eight snaps in the Packers week one win over the Seahawks and likely would have played just about all of them if not for an ankle injury that took him out of the game temporarily. The Falcons just allowed the Bears to rush for 6.6 YPC and are one of the worst teams at stopping pass catching running backs. Montgomery could very easily be this weeks RB1.
Jordy Nelson (WR, GBP)
Nelson lines up all over but primarily plays from the right side. This means he will mostly matchup against Desmond Trufant (ranked 67th). Trufant gave up three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown last week. Nelson is one of the most matchup-proof receivers anyways and is a weekly must start.
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL)
Though the Packers defense did a good job shutting down the Seattle passing attack this is still a very bad secondary. Atlanta should be able to run the ball better than Seattle did which should open up the passing game. Ryan is an easy start this week.
Julio Jones (WR, ATL)
It doesn’t matter where Jones lines up he will have mis-matches all over the field. The Packers best corner, Davon House, ranks only 58th. After seeing just five targets in week one expect Ryan to look for Jones early and often. He could easily be this weeks WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
Randall Cobb (WR, GBP)
Cobb surprisingly led the Packers in targets in week one with 13. Those who left him on the bench are probably eager to start him this week but you should use caution. He draws the toughest matchup this week against slot corner Brian Poole (ranked 13th). It seems more likely that Nelson and Adams will be the top two targets for Rodgers this week.
Other Matchups:
Look for Davante Adams (WR, GBP) to bounce-back this week. Typically playing opposite Nelson, Adams will be matched up with Robert Alford (ranked 66th). Alford gave up four catches for 44 yards in week one. Newly signed tight end Martellus Bennett (TE, GBP) had just three catches for 43 yards in his Packers debut. With three solid receiving targets ahead of him don’t expect much more.
Running backs Devonta Freeman (RB, ATL) and Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL) had 14 and 12 touches respectively. If that kind of split continues it will hold each of them back. Both could have success this week against a bad Packers defense, however. Freeman is a solid start while Coleman is more of a flex. Tight end Austin Hooper (TE, ATL) had an impressive stat line but he saw only two targets in the game. He did play 80% of the snaps and ran a route on 79% of Ryan’s dropbacks, so opportunity could be coming. He makes for a risky boom/bust start this week.
