RADIO
The excitement of Week 1 has given way to a cruel reality: not all studs are set to shine every week. Sure, the temptation to start your high draft picks is strong, but if you want to win your matchup, you've got to play the hand that Week 2 deals you.
That means avoiding some big-name players who are unlikely to deliver what you need due to a combination of bad matchups, shaky performances, or other factors. This isn’t about benching these guys for the rest of the season. It’s about dodging landmines in Week 2 to keep your team on a winning path.
So, with that in mind, here are five players you might want to sit if you’ve got other options.
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Joe Burrow at Kansas City Chiefs
We all know Joe Burrow is one of the league’s elite quarterbacks, but Week 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs? Not ideal. The Chiefs defense is no joke. It is one of the youngest defenses in the NFL, and it seems to keep improving under the savvy Steve Spagnuolo. Add in a pass rush led by Chris Jones, and it’s enough to give any quarterback nightmares.
Burrow’s offensive line, ranked 20th by PFF, will struggle to contain the Chiefs' blitz packages. Last season, the Bengals were sacked 50 times (eighth most in the league), and Kansas City’s ability to bring heat could leave him scrambling for his life.
Don’t forget that Burrow’s Week 1 performance was underwhelming by his standards, throwing for only 164 yards and no touchdowns. With Tee Higgins doubtful this week, expect fewer downfield bombs and more quick, checkdown passes. Consider pivoting to a more favorable matchup unless you’re willing to risk a lukewarm outing.
Patriots harassed Joe Burrow last Sunday. Trent Brown didn’t look great in his Bengals debut. It will be vital for the Chiefs to keep this offensive line behind the sticks and allow favorable matchups on 3rd downs against the Bengals offensive tackles. #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/3t2k1RybES
— DG aka WoofyBryant 🦴 (@_keepitprolific) September 11, 2024
Rachaad White at Detroit Lions
Rachaad White had his moments last season, but the Week 2 matchup against the Detroit Lions is setting up to be a tough day at the office. The Lions run defense was a revelation in 2023, giving up just 88.8 yards per game -- good for second-best in the NFL. With even more experience under their belts, they are one of the toughest units to run against.
White, meanwhile, is still trying to prove he can be the Buccaneers workhorse back. His efficiency last week was concerning, as he averaged just 2.1 yards per carry, and totaled only 31 yards rushing. That was with his team in the lead over Washington throughout the game and with 37 points on the board.
With the Lions likely to bottle up Tampa Bay’s ground game, it’s hard to envision White breaking out in this one. Worse, the game script might shift to a pass-heavy approach if the Bucs fall behind, limiting White’s touches, especially with rookie Bucky Irving nipping at his heels. Give White a breather this week if you’ve got a more explosive or volume-heavy RB.
Chris Olave at Dallas Cowboys
In Week 1, the Saints started strong, as they exploded on offense to the tune of 47 points against the hapless Panthers. Even with New Orleans lighting up the scoreboard, Olave only managed two receptions for 11 yards.
Week 2 against the Dallas Cowboys is shaping up to be a nightmare for him and his fantasy managers. The Cowboys defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year nominee Micah Parsons, is built to suffocate offenses, primarily through the air.
Olave will likely see a healthy dose of two of the best corner duos in the NFL, Trevon Diggs and rookie Caelen Carson. The Saints offensive line is also in for a long day against Dallas’ relentless pass rush, meaning Derek Carr could struggle to find time to make accurate throws downfield.
Olave’s a star, but in this tough matchup, he’s likely to have more of a WR3-type performance. If you have depth at wide receiver, you might want to fade Olave this week.
There weren't many bright spots for the #Panthers this week but Jaycee Horn had a nice day against Olave for the most part... Nice run fit here against Shaheed pic.twitter.com/eS7xC0LrBP
— Price Carter (@priceacarter) September 9, 2024
Kyle Pitts at Philadelphia Eagles
Pitts was the lone TE on my landmine list last week, and he reeled in a touchdown to salvage a day where he only managed three catches for 26 yards. He still struggles to meet expectations, even with a new coaching staff, quarterback, and offensive system.
That said, I believe in the talent and think he can have a strong season. But his Week 2 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles hasn’t helped clear up the mystery of when he’ll finally live up to his potential.
The Eagles were particularly stingy against tight ends last year, allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to the position. Philly’s linebackers and safeties have the athleticism to stick with Pitts, even with his rare physical gifts.
As mentioned, Pitts will have his blow-up games, but this week, in a tough matchup against an aggressive Eagles defense, isn’t the time to bet on him. Consider making the swap if you’ve got another tight end with a safer floor.
Pitts WAO for TD #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/VXu6dM4xQS
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 8, 2024
Travis Etienne Jr. vs. Cleveland Browns
Travis Etienne is a dynamic talent; most weeks, he’s a locked-in starter. But Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns should give you pause. The Browns defense was a brick wall in 2023, holding opposing teams to just 270.2 yards per game, the best mark in the league. Their defensive front, anchored by Myles Garrett, the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023, has the potential to be scary good.
Week 1 wasn’t how the Browns wanted to start, giving up 33 points against the Cowboys. But they only allowed 70 yards total to the running backs in a game they were down throughout.
Additionally, the Jaguars have hinted at getting second-year RB Tank Bigsby more involved, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations. That could cap Etienne’s upside and leave him relying on a few breakaway runs to save his fantasy day. If you’re weighing your options at RB, Etienne might be someone to avoid in Week 2.
Final Week 2 Thoughts
These five players -- Burrow, White, Olave, Pitts, and Etienne -- may have the talent to be season-long studs, but in Week 2, the matchups, game scripts, and other factors make them potential landmines. If you’ve got the depth, don’t be afraid to bench them and roll with a safer option.
After all, winning in fantasy is about maximizing every point you can get -- and avoiding the ones you might leave on the table.
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