RADIO
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'll also be updating this as injury reports come in so check back often.
Getting off to a good start is imperative in the fantasy world, much like the NFL, so making the right start/sit decision is crucial. Let's help you make the right choices and get the guys with the best matchups in your lineups.
Check back here each week to get the absolute best advice for your toughest start/sit decisions and take a look at our consensus rankings each week. Find me on Twitter @ChrisMangano for more insight and help to your start/sit questions.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
1:00 PM EST Games
The early slate has a full load of nine games this week, including three key divisional matchups.
Panthers at Falcons
Matchups We Love:
Christian McCaffrey (RB, CAR)
In Week 1 McCaffrey had 58% of the running back carries (10), 100% of the running back targets (9), and had two carries inside the 10 plus one red zone target. The Falcons allowed the third most yards before contact (1.98), but the Panthers offensive line is a big step down from the Eagles, especially with all their injuries. The real appeal for McCaffrey is in the passing game against a Falcons defense that will be missing safety Keanu Neal and linebacker Deion Jones. McCaffrey should feast against a defense built on allowing running backs to catch the ball and then using speed to stop big gains. He’s an easy RB1, especially in PPR formats.
Julio Jones (WR, ATL)
Jones was a monster in the Thursday night opener and should be able to repeat that against a weak Panthers secondary. Jones led the Falcons in targets (19), receptions (10) and led the entire NFL in air yards with a whopping 282! Jones also had three red zone targets including two inside the 10. None of the Panthers corners are anywhere near good enough to stop Jones, and he should have his way in this one. He is a top-5, or better, WR in all formats.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Cam Newton (QB, CAR)
The Falcons secondary should be able to hold their own against the Panthers wideouts, but up front the Panthers have a decided advantage over the Falcons pass rush. It helps that the Falcons are without Linebacker Deion Jones and safety Keanu Neal. Newton adds so much with his legs that he is a threat regardless of matchup, but he is a solid start in Week 2.
C.J. Anderson (RB, CAR)
Anderson had only 42% of the running back carries (7) and no targets, but he did have one carry inside the ten to Christian McCaffery’s two. He remains nothing more than a touchdown-dependent, deep-league flex.
Devin Funchess (WR, CAR)
Funchess plays primarily on the outside and will have to contend with the strong Falcons duo of Robert Alford and Desmond Trufant. Funchess led all Panthers receivers in targets (5), receptions (3) and air yards (77), but had just a 19% target share. He should see a bump with Greg Olsen out, but can’t be considered more than a WR3 in this matchup.
Jarius Wright (WR, CAR)
Wright was the Panthers slot receiver in three-down sets, playing out of the slot on 80% of the snaps. He tied Funchess with five targets and three receptions, but had just eight air yards in Week 1. His matchup with Brian Poole is not great and he should be avoided in most formats.
Ian Thomas (TE, CAR)
The fourth round rookie will be thrust into an immediate starting role with the loss of Greg Olsen. It’s rare that a tight end makes a big impact, but the opportunity will be there. After Olsen left the Week 1 game, Thomas was targeted twice and somehow managed to rack up minus eight air yards. He’ll likely be featured more in Week 2, and the matchup is fine, but he is a risky start.
Matt Ryan (QB, ATL)
The Falcons offensive line allowed a pressure on 4.9% of snaps (3rd best) while the Panthers defensive front pressured the Cowboys on 12.6% of snaps (13th) best. Edge Falcons. The Falcons receivers also have the edge against the Panthers secondary, and Ryan should bounce-back this week against a team he historically plays well against.
Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL)
Devonta Freeman is out with a knee injury, which means Coleman will get all the work he can handle. The Falcons strong offensive line easily won the battle with a tough Eagles front, creating 2.08 yards before contact (seventh best) in Week 1. They get another tough test against a Panthers front that allowed just 1.55 yards before contact (ninth best). Still, the Falcons line is superior and they should win once again. Coleman can be viewed as a high-end RB2 play on volume.
Mohamed Sanu (WR, ATL)
Sanu finished second on the team in targets (6), receptions (4) but only had 49 air yards. He was targeted once in the red-zone as well. Sanu is in a good spot against slot corner Captain Munnerlyn, but his possession role in this offense makes him nothing more than a floor, flex start in PPR formats.
Austin Hooper (TE, ATL)
Hooper had three receptions on four targets in Week 1, but two of those targets came inside the 10-yard line. The matchup against the Panthers is nothing to be scared of, but Hooper is not highly involved in the Falcons offense. Still, the red zone numbers are encouraging and he will be a touchdown-or-bust TE2 play.
Colts at Redskins
Matchups We Love:
Chris Thompson (RB, WAS)
Alex Smith is going to be very good for Thompson, it would appear. In Week 1, Thompson turned seven targets into six catches for 63 yards and a score. He also had two red zone targets. The Colts defense does not do well against pass-catching backs and they just allowed Joe Mixon to rack up 54 yards on 5 catches in Week 1. Thompson is a high-end RB2 start in PPR formats especially.
Jamison Crowder (WR, WAS)
Crowder only saw a 13% target share in Week 1 but could be in line for more work against slot corner Kenny Moore. Moore gave up 2.41 yards per route covered in Week 1, third-most amongst all corners. If Crowder sees more volume in this one he has real upside, but can’t be considered more than a WR3 given his Week 1 share.
Matchups We Hate:
Andrew Luck (QB, IND)
Luck attempted 53 passes in his first game since 2016 and looked good doing it, but he will now have to face a fierce Redskins front that applied pressure on 14.3% of snaps (3rd best). His offensive line is unlikely to do him any favors, either, as they allowed a pressure on 6.6% of snaps, 5th worst. The Redskins have a strong secondary as well and should make things tough on the receivers. You likely don’t have a better option than Luck, and the volume will be there, but owners should temper expectations.
Jordan Wilkins (RB, IND), Marlon Mack (RB, IND)
Wilkins started in place of the injured Marlon Mack and led the Colts with 14 carries, including the teams only two red zone carries and only carry inside the five. Unfortunately, he was running into brick walls behind a putrid Colts offensive line that averaged just 1.79 yards before contact, 26th worst. Things will not be any easier this week against a Redskins front that held David Johnson to just 37 yards on nine carries. Mack is set to return as well and looks likely to play. Both are better left on benches this week.
Other Matchups:
Nyheim Hines (RB, IND)
Hines only had five carries in Week 1, but he had seven receptions on nine targets. Considering the Colts will be unlikely to move the ball on the ground, Luck could be throwing often and Hines has a role as the pass-catching back. He’s too risky to start outside of very deep leagues, but is a name to monitor going forward.
T.Y. Hilton (WR, IND)
Hilton led the Colts with 11 targets and 108 air yards, but could only turn that into a 5/46/1 day. Hilton lines up all over the field so that he will avoid Josh Norman enough, but the Redskins' other corner, Quinton Dunbar, is a tough draw as well. Hilton should have an advantage when he lines up in the slot, which he did on just 35% of his snaps in Week 1. Hilton may not put up WR1 numbers in this matchup, but he should still be considered a solid WR2 on volume alone.
Ryan Grant (WR, IND)
Grant saw nine targets in Week 1 and caught eight of them, but totaled just 59 yards. Still, he is clearly the team’s number two and should see plenty of opportunities. Like Hilton, Grant lines up all over the field enough to avoid Norman plenty, but he will likely still struggle a bit against these corners. He is a flex play in PPR formats.
Jack Doyle (TE, IND), Eric Ebron (TE, IND)
Ebron scored in Week 1, but Doyle out-targeted him 10 to five. Doyle also saw two red zone targets to Ebron’s one and ran a route on 92% of Luck’s dropbacks versus Ebron at just 39%. The matchup for the Colts tight ends is not great, but is by no means daunting either. Doyle is the preferred play and is a solid start in all formats, while Ebron is a TD dependent upside play.
Alex Smith (QB, WAS)
Smith was solid in his debut with his new team, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns. The matchup with the Colts is good as they have a very weak secondary. They are also likely to have trouble getting pressure on Smith as their 11.9% pressure rate ranked 13th while the Redskins 5.6% pressures allowed was sixth best. Smith makes for a solid start in Week 2.
Adrian Peterson (RB, WAS)
Peterson touched the ball early and often, carrying the rock 26 times in a win over the Cardinals. He didn’t have a lot of running room as the Redskins created just 1.78 yards before contact, fifth worst. The Colts run defense, however, is nothing special as they allowed 5.6 yards per carry to Joe Mixon. Peterson should once again see plenty of carries in a game the Redskins are favored in, and is a solid RB2 start in all formats.
Josh Doctson (WR, WAS)
Paul Richardson led all Washington receivers with six targets while Doctson had just three, but Richardson is out with a shoulder injury which should give Doctson a nice bump. The matchup for Doctson is fine as the Colts outside corners Pierre Desir and Nate Hairston graded very poorly. Doctson is in the WR3 discussion due to the increased volume he should see.
Jordan Reed (TE, WAS)
Despite playing limited snaps, Reed was targeted five times in Week 1 and caught four passes for 48 yards with a touchdown. He was targeted twice in the red zone including once inside the 10. The matchup against the Colts defense is nothing to worry about, and Reed will likely get even more playing time in Week 2. He is a locked-in TE1.
Texans at Titans
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Deshaun Watson (QB, HOU)
Unlike the Watson we saw in 2017, he looked like a rookie in his first start in 2018. Perhaps it was the rust from his injury, but Watson only completed half of his 34 attempts for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Playing behind arguably the worst offensive line in football, Watson faced a pressure on 7% of snaps, highest in the league. The Titans generated pressure on 12.1% of snaps, middle of the pack, but strong enough that they should be able to get to Watson. The Titans feature a strong secondary as well and should make things tough on the receivers. Considering where you drafted him you can’t bench him, but you should once again temper expectations.
Derrick Henry (RB, TEN)
Henry only had 10 of his team’s 26 running back carries, and just one of nine targets. He did get one carry inside the 10, but gave way to Dion Lewis when the team got inside the five. Henry must now face a Texans defense that allowed just 1.46 yards before contact to the Patriots, third best. With such a low share of carries, and an iffy goal-line role, Henry is a tough start in any format.
Other Matchups:
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU), Will Fuller (WR, HOU)
Much like last year, Hopkins was a target machine logging 13 in Week 1 for a 35% target share. The matchup this week is not a cushy one, as the Titans corners are strong across the board, especially outside corners Jackson and Butler. Still, Hopkins is one of the game’s best and should once again see tons of volume. He is an easy WR1 in all formats. Fuller missed last week but is ready to go. His big-play ability gives him tons of upside, but he comes with plenty of risks as well.
Lamar Miller (RB, HOU)
Miller handled 20 of 25 running back carries, and got both running back targets, but was vultured by Alfred Blue at the goal line. Still, it is encouraging to see Miller getting so much work and he draws a decent matchup against a Titans front that allowed 1.74 yards before contact, 13th worst. If he isn’t getting goal-line work or more targets, his upside will be limited, but he is still an RB2 on volume alone.
Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)
Speaking of looking bad, Mariota had a debut to forget. He left the game with an elbow injury and completed just nine of 16 passes for 103 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He could also be without Taylor Lewan, the team’s best pass blocker. Houston got pressure on 13% of snaps, 10th best. The Texans secondary is forgettable and could be what saves Mariota’s day. We would prefer not to start him if possible, but things should certainly be better than last week.
Dion Lewis (RB, TEN)
Lewis had 16 of the teams 26 running back carries, and had eight of nine targets. He also got the team’s only carry inside the five-yard line. While the matchup on the ground is not great, Lewis should be able to do enough damage through the air. Last week, James White posted a 4/38/1 line against the Texans defense. Lewis is an RB2 and has decent upside in PPR formats.
Corey Davis (WR, TEN)
The good news, Davis saw 14 targets and a 35% target share. The bad news, he could only parlay that into a 6/62 line. He did see three red-zone targets, however, including two inside the ten, so touchdowns should be coming. Unfortunately, like 2017, Davis is reportedly dealing with a hamstring injury. He was limited by a hamstring in all of 2017, and this would be a big blow. If healthy, he will draw a good matchup against the Texans outside corners that allowed 1.8 and 1.55 yards per route covered, 12th and 24th worst. With the injury to Delanie Walker, Davis should continue to see all the targets he can handle and is a solid start in all formats.
Jonnu Smith (TE, TEN)
With Delanie Walker out for the season, Smith appears to be the guy. He had four targets in Walker’s absence and should see plenty of targets in this passing game. The matchup isn’t great as the Texans typically do well against tight ends (Rob Gronkowski notwithstanding), but he makes for a decent start based on opportunity.
Eagles at Buccaneers
Matchups We Love:
Nick Foles (QB, PHI)
Foles looked terrible in the preseason, and that continued into Week 1 against the Falcons when he completed just 19 of 34 passes for just 117 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. But things are looking up as he gets a Tampa Bay defense that generated pressure on just 11.8% of snaps (8th worst) and whose secondary is decimated. Brent Grimes will likely be out with a groin injury, and Vernon Hargreaves season is over. If Foles can’t do it this week, it just isn’t gonna happen.
Nelson Agholor (WR, PHI)
Move over Jarvis Landry, there is a new PPR monster in town. Agholor led the team with 10 targets and eight catches in Week 1, but had just 33 yards and posted only 58 air yards. With Alshon Jeffery expected to miss another week, he should get plenty of work again in this one and draws a plus matchup against slot corner M.J. Stewart, who allowed 2.07 yards per route covered (4th worst). Agholor was not targeted in the red zone, and his possession style limits his ceiling, but he has as safe a floor as anyone in this matchup.
Mike Wallace (WR, PHI)
Wallace didn’t catch any of his three targets in Week 1, but he led the team with 109 air yards. With no Grimes and no Hargreaves, Wallace will be playing against backups and has a chance to blow up in this one. He’s a boom/bust flex option and a great GPP play.
Mike Evans (WR, TAM)
Did you see what Julio Jones did to this secondary group last week? Evans looked fantastic against one of the game’s best corners in Marshon Lattimore a week ago, and should have little trouble against the likes of Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby. Evans led the team with eight targets and was second to DeSean Jackson with 107 air yards. With Jackson likely to miss with a concussion, Evans should be in line for even more work and is a locked-in WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
O.J. Howard (TE, TAM), Cameron Brate (TE, TAM)
Howard and Brate combined for just four targets and 48 air yards, and Fitzpatrick has never been one to target tight ends heavily. Brate did get one red zone target, albeit outside the 10-yard line, but neither offers much upside in this one. With the Eagles being better than average against tight ends both should be left on benches.
Other Matchups:
Jay Ajayi (RB, PHI)
Despite not getting a carry in the first quarter, Ajayi led the Eagles running backs with 15 carries out of 25, though he did not register a target. He also had the teams only carry inside the five. Tampa Bay is pretty good against the run, yielding just 1.59 yards before contact (11th best) and just held Alvin Kamara to 3.6 YPC. The Eagles run blocking is elite though, ranking second in yards before contact, and they should win the battle. Ajayi is a solid RB2 in all formats.
Corey Clement (RB, PHI)
Sproles handled just five carries and was not targeted in Week 1, but with Darren Sproles out he should operate as the pass-catching back and gets a good matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that gave up nine catches, 112 yards and a score to Alvin Kamara through the air. Clement is no Kamara, but in a plus matchup, he makes for a solid PPR flex.
Zach Ertz (TE, PHI)
Ertz stat-line didn’t stand out in Week 1, but he tied for the team-lead in targets (10) and was second in air yards (78). He also had one of the team’s three red zone targets. He gets a good matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that is somewhat friendly to tight ends. Ertz should be better this week and is a locked-in TE1.
Ryan Fitzpatrick (QB, TAM)
I know, we all saw him light up the Saints, but this isn’t the Saints. The Eagles generated pressure on 16.2% of snaps, tops in the league. Their secondary is good but not great, so he will still have chances, but don’t expect a repeat of last week.
Peyton Barber (RB, TAM)
Barber handled all but two of the team’s running back carries, but was not targeted in their Week 1 win. He did have three red zone carries, however, including the only carry inside the five, so he remains locked into the early down/goal line role. The Eagles, despite having a strong front seven, is a better pass rushing unit than a run-stopping unit, and the Tampa Bay offensive line should be able to hold their own. Barber is a touchdown-dependent RB2 based on volume.
DeSean Jackson (WR, TAM), Chris Godwin (WR, TAM)
Jackson caught all five of his targets for 117 yards and two touchdowns, while Godwin caught three of four targets, for 41 yards and a touchdown. Both Jackson and Godwin have decent matchups and make for high-upside WR3 types.
Chiefs at Steelers
Matchups We Love:
Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)
Coming off a five-turnover game on the road in Cleveland, Roethlisberger gets a dream get-right matchup at home against the Chiefs. Philip Rivers just torched this defense for 434 yards and three touchdowns, and Roethlisberger always plays better at home. Roethlisberger is an easy start.
James Conner (RB, PIT)
Only one running back played every snap and handled 100% of their team’s running back touches, and that was James Conner. With Le’Veon Bell nowhere to be found, Conner is locked in as the lead back once again. The Chiefs front is not nearly as good as Cleveland’s, and Melvin Gordon and Austin Ekeler torched them for 18 catches, 189 yards, and a score through the air in Week 1. Conner is a locked-in top-5 RB in all formats.
Antonio Brown (WR, PIT)
Brown could be a “love” almost every week, but especially when he faces a Chiefs defense that gave up a 8/108/1 line to Keenan Allen a week ago. The Chiefs best corner, Kendall Fuller, played 93% of his snaps in the slot last week, and Brown only went to the slot on 14% of his snaps. The Chiefs other corners are no match and he should have his way. He has a real shot at ending the week as the overall WR1.
Matchups We Hate:
Juju Smith-Schuster (WR, PIT)
Smith-Schuster showed no signs of a sophomore slump, turning eight targets into five catches and 119 yards in Week 1. But he draws a tough matchup against slot corner Kendall Fuller, who allowed just 0.88 yards per route covered (10th fewest among corners). He also graded a 90.1 according to Pro Football Focus. You can’t bench Smith-Schuster, but in this matchup, he has to be considered more of a WR3.
Other Matchups:
Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC)
Mahomes lit up the Chargers defense to the tune of 256 yards and four touchdowns and looked all the world like the real deal. The Chargers were without Joey Bosa and were only able to generate pressure on 11% of snaps (8th fewest). The Steelers, meanwhile, generated a pressure on 12.9% of snaps (11th most). The Steelers also have a good secondary, but corner Joe Haden is dealing with a hamstring injury and will not suit up. Regardless, this is by no means a daunting matchup and Mahomes should have plenty of success in this one.
Kareem Hunt (RB, KC)
The threat to Hunt’s workload from the likes of Spencer Ware and Damien Williams seem to be overblown, as he handled 16 of 19 running back carries. Unfortunately, he was only targeted once and did not have any red zone carries as Mahomes ran the ball twice inside the five and had no desire to check the ball down to his running back. The matchup with the Steelers front is fine and he should have room to run, but the lack of targets and goal-line work is a concern at the moment. Still, he has to be considered a low-end RB1 for at least another week.
Tyreek Hill (WR, KC), Sammy Watkins (WR, KC)
Hill picked up right where he left off in 2017, turning 10 targets into nine catches for 169 yards and two scores while adding another score on special teams. The Chargers have a very good secondary, and he faces another very good one this week. Hill seems matchup proof, however, and despite the less than ideal spot, he is a must-start WR1 with tremendous upside. Watkins was second among receivers with five targets, but had just three catches for 21 yards and an extremely disappointing 27 air yards. Mahomes seems to only have eyes for Hill, and Watkins can’t be considered more than a desperation flex play.
Travis Kelce (TE, KC)
Kelce was among many disappointing performances at the tight end position, hauling in just one of six targets for six yards. On the plus side, he had an extremely impressive 92 air yards. The Steelers are not overly generous to tight ends, but we’d expect a bounce-back this week. He remains a locked-in TE1.
Vance McDonald (TE, PIT)
McDonald did not play in Week 1 with a foot injury, but should be ready to go this week. The matchup isn’t bad, but coming off a foot injury is always risky. Plus Jesse James may remain involved. It would be better to bench him one week before rolling him out if you can.
Dolphins at Jets
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Ryan Tannehill (QB, MIA)
Despite the Jets making the Lions offense, and Matthew Stafford in particular, look terrible a week ago, this is not a defense to fear. They only were able to generate a pressure on 9.9% of snaps (5th fewest), and we’re still not sold on this secondary. Even though he threw two interceptions a week ago, Tannehill was efficient and makes for a fine QB2 start.
Kenyan Drake (RB, MIA), Frank Gore (RB, MIA)
Drake had 14 of the Dolphins 23 running back carries (61%) and all four of the running back targets. He also had two red zone carries including one inside the 10, and despite the presence of Gore, Drake has a solid role in the team’s backfield. The Dolphins offensive line created 2.03 yards before contact, and the Jets rank in the middle defensively, so Drake should be just fine in this one. Gore does limit his upside somewhat, but he is still a solid start. Gore, meanwhile, had only nine carries (39%) but did have two red zone carries and also one inside the 10. Still, with such a limited role he shouldn’t be started in any format.
Kenny Stills (WR, MIA), Devante Parker (WR, MIA)
Stills only had five targets in Week 1, but he made the most of them with four catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins lined him up all over the field as they were missing Devante Parker. Parker was a full participant in practice, however, and appears ready to play in Week 2. There is no matchup that should scare Stills owners, and he is a high-upside WR3 play. Parker, meanwhile, is a risky start coming off injury until we see how the team plans on using him.
Danny Amendola (WR, MIA), Albert Wilson (WR, MIA), Jakeem Grant (WR, MIA)
With the return of Parker, Grant, who led the Dolphins in targets a week ago, will likely see a reduced role. Meanwhile, Amendola and Wilson will likely split snaps out of the slot, though Stills will get his share as well. None of these receivers can be trusted with the return of Parker.
Sam Darnold (QB, NYJ)
Darnold had an auspicious debut with a pick-six on his very first NFL throw, but went on to have a very productive day throwing for 198 yards and two touchdowns. The Dolphins are by no means a tough spot, and outside of slot corner Minkah Fitzpatrick, aren’t very strong in the secondary. Still, Darnold is just a rookie and starting him comes with considerable risk. He has to be considered a low-end QB2.
Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ), Isaiah Crowell (RB, NYJ)
Powell out-carried Crowell just 12 to 10, but did have the team’s only two running back targets in Week 1. Crowell had all four red zone carries, however, including one inside the 10, and scored two touchdowns including a big 62-yard run. The matchup against the Dolphins is fine, but this looks like a full split backfield making either tough to trust. Crowell offers more upside than Powell due to his red zone work, but Powell offers a safer floor, especially in PPR.
Quincy Enunwa (WR, NYJ)
Enunwa was clearly Darnold’s favorite target in Week 1, as he was targeted 10 times on Darnold’s 21 attempts including three in the red zone. He turned those targets into six catches for 63 yards and a score. Enunwa played from the slot on 67% of his snaps, but with Jermaine Kearse back he could get pushed outside more. That may be a good thing, however, as slot corner Minkah Fitzpatrick looked great in Week 1 and is really the only Dolphins corner to be concerned with. While we shouldn’t expect a repeat of Week 1 for Enunwa, Darnold is obviously comfortable with him and he is a safe start.
Robby Anderson (WR, NYJ)
With Darnold looking at Enunwa early and often, Anderson was relegated to just one target. Luckily he caught it for a 41-yard touchdown to save his day. The matchup for Anderson is good, he should have chances against this secondary, but he’s likely going to need to hit one or two big plays to pay off again. He is a high-upside, risky start in Week 2.
Mike Gesicki (TE, MIA)
Gesicki was targeted just twice, but both were in the red zone and one was inside the 10. The Jets do a decent job against tight ends, and Gesicki can’t be considered more than a touchdown-dependent TE2.
Chargers at Bills
Matchups We Love:
Philip Rivers (QB, LAC)
Rivers torched the Chiefs in Week 1 for 424 yards and three touchdowns, and it could have been 500 yards and five touchdowns if not for numerous drops. Now he gets a Bills defense that gave up 236 yards and three touchdowns to Joe Flacco. Rivers has tons of upside once again, fire him up with confidence.
Keenan Allen (WR, LAC)
Allen led all Chargers receivers with 11 targets and hauled in eight catches for 108 yards and a score against a weak Chiefs secondary. He should once again find plenty of space against the Bills this week. Only playing 21% of his snaps on the right, he will avoid the Bills only good corner Tre’Davious White, and should have his way against Phillip Gaines and Taron Johnson.
LeSean McCoy (RB, BUF)
McCoy only handled seven of the team’s 16 running back carries (44%) and just three of five targets (60%) but should be in for more work. The Chargers, missing Joey Bosa, allowed the most yards before contact in Week 1 at 2.17 and the Bills created 1.9, 13th best. McCoy’s upside is limited by the offense, but he should be able to find success on the ground. He can be considered an RB2.
Matchups We Hate:
Kelvin Benjamin (WR, BUF)
Benjamin led the Bills with eight targets and 195 air yards, but had only one catch for 10 yards. Benjamin owners need to hope Allen is better than Peterman, but regardless the matchup for Benjamin is tough. Despite what Tyreek Hill did a week ago, the Chargers outside corner Casey Hayward is one of the game’s best, and Trevor Williams is very good in his own right. Benjamin is a low upside, risky start in all formats.
Other Matchups:
Melvin Gordon (RB, LAC), Austin Ekeler (RB, LAC)
Gordon handled 15 of 21 running back carries (71%), 13 of 18 targets (72%) and had one red zone target. He should be in line for another big role in a game the Chargers should win easily. The Bills defensive line is actually not bad, but he should have plenty of opportunity in this one and is a locked-in RB1. Ekeler had five carries (24%) and five targets (28%) but made the most of them with five catches for 87 yards and a score. Ekeler was a popular waiver add this week, but remains nothing more than a deep league, PPR flex play.
Mike Williams (WR, LAC), Tyrell Williams (WR, LAC)
With Travis Benjamin spotted in a walking boot, it appears Tyrell and Mike will handle the receiving duties alongside Keenan Allen. Last week Mike Williams had six targets, five catches, 81 yards while Tyrell Williams had five targets, two catches and just eight yards, but had a couple drops or it could have been better. Both will get chances against Phillip Gaines who allowed 1.75 yards per route covered (15th worst). Both can be considered WR3/Flex plays, especially if Benjamin is out.
Antonio Gates (TE, LAC)
Gates was targeted only three times in Week 1, and had just two catches for 16 yards, and was not targeted in the red zone. He gets a tough matchup against a Bills defense that does well against tight ends. He is a touchdown-dependent, low-end TE2 play.
Josh Allen (QB, BUF)
Allen will be making his NFL debut, and though the Chargers were torched by a gunslinger in Patrick Mahomes just last week, Allen will have a much tougher time. On the plus side, stud pass rusher Joey Bosa is out again, and with Bosa out the Chargers were only able to get a pressure on 10% of snaps (tied for 6th fewest). The Bills offensive line is not good, however, and we’d expect more pressure on Allen. And despite the fact that Tyreek Hill had little trouble against this secondary, they still have good corners all over the field and the Bills receiving corps is weak at best. Allen is an extremely risky start in any format.
Charles Clay (TE, BUF)
Clay was targeted just twice in Week 1 and did not catch a pass. With Allen under center, it remains to be seen how he will be targeted. It’s better just to avoid him in this low-ceiling offense until we see him in action with Allen for a full 60 minutes.
Vikings at Packers
Matchups We Love:
Randall Cobb (WR, GB)
Cobb led all Packers with 10 targets, and took a short slant to the house for the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Cobb hauled in nine catches, 142 yards, and a score, and gets the best matchup against slot corner Mike Hughes. Hughes allowed 1.73 yards per route covered, 17th worst. Cobb should be considered a WR2, especially in PPR formats.
Matchups We Hate:
Aaron Rodgers (QB, GB)
Rodgers came back from what looked like a serious knee injury to lead the Packers back from 20 points down in the second half. He took almost every snap out of the shotgun and had next to no mobility, which will be a big issue against a Vikings front that got pressure on 14.1% of snaps (4th best). The Vikings also have a strong secondary that should make open receivers scarce. You can’t bench Rodgers, and he is good enough to overcome this matchup, but you should temper expectations.
Jamaal Williams (RB, GB)
Williams handled 15 of 17 running back carries in Week 1 (88%), got two of five targets (40%), plus one carry inside the 10. Unfortunately, he was facing a stout Bears defense and could only muster 47 yards on the ground and did not catch a pass. He is up against another stout run defense in the Vikings, who held the 49ers to 1.46 yards before contact, third best. Williams should once again handle the bulk of the carries, but running room will be hard to find.
Other Matchups:
Kirk Cousins (QB, MIN)
Cousins looked great in his Vikings debut, throwing for 244 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. The Packers secondary is better than in years past, but it shouldn’t be enough shut down the Vikings great receivers. Cousins should be a solid top-10 option this week.
Dalvin Cook (RB, MIN)
In Cook’s first game since tearing his ACL, the Vikings did not hold him back, giving him 16 of 27 running back carries (59%) and all seven targets. He also handled two red zone carries including the only carry inside the 10. Green Bay has a strong run defense, holding the Bears to just 1.46 yards before contact in Week 1 (fourth best) but his work in the passing game keeps him a solid start despite the matchup.
Adam Thielen (WR, MIN)
Thielen led the Vikings with 12 targets and 157 air yards, and caught six passes for 102 yards in the team’s Week 1 win over the 49ers. Playing primarily from the slot, as he did a year ago, he gets just an OK matchup against slot corner Jaire Alexander who graded at 78.5 in Week 1. Still, Thielen should win the battle most times, and is a solid WR1 start.
Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN)
Diggs finished third on the team with six targets in Week 1 and caught three passes for 43 yards and a score. Playing 50% of his snaps on the right, he will see plenty of the Packers best corner, Tramon Williams, but will get chances against Kevin King as well. Diggs offers plenty of weekly upside and is a solid start in this matchup.
Kyle Rudolph (TE, MIN)
Rudolph was only targeted twice last week and didn’t see his first target until five minutes left in the third quarter, but he made the most of it with an 11-yard touchdown catch. His usage is concerning, however, as Cousins appears to prefer the receivers. The Packers are not a tough matchup for tight ends, but unless he sees more volume he’ll remain a touchdown-dependent play.
Davante Adams (WR, GB), Geronimo Allison (WR, GB)
Adams had eight targets in Week 1 and two red zone targets; he also caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown. Adams will spend a lot of time being covered by stud corner Xavier Rhodes, but he will also get chances against Trae Waynes. While the matchup isn’t ideal, he should still be considered a low-end WR1. Allison also had eight targets, five catches, and a score and is the clear number two opposite Adams. This isn’t an ideal spot and he has to be considered more of a flex start.
Jimmy Graham (TE, GB)
Graham only had two catches for eight yards on four targets in Week 1 and was not targeted in the red zone. The Vikings are normally a tough matchup for tight ends, but George Kittle just went for 5/90 against them, so we’re giving Graham a chance. Still, he needs more volume and red zone looks to really pay off.
Browns at Saints
Matchups We Love:
Benjamin Watson (TE, NO)
Old man Watson had five targets in Week 1, catching all five for 49 yards. He was also targeted once in the red zone. He gets one of the week’s best matchups against Cleveland, who just gave up a 3/60 to Jesse James and has been historically bad against tight ends due to Greg Williams playing his safeties 30 yards off the ball. Watson makes for a great streaming option this week and is a fringe TE1.
Matchups We Hate:
Tyrod Taylor (QB, CLE)
I know, people see what Ryan Fitzpatrick did to this defense last week and think Taylor is a great play, but this is still a loaded defense with tons of talent. They generated pressure on 12.2% of snaps in Week 1, and have strong defensive backs at every level. Taylor can always add points with his legs, but he struggled through the air last week and expect he will again.
Carlos Hyde (RB, CLE)
Hyde handled 22 of Cleveland’s 30 running back carries (73%) and added two targets and the team’s only carry inside the five. The Saints held Tampa Bay to just 1.54 yards before contact in Week 1 (sixth best) and Hyde will likely need volume and goal-line looks to pay off again.
Josh Gordon (QB, CLE)
Despite Hue Jackson saying they would limit Gordon’s snaps in Week 1, they didn’t, but he was only targeted three times. His one catch went for a 17-yard touchdown to save his day, and he’ll need something like that again this week as he faces shadow coverage from Marshon Lattimore. Yes, Mike Evans had a great game last week, but I am giving Lattimore the benefit of the doubt and think he will be much better.
UPDATE: Josh Gordon is expected to be released by the Browns on Monday, or possibly traded, and will not be playing in Week 2.
Other Matchups:
Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)
Johnson saw six targets in Week 1, but only caught one for eight yards, while carrying the ball just five times. With Hyde locked in as early down, Johnson needs volume in the passing game to have value. He’s a flex in PPR formats.
Jarvis Landry (WR, CLE)
Landry had a ridiculous 16 targets and 223 air yards in Week 1, shedding the knock that he only runs short routes. He caught eight of those targets for 116 yards. Running 65% of his routes from the slot, he’ll match up against Patrick Robinson. Robinson is good, but Landry should have enough chances. He is a solid start in all formats.
David Njoku (TE, CLE)
After a scorching preseason, Njoku caught only three passes for 13 yards in Week 1. But he was targeted seven times. He should be in for a better day against a Saints defense that is somewhat friendly to tight ends. He makes for a fringe TE1 play with touchdown upside.
Drew Brees (QB, NO)
Playing from behind most of the game, Brees threw for 439 yards and three touchdowns in a Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay. Now they get a Browns team that generated pressure on 13.1% of snaps (8th best) and have a decent secondary. Still, Brees is one of the best and makes for a solid top-10 option this week.
Alvin Kamara (RB, NO)
Playing from behind, the Saints running backs only handled nine carries in Week 1, but Kamara had eight of them (88%). He had all 12 running back targets, one carry inside the five and five red zone targets including one inside the 10. Despite James Conner’s big day last week, the Browns rush defense did well holding him to 1.54 yards before contact, sixth best. Of course, Kamara will do plenty of damage in the passing game and is a locked-in RB1.
Michael Thomas (WR, NO)
Thomas had a monster Week 1, with 17 catches, 190 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. He also had three red zone targets including two inside the 10. Thomas lines up on the left 45% of snaps, which will give him plenty of chances against the Browns worst corner, Terrance Mitchell. He’ll still have to contend with rookie Denzel Ward enough to make this not quite a smash spot, but Thomas is still a locked-in WR1.
Ted Ginn (WR, NO)
Ginn was second among receivers on the Saints with six targets, catching five for 68 yards and a score. He lines up all over the field and should get enough chances to make for a high-ceiling flex play.
4:00 PM EST Games
There are four games on the late schedule, including a rematch of last year's AFC Championship game that promises to be another slugfest.
Lions at 49ers
Matchups We Love:
Golden Tate (WR, DET)
Tate played 80% of his snaps from the slot, and led the Lions with 15 targets. He caught seven of them for 79 yards and a score, and now gets the 49ers who just gave up a 6/102 line to slot receiver Adam Thielen. Tate is a WR1, especially in PPR.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)
Stafford had one of his worst games as a pro, throwing for 286 yards with just one touchdown and four interceptions in a blowout loss to the Jets. He should be better this week against a 49ers defense that only generated pressure on 11.3% of snaps (ninth fewest), and features a good, but not great, secondary. Stafford is a fringe QB1 play.
Kerryon Johnson (RB, DET), LeGarrette Blount (RB, DET)
Behind most of the game, the Lions only ran the ball 13 times in Week 1, with Johnson getting five carries and Blount four. Blount did miss a good portion of the second half, though. As expected, Johnson and Blount are in an early down timeshare. Johnson did have three targets, but given the state of the Lions run game neither are very trustworthy. Johnson does get the slight edge due to passing game usage.
Theo Riddick (RB, DET)
In a game the Lions were forced to throw a ton in, Riddick had seven of the Lions 10 running back targets. He won’t always see that much work, however, and will be game script dependent. The 49ers are six-point favorites at home, so the Lions may be playing catch up again, but Riddick can’t be considered more than a low-end PPR flex.
Marvin Jones (WR, DET), Kenny Golladay (WR, DET)
Golladay played the most snaps of his career, and finished second on the team with 12 targets, finishing with seven catches for 114 yards. Jones, meanwhile, saw just eight targets and finished with a 4/54 line. LCB Richard Sherman looked good in Week 1 and will give whoever lines up on that side trouble. Stefon Diggs was held to just three catches for 43 yards in Week 1, but this is by no means a stay-away spot. Golladay and Jones should both be considered WR3’s at this point.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, SF)
Garoppolo suffered his first loss as a pro against a tough Vikings team and threw for just 261 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions. He is a much easier spot against a Lions defense that gave up two touchdowns to Sam Darnold and got pressure on just 9.1% of snaps, second fewest. Garoppolo is a solid start.
Alfred Morris (RB, SF), Matt Breida (RB, SF)
Morris started Week 1, but this was a full-blown committee as he had 12 carries and Breida had 11. Breida did have the teams only two running back targets, but Morris got all five of the team's red zone carries including three inside the five-yard line. The matchup with Detroit is by no means bad, but Morris can’t be considered more than a touchdown-dependent RB3, while Breida offers a decent floor but limited upside in PPR formats.
Pierre Garcon (WR, SF), Dante Pettis (WR, SF)
Marquise Goodwin left Week 1’s game early and appears to be out for Week 2. That should leave Garcon and Pettis on the outside. In Week 1 Garcon had seven targets while Pettis had 6, and both had over 100 air yards. With Garoppolo struggling each only caught two passes, but they should do better against the Lions. Yes, Darius Slay is on one side, but both should get enough chances away from him. Both are in the WR3 conversation this week.
George Kittle (TE, SF)
Kittle was Garoppolo’s favorite target in Week 1, seeing nine of them. He also led the team in catches (5), yards (90) and air yards (118). The matchup against Detroit is fine and Kittle should once again be used heavily. He’s a locked-in TE1.
Cardinals at Rams
Matchups We Love:
Ricky Seals-Jones (TE, ARI)
Jared Cook just torched the Rams to the tune of nine catches for 180 yards, as their elite corners appear to be creating a funnel defense for tight ends. Seals-Jones had six targets in Week 1, but caught only three for 39 yards. He should be in for a better day this week and is a viable streaming option for those hurting at the position.
Todd Gurley (RB, LAR)
Gurley was his usual self in Week 1, turning 20 carries into 108 yards and five targets into three catches and a touchdown. He handled all but three of the running back touches. He should remain an elite fantasy option again, as the Cardinals allowed 1.87 yards before contact, seventh worst. Fire him up with confidence.
Matchups We Hate:
Sam Bradford (QB, ARI)
Bradford was...not good in Week 1, throwing for just 153 yards and one interception. Now he gets a Rams defense that intercepted Carr three times and generated pressure on 12.7% of snaps. Bradford should not be started this week in any format.
David Johnson (RB, ARI)
Johnson’s usage in Week 1 was disappointing, as he saw just nine of 13 running back carries and targets (69%). Now he faces an elite Rams defense that held Marshawn Lynch and the Raiders running backs to just 1.43 yards before contact (2nd best). Johnson should still be considered an RB1, but owners should temper expectations.
Other Matchups:
Larry Fitzgerald (WR, ARI)
Running from the slot should help Fitzgerald in this one, but the Rams are loaded in the secondary and it still won’t be easy. Fitz turned 10 targets into seven catches for 76 yards in Week 1, but likely won’t repeat those numbers. Still, he can be considered a WR2.
Jared Goff (QB, LAR)
Goff only threw for 233 yards in the Week 1 win over the Raiders, but did have two touchdowns. He gets another good matchup against a Cardinals defense that could only generate pressure on 11.9% of snaps and has weaknesses in the secondary. Goff doesn’t offer a massive ceiling, but he is a solid start.
Brandin Cooks (WR, LAR), Robert Woods (WR, LAR)
Woods led the Rams with nine targets, but Cooks was close behind with eight. Woods only caught three of his passes for 37 yards, but led the team with 161 air yards. Cooks, meanwhile, caught five passes for 87 yards but had just 88 air yards. Cooks has the better matchup, as he plays away from Patrick Peterson 55% of his snaps, but both make for fine starts this week.
Cooper Kupp (WR, LAR)
Kupp gets the best of the matchups against safety turned slot corner Budda Baker. Kupp had five catches for 52 yards and a score on nine targets, and should once again be heavily involved. He is an upside WR2 play.
Patriots at Jaguars
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
Sony Michel (RB, NE), Rex Burkhead (RB, NE)
Michel looks on track to make his NFL debut, while Burkhead is recovering from a concussion and is questionable to play. Regardless, this is a tough spot. Yes, rookie Saquon Barkley put up 106 and a touchdown against them, but he had a 68-yard touchdown run. Other than that he was bottled up. The Jags held him to just 1.61 yards before contact, and neither Michel or Burkhead are on Barkley’s level. Best to leave them both on the bench this week.
Phillip Dorsett (WR, NE), Chris Hogan (WR, NE)
Dorsett finished second behind Gronk in targets with seven and caught all of them for 66 yards and a score. It was a breakout performance for Dorsett, who is clearly the team’s number two. Hogan, meanwhile, saw six targets and caught just one pass for 11 yards, though he did have 151 air yards. Regardless, the matchup for both against Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye is less than ideal, and both will likely need a touchdown to save their weeks.
Blake Bortles (QB, JAC)
Don’t look now, but the Patriots defense is back. They made DeShaun Watson look like a rookie in Week 1, and now Bortles will have to contend with them. The Patriots generated pressure on 12.3% of snaps, and their corners played at an elite level. Bortles could only muster 176 yards and one touchdown last week and is a tough start in any format.
Jacksonville Receivers
In Week 1 Dede Westbrook led the Jaguars with six targets, while Donte Moncrief had five and Keelan Cole had just four. Cole gets the worst of the matchups as he will be shadowed by Stephon Gilmore, but Moncrief against Eric Rowe is no walk in the park, nor is Westbrook against Patrick Chung. In such a low-volume offense, and with no clear number one, all should be avoided this week.
Other Matchups:
Tom Brady (QB, NE)
I know, it’s the Jaguars and you’re thinking of benching Brady. Well, don’t! Yes, this is an elite defense, but Brady is the best of all time. In last year’s playoffs, he went 26/38 for 290 yards and two touchdowns, despite not having Gronk for the entire second half. Sure, Brady may not have his usual upside, but he is still a top-5 QB even in a tough matchup.
James White (RB, NE)
With Sony Michel out for Week 1, White lead the Patriots running backs with nine targets, catching four for 38 yards and a touchdown. With Michel back in the mix, and Burkhead a possibility too, White will see a reduced role and can’t be considered more than a low-end flex in PPR formats.
Rob Gronkowski (TE, NE)
There is a chance Gronk could get shadowed by Jalen Ramsey, but whether he does or not he will have an advantage. This isn’t a smash spot by any means, but Gronk is matchup proof and is a weekly locked-in TE1.
T.J. Yeldon (RB, JAC)
With Fournette looking unlikely to play, Yeldon will get the start. Last week after Fournette left the game, Yeldon saw every running back touch for the Jaguars, Corey Grant was a non-factor. The Patriots run defense is middle of the pack, and the Jaguars feature a good run-blocking unit. Add in Yeldon’s skill as a pass catcher and he has to be seen as a high-end RB2 in this one.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (TE, JAC)
Seferian-Jenkins saw five targets in Week 1 and had a touchdown catch called back by penalty AGAIN. The Patriots are an OK matchup for tight ends, and Seferian-Jenkins makes for a decent option this week. He can be considered more of a TE2 with touchdown upside.
Raiders at Broncos
Matchups We Love:
Case Keenum (QB, DEN)
Keenum had a soft Week 1 matchup, and despite throwing three interceptions still managed 329 yards and three touchdowns. He gets another easy matchup as the Raiders generated almost no pressure last week, and their corners are average at best. Keenum makes for a great streaming option once again.
Demaryius Thomas (WR, DEN)
Thomas started slowly in Week 1, but ended the day with 10 targets, six catches, 63 yards and a touchdown against a bad Seattle secondary. He now gets the Raiders, who allowed an 8/124 line to the Rams outside receivers. Thomas has WR1 upside this week.
Emmanuel Sanders (WR, DEN)
Sanders torched the Seahawks slot corners, turning 11 targets into 10 catches for 135 yards and a score. Last week Rams slot receiver Cooper Kupp went for 5/52/1, and Sanders looks headed for another big game. He’s a high-upside WR2.
Jared Cook (TE, DEN)
Cook was one of the hottest waiver pickups after going off for 9/180 on 10 targets against the Rams and gets another soft matchup in the Broncos. Last week the Broncos gave up 3/105/1 to little known Will Dissly. Cook is in the TE1 discussion and brings a lot of upside into this one.
Matchups We Hate:
Derek Carr (QB, OAK)
Carr goes from one great pass rush to another, as he visits Denver this week. Last week, the Broncos generated a pressure on 13.6% of snaps, fifth best. Carr has never handled pressure well and looked timid last week often rushing to throw the ball away. If the pressure isn’t enough, the Broncos feature a stout secondary as well. Carr is barely a QB2 this week.
Other Matchups:
Marshawn Lynch (RB, OAK), Doug Martin (RB, OAK)
Lynch and Martin alternated series before they turned to Jalen Richard in comeback mode. Lynch out-carried Martin 11 to four and each had two targets. Lynch got the teams only three red zone carries as well, including two inside the 10. The Broncos did an adequate job against the Seahawks running backs, and with Lynch and Martin splitting neither can be considered more than an RB3, though Lynch is preferred of the two.
Jalen Richard (RB, OAK)
With the Raiders in comeback mode and Carr settling for dump-offs rather than give his receivers time to get open, Richard became a target machine. He saw 11 targets and caught nine passes for 55 yards. With the Raiders six-point underdogs on the road, they could once again be playing catch up. Still, Richard does not have a clear role in this offense and is nothing more than a very deep-league, PPR flex play.
Amari Cooper (WR, OAK)
Cooper was one of Week’s 1 biggest disappointment, seeing just three targets and catching only one pass for nine yards. The promise of being more involved never came to fruition, as he battled the Rams elite corners. Things don’t get much better this week as he’ll have to face off against Adam Jones and Bradley Robey. While the Broncos secondary is not as good as the Rams, it is still good, and Cooper can’t be considered more than a WR3 until we see him more involved.
Royce Freeman (RB, DEN), Phillip Lindsay (RB, DEN)
Freeman started for the Broncos, but the breakout star was undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay. Both Freeman and Lindsay had identical rushing lines, 15 carries for 71 yards, but Lindsay had two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown. This feels a lot like Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen circa 2017, so Freeman owners shouldn’t panic yet. Oakland allowed the eighth most yards before contact last week, so both should have plenty of room. Freeman can be considered an RB2 while Lindsay is a PPR flex play.
Jake Butt (TE, DEN)
Butt led the Broncos tight ends with four targets, two catches and 29 yards, but can’t be considered more than a fringe TE2 in a neutral matchup.
Sunday Night - Giants at Cowboys
Matchups We Love:
Saquon Barkley (RB, NYG)
Barkley overcame a tough Jaguars defense to rack up 108 yards and a touchdown, and handled all but two running back touches. The Cowboys run defense is not good, allowing 1.96 yards before contact, fourth worst. Barkley is a locked-in RB1.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Eli Manning (QB, NYG)
Manning was able to throw for 224 yards in a tough matchup with the Jaguars in Week 1, but could not find the end zone and was intercepted once. The Cowboys will be able to pressure Manning, which is always a good thing for defenses, as their 13.1% pressure rate ranked eighth last week. Their secondary is good but not great, and Manning will have chances. Still, he can’t be considered more than a low-end QB2.
Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, NYG)
Beckham was open early and often against the Jaguars elite secondary, but Manning missed him multiple times. Still, he turned 15 targets into 11 catches for 110 yards and gets a bit of a break this week against the Dallas corners. While they aren’t terrible, Beckham should have the advantage and is in store for another big game.
Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG)
Shepard finished second to Beckham with seven targets, catching five passes for 48 yards, and gets the better matchup against slot corner Anthony Brown. Shepard is a solid WR3 play.
Evan Engram (TE, NYG)
Engram took a backseat to Beckham, Shepard, and Barkley in Week 1, and this will likely be a theme for much of the season. He does get a fairly good matchup this week, as Greg Olsen was finding success against the Cowboys defense before his injury. With Engram not seeing the volume he saw a year ago, he can’t be considered more than a fringe TE1 even in a good matchup.
Dak Prescott (QB, DAL)
Prescott was miserable in Week 1, throwing for just 170 yards without a touchdown. The entire Cowboys offense looked bad. Luckily the Giants pass rush was non-existent, as they only generated a pressure on 8.9% of the snaps, fewest in the league. But Janoris Jenkins looks healthy, and Eli Apple played well, so the Cowboys receivers may struggle to get open. Prescott is barely on the QB2 radar.
Ezekiel Elliott (RB, DAL)
Elliott only had 15 carries in Week 1, but he had every running back touch including three catches. If he gets more involved in the passing game his ceiling will be massive. Unfortunately, his offense is putrid. Still, he gets a solid matchup this week against an average Giants run defense, and he should have plenty of chances. He is an easy top-5 RB play.
Cole Beasley (WR, DAL)
Prescott spread the ball around in Week 1, as only Beasley had more than five targets. He turned eight targets into seven catches for 73 yards and gets a good matchup again out of the slot. He is the only Cowboys receiver worth starting at the moment and is a solid flex play in PPR formats.
