Eli Manning

Fantasy Football Week 2: Start or Sit?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 8, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Who should you start and who should you sit at each position in fantasy football Week 2 from the 2016 NFL season?

Some of you woke up Tuesday morning 1-0 and feeling pretty proud about your squad. Others, are ready to hit the panic button. Just remember, nobody won or lost a fantasy football championship after one week.

Some of you need to hit the waiver wire and make some adjustments. After that, it’ll be time to pinpoint the players on your team with the best opportunities to put up big points. Who are they?

I’m glad you asked.

This is Fantasy Football: Start or Sit Week 2 Edition. The same rules follow as last week. If you don’t know the rules, I’ll give you a quick rundown.

I’m going to give you some recommendations about the “not so obvious players”. If you have Ezekiel Elliott, you are starting him. Despite the horrible performance he had on Monday Night Football, you are starting Todd Gurley too.

The players I’m going to discuss are borderline fantasy starters for the week. They could be average/above average players who have excellent matchups. They also could be good players who have unfavorable matchups.

Once and awhile, I’ll recommend you bench a stud, but those are rare occasions. In those instances, I’ll go a little more in depth about my explanation and even give you some players to think about instead.

Ready? Cool beans.

Here are the Start/Sits for fantasy football Week 2.

Aug 20, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks to throw a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Start

Eli Manning, New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints – There’s a good chance if you own a position player going up against the Saints, you’re starting him/them. Last week, Derek Carr finished with 319 passing yards, one touchdown, and one two-point conversion. The best player in the Saints secondary, Delvin Breaux, broke his leg and will obviously be out for awhile. Eli Manning threw three touchdowns in Week 1 and very well could do it again in Week 2.

Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – In Week 1 the Buccaneers secondary let Matt Ryan look like a fantasy stud which he’s isn’t. Palmer, who was a fantasy stud most of last year is coming off a game where he threw for 271 yards and 2 touchdowns. Palmer is almost a lock to go over 300 yards and he should throw anywhere between two and four touchdowns on Sunday.

Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons – Last week I recommended Carr and he finished as a top eight or nine QB (depending on scoring system). This week he faces a Falcons defense that gave up nearly 300 passing yards and four touchdown passes to Jameis Winston. In a favorable matchup, let’s ride this hot hand.

Sit

Alex Smith, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans – I know Smith was a fantasy star last week and finished as a top-three QB. However, do not expect lightning to strike twice in this matchup. If I’m a betting man, I’m saying Smith’s Week 1 fantasy performance will be his highest of the season.

Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets – It was an ugly sight for Taylor owners last week as he only managed 111 yards through the air and no touchdowns. It’s been speculated the Bills No.1 receiver, Sammy Watkins, isn’t 100 percent healthy. As much as I love me some “Tygod,” it’s better for owners to bench him this week.

Jimmy Garoppolo, New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins – Before Week 1 it looked like Jimmy G was going to be a popular streaming option against the Dolphins in Week 2. Then in Week 1 the Dolphins defense held Russell Wilson in check. The Dolphins surprising performance could roll over in Week 2. Garoppolo doesn’t deserve the benefit of the doubt with no track record.

JACKSONVILLE, FL – SEPTEMBER 11: T.J. Yeldon

Running Backs

Start

T.J. Yeldon, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Diego Chargers – With Chris Ivory out, Yeldon was able to combine for 25 touches, 69 yards, and one touchdown. Yeldon’s matchup this week against the Chargers is a lot more favorable. If Ivory is out for the second straight week, Yeldon is a must a start. Be aware I’m writing this on a Thursday. If Ivory is active and plays Sunday, Yeldon’s “must start” status takes a hit.

C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts – Despite the tough matchup on paper, Anderson was stud last week against the Panthers. This week, he faces a depleted Colts defense. Look for him to go over 100 total yards.

Rashad Jennings, New York Giants, vs. New Orleans Saints – Jennings had an okay game in Week 1 with 78 total yards on 19 touches. If he found the end zone, it would have been solid outing. It’ll be a surprise if he doesn’t go over 100 total yards and/or find the end zone against a terrible Saints defense.

Sit

Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans – The Titans were able to shutdown Adrian Peterson (19 carries, 31 yards) last week. Unlike the Vikings, the Lions passing game should help open running lames. However, I’m not sold on Abdullah. Not to mention, he will also lose 10-12 touches to teammate Theo Riddick.

Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers – Todd Gurley had nowhere to run against the 49ers on Monday Night Football. The Panthers have a much better passing game which should help Stewart. However, if/when the Panthers get to the red zone, there’s a good chance either Cam Newton or Mike Tolbert vulture the touchdown.

Frank Gore, Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos – Gore was victim of game flow last week due to how bad the Colts defense is. It wouldn’t be a surprise if it happens again this week. Even if it doesn’t, there won’t be much room to run against the Broncos. Gore’s only hope for a decent fantasy day is falling into the end zone. I’m guessing he doesn’t do that.

Sep 11, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) celebrates in from of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Brown (30) after catching a touchdown pass at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

Wide Receivers

Start

Sterling Shepard, New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints – I think you know the trend by now: the Saints defense is horrible, so attack it. Shepard was able to find the endzone last week and it wouldn’t be a shock if he does it again. Either way, he should easily surpass the 43 receiving yards he finished with in Week 1.

Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – It can be tough some weeks trying to figure out which Arizona receiver is going to get fed. However, Fitzgerald and Carson Palmer have the best connection of the bunch. Last week, both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu scored a touchdown against the Buccaneers. Be sure to put the future Hall of Famer in your lineup.

Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts – Matthew Stafford torched the Colts defense for 340 yards and three touchdowns. I understand Trevor Siemian isn’t Stafford, but he’s more than capable of getting the ball to Sanders. With Demaryius Thomas dealing with a hip injury, Sanders could lead the team in targets and receptions.

Sit

Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets – This has nothing to do with “Revis Island” but more about Watkins’ health. It appears he’s not 100 percent and he’s having issues with foot he had surgery on. Even if Watkins is active, he should remain on your bench.

Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks vs. L.A. Rams – He’s simply too boom-or-bust for me right now. In Week 2, bye weeks haven’t kicked in and most owners have a healthy roster from top to bottom. There are better options out there.

Golden Tate, Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans – Last year, the Titans defense finished 7th in passing yards per game. Last week, they didn’t allow a single touchdown to the Minnesota Vikings. In Week 1 Tate only managed 41 yards in a great matchup. No thanks.

NASHVILLE, TN – DECEMBER 6: Delanie Walker

Tight Ends

Start

Delanie Walker, Tennessee Titans vs. Detroit Lions – Last weeks the Lions gave up three touchdowns to the Colts tight ends. Walker could lead the team in targets on Sunday. He’s a must start.

Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants – Against the Cowboys in Week 1, the Giants defense allowed Jason Witten to catch nine balls for 66 yards. Fleener was a total bust last week but everyone was reminded how explosive the Saints offense can be. He’s worth the gamble this week.

Sit

Jesse James, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals – Last week I recommended James because I was confident he was going to see a good amount of targets. Although he did finish with seven targets and five receptions, they only went for 31 yards. He’s a touchdown boom-or-bust guy and I’m not willing to play that game this week against the Bengals.

Jared Cook, Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings – Last week was a total disaster, but I’m not willing to throw the towel in on Cook in season long leagues. However, going up against the Vikings defense I’m not starting him this week either.

BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 11: Timmy Jernigan

Defense/Special Teams

Start

Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns – Starting the Eagles D/ST against the Cleveland Browns worked out last week. The Ravens defense dominated the Bills who have a better offense than the Browns. Also, with Devin Hester returning kickoffs and punts he’s always a threat to take one of those to the house.

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills – The Bills offense looked out of sync last week and Sammy Watkins isn’t 100%. The Jets have a strong defense and now they are getting Sheldon Richardson back from a one game suspension.

Sit

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – Ben Roethlisberger and company have the ability to put up a 30-spot on any given week. I’m not rolling the dice with the Bengals in Week 2.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers – I love what the Vikings defense did last week and chances are, you’ll see games like that a few more times this year. However, I’m not going to bet against Aaron Rodgers.

Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick reacts during the game against the Green Bay Packers i the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Season-Long Record of Start/Sit

This week and every week I’ll be keeping track of my recommendations from the week before and total for the entire season. Keep in mind I’m not going to recommend ridiculously obvious players to sit or start just to pad my stats.

Could I tell you to bench Case Keenum and Blaine Gabbert every week? Yeah I guess I could.

Could I tell you to start Antonio Brown and Jordan Reed every week? Again, yeah I guess I could.

But how would that be helping you as you attempt to set the best lineup possible?

Week 1 QB Starts: Matthew Stafford, Derek Carr and Kirk Cousins – Stafford and Carr both did well while Cousins did not. Result: 2/3 correct

Week 1 QB Sits: Cam Newton, Philip Rivers and Ryan Tannehill – As expected, Cam did not turn in a Cam Newton-esk performance. I said he was a better play than most in deeper leagues, which he was. I told you to start either Carr, Stafford, Taylor, or Cousins over him instead. Two of those four quarterbackss out-performned Newton while the other two did not. If 3/4 out-performed Newton I would have given myself a “correct”. However, only 50 percent did so I’m going to take a “L” on that one. Result: 2/3 correct

Week 1 RB Starts: Rashad Jennings, Spencer Ware and Latavius Murray – Ware was one the best RBs last week. Murray found the endzone and totaled over 70 yards. Jennings had 75 yards rushing but with no touchdown, that isn’t good enough for me. Result: 2/3 correct

Week 1 RB Sits: Danny Woodhead, Thomas Rawls, Redskins RBs – Woodhead was a beast on Sunday against the Chiefs. The other two didn’t do diddly poo. Result: 2/3 correct

Week 1 WR Starts: Michael Crabtree, Doug Baldwin, Tyler Lockett and Marvin Jones – Crabtree (87 yards, 2-point conversion) Baldwin (92 yards, 1 TD) and Jones (85 receiving yards) all did their jobs. Lockett on the other hand, did not. Result: 3/4 correct

Week 1 WR Sits: Kelvin Benjamin, Jeremy Maclin and Julian Edelman – Both Benjamin and Maclin found the end zone and made a fool out of me. Edelman was held to 66 receiving yards. Result: 1/3 Correct

Week 1 TE Starts: Jesse James and Kyle Rudolph – What a brutal week for fantasy tight ends from top to bottom. Rudolph had the fourth-most receiving yards by any TE last week and his four receptions was tied for tenth most. James saw plenty of targets but the yards were not there. Result: 1/2 Correct

Week 1 TE Sits: New York Giants TEs and Zach Miller – Larry Donnell only had one reception but it went for a touchdown. Miller only had 14 receiving yards. Result: 1/2 Correct

Week 1 D/ST Starts: Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers – The Eagles were one of the best FF D/ST’s last week but the Packers fell short. Result: 1/2 Correct

Week 1 D/ST Sits: New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders – Both defenses were near the bottom of the barrel last week. Result: 2/2 Correct

Total Results: 17/27 = 63 percent