Week 2 of the NFL season is here. Some of the duds from last week will become studs. Some of the surprises will flop. Who do we like this week? Check out our weekly Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 2.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Drew Brees – Brees struggled a bit last week, but he should put up huge numbers against New England. Alex Smith threw for 368 yards and four touchdowns last week. The Saints are at home. They may not win this game, but they’re going to put up a lot of points. Brees is a top-five fantasy quarterback for Week 2.
Dud: Alex Smith – Smith was amazing last week. Something tells me that performance was the outlier. Since when do the Chiefs throw the ball downfield? The Eagles’ secondary is a little banged up and that could help the Chiefs. Outside of that, I don’t see many positives about this matchup. Smith is a QB2 with a little upside heading into this matchup with Philadelphia.
Sleeper: Jared Goff – Goff was efficient last week throwing for 306 yards and a touchdown. He gets a very beatable Redskins team this week. The Rams have offensive pieces with Sammy Watkins, Cooper Kupp and Todd Gurley. Don’t look now, but Goff may be a legitimate NFL quarterback. He’s a QB2 and a nice streaming option this week.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Ty Montgomery – Montgomery played 74 of 82 snaps last week. He is the every down back in Green Bay. They have a great matchup against the Falcons. Yes, Atlanta has speed on defense, but Aaron Rodgers threw for seven touchdowns against them last season. Montgomery should get used in the passing game, as well as on the ground. He’s an RB2, with high-upside this week.
Dud: Jonathan Stewart – Stewart out snapped Christian McCaffrey and was productive in Week 1. That should change this week against Buffalo. He may get the goal line carries, but he shouldn’t get more touches than McCaffrey moving forward. Stewart is a mid-range RB3 with bust-potential this week.
Sleeper: Rex Burkhead – It’s always risky starting New England running backs, but I feel good about Burkhead this week. He’s ahead of Dion Lewis on the depth chart and the Patriots’ wide receiver room is plagued by injuries. Burkhead is a sneaky sleeper, especially in PPR leagues. The Patriots could move him around and find a way to get him in space against a poor Saints’ defense. Burkhead is a RB3 with upside this week, despite only playing in 10 out of 81 snaps in Week 1. He’s a risk in daily formats, but his low cost makes him a sneaky flex option.
MORE WEEK 2 ADVICE:
- GSI Cheat Sheet – Rankings
- Listen: Weekly Fantasy Segment on ESPN 1530
- FOX19 Fantasy Friday: Week 2 Lineup Advice
- Week 2 Podcast – Fantasy Happy Hour
- Office Pool Picks: Week 2
WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Larry Fitzgerald – Fitzgerald was solid last week against the Lions finishing with six receptions for 74 yards. I think Carson Palmer will lean on him in this week’s matchup against the Colts. David Johnson is out and that means Arizona will pass more than normal. Indianapolis’ defense wasn’t impressive last week. Fitzgerald should have a big day.
Dud: Kenny Golladay – Golladay was a popular waiver wire add after scoring two touchdowns last week. He’s a solid bench player, but fantasy owners should leave him there this week against the Giants. Matthew Stafford didn’t throw a touchdown against the Giants last season and their defense is one of the best in the NFL. Golladay is a threat to score a red zone touchdown, but he won’t get many targets. Golden Tate and Marvin Jones should get more looks.
Sleeper: Tyrell Williams – Williams was solid last week against the Broncos. He has boom potential this week against the Dolphins. He was second on the team in targets last week and should get a few chances to make big plays downfield. He’s a WR3 with upside this week.
TIGHT END
Stud: Rob Gronkowkski – Gronk is only on this list because he struggled in Week 1. He will get back on track this week against a poor Saints’ defense. New Orleans gave up a touchdown to Kyle Rudolph last week. I expect 6-8 receptions, multiple big plays and a Gronk spike in the end zone. Don’t hesitate this week. Make sure Gronkowski is in your lineups.
Dud: Jesse James – James had eight targets last week and two touchdowns. It’s encouraging for him, but fantasy owners should proceed with caution. He probably won’t get those opportunities on a weekly basis. Unless your desperate, leave James out of your lineups.
Sleeper: Jared Cook – Cook had five receptions last week. That number could go up against the lowly Jets. Charles Clay had a nice game against them last week. Cook is a nice streaming option at tight end and a good option in daily formats.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Oakland – This will be a common theme. Whatever defense is playing the Jets, will likely put up big numbers on defense. The Raiders should force multiple turnovers and they’re a top five fantasy defense at home.
Dud: Jacksonville – The Jaguars were great last week against Houston. They will slow down the Titans offense, but don’t expect Tennessee to turn the ball over like the Texans did. Jacksonville’s defense is still a solid play, but they’ll probably finish with single-digit points this week.
Sleeper: New York – The Giants struggled from a fantasy perspective last week against the Cowboys. They should force a few turnovers this week against Detroit. Don’t be afraid to plug them in this week.
