Week 1 was a weird start to the NFL season. Ryan Fitzpatrick and DeSean Jackson lit it up. Sam Darnold played like a veteran and the Steelers turned the ball over six times in Cleveland. This week should be slightly more normal, with plenty of good matchups. Check out our Studs, Duds and Sleepers for Week 2 below.
QUARTERBACKS
Stud: Tyrod Taylor – Taylor had a bad game last week and still scored the 7th most fantasy points among quarterbacks. The Saints allowed Ryan Fitzpatrick to rush for 36 yards last week. Last season New Orleans allowed 6.4 yards-per-carry to opposing quarterbacks, which led the league. Taylor is a QB1 this week and is a perfect streamer in daily leagues.
Dud: Aaron Rodgers – I’m not sitting Rodgers this week, but it’s hard to be excited about having him in your lineup. He’s dealing with a knee injury, his star wide receiver his dealing with a shoulder issue and the Packers are up against one of the best defenses in the league. The good news is the game is in Green Bay, but that’s not enough to get me to start him in daily leagues. He’s a QB1, but fantasy owners shouldn’t expect a typical Rodgers performance.
Sleeper: Eli Manning – Manning didn’t have a touchdown pass last week against Jacksonville, but that was expected against a tough defense. He should have plenty of success this week against the Cowboys. The Giants’ offense as a whole should come alive and show its’ potential. I expect 250+ yards passing and multiple touchdowns from the 37-year-old in Week 2.
RUNNING BACKS
Stud: Adrian Peterson – I never thought Peterson would be a fantasy ‘stud’ in 2018, but he is this week. He racked up 166 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown against the Cardinals. He’s a RB1 for Week 2.
Dud: Marshawn Lynch – From one old running back to another – Lynch is no longer the runner he once was and will struggle this week against Denver. The Broncos’ defense is average against the run, but Lynch is dealing with a shoulder issue. It’s tough to trust anyone in the Oakland offense right now. Lynch is nothing more than a risky RB3 play for Week 2.
Sleeper: Austin Ekeler – Ekeler had 126 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown last week. He should be owned in all PPR leagues and could continue his hot start this week against the Bills. Buffalo has one of the worst defenses in the league and allowed the Ravens to shred them last week. Ekeler is a RB3 with upside, especially in PPR leagues.
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WIDE RECEIVER
Stud: Nelson Agholor – Agholor had eight receptions on 10 targets last week, but only had 33 receiving yards. Fantasy owners should expect that to change in Week 2. He will remain a big part of the Eagles’ offense and is going up against a weak Tampa Bay secondary. Agholor is a high-end WR3 in PPR leagues.
Dud: Randle Cobb – Cobb was great last week, but don’t be fooled. He has a tough matchup against Minnesota. He’s never had more than 70 yards receiving against the Vikings. He’s faced them 11 times in his career. Davante Adams is expected to play. Cobb is a risky WR3 this week.
Sleeper: Devin Funchess – The Panthers wide receiver will become Cam Newton’s go-to guy with Greg Olsen out with an injury. Funchess had three receptions for 41 yards last week and should get plenty of opportunities against the Falcons. He’s worth having in your flex spot this week and appealing in daily formats.
TIGHT END
Stud: David Njoku – It’s easy to like the Browns’ offense this week. They get a Saints’ defense that was shredded by Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1. Njoku was targeted seven times last week, which was the second-most on the team. I’d expect him to get a few targets in the red zone as well. He’s a low-end TE1 with upside for Week 2.
Dud: Rob Gronkowski – Gronkowski is impossible to sit, but I hate his matchup this week. I expect the Jaguars to put Jalen Ramsey on him, which will limit his effectiveness. Still start Gronkowski in season-long leagues, but don’t be afraid to pick another tight end in daily games.
Sleeper: Eric Ebron – Ebron is a big target for Andrew Luck, who played well last week. I expect the Colts’ offense to take off against the Redskins. Ebron played 37 snaps in Week 1, which should be normal. He’s a TE2, with upside this week against Washington.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
Stud: Philadelphia – The Eagles’ defense is going to go to Tampa Bay and show the world who Ryan Fitzpatrick really is. DeSean Jackson is expected to miss Sunday’s game, which is a big blow to the Tampa Bay offense. The Eagles are a top defense for Week 2.
Dud: Jacksonville – I think the Jaguars will shut down Gronkowski, but the Patriots’ offense will still put up points. Tom Brady will use James White, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett to perfection and score 20+ points against a good defense. It’s hard to start the Jaguars this week and I’m avoiding them in daily leagues.
Sleeper: Chicago – The Bears showed their potential last week against the Packers and should have success this week against Seattle. The Seahawks struggled against the Broncos’ pass rush last week. Don’t be afraid to roll with Chicago at home this week.
