Fantasy football is basically a collective fever dream where we all pretend to be high-powered executives while crying over a backup tight end's targets. Week 1 is always a chaotic mess of overreactions and "I told you so" moments, but Week 2? That’s where the real season starts. Honestly, the biggest mistake you can make right now is chasing last week's points like a dog after a mail truck.
You've probably spent the last 48 hours scouring the waiver wire for the next Puka Nacua, but the reality of start em sit em nfl week 2 is much more boring. It’s about volume, matchups, and realizing that your first-round pick might actually be in for a long afternoon. Don't panic. Yet.
The Quarterbacks: Streaming Dreams and High-Stakes Busts
If you drafted Joe Burrow, you’re currently staring at your roster with a mix of betrayal and confusion. He looked... well, human. In Week 1 against the Browns, the Bengals' elite trio of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins basically pulled a disappearing act. But look, don't get cute. You aren't sitting Ja'Marr Chase. You might, however, consider sitting Burrow if you have a high-upside streamer.
Take Justin Fields, for example. He’s the QB2 after a monster opener where he looked like a cheat code near the goal line. The Jets are actually letting him use his legs—12 carries for 48 yards and two scores. Now he faces a Buffalo Bills defense that just got absolutely shredded on the ground by the Ravens to the tune of 238 yards. If you’re looking for a smash start, Fields is the guy. He’s going to be chasing points in a high-scoring affair, and his rushing floor is basically a safety net made of gold.
On the flip side, I'm kinda worried about C.J. Stroud. The Texans looked completely non-existent in their opener. Stroud is facing a Tampa Bay defense that just forced three sacks and two turnovers against the Rams. Houston allowed pressure on over 40% of dropbacks in Week 1. Unless that offensive line finds a miracle in the next few days, Stroud is borderline droppable in 1-QB leagues until things settle down.
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Kyler Murray is another name you’ve gotta love this week. He capitalized on a soft matchup last week and gets the Carolina Panthers next. Carolina couldn't generate pressure to save their lives in Week 1 and gave up a league-high 35 passing TDs last season. Murray’s floor is safe, and his upside is massive.
Running Backs: Chasing the Bell Cows
Everyone is obsessed with "committees" now, which makes finding a true bell cow feel like finding a unicorn. But they exist.
- Josh Jacobs is the absolute engine of the Packers' offense. He handled 85% of the snaps in Week 1. That is elite, workhorse-level usage.
- Kyren Williams is still the man in LA. He played 81% of the snaps. Since 2023, only Derrick Henry has more rushing touchdowns. You start him. Always.
- Tony Pollard might be the biggest surprise. He’s a full-blown bell cow for the Titans, logging 89% of the snaps in the opener. He's an RB2 you can trust every single week.
Now, let's talk about the Seattle backfield. It’s gross. It’s basically a 50/50 split between Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet, and honestly, it’s a headache. Charbonnet actually out-snapped Walker 58% to 40% and took the goal-line carries. If you're looking at start em sit em nfl week 2 rankings, both of these guys are just touchdown-dependent FLEX plays right now. I’d sit them both if you have a more consistent option like Bucky Irving or even Chuba Hubbard.
Wide Receivers: The Target Hogs and the Fakes
Target share is everything. If a guy gets 10 targets and catches two, I still want him. If a guy gets two targets and scores two touchdowns, I’m trying to trade him before his value craters.
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Jaxson Smith-Njigba is officially the alpha in Seattle. Forget everything you thought about DK Metcalf being the clear #1. JSN earned a staggering 67% of the first-read targets in Week 1. He’s not just a slot guy anymore; his average depth of target is way up. Even with a tough matchup against Joey Porter Jr. (who might be out with a hamstring anyway), JSN is a borderline WR1.
Then there’s the Bucs' rookie, Emeka Egbuka. If you didn’t grab him on waivers, you missed out. He finished as a top-3 WR last week. With Chris Godwin likely out for Week 2 with an ankle fracture, Egbuka is a weekly starter. He led the team in route participation—even over Mike Evans. He’s the real deal.
Davante Adams had a quiet start to his Rams career, but don't panic. His separation scores were elite in Week 1. Stafford is playing at a level that can support both Nacua and Adams as top-15 options. This is a "buy low" window that is going to slam shut very soon.
Avoid These Guys
- Terry McLaurin: Jayden Daniels is great, but he just isn't looking McLaurin's way enough yet.
- Josh Downs: His route participation plummeted to 49% in the opener. Until that goes back up, he stays on your bench.
- Jayden Reed: Between the shoulder injury and the crowded Packers receiving room, he’s too risky.
The Tight End Wasteland
Tight end is a disaster zone. George Kittle is on IR. Brock Bowers is dealing with a knee issue (though he says he’s fine). If you’re scrambling, look at Zach Ertz. I know, he’s approximately 100 years old, but he’s basically Mark Andrews-lite in terms of production per game. He’s available in about half of all leagues and just saw a healthy target share.
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Also, keep an eye on Harold Fannin Jr. in Cleveland. The rookie out-targeted David Njoku in Week 1. He’s lining up in the slot, out wide, everywhere. The Browns are clearly trying to make him a focal point. He’s the perfect "stash and see" candidate.
Making the Call for Week 2
Fantasy football is mostly luck, but you can tilt the scales. Don't overthink the "big names" if their situation has clearly changed. Mac Jones is starting for the 49ers now because Brock Purdy is dealing with a turf toe/shoulder mess. That changes everything for Deebo Samuel and Ricky Pearsall.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check the Injury Report: Saturday afternoon is the most important time of the week. If Brock Bowers is a "go," you play him. If not, pivot to a high-floor veteran like Ertz.
- Watch the Betting Lines: Look for games with high totals. The Eagles vs. Chiefs is going to be a shootout. Start everyone in that game.
- Monitor Snap Shares: Box scores lie. Snap counts don't. If a guy is on the field for 80% of the plays, the points will come eventually.
The most important thing for start em sit em nfl week 2 is to trust your process but remain flexible. One week is a fluke. Two weeks is a trend. Three weeks is a reality. We're still in the "fluke" stage, so don't blow up your roster just yet. Stick to the volume and the matchups, and you'll be fine.