Week 1 was wild, right? Just like usual in fantasy football. We saw some huge names like Ja’Marr Chase and Matthew Stafford completely faceplant, while unexpected guys like Bryce Young and Jalen Coker went off. Don’t ditch your top draft picks after one bad week, though, they’ll bounce back. But for those second-tier players, it’s all about playing the matchups, hitting the favorable ones and bailing on the tough challenges. Let’s dig into some start/sit calls for Week 2 in your PPR leagues.
Quarterback Chaos and Running Back Revelations
First up, Jalen Hurts for the Philadelphia Eagles is a huge start this week. Yeah, the Eagles offense looked pretty average in new coordinator Sean Mannion’s debut, but Hurts still scratched out a QB8 finish in Week 1. This week, he has absolute top-three potential. They’re going up against the Tennessee Titans, who honestly looked like the worst team in the NFL last week. The New York Jets carved them up for 367 yards of offense! It wouldn’t shock anyone to see Hurts hit that number all by himself. Other QBs to consider starting if you’re looking for an upside play include Matthew Stafford, Brock Purdy, and Baker Mayfield.
Now, who are we benching? Bo Nix for the Denver Broncos, without a doubt. The Jacksonville Jaguars defense might not bring the same heat and opportunistic play as the Kansas City Chiefs did on Monday night, but you simply cannot trust Bo Nix right now against any playoff-caliber unit. The Broncos are still figuring things out under new play-caller Davis Webb, and that’s going to be a long process. Other guys you might want to keep on the bench are Justin Herbert, Malik Willis, and yes, even Geno Smith of the New York Jets.
Over in the backfield, Jordan Mason of the Minnesota Vikings is a must-start. He split carries with Aaron Jones in Week 1, and both backs ended up as top-30 RB scorers. While both are solid flex plays, Mason should get the start in your lineup if you have him. He’s facing a Chicago Bears defense that was about as solid as a jellyfish in Week 1, giving up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing running backs. You want to see that kind of matchup! Aaron Jones, Bucky Irving, and Rhamondre Stevenson are also good starts.
Don’t Trust Jaylen Warren, Fire Up Chris Godwin
On the flip side, you gotta sit Jaylen Warren of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a reliable flex option in 2025, sure, but his value might not be the same with new head coach Mike McCarthy running the show. He’s still Pittsburgh’s starter, but he’s become a matchup-dependent guy. Warren finished as RB25 in Week 1, and this week he’s on the road against a terrific New England Patriots defense. The Patriots gave up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs last week. That’s a tough draw. Also, keep Rico Dowdle, Quinshon Judkins, and J.K. Dobbins on your bench this week.
Finally, for wideouts, Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looked like his old self in Week 1, even though he only ended up as WR46. He’s primed for a much better statistical outing this week against the visiting Cleveland Browns. The Browns couldn’t cover a twin bed against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1! Now they’re facing a grumpy Baker Mayfield in what he sees as a revenge game. Expect Godwin to get targeted early and often. Jalen Coker and Rome Odunze are also strong wide receiver starts for Week 2.
This week’s matchups are absolutely crucial for setting the tone. Trust your gut on the big names, but for those second-tier guys, playing the favorable matchups is how you win. Good luck out there!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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