If you won your fantasy football matchups in Week 1, you can't afford to rest on your laurels. If you lost, you can't afford to keep drowning in your sorrows.
Every fantasy season is a marathon. Whatever happened the week before, you still need to work to make the right lineup decisions the week after. Luckily, Vinnie Iyer is back for Week 2 with another dose of "The Decider", a unique blend of positional rankings and start 'em, sit 'em advice based on matchups, usage and other factors.
Going beyond the redraft league starts and sits, "The Decider" also includes some DFS picks for different styles of games on DraftKings and FanDuel. Without further ado, here's your breakdown blitz for Week 2.
WEEK 2 FANTASY PPR RANKINGS
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'Em: Quarterbacks
Regular starts
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL)
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (at MIA)
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV)
- Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts (at GB)
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (vs. NYG)
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. LAR)
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. CIN)
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
Stronger starts
Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. NO): He's back at home and facing a manageable defense so the numbers should return to solid status with high volume.
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (at ARI): Stafford will need to chuck it quite a bit with the Rams' defense struggling, and Murray can make it a shootout.
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET): Mayfield can keep taking advantage of a soft schedule and a chance for another high-scoring passing affair opposite Goff.
Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN): This was a house of horrors for him last season, but he can rip the secondary with good protection playing off the run with deep shots.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (at KC): This can make you a bit nervous given his slow starts, but also has a strong history dueling Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons (at PHI): He faced them in Week 2 last season as a Viking and put up digits, and he'll put up yards and TDs with his turnovers in prime time.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans (vs. CHI): The Bears' defense can cause some problems with pressure and coverage, but he can grind out 250 yards and 2 TDs in prime time with the run, setting him up well to throw into the middle of the field.
Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN): He's expected to go again for an injured Russell Wilson, and this time he can turn his running and passing into some scoring.
WEEK 2 FANTASY ROSTER MANAGEMENT ADVICE
Trade Recommendations | Usage Report
DFS pick
Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($5,900 on DraftKings, $7,400 on FanDuel): We went with Jayden Daniels opposite him last week to pleasing results, but he'll keep playing the hot hand, too, with his receivers for great ROI in Detroit.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Sit 'Em: Quarterbacks
Weaker starts
Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins (vs. BUF): He has a bad recent history against the Bills' defense as they've owned him in just about every meeting.
Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets (at TEN): He will have a shot for better downfield success in this matchup, but the lacking weapons are concerning in what can be a low-scoring game on both sides.
Daniel Jones, New York Giants (at WAS): Jones was lost against the Vikings, a much tougher pressure and attack defense, and the Commanders give him a chance on the back end, but he's very hard to trust vs. their front seven.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns (at JAX): Watson also played poorly last week, and the Jaguars' defense can overachieve at home.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at HOU): The Texans can cause him enough problems to keep holding off deploying the rookie.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR): The Panthers' defense stinks, but that means the Chargers won't need to throw much running all over it on the road.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CLE): The Browns are simply tricky, and he was underwhelming against the Dolphins.
Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints (at DAL): Don't chase the box score vs. the Panthers because it will come crashing down on the road this week.
DOMINATE YOUR NFL PICKS POOL
Sign up for free ATS and straight up picks advice on NFL pick'em with PoolGenius
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'Em: Running backs
Regular starts
- Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons (at PHI)
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (at GB)
- Breece Hall, New York Jets (at TEN)
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL)
- Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams (at ARI)
- Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV)
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
- Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (vs. CHI)
- Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. CIN)
- James Cook, Buffalo Bills (at MIA)
- Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks (at NE)
- De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (if he plays, vs. BUF))
- Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers (vs. IND)
- Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN)
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (at DAL)
- Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots (vs. SEA)
- Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN)
- Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CLE)
- James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (vs. LAR)
- Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings (vs. SF)
- David Montgomery, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
Stronger starts
J.K. Dobbins, Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR): Dobbins powered a 176-yard rushing attack with explosive results. The Panthers gave up 180 yards rushing in Week 1.
Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns (at JAX): Ford needed some late garbage time to pad his stats well against the Cowboys, but it's clear he remains a sneaky volume play.
Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans (vs. NYJ): Pollard was up and running well as the lead against the Bears, and the Jets can be gashed.
Devin Singletary, New York Giants (at WAS): The Commanders are just OK vs. the run, and Singletary will get plenty of touches.
Gus Edwards, Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR): Get on the Gus Bus to play more power clean up in a blowout matchup behind Dobbins.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders (vs. NYG): Robinson can find the end zone again to keep helping his value.
Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders (vs. NYG): Ekeler is seeing a lot of cheap checkdowns, and he can find more after-the-catch room against the Giants.
DFS Picks
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (at GB, $7,000 on DraftKings, $8,200 on FanDuel): Taylor cooled off against the Texans compared to past performances, but he still found the end zone. The former Wisconsin star is capable of putting up Saquon-numbers vs. the Packers.
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV, $6,700 on DraftKings, $7,500 on FanDuel): Henry also saved his value with a TD in Week 1, but now he can go nuts with some explosive bursts after seeing what Dobbins did to the Raiders.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Sit 'Em: Running backs
Weaker starts
Zack Moss, Cincinnati Bengals (at KC): The Chiefs came out and stuffed Henry last week, and Moss won't gather enough pleasing stats.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (vs. NO): The Saints have maintained their run defense strength under Dennis Allen early.
D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears (at HOU): He got off to a rough start, and the Texans' second-level strength will contain him again.
Javonte Williams, Denver Broncos (vs. PIT): Jaleel McLaughlin has become a major Urkel in his side, and this matchup isn't so pleasing.
Zamir White, Las Vegas Raiders (at BAL): This is a rough spot on the road, and who knows between him and Alexander Mattison?
Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (vs. LAC): Just keep waiting for Jonathon Brooks.
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN): He wasn't used much with Arthur Smith early, and this is a clear Harris game running from ahead.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'Em: Wide receivers
Regular starts
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (at BUF)
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (at ARI)
- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (vs. NO)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (vs. SF)
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL)
- Malik Nabers, New York Giants (at WAS)
- Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (at KC)
- D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears (at HOU)
- Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (at TEN)
- Davante Adams, Oakland Raiders (at BAL)
- Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN)
- Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN)
- Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. CIN)
- DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL)
- Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (at GB)
- Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals (vs. LAR)
- Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (vs. BUF)
- Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at DET)
- Stefon Diggs, Houston Texans (vs. CHI)
- Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns (at JAX)
Stronger starts
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (vs. NYG): The Giants have historically been his favorite opponent, so expect a get-well game.
DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (at NE): He was also quiet in Week 1, but he'll get greased in their up-tempo passing game.
George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN): He clicked well with Fields early and should find the end zone on a long play.
Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers (vs. IND): Kenny Moore is a tough slot matchup, but Reed can make hay without Jordan Love with his versatile volume role.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV): Flowers should find a lot more room to make big plays than he did in Kansas City.
Tank Dell, Houston Texans (vs. CHI): Dell should be a focal point because it's more difficult to throw on the Bears' outside cornerbacks.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. CIN): They will keep showcasing his speed in a fair spot.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (vs. TB): He's getting the volume on top of a key deep-shot role, and the Buccaneers can give up more downfield than the Commanders took last week.
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CLE): Kirk was quiet, but his work in the slot should be more promising for Lawrence in this tough home matchup.
DFS picks
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams (vs. ARI, $7,600 on DraftKings, $7,700 on FanDuel): Everything has come full circle as Kupp hinted at another monster season with his career high-volume explosion in Detroit, and he needs to be more of the man without Puka Nacua.
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN, $6,500 on DraftKings, $7,000 on FanDuel): Aiyuk was rusty and missed a favorable shot at a TD pass from Purdy against the Jets' tough cornerback corps. He'll find more room to stretch the field with Purdy's big arm in Minnesota.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (at WAS, $5,900 on DraftKings, $6,400 on FanDuel): Nabers had a solid debut given the absolute disaster for Daniel Jones, and the Commanders have no one who can cover the dynamic rookie well.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Sit 'Em: Wide receivers
Weaker starts
Nico Collins, Houston Texans (vs. CHI): Collins is stuck with a brutal spot at home whether he sees more of Jaylen Johnson or Tyrique Stevenson.
Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (at DAL): Olave won't bust his Carr chemistry-related slump against the Cowboys' cornerbacks even without DaRon Bland.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (at PHI): London has been doing little early with Kirk Cousins and can be limited against the Eagles' savvy outside corners.
Keenan Allen, Chicago Bears (at HOU): Allen looked off with Williams early and will need volume to come through.
Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (at KC): Healthy or not, you can't really feel good about his motivation to play now.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans (vs. NYJ): Ridley steps into another rough cornerback matchup to be squeezed from stretching the field for Will Levis.
Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR): He scored in his debut, but the rookie might be needed even less against the Panthers.
Diontae Johnson, Carolina Panthers (vs. LAC): You can't feel it with him or Adam Thielen until Bryce Young can inspire any level of confidence.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CLE): This should be more of a Kirk game instead of loading up the rookie.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'Em: Tight ends
Must starts
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. CIN)
- Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals (vs. LAR)
- Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV)
- Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons (at PHI)
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers (at MIN)
- Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV)
Stronger starts
Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders (at BAL): Bowers had a busy and effective debut, and the Ravens had trouble with even non-Kelce tight ends with their coverage last week.
Dalton Kincaid, Buffalo Bills (at MIA): Kincaid had a strong game the last time against them and should be corrected into the game plan to work away from the Dolphins' corners.
Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL): The Falcons are vulnerable to this type of tight end, and he should get more chances to complement Brown and Smith.
Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans (vs. CHI): He will need to see some key targets, and the Bears did give up a TD to the tight end last week.
Taysom Hill, New Orleans Saints (at DAL): He should get into the running fun a little more to help Kamara as the key power back.
DFS pick
Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV, $5,000 on DraftKings, $6,800 on FanDuel): He was disappointing with Likely having big fun in the opener, but the Raiders can be ripped in the middle of their defense, so he should rebound big-time.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Sit 'Em: Tight ends
Weaker starts
Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. CLE): Engram did nothing with four targets last week as Lawrence explored his new wide receiver options and draws a tough tight end coverage at home.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams (at ARI): The Cardinals are up-and-down vs. the tight end from one season to the next and this year they seem more vulnerable vs. wide receivers all over the field.
Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN): He can become a bigger offensive factor, but he's very TD-dependent early.
Hunter Henry, New England Patriots (vs. SEA): He was on the field plenty with Austin Hooper, but there's still nothing to see here with such a limited passing game.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'Em: Defense/special teams
Stronger starts
- New York Jets (at TEN)
- Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (at DEN)
- San Francisco 49ers (at MIN)
- Baltimore Ravens (vs. LV)
- Dallas Cowboys (at NO)
- Indianapolis Colts (at GB)
- Cleveland Browns (at JAX)
Houston Texans (vs. CHI): The Texans should rev up their improved defense in prime time facing a slow-starting Williams.
Philadelphia Eagles (vs. ATL): They'll keep making key big plays with Vic Fangio against Cousins.
Seattle Seahawks (at NE): They are looking sharp with Mike Macdonald's scheming, which will be better prepared for the one-dimensional Patriots.
Kansas City Chiefs (vs CIN): They get faded vs. Burrow but can still do enough damage here with sacks.
New England Patriots (vs. SEA): The Patriots have enough vs. Mayo to rack up some key points on old AFC East friend Geno Smith.
Washington Commanders (vs. NYG): This is a deep-shot streamer based on the fact Jones can be a sack and turnover machine.
DFS pick
Los Angeles Chargers (at CAR, $3,400 on DraftKings, $4,400 on FanDuel): They were making big plays right away with Jesse Minter and will tee off on Bryce Young.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Sit 'Em: Defenses
Weaker starts
Chicago Bears (at HOU): They are the top defense on the board after Week 1, but that was at home against a much lesser AFC South offense.
Minnesota Vikings (vs. SF): They also went nuts by drawing the Giants, but the 49ers make them difficult to play again.
New Orleans Saints (at DAL): The Saints need to be faded hard because of the Cowboys' big offensive prowess at home.
Denver Broncos (vs. PIT): Fields and his supporting cast can do too much damage to them.
Buffalo Bills (at MIA): They are tempting given Tua's history, but they also didn't look reliable last week.
Miami Dolphins (vs. BUF): The Dolphins won't be able to contain a red-hot Allen.
