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Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em and lineup advice for all 2025 Week 2 matchups. Joey analyzes in-depth Week 2 matchups via game-by-game breakdowns.
Welcome, RotoBallers, to our Week 2 matchups analysis and fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em picks! For anyone new here, this is our main weekly matchups column where we cover all games (except Thursday, which is a separate article). Every week of the fantasy football season, we will offer in-depth analysis of every player in every game.
After a wild Week 1 that saw many unexpected stars and plenty of fantasy busts, we got major information about many key situations. Travis Etienne Jr. is the clear RB1 in Jacksonville following the Tank Bigsby trade, Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet appear to be in a timeshare, and the Dolphins offense looks all out of sorts.
So, let's dive in and look at the best starts and sits of the week. Good luck with your fantasy teams in Week 2!
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:- 2025 fantasy football rankings
- Running back (RB) fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver (WR) fantasy football rankings
- Tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings
- Quarterback (QB) fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Kicker (K) fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Matchups Analysis - Sunday 1:00 EST Games
Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans
Spread: LAR -5.5
Matchups We Love:
Kyren Williams continues to be the clear RB1 in this Los Angeles backfield. He played 82% of the team's offensive snaps and saw 19 touches in last week's win. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Titans defense that couldn't stop the run a week ago. Tennessee allowed 150 rush yards and over five yards per carry to opposing running backs. That makes a solid RB1 play this week.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Cam Ward
Quarterback Cam Ward looked like a rookie in his first career start. He completed just 12 of his 28 passes for 112 yards against the Broncos last week. Unfortunately, things won't get easier for him in a Week 2 matchup against the Rams. Los Angeles held C.J. Stroud in check in Week 1, and this secondary allowed the 12th-fewest fantasy points to opposing QBs in 2024. So, Ward is a must-sit in Week 2.
Other Matchups:
Matthew Stafford's back didn't seem to affect him much this past week, as he threw for 245 yards and one touchdown. From a fantasy perspective, though, Stafford will enter Week 2 as a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option. Tennessee did a nice job against Bo Nix in Week 1, and this secondary gave up just 15 fantasy points per game to opposing QBs last year.
RB Tony Pollard
Week 1 was always going to be a tough matchup for Tony Pollard. But fantasy managers have to be impressed with his 19 touches and 89 total yards against a very good Broncos defense. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) still out, Pollard will remain a must-start RB2 play this week. The Rams allowed 4.2 yards per carry in Week 1 and over 4.8 yards per carry in 2024.
Calvin Ridley was matched up against Patrick Surtain II last week, which resulted in a mere four catches for 27 yards. However, there are positives to take away from that Week 1 dud. He led the team with eight targets, played 95% of the team's offensive snaps, and ran a route on 89% of Ward's dropbacks. As a result, Ridley will come in as a WR3 in Week 2 in a much better matchup.
WR Puka Nacua
After watching what Puka Nacua did last week against Houston's secondary, fantasy managers should be starting him everywhere in Week 2. Nacua caught 10 passes for 131 yards en route to a 23.1 PPR fantasy point day. He will be a must-start WR1 against the Titans this week.
An absolute masterclass today from Rams WR Puka Nacua. pic.twitter.com/1RW9sL8GgR
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) September 8, 2025
It was a disappointing Ram debut for Davante Adams, considering he caught just four passes for 51 yards. However, his eight targets and 90% snap share are both encouraging signs moving forward. Therefore, fantasy managers should roll with him as their WR2 this week. He'll likely be matched up against both L'Jarius Sneed and Jarvis Brownlee Jr., both of whom aren't difficult matchups on the outside.
TE Chig Okonkwo
With George Kittle (hamstring) on injured reserve, fantasy managers could be turning to Chig Okonkwo in Week 2. However, it's best to stay away from him against the Rams. He only caught three passes for 19 yards last week, and Los Angeles held Dalton Schultz to just three catches for 28 yards a week ago. So, Okonkwo should only be leaned on in tight-end premium formats.
Injuries:
None
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals
Spread: CIN -3.5
Matchups We Love:
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence wasn't a strong fantasy option to open the season. He only threw for 178 yards and one touchdown. However, this could be a bounce-back week. The Bengals allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to QBs last season, and Joe Flacco threw for 290 yards and one touchdown against this secondary in Week 1. So, Lawrence could be considered a low-end QB1.
QB Joe Burrow
For some reason, the Bengals consistently struggle with slow starts. After scoring just 8.8 fantasy points in Week 1, Joe Burrow should be in store for a much better game this week. Although Jacksonville's secondary played well against Bryce Young a week ago, this is a defense that gave up the eighth-most fantasy points to QBs in 2024. That makes Burrow a strong QB1.
No player's fantasy value has risen more than Etienne over the past week. He dominated Jacksonville's backfield last week with a 143-yard rushing day, and then the Jaguars traded away Bigsby earlier this week. All that makes Etienne a strong RB2 play against the Bengals. Cincinnati struggled to stop the run last season.
RB Chase Brown
There was good and bad with Chase Brown last week. The good was that he saw 23 touches and scored a touchdown. The bad was that he averaged just 2.05 yards per carry on his 21 carries. Nonetheless, fantasy managers should expect him to be much more efficient in Week 2. Jacksonville allowed the seventh-most rushing yards to opposing backs last season, making Brown a low-end RB1 this week.
Brenton Strange is a sneaky tight end play this week against the Bengals. Cincinnati allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends last season and gave up the fourth-most combined fantasy points to the TE position in Week 1. Following a four-catch, 59-yard performance last week, Strange has TE1 potential in Week 2.
Matchups We Hate:
None
Other Matchups:
Brian Thomas Jr. was nonexistent in the passing game last week, catching just one pass for 11 yards. Even though Thomas did get into the end zone on a nine-yard rush, Thomas was one of the bigger fantasy busts of Week 1. Still, you're starting him in Week 2 against a Bengals secondary that has plenty of holes. His matchup will likely be against cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, who had a 35.6 PFF grade in Week 1.
Despite playing just 64% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 1, Hunter was utilized in the pass game when he was on the field. He caught six passes for 33 yards. While his snap percentage will change each week, he will come in as a viable flex play in a solid matchup against the Bengals. Hunter should primarily play in the slot again, where Cincinnati allowed 11.6 PPR fantasy points per game to the slot in 2024.
Even after last week's dud performances from Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, fantasy managers should be starting both in Week 2. Chase will come in as the overall WR1 for the week, while Higgins will be a high-end WR2 against a Jaguars secondary that allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing wideouts in 2024.
Injuries:
None
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens
Spread: BAL -10.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Joe Flacco
There are a couple of reasons why Flacco is on the love list this week. For one, the Browns are double-digit point underdogs in Week 2, meaning the Browns might throw 45-plus times. Secondly, the Ravens gave up the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing QBs last year and just let Josh Allen score 38.7 fantasy points last week. That makes Flacco a potential QB2 play this weekend.
Flacco targeted Cedric Tillman eight times in the team's Week 1 game, resulting in five catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. While on paper this might be a tough matchup against the likes of Jaire Alexander and Nate Wiggins, Tillman is a sneaky flex option in a game in which Cleveland will have to throw a ton. The 25-year-old scored 28.9 PPR fantasy points against this defense in 2024.
Matchups We Hate:
All Browns Running Backs
Dylan Sampson looked like the best Browns running back in Week 1, catching eight passes for 64 yards. However, the team's ground game was nonexistent in a great matchup against the Bengals. Sampson and Jerome Ford combined for just 18 carries for 37 yards in last week's loss. Therefore, both are risky plays in Week 2 against a Ravens run defense that held James Cook to just 3.38 yards per carry in Week 1.
If Quinshon Judkins plays in Week 2, he is also a must-sit. He hasn't been around the team all offseason and likely wouldn't see a handful of opportunities in this one.
Other Matchups:
Lamar Jackson will remain a must-start QB1 option against the Browns in Week 2. He scored 29.4 fantasy points in the season opener and scored above 22 fantasy points in both of his matchups against Cleveland last year. This defense also allowed the fifth-most rushing yards to opposing quarterbacks in 2024.
Even in his age-31 season, Derrick Henry has shown no signs of slowing down. He scored 29.2 PPR fantasy points last week and will enter Week 2 as a strong RB1 option. The Ravens running back averaged 22.4 PPR fantasy points in two games against the Browns in 2024.
WR Zay Flowers
Zay Flowers exploded in Week 1, catching seven passes for 143 yards and one touchdown. He finished as the overall WR1 in PPR formats and appears to be headed for another strong game in Week 2. Flowers will likely be matched up against Cameron Mitchell in Week 2 after the Browns corner played 62% of his snaps in the slot last week. That makes the Ravens playmaker a solid WR2 play this week.
WR Jerry Jeudy
Jerry Jeudy will continue to be a high-floor WR3 option for fantasy managers in Week 2. He caught five passes for 66 yards in the home opener, and the Ravens have given up some big games to fantasy WRs dating back to last season. Baltimore gave up the third-most fantasy points to opposing WRs in 2024. So, in a game that Cleveland will likely trial most of the time, Jeudy is worth starting in most formats.
TE Mark Andrews
Although Isaiah Likely was out for Week 1 due to an ankle injury, Mark Andrews didn't do much. He caught just one pass for five yards. Given how touchdown-dependent Andrews has become in fantasy over the past year, he will be a riskier TE1 play this week. The Ravens are huge favorites in this game, and that could mean fewer passing opportunities for Jackson.
TEs David Njoku/ Harold Fannin Jr.
Both David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. can be started in most formats this week. Njoku caught three passes for 37 yards, while Fannin caught seven passes for 66 yards in his NFL debut last week. Both tight ends played over 70% of the offensive snaps, and Flacco targeted his TEs 33% of the time in Week 1.
Njoku will come in as a middle-of-the-pack TE1 this weekend, and Fannin is worth starting in some 12-plus team leagues. While we don't know what the rookie's role will look like every week, it is encouraging to see him run 28 routes with a 59.6% route participation in Week 1. With Cleveland being massive underdogs against the Ravens, both tight ends are worth a look.
Injuries:
- Isaiah Likely (ankle) - questionable
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets
Spread: BUF -6.5
Matchups We Love:
There might not be a WR safer in fantasy every week than Khalil Shakir. While he doesn't have the highest ceiling each week, he is consistently a solid WR3 for fantasy managers. That's exactly where he will come in in Week 2 against the Jets. Shakir will go up against slot corner Michael Carter II in this game, who struggled in coverage in Week 1.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Keon Coleman
Last week, we highlighted DK Metcalf in this section because he was set to face Sauce Gardner throughout the game. This week, Keon Coleman will undoubtedly face the Gardner shadow. So, despite his career performance in Week 1 against the Ravens, Coleman is a sit in most fantasy formats this weekend. He will be a risky WR3.
Other Matchups:
QB Josh Allen
Allen put the team on his back last week and was a fantasy superstar in the process. He threw for 394 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 30 yards and two touchdowns. Therefore, Allen should be in all fantasy lineups in Week 2.
Not many fantasy managers started Justin Fields last week in one-quarterback leagues, but that should change in Week 2. Fields scored 29.5 PPR fantasy points in Week 1 and has the weekly rushing upside to be a consistent QB1 throughout the year. After Jackson ran for 70 yards against this Buffalo defense last week, Fields should be considered a nice QB1 play.
RB Breece Hall
Breece Hall's stock was definitely trending down entering the season. However, he showed fantasy managers that he is the clear RB1 in that Jets backfield. He ran 19 times for 107 yards (5.63 yards per carry) and played 58% of the team's offensive snaps. Given what Henry did to Buffalo's front seven last week, Hall will be a high-end RB2 in Week 2.
RB James Cook
Cook was a significant weapon in Buffalo's passing attack last week, catching five passes for 58 yards. After seeing 18 touches and playing 56% of the Bills' offensive snaps last week, the 25-year-old will be a strong RB2 play against the Jets. Although New York allowed just 2.7 yards per carry last week, you are still starting Cook everywhere.
Garrett Wilson got off to a fantastic start in Week 1 with his former college quarterback. He caught seven passes for 95 yards and one touchdown and played every single snap in New York's loss. He'll have a tough matchup on the outside in Week 2 against Christian Benford, but he dominated in a tough matchup last week, too. So, he's a must-start WR2.
Is this the year that Dalton Kincaid finally breaks out? He finished as the overall WR4 in PPR formats last week and ran 27 routes (TE11). As a result, he might be worth a look in some 16-plus team leagues this weekend. The Jets allowed eight catches and one touchdown between Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth in Week 1.
Injuries:
None
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Spread: MIA -1.5
Matchups We Love:
QB Drake Maye
Drake Maye definitely had many highs and lows in Week 1. The positive was that he threw for 287 yards and one touchdown, but after an early touchdown in the first quarter, Maye didn't do much else. However, he'll be worth a look in one-quarterback leagues this week after watching what Daniel Jones did to this defense in Week 1.
TE Hunter Henry
Drake Maye has been known to favor his tight end early in his career. That unsurprisingly continued in Week 1. Hunter Henry caught four passes for 66 yards, and his eight targets were tied for the team lead. Now, Henry gets a fantastic matchup against a Dolphins secondary that had trouble stopping Tyler Warren last week. That makes the veteran playmaker a low-end TE1 play.
Matchups We Hate:
WR Tyreek Hill
The best of Tyreek Hill might be behind us. He only caught four passes for 40 yards in last week's blowout loss and appeared to be frustrated on the sidelines. Unfortunately, things won't get easier for him in Week 2. If cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) plays in this game, Hill will have a tough matchup on the outside. The 31-year-old averaged just 11.4 PPR fantasy points in both games against New England in 2024.
Other Matchups:
There's no doubt that Tua Tagovailoa did not look great last week. He threw for just 114 yards, one touchdown, and turned over the ball three times. However, Tagovailoa is in a great spot to rebound against the Patriots. He plays at home -- where he has been significantly better at in his career -- and Geno Smith threw for 362 yards against this secondary last week. So, he'll come in as a middle-of-the-pack QB2.
Fantasy managers need to be patient with TreVeyon Henderson early in the year because he is clearly behind Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart. Henderson saw just five carries and played just 35% of the team's offensive snaps in Week 1. Still, he will come in as an RB2 play in Week 2, given his receiving upside. The rookie caught six passes in his NFL debut.
De'Von Achane's fantasy day was salvaged by a late touchdown in Week 1. However, it's a nice sign to see him play 73% of the team's offensive snaps after missing the last few weeks of practice due to a calf injury. Even though this revamped New England defensive line played well last week, you're still starting Achane as an RB1.
WR Stefon Diggs
It wasn't a surprise to see Stefon Diggs limited in his first game back from a torn ACL. He played just 41% of the team's offensive snaps and spent more time off the field than on the field. But fantasy managers have to be encouraged by his numbers in limited snaps (six catches for 57 yards). With Diggs likely set to see more snaps in Week 2, he will be a high-floor WR3 play.
No Dolphin WR had a great fantasy day last week, and that included Jaylen Waddle. He caught just four passes for 30 yards against the Colts. Nonetheless, a better fantasy day could be in store. He will avoid the Gonzalez shadow in this game and likely be matched up against Carlton Davis III, who allowed 22.7 yards per reception in his New England debut. So, Waddle will be a high-end WR3 in Week 2.
Injuries:
None
San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints
Spread: SF -4.5
Matchups We Love:
When healthy, Christian McCaffrey might be the best fantasy player. He totaled 31 touches last week and racked up 23.2 PPR fantasy points in the process. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against a Saints defense that struggled to stop the run a week ago. New Orleans' front seven allowed 146 rush yards and over 5.2 yards per carry in Week 1, making McCaffrey a must-start.
Acting as the top playmaker in San Francisco's offense last week, Ricky Pearsall did not disappoint. He caught four passes for 108 yards and finished as the WR20 in PPR formats. Following that performance, he will come in as a high-end WR3. Mac Jones potentially starting in this game doesn't hurt Pearsall's value too much after Jones peppered Thomas with targets when he was the QB in Jacksonville last year.
Matchups We Hate:
New head coach Kellen Moore did not shy away from letting his young quarterback air it out in Week 1. Rattler threw a career-high 46 times last week, but he struggled to make much of a fantasy impact. The second-year quarterback only scored 11.4 fantasy points. Therefore, he should be avoided in all leagues this weekend against a 49ers defense that held Sam Darnold to just 5.4 fantasy points a week ago.
Juwan Johnson was a hot commodity on the waiver wire this week following his eight-catch, 76-yard performance in Week 1. More importantly, Johnson saw a whopping 13 targets in that game against the Cardinals. However, he will be a riskier TE1 play this week. San Francisco has been one of the best defenses against tight ends dating back to last year.
Other Matchups:
QB Mac Jones
Brock Purdy (toe/shoulder) is slated to miss at least the next two weeks. He is currently dealing with a shoulder and turf toe ahead of Sunday's game against the Saints. That means Jones will start for San Francisco this weekend. Jones was a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option after averaging 12.4 fantasy points in seven starts with the Jaguars in 2024.
RB Alvin Kamara
Although Rattler threw the ball 46 times in last week's loss, it was a bit shocking that Alvin Kamara finished the game with just two targets. Despite that, though, Kamara will be a solid RB2 play in Week 2. He played 79% of the team's offensive snaps a week ago, and the 49ers allowed the seventh-most receptions to RBs last season.
WR Chris Olave
With Rattler under center, Chris Olave might not have the biggest fantasy ceiling. We saw that last week against the Cardinals. However, Olave should continue to be a high-floor WR3 for fantasy managers in Week 2. He saw a team-high 13 targets last week, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba just dominated this 49ers secondary while moving all around the formation.
Rashid Shaheed had a fine Week 1 game against the Cardinals, totaling six catches for 33 yards. Nevertheless, there are better players to start in your flex this week than Shaheed, who has a low floor and a low ceiling. He was the third option in New Orleans' passing attack last week, and it's hard to trust him with Rattler at quarterback.
Jauan Jennings is another 49er player whose status is currently up in the air for Week 2. Jennings left last week's game early due to a shoulder injury, but he has a shot to play this weekend. If he does, Jennings will come in as a risky flex play in fantasy. He will likely not be at full strength and could have Jones as his quarterback.
Injuries:
- Brock Purdy (toe/shoulder) - out
- Jauan Jennings (shoulder) - questionable
- George Kittle (hamstring) - out
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys
Spread: DAL -5.5
Matchups We Love:
Javonte Williams was one of the biggest fantasy football winners last week. He scored 20.4 PPR fantasy points behind a two-touchdown day and played 77% of the team's offensive snaps. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against the Giants. New York allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs in Week 1 and gave up 220 rush yards on the ground in that contest. That makes Williams a strong RB2.
Power running from Javonte Williams 💪
DALvsPHI on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/ki7usJnw5U— NFL (@NFL) September 5, 2025
Matchups We Hate:
If you are looking for a high-floor fantasy option this week, some fantasy managers could look Wan'Dale Robinson's way. However, it's best to avoid him in most cases this weekend. Robinson will likely be matched up against DaRon Bland, and Bland just held DeVonta Smith to three catches for 16 yards last week.
Update: Bland's status is currently up in the air for Week 2 due to a foot injury.
Other Matchups:
QB Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott has dominated the Giants in his career, and that shouldn't change in this Week 2 matchup. As a result, we should expect Prescott to have a much better fantasy game than in Week 1. New York allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing QBs last year, putting the Cowboys signal caller as a low-end QB1 on Sunday.
It's only a matter of time until the Giants turn to rookie Jaxson Dart. For now, though, Russell Wilson will be New York's starter. After scoring just 11.1 fantasy points last week, Wilson should only be started in dire situations in Superflex formats in Week 2. This Cowboys defense held Jalen Hurts to just 152 pass yards in the season opener.
The results might not have been there for Tyrone Tracy Jr. in Week 1, but there is a lot to be encouraged by for fantasy purposes. He played 74% of the team's offensive snaps and saw five targets from Wilson in the contest. Therefore, Tracy will come in as a low-end RB2 against a Cowboys defense that allowed four receptions to RBs in Week 1.
WR Malik Nabers
Malik Nabers will continue to be a strong WR1 option for fantasy managers in Week 2. He totaled 12.1 PPR fantasy points last week and will remain Wilson's top option in the passing game. While the matchup against Trevon Diggs on the outside isn't ideal, you're not sitting your studs this early in the year.
WR CeeDee Lamb
The drops were a problem for CeeDee Lamb in the season opener, but he still had a strong fantasy day. He caught seven passes for 110 yards and finished as the overall WR14 in PPR formats. As a result, he will be a strong WR1 play in Week 2. Lamb will go up against Deonte Banks in this contest, whom he dominated in Week 4 last season (23.6 PPR fantasy points).
It was a disappointing Cowboy debut for George Pickens after he caught just three passes for 30 yards. So, Pickens is definitely not a must-start in fantasy moving forward. Nonetheless, he still carries WR2 upside in an elite Cowboys offense. That means fantasy managers can start him as a WR3/flex play in Week 2.
Injuries:
None
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Spread: DET -5.5
Matchups We Love:
Lions RBs
It was a rough Week 1 performance for both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. However, both running backs are in a prime spot to bounce back this week against the Bears. The Bears allowed over 4.6 yards per carry on the ground last week, and this game should be more competitive for the Lions. That makes Gibbs a must-start RB1 and Montgomery a low-end RB2.
Matchups We Hate:
There was good and bad with D'Andre Swift in Week 1. The good was that he totaled 20 touches in last week's contest. The bad was that he averaged just 3.12 yards per carry and didn't look great as a rusher. With Swift set to face another tough run defense in Week 2, he will be a riskier RB2 play this weekend.
Other Matchups:
QB Jared Goff
Jared Goff looked lost without former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson last week. He threw for just 225 yards and one touchdown en route to a QB21 finish. That low finish is a surprise, considering Goff has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB in three straight years. So, it's best to sit Goff as your QB1 this week against a Bears defense that allowed only 143 pass yards in Week 1.
From a fantasy perspective, Caleb Williams did great. He totaled 24.2 fantasy points in last week's loss, and his rushing upside was on full display. Williams totaled 58 rush yards and one touchdown in the contest. Therefore, the second-year QB will be a low-end QB1 this weekend against the Bears. Jordan Love managed to throw two touchdowns against this secondary a week ago.
The whole Lions offense was disappointing last week, including Amon-Ra St. Brown. He caught just four passes for 45 yards. However, you are still starting him in all formats this week. Even though the Bears played well in the secondary last week without two of their top corners, St. Brown will be a strong WR1 play.
Jameson Williams had a tough matchup last week against a Packers defense that didn't allow many big plays in 2024. This matchup against the Bears, though, is a bit better for the speedy wideout. He totaled 26 PPR fantasy points in his last matchup against the Bears last season and figures to be more involved through the air in Week 2. That makes him a WR3 in this NFC North divisional battle.
WR DJ Moore
DJ Moore actually saw some opportunities as a running back last week, running three times for eight yards. If he continues to see some chances out of the backfield, his fantasy value could rise. In a Week 2 matchup against the Lions, Moore will be a high-floor WR2 play. Detroit allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to WRs last year, and the upper hand against Terrion Arnold in both matchups in 2024.
WR Rome Odunze
Rome Odunze appeared to be Williams' favorite target in the passing game in Week 1. He saw a team-high nine targets in the loss and caught six of those targets for 37 yards and a touchdown. Following that performance, Odunze will be a high-end WR3 against the Lions. Detroit allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to WRs last year.
TE Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta was really the only Lions playmaker to do something last week. He caught six passes for 79 yards and finished as the overall TE5 in PPR formats. As a result, LaPorta will be a solid TE1 play in Week 2 against the Bears. Chicago did hold T.J. Hockenson in check last week (three catches for 15 yards), but you're still starting the Lions playmaker in this game.
Injuries:
None
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers
Spread: PIT -425
Matchups We Love:
With rookie Kaleb Johnson third on the depth chart and likely to remain not involved in Week 2, Jaylen Warren will be a nice flex play due to his receiving upside. He caught two passes for 22 yards and one touchdown last week and has reeled in multiple passes in a game in 13 of his last 16 games dating back to last year. That works out for him on Sunday, as Seattle allowed 12 receptions to RBs in Week 1.
TE Jonnu Smith
In his Pittsburgh debut last week, Smith was a factor in the team's passing attack. He caught five passes for 15 yards and one touchdown while also running 18 routes in the game. Although the yardage wasn't there, Smith will come in as a solid TE1 play in deeper formats in Week 2. The Seahawks allowed two touchdowns to the TE position last week.
Matchups We Hate:
QB Sam Darnold
Darnold did not look great in his Seahawks debut last week, throwing for just 150 yards and losing one fumble. Unfortunately, things don't get easier for him in Week 2 against a physical Steelers defense. Even though Pittsburgh allowed a big fantasy day to Fields last week, we shouldn't expect the same for Darnold. Therefore, he will be a risky QB2.
WR Cooper Kupp
Fantasy managers should definitely not be starting Cooper Kupp in most formats this week. He only caught two passes for 15 yards in Week 1 while seeing just three targets. Now, he'll be matched up against Jalen Ramsey in the slot, which isn't the best matchup for the veteran wide receiver. So, he will be a low-end flex option this weekend.
Other Matchups:
Those hoping for Aaron Rodgers to ball out like he did last week should pump the brakes a bit. Rodgers finished as a top-10 fantasy QB just four times last season, and this Seattle secondary could present some troubles for the future Hall of Famer. So, the 41-year-old will be more of a QB2 option this week.
Seahawks RBs
This whole Seahawks backfield is a mess right now. Zach Charbonnet out-snapped and out-carried Kenneth Walker last week, but the latter out-carried the former 5-1 in the fourth quarter. Given that this backfield appears to be 50-50 right now, it's hard to trust either in fantasy.
After Walker played just 40% of the team's snaps last week, he is more of a flex play against a Pittsburgh defense that allowed Breece Hall to run for over 100 yards in Week 1.
WR DK Metcalf
DK Metcalf had a tough matchup against Gardner last week, but managed to score 12.3 PPR fantasy points. On paper, this might look like another rough matchup for Metcalf against Pro Bowl corner Riq Woolen. However, Woolen really struggled in coverage against Pearsall last week. So, the Steelers wideout is a WR2 in Week 2.
Calvin Austin III was a surprise fantasy contributor in Week 1. He caught four passes for 70 yards and one touchdown. Following that solid fantasy day, Austin could be considered a flex play in deeper formats. He saw six targets last week and is the WR2 on a Rodgers-led offense that will primarily throw the ball.
WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Darnold literally force-fed Smith-Njigba last week. The third-year wideout caught nine of 13 targets for 124 yards in the loss. Considering Darnold only threw for 150 yards on the afternoon, the 23-year-old will have a lot of passes come his way in 2025. You are starting him no matter what in Week 2.
Injuries:
None
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Afternoon Games
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts
Spread: DEN -1.5
Matchups We Love:
None
Matchups We Hate:
QB Daniel Jones
Jones was a surprise fantasy star last week, totaling 29.5 fantasy points and finishing as the overall QB3. The 28-year-old will always be considered a solid QB2 option, given his rushing upside. However, he should be avoided in most cases this weekend against one of the best secondaries in the NFL. Denver allowed just 112 pass yards in Week 1.
The matchup against the Broncos isn't the best for Jonathan Taylor. Denver allowed the second-fewest yards per carry to opposing backs last season, and Tony Pollard couldn't muster much on the ground last week against this front seven. Still, you're starting Taylor as an RB2 after totaling 21 touches a week ago.
Michael Pittman had a strong Week 1 showing. He caught six passes for 80 yards and one touchdown en route to a 20-point PPR fantasy performance. Unfortunately, Pittman should be sat in most scenarios this weekend. He will likely see the Surtain shadow in this game, and we all saw what Surtain did to Ridley last week.
Other Matchups:
QB Bo Nix
Nix didn't show a ton of great things against the Titans last week. He totaled just 8.8 fantasy points and only rushed for 18 yards in the contest. Therefore, the second-year signal-caller will be more of a high-end QB2 option this weekend. The Colts played well against Tagovailoa last week, holding him to only 114 pass yards.
RB RJ Harvey
It's going to be weeks until RJ Harvey eventually overtakes J.K. Dobbins for the starting role. He only played 29% of the team's offensive snaps last week and saw just six carries in the contest. Although he totaled 70 yards on those six carries, it might be hard to trust him as an RB2 against the Colts.
RB J.K. Dobbins
Dobbins had full control of Denver's backfield last week. He played 53% of the offensive snaps, saw 16 carries, and finished as the overall RB14 in PPR formats. As a result, the 26-year-old is a fantastic flex play in Week 2. He should see enough volume on the ground this week, making him startable in most formats.
WR Josh Downs
Fantasy managers should not be starting Josh Downs in most formats this week. He played just 49% of the team's offensive snaps and ran just 14 routes in last week's win. With Warren controlling most of the underneath/middle of the field targets, Downs could continue to see fewer targets on offense.
Courtland Sutton continued to operate as Nix's top target in the passing game last week. He caught six of his nine targets for 61 yards and one touchdown. Even though he is expected to have a tougher matchup on the outside against Charvarius Ward, Ward's status is in the air in Week 2 due to a concussion. So, fire up Sutton in fantasy this weekend.
TE Tyler Warren
There's no way you can sit Warren in fantasy after watching what he did against the Dolphins. He totaled seven catches for 76 yards while playing 73% of the team's offensive snaps. While this matchup against Denver's secondary isn't the best, you aren't sitting someone who just had one of the best rookie tight end performances in NFL history.
TE Evan Engram
After leaving last week's game early due to a calf injury, it appears that Evan Engram will be good to go in Week 2. He fully practiced on Thursday and should operate as the leading tight end for this Broncos team against the Colts. As a result, Engram will come as a low-end TE1 on Sunday against an Indianapolis defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2024.
Injuries:
None
Carolina Panthers at Arizona Cardinals
Spread: ARI -6.5
Matchups We Love:
RB James Conner
It wasn't the best showing for James Conner on the ground in Week 1. He averaged just 3.25 yards per carry across his 12 carries. However, he did catch four passes, one of which went for a touchdown. Now, he gets a fantastic matchup against the Panthers. Carolina allowed over 6.2 yards per carry last week, meaning Conner is a strong RB2 play.
TE Trey McBride
Trey McBride is always going to be a must-start, regardless of matchup. But the young playmaker could be in for a big fantasy day against a Carolina secondary that allowed five catches for 65 yards and one touchdown to tight ends a week ago. So, McBride will come in as the overall TE1 this week.
Matchups We Hate:
It was nice to see Marvin Harrison Jr. get into the end zone to kick off his sophomore campaign. However, whenever he lines up against Jaycee Horn in this game, he could struggle to put up fantasy points. Horn held Thomas in check last week. The good news, though, is that Horn only shadowed Thomas 43.3% of the time. Therefore, Harrison will be a WR2 this week.
Other Matchups:
QB Bryce Young
Young did not look like the same quarterback he was toward the end of last season. He only completed 51% of his passes for 154 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions last week. That makes the Panthers signal-caller a low-end QB2 in Superflex formats. The Cardinals did a nice job against Rattler in Week 1.
QB Kyler Murray
Given Kyler Murray's rushing upside, he will be a low-end QB1 in fantasy. Although Murray does not seem to have the fantasy ceiling like he did earlier in his career, he will be a very safe quarterback option this week. He ran for 38 yards in the opener and added two passing touchdowns through the air. This Carolina secondary doesn't present much of a challenge for him this weekend.
“We’ve got to end the game on our terms.”
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is frustrated the offense left the door open for the Saints in Week 1 win @PHNX_Cardinals pic.twitter.com/EZWK8gBbcY
— Bo Brack (@BoBrack) September 10, 2025
Chuba Hubbard was the clear RB1 in Carolina's backfield last week, totaling 19 touches and finishing as the RB8 in PPR formats. Even though the Cardinals held Kamara in check last week, you are still starting Hubbard as a solid RB2 in all formats. Arizona allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2024.
While the results weren't necessarily there for McMillan in his NFL debut, there is a lot to be encouraged by. He led the team in catches (five), receiving yards (68), and targets (nine). Therefore, he will be a low-end WR2 in fantasy this week. He will likely match up against rookie cornerback Will Johnson for most of this game, which is an exciting matchup between two potential up-and-coming stars.
Injuries:
None
Philadelphia Eagles at Kansas City Chiefs
Spread: PHI -1.5
Matchups We Love:
WR DeVonta Smith
DeVonta Smith was nonexistent in the Philadelphia passing attack last week, catching just three passes for 16 yards. However, fantasy managers should expect a bounce-back performance for the 26-year-old in Week 2. Given that Smith plays the majority of his snaps in the slot, he will be a WR2 this weekend against a Chiefs defense that struggled to contain Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen in the slot last week.
Matchups We Hate:
Patrick Mahomes dialed up the rushing in Week 1, running six times for 57 yards and one touchdown. If Mahomes winds up having any rushing upside throughout this season, he will be a consistent fantasy QB for managers. Nevertheless, he will be a lower-end QB1 this weekend against the Eagles. Philadelphia has been a top-5 fantasy defense against QBs since the start of last year.
There's no doubt this matchup is tough for Barkley. The Chiefs allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs last year, and Omarion Hampton only ran 15 times for 48 yards against this run defense last week. None of that matters, though, when it comes to the Eagles RBs. He will remain a must-start in Week 2.
Isiah Pacheco was definitely quiet in Week 1. He only ran the ball five times for 25 yards and scored under five PPR fantasy points for the third consecutive regular season game, dating back to the end of the 2024 season. With the Eagles coming to town, Pacheco is a risky start in all formats. Philadelphia allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to RBs last year.
TE Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce's fantasy day was salvaged last week, thanks to a long touchdown in the fourth quarter. He only caught two of four targets for 47 yards and one touchdown in the contest. While Kelce will still be a TE1 play this week, fantasy managers should temper expectations for him. The Eagles were the best defense against tight ends in fantasy a season ago.
Other Matchups:
QB Jalen Hurts
Hurts will continue to be a top quarterback option in Week 2. He finished with 24.3 fantasy points to open the season, and Justin Herbert just tore up this Kansas City secondary for 318 yards and three touchdowns. While we shouldn't expect Hurts to put up those types of passing numbers, his rushing potential should carry him once again.
WR A.J. Brown
Fantasy managers were likely disappointed with A.J. Brown's performance last week. He only caught one pass for eight yards, finished as the WR101 in PPR formats, and didn't win a single route on the outside. However, this is a prime bounce-back game for Brown. The two times that Brown saw fewer than five targets last year, he totaled 100 yards the next match both times.
Chiefs WRs
Which Chiefs WRs fantasy managers should start this week will likely depend on whether Xavier Worthy (shoulder) plays. Worthy left last week's game early due to a shoulder injury, but he returned to practice on Thursday. If he suits up, he would come in as a WR3, as he could be limited with that shoulder injury.
If he misses the contest, then both Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster are potential starts this week. Brown saw 16 targets last week and would operate as Mahomes' go-to target in the middle of the field. He would be an easy WR2 play. As for Smith-Schuster, he could be worth a dart-throw in deeper leagues after catching five passes for 55 yards in Week 1.
Injuries:
- Xavier Worthy (shoulder) - questionable
- Dallas Goedert (knee) - questionable
Matchup Analysis - Sunday Night Football
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
Spread: MIN -3.5
Matchups We Love:
WR Drake London
It appears Drake London (shoulder) has a strong shot to play in Week 2 after practicing in a limited fashion to start the week. London left last week's loss early after injuring his shoulder late in the game. If he manages to suit up, you are starting him as a WR1. He saw a whopping 15 targets from Michael Penix Jr. last week, and the Vikings allowed the second-most fantasy points to WRs last season.
Matchups We Hate:
Justin Jefferson will likely draw the A.J. Terrell Jr. shadow in this game, which is not great news for the superstar wideout. Terrell held Mike Evans to just 10.1 PPR fantasy points last week. At this point in Jefferson's career, though, he is matchup-proof. He started to form a nice connection with J.J. McCarthy in the second half. So, you're starting him as a WR1.
Other Matchups:
After a 24-point fantasy day in Week 1, Penix can be trusted as a QB2 in Superflex formats moving forward. He showed some passing upside (298) and rushing potential (21 yards and a touchdown) last week, and if all of his WRs are back for this game, Penix can be a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option.
QB J.J. McCarthy
Like any quarterback making his first NFL start, McCarthy had plenty of ups and downs. But his encouraging fourth-quarter performance helped him finish as the QB11 in fantasy formats last week. While he won't be a QB1 this week, he will be a high-end QB2 play for those in Superflex formats. The Falcons have given up the second-most passing touchdowns since the start of 2024.
Even though Robinson only averaged two yards per carry in Week 1, you are starting him every format this weekend. He still scored 24.4 PPR fantasy points last week behind a six-catch, 100-yard, one-touchdown day. So, he will remain a must-start in Week 2.
RBs Jordan Mason/Aaron Jones Sr.
This backfield was just about 50/50 last Monday night between Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. Jones played 50% of the offensive snaps and totaled 11 touches in the contest, while Mason played 54% of the offensive snaps and totaled 16 touches. With the split backfield, both running backs will have their fantasy ceiling capped moving forward.
Still, Mason and Jones are both worthy flex plays this week. Both should continue to see opportunities out of the backfield, and the Falcons allowed 4.4 yards per carry to Tampa Bay in Week 1.
Darnell Mooney (shoulder) continues to put in limited practices, giving him a chance to play in Week 2. If he does suit up, he will be worth playing in deeper leagues as a solid flex play. The Vikings gave up the second-most fantasy points to WRs last season, and Mooney should get enough targets -- even if he is a bit limited.
TE T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson wasn't a part of Minnesota's game plan much last week. He caught just three passes for 15 yards. While we shouldn't panic just yet on Hockenson, it was a bit surprising that he ran just 17 routes. Now, he goes up against a Falcons offense that allowed zero catches to tight ends a week ago. So, he'll be a low-end TE1.
Kyle Pitts was actually on the love list last week, and he had a solid fantasy game after all. He caught seven passes for 59 yards while seeing eight targets. Those eight targets are his most in a game since Week 7 of the 2024 campaign. With Pitts appearing to be more involved in the offense, he could be worth starting in 16-plus team leagues this week. Minnesota allowed over 11 PPR fantasy points per game to TEs last year.
Injuries:
- Darnell Mooney (shoulder) - questionable
- Drake London (shoulder) - questionable
Matchup Analysis - Monday Night Football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
Spread: HOU -2.5
Matchups We Love:
QB C.J. Stroud
Since his rookie season, things have gone downhill for Stroud. He struggled in his sophomore campaign and looked abysmal as a passer last week. However, Stroud has sneaky QB2 value this week against a Buccaneers defense that hasn't been able to stop the pass since 2024. Penix just threw for 298 yards against this secondary last week, and this defense gave up the second-most fantasy points to QBs last year.
WR Nico Collins
With Stroud expected to have a solid fantasy day, that should benefit Nico Collins the most. Although he didn't do much in Week 1, this is a big bounce-back spot for the wideout as well. Tampa Bay allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to WRs last year, and Collins' matchup against Jamel Dean is solid. Dean allowed five catches alone in coverage last week.
Matchups We Hate:
RB Nick Chubb
Look at what the Buccaneers' front seven did against Bijan Robinson last week (12 carries for 24 yards). That should be all the reason to sit Nick Chubb in this game. Chubb actually looked solid running the football in Week 1 with a 13-carry, 60-yard rushing day. However, this Tampa Bay run defense has been one of the best in recent seasons, led by Vita Vea.
WR Mike Evans
After a tough matchup in Week 1, Evans gets another difficult one in Week 2. The potential Hall of Famer will go up against All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. Stingley has emerged as one of the best young corners in the game and did a nice job against Adams a week ago. So, Evans is a riskier WR2 option.
Other Matchups:
The touchdown numbers continue to pile up for Baker Mayfield. Following a 41-touchdown season in 2024, he opened up the 2025 campaign with a three-touchdown effort against the Falcons. Although Houston has been known to have a better defense than the one Mayfield saw last week, he will still be a QB1 in Week 2.
RB Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving operated as the clear RB1 in Tampa Bay's backfield last week, playing 76% of the team's offensive snaps. While the results on the ground weren't there, you are still starting him as a low-end RB1 this weekend. The Texans do have a solid run defense, but that isn't enough to sit Irving in this one.
WR Emeka Egbuka
What a rookie debut for Emeka Egbuka in Week 1. He caught four passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns and finished as the overall WR4 on the week. After that performance, you are likely starting him in most formats as a WR2/WR3. Since he will pretty much avoid Stingley in this game, he should be in most lineups.
TE Dalton Schultz
Schultz doesn't provide much upside at the TE position this week. He caught just three passes for 28 yards last week while playing a mere 54% of the team's offensive snaps. There are better tight ends to roll with this week in fantasy.
Injuries:
- Christian Kirk (hamstring) - questionable
Los Angeles Chargers at Las Vegas Raiders
Spread: LAC -3.5
Matchups We Love:
It was a solid fantasy showing from Ladd McConkey last week. He caught six passes for 74 yards and played both outside and in the slot. Given McConkey's high fantasy floor in this Los Angeles offense, he should be started everywhere in Week 2.
WR Keenan Allen
Allen is one of the most interesting players after Week 1 because it appears he will be fantasy-relevant this year. He saw a team-high 10 targets while catching seven of those targets for 68 yards. Don't forget, it was just two years ago that Allen finished as a WR1 in fantasy. So, the 33-year-old veteran will be a solid flex play against a Raiders offense that allowed 14.1 PPR fantasy points in the slot last week.
Matchups We Hate:
No, you are sitting, Jeanty, because he's in this section. However, expectations should be tempered for the exciting rookie. The Chargers allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs last year, and the Chiefs chose not to run against this vicious front seven last week. That makes Jeanty more of an RB2 play on Monday.
Other Matchups:
Herbert should be considered a QB1 in fantasy until further notice. He just finished as the QB5 last week, and the Chargers were much more pass-heavy than we all anticipated. Now, he will go up against a Raiders defense that he torched for 346 yards and two touchdowns in the final game of last season. While this is a new year, Maye just threw for 287 yards against this secondary.
QB Geno Smith
Smith looked solid in his Las Vegas debut last week, throwing for 362 yards and one touchdown. On paper, this might seem like a tough matchup against an excellent Chargers defense. But Los Angeles has actually struggled to stop opposing QBs in fantasy since last year. With Mahomes scoring 26 fantasy points against this secondary last week, Smith is a middle-of-the-pack QB2 option.
Hampton was definitely inefficient on the ground in his NFL debut. He averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, which led to a modest 8.1 PPR fantasy point day. However, the positives are that he touched the ball 17 times and played 80% of the team's offensive snaps. Even though Najee Harris is expected to see more chances moving forward, Hampton will be an RB2 this week in a much better matchup.
Jakobi Meyers will remain a high-floor WR play for fantasy managers this week. He caught eight passes for 97 yards last week and could see even more opportunities his way if Brock Bowers (knee) were to miss this contest. If you need a safe WR play in fantasy this week, go with Meyers in this AFC West divisional game.
Is Quentin Johnston finally breaking out? While it is too early to answer that question, Johnston was one of the biggest waiver wire additions this past week following a five-catch, 79-yard, two-touchdown performance. It might be hard to rely on him to put up those numbers again, but the Chargers seem to want to get him involved on offense. That's enough to make him a potential flex play in 12-plus team leagues.
TE Brock Bowers
Bowers left last week's game early due to a knee injury. If he plays, you are absolutely starting him. If he misses, be sure to have a backup plan since this is a Monday night game. Michael Mayer could be a nice fill-in if Bowers can't go. Mayer caught four passes for 38 yards last week.
Injuries:
- Brock Bowers (knee) - questionable
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