Ben Ruppert's Week 2 fantasy football matchups analysis (part 1) for the 2016 NFL season. Starts and sits for fantasy football lineups based on matchups.

What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find part one of our Week 2 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the first half of the Week 2 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00).

Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well. It’s essential to analyze the weekly NFL matchups to find lineup sleepers and gems, while also avoiding those players who may turn out to be busts.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out FantasyAces DFS contests for Week 2. New users that sign up on Fantasy Aces and make a $20 deposit will receive RotoBaller's full season NFL Premium Pass for free (including Premium DFS), normally a $59.99 value. Expert DFS research, sample lineups, matchup ratings and lots more!

• 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

Week 1 Matchups Analysis Recap

Greatest Hits: Theo Riddick (RB, DET), Matt Forte (RB, NYJ), Donte Moncrief (WR, IND)

Even with Ameer Abdullah being the primary rusher on offense, Theo Riddick is going to have a big role in this offense all season after catching 80 passes last season. Matt Forte showed us Week 1 that the backfield is his and his alone, after rushing and receiving his way to a big yardage day. Donte Moncrief led IND in receiving Week 1 in what ended up being a high scoring affair. Luck will look towards his biggest receiver all season.

Greatest Misses: Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF), Giovani Bernard (RB, NYJ), John Brown (WR, ARI)

Whoops. Definitely thought Tyrod Taylor would come out guns blazing against his former team. Looks like he brought a knife to a gunfight. I thought Gio would have a big day against a Jets D that can stop the run, but they were able to limit Gio and Hill, rendering them both useless. A TD saved Hill’s fantasy day at least. John Brown was completely overshadowed Week 1, while dealing with health issues. Most importantly he needs to get healthy, but having Fitz and Floyd around all season will frustrate Brown owners.

49ers @ Panthers - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Kelvin Benjamin (WR, CAR)

Last week Cam Newton quickly realized how much he missed Kelvin Benjamin in the offense last season, throwing a first quarter TD to the talented WR. With another week under his belt, Benjamin should see his snap count increase again heading into Week 2. He faces an easier opponent in the 49ers, in what figures to be an easy win for the defending NFC champions. Look for Newton to hit Benjamin early and often, especially in the red zone where Benjamin can use his huge frame to crate mismatches for the defense. I like his chances to haul in another TD in this one.

Cam Newton (QB, CAR)

After losing to the Broncos in very difficult fashion, Cam Newton will be looking to come out in Week 2 hot after his team starts 2016 0-and-1. He will have an easier task against the 49ers this week, who made a fool out of Case Keenum and the Rams last wek. Unfortunately for the 49ers, Newton is a completely different animal. Newton will pass and run all over this defense en route to a solid performance in Week 2 at home. The Panthers will get back in the win column this week.

Jeremy Kerley (WR, SF)

When the Panthers get up early in this one, Blaine Gabbert will be looking to throw the ball a lot in an attempt to get back into it. In comes his favorite receiver from Week 1, Jeremy Kerley. Kerley occupied the slot Week 1 and although he was only with the team for two weeks, he showed great rapport with Gabbert in the passing game. Kerley fits exactly with what Gabbert and Chip Kelly like to do on offense. He should have a solid game with a lot of catches as the 49ers play catch-up to the Panthers.

Matchups We Hate

Carlos Hyde (RB, SF)

Carlos Hyde had a solid Week 1, rushing for 88 yards and a score on 23 carries. The 49ers got up early on the Rams then ran the ball down their throats. Although the Panthers allowed C.J. Anderson to run on them last week, I don’t see things going that way again this week. The Panthers should be able to pull ahead unlike in Week 1, leading the 49ers to go into passing mode. With Hyde not being a good receiving back, we should see a heavier dose of Shaun Draughn in Week 2. Hyde will get the majority of the carries, but his opportunities will be limited in this one.

Notable Players

Greg Olsen (TE, CAR)

Greg Olsen is Cam Newton’s safety blanket. The dominant TE hauled in seven passes for 73 yards last week, and figures to do more of the same in Week 2. However, with the Panthers likely to take this game over early, unless Olsen gets his yards and TD early on he may have a less-than-productive Week 2. Olsen will still get his chunk of the receptions, as he always does, but he may not have a spectacular output in this one.

Jonathan Stewart (RB, CAR)

Jonathan Stewart had a solid effort in Week 1, rushing for 64 yards on 15 attempts. This week he figures to carry a lot of the load offensively, meaning he should be in line for a productive week. However, last week against the Rams the 49ers were able to shut down talented RB Todd Gurley. Granted, they were able to stack the box with Case Keenum at the helm, but it is still an impressive feat given Gurley’s game-breaking ability. Stewart will be given all he can handle on Sunday, it will be interesting to see if he can get the best of a talented 49ers run defense.

Ravens @ Browns - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Mike Wallace (WR, BAL)

It didn’t take long for the Joe Flacco - Mike Wallace connection to pay off. Last week Wallace caught three passes from Flacco for 91 yards, including a 66-yard bomb for a TD in the second quarter. Flacco will be looking to throw against a defense that held Ryan Mathews to 3.5 YPR Week 1. Wallace will continue going deep in this one while top CB Joe Haden covers Steve Smith Sr. Look for him to get another long TD on Flacco’s excellent deep ball.

Joe Flacco (QB, BAL)

Last season against the Browns, Flacco threw for 210 yards and a TD, including two rushing TDs as the Ravens won 33-to-30 in overtime. The Bills defense was able to limit the Ravens in Week 1, but the Browns secondary was just lit up by rookie QB Carson Wentz, who wasn’t even listed as the starting QB all through training camp and preseason. Flacco knows this Browns defense, and should have a much more productive day Week 2.

Gary Barnidge (TE, CLE)

The best possible thing that could have happened for Gary Barnidge’s fantasy value happened in Week 1. Robert Griffin III was placed on the IR, leaving Josh McCown to take over the reigns as the Browns starting QB. During Week 1, RGIII helped Barnidge record no catches, for no yards, and no scores. Last season McCown helped Barnidge’s career take off. Last season he caught 79 passes for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2 matchups with the Ravens last season, he averaged 7.5 catches, 10.5 targets, 115 yards receiving and one touchdown. He will be a strong play this week.

Matchups We Hate

Duke Johnson (RB, CLE)

The Browns plan to feature Isaiah Crowell in this one, with head coach Hue Jackson coming out and saying he wants to see his running back “turned loose” in this one. Part of the appeal for Duke Johnson coming into the season was that he would start to chip away on the carries received by Crowell. In this one that doesn’t figure to be the case. After catching only three passes last week to go with three rushes. His action will likely be very limited in this game.

Notable Players

Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE)

As mentioned above, the coaching staff would like to get Isaiah Crowell more involved in the offense this week after he averaged 5.2 YPR last week with a rushing TD. This week he faces the Ravens, who were able to shut him out last season holding him to 56 yards on 20 rushes (2.8 YPR). If he does get the volume this week he will find a way to be productive, but he is a risky play against a defense that had his number last season.

Justin Forsett (RB, BAL)

Forsett was the leading rusher against the Bills last week, rushing 10 times for 41 yards (4.1 YPR), but only had a long of nine yards. However, it was Terrance West who got the most carries with 12. Heading into Week 2 it will likely be the hot hand who gets the most carries, and right now it seems to be Forsett. The Browns allowed Ryan Mathews to rush for 77 yards and a TD last week. Last season Forsett rushed for 121 yards and a score against the Browns. If he gets the volume, he should be a good play.

Titans @ Lions - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Marcus Mariota (QB, TEN)

The Titans are a run-first offense, and that’s how things should play out for most of the 2016 season. Last week however, the Titans found themselves behind in the game and ended up throwing the ball 41 times. With the Lions offense clicking after Week 1, the Titans will likely find themselves in a tough situation in this one. Volume alone should immensely boost Mariota’s value in Week 2. Last week the Lions allowed 385 yards through the air to Andrew Luck, so Mariota has a good chance to put up big numbers in Week 2.

Tajae Sharpe (WR, TEN)

Who will Mariota target in the passing game with all of these attempts? Why his favorite receiving target, Tajae Sharpe. Sharpe won his job with a solid preseason, where he and Mariota connected and showed instant chemistry. Sharpe “makes it easy” for Mariota, and will be looking his way again Week 2. In Week 1 Sharpe was targeted 11 times and caught 7 of those passes. He figures to be much more valuable in PPR formats with the amount of passes he will catch, but regardless of the format he should perform well this week.

DeMarco Murray (RB, TEN)

Even when the Titans didn’t need to run, DeMarco Murray stayed involved in the offense. Last week, Murray rushed 13 times for 42 yards, and also caught five passes for 35 yards and two scores. Regardless of the game flow, Murray will have a prominent role in this offense. While it is possible Derek Henry will eat into Murray’s workload as the season goes on, for now this offense belongs to Murray and he will dominate the touches.

Matthew Stafford (QB, DET)

Matthew Stafford looked excellent in Week 1, as the offense rolled to a 39-to-35 victory. Stafford completed 31-of-39 passes (79% completion percentage) for 340 yards and three scores. He has a full complement of offensive weapons to work with at all positions, so as long as he has the time to throw he will likely find an open target. While the Titans only allowed 236 yards last week, that was against Shaun Hill. Stafford is in a completely different universe talent-wise compared to Hill, so Stafford should be able to find success against this defense.

Matchups We Hate

Theo Riddick (RB, DET)

After Riddick’s spectacular Week 1, how can he be a matchup we don’t like this week? Riddick rushed seven times last week for 45 yards and a score, while catching five passes for 63 yards and another score. This week they face the Titans, who allowed only one reception to RBs last week. If the Lions get up early with their elite passing game, Riddick could be left in the dust while Ameer Abdullah gets the majority of the carries. Odds say he won’t repeat his two-TD performance, so keep your expectations in check heading into Week 2.

Notable Players

Marvin Jones Jr. / Golden Tate (WR, DET)

The two WRs for the Lions should both have good games against the Titans defense. The only thing is, with how well both WRs played last week they kept each other from having great weeks. With so many receivers Stafford has on his pallet that he can throw to, it is difficult to predict who will get the lion’s share (couldn’t resist) of the touches week-to-week. Tate will catch more passes, but Jones will collect the bigger chunks of yards. As for who will have the bigger week of the two, your guess is as good as mine. Regardless, these receivers both figure to see tons of action in Week 2.

Texans @ Chiefs - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Lamar Miller (RB, HOU)

Lamar Miller is finally the focal point of an offense. After averaging only 12 rushes per game as a Dolphon, Miller was finally fed the rock in his Texans debut rushing 28 times for 106 yards, only lacking the TD to make his fantasy day a great one. With his talent level, as long as he is carrying the ball over 20 times he will be extremely productive. He has also proven himself to be a safe receiving option, so look for his involvement in the passing game to continue.

Will Fuller (WR, HOU)

Will Fuller welcomed himself to the NFL in a big way last week, catching five passes on a team-leading 11 targets for 107 yards and a TD. While the defense keys in on top WR DeAndre Hopkins, the speedy Fuller has a chance in 1-on-1 coverage to take the top off the defense. He had a chance for an even bigger game, if he didn’t drop some long passes from Brock Osweiler. His TD catch was on a screen, that he was able to run in for an 18-yard score. Drops will be an issue for the young receiver, but Fuller is in an excellent spot in this offense with a QB who can get him the ball deep.

Spencer Ware (RB, KC)

Spencer Ware was fantastic Week 1, and with star RB Jamaal Charles out once again this week Ware will shine again in Week 2. Last week Ware rushed 11 times for 70 yards and a score. He also led the team with seven receptions and 129 yards receiving. Ware has far outpaced Charcandrick West in this backfield, proving he can get it done in all situations. Jeremy Langford was able to rush for 57 yards and a score last week, and Ware’s ability to pass-catch gives him a great chance to bust loose again in Week 2.

Travis Kelce (TE, KC)

Travis Kelce presents a big matchup problem for the Texans, with his 6’5” 260 lbs. frame. Alex Smith will look his way often in this one, just as he has in the past. Since 2014 he has had three 100 yard games, two of those games have been against the Texans. Last season in two games against them, he recorded 14 receptions, 234 yards and two touchdowns in Chiefs victories. Smith won’t change what isn’t broken, so be ready for more of the same in Week 2.

Matchups We Hate

Jeremy Maclin (WR, KC)

Jeremy Maclin is the top receiver in the Chiefs offense, and will likely be targeted plenty by Alex Smith. The Texans have a solid pass defense, which held Alshon Jeffery to only four catches last week. Top CB Jonathan Joseph will likely be on Maclin all day, which will limit his effectiveness. In an offense with Spencer Ware, TE Travis Kelce, and improving WR Chris Conley, Smith has other option he can turn to if Maclin can’t get much going. Joseph won’t make things easy in what could be a low-output game for Maclin.

Notable Players

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU)

Will Fuller stole the show in Week 1 with his surprising performance, but DeAndre Hopkins is still far and away the top receiver in this offense. Hopkins caught five passes on eight targets for 54 yards and a score last week. Fuller’s involvement can only help Hopkins, giving the defense someone else to focus on while Hopkins runs all over the field. As Fuller improves, look for Hopkins to see more and more opportunities.

Saints @ Giants - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Eli Manning (QB, NYG)

This game figures to be a high-volume passing affair. Maybe not quite like the 52-to-49 loss to the Saints last season, but when these two high octane offenses meet sparks usually fly. Eli Manning has a great bunch of receivers including a healthy Victor Cruz. If he is forced to throw he is bound to put up a plethora of fantasy points with this roster.

Sterling Shepard (WR, NYG)

Sterling Shepard showed last week he is a receiver Manning can turn to when needed. He caught three passes on four targets for 43 yards, including a target in the red zone for a nine-yard score. He looked like he belonged in this offense, and if this becomes a trip to the air show look for Shepard to gain big chunks of yards on some long receptions.

Odell Beckham Jr. (WR, NYG)

O’Dell Beckham Jr. is going to have a monster game on Sunday. In two games against the Saints last season he caught eight passes for 180 yards and three scores. If Manning if forced to throw to catch up he will be the first receiver he turns to. Against a swiss-cheese Saints secondary, OBJ is going to produce big numbers.

Brandin Cooks (WR, NO)

For the first time since Jimmy Graham came into town, it looks as if the Saints don’t have a strong option at TE (at least for one week). Meaning there are even more targets to go around for the Saints receivers, led by Brandin Cooks. Last week Cooks caught six passes on nine targets for 143 yards and two scores against the Raiders. When Brees starts throwing, Cooks is capable of catching the ball anywhere on the field. He will be a great option again this week.

Willie Snead (WR, NO)

For the same reasoning above, Willie Snead will be successful this week. He got his season started off on the right foot after a strong rookie season, catching nine passes for 172 yards and a score during Week 1. He figures to see a strong workload again this week.

Matchups We Hate

This game figures to be an offensive showdown, anyone has the potential to score big. Can’t hate anyone in this matchup.

Notable Players

Drew Brees (QB, NO)

The only reason Drew Brees is not included in the matchups we love section, is because of his home/road splits last season. At home, Brees held a 23:5 TD:INT. On the road last season the script was flipped, as he held only a 9:6 ratio. There is more than a good chance Brees has a monster game, but there is a chance he puts up a clunker while being on the road.

Rashad Jennings (RB, NYG)

Rashad Jennings was used the same way he was towards the end of last season when he was an effective runner. In Week 1 he rushed 18 times for 75 yards, while catching one pass for three yards. The 4.2 YPC is nice, but with Shane Vereen the primary pass-catching back Jennings’ chances may be limited if this one gets out of hand early.

Bengals @ Steelers - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Antonio Brown (WR, PIT)

If Big Ben targets one receiver all day, it will be Antonio Brown. It is nearly impossible for this man to have a bad game. No matter how the Steelers do on a given day, as long as Ben Roethlisberger is healthy Brown will produce in a big way no matter the opponent.

DeAngelo Williams (RB, PIT)

DeAngelo Williams is proving his case as to why he should still be used even when star RB Le’Veon Bell returns. Last week he rushed 26 times for 143 yards and two scores, including six receptions for 28 yards. He was one of only two RBs in the league to rush for over 100 yards, and he did it with ease. Last week the Bengals allowed Matt Forte to gain 155 total yards, so there are holes to be found in this defense. Williams is in line to have a huge game once again.

A.J. Green (WR, CIN)

A.J. Green destroyed Revis Island in Week 1, catching a ridiculous 12 passes on 14 targets for 180 yards and a TD. Green looked unstoppable on the field, and Dalton is ready to feed him the ball with Tyler Eifert out and key receivers leaving in the offseason. Green has all the talent to be one of if not the top fantasy receiver this season, so leave him locked in no matter the opponent.

Matchups We Hate

Ben Roethlisberger (QB, PIT)

Ben Roethlisberger had troubles with two things last season; playing the Bengals, and playing on the road. He will do both of those things this week in Cincinnati. Last season while he completed 70.8% of his passes on the road, he held a 5:9 TD:INT ratio. In his two games against the Bengals, he averaged 272 yards per game, and threw a 1:4 TD:INT ratio. With the loss of offensive weapon Matravis Bryant, I wouldn’t expect things to get better in 2016.

Jeremy Hill (RB, CIN)

The Jets were able to effectively shut down the Bengals running game, holding Jeremy Hill to 31 yards on nine touches. The only thing that saved his fantasy day was a 12-yard TD run. In a game that figures to be more about the pass, Hill could see another single-digit rushing attempts game. Hill doesn’t factor into the passing game, which will limit his chances in this one.

Notable Players

Giovani Bernard (RB, CIN)

While Giovani Bernard did not product much last week fantasy-wise, he did average a solid 5.0 YPA and caught two passes while A.J. Green dominated the game. Against the Steelers the Bengals will need to pass, and there’s no way Green dominates the same way he did against Revis. Bernard should have a better game this week than he did last week.

Cowboys @ Redskins - Sunday 9/18 @ 1 PM EST

Matchups We Love

Cole Beasley (WR, DAL)

Dak Prescott started his first ever NFL game last week, looking like he can hold his own in the NFL. When he dropped back to pass, he looked the way of Cole Beasley more than any other WR on the roster. Beasley caught eight of 12 targets for 65 yards, and could have had an even bigger day if not for a dropped pass that would have gone for a score. Beasley will continue to catch a bunch of passes as Prescott continues to develop. He has much more value in PPR compared to standard leagues.

Matt Jones (RB, WSH)

Matt Jones didn’t do much in Week 1, rushing for 24 yards on seven carries with the Redskins having to abandon the run early in favor of the passing game. In this outing, he is up against the Cowboys who last week allowed the Giants to rush for a combined 113 yards on 24 carries. This game will be a great way to judge how far Matt Jones has come in his career. If he is competent RB, he should be able to find success against this Cowboys defense. `

Matchups We Hate

Ezekiel Elliot (RB, DAL)

Last week Ezekiel Elliot saw his first real taste of NFL action, as he rushed 20 times for 51 yards and a score. The 2.6 YPA number leaves much to be desired, but 20 carries behind a top-notch offensive line will lead to great things once he is acclimated to the NFL game. Unfortunately for Elliot, Alfred Morris looked great in limited action and figures to get more involved this week. If Elliot can’t improve on his performance with his slightly decreased amount of carries, his fantasy performance will be extremely limited and TD dependent.

Dez Bryant (WR, DAL)

Dez Bryant was heavily out-targeted by Jason Witten and Cole Beasley last Sunday, with Dak Prescott not looking the way of his most talented receiver very often. Bryant saw five targets, catching one of them for eight yards. The relationship between these two will undoubtedly grow as the season rolls on, but for now with Witten and Beasley dominating targets it makes Bryant a big risk in Week 2.

Notable Players

Jordan Reed (TE, WSH)

Jordan Reed is the favorite target of Kirk Cousins. The duo was dominant last season, and started well in Week 1 with Reed catching seven passes for 64 yards. Reed’s large frame creates a mismatch for any defense, coupled with his skill and usage in the offense he always has the chance to explode. However, last season the Cowboys allowed the least fantasy points to the TE position. Something is going to have to break in this one; Reed’s well play or the Cowboys defense against the position.

DeSean Jackson (WR, WSH)

DeSean Jackson was a solid performer on Sunday, catching six-of-10 targets for 102 yards. Jackson has become much more than just a deep threat, he has shown he can run short and intermediate routes as well and use his speed to rip off chunks of yards. Cousins will look his way again in this one, but there are a lot of mouths to feed in this offense.

Jason Witten (TE, DAL)

Jason Witten led the Cowboys in targets last week with 14 from Dak Prescott. As long as he continues to see double digit looks from their rookie QB, Witten will have huge value in PPR formats. Prescott threw mostly short and intermediate passes in his debut, and figures to do more of the same in this one as he learns the pro game. Witten is a big, safe, sure-handed target Prescott will turn to often once again.