Fantasy Football Warning Signals for Week 2: Trevor Lawrence, Javonte Williams, and Christian Kirk

September 15, 2024

Kev Mahserejian's fantasy football warning signals and lineup sit 'ems for Week 2 (2024). Who should I start instead of these players worth benching, sitting, and avoiding?

Week 2 of the fantasy football season is underway and while we may have drafted certain players at a premium, it is okay to consider benching them despite their name value. We often hear the phrase "start your studs" and it is a tried and true method, especially earlier in the season. However, when new information. injuries, tough matchups, and/or questionable team situations arise, we must adjust. I will cover Trevor Lawrence, Javonte Williams, and Christian Kirk in this edition.

It may be difficult to stomach benching a player drafted within the top 100 for a possible free-agent acquisition. However, such measures must be taken to ensure victory throughout the fantasy football season.

Here is a look at some fantasy football players who have shown warning signals recently, and you should think twice about putting them in your lineup in Week 2. For any issues and/or concerns, contact @RotoSurgeon on X.

Quarterback Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?

Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns

Trevor Lawrence has new weapons to play with this season but we have not seen much fantasy production throughout his career. Lawrence finished QB15 in PPG last season with a career-high QB12 finish in 2022. He produced another dud last Sunday and faces a stout Browns defense in Week 2.

The Jaguars also want to establish a rushing attack early with a revitalized Tank Bigsby to complement lead back Travis Etienne. With this duo and a matchup against a lowly Browns offense, Lawrence may not feel much pressure to air throws out or risk his body on runs in the home opener.

Who To Start Instead?

Brock Purdy - San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings

The 49ers will be forced to rely more on Brock Purdy with Christian McCaffrey shelved. This week's matchup is perfect for him to post a solid fantasy line as the Vikings' defense is much weaker than in recent seasons while the matchup is in Minnesota's dome. With post-contract Brandon Aiyuk adjusted back to game speed as the weeks progress, the passing offense should become even more potent than in Week 1.

Minnesota's offense is not much better than the Jets' last week but if they can keep the game competitive or limit Jordan Mason, Purdy should be in for a great fantasy day.

Running Back Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?

Javonte Williams - Denver Broncos vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Denver Broncos are committed to a committee backfield. Javonte Williams should be healthier than in 2023 where he was one season removed from tearing his ACL but the offense is worse with Bo Nix under center and a mediocre set of receiving weapons. Williams earned just nine touches and produced 23 yards last week against a revitalized Seahawks defense. Second-year RB Jaleel McLaughlin saw 15 touches but did not produce much more.

This backfield is likely to ride the hot hand game-to-game and predicting that is not a game we want to play, especially against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Who To Start Instead?

Brian Robinson Jr. - Washington Commanders vs New York Giants

Austin Ekeler may have the name value but Brian Robinson Jr. remains the lead back in Washington. The Commanders gave Robinson 15 touches and Ekeler six this past week against the Buccaneers within a loss. One would expect Ekeler to play more when trailing but the Commanders like Robinson's receiving ability too.

Jayden Daniels provides Washington with a different look for their rushing game. Teams must key in on him on top of the RBs as well. With a matchup against a weak New York Giants defense this week, Robinson should be capable of producing as much, if not more than his 17.9 PPR points last week.

Wide Receiver Concerns - Sit 'Em for Week 2?

Christian Kirk - Jacksonville Jaguars vs Cleveland Browns

Similarly to Trevor Lawrence, Christian Kirk faces a tough Browns defense this week. Kirk is also just two weeks removed from a calf injury which limited his presence in August. The veteran slot WR is talented but the Jaguars may not be forced to throw much this week as the Browns' offense will not induce much pressure and likely play slow due to Deshaun Watson's limitations.

Kirk will have his weeks but after a one-catch, four-target game last week, he is better off benched until a plus matchup or some semblance of fantasy production arrives.

Who To Start Instead?

Ladd McConkey - Los Angeles Chargers @ Carolina Panthers

The Chargers may be down Josh Palmer this week and have just seen what Ladd McConkey could do. McConkey posted a team-high seven targets last week on 67% of the snaps and produced five catches, 39 yards, and a TD. The efficiency is not ideal but leading a team in targets as a rookie in his first game is impressive.

This passing offense should flow through McConkey as the Chargers are not rich with pass catchers. Top TE Hayden Hurst is a journeyman while WR2 Quentin Johnston is still a project. McConkey's polish and immediate rapport with Herbert could be trusted weekly moving forward.

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