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Dave's quarterback start 'em, sit 'em picks for fantasy football Week 2 lineups (2025). Read his expert QB start/sit advice for Daniel Jones, Jared Goff, Drake Maye, others.
Week 2 of the NFL season has arrived. Hopefully, you kicked off your fantasy football season with a victory last week. If things didn't go your way, try not to worry. There is still a long way to go before the fantasy playoffs begin. A lot will change from now to December, so there is plenty of time for your team to get rolling.
We saw several huge quarterback performances in Week 1. The likes of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen popped for some big games. However, we also had surprising performances from Daniel Jones and Justin Fields. We even saw Aaron Rodgers turn back the clock and throw four touchdown passes against his former team, the New York Jets. If you're in the market for a streamer this week, or just want to know which signal-callers to avoid, we've got you covered.
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Week 2 Starts - Potential Fantasy Football Booms
Dak Prescott - QB, Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants
Prescott played well in last week’s season opener. Unfortunately, it did not translate to much fantasy production as he would finish as the overall QB29.
Things should be different this week, as Prescott draws a date against the New York Giants. New York’s secondary is still a major question mark. Dallas has a clear advantage in this area, given their receiving corps. Cowboys receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens could have a field day against this unit. That means there is potential for a massive game from Prescott.
After a disappointing opening week, look for Prescott and the Dallas passing game to get on track in a big way here.
Jared Goff - QB, Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears
After Ben Johnson’s offseason departure, I think we all were expecting some regression from the Lions' offense this year. But holy cow, I’m not sure anyone expected the disaster performance that took place in Week 1.
Goff and the Lions' passing game massively struggled last week against the Green Bay Packers. He only threw for 225 passing yards and finished the week as the overall QB21.
Fast forward to Week 2, and Detroit is set to take on the Chicago Bears this Sunday in their home opener. Goff’s indoor/outdoor splits are well known, and he has played far better in domes than he has outside over the last few years.
Chicago’s defense played well for three quarters this past Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Chicago completely collapsed in the fourth quarter. The Bears' defense allowed J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings offense to score 21 straight points and ultimately lost by a score of 27-24.
Chicago’s defense looked very vulnerable in the final quarter of Monday night's game. Even though Detroit is adjusting to life without Johnson and retired center Frank Ragnow, this offense is still loaded with talent.
Goff can be started as a QB2 in superflex leagues. He’s also an acceptable streaming option in traditional single-quarterback leagues.
Drake Maye - QB, New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
Maye let fantasy managers down last week despite having a plus matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. What was most surprising, though, was that Maye only ran four times for 11 rushing yards. That was a bit concerning to see because gamers are counting on Maye using his legs to finish the season as a QB1.
New England’s sophomore signal-caller gets another good matchup this weekend. The Patriots take on their division rival, the Miami Dolphins, in Week 2. Miami’s defense really struggled last week and made Colts starting quarterback Daniel Jones look like Johnny Unitas. The Dolphins' defense struggled to stop Jones and the Indianapolis offense. Miami finished Week 1 27th in PFF’s pass coverage grade and 25th in defensive passing DVOA per FTN Fantasy.
Miami also allowed Jones to score two touchdowns on the ground. That’s noteworthy because Maye, despite his lack of rushing yards last week, has not been averse to using his legs in the past.
This is a good opportunity for Maye to get rolling as a passer and a rusher. Consider him a top-tier streaming option who is live for a QB1 finish.
Week 2 Concerns - Potential Fantasy Football Busts
Baker Mayfield - QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Houston Texans
Mayfield threw three touchdown passes against the Atlanta Falcons last week and finished as the overall QB12.
Emeka Egbuka. THE ROOKIE. AGAIN.
TBvsATL on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/pLyQEvaSG4
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
Those touchdown passes covered up an otherwise terrible game from Mayfield. He only completed 17 of 32 passes and threw for just 167 passing yards. Mayfield was only PFF’s 30th highest graded passer, and he finished 33rd in adjusted completion percentage.
Tampa Bay takes on the Houston Texans this week. While Houston’s secondary is vulnerable, its defensive line is very good. They could cause issues for the Buccaneers' offensive line, which struggled at times against Atlanta and will likely be without tackle Tristan Wirfs.
That could mean Mayfield doesn’t have much time to throw and could force him into some poor decisions. Tampa Bay might lean on Bucky Irving and its running game as a result.
There’s more bust potential in this matchup for Mayfield than some realize. Consider other options this week.
Daniel Jones - QB, Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos
Jones had a fantastic showing last week against a pathetic Miami Dolphins defense. He threw for 278 passing yards and one passing touchdown. Jones also ran for 26 rushing yards and scored two rushing touchdowns. He finished the week as the overall QB3.
Daniel Jones to Michael Pittman Jr. connection!#MIAvsIND on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/PYMcl8DT11
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
While that was fun to watch, there is a strong likelihood that Jones and the entire Colts offense will experience a letdown this week. Indianapolis takes on a Denver Broncos team that has one of the best defenses in the league. Denver’s defense completely dismantled rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and the entire Tennessee Titans offense last week.
Denver was PFF’s fourth-highest graded defense, finished first in defensive passing DVOA, and allowed just 62 passing yards in Week 1. The Broncos boast a strong pass rush and have a very good secondary led by stud cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Indianapolis could have much more trouble moving the football this week. That could lead to Jones reverting to the player we watched over the last six years with the New York Giants.
The Colts have a ton of offensive talent, and that will help Jones maintain value as a QB2 or weekly streamer. However, this is not the week to throw him your lineups.
Michael Penix Jr. - QB, Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings
Penix had a strong performance in last week’s season opener. He threw for 298 passing yards and one touchdown. Penix also ran for 21 rushing yards and scored a touchdown on the ground.
MICHAEL PENIX JR. FOR THE LEAD.
TBvsATL on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/IJegJgqlZY
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
We recommended Penix as a starter in superflex leagues last week. Hopefully, you started him as such and picked up a victory. This week is a different story, though, as Atlanta takes on a Minnesota Vikings defense that could give Penix some major fits.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy approach. This could be problematic for the Falcons' offensive line, which is missing starting right tackle Kaleb McGary. Penix could be under duress for the majority of this game. They could force him into several poor decisions and could also limit his passing output. Atlanta is very likely aware of this scenario and may choose to put the game in the hands of running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Penix had a solid performance last Sunday, but this weekend doesn't feel like a great time to start him. Look for other steaming options in single quarterback leagues. If you’re in a superflex league, consider other QB2 options if at all possible.
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