Week 2 Fantasy Football Busts? Players Who May Disappoint (2025)

September 13, 2025

Who should I start or sit for fantasy football in Week 2 of the 2025 season? Andrew's potential fantasy football busts to avoid in Week 2 fantasy football lineups.

Hey, the opening week of games was fun! There were very few injuries (*knock on wood*), and with bye weeks still to come, fantasy managers can still mostly start the lineup they drafted.

However, there will be overreactions to last week's stinkers and risers. An opening week boom week turning into a dud season is a tale as old as time. Pause and think before you start the Week 1 heroes over your fifth-round pick.

But which players have the potential to underperform in Week 2, and may even be bench candidates? I'm back again to help guide you, to make those winning lineup decisions. Below are my 10 fantasy football busts, or players that may disappoint, for Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season. Good luck RotoBallers!

Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (MNF)

Ashton Jeanty bailed out fantasy managers with a second-half touchdown in his NFL debut, and it's the only reason he got anywhere close to the double-digit mark. The sixth-overall pick in April's NFL Draft averaged two yards per carry on his 19 attempts. His average through the air (two yards on two receptions) was even worse.

Again, nobody is talking about how colossal a bust of a debut it could have been because he found paydirt. How much of it was his fault? Probably not a lot.

Jeanty totaled 44 yards after contact against the Patriots. If you did the math from the first paragraph, you'll realize that he gained 38 yards. Per TruMedia, the Raiders averaged -0.32 rush yards before contact. Jeanty never really had much of a chance.

Pete Carroll cited #Raiders rushing woes on offensive line needing more time together to work on communication and rookie Ashton Jeanty “jacked up” for his first game and needing to be “more patient on a few reads.”

He believes both of these things are easy to fix.

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) September 8, 2025

The good news, and the reason Jeanty shouldn't and won't be on fantasy football benches, is that he was on the field for 85% of the team's offensive snaps and handled 87.5% of the running back opportunities in Week 1. With the Raiders playing with pace under offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Jeanty is in line for 15+ touches in Week 2.

But it could be another ineffective outing. The Chargers controlled time of possession and the line of scrimmage against a superior football team, the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City running backs had a total of 10 carries. They also didn't score, and thus far in the Jim Harbaugh era, the Chargers have only allowed four rushing touchdowns to the position.

Isiah Pacheco (RB, KC) vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Continuing the time of possession, game script, and line matchup conversation, a second subpar stat line may be on the docket for Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco.

The top back on Kansas City's depth chart understandably lost some touches to Kareem Hunt, especially on third down. However, the goal line touches remained Hunt's, plus rookie Brashard Smith took some snaps. Despite Pacheco getting the meaningful two-minute drill snaps, Smith and Hunt combined to match his snap count.

A repeat of the committee approach can work for Pacheco's fantasy football outlook in some weeks, primarily when the Chiefs are playing with a lead. The Eagles, in a Super Bowl rematch, are road favorites and play at a slow pace, with a constantly running clock.

The time of possession difference in the big game a year ago: 13 minutes and 56 seconds. Pacheco, Hunt, and Samaje Perine combined for seven carries.

Javonte Williams posted a great fantasy score (20.4 PPR points, RB5) against the Eagles in the NFL's opener, but averaged 3.6 yards per carry, and that was without defensive tackle run-stuffer Jalen Carter in the lineup. The big boy in the middle avoided suspension for the spit seen around the world and will plug running lanes for Pacheco and Co. on Sunday afternoon.

Michael Pittman Jr. (WR, IND) vs. Denver

One of the stories of Week 1 was the resurgence of Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Battling a back injury last season that was once considered bad enough for injured reserve and a quarterback that couldn't consistently complete a pass, the 27-year-old struggled throughout the 2024 campaign.

All it took was Jones and an injury-riddled Miami secondary for Pittman to look like a two-time 1,000-yard receiver again.

Injuries don't ravage his matchup this week, and he'll come face-to-face with the NFL's best cornerback. As predicted, Calvin Ridley didn't catch a pass when matched up against Pat Surtain II. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year was only thrown at once.

Pat Surtain II did not allow a catch as the nearest defender on his 34 coverage snaps for the eighth time in his career. He was targeted only once, breaking up his lone target.

Surtain lined up against Calvin Ridley on 27 of his 32 routes (84%).#TENvsDEN | #BroncosCountry

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) September 8, 2025

Surtain will blanket Pittman, unless the Broncos' coaching staff gets creative and sticks their All-Pro on rookie tight end Tyler Warren. And, as stated above, Jones hasn't earned our trust back yet, especially against this defense.

Keon Coleman (WR, BUF) at New York Jets

Keon Coleman's Week 1 boom was both a blessing and a curse. The second-year receiver set career-high marks in targets (11) and receptions (8), topped 100 yards for the second time, and scored. The breakout campaign that was hinted at during training camp may, in fact, be here.

Keon Coleman Week 1

- 44 routes
- 11 targets
- 8 catches, 112 yards, TD
- 25.2 fantasy points

All team-highs and felt like there could be more. Big year coming

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) September 8, 2025

But a dominant performance like that draws more attention from opposing defenses. In this instance, the Jets could stick their All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner on Buffalo's new WR1. The new Jets coaching staff utilized Gardner unlike the previous regime by allowing him to shadow the opponent's top wideout.

Advanced statistics show Coleman has struggled with separation thus far in his career. According to PlayerProfiler, Gardner has been top 12 or better in target separation. When matched up together, Gardner allowed DK Metcalf to catch just one pass - a fluky one at that.

There is a potential saving grace. The other Jets starting cornerback, Brandon Stephens, was routinely tormented by Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh receiving corps. If Gardner roams, Coleman can turn a productive outing. It's fair to be nervous about his outlook; however, with the other potential game plan in place.

Tyreek Hill (WR, MIA) vs. New England

There were warning signs of a disastrous upcoming season for the Miami Dolphins. Still, nobody foresaw a 'can't score against Indianapolis' start for what was once one of the league's most-feared offenses. A herculean effort by De'Von Achane on a fourth-down swing pass is the only reason Miami put points on the board.

De'Von Achane runs it in for 6️⃣ and Julian Hill adds 2️⃣ pic.twitter.com/JZvEFj4TOp

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 7, 2025

Tyreek Hill hasn't had a catch over 30 yards since Week 1 of last season. That's a full calendar year without an explosive play that Hill patented during the majority of his career. The 31-year-old picked up where he left off last season, catching four passes for 40 yards and complaining about his quarterback, or the offense as a whole, on the sideline. His teammate, Jaylen Waddle, was worse (four for 30).

That was against a Colts defense that allowed the seventh-most passing yards, fourth-most total yards, and was just outside the top ten for fantasy points to wide receivers last season. There was nothing difficult about this matchup, especially for an offense with Achane, Hill, and Waddle.

One of the league's lowest-rated offensive lines got worse this week as a starting guard and tackle suffered injuries that will likely take them out of Miami's lineup. Geno Smith threw for 362 yards against New England in Week 1, but it's difficult to project Tua Tagovailoa getting anywhere close to that number, and Hill's production will falter again.

Kyle Pitts Sr. (TE, ATL) at Minnesota

For the briefest of moments (a.k.a Atlanta's final drive in Week 1), Kyle Pitts was the number one option for quarterback Michael Penix Jr., and he did well, catching two passes on said drive to set up a potential game-winning field goal. His seven total receptions tied for the second-best mark of his career.

great snag by Kyle Pitts before picking up some tough yards after the catch pic.twitter.com/80Jh298Bsi

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 10, 2025

With Drake London (shoulder) and Darnell Mooney (also shoulder) banged up, Pitts was staring at the potential of the passing game plan revolving around him. Both wide receivers are practicing this week, with Mooney trending toward making his season debut.

Now, Pitts is the fourth option when including Robinson. The running back led the Falcons in receiving yards and saw one fewer target than Pitts. There's a good chance the tight end is fourth on the team in targets against Minnesota. They have an excellent defense that has proven to confuse young quarterbacks like Penix.

Aaron Rodgers (QB, PIT) vs. Seattle

"I'm just happy to beat everybody associated with the Jets."

Aaron Rodgers took Week 1 personally, throwing four touchdowns for the second time since 2021 against his former team. It was great to see the 41-year-old recapture some early-career magic, not that he was started anywhere other than some two-quarterback and Superflex leagues.

But he's going to have to replicate that, or at least toss three scores, to finish inside the top 12 again. He's not lighting it up in the yardage department anymore, and, at his age, there won't be any running. He's managing back tightness that he said led to a sack or two last Sunday.

Aaron Rodgers has Broderick Jones’ back. He said he “ran into a sack or two,” blaming himself and saying the Steelers O-line played well pic.twitter.com/Vcc0OQDmJQ

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) September 10, 2025

The Seattle Seahawks defense faltered late against San Francisco in Week 1, but limited their division foes to 17 points and picked off Brock Purdy twice. Scoring will be harder to come by for Rodgers this week. Don't chase the points.

Daniel Jones (QB, IND) vs. Denver

This may go without saying, but I'm going to anyway: Don't start Daniel Jones over any quarterback you drafted to be your starter. We have a long way to go before Jones earns fantasy football trust back. Remember how long it took us last year to believe Sam Darnold was legit?

Jones scored 29.5 fantasy points in Week 1 (QB3) and could be on track to be the next quarterback to revive their career after spending some time in the Sean McVay-Kevin O'Connell system, but putting up numbers against Miami is much easier than doing it against Denver.

The Broncos arguably have the best defense in the NFL and made Cam Ward want to forget his debut (12-for-28, 112 yards, and six sacks).

Nik Bonitto with a huge sack on 3rd down for the @Broncos! 😤

TENvsDEN on FOXhttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/hcK3asHSay

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

Jones is a risky start even for two-quarterback or Superflex leagues. And, hey, if he goes out and proves us wrong again, at least you know you'll have another quarterback option this season. That'll feel a lot better than finishing Week 2 with a dud atop your roster.

Nick Chubb (RB, HOU) vs. Tampa Bay (MNF)

Until Joe Mixon returns from his foot/ankle injury (which may not even be this season), Nick Chubb should handle the RB1 duties for the Houston Texans. He did Chubb things in Week 1, averaging over 4.5 yards per carry on 14 attempts, broke tackles at an incredible rate, and didn't catch a pass on his one target. So, despite running well, the day ended with a measly six PPR points.

Nick Chubb bouncing off defenders 😤

HOUvsLAR on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/sqfevq8VBQ

— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025

There may be a lot of 50-60-yard, no-touchdown, no-catch outings for the longtime Cleveland Brown. He lacks the explosiveness that made him a top pick in fantasy football in his younger days, and he won't be on the field during passing situations. The offensive line is abysmal and getting worse, which not only fails to open running lanes for Chubb but stunts offensive drives.

The Buccaneers currently rank as the fourth-worst fantasy football defense against running backs, but it wasn't due to yardage and scores on the ground. Bijan Robinson did all of his damage in the receiving game (six catches, 100 yards, one touchdown). Vita Vea and the Tampa Bay front seven limited Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to 22 carries for 48 rushing yards.

If a fantasy manager wants to use Chubb as a flex in non-PPR formats, it's more reasonable there. But the ceiling is tiny-home levels of low.

Dalton Kincaid (TE, BUF) at New York Jets

There would be panic in the streets, for the second consecutive year, if Dalton Kincaid didn't score a touchdown in Week 1. The six points masked all of the concerns we had with Kincaid, both last season and leading up to the new campaign.

Josh Allen marches down the field.

BALvsBUF on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/mhOvx6lANO

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2025

Buffalo's 'Everybody Eats' philosophy diminishes the fantasy football stock of everybody not named Josh Allen. Khalil Shakir is generally consistent, but the rest of the pass catchers are not (at least not yet for Coleman *crosses fingers*).

Kincaid was the definition of a part-time player in Week 1. He was on the field for fewer snaps than fellow tight end Dawson Knox and saw the field for approximately half of Buffalo's offensive plays. When he was in the game, the route run rate wasn't where fantasy managers need it to be (61% according to PlayerProfiler).

He got four targets (fifth on the team) in a game in which Allen threw for 46 times and the Bills scored 41 points.

So, yes, while the four catches for 48 yards and a touchdown (TE4) is ultimately the start we'd like to see, his usage describes a touchdown-or-bust option. Don't let the touchdown fool you into thinking he's cashing in on the potential we saw in his rookie season.

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