Start Sit Week 2 of the fantasy football season is a crucial point where managers can either build momentum or recover from a disappointing Week 1. Making the right decisions for your fantasy lineup can make all the difference in maintaining a strong start. With key players to start and sit, and questions about defensive match ups, running back pickups, and whether or not to hold onto certain players, we’ve got you covered.
This Fantasy Football Start Sit Week 2 guide will provide the best advice to help you set your optimal lineups.
Table of Contents
What Defense Should I Start in Week 2?
Choosing the right fantasy defense in Start Sit Week 2 is often about picking match ups that provide a high likelihood of sacks, turnovers, and limited scoring by the opponent. Here are the top defenses to consider starting in Week 2:
1. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have a solid all-around defense and are facing a struggling Los Angeles Rams offense. With San Francisco’s ferocious front seven and strong secondary, they are a top play in Week 2. The Rams’ offensive line has shown vulnerability, making them a great target for sacks and turnovers.
2. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys’ defense came out strong in Week 1, and they’re up against the New York Jets in Week 2, a team whose offense has been inconsistent. Expect a lot of pressure on the quarterback, and Dallas has the ability to turn sacks into turnovers.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles’ defensive front is among the best in the league, and facing a Minnesota Vikings team prone to turnovers makes them a smart start in Start Sit Week 2. Look for Philadelphia to rack up sacks and limit scoring opportunities.
Other Defenses to Consider:
- Buffalo Bills vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Who to Start in Fantasy Week 2?
Making the right starts is essential to gain the edge in fantasy football, especially with certain players expected to thrive based on matchups. Here’s who you should be starting in Week 2:
Quarterbacks:
Start: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Herbert is facing the Tennessee Titans, who allowed substantial passing yards in Week 1. Herbert should have a big day throwing the ball against a secondary that has proven to be exploitable.
Start: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
Hurts has a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2, and his dual-threat ability makes him a must-start every week. Expect him to light up the scoreboard with both passing and rushing touchdowns.
Running Backs:
Start: Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones continues to be the heart of the Packers’ offense. Against a Falcons defense that has struggled to contain running backs, Jones is poised for a big performance, both on the ground and in the passing game.
Start: James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
Facing a New York Giants defense that allowed a strong rushing performance in Week 1, Conner is in a great spot to produce, especially as Arizona leans on the run game to keep their offense balanced.
Wide Receivers:
Start: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
St. Brown continues to be a target monster in Detroit’s offense. Facing the Seahawks’ secondary, which gave up plenty of yardage in Week 1, he should see a high volume of targets and opportunities for big plays.
Start: DeAndre Hopkins, Tennessee Titans
Hopkins looked solid in his Titans debut and faces a Chargers secondary that struggled to stop opposing receivers. Expect Hopkins to continue being the focal point of the Titans’ passing game.
Tight Ends:
Start: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Despite facing the tough Philadelphia defense, Hockenson remains one of the top targets in the Vikings’ passing game. His red-zone opportunities give him a high upside, making him a reliable start at tight end.
What RB to Pick Up in Start Sit Week 2?
Week 2 is often a great time to grab emerging running backs off the waiver wire. Injuries or new roles often lead to some under-the-radar players becoming valuable assets.
1. Kenneth Gainwell, Philadelphia Eagles
Gainwell saw significant usage in Week 1 and has positioned himself as the lead back for the Eagles, making him a valuable add. Philadelphia’s high-powered offense provides plenty of scoring opportunities for Gainwell, especially in PPR formats.
2. Tyler Allgeier, Atlanta Falcons
Allgeier was a surprise in Week 1, splitting touches with Bijan Robinson and showing effectiveness in the red zone. Allgeier should continue to be involved in Atlanta’s run-heavy scheme, making him a worthwhile pickup.
3. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Williams had a breakout performance in Week 1, scoring two touchdowns and leading the Rams in rushing attempts. With Cam Akers’ role uncertain, Williams could emerge as the top back in this offense.
Other RBs to Consider:
- Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears – Promising involvement in the passing game.
- Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks – A potential handcuff to Kenneth Walker III.
Is Blake Corum Droppable?
Blake Corum, a star running back in college at Michigan, has generated interest in dynasty and keeper leagues due to his NFL potential. However, as he remains in college and isn’t yet playing in the NFL, Corum is not a viable asset for redraft leagues in 2023.
In redraft leagues:
Blake Corum is currently droppable. He’s not contributing this season and shouldn’t occupy a roster spot that could be used for a player with immediate fantasy value.
In dynasty or keeper leagues:
Corum may still hold value as a future asset, but if you need to free up a roster spot for a productive player in 2023, it’s justifiable to drop him in favor of someone with short-term upside.
Start Sit Week 2: Who to Sit?
Just as important as making the right starts is knowing when to sit underperforming players with tough matchups. Here are the players you should consider benching for Week 2:
Sit: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
While Prescott is usually a solid option, the Jets’ defense is tough and should limit his fantasy output. Expect a lower-scoring game, and Prescott’s ceiling isn’t as high in this matchup.
Sit: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Harris struggled in Week 1, and he’s facing a tough Cleveland Browns defense in Week 2. The Steelers’ offensive line issues could continue to limit Harris’ rushing opportunities, making him a risky play.
Sit: Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
With Jerry Jeudy returning from injury and Russell Wilson still trying to find his rhythm, Sutton may see fewer targets in Week 2. The Broncos’ offense has struggled, and Sutton is a risky start against the Washington Commanders’ defense.
Sit: Mike Gesicki, New England Patriots
Despite being a big name, Gesicki has not been heavily involved in the Patriots’ offense. His lack of targets makes him a candidate to sit in Start Sit Week 2, especially with more reliable options at the tight end position available.
Conclusion: Start Sit Week 2 Key Takeaways
Start Sit Week 2 of fantasy football is all about capitalizing on the right matchups while being smart with waiver wire pickups. Focus on defenses playing against weaker offenses, start high-volume players with favorable matchups, and don’t hesitate to drop players who aren’t contributing.
To recap:
- Start defenses like the 49ers or Cowboys.
- Look for waiver wire RBs like Kenneth Gainwell and Tyler Allgeier.
- Sit players like Najee Harris and Dak Prescott if their matchups look too tough.
- Blake Corum can be dropped in redraft leagues, but may still hold value in dynasty formats.
Follow these tips and lineup adjustments to maximize your fantasy points in Week 2 and gain the edge in your league!