Week 2 Fantasy Football Insights: Fire and Ice 🔥❄️
Are you feeling uncertain about your fantasy lineups for Week 2? You're not alone! Let’s dive in with some key players to consider, including my top picks and sleepers, while also highlighting those to avoid.
Quarterbacks
🔥 Fire QB Start of the Week: Joe Burrow (vs. JAX)
Joe Burrow may have had a rough start to the season, but don't write him off just yet! The Cincinnati Bengals quarterback will be facing a vulnerable Jacksonville Jaguars defense this week. Last season at home, Burrow averaged an impressive 23.4 fantasy points per game, while the Jaguars allowed quarterbacks to score an average of 22.3 points on the road. With a potent offense featuring Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Burrow is primed for a comeback performance. 📈
💤 Sleeper QB of the Week: Caleb Williams (at DET)
Caleb Williams might not have had a standout first game under Ben Johnson’s offense, but he still managed to rack up 24.2 fantasy points against the Minnesota Vikings. His ability to utilize his legs for rushing yards is a plus, leading to consistent scores. This week, he faces the Detroit Lions, a team that has allowed quarterbacks plenty of fantasy points in the last couple of seasons, making this matchup favorable for Williams.
🥶 Ice QB Start of the Week: Daniel Jones (vs. DEN)
After a surprising debut with 29.5 fantasy points against the Miami Dolphins, Daniel Jones now faces a much tougher Denver Broncos defense. Since the start of the 2024 season, only four quarterbacks have exceeded 17 fantasy points against the Broncos. This matchup looks grim for Jones, especially considering his past struggles against formidable defensive units.
Running Backs
🔥 Fire RB Start of the Week: James Conner (vs. CAR)
The Carolina Panthers have shown their weakness against the run, allowing the highest rushing yards and fantasy points to running backs in 2024. Following their season-opener, in which the Jaguars rushed for 200 yards, James Conner is poised for a heavy workload both on the ground and through the air. Expect him to finish as a top-10 fantasy option this week! 🏃♂️💨
💤 Sleeper RB of the Week: Zach Charbonnet (at PIT)
Zach Charbonnet is quietly becoming a key player in the Seahawks’ backfield. In Week 1, he outperformed Kenneth Walker in snaps and rushing attempts, establishing himself as a reliable option. With a favorable matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who recently allowed 107 yards to Breece Hall, Charbonnet is someone to keep an eye on for fantasy points!
🥶 Ice RB Start of the Week: Javonte Williams (vs. NYG)
Despite a solid showing in Week 1 as a top-five fantasy running back, Javonte Williams is not a reliable starter going forward. A majority of his points came from two short touchdowns, and his overall performance leaves much to be desired. With only 54 rushing yards on 15 attempts, his reliance on touchdowns could lead to disappointment against the New York Giants.
Wide Receivers
🔥 Fire WR Start of the Week: Tee Higgins (vs. JAX)
The entire Bengals passing offense struggled in Week 1. However, Tee Higgins has shown promise in the past, averaging 22.8 fantasy points per game at home last season. Against the Jaguars, who have allowed the fourth-most points to wide receivers in 2024, Higgins is in a prime position for a breakout game. 🌟
💤 Sleeper WR of the Week: Olamide Zaccheaus (at DET)
Zaccheaus has emerged as a surprising star for the Chicago Bears, with seven targets in Week 1. After his strong performance alongside Caleb Williams in the preseason, he may continue to be a key target in a crowded receiving corps. The Lions defense has struggled against wide receivers, giving Zaccheaus a decent shot at solid fantasy points.
🥶 Ice WR Start of the Week: Michael Pittman Jr. (vs. DEN)
Pittman Jr.’s connection with Daniel Jones seemed promising in Week 1. Still, a matchup against the Denver Broncos’ superb secondary, which previously limited Titans receivers to a total of 48 yards, doesn’t bode well for him. Consider benching Pittman if you can.
Tight Ends
🔥 Fire TE Start of the Week: Hunter Henry (at MIA)
Henry stood out in Week 1 with eight targets and a solid performance. Historically, he averages 13 fantasy points per game when receiving five or more targets from Drake Maye. With the Dolphins' defense struggling against tight ends, Henry looks like a strong start this week.
💤 Sleeper TE of the Week: Juwan Johnson (vs. SF)
After a remarkable Week 1 where Johnson scored 15.6 points, he had 11 targets in that game, making him a must-start. With a lack of depth in the Saints' offense, he could continue being a primary target for quarterback Spencer Rattler.
🥶 Ice TE Start of the Week: T.J. Hockenson (vs. ATL)
Since returning from injury, Hockenson has not been able to find the end zone and is averaging just 8.3 fantasy points per game. Until he establishes more chemistry with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, sideline him.
Final Thoughts
When making your fantasy selections, it’s crucial to weigh your options carefully and analyze matchups for Week 2. Below is a categorized list to give you a clearer overview of which players might help you (or hurt you) in your fantasy journey this week.
Fire 🔥
- QB: Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts
- RB: Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, James Conner
- WR: Ja'Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Tee Higgins
- TE: Trey McBride, Hunter Henry
Thumbs Up 👍
- QB: Justin Fields, Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes
- RB: Jahmyr Gibbs, Breece Hall
- WR: Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, Tyreek Hill
- TE: Juwan Johnson, Travis Kelce
Upside 📈
- QB: Caleb Williams, Trevor Lawrence
- RB: TreVeyon Henderson, Zach Charbonnet
- WR: Jerry Jeudy, Olamide Zaccheaus
- TE: Dalton Kincaid
Ice 🥶
- QB: Daniel Jones, Aaron Rodgers
- RB: Javonte Williams, Kenneth Walker
- WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Calvin Ridley
- TE: T.J. Hockenson
Stop 🚫
- QB: Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud
- RB: Isiah Pacheco, Najee Harris
- WR: Cooper Kupp, Adam Thielen
- TE: Colston Loveland
Don't forget to adapt your strategy as needed, and may your fantasy team flourish this week! 🌟🎉