Welcome to this no huddle approach toward addressing your best starts, and most advisable sits for all 32 teams. Since game time is approaching, we’ll launch directly into the recommendations for Week 2
Jets at Patriots
New York
Start: None
There simply are no Jets that I can honestly recommend for your lineups.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Chris Ivory
Despite glimpses of ability, he has not been able to deliver consistently enough to even overcome Bilal Powell.
Other Sits: Geno Smith, Santonio Holmes, Stephen Hill, Kellen Winslow
New England
Start: Julian Edelman
His ascension from league waiver wires into must start status has been massive. Now, multiple injuries, and Tom Brady’s familiarity with the five-year veteran should enable Edelman to remain productive.
Other Starts: Tom Brady, Stevan Ridley
Sit: Kenbrell Thompkins
Avoid overreaction to his problematic debut because he did receive 14 targets. But keep him reserved until he develops more poise on the field.
Other Sits: Zac Sudfeld
Panthers at Bills
Carolina
Start: Greg Olsen
He amassed a team high 56 yards on 10 targets against Seattle’s sturdy defense, and should produce even better numbers versus Buffalo’s vulnerable unit.
Other Starts: Cam Newton, Steve Smith
Sit: Brandon LaFell
Hopefully, you were not considering LaFell among your Week 2 options. But it is noteworthy that Cam Newton didn’t even target a WR other than Steve Smith until the third quarter last Sunday.
Other Sits: DeAngelo Williams, Mike Tolbert
Buffalo
Start: Steve Johnson
He should gain separation and generate several big gains against the Panthers’ suspect secondary
Other Starts: C. J. Spiller
Sit: Fred Jackson
He was impressive in Week 1, accumulating 108 total yards. But the same tough run defense that neutralized Marshawn Lynch will now contain Jackson.
Other Sits: Robert Woods, E. J. Manuel
Browns at Ravens
Cleveland
Start: Jordan Cameron
He was easily the most productive Brown in Week 1, leading the team in catches (nine) and receptions (108) by a considerable margin. Plus, he scored Cleveland’s only touchdown. Cameron will remain quarterback Brandon Weeden’s most reliable option until Josh Gordon returns.
Other Starts: Trent Richardson
Sit: Brandon Weeden
He should not be used in 2 QB leagues until Josh Gordon returns.
Other Sits: Greg Little
Baltimore
Start: Dallas Clark
Joe Flacco checked down extensively in Week 1, while targeting Clark a team high 12 times. He should remain an integral part of the equation against Cleveland.
Other Starts: Ray Rice, Torey Smith
Sit: Marlon Brown
Despite his promising debut, it is premature to trust him as your starter until he has demonstrated consistent production.
Other Sits: Joe Flacco, Bernard Pierce
Vikings at Bears
Minnesota
Start: Adrian Peterson
Not that you were searching for reasons to use him, but he is currently the only dependable resource, and will be deployed repeatedly.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Greg Jennings
His meager 33 yards last week are indicative of the mammoth QB issues that will restrict this offense while Christian Ponder is under center.
Other Sits: Christian Ponder, Kyle Rudolph, Jerome Simpson, Corradelle Patterson
Chicago
Start: Alshon Jeffery
His target total in Week 1 was promising. Hopefully, he will also be deployed on some longer routes.
Other Starts: Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall, Martellus Bennett
Sit: Michael Bush
He lost goal touches to Forte last week, which thoroughly deflates his value.
Other Sits: Jay Cutler
Cowboys at Chiefs
Dallas
Start: Miles Austin
He was targeted 12 times against the Giants, as Dez Bryant drew extra attention. That enabled Austin to collected 10 catches for 72 yards, and he should continue to benefit from Bryant’s presence, providing that his counterpart can remain healthy.
Other Starts: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten
Sit: None
All of Dallas’ primary skill players should be in your lineup
Other Sits: None
Kansas City
Start: Dwayne Bowe
Those six targets for 30 yards in Week 1 were not what Bowe’s owners wanted to see. More underwhelming games will be coming with Alex Smith at the helm, but Bowe is KC’s top option and should not be benched.
Other Starts: Jamaal Charles
Sit: Alex Smith
If you were considering him in deeper leagues, it is advisable to search elsewhere. 173 yards against Jacksonville is hardly impressive.
Other Sits: Dexter McCluster, Donnie Avery Anthony Fasano
Redskins at Packers
Washington
Start: Alfred Morris
His disappointing 45 yards and the early fumble were somewhat offset by his TD. Owners understandably want more, and hopefully the results should be better in Green Bay.
Other Starts: Robert Griffin III
Sit: Leonard Hankerson
That was a promising Week 1 performance which merited a roster addition. But it is premature to thrust him into our lineup until you see a similar outing.
Other Sits: Fred Davis, Santana Moss
Green Bay
Start: Eddie Lacy
15 touches and 72 total yards made for a respectable debut. But you would like to see a massive rise in last week’s 2.9 YPC average. That should occur against Washington.
Other Starts: Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley
Sit: None
Start all of the Packers who play integral roles in the offense.
Other Sits: None
Titans at Texans
Tennessee
Start: Chris Johnson
You were already planning to utilize him. But there are no other Titans worthy of a start.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Kenny Britt
Two targets and one receptions is unacceptable production from the always mercurial WR. He is droppable if you need the roster space.
Other Sits: Shonn Greene, Jake Locker, Nate Washington, Kendall Wright, Delanie Walker
Houston
Start: Ben Tate
His 6.1 YPC was far more impressive than Arian Foster’s meager 3.2. Plus Tate almost matched Foster’s yardage total despite being allotted nine fewer carries. His workload should rise this week.
Other Starts: Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub, Owen Daniels
Sit: DeAndre Johnson
Allow the rookie a little more experience before using him. But he will be joining the start list soon enough. Other Sits: None
Dolphins at Colts
Miami
Start: Mike Wallace
He won’t produce a meager one catch for 15 yards on a weekly basis, but owners should prepare for a roller coaster ride. This week, he should bounce back significantly against a very burnable secondary.
Other Starts: Brian Hartline
Sit: Lamar Miller
It is premature to panic after he gained just three yards in Week 1. But it is wise to bench his until he is presente with more than a paltry 10 carries.
Other Sits: Ryan Tannehill, Daniel Thomas, Brandon Gibson
Indianapolis
Start: Ahmad Bradshaw
Last week, his owners watched in horror as he was allotted a miniscule seven touches. But Vick Ballard's season ending injury has dramatically altered the landscape. Even though Miami's run defense can be formidable, Bradshaw is very capable as a receiver, and is adept in pass protection.
Other Starts: Andrew Luck, Reggie Wayne T. Y. Hilton
Sit: Darrius Heyward-Bey
Hilton is likely to become more involved, and DHB is simply not a reliable option.
Other Sits: Donald Brown
Chargers at Eagles
San Diego
Start: Antonio Gates
He is mentioned here by default, because a short week, combined with a cross country trip does not make for a favorable scenario on Sunday.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Ryan Mathews
A 2.5 YPC will not get it done. Nor does the fact that he losing a sizable number of snaps to both Ronnie Brown and Danny Woodhead.
Other Sits: Philip Rivers, Danny Woodhead, Ronnie Brown, Malcom Floyd, Vincent Brown, Eddie Royal
Philadelphia
Start: Michael Vick
He has ascended beyond several other signal callers who were draft well ahead of him this summer. Keep using him while he remains healthy.
Other Starts: LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson
Sit: Brent Celek
Avoid being overly giddy about his 56 yards and the TD, because he was targeted just three times.
Other Sits: Bryce Brown, Riley Cooper, Jason Avant
Rams at Falcons
St. Louis
Start: Jared Cook
After being woefully underutilized in four years with Tennessee, he was employed more creatively in Week 1. As a result, he manufactured 141 yards and two scores in his debut as a Ram. Cook should accrue sizable yardage again this week.
Other Starts: Darryl Richardson, Tavon Austin, Sam Bradford (deep leagues)
Sit: Chris Givens
Being targeted a mere three times in Week 1 is beyond disturbing. Do not give up on him, but definitely don’t use him until he is deployed more frequently.
Other Sits: Isaiah Pead, Zac Stacy
Atlanta
Start: Steven Jackson
After nine seasons as an ultimate gladiator for the Rams, he will be very focused upon delivering an exceptional performance against his former team.
Other Starts: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez
Sit: Roddy White
Sure… it’s tough to sit him. But his ankle issue severely limits him. Until that changes, you need to find more useful options.
Other Sits: Harry Douglas
Lions at Cardinals
Detroit
Start: Joique Bell
He was arguably the most important roster addition that could be made this week, for owners that were fortunate enough to have him available. He will continue to receive double digit touches, capture the goal line carries, and capture even more work if Bush is injured.
Other Starts: Calvin, Johnson, Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush
Sit: Brandon Pettigrew
This offense could use a productive TE, but that isn’t Pettigrew. Four targets, two receptions, and six yards against Minnesota is further proof. Keep your eye on Joseph Fauria, who could eventually ascend into the starting slot.
Other Sits: Nate Burleson
Arizona
Start: Andre Roberts
He was targeted nine times, and generated 97 yards last Sunday, and is now in a system that should keep him active. Not only does Bruce Arians favor a pass-oriented approach, but he utilizes three receivers extensively. Roberts becomes particularly enticing in PPR leagues.
Other Starts: Larry Fitzgerald, Carson Palmer, Michael Floyd, Rashard Mendenhall
Sit: None
Start all of Arizona’s essential weapons at home against Detroit.
Other Sits: None
Saints at Buccaneers
New Orleans
Start: Kenny Stills
He was targeted five times in his NFL debut and accumulated 86 yards. Even in an offense with so many weapons Stills will be utilized consistently as a deep threat. He could overtake Lance Moore as the third receiving option very soon.
Other Starts: Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Darren Sproles
Sit: Lance Moore
The ascension of Stills will make it increasingly difficult to trust Moore. It is already unlikely that he will receive enough looks to warrant a start.
Other Sits: Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas
Tampa Bay
Start: Mike Williams
Despite the shortcoming of his QB, Williams should exploit the Saint secondary, and deliver several big plays.
Other Starts: Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson
Sit: Josh Freeman
At the onset of his fifth NFL season, Freeman exhibits the same errors in judgment that he did as a rookie. Even in deeper leagues, it is best to employ other options.
Other Sits: None
Broncos at Giants
Denver
Start: Julius Thomas
Do not become concerned that Thomas will somehow be forgotten with the collection options that exist in Denver’s passing attack. He will create headaches for opponents in their attempts to match up against him, and has far more potential to generate yardage than any other TE on the roster.
Other Starts: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Eric Decker
Sit: Montee Ball
The backfield situation is too uncertain for you to risk starting Ball. But your patience will be rewarded later in the year.
Other Sits: Knowshon Moreno, Ronnie Hillman
New York
Start: Brandon Myers
He tied for the team lead with nine targets in Week 1, while producing 66 yards and a TD. This week, he will face a Bronco defense that surrendered 87 yards to Dallas Clark.
Other Starts: Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Rueben Randle
Sit: David Wilson
He was in position to be an every down back, but bungled the opportunity. Even though Tom Coughlin cannot afford to send him into exile once again, wait until Wilson demonstrates improved ball security before using him.
Other Sits: None
Jaguars at Raiders
Jacksonville
Start: Cecil Shorts.
He should overcome the clear inadequacies at QB to turn short crossing routes into big gains against the Raider secondary.
Other Starts: Maurice Jones-Drew
Sit: Chad Henne
He does represent an upgrade over Blaine Gabbert, and will face a suspect Oakland defense. But you still should not be tempted to start him.
Other Sits: All other Jaguars
Oakland
Start: Terrelle Pryor
All that he did was lead the NFL in rushing yardage during Week 1. If you can accept several turnovers, he is a legitimate starter in 2 QB leagues, and a worthy backup who is guaranteed to supply fantasy points via the ground.
Other Starts: Darren McFadden, Rod Streater, Sebastian Janikowski
Sit: Denarious Moore
His inconsistency, and an erratic passing attack are not a combination that you should depend on.
Other Sits: None
49ers at Seahawks
San Francisco
Start: Anquan Boldin
He won’t replicate his Week 1 numbers, and it’s a tough matchup. But he will have more opportunities than any other receiving weapon.
Other Starts: Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore, Vernon Davis
Sit: All Other 49ers
San Francisco does not supply you with any additional options that are appealing. Particularly against Seattle’s imposing defense unit
Other Sits: None
Seattle
Start: Golden Tate
While Doug Baldwin’s Week 1 numbers were favorable, Tate is the safer start.
Other Starts: Marshawn Lynch
Sit: Russell Wilson
If you drafted a strong QB2 to use in Wilson’s toughest matchups, this would be a great time to follow through on that plan.
Other Sits: Doug Baldwin, Sidney Rice, Jermaine Kearse, Zach Miller
Steelers at Bengals
Pittsburgh
Start: Antonio Brown
He was the lone bright spot in what was otherwise a disturbingly bad debut for the Steeler offense. And he remains the only member of the unit that currently should be trusted.
Other Starts: None
Sit: Ben Roethlisberger
Deficiencies along the offensive line have been accentuated by the injury to Maurkice Pouncey. Mix in a punchless ground game, and the result is too much adversity for Roethlisberger to overcome.
Other Sits: Isaac Redman, Jonathan Dwyer, Emmanuel Sanders
Cincinnati
Start: Giovani Bernard
If you are in desperate need of a flex, you can consider Bernard. His time share with BenJarvus Green-Ellis remains problematic however.
Other Starts: A. J. Green
Sit: Andy Dalton
Even in 2-QB leagues, he is a dicey start against the Steelers.
Other Sits: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Mohamed Sanu, Tyler Eifert, Jermaine Gresham
