As the fantasy football season progresses, Week 2 is upon us with intriguing matchups and critical lineup decisions. The focus this week is on quarterbacks who can either propel you to victory or set you back significantly based on their performances. This analysis, while it won’t cover elite players like Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes, will provide insight into those mid-tier quarterbacks who could exceed or fall short of expectations.
Start ‘Em: Quarterbacks to Play This Week
Justin Herbert vs. Raiders (Monday Night)
Herbert began the season on a high note, throwing three touchdowns and amassing nearly 28 fantasy points. He has a stellar record against the Raiders, scoring over 18 points in 8 out of 9 career starts against them. Facing a team that struggles defensively, expect Herbert to deliver another high-scoring performance.Kyler Murray vs. Panthers
After scoring 18.3 points last week against the Saints, Murray is poised for another productive outing against the Panthers. Murray has historically fared well against Carolina, racking up over 20 points in their last encounter. The Panthers’ defense has a tendency to yield significant points to quarterbacks, making Murray a solid start in this matchup.Justin Fields vs. Bills
Fields surprised many with nearly 30 fantasy points in his season opener. With the Bills’ struggles against mobile quarterbacks, evident in Lamar Jackson’s success during Week 1, Fields presents a compelling option for those needing a quarterback this week. If you’re not rostering elite talent, Fields could be the play.Dak Prescott vs. Giants
Prescott had a disappointing Week 1 but can bounce back against the Giants, a team he’s consistently performed well against in his career. Averaging 20.6 fantasy points per game in 13 meetings against New York, Prescott’s potential for redemption makes him a strong candidate to start this week.- Drake Maye at Dolphins
Fresh off a less-than-stellar performance with 16 fantasy points, Maye has a favorable matchup against a Miami defense that appeared vulnerable in its opener. Given the Dolphins’ lack of defensive cohesion, Maye could find opportunities to capitalize and serve as a reliable SuperFlex option.
Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks to Avoid This Week
Daniel Jones vs. Broncos
Fresh off a productive week, Jones is a popular waiver wire pickup this week, but he faces a daunting Broncos defense that has limited quarterback scoring in their recent matchups. While a viable SuperFlex starter, it’s advisable to bench him in standard leagues.Matthew Stafford at Titans
Stafford’s slow start didn’t inspire confidence, and with a trip to Tennessee, expectations remain low. The Titans’ defense has recently stifled opposing quarterbacks, making Stafford a risky start this week.Sam Darnold at Steelers
After an uninspired performance last week, Darnold again finds himself in a difficult pairing against the Steelers, who have historically kept quarterback scoring low at home. Unless in a SuperFlex league, Darnold should be considered a sit.C.J. Stroud vs. Buccaneers
Stroud has struggled mightily with consistency, and even a favorable matchup against the Buccaneers isn’t enough to instill confidence. The offensive line issues and a lack of offensive weapons make him a risky play, particularly outside of SuperFlex formats.- Cam Ward vs. Rams
In his debut, Ward floundered, finishing with just 2.5 fantasy points. Despite an improved matchup against the Rams, the defense’s proficiency in limiting quarterback scoring creates a concerning outlook for Ward in all formats.
Conclusion: Navigating Week 2 Decisions
As we dive into Week 2, the quarterback position remains pivotal for fantasy football success. Understanding matchups and player trends is essential in making informed lineup decisions. The players noted above present a mixture of beneficial opportunities and risky plays that can either enhance or hinder your success for the week.
Always stay updated on player conditions and adjust your lineup as new information emerges, particularly as the week unfolds. Utilize rankings and projections as guides, but trust your instincts. Good luck this week, and may your fantasy team rise to victory!
