Welcome to Week 2 of the 2023 season, and the first in our Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em series. This is where it all begins. It’s a chance to get off on the right foot and begin undefeated. As such these decisions are now more fun than ever.
As always, if you are struggling with a decision you can checkout our rankings for each Week. Or, if you want a more personal touch, reach out on social media. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. All stats refer to 1/2 PPR, 6 point per passing touchdown leagues. The number in brackets next to an opponent is that teams rank against the position. Rank 1 is the best possible matchup, Rank 32 is the worst. Follow me on Twitter @FFMadScientist
Start’Em
Geno Smith, SEA v DET (7)
Smith and the Seahawks struggled mightily in week one against the Rams, but I look for them to bounce back in a big way on offence in a potential shootout with the Detroit Lions. The Lions are allowing the 7th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks and despite their improvements still boast one of the leagues worst secondary’s. He is a low-end QB1 this week.
Mac Jones, Patriots v MIA (5)
Mac Jones shocked the world in Week 1 as the Patriots hung in there with the defending NFC Champion Eagles. Jones currently sits as QB2 overall in 2023 and will look to build on his breakout with a matchup against a Dolphins defense that hemorrhaged points last week to the Chargers. If the Patriots are able to keep pace, he could be in store for another huge week. He is a low-end QB1.
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers v CHI (3)
Mayfield was far from being the superstar he was drafted to be in Week 1, but he looked more than serviceable against the Vikings. This week he gets a matchup with a Bears defense that was dismantled by the Packers and allows the 3rd most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Mayfield is a solid QB2 start in superflex leagues.
Sit ‘Em
Bryce Young, Panthers v NO (31)
In his first NFL start last week, Young looked completely lost. This offence lacks any real threat and in Week 2 they get a matchup with a Saints defense that is allowing 2.42 fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks. Young is going to turn the ball over and get eaten alive by one of the leagues premiere defenses. He is a must-sit this week.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys v NYJ (23)
The Cowboys thoroughly destroyed the Giants in Week 1 and Prescott was not needed at all to do so. It will be a different story in Week 2 when they face off with an elite Jets defense. The Jets are turnover monsters and should make life difficult on Prescott. A multiple interception game is the likely result here. Sit him if you can.
Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders, Bills v DEN (25)
Jimmy Garoppolo and the Raiders looked terrible in Week 1. In Week 2 they get a matchup with a Buffalo Bills team that is sure to be fired up after an overtime loss on Monday Night Football. Look for the Bills to take out their frustrations on Jimmy G and make his life miserable. This week he is a QB3, sit him in all situations.
Start ‘Em
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots v MIA (2)
Stevenson didn’t exactly live up to his ADP in Week 1 against the Eagles, but in Week 2 look for him to rack up fantasy points against a Dolphins defense allowing 41.50 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. The Chargers were able to run at will last week against Miami, look for New England to do the same in typical Patriots, run heavy fashion.
Jamaal Williams, Saints v CAR (1)
In Week 1 the Carolina Panthers allowed Atlanta to run them right out of the building. While Jamaal Williams is no Bijan Robinson, I expect him to produce nevertheless. Alvin Kamara is still suspended and Kendre Miller is once again doubtful. Look for Williams to have the backfield to himself and cash in for at least one touchdown.
Travis Etienne, Jaguars v KC (12)
This game between the Chiefs and Jaguars is going to be a shootout. It has the highest projected point total of the week, which should provide Etienne with more than enough opportunity to rack up fantasy points. The Chiefs gave up 21.40 fantasy points to the Lions running backs in Week 1 and are all but guaranteed to see a similar result here. Fire up Etienne as a high-end RB2.
Sit ‘Em
Brian Robinson, Commanders v DEN (31)
The Commanders struggle to score and the Broncos keep most teams under 20 points. This is a formula for failure for Brian Robinson. The Broncos allowed a combined 8.70 fantasy points to all Raiders running backs in Week 1 and are going to grind this down to a low-scoring defensive battle. Robinson is a flex at best in Week 2.
Javonte Williams, Broncos v WSH (29)
On the other side of the field is Javonte Williams, everything I said about Robinson applies to Williams. The Broncos struggle to score and the Commanders are a stingy defense. Expect a defensive struggle and a field goal fest in this one. Add in Williams not being at full speed yet after his injury and he is likely a low-end RB2 at best.
Najee Harris, Steelers, v CLE (26)
Harris and the Steelers face off with division rival Cleveland a week after the Browns embarrassed the Bengals. He appears to be in a full committee situation and against a Browns defense that allows 13.10 fantasy points per game to opposing running backs I prefer to sit Harris. Jaylen Warren is a problem and will continue to limit his upside. Harris is a flex at best this week.
Start ’em
DeAndre Hopkins, Titans v LAC (1)
Stop me if you’ve heard this one, the Chargers can’t stop anyone on defense. In Week 1 they allowed Tua Tagovailoa to look like Dan Marino. This week the Titans will get there chance at a fantasy bonanza. The only thing that caps the upside for Hopkins is how bad Ryan Tannehill looked last week. If Tannehill can give them average quarterback play this week, Hopkins is a low-end WR1.
Keenan Allen, Chargers v TEN (2)
Much like the Chargers, the Titans defense can’t stop anyone either. They allowed 49.30 fantasy points to the Saints receivers in Week 1 and are setting up for a high-scoring defense free matchup. Justin Herbert gives Allen a much higher ceiling than Hopkins. Fire him up as a mid-range WR1 with week winning upside.
Amon-Ra St Brown, Lions v SEA (4)
Saying to start St Brown isn’t earth shattering I can admit, but I’m not just saying start him. I’m saying start him over everyone. St Brown is the entire Lions passing game against a Seahawks pass defense that had given up fantasy points to wide receivers by the boat load. They gave up 46.20 fantasy points to the Rams receivers in Week 1 and could easily give that up to St Brown himself. This defense is so bad, you now know the name Puka Nacua. Amon-Ra could have 20 targets and 200 yards in this one. He is my start of the week and my pick to finish as the WR1 in Week 2.
Sit ’em
Garrett Wilson, Jets v DAL (31)
This one is a real shame, because if you roster Garrett Wilson you likely can’t afford to sit him. At very least you will have to temper your expectations this week and for the rest of the season. Not only do the Jets face a Cowboys defense that looked like world beaters last week, but they get to do it with Zach Wilson at quarterback. Garrett Wilson is uber talented, but I’m not sure how he can overcome this setback.
George Pickens, Steelers v CLE (30)
The much hyped Steelers offense did not produce as expected in Week 1. Many have discounted this as a result of a tough 49ers defense, and while this is true, Kenny Pickett was also terrible. There should be increased opportunity for Pickens with Diontae Johnson out of the lineup, but unless Pickett suddenly takes a huge leap forward he is going to be a boom or bust option. Sure, he could break loose for a long touchdown on one of his many Go-Routes. Realistically he is a WR3 with upside.
Drake London, Falcons v GB (25)
After a disastrous Week 1 performance that seen him held without a target, many a projecting London for a squeaky wheel blowup game. Those people aren’t watching closely enough. The Falcons are content to hand the ball off 50 times per game to their talented backfield duo and their simply aren’t enough pass attempts to go around, and when they do go around they are from Desmond Ridder and are normally off-target. Sit London, he’s a flex at best.
Start ‘Em
Luke Musgrave, Packers v ATL (3)
The young Packers offence moved the ball much better than many expected in Week 1. There is no set pecking order in this passing game so it’s a hot hand appraoch. With Aaron Jones potentially out of action, Musgrave could be the target Jordan Love is looking for. The Falcons are allowing 16.30 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and this game could mark the arrival of Musgrave.
Sam LaPorta, Lions v SEA (14)
The Seahawks have been a tight end fantasy points goldmine over the past few seasons and it should be no different this year. LaPorta is the only weapon in this passing game outside of St Brown and Gibbs and should easily finish second on the team in targets. Much like Musgrave this week could see LaPorta burst on the scene and announce his presence to the tight end landscape.
Darren Waller, Giants v ARI (13)
The Cardinals defense takes a look at how bad the Seahawks are against opposing tight ends and says “Hold my beer”. The Cardinals have been a fool-proof start for tight ends and that proved true last week against Logan Thomas who they made relevant for the first time in five years. Look for Waller to reclaim his old form and explode against a pathetic Cardinals team.
Sit ’em
Hayden Hurst, Panthers v NO (32)
I hate to break it to you, but for all those fantasy managers out there who dropped FAAB on Hurst because he is the current TE1 and they need an emergency replacement for Kelce or Andrews this week, you wasted your FAAB. Hurst may have looked great in Week 1 against a soft Falcons matchup, but the Saints are where tight ends go to die. They are averaging 0 points against to opposing tight end. That’s right ZERO!
Logan Thomas, Commanders v WSH (28)
Similar to Hurst, Thomas may have been picked up this week on waivers after a good Week 1 showing. This is not the Cardinals pass defense, this is the Broncos. They are allowing 3.00 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends and are going to completely shut down Logan Thomas.
Irv Smith, Bengals v BAL (25)
Irv Smith was the highly touted player that never managed to breakout. This week against Baltimore isn’t going to be that breakout either. The Ravens are allowing 4.50 fantasy points to opposing tight ends and Smith is too far down the pecking order in the passing game to matter. Leave him on the waiver wire.
Start ‘Em
Washington Commanders DST v DEN (25)
The Commanders struggled to beat the lowly Cardinals in Week 1, but even in that struggle the defense was impressive. This game is going to be a low-scoring defensive battle and the Commanders are sure to get to Russell Wilson multiple times. Fire them up here and hope for some turnovers.
Saints DST v CAR (7)
The Saints are a formidable defense. The Panthers are starting a rookie quarterback making his second start. This is not a formula for success for Carolina. The Saints defense is scary and should keep this total under 20 points. Add in all but guaranteed turnovers from the rookie and the Saints have the potential to explode this week.
Denver Broncos DST v WSH (3)
Everything I said about starting the Commanders DST applies to the Broncos. A low-scoring game with to slow playing offences should make for a snooze fest. The Broncos also face off against Sam Howell who looked lost in Week 1 and should provide them with a handful of turnovers.
Sit ‘Em
New York Jets DST v DAL (31)
I love this Jets defense, but there’s just no way you can play them after seeing the Cowboys throttle the Giants in Week 1. Their secondary is elite and has the potential for multiple Dak Prescott turnovers, but the points the Cowboys are able to put up could render that totally moot.
New England Patriots DST v MIA (29)
The Patriots are another highly respected DST that I simply have to sit based on the matchup. The Dolphins could drop 50 points on a team at any given moment and I simply want no part of this game incase it devolves into a shootout
Los Angeles Rams DST v SF (23)
Bench everyone against the 49ers! I mean everyone! Bench the receivers, and running backs. Bench the quarterback and tight end, even bench the DST. The 49ers are a well oiled machine and are not a team I want my DST to be facing in a weekly matchup. No thanks.
Start ‘Em
Eddy Pineiro, Panthers v MIN (1)
Pineiro gets the best matchup for kickers this week against a Saints team that loves holding teams to field goals. Add in the fact that he gets to kick in the friendly confines of a dome and he is an easy start in Week 2.
Riley Patterson, Lions v SEA (3)
Patterson gets the 3rd best matchup for kickers as he faces a Seahawks defense that’s allowing 14.00 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. He will also get the benefit of playing in an indoor game that looks to be a likely shootout. Fire him up with confidence.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, Texans v IND (18)
The Texans are going to struggle to score touchdowns, so settling for field goals should become a way of life. This week they face a Colts defense that allows 7.00 fantasy points per game to opposing kickers. Fairbairn will also be kicking indoors this week which is a plus for any kicker in your lineup.
Sit ‘Em
Brett Maher, Rams v SF (31)
An outdoor game with potential for rain against a far superior opponent is going to make Maher a must-sit. This goes back to my previous theory of bench everyone against the 49ers. Kickers are no exception. When I said bench everyone, I meant everyone.
Chris Boswell, Steelers v CLE (27)
The Steelers offence is going to struggle against the Browns and the weather is always a factor in the AFC North no matter what time a year it is. Whether it be rain or wind. I want no part of the kickers in this division in outdoor games. Sit Boswell, better yet, drop Boswell.
Greg Zuerlein, Jets v DAL (32)
Greg Zuerlein is going to be a sit this week against the Cowboys, that is unless you get points for block field goals. The Cowboys defense is lethal and with Zach Wilson at the helm for the Jets they are going to struggle to score. You simply can’t play Zuerlein in this matchup.
Well that’s it for our Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em for Week 1 of the 2023 season. Remember, you can check out rankings for each Week. Reach out on social media, you can find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or jump into our Discord server. Follow me on Twitter @FFMadScientist
Image Credit: Brian Fluharty – USA TODAY Sports
Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em 2022 Week 14
Start ‘Em Sit ‘Em 2022 Week 14
