By MIKE HERNDON
Last week, we shared some of the questions we were hoping Week 1 would answer for us. And for the most part, Week 1 delivered.
We found out Kenneth Gainwell is the lead back in Philadelphia – although D’Andre Swift, Boston Scott and maybe even Rashaad Penny will get their shot to eat into that role on Thursday as Gainwell sits out with sore ribs.
We found out Anthony Richardson might be for real, as he not only ran for 40 yards and a touchdown, but he also threw for 223 and another score. And we found out Detroit is for real, as the once-hapless Lions upset the defending champion Chiefs.
We found out Matthew Stafford is fully recovered from last season’s elbow injury, as he lit up Seattle, and we found out the Rams have some young weapons in Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams.
And, sadly, we found out we won’t be getting to watch Aaron Rodgers in the New York Jets’ Kelly green this year, as he was knocked out for the year with a torn Achilles’ tendon.
Now that we’ve got one week’s worth of stats and film in the can, let’s look at some starts and sits for Week 2:
Quarterback:
Start:
Jared Goff, Lions: Yes, this could be a prime let-down spot after a big win over the Kansas City, but the Lions are at home – where Goff typically enjoys his best days – and the Seahawks defense (or lack thereof) just made Matthew Stafford feel 25 again.
Sit:
Matthew Stafford, Rams: Speaking of Stafford, despite preseason chatter that he was having a hard time relating to young receivers who called him “sir,” he balled out in Week 1 with 344 yards. We can now feel comfortable that he’s back from the elbow injury that cut his 2022 season short. But we cannot feel comfortable about starting him against the 49ers, after watching them completely dismantle Pittsburgh on the road last week.
RB:
Start:
Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots: While Philadelphia dared New England to throw, the Patriots’ next opponent, Miami, was letting the Chargers run at will. Pounding the rock might not be a bad game plan to keep Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill off the field, either. Any worry about Ezekiel Elliott siphoning work from Stevenson should subside after the former Cowboy played only 35 percent of the snaps compared to Stevenson’s 72 percent. And if the Patriots fall behind and have to throw? Stevenson caught six passes for 64 yards last week.
Sit:
Alexander Mattison, Vikings: Mattison’s maiden voyage as RB1 in Minnesota was forgettable – 34 yards on 11 carries in an upset loss to Tampa Bay. This week, he’s going against one of the best defenses in the league in Philadelphia without center Garrett Bradbury and with tackle Christian Darrisaw questionable.
WR:
Start:
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins: What a glorious Week 1 it was for Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, who connected time and again for a massive day against the Chargers. With the Dolphins headed to New England this week, you can bet Bill Belichick and the Patriots defense will give a little extra attention to Hill this week – which should create plenty of opportunities for Waddle, provided that his nagging oblique injury isn’t limiting him.
Sit:
Drake London, Falcons: It almost doesn’t matter who the Falcons are playing – until we see them feature the passing game a bit instead of trying to hide Desmond Ridder, London and tight end Kyle Pitts are never going to get the volume to live up to expectations. Especially not against Jaire Alexander and the Packers.
TE:
With Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews, George Kittle and Darren Waller all fighting injuries, the tight end landscape is even more of a wasteland than usual. Play whoever you can find that’s getting targets.
Categories: Fantasy Football
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