Fantasy plays: Players to start and
sit for NFL Week 2
[September 11, 2025]
By DORIAN COLBERT
It’s only Week 2 of the fantasy season, but the stakes already feel
high. Week 1 brought us breakout rookies, surprise struggles and
more lineup second-guessing than anyone cares to admit.
Don’t panic just yet — early weeks are about spotting trends and
staying ahead of the curve.
Each week, I’ll lay out the best starts, the strongest other locks
and the players you should avoid to gain the edge.
Let’s dive into Week 2.
Quarterbacks
Start: Geno Smith, Raiders vs. Chargers
Smith opened the season with 362 passing yards and a touchdown,
showing complete command of Chip Kelly’s new-look offense. The
Raiders will need him again in a divisional battle against the
Chargers, whose secondary just gave up multiple chunk plays in Week
1. Smith’s efficiency and growing chemistry with his receivers make
him a strong start with a safe floor and QB1 upside this week.
Other locks:
—Daniel Jones vs. Broncos
—Michael Penix Jr. vs. Vikings
—Trevor Lawrence vs. Bengals
Avoid: Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs vs. Eagles
Mahomes is almost always an automatic start, but this week comes
with red flags. The Eagles defense thrives at pressuring
quarterbacks and they held opposing passers to fewer than 200 yards
nine times last season. In what projects to be a lower-scoring,
grind-it-out game, Mahomes’ ceiling isn’t high enough to justify a
top-end QB play.
Running backs
Start: Dylan Sampson, Browns vs Ravens
Sampson’s Week 1 usage was eye-opening as he handled 12 carries and
caught eight passes for 93 total yards. That type of dual-threat
workload is rare and immediately makes him a PPR gem, especially
against a Ravens team that gave up chunk plays to running backs in
space. With Cleveland intent on keeping him heavily involved,
Sampson should be locked into starting lineups.
Other locks:
—Alvin Kamara vs. 49ers
—Kyren Williams vs. Titans
—Breece Hall vs. Bills
Avoid: Kenneth Walker III, Seahawks vs. Steelers
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Walker split carries almost evenly with Zach
Charbonnet in Week 1, a troubling sign for his workload. To make
matters worse, the Steelers front seven looked stout, particularly
in limiting rushing lanes. Without a guaranteed majority of snaps,
Walker’s Week 2 outlook is shaky at best and he should be avoided
until the Seahawks clarify his role.
Wide receivers
Start: Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers vs. Texans
Egbuka was one of the most exciting rookies of Week 1, flashing
reliable hands and game-breaking ability. He now faces a Texans
defense that allowed multiple passing scores in their opener, making
this matchup ripe for continued success. With growing trust from
Baker Mayfield, Egbuka has both the floor and ceiling you want in a
Week 2 starter.
Other locks:
—Marquise Brown vs. Eagles
—Keon Coleman vs. Jets
—Quentin Johnston vs Raiders
Avoid: DeAndre Hopkins, Ravens vs. Browns
Hopkins looked sluggish in Week 1, catching two passes for 35 yards,
and the volume simply wasn’t there. The Browns secondary is loaded
with talent. Between his declining target share and the tough
matchup, Hopkins carries far more risk than reward this week.
Tight ends
Luke Farrell / Jake Tonges, 49ers vs. Saints
With George Kittle sidelined for multiple weeks, Farrell and Tonges
step into a suddenly valuable role in the 49ers offense. Tonges
already showed chemistry with Brock Purdy by hauling in a touchdown
in Week 1, and Farrell should see his involvement increase. Against
a Saints defense more vulnerable to tight ends than receivers, both
are sneaky but worthwhile streaming options.
Other locks:
—Juwan Johnson vs. 49ers
—Hunter Henry vs. Dolphins
—Harold Fannin Jr. vs. Ravens
Avoid: David Njoku, Browns vs. Ravens
Njoku has been a steady fantasy option in past seasons, but his role
may be shrinking. Rookie Harold Fannin Jr. drew heavy usage in Week
1, siphoning away targets and establishing himself as a reliable
chain-mover. In a tough divisional matchup against Baltimore,
Njoku’s limited opportunities make him a risky start.
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