Rivers, Smith, Garoppolo primed for big Week 2
A.J. Green might have already won the week for you (or dealt you a loss) by catching five passes for 69 yards and three touchdowns Thursday night, but it’s never over until it’s over. So have a look at who I think should have strong games and which players you should avoid in Week 2.
Start these guys
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers — The Chargers had a good offensive game against the Chiefs last week, and that should continue against the Bills. Rivers threw for more than 400 yards and three scores in Week 1 and gets to face a defense that allowed three TD passes.
Alex Smith, QB, Redskins — If you’ve got a nice advantage over your opponent, starting Smith could be a safe play. He threw two touchdowns last week and should be able to take advantage of the Colts’ pass defense.
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers — He faces the Lions, who made Sam Darnold look like a first-ballot Hall of Famer after his first pass. Garoppolo had a rough game in Week 1, but that was against a tough Vikings defense. He’ll be productive enough to start.
James Conner, RB, Steelers — Le’Veon Bell is not walking through that locker room door. And until he does, Conner is an RB1. He gets to face a Chiefs defense that gave up 166 total yards to Melvin Gor- don. Conner should match that and probably find the end zone.
Lamar Miller, RB, Texans — He’s had good success against the Titans while playing for the Texans. The number of touches he’s guaranteed weekly is very valuable for fantasy.
Chris Thompson, RB, Redskins — I still don’t think he’ll be able to sustain his efficiency over the season, but he’s doing his best to prove me wrong. He rushed for 65 yards on just five carries last week against the Cardinals. He was a big part of the winning formula last week, so there’s no reason to change.
Jarvis Landry, WR, Browns — He’s getting targeted downfield now that he’s with the Browns. He wasn’t just a short route receiver in the first week. Now he gets to face the Saints, who gave up 361 yards and four touchdowns to the Buccaneers.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Eagles — The Buccaneers gave up a league-high 23 receptions to wide receivers last week. Agholor caught eight passes, albeit for just 33 yards. That total should rise against the third-worst team at limiting fantasy points to wideouts.
Kenny Stills, WR, Dolphins — He’s a big-play receiver, but he caught just four passes last week. Luckily, two of those went for touchdowns. I like him as a flex play this week if you are looking for a high-ceiling option.
Jack Doyle, TE, Colts — He was targeted 10 times in Week 1, and the Colts with Andrew Luck still throw way more than they run. Washington held tight ends to just 19 yards, but that was against a bad Cardinals passing attack.
Sit these guys
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans — Without Delanie Walker in the mix, I don’t think Mariota plays well against the Texans. And he’s dealing with an elbow injury. The Texans allowed three touchdown passes, but that was against Tom Brady.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buccaneers — Fitzpatrick was outstanding in Week 1, but it wasn’t against a Super Bowl-caliber defense. That’s what he faces this week against the Eagles. Philly didn’t allow a touchdown pass to Matt Ryan and will be tough to score on.
Sam Darnold, QB, Jets — The rookie had a strong debut after making a mistake on his first throw against the Lions. It should be a different story against the Dolphins, who haven’t allowed more than one TD since Brady threw four against them last November.
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Lions — The Lions threw passes on more than threefourths of their plays in the first week. That’s not a winning formula for Blount. I would even stay away from rookie Kerryon Johnson as the Lions face the 49ers. San Francisco allowed just 82 yards rushing to running backs last week.
Duke Johnson, RB, Browns — Though Cleveland faces a Saints defense that gave up a lot through the air last week, it allowed just one reception to a running back.
Jordan Wilkins, RB, Colts — The Redskins held David Johnson to 67 yards from scrimmage last week, and Wilkins will share time with Nyheim Hines. Marlon Mack might even play after practicing on a limited basis this week.
Jordy Nelson, WR, Raiders — Targeted just four times in Week 1, Nelson hauled in three passes for 23 yards. I don’t expect him to fare well in Denver either.
Sammy Watkins, WR, Chiefs — Keep him on your bench until he starts clicking with Pat Mahomes. Watkins had just three catches for 21 yards in Week 1 when Tyreek Hill was going off.
Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Bills — Josh Allen will get his first start, and you shouldn’t feel comfortable starting any Bill at this point.
Austin Hooper, TE, Falcons — The Panthers allowed just 18 receiving yards to tight ends last week. Hooper isn’t a solid start after catching just three balls for 24 yards.