The first week of fantasy football brought some highs and some lows. Why do people keep thinking Derrick Henry is going to regress? He looked perfectly fine against the Indianapolis Colts, putting up 144 yards and three touchdowns. Who could have seen it coming that Chicago Bears
running back D’Andre Swift would also have three rushing touchdowns, and David Montgomery also joined the three-touchdown party.However, there were some fantasy disappointments. Jeremiyah Love salvaged his day with a touchdown, but otherwise did not do much. James Cook had surprisingly little production, especially for Buffalo, putting up 36 points. For those who were on the Marshawn Lloyd train while Josh Jacobs is out for the Packers, he also proved to be disappointing.
With a week of football under our belts, here are some top starts and sits for the second week of the NFL season.
Start - Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers
Carolina may have only run the ball 19 times with their running backs, but 10 of those carries were by Hubbard, who made the most of them with 49 rushing yards and a touchdown. He also had a receiving touchdown. The Bears defense is not great, but neither is the Atlanta Falcons defense. This game eased concerns that Jonathon Brooks or AJ Dillon would hurt his production, since neither did much in the opener. Hubbard may not erupt for 23 points in PPR leagues, but he will at least have a solid performance.
Start - Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Last week, Stevenson was one of my starters. He may not have had a 20-point or 30-point game, but that is not surprising against Seattle’s defense. Nonetheless, Stevenson managed to have 51 rushing yards and was an active participant in the passing game. TreVeyon Henderson returned to practice and may play in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, even if he plays, he likely will not be at 100 percent, so Stevenson will still have more opportunities. Keep him in your starting lineup this week.
Start - D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears
This should be obvious after his three-touchdown performance, but he is apparently only being started in 75 percent of ESPN leagues. Here is why you need to put him in your starting lineup if you have not already. First, he just scored three touchdowns. Chicago’s offense may not put up 59 points against a Brian Flores defense with the Minnesota Vikings, but they are still going to use the ground game.
Second, Swift is still the primary back, even though Kyle Monangai is getting some reps. Third, he averages about 65 yards, three receptions, and 28 receiving yards in his games against the Vikings. That is a decent day in fantasy, and that is probably his floor in this game. Barring any major injuries, Swift needs to stay in your starting lineup.
Sit - MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers
To their credit, the Green Bay Packers tried to run the ball in their season debut against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite having 13 carries, Lloyd only had 37 rushing yards. He was also targeted only once and didn't catch the pass. Their next game is against the New York Jets, who held Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard to just 35 yards. Until Josh Jacobs comes back, if he even comes back this season, there is no Green Bay running back who should be a starter in fantasy football
Sit - Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
I said last week to start Pollard. I was wrong. It is bizarre to me that the Titans didn't even try to establish the run, even though they were behind the Jets. That hurts your quarterback and makes the offense one-dimensional, and everyone saw how that worked out for Tennessee and for Pollard’s fantasy production. The Titans have a much tougher matchup in Week 2 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Keep Pollard on the bench this week.
Sit - Travis Etienne Jr., New Orleans Saints
Anyone else expecting a little more out of him in Week 1? New Orleans put up 30 points, and he had only 46 rushing yards and 32 receiving yards. His production was ultimately decent in PPR leagues because he had seven receptions, even though they didn't go far. However, he now faces the Baltimore Ravens, who played very well against the Indianapolis Colts in the season opener. Given the matchup, this may be a game to put Etienne back on the bench (except maybe in a PPR league).
This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Start’em, Sit’em Week 2: RB Edition
