Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season delivered some expected star performances (Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Brock Bowers) and some surprising underperformers (Dak Prescott, Ja'Marr Chase, T.J. Hockenson, Joe Burrow). While the latter group still holds fantasy value, Week 2 requires a shrewd strategy based on emerging trends. For example, the Cleveland Browns' dominant defensive performance against the Bengals could significantly impact your approach to players like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews facing a similar challenge in their matchup against the Browns. Meanwhile, players like Keon Coleman, Javonte Williams, and Juwan Johnson exceeded expectations in Week 1, prompting questions about their continued success and the defensive vulnerabilities they exploited.
To navigate these complexities, SportsLine's proven computer model, a consistent outperformer of human fantasy experts, offers its Week 2 fantasy football rankings. This model, which simulates each NFL game 10,000 times, boasts a strong track record of identifying breakout players like A.J. Brown, Jonathan Taylor, and Derrick Henry. The model's accuracy in predicting significant ranking discrepancies over the course of a season is particularly noteworthy.
This year's Week 2 rankings reveal some head-scratching predictions. A surprising fade of Patrick Mahomes, despite a solid Week 1 performance, stands out. The model cites the upcoming Chiefs-Eagles rematch, highlighting Philadelphia's dominant Super Bowl performance against Mahomes, which saw him suffer three turnovers and six sacks. The Chiefs' wide receiver corps, facing absences due to suspension and injury, further fuels the model's cautious assessment, placing Mahomes outside the top 15 quarterbacks.
Conversely, the model shows strong faith in Arizona Cardinals' wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. After a somewhat underwhelming rookie year, Harrison's offseason gains in muscle mass are paying dividends, with a promising Week 1 showing. His Week 1 performance, including a touchdown from the 1-yard line, suggests he's a focal point in Arizona's red zone strategy. The Cardinals' upcoming opponent, Carolina, features a weak pass defense, creating an advantageous matchup for Harrison, placing him above players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Nico Collins in the Week 2 rankings.
Finally, the model predicts a significant rise for an unexpected tight end, set to crack the top 10. This surprising pick could be a game-changer. Unlock the complete Week 2 rankings for PPR and standard leagues to uncover this hidden gem, and gain a crucial edge in your league. Don't miss out – access SportsLine's exclusive rankings for optimal start/sit decisions and a path to fantasy football victory.
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Originally published at: https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/fantasy-football-rankings-top-sleepers-streamers-cheat-sheets-for-nfl-week-2-2025-in-ppr-standard-leagues/
