Week 1 of fantasy football delivered surprises, upsets, and a few injuries that have significantly shifted the landscape for Week 2. From unexpected breakouts like Kayshon Boutte to the struggles of established stars like Joe Burrow, the early season has shown just how unpredictable the NFL can be. This updated tier system analyzes quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end performances from Week 1, providing crucial start/sit advice to help you build a winning lineup.
**Quarterbacks: Navigating the Top Tier and Potential Busts**
Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson delivered electrifying performances in Week 1, solidifying their positions at the top. However, the Week 2 landscape presents some key decisions. Joe Burrow's disappointing performance against Cleveland demands careful consideration, while Jalen Hurts' strong rushing ability ensures his continued relevance. Justin Herbert's increased rushing attempts suggest a potential for higher fantasy output. Trevor Lawrence's high-scoring matchup against Jacksonville makes him an enticing start-of-the-week candidate, while Kyler Murray's offensive line issues remain a concern. Justin Fields' impressive dual-threat performance against a vulnerable Buffalo defense sets him up for continued success. Dak Prescott's Week 1 struggles could signal positive regression, whereas Patrick Mahomes' depleted receiver corps makes him a riskier play against a tough Eagles defense. Baker Mayfield's inconsistency and offensive line issues firmly place him on the 'sit' list, along with Bo Nix and Tua Tagovailoa, whose Week 1 performances leave much to be desired.
**Running Backs: Identifying Workhorse Backs and Risky Plays**
Christian McCaffrey's increased role with Brock Purdy injured makes him a must-start. Saquon Barkley’s dominance continues, while Jahmyr Gibbs’ pass-catching ability and increased carries make him a valuable asset. Bijan Robinson's underutilization remains a concern in Atlanta. Chase Brown’s Week 1 performance, despite poor offensive line play, showcases his potential. Derrick Henry's consistent dominance and Kyren Williams' high snap share make them solid RB2 options. Bucky Irving’s strong showing establishes him as a top play. James Cook’s established role in Buffalo's backfield makes him a safe bet, along with Travis Etienne, whose strong Week 1 solidifies his RB1 status. Omarion Hampton's snap share, and Ashton Jeanty’s impressive performance, highlight the potential of these rookies. Breece Hall's Week 1 dominance signals his return to a lead-back role. Aaron Jones' efficiency ensures his continued relevance, however, Kenneth Walker III's decreased usage and production warrant a cautious approach. Javonte Williams' volume-based performance remains promising, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt's efficiency is noteworthy, but the messy Denver backfield remains unpredictable. The uncertain usage in the Tampa Bay and Kansas City backfields makes players like Isiah Pacheco and Rhamondre Stevenson high-risk plays.
**Wide Receivers: High-Volume Targets and Potential Breakouts**
Ja'Marr Chase's past performance indicates a strong bounce-back game, while CeeDee Lamb's consistent volume and Justin Jefferson's red-zone threat ensure their continued value. Nico Collins' potential for increased targets in a pass-heavy game plan, Amon-Ra St. Brown's consistent role in Detroit's offense, and Puka Nacua's surprising emergence in the Rams’ offense all make them interesting options. Drake London's high target share suggests a solid floor, while Malik Nabers' talent and Brian Thomas Jr.'s red zone prowess shouldn't be overlooked. Garrett Wilson's Week 1 success with Justin Fields solidifies his status as a top play and Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s incredible Week 1 makes him a must-start. Zay Flowers' explosive debut establishes him as a top WR1. Ladd McConkey’s production is encouraging in a high-powered Chargers’ offense. Mike Evans' target share makes him a safe option, but the emergence of Emeka Egbuka creates volatility. Tyreek Hill's struggles warrant caution, and Ricky Pearsall's expanded role in San Francisco makes him an intriguing option. Hollywood Brown's target share in Kansas City, D.J. Moore's consistent role in Carolina, and Courtland Sutton's quiet but bankable production highlight their floor. Michael Pittman Jr.'s potential is linked to Daniel Jones' performance, and the uncertainty surrounding Rome Odunze's role in Chicago creates some risk. Calvin Ridley’s matchup against a tough Rams' defense makes him a risky start, while Jerry Jeudy's high target share and Keenan Allen's return to form make them very attractive options. Kayshon Boutte's breakout game should not be ignored, while Chris Olave’s limitations are apparent, and Travis Hunter’s and Keon Coleman’s impressive usage makes them strong options. Josh Downs' potential decreased role makes him a risky play, and Stefon Diggs and Darnell Mooney’s prospects depend on their respective team's offensive performances.
**Tight Ends: Elite Options and Sleeper Potential**
Trey McBride and Brock Bowers lead the tight end rankings due to their high target shares and consistent involvement in their offenses. Kyle Pitts' Week 1 resurgence signals his potential for a breakout season. Tyler Warren’s immediate success is noteworthy. T.J. Hockenson's high first-read share offers long-term promise. Sam LaPorta's central role in Detroit's offense suggests consistent fantasy points. Travis Kelce's low target share is a concern, and Juwan Johnson's versatility and high target share make him a compelling option. Dalton Kincaid's limited snaps remain a concern, while Mark Andrews' slow start warrants monitoring. Harold Fannin Jr.'s performance created waves, while Dallas Goedert's target share is significant, but unpredictable. Jonnu Smith's touches are largely unproductive and Brenton Strange’s potential is promising, while Dalton Schultz’s floor remains low.
**Start/Sit Considerations and Breakout Sleepers:** Garrett Wilson, Bucky Irving, and Zay Flowers highlight potential breakout candidates, while Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, and Justin Fields present tough start/sit decisions. Kenneth Walker III, Isiah Pacheco, and Rhamondre Stevenson carry significant risk, while Keon Coleman, Breece Hall, and Courtland Sutton represent safer flex options. Remember to use these rankings as a guide, and always consider matchups and injury reports when setting your lineup.
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Originally published at: https://www.dynastynerds.com/start-sit/week-2-fantasy-football-player-rankings-tiers-start-sit-qb-rb-wr-te/
