Week 2 of the fantasy football season is upon us, and smart strategizing is key to victory. This week, we're focusing on identifying and exploiting 'funnel defenses' – teams that disproportionately allow either rushing or passing plays. By understanding these defensive vulnerabilities, we can significantly boost our fantasy rosters.
Several teams present prime opportunities this week. The Carolina Panthers, for example, once again appear highly susceptible to the run. Last week, Travis Etienne ran rampant against their defense, showcasing a weakness that savvy fantasy owners can capitalize on. Expect a heavy workload for James Conner and Trey Benson of the Arizona Cardinals, who face the Panthers this week. Conner's reliable performance and Benson's explosive potential make them strong additions to 12-team and deeper leagues, respectively, especially if the Cardinals maintain a favorable game script.
The Chicago Bears offer a similar scenario. Their front seven struggled mightily against the run in Week 1, echoing their poor performance in 2024. This opens the door for a significant boost in production from the Detroit Lions' backfield. Jahmyr Gibbs is a must-start, but don't count out David Montgomery. Despite a less-than-stellar Week 1, his heavier workload compared to Gibbs and past success against the Bears make him a viable RB2 option.
On the passing side, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to exhibit a pattern of allowing a high rate of pass attempts. This makes the Houston Texans' game a potential goldmine for fantasy wide receivers and tight ends. While the Texans showed a conservative approach in Week 1, the anticipated pass-heavy game script against Tampa Bay will likely force CJ Stroud to throw more often. This could lead to a breakout performance from Nico Collins, while Dalton Schultz and potentially even players like Jayden Higgins could see significant targets.
Another interesting matchup involves the Buffalo Bills against the New York Jets. The Jets' defense, similar to 2024, is leaning towards being a pass funnel. This potentially sets up another high-volume passing game for the Bills, offering the opportunity for receivers like Keon Coleman and Josh Palmer to repeat, or even surpass, their Week 1 performances. However, caution is advised with Dalton Kincaid, whose role in the offense remains inconsistent.
Remember, game script is a critical factor, and unexpected events can always occur. This analysis helps pinpoint favorable matchups, but diligent monitoring of the game is always recommended. Good luck in Week 2!
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/news/fantasy-football-week-2-cardinals-vs-panthers-texans-vs-bucs-and-other-matchups-to-exploit
