Week 1 of the NFL season is in the books, and fantasy football managers are already strategizing for Week 2. This week's quarterback landscape presents both exciting opportunities and potential pitfalls. Let's break down which signal-callers to start and which to bench, considering their matchups and recent performance.
**Start 'Em:**
* **Justin Fields (Chicago Bears):** Fields exploded onto the scene in Week 1, showcasing both his rushing and passing prowess. Facing a Bills defense that struggled against the run last week, Fields' dual-threat ability makes him a high-upside start.
* **Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers):** Herbert delivered a stellar performance against a tough Chiefs defense. His connection with Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey provides a reliable foundation, and a matchup against the Raiders, who were vulnerable against the pass in Week 1, further enhances his appeal.
* **Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals):** Murray benefited from a favorable matchup in Week 1 and continues to have a positive outlook against the Panthers. Carolina's weak pass rush and struggles against the run bode well for Murray's fantasy production. Don't forget to start James Conner as well!
* **Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys):** After a solid but unspectacular Week 1, Prescott has a prime opportunity for a bounce-back game against the Giants, a team he's historically performed well against. The Giants' weak pass rush should give Prescott ample time to throw.
* **Drake Maye (New England Patriots):** Maye's Week 1 performance was hampered by rain, but he showed volume, throwing 46 times. Facing a Dolphins secondary that looked vulnerable last week, Maye offers intriguing streaming potential.
**Sit 'Em:**
* **Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions):** Week 1 revealed some concerning issues with Detroit's offensive line, impacting Stafford's performance. A tough matchup against the Bears, who stifled opposing quarterbacks last season, makes Stafford a risky play this week. Consider starting Fields, Murray, or Prescott instead.
* **C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans):** Stroud's Week 1 performance was underwhelming, and his offensive line remains a significant concern. Facing a Buccaneers defense that generated considerable pressure last week, Stroud is a player to avoid until he shows improved protection and consistency.
* **Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets):** While Rodgers' Week 1 performance against his former team was impressive, it's unlikely to be replicable. His four-touchdown game was an outlier, and a tough matchup against the Seahawks defense makes him a risky start.
* **Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars):** Despite facing minimal pressure in Week 1, Lawrence struggled with accuracy, missing open receivers. Facing a Bengals defense that generated consistent pressure last week, Lawrence isn't a reliable fantasy option this week.
* **Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts):** Jones' impressive Week 1 performance was fueled by two goal-line touchdowns and a favorable matchup against the Dolphins. This week he faces a much tougher Denver Broncos defense. Avoid chasing last week's points.
Remember to always check the latest injury reports before setting your lineup. Good luck in Week 2!
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Originally published at: https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-fantasy-2025-start-em-sit-em-quarterbacks-for-week-2
