Well, the 2021 season has started exactly like we all predicted it would–right? Not exactly. The Packers got shut down, the Texans won a game, and Jameis Winston is hashtag good. Just how we drew it up. It’s important to remember that the NFL is wildly unpredictable. Nonetheless, we have to remain diligent in staying ahead of the curve to maintain an edge over our fantasy opponents. I’m here to help you do just that. So let’s get right to it.
Here are 10 things that you should know heading into Week 2:
1. Start your Bucs
Sound familiar? That’s because it was also the No. 1 tip on last week‘s edition. After putting up 31 points against the Cowboys, the Buccaneers get a cupcake matchup at home against the Falcons. After big games from QB Tom Brady, WR Chris Godwin, WR Antonio Brown, and TE Rob Gronkowski it should go without saying that they all will find their way into your starting lineup this week.
I also fully expect WR Mike Evans to bounce back. Don’t overthink it. I’d be cautious starting RB Ronald Jones since he was benched last week after fumbling. RB Leonard Fournette could be worth a start if you are desperate for an RB2. He is always a threat to find the endzone.
2. Go Pack Go!
QB Aaron Rodgers, RB Aaron Jones, and WR Davante Adams probably cost you your Week 1 matchup if you started them. You might be angry with them and want to trade them–which is fine. Just wait until after Week 2 and then see if you still want to deal them. They likely got your team sitting at 0-1, it’s only fair to let them bring you up to 1-1.
The 49ers shredded the Lions last week going off for 41 points and over 400 yards of total offense. The Packers just so happen to run the same scheme as San Francisco with arguably better players. The best part about this matchup is that the Packers and Lions play on Monday night. You can give your opponent a false sense of hope on Sunday before crushing their dreams on Monday.
3. David Montgomery is the real deal
I can’t remember a legit RB1 being more disrespected than David Montgomery. He finished as the RB4 in 2020 and was still being drafted as a borderline RB2 in 2021. His performance against arguably the best defense in the league–the Rams–has cemented him firmly as a true RB1 in my book.
The Bengals defense did a decent job at limiting RB Dalvin Cook to 61 rushing yards on 20 carries last week. Cook was able to add 43 yards through the air on six catches. This seems like a realistic output for Monty this week. Fire him up as your RB2 and expect RB1 production.
4. Fly high with the Eagles
The Eagles put a pounding on the Falcons in Week 1. They get the 49ers at home in what looks to be a tougher matchup on paper. However, the Niners’ defense struggled to contain the Lions and the Eagles offense is built similarly.
I’d feel confident starting QB Jalen Hurts, RB Miles Sanders, WR DeVonta Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert. Philadelphia will likely be trailing in this one which bodes well for fantasy implications. San Francisco has an above-average defensive line but the secondary is questionable at best. Hurts has the ability to extend plays which could result in a lot of scoring opportunities for the entire offense.
5. Cool your Jets
Bill Belichick is really good against rookie quarterbacks. QB Zach Wilson has shown some promise but I expect him to take a major step back in this game. Justin Herbert is the greatest rookie QB we have ever seen and he was absolutely destroyed by New England a year ago. He threw for just 209 yards on 53 pass attempts with two interceptions and no touchdowns in their matchup last season.
WR Corey Davis is the only player that I would consider starting for New York this week. He had a huge Week 1 against the Panthers posting a WR1 5-97-2 stat line. I’d throw him in hoping to get WR3 production and be happy with anything more.
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6. Catch up with Hines
I recommend sitting most of your Colts this week as they welcome the Rams into town. If you have RB Jonathan Taylor, then you are obviously starting him but don’t expect a huge week. RB Nyheim Hines is a sneaky start because the Colts will be in catch-up mode which is where the third-down back thrives.
Hines had eight targets in Week 1 while his team trailed the Seahawks most of the game. Expect a similar game script in this one. He finished as RB19 on the week which is right in the middle of RB2 territory. I would feel confident starting him in the FLEX spot in standard PPR leagues.
7. Bills bounce back
The Bills offense didn’t disappoint quite as bad as the Packers but fantasy managers were likely still upset with the outcome. QB Josh Allen and WR Stefon Diggs are must-starts every week but they just couldn’t get things going against Pittsburgh.
This week they take on the Dolphins in Miami and I fully expect them to bounce back. Miami has a good defense and they held the Patriots to just 16 points a week ago. However, the Bills have a lot more weapons than New England does. The Bills scored 31 and 56 points against them in their two meetings a year ago. Josh Allen passed for three touchdowns in both games.
8. Play Aiyuk
I will say–this is a situation that should be monitored all the way up until kickoff. WR Brandon Aiyuk was expected to be the 49ers WR1 in 2021 but received zero targets in a game where his offense scored 41 points. This is most likely due to a recent hamstring injury at the end of training camp that resulted in a loss of practice time for the first-round receiver.
If you drafted Aiyuk in fantasy there is a good chance that you are relying on him being your WR2 or somewhere around that. As long as he suits up there is no way he doesn’t get the ball thrown his way this week. This game will likely come down to a shootout with the Eagles and the Niners will need their most talented wideout catching passes. He is undoubtedly a risky play but the reward is there and you likely don’t have a better option anyway.
9. Matchup of the week
The fantasy matchup of the week is the Chargers vs Cowboys. I would be willing to start just about every offensive position player in this game. RBs Ezekiel Elliot and Austin Ekeler should bounce back from their uninspiring Week 1 performances. QBs Justin Herbert and Dak Prescott should light it up. Both team’s WRs will be in the mix.
If you love offensive football, then this is the game to sit back and enjoy. I expect it to be very similar to the Bucs vs Cowboys game a week ago.
10. Defense to stream
If you play in a team defense league and are looking for one to stream look no further than the Saints. New Orleans held the Packers to just three points and this week they face off against a young Carolina Panthers team. QB Sam Darnold has been turnover-prone throughout his career and the offensive line is vulnerable.
If you enjoyed this article, then you’re in luck! Be on the lookout for weekly installments of “10 tips to know” throughout the season. Feel free to follow me on Twitter @jaltorfer1. Any and all feedback is welcome.
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