Week 2 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em for Smart Matchup Plays, Sleepers and More

The first full week of the 2025 NFL season is complete, meaning fantasy managers have a little more data with which to work. While one slate of games won't uncover fantasy trends, it can provide a little insight into matchups and projected roles moving forward.

The Las Vegas Raiders, for example, made it fairly clear that rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who out-touched Zamir White 21-2, will be a high-volume back in 2025.

Here, you'll find some top start and sit recommendations for Week 2 based on Week 1 performances, past data, projected roles and matchups. You'll also find a few sleepers who might be available on this week's waiver wire.

Start Tee Higgins vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

AP Photo/David Richard

The Cincinnati Bengals stole a win in Week 1, but their vaunted passing attack struggled against the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Joe Burrow threw for just 113 yards on 23 attempts, while Ja'Marr Chase caught just two passes for 26 yards.

Of course, managers won't be inclined to bench either Burrow or Chase unless their struggles become a true trend. They might be a little more wary of No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins, who also underwhelmed (3 catches, 33 yards).

However, Managers should feel comfortable leaving Higgins in the lineup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Bengals will be back at home, and Jacksonville's defense isn't a top-shelf unit.

While the Jags limited the Carolina Panthers to just 142 passing yards in Week 1, Panthers quarterback Bryce Young wasn't exactly threatening. Jacksonville allowed the eighth-most fantasy points (tied) to opposing receivers in 2024.

Sit Xavier Legette at Arizona Cardinals

AP Photo/Nell Redmond

Young did not play well for the Panthers in Week 1, but he was done no favors might most of his receiving corps. Rookie first-round pick Tetairoa McMillan did enough (5 catches, 68 yards) to maintain the faith of Young and fantasy managers. 2023 first-round pick Xavier Legette did not.

Legette failed to make two sideline grabs that should have been routine against the Jaguars. He also failed to do anything after the catch, tallying just 10 yards on his three receptions.

This week's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals isn't a particularly daunting one. The New Orleans Saints were able to pepper pass-catchers with passes on Sunday—Juwan Johnson, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed all finished with six or more receptions. McMillan should again be a viable flex option in PPR leagues.

However, Legette can be banished to the bench until he starts to show growth as a pro receiver. In most leagues, it's probably safe to drop him altogether.

Start James Conner vs. Panthers

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Cardinals running back James Conner managed to find the end zone in Week 1, which essentially salvaged his fantasy outing. He also caught four passes but recorded just 44 scrimmage yards.

The Year 2 emergence of Trey Benson (1 catch, 8 carries, 75 scrimmage yards) looks like a real threat to Conner's overall value.

However, this week's matchup with the Panthers is too good to ignore. The Jaguars also used a backfield rotation in Week 1, but starter Travis Etienne Jr. did plenty with his opportunities.

Etienne ripped off 143 yards on just 16 carries and added three catches for 13 yards. A Carolina defense that allowed the most fantasy points to opposing RBs in 2024 appears to have gotten no better in the offseason.

Conner remains a strong starter in Week 2, while Benson has some legitimate sleeper value.

Sit: Jerome Ford at Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

Browns running back Jerome Ford was a late-round pick in a lot of leagues because of Cleveland's backfield situation. Specifically, Ford appeared to have sleeper value because rookie Quinshon Judkins didn't sign his contract until just before Game 1.

Now, Judkins may or may not see the field in the immediate future. While he's now under contract, he faces possible league discipline for a July arrest for domestic violence. Judkins ultimately wasn't charged, but he's expected to meet with the NFL about the incident this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Even if Judkins doesn't debut this week, Ford's role isn't large enough to justify a start in Baltimore against the Ravens. He had just six carries, one catch and five scrimmage yards in Week 1. Undrafted rookie Raheim Sanders saw the short-yardage work, while rookie Dylan Sampson (12 carries, 8 catches) was the most productive back against Cincinnati.

Baltimore's defense did allow James Cook to find some running room in Week 1 (5 catches, 102 scrimmage yards), but Ford can be benched or dropped outright.

Sleepers and Waiver Targets

AP Photo/Samantha Chow

Cardinals RB Trey Benson

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals: vs. Panthers

Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns: at Ravens

Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers: vs. Seahawks

Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City Chiefs: vs. Eagles

Marquise Brown, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: vs. Eagles

Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers: at Raiders

Cedric Tillman, WR, Cleveland Browns: at Ravens

Jake Tonges, WR, San Francisco 49ers: at Saints

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots: at Dolphins

Juwan Johnson, TE, New Orleans Saints: vs. 49ers

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns: at Ravens

Brenton Strange, TE, Jacksonville Jaguars: at Bengals

*All Sleepers/Waiver Targets rostered in 50 percent or fewer of Yahoo or ESPN leagues. Fantasy scoring and roster information from FantasyPros.