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

The first week of the 2026 NFL season was most likely a disappointing one for many fantasy managers. Several proven fantasy stars were held in check over the weekend, and Week 1 brought no shortage of fantasy-relevant injuries.

Before Sunday's slate even began, we'd already seen Sam Darnold suffer a hip injury, while A.J. Brown and Myles Garrett were both sent to injured reserve.

While some Week 1 matchups and situations were surprising, we should have a better idea of what to expect heading into Week 2. Here, you'll find some early starts and sit recommendations, along with a few sleepers to consider.

All picks and analysis are based on points per reception (PPR) scoring.

Start: Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AP PhotoPhelan M. Ebenhack

It's important not to overreact too dramatically to Week 1. However, there's no getting around the fact that the Cleveland Browns' defense looked atrocious on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Jacksonville pretty much scored at will early before coasting to a 34-10 victory. About the only good thing the Browns' defense did was limit Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (1 catch, 88 scrimmage yards).

This week, Cleveland will be on the road against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that is looking to rebound from a mistake-filled Week 1 performance. Baker Mayfield will also be eager to face his former team, which could make the overall matchup feel a bit personal.

This should mean good things for Buccaneers back Bucky Irving, who logged seven catches, 103 scrimmage yards, and a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Sit: George Holani, RB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann

Heading into Week 1, it felt like Seattle Seahawks veteran running back George Holani would hold a pretty prominent role as the team worked in rookie Jadarian Price. While Holani did see just two carries fewer than Price, he didn't see the volume of work on passing downs that most expected.

Holani was only targeted once against the New England Patriots and finished with no catches and just 29 yards.

With Drew Lock set to start for the injured Sam Darnold (hip), the Seahawks may take a more run-focused approach against the rival Arizona Cardinals. However, there's no reason to believe that Holani is going to see the workload needed to come through as a flex starter.

The Cardinals' defense was largely a mess in 2025 but looked surprisingly competent during Sunday's 26-14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Price is a somewhat risky play. Holani can be sat or sent to the waiver wire.

Start: D.J. Moore, WR, Buffalo Bills

AP Photoo/David Richard

Wide receiver D.J. Moore had a fantastic debut for the Buffalo Bills, finishing with five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. The fact that he did it against a very talented Houston Texans defense shouldn't be ignored.

No, the Texans' defense didn't look like the same elite unit it was a year ago, but Moore still faced a secondary loaded with playmakers and came through.

This week the Bills will host a Detroit Lions team that looked incredibly suspect defensively on Sunday. Detroit forced a couple of turnovers early but then allowed the New Orleans Saints to erase a 21-point deficit and force overtime.

Saints quarterback Tyler Shough threw for 410 yards in the process.

Detroit's offense is good enough to keep Buffalo passing, so Moore should have a floor worth trusting.

Sit: Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Melissa Tamez

The Browns' offense was just as bad as their defense against Jacksonville on Sunday. The unit was pretty much lifeless before putting up 10 garbage-time points in a game that was well out of reach.

The only real bright spot was rookie receiver Denzel Boston, who caught two passes for 59 yards and a touchdown. He's a sleeper worth picking up if available on the waiver wire. However, he's not worth playing against the Buccaneers.

Tampa had its fair share of defensive issues against Cincinnati, but it limited star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to a combined five catches and 71 yards.

Cleveland should look to lean on tight end Harold Fannin Jr., and he should be a solid start this week, even with the Browns' offensive issues. Boston, however, can sit.

Week 2 Waiver Targets

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Tyler Shough

Some Week 1 performances will prove to be a mirage, but a few standouts from the opening slate are worth plucking off the wire immediately.

Shough, for example, has the tools to be high-end dual-threat quarterback and a legitimate fantasy star. He's only rostered in 22 percent of fantasy leagues heading into Week 2.

Running back Kaelon Black is only rostered in 10.5 percent of leagues. The San Francisco 49ers rookie recorded one catch and 70 scrimmage yards while spelling Christian McCaffrey on Thursday night. This week, he'll face a Miami Dolphins team that should fall behind early.

49ers receiver Deebo Samuel is also worth picking up this week. He was fantastic in his return for San Francisco, grabbing six passes for 48 yards and a touchdown while adding 12 rushing yards. He's rostered in only 29.8 percent of fantasy leagues.

The list of other waiver targets to consider this week includes Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, Texans tight end Dalton Schultz, Bills receiver Khalil Shakir, and Philadelphia Eagles wideout Dontayvion Wicks.

*Fantasy roster information from FantasyPros