Fantasy Football Rankings Week 2: 3 Borderline Options to Keep on the Bench

The worst feeling in fantasy is when you have to flip a coin on who to start and then the guy you kept on the bench is the one that blows up.

We’ve all been there before, and I’m here to hopefully never let that feeling happen again.

There are a ton of players walking that thin line of “should I or shouldn’t I,” and figuring out the best way to pick a guy comes down to two factors.

Touches and matchups.

With that in mind, avoid these three borderline starters that don’t meet the criteria.

RB James Starks at Carolina Panthers

The Panthers can defend the run much better than the pass. They are huge up front and don’t get pushed around by the opponent’s O-line.

Great news for everyone on the Packers offense—except Starks.

The main back for the Pack was only able to get 12 touches in a Week 1 shootout where the Packers got a ton of possessions and plays. Also factor in that Ryan Grant collected 10 carries and Starks just doesn’t have the value of so many other players that are borderline this week. 

WR Plaxico Burress at Jacksonville Jaguars

I can envision it already.

The Jets get a quick score out of Santonio Holmes and his speed. The defense gets the ball back with a short field. Shonn Greene scampers into the end zone, and BOOM, it’s 14-0 just like that.

I think the Jets are going to jump out early and simply play keep away for the majority of the second half. That means a ton of running plays and short passes.

Nothing deep.

Plax had a great first week in large part because QB Mark Sanchez had to throw the ball over 40 times.

That has never typically been the case under head coach Rex Ryan and don’t expect one week to start a whole new trend.

Burress isn’t going to get the opportunities to do any damage.

WR Brandon Lloyd vs. Cincinnati Bengals

I know it’s tempting to start him because he’s playing a weak Bengals secondary, but don’t do it.

Right now, he’s listed as questionable on the injury report with a strained groin, but after missing practice all week, the writing is on the wall.

This isn’t a major injury and you can expect him to return next week, but even if he does end up playing, his impact will be minimal against the Bengals.