Week 1 is in the books and Thursday Night Football was a blow-out with a nasty injury that could have lasting implications on the 2024 season. With this article, I am moving away from my normal WR-only write-up, so bear with me as I get comfortable in this new arena. My goal is to provide my Start recommendations based on matchup and what I saw in the previous week(s). So, as you prep your rosters for Week 2 in fantasy, I present you my inaugural Starts for all positions Week 2 edition.
Be sure to check out Razzball Football’s updated rankings: Top 150 | QB | RB | WR | TE | DEF | Rookie
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Start These Players:
- Position: QB
- Player: Baker Mayfield
- Week 2 Opponent: at Detroit Lions
Starting with Baker, you might see a trend. Keep reading to see what other Bucs players are on this short list. I digress…back to my guy Baker who was one of four QB to pass for 285+ yards in Week 1. He added in 4 TDs for good measure to lead the league. Now, he travels to Detroit and will face a pass defense that allows the most fantasy points to WRs (59.6 points per game), so smash this play for Week 2!
- Position: RB
- Player: Jerome Ford
- Week 2 Opponent: at Jacksonville Jaguars
I am going against the small sample size for 2024 and recommending Jerome Ford at the Jags for a handful of reasons: (1) He has exactly zero competition for carries; (2) He is effective in both the rushing and passing game; (3) He stays in the game inside the 10-yard line; (4) The Browns OL is Top 3; (5) The current Browns QB/passing game is out of sync; (6) David Njoku is injured. Now, the Jags only gave up 81 yards in Week 1, but their 2023 stats point to a defense that allowed over 100 yards per game on average. Ford makes for a nice RB or FLEX play this week.
- Position: WR
- Player: Chris Godwin
- Week 2 Opponent: at Detroit Lions
Here is the second part of that trend I mentioned earlier. Godwin burst back onto the scene and into WR fantasy relevance with a very good Week 1 (8-83-1) playing out of the slot. I look for Godwin to improve on this Week 1 knowing Detroit is in the bottom three for allowing points to slot receivers (32.3 points per game). Mike Evans should eat, too, but my favorite WR of the week is Godwin. Fire them both up with confidence if you roster both. Also, check out our free Slot vs. Wide tool at the Razzball site: 2024 Fantasy Football Defensive Slot vs. Wide PPG Allowed (razzball.com) for additional analysis.
- Position: TE
- Player: Cole Kmet
- Week 2 Opponent: at Houston Texans
If you have followed my columns over the past few years, you know I am an unapologetic Packers fan, and in turn, a Bears hater. With that being said, I can set aside my bias and bring the truth to you, the reader. Let’s be honest…Caleb Williams was abysmal in Week 1. In fact, of all starting QBs he ended the week with the fewest yards passing. Not a wonderful debut for someone dubbed as the savior in Chicago. Enter Week 2 with both Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze listed as Questionable after both missed practice on Thursday. Keep an eye on Friday’s practice as it is usually the prime indicator if a player will play on Sunday. Assuming they both sit or are limited, that opens targets for Cole Kmet. Certainly, DJ Moore will be the lead dog and D’Andre Swift should see some easy receptions out of the backfield. Williams should look to Kmet as a safety blanket, and I like him as a spot start in Week 2. If you are without Jake Ferguson or David Njoku, or not feeling confident with Evan Engram against the Browns shutdown defense (against TEs), then feel good starting Kmet for this one week.
Since you are here, check out more fantasy goodness at Razzball. Follow me on Twitter/X @Stiles08. Don’t forget to drop a comment or question down below. Looking forward to seeing you during our Sunday Start/Sit Show on YouTube @RazzballFantasy two hours before kickoff where we answer all your questions live on the air!
-Stiles-
