Fantasy: Start, Sit, Stash, Quit - Week 2
SSSQ is a weekly look at the under-the-radar fantasy players you should consider starting, and the potential busts you should leave on your bench. We also identify breakout candidates to stash on your roster and players you can safely cut.
For the rest of your lineup decisions, consult our Week 2 rankings.
Start
Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers
vs. Lions
Garoppolo hasn't reached matchup-proof status, which is why we advised fantasy owners to sit him in a tough game against the Vikings last week. Hopefully, you listened, since he threw for 261 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions in a disappointing outing. Things will be much easier for Jimmy G in Week 2 as the 49ers host a Lions team traveling cross-country on a short week. Marquise Goodwin's availability remains in question, but San Francisco has more than enough talent to take advantage of a Detroit defense that was embarrassed by the Jets.
Boone's projection: 301 passing yards, 3 TDs
Other QBs to start
- Alex Smith vs. Colts
- Tyrod Taylor at Saints
Adrian Peterson, RB, Redskins
vs. Colts
The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer delighted fantasy owners with 96 rushing yards, 70 receiving yards, and a touchdown against the Cardinals in Week 1. Next up is a subpar Colts defense that gave up a similar stat line to Joe Mixon in the opener. Enjoy Peterson's production while you can, because this train won't run all season long.
Boone's projection: 88 rushing yards, 31 receiving yards, TD
Other RBs to start
- Tevin Coleman vs. Panthers
- Phillip Lindsay vs. Raiders
- Austin Ekeler at Bills
Kenny Stills, WR, Dolphins
at Jets
Stills was recommended in this space for Week 1 and delivered with four catches for 106 yards and a pair of scores, earning praise from his head coach and quarterback. For anyone worried about the impact of DeVante Parker's return, Gase made it clear Stills could see even more targets in future contests. In his last meeting with the Jets, he was thrown to nine times, catching six balls for 85 yards and two touchdowns.
Boone's projection: 96 receiving yards, TD
Other WRs to start
- Chris Godwin vs. Eagles
- Quincy Enunwa vs. Dolphins
- Nelson Agholor at Buccaneers
Jared Cook, TE, Raiders
at Broncos
Cook has a history of monster Week 1 performances, with his most recent being a nine-catch, 180-yard explosion against the Rams on Monday night. Fantasy owners who picked him up as a replacement for Delanie Walker or Greg Olsen can start him with confidence against the Broncos. Denver has struggled to contain tight ends in recent years and allowed 116 yards and a touchdown to the Seahawks' Will Dissly and Nick Vannett on Sunday. With Oakland's new passing attack still a work in progress, Cook is a top-10 option this week.
Boone's projection: 76 yards receiving, TD
Other TEs to start
- Ben Watson vs. Browns
- Eric Ebron at Redskins
Sit
Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks
at Bears
It's hard to sit Wilson because he has the dual-threat skills to overcome any matchup. That's why I still have him ranked as my QB11 despite a Monday night date with an underrated Bears defense playing its home opener. The Seahawks' offensive line couldn't control Von Miller, who had three sacks, including two forced fumbles, in Week 1. Get ready for Khalil Mack to create similar problems. I'd strongly consider playing any of the quarterbacks mentioned above over Wilson.
Boone's projection: 272 passing yards, TD, 2 INTs, 31 rushing yards
Other QBs to sit
- Matthew Stafford at 49ers
- Ryan Fitzpatrick vs Eagles
Jamaal Williams, RB, Packers
vs. Vikings
The Vikings are a nightmare opponent for fantasy offenses, especially on the ground. They prevented both 49ers backs from topping 50 rushing yards and kept them out of the end zone. Williams had his own issues in Week 1, being held to 47 yards on 15 carries. There's no reason to think he'll be able to top those numbers while facing Minnesota's stout front.
Boone's projection: 44 rushing yards, 5 receiving yards
Other RBs to sit
- LeSean McCoy vs. Chargers
- Marshawn Lynch at Broncos
- Derrick Henry vs. Texans
Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
at Broncos
Cooper has become one of the most frustrating players for fantasy owners to deal with. His talent should make him a borderline WR1, but he's quickly falling down the ranks after a letdown season in 2017 and a one-catch performance versus the Rams on Monday night. If you have other options, bench Cooper until we see if the Raiders can figure out how to get him the ball.
Boone's projection: 54 receiving yards
Other WRs to sit
- Larry Fitzgerald at Rams
- Robby Anderson vs. Dolphins
- Chris Hogan at Jaguars
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings
at Packers
Rudolph didn't play a big role in the Vikings' win over the 49ers. The veteran tight end saw two targets, hauling in one of them for an 11-yard score. Fantasy owners may have been satisfied with the points, but the volume is a concern, especially with the Packers up next on the schedule. Green Bay stifled Trey Burton in Week 1, holding him to a single grab for 15 yards. Rudolph will always be a threat to score, but expectations need to be lowered.
Boone's projection: 39 receiving yards
Other TEs to sit
- Charles Clay vs. Chargers
- Antonio Gates at Bills
Stash
Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
The rookie didn't look ready through training camp and the preseason, but with each snap, he gets closer to assuming the lead back role in Cleveland. Though Carlos Hyde is locked in as the starter at the moment, Chubb's time will come at some point in 2018.
Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers
We got a flash of Pettis' upside in Week 1 when he hauled in a beautiful touchdown at the back of the end zone. The second-round rookie ended his debut with two catches for 61 yards and the score. The 49ers taught him every receiver position in hopes he'd be able to step in if anyone went down with an injury. With Marquise Goodwin's status for Sunday up in the air due to a thigh bruise, Pettis might go from stash to starter this week.
Quit
Jordy Nelson, WR, Raiders
With the state the Raiders' receiving corps is in, it's impossible to trust Nelson in your lineups. His days catching passes from Aaron Rodgers are over, and at 33 years old, his production is trending in the wrong direction.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Titans
Dealing with an elbow injury and playing without his favorite weapon in Delanie Walker, Mariota suddenly lacks the upside that made him rosterable in fantasy. He'll be in the streamer conversation some weeks, but there's no reason to waste a bench spot on Mariota any longer.