Starts of the Week + Week 2 Breakdown, Bounce-Backs

Fantasy Football show for Sep 11, 2025. Week 2 kicks off tonight! Fantasy football matchup previews, injury updates, and more on today’s show. Plus, Starts of the Week picks from Andy, Mike, and Jason. Set your lineups for Week 2 fantasy football! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast.

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Summary:

Week One Recap and Expectations for Week Two

“We have match-ups on today’s show, starts of the week…we’ll put to bed some of the week one…our expectations for some of these players might change.”

The hosts discuss the upcoming match-ups for Week Two while highlighting the importance of recapping Week One performances. They indicate that expectations may shift based on these performances, leading to new advice on player starts and sits for the upcoming week.

Injury Updates from Around the League

“Brock Purdy, a long shot to play this week…could be two to five weeks, which is quite the range.”

The team delivers notable injury updates, including Brock Purdy‘s turf toe injury which may sideline him for two to five weeks. They also mention Chris Godwin‘s return to practice and the implications of Dallas Goddard’s potential absence due to a knee sprain.

Starts of the Week Discussion

“I felt good about three of my four last week…what was great was that the world did react to like, how dare you put him as your start of the week in week one?”

The hosts begin their segment on Starts of the Week, reflecting on their previous week’s predictions. They emphasize the unpredictability of player performance, particularly mentioning Joe Burrow‘s disappointing output and the audience’s reaction to their fantasy advice.

Quarterback Recommendations for Week Two

“I’m going to go with a guy that I think I’m bought into…Justin Herbert will be throwing the ball enough this season to be very important for fantasy.”

The discussion highlights quarterbacks to consider starting in Week Two, with Jason advocating for Justin Herbert due to his strong Week One performance and favorable match-up against the Raiders. He emphasizes Herbert’s improved running ability, which can contribute positively to his fantasy output.

Running Back Starts: Identifying Opportunities

“I do not believe this will be a complete rest of season…the thing is, is he’s the guy now. There’s clarity.”

The hosts transition to running back recommendations, where they express confidence in Travis Etienne following his Week One performance. They note his increased usage and expected success against a weak run defense, establishing him as a viable start for the upcoming week.

Travis Etienne‘s Role in Week 2

“This is Etienne’s backfield, especially right now, certainly in week two.”

Travis Etienne is firmly established as the primary running back for the Jacksonville Jaguars following the trade of Tank Bigsby.
The Jaguars’ offensive line showed impressive performance in week one, ranking fourth in adjusted yards before contact.
With a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who have a defense not much stronger than the Carolina Panthers, Etienne is expected to have a significant impact.
His recommendation is clear: “Fire him up. Make sure he’s in your lineup.”

Jordan Mason‘s Emerging Value

“He was the early down guy.”

Minnesota Vikings‘ Jordan Mason is noted for his considerable involvement in the game, showing promise as the early down back despite Aaron Jones‘ initial highlight plays.
Mason carried the ball 13 times for 69 yards, compared to Jones’ 7 rushes for only 21 yards.
With the Vikings being three-and-a-half point favorites against the Atlanta Falcons, this presents a good environment for Mason’s performance this week.

Breece Hall‘s Strong Performance Against the Bills

“This is very clear in week one who the lead back was, not just by opportunity, but by talent and juice.”

Brees Hall is highlighted as a key player heading into week two against the Buffalo Bills, following a successful performance where he demonstrated speed and effectiveness.
The Bills’ defense had issues containing big plays, which could bode well for Hall given his recent form and the offensive line’s performance.
The analysis suggests that Hall will be a significant contributor moving forward.

Wide Receiver Starts of the Week: DK Metcalf and Garrett Wilson

“I think this is a perfect matchup for him against Seattle.”

DK Metcalf is noted for his upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks, where he is expected to perform well, particularly under Aaron Rodgers’ guidance.
Metcalf had a solid week one with a 26% target share, reinforcing his role as a priority receiver.
Garrett Wilson, also featured prominently in week two, demonstrated significant chemistry with quarterback Zach Wilson, translating to an impressive target share.

Keenan Allen‘s Potential Against the Raiders

“He was right back to the target machine we know him to be.”

Keenan Allen‘s performance against the Raiders is promising as he excelled in terms of targets, returning as a key target for quarterback Justin Herbert.
His historical dominance against the Raiders positions him as a favorable play for fantasy managers.

Tight End Recommendations: Jawan Johnson and Kyle Pitts

“This is probably their second target in their receiving game.”

Jawan Johnson is poised for a strong performance against the San Francisco 49ers; his high route participation signals his importance in the team’s offensive scheme.
Kyle Pitts is also highlighted for his consistent involvement and target share, suggesting he could be a strong tight end option in week two.

Brenton Strange‘s Value Against the Bengals

“The Bengals were dead last in fantasy points given up to tight ends.”

Brenton Strange is set to benefit from a matchup against a Bengals team that has struggled against tight ends historically.
Following a productive week one where he led his team in receiving yards, Strange is anticipated to have another strong performance.

Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter‘s Performance

“Travis Hunter had the most targets on the roster, but nothing significant came from it.”

Brian Thomas Jr. had a disappointing performance, catching only one out of seven targets for a mere 11 yards. His underwhelming showing raises questions about his future contributions.
Similarly, Travis Hunter led his team in targets but failed to make a substantial impact. He is expected to play more defensively this week, indicating that he may not be utilized effectively in offensive settings.

Quarterback Bounce-Back Candidates

“No one is benching Joe Burrow after one bad week.”

For Week 2, Joe Burrow is anticipated to bounce back against a Jaguars defense ranked last against quarterbacks last season. This makes him a must-start alongside fellow receivers, Chase and Higgins.
In contrast, Trevor Lawrence is seen as a potential waiver wire pick for desperate teams. He’s suggested to be a solid quarterback two in 2QB formats while comparing him to other options like Drake May and J.J. McCarthy.

Fantasy Insights on Running Backs

“Chase Brown is a must-start even though the Bengals did not put up the points.”

Chase Brown is highlighted for his significant workload, handling 52% of the team’s rushing attempts and targets despite a slow Bengals offense in Week 1. His volume makes him a reliable starter.
The panel discusses expectations for players like Travis Etienne as a top performer, underscoring that Brown is also a necessary play due to his increased usage.

Analysis of Tight Ends and Team Dynamics

“On paper right now, you got Russell Wilson starting this game.”

The tight end landscape in Cincinnati is convoluted, and the team is criticized for having too many options to rely on any single player for fantasy.
The Giants’ matchup against the Dallas Cowboys is framed as a critical divisional battle, noting that Dak Prescott holds an impressive streak against New York.

Analyzing Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders‘ Snap Count

“I don’t want to get fooled by two touchdowns from Javante in week one.”

The discussion begins with skepticism about Javante Williams’ performance in the first week, where he scored two touchdowns. There’s a concern that this success may have been inflated due to the circumstances surrounding Miles Sanders, who fumbled and potentially saw reduced playtime as a result.
The podcasters express doubt about the sustainability of Javante’s week one metrics, emphasizing the need to evaluate performance beyond the initial game to avoid misjudging future potential.

Jake Ferguson‘s Performance and Expectations

“I think you can go right back to him.”

Jake Ferguson had a disappointing game in week one, recording only five catches for 23 yards, but there’s optimism surrounding his potential for improvement.
The analysis highlights that Ferguson had opportunities, including a missed touchdown that could have inflated his stats. Despite a lack of touchdowns, the expectation is that he may be a viable low-end start if given favorable matchups, particularly due to the targets he receives from his offense.

Understanding the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions Matchup

“This game is fascinating.”

The upcoming game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions is anticipated to be revealing for both teams, especially given their week one performances.
The Bears are considered to have had a rough start, while the Lions are coming off a humiliating loss, sparking questions about their response. The discussion centers around the potential adjustments both teams may need to make, particularly how the Lions might utilize their running game effectively against the Bears.

Evaluating Running Backs in the Detroit Lions’ Offense

“You just start him because the workload’s going to be there?”

DeAndre Swift is recommended as a starting option given his dominance in carries and significant snap percentage in week one.
David Montgomery also remains a play despite a lackluster performance, and the expectation is that he has the potential to find the end zone in favorable matchups, allowing for some optimism about his contribution to fantasy lineups.

Analyzing the Wide Receiver Situation for Both Teams

“Are you just doing whatever you were going to do in week one with Detroit players?”

The podcasters reflect on the usage of Detroit’s receivers, especially Jamison Williams, questioning if their prior expectations should remain unchanged given the matchup against the Bears’ defense.
They emphasize the uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of Chicago’s wide receivers and discuss how new additions and changing dynamics might impact their overall performance moving forward.

Cam Ward‘s Week One Performance and Future Outlook

“Cam Ward was pretty tentative in week one, completing only one of his 12 passes over 10 yards.”

Cam Ward‘s debut was marked by a lack of confidence, leading to a very low completion rate of 43%.
The offense adopted a conservative game plan, focusing on short passes and running plays, which did not yield positive results against a tough Denver Broncos defense.
Despite some drops by receivers, it is crucial to consider the overall metrics, as his catchable target rate was poor.

Rams Defense and Fantasy Implications

“The Rams completely shut down CJ Stroud and are expected to do the same with Cam Ward.”

The Rams’ defense performed impressively, and similar expectations are set for their matchup against Ward, especially since he struggled in a prior game.
Fantasy-wise, the only player that stands out from this game is Tony Pollard; other players like Ridley may not be worth starting in a tough matchup.

Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots Breakdown

“Tua has historically played well against New England, going 7-0 in his career against them.”

Tua Tagovailoa‘s second-week performance is expected to improve after a rough showing in the first week.
Players like Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle are under scrutiny as they navigate the fantasy landscape, with Waddle’s injury history causing concern for many league owners.

Running Back Surprises and Strategies

“Travion Henderson played 35% of snaps and has the potential to become a regular fantasy start.”

Henderson’s lower snap count and performance in week one has led to discussions on whether he is a viable option moving forward.
There’s a possibility to acquire Henderson through trades, especially from owners who may be disappointed in his start and might be willing to deal for more established players.

Matchup Analysis and Backup Planning

“Even the best fantasy football team in the world doesn’t go according to plan.”

In preparation for drafting your fantasy football team, it’s important to have a thorough understanding of matchups. Rankings, sleepers, and can’t-miss picks are essential components, but the unpredictability of outcomes calls for strategies that encompass backup plans.
Consider the significance of having reliable backups in your roster, as even star players may not perform to expectations on any given week.

Progressive Insurance Analogy

“You can build your coverage just like your fantasy team, making sure that you have the right players in every position and a backup when you need it most.”

The concept of customizing insurance coverage is likened to constructing a fantasy football team. Just as you would select key players for your roster, you can tailor your insurance policy to ensure comprehensive protection and support.
The analogy emphasizes the need for preparedness, suggesting that just as fantasy players face unexpected setbacks, insurance can provide peace of mind during life’s unpredictabilities.

Player Updates and Matchup Insights

“Christian McCaffrey is clearly siphoning the health of other players.”

The video discusses key matchups, notably involving the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints, alongside player updates, especially concerning Christian McCaffrey, who is dealing with calf issues.
It highlights McCaffrey’s significant utilization with 31 touches last week, suggesting his vital role in the game and questioning the sustainability of such intensive usage.
The conversation transitions into Mack Jones stepping in as quarterback for the 49ers, suggesting potential impacts on the team dynamics and player performance, particularly regarding target distribution.

The Importance of Player Performance Metrics

“Ricky Pearsall‘s metrics have been really great.”

Metrics play a crucial role in evaluating player performance and making informed decisions during the season. Ricky Pearsall, noted for his impressive stats as number three in total yards over recent games, stands out as a potential pick.
The segment delves into the implications of having Mack Jones as the quarterback, considering how it could affect distribution during games and the roles of surrounding players, particularly in terms of targeting.

Player Analysis and Recommendations

“Fields, Hall, Wilson—play them, obviously.”

The discussion opens with a firm endorsement of certain players, urging fantasy managers to start quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Breece Hall, and Garrett Wilson due to their favorable matchups or expected performance.
Josh Allen‘s viability as a starter is also confirmed, highlighting the importance of proven players in weekly lineups.

Tight End Streaming Options

“If James Cook was out due to the hamstring, is Ray Davis the play?”

The conversation then shifts to tight ends, where Kyle Pitts is recommended over Dawson Kincaid, emphasizing that Kincaid’s target share in previous weeks was not sufficient to warrant a guaranteed start.
The potential play of Ray Davis emerges, but underlines the need for a current assessment of James Cook‘s health before making any roster changes.

Matchup Insights for Seattle vs. Pittsburgh

“Seattle is projected for only 18.3 points—they’re not missing a starting quarterback.”

Matchup analysis focuses on the upcoming game between Seattle and Pittsburgh, noting the low over-under of 39.5 points, indicating limited offensive expectations.
Both teams are scrutinized for their offensive and defensive capabilities, with doubts raised about Pittsburgh’s defensive prowess following a lackluster performance.

Running Back Evaluation and Questions

“Kenneth Walker is much more like Breece Hall—getting through a crease and then going.”

As fantasy managers consider various running back options, a nuanced comparison is made between Kenneth Walker and rookie Zach Charbonnet.
The commentary highlights the potential split in running back usage and suggests that Walker’s natural running style might fit better against the current matchup context than Charbonnet’s.

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