Fantasy football Week 2 start-sit advice amid early injuries

Injuries to key players in Week 1 are already influencing fantasy lineups for the NFL’s second week. Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers missed the first two practices with a hamstring issue, while Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins and Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason also face health concerns.

Analysts from USA TODAY Sports offered start-or-sit guidance. Quarterbacks such as Joe Burrow (Cincinnati) and Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay) are recommended starters, with Burrow expected to exploit holes in the Houston secondary and Mayfield poised to take advantage of Cleveland’s defensive lapses. Brock Purdy (San Francisco) and Dak Prescott (Dallas) also receive start endorsements, while Drake Maye (New England) and Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles) are advised to sit due to recent performances and matchup challenges.

At running back, Aaron Jones (Minnesota) is highlighted as a clear starter after Jordan Mason’s injury, and David Montgomery (Houston) is noted for his three-touchdown debut. Conversely, Jacksonville’s Bhayshul Tuten and Green Bay’s MarShawn Lloyd are suggested to sit given limited production.

Wide receiver recommendations include Stefon Diggs (Washington) and Jalen Coker (Carolina) as viable starters, while Alec Pierce (Indianapolis) and Carnell Tate (Tennessee) are flagged as risky starts because of tough defensive matchups.

Tight ends Mark Andrews (Baltimore) and Hunter Henry (New England) are listed as start candidates, with Andrews benefiting from Flowers’ injury and Henry expected to see increased targets after A.J. Brown’s IR placement. Brenton Strange (Jacksonville) and Mike Gesicki (Cincinnati) are advised to sit this week.

Defensive units such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs receive start recommendations, whereas the Houston Texans and Green Bay Packers are suggested as bench options due to recent performances and upcoming opponents.