Avoid the Busts: Week 2 Fantasy Football Players to Bench Now!
Week 1 is in the books, and while some of your draft picks may have exploded for huge performances, others likely left you scratching your head. Don’t panic! It’s a long season, and overreacting to one week can be a recipe for disaster. However, it’s crucial to analyze the data, assess matchups, and make informed decisions about who to sit in Week 2 to avoid the busts and maximize your fantasy potential.
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes (KC): It might feel sacrilegious to bench Mahomes, but Week 2 presents a challenging scenario. He managed 26 fantasy points in Week 1, but a lot of that came from rushing, including 57 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs’ receiving corps looks shaky with Rashee Rice suspended and Xavier Worthy dealing with a shoulder injury. Facing the Eagles’ defense, which shut down Dak Prescott in Week 1, Mahomes could struggle. In his last game against Philadelphia, he was sacked six times and had multiple turnovers. Given his lack of reliable weapons and a tough matchup, consider Mahomes a sit in 1QB leagues this week.
Russell Wilson (NYG): After a subpar Week 1, Wilson faces one of the league’s strongest defenses in the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants lack established receivers outside of Malik Nabers, and there are already whispers that the team might give Jaxson Dart an opportunity soon. Wilson is a player to avoid this week.
Baker Mayfield (TB): Mayfield is capable of making highlight-reel plays, but those “hero balls” often turn into turnovers. Facing an angry Texans squad looking to rebound, Mayfield is a bench candidate for Week 2.
Bo Nix (DEN): Nix looked nothing like the steady quarterback he was projected to be. He posted a 25% off-target rate, threw two interceptions, and managed just 18 rushing yards. It’s best to see if Nix can rebound before trusting him in your lineup.
Running Backs
Quinshon Judkins (CLE): While not dealing with an injury, Judkins is considered questionable to play Sunday against Baltimore.
Braelon Allen (NYJ): The hype surrounding Allen doesn’t match his on-field performance. He has forced just 11 missed tackles and has one explosive run on 98 career carries. Isaiah Davis may be the more talented back in New York.
Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill (MIA): Hill only caught four passes for 40 yards in Week 1. He was visibly frustrated on the sidelines, and there are reports of locker room issues stemming from an incident last season. Dating back to last season, Hill has failed to eclipse 40 yards and four receptions in four of his last five games. He also hasn’t had a reception over 30 yards since Week 1 of the 2024 season. The Dolphins’ offense looks lost, and Tua Tagovailoa struggles under pressure. Given the off-field concerns and the state of the Miami offense, Hill is a risky play.
Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG): Robinson is questionable with an ankle injury. Even if he plays, it’s hard to trust him in a tough matchup against the Cowboys.
AJ Brown (PHI): Brown did not log a target in the Eagles’ Thursday night game until the last few minutes of the game, which kept him from putting up an even more disappointing donut for fantasy managers. Unfortunately, Brown and Devonta Smith could be boom-or-bust players all season long, depending on the Eagles’ game script each week. Brown’s quiet night came while Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts took over on the ground against Dallas. Philadelphia’s offense logged 38 rushing attempts and only 23 pass attempts (19 completions), which averaged only 4.5 air yards, leaving little opportunity for Brown.
Marvin Harrison Jr (ARI): This is a premier WR/CB matchup of the week. Jaycee Horn allowed about 30 yards per game in 2024 which saw him cover Mike Evans and Drake London twice, among other premier receivers.
Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid (BUF): Until Kincaid starts running more routes and getting more involved, he’s going to remain outside of the top-12 fantasy tight ends. Kincaid ran a route on just 56% of the Bills pass plays in Week 1.
Dallas Goedert (PHI): The Eagles offense is too inconsistent to trust Goedert.
Injury Concerns
Keep a close eye on the injury report leading up to game time. Several key players are dealing with injuries that could impact their availability or effectiveness:
- Jayden Reed (GB): Suffered a broken collarbone and will be out until at least November.
- Austin Ekeler (WAS): Suffered what the team believes to be a torn Achilles and is out for the season.
- Zach Tom (GB): Missed Week 2 with a quad injury.
- Aaron Banks (GB): Dealing with ankle and groin injuries.
- Brock Purdy (SF): OUT with toe/left shoulder injuries.
- Andrew Thomas (NYG): Doubtful with a foot injury.
- Elijah Molden (LAC): OUT with a hamstring injury.
- Denzel Perryman (LAC): OUT with an ankle injury.
By carefully considering matchups, monitoring injuries, and making tough decisions about who to bench, you can increase your chances of success in Week 2 and avoid the dreaded fantasy football busts. Good luck!