The QB start/sit decisions are never easy. We are talking about the highest-scoring position in the game and one that, if nailed, puts you in a great position to win your matchup. Fantasy football managers who attempt to take the emotion out of it and evaluate the data are the ones who tend to have the most success. At the very least, you have a consistent process to fall back on — or you can rely on me.
Most managers like that option. I’ll take the blame if it goes sideways, and you can victory lap otherwise!
What should you make of the fringe options at the position this week? I’m glad you asked.
Data from TruMedia, unless stated
Which Quarterbacks Should Fantasy Managers Start in Week 2?
Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. TB)
My “Goff for MVP” bet isn’t off to a great statistical start, but I’m fine with labeling him as a top-10 option this week. The Bucs ranked 28th last season in defending the slot (passer rating) and deep passes (touchdown rate), giving Detroit’s signal caller a few paths to posting a big number with Jameson Williams seemingly breaking out.
The fact that the Bucs are stout against the run only helps further build Goff’s case – Jahmyr Gibbs figures to out-snap Montgomery in this spot, and that creates even more potential for those “cheap” targets to result in splash plays.
If given the choice, I’d play Goff over Jayden Daniels, even with the rookie in a golden spot against the Giants.
Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders (vs. NYG)
In a perfect world, we see Daniels attack down the field with his arm a bit more in his second start (Week 1: 5.2 aDOT), but the rushing floor seems to be there, and that’s how he works his way into my top 12 again this week.
This kid is a born competitor, and while I’m not going to use that narrative, I do think he benefits this week from what should be a competitive game, something neither of these teams will get to say very often.
It’s not perfect, but we are looking at a rare athlete with recklessness in his profile. That’s a concern for Commanders fans, but that’s the blueprint for success in any given week for fantasy managers.
Which Quarterbacks Should Fantasy Managers Sit in Week 2?
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals (at KC)
OK, so the box score (21-of-29 for 164 yards, zero TDs, zero INT) wasn’t as bad as it looked.
By no means was it good, but Burrow should have had a touchdown pass on consecutive plays – Mike Geiscki couldn’t finish an end-zone target, and Tanner Hudson fumbled on what looked like a surefire touchdown. If that happens, this game is tied late in the first half, giving it the potential to be very different the rest of the way.
That, of course, does you no good now.
MORE: FREE Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
Can this passing game get on track? The Chiefs dialed back their blitz rate in a significant way last week (17.6%, down from 28.6% in 2023). We will learn with time if it was a Lamar Jackson matchup thing or an absence of L’Jarius Snead thing. But there’s a chance that Burrow will have time to operate if his offensive line can hold up against Kansas City’s front.
Burrow is part of a QB tier that extends from QB12-17 this week. Matthew Stafford and Dak Prescott will be ranked ahead of him if their weapons return to action, and the argument isn’t hard to make for Baker Mayfield after a big week.
If Burrow is your only quarterback, you’re better off playing him than gambling on the wire, but you’ll likely need the rest of your roster to pick up the slack.
Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears (at HOU)
Talk about a wake-up call. Williams was the lone quarterback to earn a failing grade in our custom PFN Insights this past week and looked about as bad as the numbers suggest.
On the bright side, over the past decade, top overall draft picks average 12.9% more fantasy points per throw in their second start than their first. He showed some good feel as an athlete out of the pocket – there’s a fantasy asset here, we just may have to showcase patience before reaping the rewards.
Williams sits just outside of my top 15 at the position this week, even in a reasonably good matchup.