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Fantasy managers seeking an edge for Week 2 should focus on matchup-driven upside and risk. This Start ’Em, Sit ’Em column — based on a full-point PPR format — highlights quarterbacks who are likely to outperform or underperform their projections because of favorable or unfavorable opponents.
Fabs’s Top 10 Fantasy Quarterback Rankings For Week 2
- Josh Allen vs. Lions (Thurs.)
- Lamar Jackson vs. Saints
- Jalen Hurts at Titans
- Caleb Williams vs. Vikings
- Jayden Daniels at Cowboys
- Brock Purdy vs. Giants (Mon.)
- Trevor Lawrence at Broncos
- Dak Prescott vs. Commanders
- Joe Burrow at Texans
- Justin Herbert vs. Raiders
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Week 2 fantasy QBs: Who to start and who to bench
How to use this column
This piece avoids the obvious elite starts and instead pinpoints quarterbacks whose Week 2 performances are most likely to diverge from expectations. If you need last-minute help with lineups, refer to the author’s daily-updated weekly player rankings for more granular decisions.
Note: “Streamers” mentioned are players started in fewer than 50% of Sleeper leagues.
Start of the Week
Brock Purdy vs. Dolphins (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Purdy delivered three touchdown passes and 21.1 fantasy points in Week 1 against a Rams defense that many expected to limit him. This matchup against Miami looks softer after the Dolphins allowed Kirk Cousins three touchdown passes in their opener. If you’re rostering Purdy as a non-elite option, this is a week to play him.
Start ’Em
Dak Prescott vs. Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Prescott disappointed fantasy owners in Week 1, but the matchup favors him. Over his last five meetings with Washington, he’s scored no fewer than 22.7 fantasy points and has averaged about 25.9 points. The game’s projected total is north of 50, so expect plenty of scoring opportunities.
Trevor Lawrence at Broncos (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS): Lawrence has emerged as a reliable fantasy starter. He posted 26.1 points in Week 1 and has produced at least 19.4 fantasy points in seven consecutive regular-season games, averaging roughly 27 points across that span. With the Broncos showing vulnerability last week, Lawrence is a comfortable start.
Patrick Mahomes vs. Colts (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Mahomes rebounded from preseason doubts, scoring 21.7 fantasy points last week against the Broncos. Indianapolis’ secondary allowed one of the higher EPA-per-pass marks in Week 1, and the Colts surrendered substantial production to Lamar Jackson. Mahomes should be in starting lineups.
Jaxson Dart at Rams (Mon. 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): After a strong showing against the Cowboys, Dart has now produced three consecutive starts with 20-plus fantasy points (stretching into last season). With the Rams missing key pieces up front, this road game looks winnable for Dart in fantasy terms.
More Starts to Consider
Also on the radar: Caleb Williams (vs. Vikings, 1 p.m. ET, Fox), Justin Herbert (vs. Raiders, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) and Baker Mayfield (vs. Browns, 1 p.m. ET, CBS). Each has a matchup or usage profile that suggests upside this week.
Quarterback Streamers
Low-ownership options worth monitoring: Baker Mayfield at Browns — revenge-game narrative and a Browns unit that allowed the most EPA/pass in Week 1; Tyler Shough at Ravens — a potential waiver add who has reached 21+ fantasy points in three straight starts; and Bryce Young at Falcons — another low-ownership option who has multiple big outings against Atlanta in recent meetings.
Week 2 Sit ’Em Quarterbacks
Sit of the Week
Drake Maye vs. Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS): Maye was a bench recommendation last week and proceeded to throw three interceptions for just 9.8 fantasy points. His scoring has dipped since the 2025 postseason, averaging under 15 fantasy points, and he’s without top receiving help in A.J. Brown. The Steelers matchup projects low scoring (game total near 40), so sit Maye if you have a viable alternative.
Sit ’Em
Jordan Love at Jets (1 p.m. ET, Fox): Love’s stat line in Week 1 (387 yards, two TDs, 19.5 fantasy points) was boosted by a single explosive play — an 81-yard touchdown in which Christian Watson did most of the work. The Jets’ home defense should be tougher in Week 2; treat Love cautiously.
Daniel Jones at Chiefs (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): Jones managed only nine fantasy points after being listed as a sit in Week 1. He’s still on the comeback trail from a torn Achilles and faces a Kansas City pass defense that throttled Bo Nix (5.4 fantasy points) while producing one of the lowest EPA/play marks in Week 1. Bench Jones this week.
Jacoby Brissett vs. Seahawks (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Although Arizona pulled off an upset in Week 1, Brissett’s 16.5 fantasy points don’t suggest trusted upside. Seattle’s defense limited Drake Maye and posted a top-12 EPA/play mark in Week 1. Brissett should remain on the bench for most lineups.
Malik Willis at 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): Willis ranked 14th among fantasy QBs last week largely because of his rushing touchdown and 39 rushing yards. As a passer, he struggled (66.9 rating and an interception). He now travels to San Francisco, a defense that held Matthew Stafford to single digits in their opener. Outside of Superflex formats, leave Willis on the waiver wire.
More Sits to Watch
Other quarterbacks to consider benching: Cam Ward (vs. Eagles, 1 p.m. ET, Fox), Aaron Rodgers (at Patriots, 1 p.m. ET, CBS) and Kirk Cousins (at Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS). Each faces a matchup that could limit upside or invite turnovers.
