Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Brenton Strange, Saquon Barkley, De’Von Achane

Week 1 is in the books, which means half of your fantasy lineup decisions already look like strokes of genius and the other half… well, let’s just say you’ve got some explaining to do. Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. Week 2 brings new matchups, new headaches and a fresh round of “Should I really bench this guy?” debates.

Luckily, our Featured Pros have done the heavy lifting for you. They’ve combed through the numbers, trends and gut instincts to deliver their favorite ‘Starts and Duds‘ of the week. Before you overthink your Flex spot for the fifth time today when making fantasy football start sit decisions, take a deep breath and let the experts steer you in the right direction.

Fantasy Football Week 2 Start/Sit Advice

Week 2 Fantasy Football Sleepers

Which player outside of the top 100 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is a good sleeper start, and why do you think he has upside this week?

Brenton Strange (TE – JAC)

“A very solid showing for Brenton Strange in Week 1 now sees him in a very solid position for this week against the Bengals. Strange recorded four catches for 59 yards a week ago, leading the Jags in receiving yards. Now, Strange faces a Bengals defense that conceded the second-most touchdowns to the tight end position in 2024. Cincinnati also allowed the Browns’ combo of tight ends to post 100 yards on them in Week 1. This matchup calls for points, in both directions, which may result in Strange finishing as a low-end TE1, at minimum, for the week.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Week 2 Fantasy Football Duds

Which player inside the top 40 in the FantasyPros Flex rankings is likely to disappoint fantasy managers this week?

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

“The Dolphins’ offense in Week 1 was #notgood, and there are already rumors swirling that Mike McDaniel and Chris Grier could be on the hot seat. Miami faces New England at home this week, and the Patriots are coming off the ninth-best run-defense grade in Week 1, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). Last season against New England, De’Von Achane totaled just 50 rushing yards and four receptions for 23 receiving yards across two games. There’s no doubt he has the talent to take it to the house anytime he touches the ball, but this week’s matchup isn’t favorable.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)

Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)

“Top 40? Let’s make it top five. Relatively, Saquon Barkley may have a tough day at the office this week. Of course, you are always playing Barkley, and his volume should come through for fantasy. However, this Chiefs’ defense is elite against the run. Averaging the fewest points allowed to fantasy running backs all of last season, they followed it up by stuffing Omarion Hampton to fewer than 50 yards on 15 carries. Despite an incredible game script for Barkley in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs held him to 57 yards on 25 carries. With Jalen Hurts being a threat for rushing touchdowns, I’m going to rank Barkley outside of RB1 territory for Week 2.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)