Fantasy Football Start/Sit: Kayshon Boutte, James Conner, Chuba Hubbard

With the amount of narratives circulating in the NFL, it’s hard to believe it’s only been one week. From the Bengals finally winning in Week 1, the Dolphins imploding and the Packers dominating last year’s NFC North Champions, there is no shortage of things to talk about. We also had our first look at which matchups might be worth targeting for fantasy football.

My name is Ellis Johnson, and this is your smash starts for Week 2. In this article, I will highlight players who are primed for a big fantasy week. From stars to waiver wire adds, I’ll cover a variety of players who can win you your week.

Fantasy Football Smash Starts: Week 2

James Conner (RB – ARI) vs. Carolina Panthers

Despite everyone creating narratives that James Conner has lost a step, the veteran back keeps proving people wrong. Although Trey Benson managed to outproduce Conner on fewer touches last week, his role is limited to third downs. Most notably, Conner out-snapped the sophomore back 65% to 33%. Conner was also heavily utilized in the receiving game, getting three screen targets and scoring his touchdown through the air.

This week, the Cardinals take on a Panthers team desperately trying to forget last week. The Jaguars dominated the Panthers on the ground, highlighted by a 79-yard rush by Travis Etienne. Etienne finished with 16 carries for 143 yards and three receptions for 33 yards. This game could become the highest-scoring matchup of the week, and all pieces should be in play. Start Conner as a low-end RB1 in another stellar matchup.

Kayshon Boutte (WR – NE) @ Miami Dolphins

Kayshon Boutte making my smash starts column was not on my bingo card heading into the season. Going back to last season, he has 95+ yards in three of his last four games. He also has five or more targets in every game but one, going back to Week 12. Say what you will, but that’s some incredibly consistent usage. This week, the Patriots face a Dolphins team that was torn apart by Daniel Jones in their opener.

The Dolphins were already starting a fifth-round rookie as their slot corner, and now 2024 undrafted free agent (UDFA) Storm Duck is out with an injury. After all of the excitement over Drake Maye this offseason, Week 1 was a letdown for Patriots fans. Thankfully, this is the perfect matchup for the youngster to show off his arm talent. Start Boutte as a Flex option, and you may be pleasantly surprised with his production.

Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR) @ Arizona Cardinals

The man from Sherwood Park, Alberta, Chuba Hubbard, is primed to have another great week for fantasy. Last week, Hubbard was one of the few positives on the Panthers’ offense. Despite speculation that he would not be involved in the passing game, Hubbard had an 11% route share and ran 40% of the running back routes. He may not be prominent in the pass game, but it’s clear that this team doesn’t mind using him in this role.

This week, the Panthers take on a Cardinals team coming off a win over the Saints. The Cardinals team is looking functional on both offense and defense. Although they managed to hold Alvin Kamara to 45 yards on 11 attempts, it appeared to be more an indictment of the Saints’ limited weapons than the Cardinals’ run defense. Head coach Dave Canales has been adamant that this Panthers team wants to commit to their run game. Fire up Hubbard as a strong RB2/fringe RB1 for the second week in a row.