Week 1 is all wrapped up, and we are set to kick off another week of football. Last week was full of fantasy surprises, disappointments, and explosions. This week’s slate of games should be no different and will grow the sample size we need from certain players. So be sure to stop by the Hizzy every week to see who you should have in your lineup! Let’s clock in for this week’s Start and Sit Questions!
Start’Em
Jarvis Landry – vs. the Houston Texans
This week, Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry will be assuming the WR1, with Odell Beckham Jr. sitting out another game. Landry averaged almost eight targets a game when Beckham was sidelined in 2020. Last week, Landry hauled in all five of his targets for 71 yards and had a rushing touchdown. This week he draws a matchup against the Houston Texans, who allowed three different receivers to top the 50-yard mark last week. Landry will continue his success, see an uptick in targets and find paydirt again in Week 2.
Prediction – 7 receptions 88 yards 1 TD
Ja’Marr Chase – at the Chicago Bears
In Week 1, Ja’Marr Chase was the lead wide receiver in this up-and-coming Bengals offense. With talents like Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd beside him, Chase was the star of the show. Racking up over 100 receiving yards, Chase connected with Joe Burrow five times and found the endzone in his debut. The LSU product will go against a weak Chicago secondary that gave up the third-most fantasy points to the Rams wide receivers last week. Burrow and Chase will continue to grow and thrive together as the season progresses too. If the Bengals rookie wants to top Justin Jefferson’s rookie campaign, this should be a game full of opportunity.
Prediction – 8 receptions 108 yards
Chase Edmonds – vs. the Minnesota Vikings
Going into the year, I wanted NOTHING to do with the Cardinals backfield. However, after watching Week 1 unfold, I strongly suggest Chase Edmonds as a high upside flex play this week. Yes, James Conner had more carries but only averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Edmonds’ pass-catching abilities draw more fantasy upside than anything Conner can do on the ground. Last week, he totaled over 100 yards of total offense with four catches out of the backfield. His opponent, the Minnesota Vikings, were eviscerated by the Bengals running attack last week, allowing almost 150 yards on the ground. I think the Cardinals will take control of this game early, which will lead to the Cardinals running backs having a big second-half performance.
Prediction – 55 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and 1 TD
Sit ‘Em
Mike Davis – at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Falcons and Mike Davis flat-out stunk last week. Many thought Davis’s success with the Panthers last year would translate well when he joined the NFC South rival. Instead, Mike Davis ran the ball 15 times and only totaled 49 yards. Averaging 3.2 yards per carry is scary; Falcons’ second-stringer Cordarrelle Patterson providing more production on half the amount of rushing attempts is scarier. Mike Davis also squares off against one of the best defenses in the league in Tampa Bay. Last week, the Bucs only allowed 47 yards to Zeke and the Cowboys. Atlanta will most likely be playing from behind much of the game and will result in fewer opportunities for Davis.
Brandon Aiyuk – vs. the Philadelphia Eagles
What the heck is going on here? Second-year receiver Brandon Aiyuk only played on 26 snaps in San Francisco’s Week 1 win. Coach Kyle Shanahan said the loss of playing time could be attributed to Aiyuk’s health in recent weeks. Whether it is health reasons or punishment, Aiyuk should be placed on every fantasy owner’s bench until he proves his role has expanded. The 49ers and Aiyuk will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2. Eagles’ defense stifled Calvin Ridley and the Falcons last week. The Eagles’ secondary only allowed five catches and 51 yards on the day. There are plenty of other players I would rather roll the dice on. Easy fade for me.
Mike Gesicki – vs. the Buffalo Bills
Week 1 was rough for Mike Gesicki in the Dolphins opener. Gesicki was targeted only two times and was unable to haul in a reception against the Patriots. The Dolphins’ tight end played on less than 40% of the snaps last Sunday. This week will not get any easier when the Buffalo Bills come to town. The Bills have only allowed three catches to the Steelers’ tight ends in Week 1. Gesicki owners must heavily monitor this situation as the season progresses. Does his fantasy stock take an even bigger hit when Will Fuller returns?
Be sure to drop in Tomorrow Morning for our Fantasy Football Podcast – We kick off @9:00am ET on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, or Twitch.
