Sep 7, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) rolls out during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at MetLife Stadium.

The 2025 NFL season is off to a rousing start – one that should probably concern fantasy managers just a little bit.

Already, there's been some injury concerns around the league. Kansas City Chiefs wideout Xavier Worthy suffered a shoulder injury in Week 1, casting doubt over his availability in KC's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.

On the quarterback front, Brock Purdy is dealing with toe and shoulder injuries that are going to sideline him for a yet undisclosed amount of time. The quarterback will miss at least San Francisco's Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints.

As for the rest? USA TODAY Sports has you covered with our comprehensive start 'em, sit 'em advice below.

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: QBs

START: Justin Fields, New York Jets (vs. Buffalo Bills)

Fields enjoyed a stellar showing in his first game with the Jets, racking up 218 passing yards, 42 rushing yards and three total touchdowns in a loss to the Steelers. Could he have another strong performance against the Bills?

Even if Fields can't repeat his passing success, his high-end mobility will make him one of the safest streaming options in Week 2. The Bills just surrendered 70 rushing yards to Lamar Jackson, the most in the league to a quarterback, so they could have similar trouble containing Fields.

START: Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Murray had a solid game against the Saints thanks to his two touchdown passes and 38 rushing yards, but threw for just 163 yards during the contest while being sacked five times. He should be able to improve upon his passing numbers against Carolina.

The Panthers failed to log a single pressure in their Week 1 loss to the Jaguars. With more time to throw, Murray should be able to post better passing numbers. Couple that with his strong rushing floor and the Cardinals star should be a safe QB1 for fantasy managers in Week 2.

START: Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers (at Las Vegas Raiders)

Herbert is fresh off a three-touchdown showing against the Chiefs and has averaged two touchdown passes per game in nine career meetings with the Raiders. He should be positioned for another strong showing, especially if the Chargers continue to be more pass-heavy than they were last season.

The Chargers passed at a clip of 59.68% in their season opener, good for 14th-best in the NFL. That's up from their mark of 55.09% last year, good for 23rd in the NFL.

START: Drake Maye, New England Patriots (at Miami Dolphins)

The Patriots struggled in their Week 1 loss to the Raiders, but Maye still had a decent showing. He completed 30 of 46 passes for 287 yards, one touchdown and one interception, allowing him to finish as a middle-of-the-pack quarterback.

Maye could be in for a better showing against a Dolphins defense that helped Daniel Jones finish Week 1's third-highest-scoring fantasy quarterback. Consider Maye a high-upside streamer who could pop off if he uses his legs more than he did in Week 1 (four carries, 11 yards).

SIT: Jared Goff, Detroit Lions (vs. Chicago Bears)

The Lions offense looked lost in its first game without Ben Johnson, and Goff was part of the problem. The veteran quarterback focused on throwing more horizontally than vertically, logging an average depth of target (ADOT) of just 4.29 yards downfield, good for the lowest in the NFL.

Unless Goff changes that trend, his upside will be capped against a Bears defense that just limited J.J. McCarthy to 143 passing yards.

SIT: Bo Nix, Denver Broncos (at Indianapolis Colts)

Nix endured a bumpy debut to his sophomore season, averaging just 4.4 yards per attempt and recording three turnovers compared to just one touchdown against the Titans. Some will be encouraged by his passing volume (40 attempts), but his per-game average seems likely to decline as the Broncos seek out a more balanced offense.

Add in that the Colts just throttled the Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa by pressuring the veteran into mistakes and it's hard to recommend trusting Nix against the Lou Anarumo-coached defense.

SIT: Aaron Rodgers, Pittsburgh Steelers (vs. Seattle Seahawks)

Rodgers just threw for four touchdowns in his Steelers debut. Does that mean fantasy managers can trust him as an every-week starter? Not quite yet.

Rodgers is facing a tough matchup with a Seahawks team that ranked first in pressure rate (60%) during the opening week of the NFL season, per the NFL's Next Gen Stats. The 41-year-old quarterback was just sacked four times against a Jets defense that ranked 25th in the category (26.5%), so he might not have the time needed in Week 2 to make as many downfield passing plays.

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: RBs

START: Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys (vs. New York Giants)

When we picked Williams as a sit last week, we certainly didn't expect Jalen Carter to be suspended from the game - something that had an outsized impact on the Eagles' run defense. Williams made the most of it with 64 total yards and two touchdowns.

Looking ahead, there may be fewer better opportunities for running backs to thrive than facing the New York Giants. Their run defense gave up 164 total yards and a touchdown to running backs last week against the Washington Commanders.

Dallas' offense tallied 119 rushing yards in the opener last week. A year ago, it took the offense eight games to reach that mark. The Cowboys' running game is improved and Williams should benefit against the Giants' run defense.

START: TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots (at Miami Dolphins)

Henderson had a so-so season opener against the Raiders with 51 total yards on 11 touches. He did catch all six of his targets in the passing game, a promising sign for him in half- and full-PPR leagues.

Luckily, he'll face a Dolphins defense that provided little resistance to the Daniel Jones-led Colts offense in Week 1. Indianapolis had a league-high 40 rush attempts for 156 yards and two touchdowns spread out over Jones, Jonathan Taylor, DJ Giddens, Ashton Dulin and Tyler Warren.

Henderson can make the most of his opportunities even if he's limited to 10-15 touches once again in Week 2.

START: Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (at Cincinnati Bengals)

Etienne Jr. was one of the top running backs in fantasy football in Week 1 with 156 total yards on just 19 touches. Even with his 71-yard run out of the equation, he still out-touched the rest of the Jaguars' running backs combined 15 to 9.

Jacksonville traded away its No. 2 running back on the depth chart, Tank Bigsby, a day after its win over Carolina. Etienne is the main running back as rookie Bhayshul Tuten works his way into a larger role.

That'll come in handy this week against the Bengals' defense. Cincinnati gave up 101 total yards and a touchdown to the Browns' backs in Week 1 and Etienne is more dynamic than any of them.

START: Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Benson had the Cardinals' best run of the day against the Saints in Week 1 with a 52-yard scamper. He ended the day with 75 total yards on nine touches compared to James Conner's 44 on 16, respectively.

Benson is likely a FLEX option or RB2 in very deep leagues but this could be a good week for him. As stated earlier, the Jaguars' running backs found success against the Panthers in Week 1. Carolina finished the week 28th in the NFL in expected points added (EPA) per rush at 0.21.

Arizona lacked the running game punch overall we were hoping for in Week 1. That could come to bear against a different NFC South opponent with Benson making the most of it.

SIT: Aaron Jones Sr., Minnesota Vikings (vs. Atlanta Falcons)

Yes, Jones had a touchdown in the Vikings' wild second-half comeback against the Bears in Week 1. But he didn't do much else beyond that with 67 yards on 11 touches compared to Jordan Mason's 75 on 16.

Mason took on more of a rushing role while Jones was deployed more as a receiver. Atlanta's defense was stout against the Buccaneers' running backs in Week 1 with just 63 total yards and a touchdown on 22 total touches, including five receptions.

Early signs show that Jones may have a lower floor every week in fantasy football because of how many touches Mason is getting. If he's a must-start due to your lineup, don't expect too much from him this week in primetime again.

SIT: Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at Houston Texans)

The Buccaneers' reshuffled offensive line held up well in Week 1 in pass protection but the team as a whole struggled to run the ball as well as a year ago. Tampa Bay's offense finished the week No. 16 in EPA/rush against Atlanta.

This week, they'll face a much tougher opponent in Houston. The Texans allowed 85 yards and a touchdown on 21 touches to the Rams' running backs. Atlanta may not have the personnel to take advantage of the Buccaneers' offensive line but the Texans do.

A receiving touchdown saved what was a lackluster day for Irving in Week 1. He failed to reach 50 total yards for just the fourth time in his young career. He'll likely bounce back as the Buccaneers find their groove on offense but that may not come for another few weeks until left tackle Tristan Wirfs returns.

SIT: Nick Chubb, Houston Texans (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Chubb led the way for the Texans out of the backfield in Week 1 with 13 carries for 60 yards. Houston's offense is still figuring things out up front with multiple new starters under first-year coordinator Nick Caley.

Tampa Bay's Week 1 performance against Atlanta's running backs may be misleading. The Buccaneers did allow 148 total yards and a touchdown to Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier; 100 of those yards and the score came on six passes to Robinson. On rushing attempts, the duo combined for just over two yards per carry.

Chubb has historically not been a receiving threat out of the backfield and certainly not in 2025 with the Texans. It'll be down to rushing attempts and that does not bode well for him this week.

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: WRs

START: Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots

Boutte is beginning to look like a breakout star for the Patriots.

The third-year receiver led his team with eight targets and six catches for 103 yards on Sunday against the Raiders, marking a second straight game with over 100 receiving yards. This week, Boutte and the Patriots get to face off against a Dolphins passing defense that made Colts quarterback Daniel Jones look like an MVP contender in Week 1.

New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is clearly trying to lean on Maye's talent as a passer – he threw 46 passes last weekend – and Boutte's is starting to rise to top target status. Against a team with a defense clearly feeling the loss of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the wideout should be a safe bet to be productive against Miami.

START: Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

After one week of action in 2025, Coleman has the upper hand in the "who is (quarterback) Josh Allen's favorite target?" competition. He finished Sunday night's game with a team-leading 11 targets, eight receptions, 112 yards and a touchdown and earned six first downs – twice as many as any other receiving target.

The Bills enter a Week 2 matchup with the Jets, who are coming off an offensive shoot-out with the Steelers in Week 1. It's too early to tell if quarterback Aaron Rodgers' MVP-caliber performance last week is a sign that he's good or that the Jets' defense might be bad.

Still, it should be expected that Allen and Coleman continue to build their connection in the Bills' first divisional game of the season. And if the Jets' defense is truly an issue, Buffalo's gunslinger will certainly take advantage.

START: Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers

Former Niners receiver Deebo Samuel is gone, Brandon Aiyuk is still out, Jauan Jennings got banged up in Week 1 and tight end George Kittle just hit injured reserve.

That essentially leaves Pearsall as the last man standing in the 49ers' passing game. With Brock Purdy knocked out with (non-throwing) shoulder and toe injuries, San Francisco will likely try to lean on its passing attack – led by backup QB Mac Jones – to avoid extra taxation on running back Christian McCaffrey's legs.

Pearsall would likely be the leading receiver for Jones, who has starting experience on his résumé, against a Saints defense that struggled in pass defense in 2024 and allowed 132 yards to the Cardinals' top two targets in Week 1.

START: Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns

If there's one thing to take away from the Browns' Week 1 clash with the Bengals, it's that they're going to throw the football. At least, that will be the case until they get rookie running back Quinshon Judkins up to speed with the playbook.

Quarterback Joe Flacco threw 45 pass attempts in Sunday's game, and though they were distributed fairly evenly between Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Dylan Sampson and Harold Fannin Jr., Jeudy still finished the game as Cleveland's leading producer.

This week, Flacco gets a matchup against his former team. That could be big news for Jeudy, given how ineffective the Ravens were at stopping the pass in Week 1 against Buffalo, even with newcomer cornerback Jaire Alexander in the defensive backfield. Baltimore gave up the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in Week 1 after a 2024 season in which they gave up the third-most fantasy points to the position.

SIT: Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

Colts quarterback Daniel Jones would have to be in the MVP conversation if the season ended after one game. And Pittman benefited greatly from his quarterback's success in Week 1, putting up 80 yards and a touchdown on six catches against Miami.

But the Broncos' passing defense is not the Dolphins', and Jones, Pittman and the Colts' offense will have a much bigger test in Week 2.

Pittman will be a tempting start in Week 2, but the Broncos allowed just seven catches for 48 yards to receivers last week. Admittedly, that was against a rookie quarterback and included a couple of brutal Calvin Ridley drops, but Denver's secondary of Patrick Surtain, Riley Moss, Ja'Quan McMillan, Talanoa Hufanga and rookie Jahdae Barron is much scarier than anything the Dolphins currently have.

SIT: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Welcome back to the sit 'em list for a second straight week, Jameson Williams.

After a lot of offseason buzz about Williams given his breakout 2024 season and recent contract extension just before Week 1 began in earnest, he let fantasy managers down to start the season. He finished his first game of 2025 with four catches for 23 yards against the Packers.

It's too early to press the panic button on Williams and the Lions' offense this year in their first season post-Ben Johnson. However, it's concerning for an explosive, downfield weapon like Williams that quarterback Jared Goff's average depth of target was the second-lowest among all quarterbacks in Week 1, despite an above-average time to throw.

Add in that they're playing a Bears defense that had a solid Week 1 outing – despite the loss – after allowing the fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2024, and it's hard to have much faith in a Week 2 bounce-back for Williams.

SIT: Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Evans has been the model of consistency for NFL wide receivers given his ability to record 1,000 receiving yards every season regardless of his quarterback, head coach or offensive coordinator. However, that doesn't mean he is never due for a less productive week.

While Evans did record five catches for 51 yards against the Falcons, he was also out-gained and out-scored by rookie Emeka Egbuka despite seeing a couple more targets. It's easy to envision a Week 2 scenario in which Evans gets locked down by a more formidable Texans passing defense and gets similarly low production despite being the bigger target threat.

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: TEs

START: Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Bengals

Trevor Lawrence and Strange connected on four of four targets for 59 yards in Week 1. Their next matchup in 2025 is against the Cincinnati Bengals and their soft secondary.

Cincinnati allowed the most receptions to opposing tight ends in 2024, and ranked in the bottom three in touchdowns and yards allowed. The Jaguars are underdogs on the road in what projects to be one of the highest-scoring matchups of the week.

The Bengals allowed 10 receptions for 100 yards to Browns tight ends last Sunday. It won't be strange if Brenton finishes inside the top 10 at the position in Week 2.

START: Hunter Henry, New England Patriots vs. Dolphins

Our first rollover start of the season is the veteran in New England. The Patriots offense struggled to put long drives together last Sunday, but Henry managed to tie for the team lead with eight targets. A trend that was apparent in the 10 games Henry played with Drake Maye in 2024: Henry led New England in targets, receiving yards, receptions, and end zone targets in those games.

There's little target competition outside of 31-year-old Stefon Diggs. The Patriots play against the Dolphins' secondary this week, which could be among the worst in the NFL in 2025. Rookie Tyler Warren posted a respectable seven receptions for 76 yards in Week 1 vs. Miami. Expect a similar showing from Henry.

START: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans vs. Rams

One of the top sleepers heading into 2025 should have a nice bounce back as should the entire Titans offense after facing the Broncos on the road in Week 1. Tennessee has its home opener in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams, who allowed the second-most receptions and fourth-most yards to opposing tight ends a season ago.

Okonkwo finished inside the top 10 among tight ends in route rate in Week 1 at 77% which tied Jake Ferguson.

The Titans offense is expected to improve with No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward under center and we could catch our first glimpse of it this Sunday.

START: Tyler Warren, Indianapolis Colts vs. Dolphins

Tyler Warren is a must-start until further notice. He is the most likely rookie at the position to have a top-10 finish at the position. Warren has little target competition in Indianapolis and actually led the Colts in targets in their Week 1 blowout. He should excel in Shane Steichen's RPO-heavy offense, where he can create after the catch.

Indianapolis hosts the stingy Denver defense, but Warren should continue to make an immediate impact as the Colts will likely play from a deficit.

SIT: Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints vs. 49ers

One of the most popular waiver wire recommendations for Week 2 is a sit this week. Unfortunately for managers who roster Kittle or Engram and hoped to find gold in Johnson this week, it's a poor matchup.

The Saints host the 49ers, who allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends a season ago. In Week 1, Seahawks tight ends combined for under 3 fantasy points against San Francisco at home. With Fred Warner patrolling the middle of the field it's difficult for most tight ends to have big days against this Niners defense.

Week 1 was an outlier for Johnson, who failed to reach double-digit fantasy points in 12 games a season ago. The 49ers offense might be banged up, but the defense is going to come to play against the Spencer Rattler-led Saints. You don't have to leave Johnson on waivers, but you should make arrangements to keep him out of lineups this week.

SIT: Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears vs. Lions

The Chicago Bears battled the Minnesota Vikings on "Monday Night Football" to close out Week 1 and Loveland was a near non-factor. The rookie first-rounder had just two catches on two targets for 12 yards in the loss, and his matchup with Detroit on the road in Week 2 doesn't look much easier.

Chicago's offense passed the eye test in Week 1, and things should continue to improve, especially under new head coach Ben Johnson. Still, Loveland should be left on the bench until he garners more attention from Caleb Williams.

The presence of wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze and Luther Burden, along with veteran tight end Cole Kmet likely will keep the rookie from Michigan in deep TE2 range..

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: Ks

START: Tyler Loop, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Loop missed an extra point in his NFL debut, but he also made field goals of 49 and 52 yards. His deep accuracy will inspire confidence among fantasy managers while the Ravens' stellar offense should give him a high volume of kicking opportunities each week.

START: Chad Ryland, Arizona Cardinals (vs. Carolina Panthers)

Ryland went just 2 of 3 on field goals in his 2025 debut but should get plenty of chances to kick against a Panthers team that allowed the Jaguars to attempt four field goals in Week 1. Ryland will also be kicking indoors at State Farm Stadium, giving him an added layer of safety.

START: Eddy Pineiro, San Francisco 49ers (vs. New Orleans Saints)

Is trusting Pineiro in his first game with the 49ers risky? Perhaps, but he has made 89.8% of his field goals since 2021 and is going to a San Francisco team that attempted 2.5 field goals per game last year, tied for third-most in the NFL, and tried three in Week 1 despite Jake Moody's struggles. Pineiro should have enough opportunities against the Saints to be a decent streamer.

SIT: Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons (at Minnesota Vikings)

Koo logged just a 73.5% field goal percentage last year, his worst since his rookie season with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2017. The 31-year-old missed a game-tying, 44-yard field goal at the end of regulation against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Could that impact Koo's confidence? While he may bounce back, it's probably better to wait a week and see what he does, especially as Michael Penix and the Falcons face a blitz-happy Brian Flores defense that could limit their scoring chances.

SIT: Evan McPherson, Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Bengals beat the Browns in Week 1 but got off to another slow offensive start, racking up just 17 points. McPherson made his lone field goal attempt of that contest, but it was just a 35-yard chip shot.

Cincinnati's offense should eventually return to its top-end form, but until it does, it's hard to trust McPherson, who made just 72.7% of his field goals last season.

Fantasy football Week 2 start 'em, sit em: D/STs

START: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins

As stated earlier, Indianapolis dominated Miami at home in Week 1. The Dolphins managed just eight points and 211 total yards against a Colts defense under a new coordinator in Lou Anarumo.

They're back at home this week but the questions persist. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made multiple bad throws that the Colts capitalized on, and the Patriots could do the same. New England was one of the best run defenses in their Week 1 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and could force the Dolphins into passing situations.

Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez looks likely to miss this game. Still, with how things looked for Miami in Week 1, the Patriots defense could be a good fill-in in a pinch.

START: Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers

Arizona spent a lot of resources on the defense this offseason and the early returns are more solid than outstanding. Rookie cornerback Will Johnson shined in his first regular-season NFL game; Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 2 cornerback in the league in Week 1.

After its win over New Orleans, Arizona continues its slate against the NFC South with this game against the Panthers. Carolina's passing offense struggled against a Jacksonville defense that's not extremely well-rated.

Arizona has better secondary play than Jacksonville which could make life even tougher on Bryce Young and company. They could be in for a statement game in their home opener.

START: New Orleans Saints vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Saints' defense played very well in former 49ers assistant head coach Brandon Staley's first game as coordinator. This unit could be the side to carry the team this season as the offense works through growing pains at quarterback.

This week, they get a 49ers offense reeling from injuries once again. Quarterback Brock Purdy is a "long shot" to play and tight end George Kittle is out for at least a few weeks.

This was already looking to be a low-scoring affair. With those two players out, the Saints defense should have a leg up enough to be a worthwhile start.

START: Los Angeles Rams at Tennessee Titans

The Rams were locked in a defensive battle with the Houston Texans in Week 1, giving up just nine points despite C.J. Stroud's best efforts. Cam Ward had his good moments in Week 1 against the Broncos but still was sacked a league-high six times.

That has to be music to Jared Verse's ears. Titans' right tackle JC Latham had to leave last week's game with a hip injury and may be at least limited this week.

That gives the Rams plenty of opportunity to capitalize with the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year in Verse and what was one of the better defenses in the league in Week 1.

SIT: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

Jacksonville made the most of their Week 1 matchup against Carolina and finished tied as D/ST3 on the week. Ten points allowed, two interceptions, one sack and one fumble is a pretty great start to the season.

Cincinnati struggled against the Cleveland Browns' defense in Week 1. But Myles Garrett isn't making his way to the visitors' locker room in Cincinnati this week.

Jacksonville's secondary should have a tougher time against the Bengals' skill position players than the Panthers' group. The pass rush should keep things interesting but it's a risky move considering the Bengals' talent on offense.

SIT: New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

It was New York's offense, not the defense, that was the best unit on the team in Week 1. The Steelers' 34 points were the third-most in the league in the opening week.

In Week 2, New York gets the top-scoring offense from Week 1 in the Buffalo Bills. Reigning MVP Josh Allen and company showed why they are among the league's best in prime time against the Ravens.

This game could be closer than expected in the box score if the Jets have similar success on offense as they did in their opener. In that scenario, it'd likely be a high-scoring affair and make things tough on each defense, the Jets likely more so. Avoid them this week if possible.

SIT: Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings

Halfway through "Monday Night Football," this would've looked like a foolish recommendation. Then the fourth quarter happened, and Minnesota left Chicago with a win to start the J.J. McCarthy era.

Atlanta held the Buccaneers' offense in check for much of the game but Tampa Bay still managed 23 points and did not turn the ball over. The Buccaneers were operating with a re-shuffled offensive line missing its best player and an offensive play-caller in his regular-season debut.

The Vikings boast one of the top offensive play-callers in the league, one of the best wide receivers in the NFL and an upgraded offensive line. McCarthy got more comfortable as the game went on in Week 1 and that gives us pause for starting Atlanta's D/ST in this one.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Your guide to every position for Week 2

Reporting by Ayrton Ostly, Jacob Camenker, Nick Brinkerhoff, Jack McKessy and Tom Viera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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