Fantasy Football: Top 10 Sit ‘Em Picks for Week 2

Heading into Fantasy Football Week 2, make sure to sit these top 10 players who won’t contribute much to your starting lineup.

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) avoids a tackle by Baltimore Ravens linebacker ZaDarius Smith (90) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Week 1 in the NFL is like an audition for the starting role on fantasy football rosters. Last week, we quickly learned some players should start and some should definitely sit.

With Week 1 busts like Vincent Jackson and Brandon Marshall, you can’t afford to lose weekly fantasy points on irrelevant players. There is a lot to consider when deciding who to start and who to sit.

Weekly matchups, injuries, and past performances influence these choices. Not only does Week 2 have a few injured players but, this week’s matchups make it impossible for several players to add any relevancy in your lineup.

Spoiler alert, some of the top performers of Week 1 are null and void this week. Check out these top 10 players to sit in Week 2, and change your rosters before it’s too late!

Next: 10. This receiver doesn't have end zone capabilities

Aug 25, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs the ball away from Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley (44) during the first half at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

10. Jarvis Landry, WR Miami Dolphins

Assuming you play in a standard fantasy football league, Jarvis Landry is a player to be cautious of. Landry doesn’t seal the deal in the end zone which, reduces his fantasy value.

The Miami Dolphins are also preparing to take on division rivals, the New England Patriots; that matchup is never good for Landry. Landry has never scored against the Patriots in his NFL career.

Last week he only earned 13 fantasy points, and that was against a defense that ranks 27^th against receivers. The Patriots defense ranks 11^th; it’s not looking good for Landry.

Even though he was the Dolphins most targeted receiver, Landry needs to score to have an impact in any league. Landry has only scored seven times out of 33 games.

The Patriots aren’t going to be the team to end Landry’s touchdown curse. Sit him immediately!

Next: 9. The Chiefs' defense/ST are not at the top of totem pole

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Chris Davis (20) is stopped by the Kansas City Chiefs defense in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City won the game 19-7. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

9. Kansas City Chiefs D/ST

Heading into Week 1, I was excited to see what Kansas City would present in the season opener. I am sure I was not the only one disappointed!

Quarterback Philip Rivers escaped the entire game with only one sack in last week’s kickoff against the Chiefs. They allowed almost 30 points and earned only about five fantasy points if your leagues scoring is generous.

This week, the Chiefs take on DeAndre Hopkins, Lamar Miller, and Will Fuller. The Houston Texans rank seventh against opposing DST.

Although the Chiefs are projected to earn double-digit fantasy points, it looks like they’re going to be a Week 2 bust. You can’t afford to start the Chiefs D/ST this week!

Next: 8. Without a touchdown, he has no value

Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets defensive tackle Leonard Williams (92) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) tackle Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill (32) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Jets 23-22. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

8. Jeremy Hill, RB Cincinnati Bengals

Jeremy Hill’s Week 1 fantasy campaign offered a decent outcome. It was the rushing touchdown against the New York Jets that brought owners into double-digit points.

Last week, Hill rushed nine times for 31 yards and a touchdown; that still wasn’t enough for him to reach his projected fantasy points total. Hill barely reached double-digits in some leagues.

This week, Hill takes comes face-to-face with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team he doesn’t have a great history with. Hill has never scored against the Steelers; out of four matchups, and last season only earned seven fantasy points against them.

With last week’s performance barely making an impact, this is not the week to gamble with Hill. I wouldn’t start Hill until at least Week 4!

Next: 7. His health is too much of a risk

7. Sammy Watkins, WR Buffalo Bills

Wide receiver Sammy Watkins landed himself on the sit ’em list because of a questionable foot injury. Earlier in the week, Watkins was projected to miss several weeks due to pain in his foot. However, he is now listed as starting in Thursday’s game against the Jets; did you really think he’d miss that?

It doesn’t make sense. How does someone going from missing a few weeks to perfectly fine and capable? I wouldn’t risk an injury. Watkins didn’t even have a week to fully heal and practice. As of Wednesday, he only did a walk through.

If Watkins wasn’t battling an injury, he would be a great starter in this week’s matchup as last year he completed 11 passes against the Jets. I just think it’s too risky to start Watkins, what if he gets hurt in the first quarter?

Next: 6. His opponent ranks seventh against the position

Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) runs with the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half of the preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

6. Alex Smith, QB Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Alex Smith dominated the San Diego Chargers during their Week 1 game. Although his performance led to an interception, he also had over 350 passing yards and two touchdowns. He also added almost 35 rushing yards and a touchdown.

We have been waiting to see this from Smith, especially because this was the first time he threw over 300 yards with multiple touchdowns. Unfortunately, this week’s matchup against the Houston Texans will probably lose sight of Smith.

The Texans rank seventh against opposing quarterbacks, and taking a quarterback risk in Week 2 is not ideal. Just last week, the Texans held quarterback Jay Cutler to a little over 215 passing yards.

On paper, the matchup doesn’t look good for Smith or the Chiefs. Be smart and go with a different quarterback this week.

Next: 5. This Colt won't run swiftly this week

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Brice McCain (24) during the first half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

5. Frank Gore, RB Indianapolis Colts

I am going out on a whim with sitting running back Frank Gore. This week’s game against the Denver Broncos is one of the only teams he earned double-digits fantasy points against last season.

The Broncos also rank 31^st against running backs. But, unfortunately, Gore is too much of a risk to assume he could repeat last season’s performance.

Keep in mind he only had four games where he earned more than 10 fantasy points! That’s fantasy football suicide!

If you don’t have a Week 2 filler, use Gore in your flex position. Otherwise, keep him cozy on your bench.

Next: 4. This Patriot will be a bust two weeks in a row

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) is tackled by Arizona Cardinals safety Tyvon Branch (27) in the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

4. Martellus Bennett, TE New England Patriots

Last week, tight end Martellus Bennett appeared on the same list. However, when tight end Rob Gronkowski was ruled out of last week’s game, I questioned my decision and represented my original choice.

Always go with your gut! Bennett was a huge fantasy upset in Week 1. Even with Gronkowski missing the game, Bennett was only targeted five times.

Of those targets, he only completed three for 14 yards total. Bennett barely earned three points.

With Bennett being mainly used as a blocker, he has no fantasy value even if Gronkowski misses the Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Don’t start Bennett, trust me!

Next: 3. He had one of the top performances in the NFL Week 1

Sep 12, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde (28) runs the ball against the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth quarter at Levi

3. Carlos Hyde, RB San Francisco 49ers

Carlos Hyde was a top performing running back during the Week 1 games. Hyde had over 20 carries for 88 rushing yards, five passing yards, and two touchdowns.

Hyde nearly doubled his Week 1 projected fantasy points. Don’t expect Hyde to repeat that performance in this week’s game against the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers rank fifth against the position and have not allowed a rushing touchdown to running backs in their last five home games. The Panthers are looking for a comeback week after a Week 1 loss to Super Bowl rivals the Denver Broncos.

Hyde is a week by week start but, this week is not one of them. Bench Hyde for this week’s tough competition.

Next: 2. This Packer loses targets to better receivers

Aug 18, 2016; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Jared Cook (89) during the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau Field. Green Bay won 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jared Cook, TE Green Bay Packers

If there’s too much talent on a team, mediocre players like tight end Jared Cook lose a ton of fantasy value. Cook was only targeted twice in the entire game; with players like Jordy Nelson, Richard Rodgers, and Randall Cobb, you can’t expect anything else.

Even if quarterback Aaron Rodgers targets Cook more in Week 2, his matchup doesn’t offer promising outcomes. The Green Bay Packers take on the Minnesota Vikings who are 12^th against tight ends.

Last week, the Vikings limited tight end Delanie Walker to three catch for 42 yards and no touchdowns. It’s safe to assume Cook won’t lead the Packers in targets this week.

Cook isn’t even expected to earn 10 points this week. After last week’s bust, don’t fall short again with Cook.

Next: 1. This quarterback may not have his go-to receiver

Sep 11, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) throws during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Buffalo Bills 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tyrod Taylor, QB Buffalo Bills

Let’s hear it for quarterback Tyrod Taylor for being the No.1 player to sit in Week 2. If you have Taylor on your roster, chances are you already dropped him or benched him after his horrific season opener performance.

After losing Watkins to a foot injury, Taylor ended last week’s game with only 111 total passing yards. He completed 15-of-22 passes, no touchdowns, and added only 11 rushing yards.

Taylor barely managed to earn half of his Week 1 projected points, and this week his projected points are less than last week. Taylor will appear in this week’s Thursday night game against the Jets.

must read: Fantasy Football Power Rankings: Top 50 Players Of 2016

With the Jets ranked 6th against the position and Watkins still not 100 percent healthy, Taylor could have another upset this week. It’s too early in the season to not bench Taylor in another unpredictable week.