Fantasy Football: Top 5 key matchups heading into Week 2

Heading into Fantasy Football Week 2, these top matchups should interest owners as adjustments might need to be made before the majority of games begin.

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Sep 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) reacts after his touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 29-10. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Every week, there are key players that automatically appear in fantasy football lineups; Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, and Cam Newton to name a few. Sometimes, you need to put names aside and go with pure statistics and research.

Some weekly matchups have the ability to make or break your star fantasy players. A great example of this is last week’s Denver Broncos versus Carolina Panthers game.

It is important to analyze the weekly matches before deciding who to start, sit or draft if you play daily fantasy. Check out these games with key matchups, as they will offer you the most fantasy value.

Without further ado, here are the top five matchups to keep an eye on heading into Week 2 fantasy action.

Next: 5. Philadelphia Eagles vs Chicago Bears

5. Jordan Matthews vs. Chicago Bears

Wide receiver Jordan Matthews went above and beyond fantasy football expectations in his Week 1 season opener. He completed 7-of-14 passes and a touchdown.

Depending on your league’s point values, Matthews definitely upped the ante. In some leagues, he earned almost 40 points, and it seems this week will be a repeat performance.

Last week, the Chicago Bears’ defensive secondary struggled against the position. They offered Will Fuller over 30 fantasy points and DeAndre Hopkins trailed behind with almost 20; that’s almost 50 fantasy points total to opposing receivers.

The Bears rank 22nd against the position which assumes he will have a great week. His newly formed relationship with quarterback Carson Wentz offers Matthews the ideal weekly matchup.

Next: 4. New Orleans Saints vs New York Giants

4. Eli Manning vs. New Orleans Saints

Quarterback Eli Manning and the New York Giants had a great season opener. Manning not only walked away with a win against division rivals the Dallas Cowboys but, he earned fantasy owners more points than some star quarterbacks.

This week the Giants take on the New Orleans Saints, another team that lacks against opposing quarterbacks. The Saints offered the most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks last season.

Not to mention, in 2015 during their game Manning ended the contest with six touchdowns for almost 320 passing yards. That’s insane!

Next: 3. Atlanta Falcons vs Oakland Raiders

3. Jacob Tamme vs. Oakland Raiders

I know Jacob Tamme doesn’t seem like an ideal tight end, his weekly matchup suggests otherwise. Tamme takes on the Oakland Raiders in Week 2, a team that ranks 30th against his position.

On average, the Raiders allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. This weekly matchup is ideal for him.

Tamme isn’t projected to earn double-digit points. However, last week he doubled his projected fantasy points against a team who ranks ninth against the position.

Next: 2. San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers

2. Jonathan Stewart vs San Francisco 49ers

Jonathan Stewart had a terrible fantasy week, but that was expected; I specifically remember saying sit Stewart. Going against one of the top defenses in the NFL, it was easy to assume the Denver Broncos and the Panthers would have a head to head matchup.

This week, the Panthers play the San Francisco 49ers. Not only do the 49ers rank 27th against opposing running backs but they offered running backs the second most fantasy points per game last year.

This should be a comeback week for Stewart. His only competition on the field is Cam Newton. If Newton lets Stewart score, his value and points will sky-rocket.

Next: 1. Miami Dolphins vs New England Patriots

New England Patriots D/ST vs. Miami Dolphins

I am going to start with a history lesson. Gillette Stadium opened in 2002. Since then, the New England Patriots season opener record at home is 13-1. Out of their last six home openers against the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots are 4-2.

Now for the good stuff. Last week quarterback Ryan Tannehill only completed 16-of-29 passes. He had no touchdowns, and that was against the Seattle Seahawks who rank last in the league against the position.

Must Read: Fantasy Football: Top 10 Start 'Em Picks For Week 2

There is no way Tannehill will be able to overcome the Patriots’ defense. The Dolphins are 28th against D/ST. The Patriots rank 10th versus quarterbacks.

Trust me when I say, this divisional game is going to be a blowout!