Fantasy Football Week 2: Rankings, Sleepers, and Essential Start/Sit Advice

The 2024 NFL season kicked off Fantasy Football Week 2 with explosive performances, giving fantasy football managers a sneak peek at the star players and unexpected standouts. While top picks like Patrick Mahomes and Saquon Barkley delivered strong showings, several under-the-radar players stole the spotlight with breakout performances.

Unfortunately, injuries to key players like Jordan Love, Puka Nacua, and Christian McCaffrey have shaken up many teams, leaving managers searching for replacements and strategic upgrades. If you’re setting your lineup for Week 2, this guide breaks down the top-ranked players and sleepers across all positions to help you secure a victory.

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Quarterbacks

The Week 2 quarterback rankings are as follows:

1. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders
2. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
4. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers
5. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
6. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
9. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
10. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants

Sleeper Pick: Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys

Carr had an impressive Week 1 performance, throwing for three touchdowns. He faces the aggressive Dallas defense in Week 2, but if the Saints’ offensive line holds strong, Carr could surprise with another big fantasy day.

Running Backs

The Week 2 running back rankings are as follows:

1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
2. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts at Green Bay Packers
3. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
4. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders
5. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
6. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
8. Breece Hall, New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
9. Jerome Ford, Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars
10. Jordan Mason, San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Sleeper Pick: Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants

Robinson Jr. had a strong Week 1 showing and faced a Giants defense that struggled to stop the run. He could be a great under-the-radar option for managers needing extra points.

Wide Receivers

The Week 2 wide receiver rankings are as follows:

1. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
2. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
3. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions
4. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings vs. San Francisco 49ers
5. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets at Tennessee Titans
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
7. Nico Collins, Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
8. Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals at Kansas City Chiefs
9. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
10. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions

Sleeper Pick: Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

After an electric Week 1, Williams is poised for another big game against Tampa Bay’s defense. If the Bucs focus on limiting Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams could see plenty of targets and a chance to shine.

Tight Ends

The Week 2 tight end rankings are as follows:

1. Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2. George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
3. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams
4. Isaiah Likely, Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders
5. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
6. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens
7. Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cleveland Browns
8. Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders
9. Kyle Pitts, Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
10. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Denver Broncos

Sleeper Pick: Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals

With Puka Nacua sidelined, Parkinson might step up as a key target for Stafford. His size and athleticism make him a solid option, especially against a weak Cardinals defense.

Defense/Special Teams and Kickers

The Week 2 defense/special team rankings are as follows:

1. New York Jets (at Tennessee Titans)
2. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Las Vegas Raiders)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (at Denver Broncos)
4. Los Angeles Chargers (vs. Carolina Panthers)
5. Cleveland Browns (at Jacksonville Jaguars)
6. Dallas Cowboys (vs. New Orleans Saints)
7. San Francisco 49ers (at Minnesota Vikings)
8. Philadelphia Eagles (vs. Atlanta Falcons)
9. Chicago Bears (at Houston Texas)
10. Detroit Lions (vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Week 2 kicker rankings are as follows:

1. Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans vs. Chicago Bears
2. Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons
4. Jake Moody, San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings
5. Jason Sanders, Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills
6. Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens vs. Las Vegas Raiders
7. Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
8. Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers at Carolina Panthers
9. Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
10. Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys vs. New Orleans Saints

As Week 2 approaches, these rankings and sleeper picks will help you make informed decisions for your lineup. Keep an eye on injury updates and don’t be afraid to snag a sleeper from the waiver wire to give you an edge.

FAQs

1. How should I handle injured players like Christian McCaffrey or Jordan Love in Week 2?
If your key players are injured, it’s important to look for temporary replacements on the waiver wire. Consider adding players like Derek Carr or Brian Robinson Jr. as potential backups who could perform well in Week 2.

2. Who are the top sleeper picks for Week 2 of fantasy football?
Some top sleeper picks for Week 2 include Derek Carr at quarterback, Brian Robinson Jr. at running back, and Jameson Williams at wide receiver. These players could deliver solid fantasy points due to favorable matchups.

3. Should I start a defense going against a high-powered offense?
It’s usually better to avoid starting a defense against a top-tier offense like the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens. Instead, target defenses with favorable matchups, such as the New York Jets against the Tennessee Titans.

4. How do I know when to bench a star player in fantasy football?
Consider benching star players if they have tough matchups, are dealing with injuries, or if their team’s offense is struggling. Monitoring their practice status and performance updates throughout the week can help make an informed decision.

5. What’s the best strategy for picking up players from the waiver wire?
Look for players who had strong Week 1 performances or are filling in for injured starters. Check the availability of players like Brian Robinson Jr. or Colby Parkinson, who may still be unclaimed in your league.