Week 2 Start/Sit Reactions (Course Corrections)
Week 1 always shakes things up. Some players surprise us, others disappoint, and suddenly managers feel like their season is already decided. But that’s the trap, Week 1 isn’t the full story. It’s just the first chapter. The real key is knowing when to adjust your expectations without panicking. Smart managers don’t cling to preseason hype or overreact to one bad game. They make small, smart corrections that set them up for long-term success. That’s what we’re doing here, learning from Week 1 and setting the right plan for Week 2 and beyond.
The Lesson of the Week:
The opening week of the 2025 season was a masterclass in this volatility. It delivered one of fantasy football’s most classic, and frustrating, tales: the “sit” who became a hero and the “start” who turned into a bust.
On one hand, you had Justin Herbert, a common “sit” recommendation facing the mighty Chiefs. He didn’t just manage the game; he dominated it. Herbert erupted for 318 passing yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, leading the Chargers to an upset victory. His performance, earning an elite 84.0 PFF grade, was a pure, pivot-worthy masterpiece. He was phenomenal, with pinpoint accuracy, great decision-making, and clutch play with his legs to seal the game.
On the complete flip side was C.J. Stroud, a highly-touted “start” for many. His day was a disaster. Stroud contributed a measly 188 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and one costly interception in a low-scoring loss to the Rams. The Texans’ offense looked stalled and erratic, posting a sub-45 QBR. Stroud himself called out his team’s effort, stating they came out “lollygagging and going through the motions.” This seesaw swing isn’t just a headline, it’s your guide. Your job is to separate the sustainable signals from the one-week noise.
Corrections:
The most important moves you make this week are adjusting your expectations for players whose Week 1 performance fundamentally altered their perceived value.
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Justin Herbert, LAC | Must-Start QB1
Herbert’s performance wasn’t a fluke; it was a system reveal. Under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman, the assumption was a run-heavy attack. Instead, Herbert was unleashed, going 9-of-11 for 169 yards on play-action alone. He outdueled Patrick Mahomes in a clutch situation, snapping an NFL-record streak. This is a new reality. His high-efficiency form and the scheme’s unexpected verticality make him a must-start asset, regardless of matchup. Action: Lock him into your lineup as a top-5 QB option.
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C.J. Stroud, HOU | Mid-to-Low QB2
The concerns are real. The offensive line was shaky, key weapons were injured (Christian Kirk), and the entire unit looked out of sync. Stroud’s own comments about poor practice habits are a major red flag. Until we see tangible improvement, his ceiling is severely capped. Action: He should be on your bench in single-QB leagues. He’s only usable in superflex or desperate, plus-matchup situations.
Fresh Start ‘Em Targets
These players earned your trust and showcased roles and upside that are likely to continue.
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Josh Allen, BUF
Allen didn’t just win Week 1; he saved fantasy seasons. His stat line—394 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 30 rushing yards, and 2 rushing TDs, was the stuff of legends. He engineered a historic comeback, going 16-of-21 for 251 yards and accounting for three scores in the fourth quarter alone. This performance highlighted that Buffalo’s defense might keep them in shootouts, and Allen’s unparalleled dual-threat ability is the engine of everything. Action: He is the quintessential elite QB1. Start him every week and expect league-winning production.
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J.J. McCarthy, MIN
For those in deeper leagues or looking for a high-upside stash, the rookie delivered a lesson in resilience. McCarthy scuffled for three quarters in his debut before igniting for three fourth-quarter touchdowns (two passing, one rushing) to lead a dramatic comeback. While the final line (143 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT) isn’t eye-popping, the clutch gene and playmaking ability with weapons like Justin Jefferson and Aaron Jones are. Action: He’s a volatility pick, but the upside is immense. He’s a solid QB2 streamer with week-winning potential, especially in favorable matchups.
Fresh Sit ‘Em Options
These players revealed significant concerns that will likely linger into Week 2.
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Sam Darnold, SEA
The Seahawks hoped they were getting Minnesota’s 2024 MVP-candidate Darnold. Instead, they got “New York Jets Darnold.” In a critical loss to the 49ers, Darnold managed only 150 passing yards with zero touchdowns and a catastrophic, unforced fumble in the red zone to seal the defeat. The offense managed a paltry 230 total yards. The chemistry was limited to one receiver (Jaxon Smith-Njigba), and the run game never got going. Action: He is well off the fantasy radar. Drop him in single-QB leagues and look elsewhere in all formats.
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Bryce Young, CAR
Any optimism built from Young’s end to 2024 was vaporized in a horrendous Week 1 outing. He completed just 51% of his passes for 154 yards, threw two interceptions, lost a fumble, and posted a passer rating of 49.0. The offense was utterly dysfunctional, and a telling stat emerged: the Panthers are averaging just 5.8 yards per pass attempt in the Young era. For context, Derrick Henry averaged 6.2 yards per carry over the last two seasons. Action: He is unstartable in any format. He belongs on the waiver wire until he shows multiple weeks of competent play.
Key Injury Fill-Ins
Injuries create opportunity. Your next win might come from the waiver wire by identifying the next man up.
Austin Ekeler’s Role (WSH):
While not a major injury (he was estimated with a shoulder issue), Ekeler’s situation is a correction. He was out-snapped by the backfield committee in Week 1. Fill-In: Jacory Croskey-Merritt. The rookie was the most impressive back, rushing 10 times for 82 yards and a touchdown. He is the priority waiver add from this backfield, potentially seizing the early-down role.
Week 1 is for reactions. Week 2 is for corrections. The managers who thrive are those who can coldly assess the new information without completely abandoning their draft-day logic. Elevate Justin Herbert based on a changed scheme. Demote C.J. Stroud based on tangible offensive struggles. Chase the upside of Josh Allen’s inevitable shootouts and be wary of the warning signs surrounding Sam Darnold and Bryce Young. This isn’t about panic; it’s about pragmatic, strategic pivots that position your team for the long haul. Make your moves with clarity and confidence.