Start ‘Em, Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the best and worst matchups based on a PPR scoring system in fantasy football. This column will not cover the elite players in the NFL like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey or Justin Jefferson. Instead, I'll look at the players you have questions about who could exceed or fail to meet expectations at each position. For all of your final fantasy lineup decisions, be sure to check out my weekly player rankings which will be updated daily throughout the 2023 NFL season.
Fabs’ Top 10 Defenses
1. Cowboys defense vs. Jets
2. 49ers defense at Rams
3. Eagles defense vs. Vikings (Thurs.)
4. Bills defense vs. Raiders
5. Broncos defense vs. Commanders
6. Giants defense at Cardinals
7. Buccaneers defense vs. Bears
8. Browns defense vs. Steelers (Mon.)
9. Saints defense vs. Panthers (Mon.)
10. Packers defense at Falcons
Week 2 Start ’Em, Sit ’Em: QUARTERBACKS | RUNNING BACKS | WIDE RECEIVERS | TIGHT ENDS | KICKERS & TEAM DEFENSES
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Week 2 Start ’Em: Defenses
Start of the Week
Broncos defense vs. Commanders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): The Broncos defense didn’t put up a good total last week, but I like them to rebound against Washington. The Cardinals defense, which is far less talented, scored 19 points against them in the opener on six sacks, an interception and a defensive touchdown.
Start ’Em
Saints defense at Panthers (Mon. 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN): The Panthers, and more to the point Bryce Young, are going to be a prime defensive target this season. As a result, the Saints are worth a look as a streaming option. Last week, the Falcons beat Carolina for two sacks, two interceptions and 12 fantasy points.
More Starts
Eagles defense vs. Vikings (Thurs. 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Giants defense at Cardinals (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox)
Buccaneers defense vs. Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
DFS Bargains (DraftKings)
Colts defense at Texans ($3,400)
Buccaneers defense vs. Bears ($3,200)
Packers defense at Falcons ($3,000)
Week 2 Sit ’Em: Defenses
Sit of the Week
Patriots defense vs. Dolphins (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC): The Patriots defense should be one of the more valuable in fantasy leagues this season, but a matchup against the Dolphins and Tyreek Hill is anything but favorable. Their offense is one of the NFL’s most talented, so I’d find a streaming option and bench New England.
Sit ’Em
Jaguars defense vs. Chiefs (1 p.m. ET, CBS): The Jaguars scored a solid 11 fantasy points in last week’s win over the Colts, but I’d keep them on the bench against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. While the matchup is better if Travis Kelce is out again, it’s still tough to bet on the Jags in this matchup.
More Sits
Rams defense vs. 49ers (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox)
Titans defense vs. Chargers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Seahawks defense at Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
DFS Fades (DraftKings)
Texans defense vs. Colts ($3,600)
Chiefs defense at Jaguars ($3,100)
Seahawks defense at Lions ($2,900)
Fabs’ Top 10 Kickers
1. Justin Tucker at Bengals
2. Tyler Bass vs. Raiders
3. Jake Elliott vs. Vikings (Thurs.)
4. Harrison Butker at Jaguars
5. Jake Moody at Rams
6. Evan McPherson vs. Ravens
7. Jason Myers at Lions
8. Cameron Dicker at Titans
9. Jason Sanders at Patriots
10. Younghoe Koo vs. Packers
Week 2 Start ’Em: Kickers
Stan Szeto/USA TODAY Sports
Start of the Week
Jake Moody at Rams (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Moody had a great first start in the pros, kicking two field goals with three extra points and scoring 12 points. He should be in starting lineups this week, too, as the rookie faces a Rams defense that is tied for the fourth-most field goals attempted against since 2022.
Start ’Em
Brandon Aubrey vs. Jets (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Aubrey also had a nice first start in the NFL, kicking two field goals with four extra points and scoring 10 points. He should be productive again this weekend, as the rookie faces a Jets defense that is tied for the most field goals attempted (46) against since last season.
More Starts
Jake Elliott vs. Vikings (Thurs. 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Jason Myers at Lions (1 p.m. ET, Fox)
Jason Sanders at Patriots (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Week 2 Sit ’Em: Kickers
Sit of the Week
Brett Maher vs. 49ers (4:05 p.m. ET, Fox): Maher ranked third in fantasy points among kickers last week, scoring 14 points in a win over the Seahawks. I wouldn’t chase the points, though, as he has a much tougher matchup this week against the Niners. No team has allowed fewer points to kickers since last season.
Sit ’Em
Brandon McManus vs. Chiefs (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox): McManus started his tenure in Jacksonville with a modest seven points in a win over the Colts. This week’s game against the Chiefs could be a shootout, but the K.C. defense has allowed just 22 field goals and the fourth-fewest points to opposing kickers since 2022.
Greg Joseph at Eagles (Thurs. 8:15 p.m. ET, Prime Video)
Daniel Carlson at Bills (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Blake Grupe at Panthers (Mon. 7:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
