Fantasy Football Week 2 Rankings: Latest Position-by-Position Rundown

Forget Week 1.

Win, lose or draw (in which case you need to alter your league settings), it’s time to set your sights on Week 2 of the NFL season. There are a number of injuries to notable players heading into this week’s action, making some start/sit decisions even trickier than usual.

Below, we’ve laid out position-by-position rankings with studs and duds at each spot.

On to Week 2.

*Note: Numbers and rankings are based on standard-league scoring.

        

Quarterbacks

Rankings

Stud: Eli Manning, New York Giants

If you’re reading this, you could probably throw for at least one touchdown against the New Orleans Saints’ Niagara Falls-level leaky defense, so just imagine what Eli Manning is going to do.

During the New York Giants’ 52-49 loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 8 last season, the Big Blue signal-caller tossed six scores while connecting on 30 of his 41 attempts for 350 yards. Drew Brees was somehow even better, racking up 505 yards, seven touchdowns and two picks.

Why isn’t Brees the stud pick here, then?

Glad you asked.

For starters, NOLA’s Week 1 shootout with the Oakland Raiders told us that the defense is just as holey as it was a season ago; Raiders QB Derek Carr had no problem throwing for 319 yards in a gusty road victory. The Giants defense is much-improved, boasting a fierce pass rush and revamped secondary highlighted by Janoris Jenkins.

Things already figured to be sliceable for Manning and Odell Beckham Jr., but cornerback Delvin Breaux is also injured, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport: 

#Saints standout CB Delvin Breaux suffered a broken fibula today, source said (as @nick_underhill reported). He’ll miss significant time

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 11, 2016

That’s like uncorking a hole on a sinking ship.

Manning has surprised fantasy owners with occasional stinkers in tantalizing matchups before, but three touchdowns figures to be his floor this week.

           

Dud: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks

Don’t go dropping Russell Wilson. He’s still a top-five quarterback—both in real life and fantasy—and definitely warrants a bench spot.

But you probably shouldn’t be starting him this week.

Wilson injured his ankle during last week’s 12-10 win over the Miami Dolphins when defensive end Ndamukong Suh rolled over his right foot, twisting it in a way no foot should ever be twisted.

It was a wonder that Wilson came back into the game and led Seattle to the semipredictable comeback victory. Everything coming out of the Seahawks’ camp indicates Wilson will be fine—but it’s likely somewhat of a smoke screen.

Hard Work Pays Off!#NoTime2SleepP.s…See you in LA.