It was a wild Week 1 in the NFL, as there were many upsets and ups and downs for teams around the league. One quarterback who won't be mentioned on this list going forward is Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tear four plays into his debut with the New York Jets (read more here).
On this list, the obvious stars like Patrick Mahomes won't be mentioned, as he is a must-start every week. This list will focus on the tier of quarterbacks below stars.
With that said, let's move on to the quarterbacks you should start in Week 2.
Start 'Em Week 2 Quarterbacks
Anthony Richardson, IND (at HOU)
Anthony Richardson had a good first start in the NFL against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1. The Indianapolis Colts drafted Richardson with the 4th pick in the draft, and he has a ton of upside.
Richardson is a dual-threat quarterback who has a strong arm. He threw for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in Week 1. He also rushed for 40 yards and a touchdown on ten carries.
The 21-year-old quarterback scored 20.92 fantasy points in ESPN PPR leagues in Week 1. Richardson's fantasy output ranked him 4th among all quarterbacks. Against a young Houston Texans defense, Richardson has a great matchup.
With what Richardson showed in Week 1 and a favorable Week 2 matchup, he should be started by fantasy managers this week.
Jordan Love, GB (at ATL)
Jordan Love had a great debut as the full-time starter for the Packers. In Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, Love threw for 245 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
Love finished as the third-ranked fantasy quarterback in points in Week 1. The 24-year-old quarterback enters Week 2 in a favorable matchup against a young Atlanta Falcons team. While they have some talent on defense, Love should perform well.
With Love's matchup, he should be a must-start in Week 2.
Derek Carr, NO (at CAR)
Derek Carr's debut with the New Orleans Saints went well as he led them to a win over the Tennessee Titans. Carr completed 69.7 percent of his passes in Week 1 for 305 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
The 32-year-old quarterback has good weapons, spearheaded by Chris Olave and Michael Thomas. He had a solid game in Week 1 and has a favorable Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
Carr should be a must-start for fantasy managers in Week 2.
Sit 'Em Week 2 Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins, MIN (at PHI)
Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings have a tough matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Cousins is a good quarterback in a talented offense. However, the Eagles have an elite defense, and this will be a tough matchup.
Cousins had a good Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but is playing a much more formidable defense this week. The Eagles are one of the best teams in football, and it will be a difficult game for Cousins and the Vikings, especially on the road.
Fantasy managers should sit Cousins this week, as he has an extremely difficult matchup.
Matthew Stafford, LAR (vs. SF)
Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams are going up against one of the top NFL teams and possibly the best defense. Stafford had a solid game in Week 1, with 334 passing yards on a 63.2 percent completion percentage.
However, Stafford did not throw a touchdown. Against an elite San Francisco 49ers defense, it will be hard for Stafford and the Rams to get anything going on offense, especially with star wide receiver Cooper Kupp out.
Fantasy managers should sit Stafford this week based on his zero-touchdown performance last week and his difficult matchup in Week 2.
Dak Prescott, DAL (vs. NYJ)
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys had a phenomenal Week 1, winning 40-0 against the New York Giants. Prescott and the Cowboys have a talented offense, but the New York Jets' defense is tough for any team to face.
The elite Buffalo Bills offense was only able to put up 16 points against New York in Week 1. While Prescott leads a great offense, the Jets defense has elite players at every level.
Fantasy managers should sit Prescott this week due to the Cowboys' matchup against the Jets.
The NFL season is just beginning, and Week 2 has a ton of exciting matchups. Fantasy managers have some decisions on who to sit and start ahead of this week's games.
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