Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, Month Day, 2025, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Network: CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quarterback
Trevor Lawrence: START, QB1
Although he failed to have the tremendous game I anticipated against the Panthers, Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars offense passed the eye test in their first game with Liam Coen at the helm. Lawrence quietly has one of the better sets of weapons at his disposal in Brian Thomas Jr, Travis Hunter, Travis Etienne, and potential breakout tight end Brenton Strange. Going up against a Bengals defense that allowed nearly 300 yards to Joe Flacco, the sun should shine a little brighter on Tlaw’s stat line by the end of Week 2.
Running Back
Travis Etienne: START, RB2
Bhayshul Tuten: SIT
LeQuint Allen: SIT
In a shocking turn of events (especially for this Tank Bigsby truther), Travis Etienne dominated touches in Week 1 with 16 carries to a combined nine from Bigsby, Bhayshul Tuten, and LeQuint Allen. Etienne took full advantage of the opportunity, rushing for 143 yards and catching three passes for 13 yards. The Jaguars were obviously satisfied; they traded Bigsby to the Eagles. Considering Etienne and Bigsby were considered co-starters as early as last week, the former Clemson Tiger is the biggest winner here. Expect him to share the tigers’ share of the carries, with both Tuten and Allen’s roles increasing as well. ETN is a locked-in RB2 who should continue to dominate touches in the Jags backfield. Tuten and Allen are great stashes, but not start-worthy.
Wide Receiver
Brian Thomas Jr.: START, WR1
Travis Hunter: START, WR2
Dyami Brown: SIT
Those of us who started Brian Thomas Jr and/or Travis Hunter were served a heaping helping of disappointment from a fantasy points perspective in Week 1. Hunter actually out-tageted BTJ eight to seven, but there’s no concern that he’ll challenge Thomas Jr. as the alpha in this offense. The target share was an encouraging sign for Hunter, but it is slightly concerning that he played just 62% of offensive snaps. Figuring out if Hunter’s snap count is consistent from week to week plays is essential to establishing his reliability from week to week. Zero concern with BTJ’s quiet start to the season, even the elite have quiet weeks periodically. A bounceback is in the cards, facing a Bengals defense that allowed nearly 300 yards through the air to the Browns. Dyami Brown saw four targets and is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues.
Tight End
Brenton Strange: Startable, Borderline TE1
A community favorite breakout candidate, Brenton Strange, led the way for the Jaguars in receiving yards in Week 1. The only problem is that the leading number was 59 yards. Strange should continue to be involved in the Jaguars’ offense and offers a smidgen of upside, but for now, he’s in that glorious glob of tight ends, where you can expect a couple of catches, 50ish yards, and pray for a touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: START, QB1
Joe Burrow takes on Jacksonville with a chip on his shoulder after a pitiful performance in Week 1. I have Joe Brr ranked as my QB1 for Week 2, and expect to see a touchdown throw or three. The Jags only allowed 154 passing yards against Carolina, but that had more to do with Bryce Young‘s play than the defense’s. Fire Burrow up with confidence in all formats.
Running Back
Chase Brown: START, RB1
What can Chase Brown do for you? How about taking 100% of the Bengals’ rush attempts, not including Burrow’s two attempts for three yards. The story remains the same for Brown: his inefficiency doesn’t matter while he’s seeing over 20 touches a game. Jacksonville was one of the best matchups for running backs in fantasy last season, and Brown heads into Week 2 as a top 10 option.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: START, WR1
Tee Higgins: START, WR2
Andrei Iosivas: SIT
Burrows’ poor Week 1 showing handicapped both Ja’Maar Chase and Tee Higgins, but there’s no concern with either one long term. The projected game total was flirting with 50 at the time of writing, and it could easily turn into a shootout with bounce-back performances for nearly all involved. Except Andrei Iosivas. Not for him.
Tight End
Noah Fant: SIT
The new Bengals tight end caught Burrow’s only touchdown pass this season and led the Bengals in targets and catches in Week 1. That obviously won’t continue, but in the never-ending pursuit of finding a fantasy tight end that’s more than a warm body, Fant is worthy of watching to see if his involvement continues.