Sit/Start Week 2: Reviewing All Fantasy Relevant Players In Every Single Game

 Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, September 20th at 1:00 PM ET

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN

Betting Odds: IND -3, 47.5 total via Oddsshark

Network: FOX

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback

Kirk Cousins (Start, QB2)

This week Kirk Cousins sees a plus matchup and is a solid option for managers who planned to steam the position. The Colts have surrender three or more passing touchdowns to four of the last five opponents, including two straight to another second-tier option Gardner Minshew. While Cousins passing yardage isn’t likely to be high, he could easily throw multiple touchdowns and finish as a low-end QB1. It may not be flashy but he will return the value managers need.  

Running Backs

Dalvin Cook (Start, RB2), Alexander Mattison (Sit, Flex)

The Vikings were behind so quickly last week that Dalvin Cook‘s rushing volume suffered. He only logged 12 carries and two targets, but he did run 14 routes. He also scored twice and was the unquestioned lead back in high-value opportunities. This opportunity was what you would expect from a feature back and this week the Colts should see Cook increase his volume. However this week he may find a tough time navigating this tough Indy rush defense that’s allowed 50 or less rushing yards to the last five lead backs they faced. Cook should be started in every format but without a touchdown, managers can expect a mid-range RB2 finish this week. 

Alexander Mattison did see plenty of snaps (37%) in Week 1 but few chances with just six carries and four targets. Mattison did reel off 8.3 yards per carry and caught all four targets but the game script may have dictated how much he was on the field. It is hard to rely on Mattison every week, especially in a game that should be close. Managers who have few options can start Mattison in the flex if needed, but understand 10-12 touches are all you can expect.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

Adam Thielen (Start, WR1), Justin Jefferson (Sit), Bisi Johnson (Sit), Irv Smith Jr. (Sit), Kyle Rudolph (Sit)

The Vikings only took 52 offensive snaps in Week 1, so the passing volume was quite limited. Still, Adam Thielen caught six of eight targets for 110 yards and two scores. It is clear that Cousins will continue to lock on his primary target, and in this plus matchup, Thielen should feast.  On the other side of the field, rookie Justin Jefferson and second-year wideout Bisi Johnson both logged 70% of the team’s snap share. Johnson was a bit more productive, but if this split continues then it will be hard for fantasy managers to figure out who is the better flex option. For now, stay away until we have more clarity. 

The Vikings’ tight end position is equally as frustrating. The hope was that Irv Smith Jr. overtake Kyle Rudolph but Rudolph’s fantasy downfall has been greatly exaggerated. Both Smith and Rudolph received about 60% of the team’s snaps (31 for Smith/32 for Rudolph) and each was used primarily as an inline blocker. Upcoming weeks may give us an indication of the split longterm but plan on an equal split again this week. Neither is an attractive weekly option in that capacity.

Indianapolis Colts

Quarterback

Phillip Rivers (Start, QB2)

This week’s game against a young Vikings secondary will give Phillip Rivers a chance to improve on an average Week 1 performance. Rivers had a typical high volume of passing yards, 363, but also more interceptions (2) than touchdowns (1). Without rushing upside, Rivers volume passing numbers typically slot him in as an ideal QB2 starter. Rivers does have a handful of games each year where he will throw three or more TDs, and north of 300-yards passing. This week may be one of those games, against a Minnesota secondary coming off a game where they gave up 30.6 fantasy points to Aaron Rogers. We don’t expect quite that much but 20+ points are not out of the question. 

Running Backs

Jonathan Taylor (Start, RB1), Nyheim Hines (Start, Flex)

This weekend’s game in Indy will be the one most of the fantasy industry will be watching with anticipation. Marlon Mack, unfortunately, was injured in Week 1, a season-ending torn Achilles in Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville. On Monday Colts HC Frank Reich announced rookie Jonathan Taylor will become the team’s starting running back, opening the door for the rookie to explode this season. There are a handful of injuries that result in fantasy difference-makers each year and this is 2020’s first. Taylor was widely regarded as the top back in this year’s draft and glowing reports (and flattering pictures) out of camp did nothing to slow the hype train down. Taylor received 15 opportunities (nine carries, six targets) in Week 1 and finished just outside the top 12 running backs, even without a touchdown. What’s more, is he showed power and speed to the edge. Taylor should have no problems being productive this week, in a neutral matchup against the Vikings. For managers, he is an auto-start with matchup winning upside each week. 

Another positive to come out of last week was the usage Nyheim Hines received, both as a rusher and receiver. Hines was involved early and often, getting carries and targets inside the red zone. Hines scored twice, also on 15 opportunities. Rivers has shown the ability to support two productive backs on the same team, especially when one of them leans as a pass-catching back. Hines is just that and should maintain independent value regardless of how well Taylor plays. Hines is a hot waiver wire pickup this week and his usage is enough to make him a flex play this week.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

T.Y. Hilton (Start, WR3), Parris Campbell (Start, WR3), Michael Pittman Jr. (Sit), Jack Doyle (Sit)

We heard the rumors coming out of camp but they appear to be true, Parris Campbell has earned himself a role in Indy. Campbell let the receiving corps in snaps played and routes run, earning nine targets and finishing with six receptions for 71 yards. Campbell did nearly all of his work from the slot, which may cap his weekly upside but he is an easy start since we know he will be on the field. T.Y Hilton also received a lions share of the teams snap share, in his typical wide alignment. Although he did receive nine targets, he no longer looks like the alpha on this team. Hilton has not produced as a fantasy WR1 since Week 7 of 2019. He could be a decent flex or WR3 option but managers should lower expectations. This week he has one of the better matchups he will see all season, so if he cannot produce we may need to look at moving away from T.Y. Rookie Michael Pittman saw a moderate amount of playing time but with many mouths to feed in this offense, his production will come in spurts. Sure it could come against this weak secondary but it is not guaranteed. Give him a few more weeks before you make a judgment on him.

As expected Jack Doyle saw most of the work at tight end and Indy used him on 27 of 54 snaps in the slot. Doyle caught three of his four passes for 49 yards and this is typical of what managers should expect out of Doyle weekly. However this week he faces a Vikings team that is excellent in shutting down the tight end position. It’s unlikely that Doyle will score this week, so if you are looking for a tight end streamer look elsewhere. 

-Marc Salazar (@dingwog on Twitter)