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

Patriots at Dolphins

 

Game Info

Kickoff: Sunday, September 15th at 1:00 pm EST

Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL

Betting Odds: MIA +19, via Oddsshark

Network: CBS

Sleeper Spotlight: Preston Williams

 

New England Patriots

 

Quarterbacks

• Tom Brady (Start/QB1)

 

Tom Brady did what Tom Brady does Week 1 against the Steelers – dominate. This isn’t easy for me to praise given my Jets fandom, but Brady simply does not miss. He carved up the Pittsburgh defense for 341 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions; all to the tune of a 124.9 QBR. This week, he faces a Miami defense that had a laughable opener, losing to Baltimore 59-10. Look for Brady to have a strong game yet again, especially since he’s been gifted with another weapon to work with.

 

Running Backs

• James White (Start/RB2)

• Sony Michel (Start/Flex)

• Rex Burkhead (Sit)

 

As it has been for years now, the New England backfield is crowded, and never clear as to who’s the go-to choice. Last week, Sony Michel led the team with 15 carries, but only posted 14 yards. Chances have you drafted him decently early, and so you’ll want him in your lineup, even if it’s in your FLEX. Rex Burkhead followed with eight rushes for 44 yards, and five receptions for 41 yards, though my claim to sit him is simply a guesstimate of how the backfield will play out. James White only had four carries for 26 yards to pair with his five receptions for 56 yards. Brady tends to favor White heavily in the passing game, and when he gets going, he’s usually a pivotal part to the offensive gameplan. I’d slot him in as an RB2 in what could be another high scoring affair against the Dolphins defense.

 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

• Julian Edelman (Start/WR1)

• Josh Gordon (Start/FLEX)

• Phillip Dorsett (Start/FLEX)

• Antonio Brown (?/likely sit)

 

No surprise here; you’re going to want some stock in the Patriots WR’s this week. Julian Edelman is a no-brainer WR1. Both Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett should be viable FLEX options. While Dorsett did score twice (with ease) against the Steelers, it’s never given how the target share will end up for the NE receivers from week to week.

 

I have Antonio Brown with a question mark because his situation is truly uncertain heading into this game. He may very well be active, but will he be on a pitch count? Will recent (as of writing this) legal accusations play into his game-time status throughout the week? I firmly believe you cannot consider starting him until he logs practices, and receives some praise from Belichick. If you drafted AB, you’ve likely held onto him in hopes of him showing up for Oakland, or landed elsewhere. Well, you got the latter, but I would wait to feature him in your lineup until he’s showcased in reality.

 

Miami Dolphins

 

Quarterbacks

• Ryan Fitzpatrick (Sit)

 

Last season, Ryan Fitzpatrick was a top fantasy option early on for the Buccaneers, given the offense in front of him. However now in Miami, it’s nowhere near as potent. Fitzpatrick only completed 14 of 29 attempts for 185 yards and a score, with one INT to boot against the Ravens. I wouldn’t recommend starting him this week.

 

Running Backs

• Kenyan Drake (Sit)

• Kalen Ballage (Sit)

 

Let the sit list grow. I’m not starting either Dolphin running back here; Kenyan Drake nor Kalen Ballage. Ballage was receiving more praise this summer over Drake, and although the Miami offense overall did nothing against Baltimore, Ballage did not help his case at all. He somehow managed to have five carries net -1 yard on the ground. Drake had a sad four carries go for 12 yards. I’m not looking for either of them to get going against New England, who last week held James Conner to just 21 yards on ten carries.

 

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

• DeVante Parker (FLEX)

• Preston Williams (FLEX – deeper leagues/sleeper candidate)

• Mike Gesicki (TE – deeper leagues)

 

I say this with all due respect – FLEX DeVante Parker if you must. Same goes for Mike Gesicki if you’re in a deeper league and he is your current tight end. While it’s up for debate if he will be successful, let’s face the facts; Fitzpatrick will likely throw a ton. This is why I have Preston Williams as a FLEX/sleeper candidate this week. I even wrote about him in a QB List predictions piece last month. I believe he has the makings of a solid receiver, and even find the end zone in consecutive weeks this game. I would look for his target share to rise from the three he saw against Baltimore.

-Matthew Cava (@cavaM_)