Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 2: Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Golden Trustworthy?

The first week of the 2026 NFL season is over, and we learned plenty for fantasy football. Alongside this week’s waiver wire and buy, sell, we’ve got takes hot and ready for Week 2’s edition of Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.

The Chiefs were big winners of Week 1, featuring high fantasy totals for RB Kenneth Walker III and QB Patrick Mahomes. Meanwhile, the Cowboys’ offense was one of the duds of Week 1. Each result has left a lasting impact on this NFL Week 2’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.  

We’ve got more where that came from. Let’s break down two players for each position group, building a case to start or sit each fantasy football piece for Week 2, including player projections via PrizePicks.

Make NFL picks for Week 2 on PrizePicks! 

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Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em, NFL Week 2

We’ll cover the good and bad for each major position group for full-PPR leagues, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.

Here’s who you should start and who should warm the bench for Week 2’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em.

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Quarterbacks

Week 1’s edition of Monday Night Football showcased our Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em quarterbacks for Week 2. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes proved his worth coming off a major injury, while Broncos QB Bo Nix may need to keep your bench toasty until his play says otherwise.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Start ‘Em

Game: Colts vs. Chiefs – Sunday, September 20, 8:20 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 224.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs, 17 Fantasy Score

Despite being labeled a Sit ‘Em for Week 1, Patrick Mahomes led the charge in a dominant 31-10 win over the Broncos on Monday Night Football. He recorded 184 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 INT, 23 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and 22.7 fantasy points (QB9) in his first game back from a torn ACL. 

According to RBSDM, Mahomes’ 0.024 adjusted EPA per dropback ranked only 20th out of 32 starting QBs in Week 1. Kansas City featured a run-heavy game plan with 38 carries compared to 27 passing attempts — aided by a positive game script. 

However, this wasn’t all bad, as Mahomes got sweet exposure to the run game by posting 7 rushing attempts and a coveted rushing TD. Over 15 games in 2025, Mahomes reached 7 carries in only three appearances. 

Who doesn’t like rushing upside and QBs? Plus, this was a positive sign for a signal-caller coming off a major knee injury. 

In Week 2, the Chiefs face the Colts, who just gave up 506 total yards, 202 rushing yards, and 5.5 yards per carry in a loss vs. the Ravens (41-23). Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson totaled 7 rushing attempts for 40 rushing yards and 1 rushing TD vs. Indianapolis. 

While Mahomes certainly doesn’t possess Jackson’s shifty attribute, this is still something to circle for Week 2. 

Furthermore, the Colts’ defense doesn’t possess nearly the same threat as the Broncos, giving Mahomes a better matchup through the air. Last season, Indy gave up a 47.6% dropback success rate (21st) compared to Denver’s 39.3% (first). 

According to PrizePicks, Kansas City has a 1.58x payout to go over 24.5 points on Sunday. Considering this offense hung 31 points on one of the league’s best defenses in Week 1, Mahomes should be a start for the foreseeable future.

Add Patrick Mahomes to your PrizePicks lineup for Week 2’s action.

Broncos QB Bo Nix: Sit ‘Em

Game: Jaguars vs. Broncos – Sunday, September 20, 4:05 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 220.5 Pass Yards, 1.5 Pass TDs (Demon), 16.5 Fantasy Score

Pivoting to the losing end of MNF, the Broncos put forth an absolute stinker on offense, mustering only 10 points, 176 total yards, and 3.7 yards per play.

Of course, that led to stats you want to forget, like putting away your laundry. Denver posted -0.378 EPA per play (32nd) and a 36.0% success rate (29th), and it’s difficult to not put some of the blame on Bo Nix, who recorded -0.459 adjusted EPA per play (31st).

Nix finished Week 1 with 131 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 INT, and 6.4 fantasy points (QB31). Perhaps most concerning, the Broncos’ signal-caller totaled only 4.7 yards per passing attempt with a minuscule 4.2 average depth of target (aDOT), per Pro Football Focus.   

According to ESPN, the Broncos had a 68% pass block win rate in the 2025 season (eighth), but the offensive line logged a 42% mark in Week 1 (23rd). The Chiefs tallied 4 sacks, and the Jaguars (Week 2’s opponent) boast a dangerous pass rush that had 5 sacks in Week 1.

Furthermore, Jacksonville yielded -0.257 EPA per dropback (fifth) on Sunday, and it finished 2025 with the fourth-best mark. After the Jags gave up only 185 passing yards in Week 1, Denver may look to run the rock more often — especially if it can stay in a positive game script as a 2.5-point favorite vs. the Jaguars, via PrizePicks.

Make Bo Nix picks on PrizePicks now!

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Running Backs

A second-year tailback could thrive against a defense that was embarrassed in the national spotlight in Week 1, while a rookie comes off an underwhelming workload despite strong efficiency. 

Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt: Start ‘Em

Game: Commanders vs. Cowboys – Sunday, September 20, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 56.5 Rush Yards, 0.5 Player TDs (Demon), 13.5 Rush Attempts

Jacory Croskey-Merritt had a solid start to 2026, registering 16 rushing attempts for 63 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD, and 12.6 fantasy points (RB22). 

However, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, as the second-year halfback posted only 3.9 yards per carry, 1 target, and 0.09 EPA per rushing attempt (20th), per Sumer Sports. 

He dominated touches on the ground, though, with 16 rushing attempts compared to RB Rachaad White’s 7. Further, Croskey-Merritt logged 2.69 yards after contact per carry compared to White’s 1.57.

Rookie RB Kaytron Allen could become a thorn in Croskey-Merritt’s side, as the first-year running back took 42.9% of Washington’s red zone carries, per Pro Football Reference. Meanwhile, Croskey-Merritt took only 14.3% of those opportunities. 

It’s still evident who is RB1 on the Commanders, and Week 2 provides a juicy matchup vs. the Cowboys. 

It could be same old, same old in Dallas, with America’s Team surrendering 28 points, 5.8 yards per play, 165 rushing yards, and 4.5 yards per carry vs. the Giants. ESPN also gave the Cowboys just a 26% run stop win rate (20th), while PFF handed a 50.6 tackling grade to Dallas (21st). 

According to Football Database, the Cowboys allowed 27.0 fantasy points to running backs in Week 1 (ninth-most) — including 14.1 fantasy points from Giants RB Cam Skattebo (RB18). 

Predict More or Less for Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s rush yards projection on PrizePicks! 

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Seahawks RB Jadarian Price: Sit ‘Em

Game: Seahawks vs. Cardinals – Sunday, September 20, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 59.5 Rush Yards, 0.5 Rush TDs (Demon), 8.5 Receiving Yards

Reports emerged surrounding the Seahawks’ backfield ahead of Week 1, and it was validated when Jadarian Price didn’t receive 1 red zone carry while Seattle RB George Holani took 2 rushing attempts in the red zone. 

This isn’t a knock on the rookie’s performance, though, as Price provided 52 rushing yards on 10 carries (5.2 yards per rushing attempt). He even racked up 30 yards after contact, averaging 3.0 yards after contact per carry. 

However, we can’t ignore the volume issue. The rookie had a 48.0% snap share compared to Holani’s 46.0% mark. Seattle is truly showcasing a split field yet again — a fantasy manager’s worst nightmare. 

The Arizona Cardinals were one of Week 1’s surprises, taking out the Chargers in a 26-14 win. That featured a strong performance from the defense, conceding only 81 rushing yards and 3.9 yards per carry. 

RBSDM credited the Cards with -0.360 EPA per rushing attempt allowed (fourth) and a 37.5% rush success rate allowed (11th). The front seven was excellent, sporting a 32% run stop win rate (eighth). 

Considering Price’s concerning workload in Week 1, paired with a potentially tough matchup on Sunday, perhaps it’s wise to steer clear of the rookie.   

Make Jadarian Price picks on PrizePicks now!

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Wide Receivers

We’ve got a couple of youngsters headlining wide receivers this week. In his second season, Packers WR Matthew Golden displayed an increased role in Week 1, and Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. continues to torture fantasy football managers with no-show outings.

Packers WR Matthew Golden: Start ‘Em

Game: Packers vs. Jets – Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. ET 

Projections via PrizePicks: 46.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Player TDs (Demon), 5.5 Receptions (Demon)

The Packers looked dominant for two and a half quarters, holding a 22-10 lead with about five minutes remaining in the third quarter. Then, Green Bay quickly unraveled in a 39-22 loss vs. the Vikings. 

Some of this can be credited to 2 turnovers, as the offense still produced 419 total yards and 6.3 yards per play. The sky could be falling on the Packers, but the receiving corps finally looks promising for fantasy football.

After WRs Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks left in the offseason, WRs Matthew Golden (12), Christian Watson (8), and Jayden Reed (7) led the team in targets on Sunday. With Reed taking a 76.7% slot snap rate, that meant the highest pass snap totals went to Golden (40) and Watson (38). 

Golden turned his team-high snaps and targets into 6 receptions for 95 receiving yards and 15.5 fantasy points (WR19). As expected, Watson took most of the downfield work with a 16.0 aDOT, but Golden’s 12.2 aDOT wasn’t too shabby. 

The Jets had a nice 23-10 win over the Titans to kick off the season, but that came against one of the league’s weakest teams. Enjoy it while it lasts, Jets fans; dark days likely await, and that could begin in Week 2.

Despite allowing only 10 points and 4.4 yards per passing attempt, New York still gave up a 45.0% dropback success rate in Week 1 (16th).

Packers QB Jordan Love had a -0.150 EPA per play (27th) that he likely wants to put in the rearview mirror. Regardless, Love’s 11.3 air yards per attempt (tied for third) is chock full of juicy fantasy points for his targets.   

While RB Josh Jacobs continues to miss time on the commissioner’s exempt list, Green Bay will likely keep leaning on a heavy pass-play rate — as we saw from Week 1’s 42 passing attempts and 21 rushing attempts.

Add Matthew Golden to your PrizePicks lineup for Week 2’s action.

Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.: Sit ‘Em

Game: Seahawks vs. Cardinals – Sunday, September 20, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 33.5 Receiving Yards, 3.5 Receptions (Demon)

Is it time to call it quits on Marvin Harrison Jr.? We’ve begun season three for the #4 pick from the 2024 NFL Draft. After logging 11.6 FPPG (WR42) and 10.7 FPPG (WR40) in his first two seasons, Harrison tallied just 4.3 fantasy points in Week 1 (WR78).

Harrison’s 37 pass snaps trailed WR Michael Wilson’s 39, and WR Kendrick Bourne wasn’t far behind with 33 pass snaps. Harrison’s 3 targets were firmly behind Wilson (7) and Bourne (8).

Perhaps the only area working in Harrison’s favor was an exceptional 24.7 aDOT. He also had 1 drop, further harming his stock. 

How much longer are we going to insist on a breakout coming his way? Yes, Harrison is oozing with talent, but for now, it could be time to pass on his fantasy stock. 

Week 2’s matchup doesn’t help his cause, facing one of the league’s best defenses in the Seahawks. Seattle just held the Patriots and QB Drake Maye to 10 points and 4.1 yards per play. 

Additionally, the Seahawks generated 3 sacks vs. New England, and Arizona’s offensive line posted an alarming 22% pass block win rate (31st) in Week 1. Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett could be under a ton of pressure.

Rounding out this Sit ‘Em, Harrison will likely have battles with one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, CB Devon Witherspoon.  

Pick More or Less for Marvin Harrison Jr.’s receiving yard projection on PrizePicks. 

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends

Two tight ends coming off deflating Week 1 performances make Week 2’s Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em. Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr. still has a case to make your starting lineup, while Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson’s Week 1 showing proves managers should be hesitant.

Browns TE Harold Fannin Jr.: Start ‘Em

Game: Browns vs. Buccaneers – Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 35.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Player TDs (Demon), 5.5 Receptions (Demon)

According to FantasyPros, Harold Fannin Jr. had an average draft position (ADP) of TE8. After finishing as TE6 a season ago, Fannin had more than enough evidence to back the ADP.

However, Cleveland’s tight end logged only 2 receptions for 21 receiving yards and 4.1 fantasy points (TE32) in Week 1. Fantasy managers are too quick to sell sometimes; don’t make that same mistake here. 

Fannin totaled 27 pass snaps to open 2026, which trailed only WR Denzel Boston’s 31 — who appears on this week’s waiver wire targets. No one on this offense had more than 4 targets, providing some relief behind Fannin’s 3 targets. 

After losing 34-10 vs. the Jaguars in Week 1, the Buccaneers could be a more favorable matchup on Sunday. Tampa Bay gave up a 52.6% dropback success rate (26th) in Week 1, and another negative game script is likely ahead with the Browns as 8.5-point underdogs on the spread, per PrizePicks. 

Furthermore, the Bucs were shredded by Bengals TE Mike Gesicki, who racked up 7 targets, 5 catches, 78 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD, and 18.8 fantasy points (TE4) in Week 1. 

Make Harold Fannin Jr. picks on PrizePicks now!

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Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson: Sit ‘Em

Game: Commanders vs. Cowboys – Sunday, September 20, 4:25 p.m. ET

Projections via PrizePicks: 27.5 Receiving Yards, 0.5 Player TDs (Demon)

Against the Giants on Sunday Night Football, Jake Ferguson was on the field for 33 pass snaps, not far behind WRs George Pickens (37) and CeeDee Lamb (34). Pickens (6) and Lamb (8) topped the team in targets, while Ferguson posted only 2. 

Adding to the problem, Ferguson recorded 2 catches for 6 receiving yards, featuring a 3.0 aDOT and 0.22 yards per route run. That led to only 2.6 fantasy points (TE45), and this is becoming a running theme considering his 6.2 FPPG over his six final games of the 2025 season. 

To those who drafted Ferguson with his TE14 ADP, close your eyes; it’s about to get worse. Since Week 12 of 2025, the veteran tight end has scored 1 touchdown over eight games. 

Dallas was a mess in its 28-20 loss vs. New York, but it still reached 20 points — including QB Dak Prescott’s 0.425 adjusted EPA per play (fourth). Keep in mind Dak had an 8.6 aDOT and 5.1 yards per passing attempt against a good pass rush, and Ferguson was still nowhere to be found as his security blanket.

Add Jake Ferguson to your PrizePicks lineup for Week 2’s action.

Turn Your Fantasy Football Takes to NFL Picks on PrizePicks

Week 1 provided confidence for starting several players, including Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes coming off a major injury, while Commanders RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Packers WR Matthew Golden proved they have volume you can trust.

But not everyone can be a winner, as Week 1 usage for pieces like Seahawks RB Jadarian Price and Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. is a legitimate concern entering Week 2’s action.

You can turn your fantasy football knowledge into picks on PrizePicks! Pick players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on NFL game winners, spreads, and over/unders — now available in 36 states. 

As we head into the NFL season, stay locked in Playbook for weekly NFL start/sit advice, waiver wire analysis, and game picks.