Fantasy football advice, Week 2: who to start for Denver Broncos vs. Indianapolis Colts

Start ‘em

C.J. Anderson is clearly off to a fabulous start to the season, having gashed a stout Panthers front seven for two scores and 139 total yards. He will likely continue that trajectory against the Colts, who allowed 5.19 yards per carry to a Lions offense that averaged a league-worst 83.4 yards per game in 2015. Anderson is an elite RB1 option, and if he posts a similar stat sheet to his Week 1, it would be to the surprise of no one.

Emmanuel Sanders also has a fabulous matchup at hand and could be first in line for targets with Demaryius Thomas at less than 100 percent due to a hip injury. While he will be a risky play for many weeks due to having Trevor Siemian at quarterback, Sanders is an attractive WR2 with upside for Week 2.

Start ‘em?

As mentioned earlier, Thomas’ hip injury could greatly hamper his effectiveness, and fantasy owners need to be ready for a letdown if this is the case. After posting just 48 yards in Week 1, it’s possible Thomas could be used as a decoy while Sanders, Anderson and others monopolize the receiving game. Until clarity emerges about Thomas’ health, he is a risky flex option amid a run-first offense.

Sit ‘em

Siemian deserves a look in two-quarterback leagues, but isn’t yet trustworthy enough to get the nod in standard formats despite the plus matchup.

Start ‘em

Fresh off of an encouraging offensive performance against the Lions, the Colts can expect trouble on Sunday against arguably the best defense in the NFL. Andrew Luck remains capable enough to warrant QB1 consideration, but his floor is lower than usual.

The Colts are also not the only team in this game with an ailing top receiver. T.Y. Hilton missed two practices due to a knee injury but returned on Friday. He will have a tough matchup and it’s feasible that at a fraction of his usual health Donte Moncrief leads the Colts receivers in targets and yardage. Moncrief gets a slight boost and is a WR2 even in a tough matchup.

Start ‘em?

Hilton is a risky WR3/flex for reasons stated above, but has upside. Dwayne Allen found the end zone and posted TE1 numbers in Week 1, although his touchdown dependence puts him at the fringe of TE1/TE2 designation. Phillip Dorsett could also see an uptick in value with Hilton ailing, although fantasy owners would be foolish to bank on him, or anyone, taking the top off the Broncos’ secondary too often.

Sit ‘em

Frank Gore is coming off an encouraging start to the season, but faces an uphill battle against Denver’s elite front seven. Jack Doyle was the No. 1 tight end in Week 1 off of four targets. That can’t be expected to happen again.