It's been a rough start to the season for the Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers. The Panthers lost No. 1 wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin to a torn ACL in the preseason, and saw disappointing production from their remaining receivers in Week 1. They won, but couldn't have been very excited about it.
Fantasy football advice, Week 2: Who to start/sit for Texans vs. Panthers
After a disappointing Week 1, the Texans look to get back to the good against Carolina, while the Panthers hope to stay undefeated.
The Texans, meanwhile, lost running back Arian Foster for the start of the season to a groin injury. They benched their starting quarterback partway through the first game. Outside of wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, there weren't many bright spots from Houston's Week 1 loss. The two teams face each other on Sunday, both looking to have more bright spots on the young season.
Foster practiced for the Texans on Thursday, but is almost certain to still miss the week with his groin injury. Wide receiver Nate Washington was limited in practice this week with an abdominal injury, but he should be fine to play in the game. On the Panthers side, running back Jonathan Stewart sat out practice on Wednesday with a knee problem, but it was described as maintenance. He'll play on Sunday.
The Panthers play host to the Texans on Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider:
TEXANS
Start ‘em: It was a monster Week 1 for DeAndre Hopkins, with two touchdowns and almost 100 yards. He’s made himself into an every-week must-start. ... The Texans’ defense could have a field day against a Carolina team that lacks receivers and a competent offensive line.
Sit 'em: After Brian Hoyer got benched in Week 1, Ryan Mallett took over and will start Week 2, but he's not a fantasy option. ... Alfred Blue led a sad committee at running back that included Jonathan Grimes and Chris Polk, but there isn't a real fantasy player anywhere in that group. Stay away. ... There were signs of life from both Nate Washington and Cecil Shorts III in Week 1, but let's see how they fare for a second week before investing too heavily in fantasy. ... As far as fantasy is concerned, Houston might as well not even have a tight end, and both Ryan Griffin and C.J. Fiedorowicz simply don't help you. ... Randy Bullock holds the distinction of being the first kicker to miss from the new extra-point distance.
PANTHERS
Start 'em: As long as he's healthy (or, considering his current situation, healthy-ish), Jonathan Stewart remains a low-end starting running back. ... Week 1 was surprisingly disappointing for Greg Olsen, but he should still be a target monster and one of the top tight ends. ... You're probably using the Panthers' defense against a backup quarterback.
Start 'em?: I still like Cam Newton's talent, but his lack of weapons and help could hurt him; he's a high-end QB2. ... Graham Gano is a perfectly middle-of-the-road kicker, but doesn't have a stout offense around him.
Sit 'em: Be it Philly Brown, Ted Ginn Jr., Devin Funchess or Jerricho Cotchery, you just don't want a Carolina wide receiver.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: DeAndre Hopkins, Houston defense, Jonathan Stewart, Greg Olsen, Carolina defense
Start if you're desperate: Cam Newton, Graham Gano
Bench: Ryan Mallett, Alfred Blue, Jonathan Grimes, Chris Polk, Nate Washington, Cecil Shorts III, Ryan Griffin, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Randy Bullock, Philly Brown, Ted Ginn Jr., Devin Funchess, Jerricho Cotchery
