The San Diego Chargers needed to ride a wild comeback in Week 1 to pull out a victory, but they did it. The Cincinnati Bengals had no such worries, as they jumped out to a lead early and coasted to a win. On Sunday, the two teams play each other, both seeking to get to 2-0.
Fantasy football advice, Week 2: Who to start/sit for Chargers vs. Bengals
Two teams expected to be possible AFC contenders look to go 2-0 on Sunday.
From a fantasy perspective, these two teams come into Sunday very healthy, and there weren’t any real fantasy names of note on either team’s injury report.
The Bengals will host Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names of note:
CHARGERS
Start 'em: After a disappointing 2014, it was heartening to see Keenan Allen have a monster Week 1 and re-establish himself as a fantasy contributor.
Start 'em?: It was a monster Week 1, yardage-wise, for Philip Rivers, in a game the Chargers trailed early and had to battle back. That won't happen all the time, though. He's a strong QB2. ... It looks like, right now at least, the Chargers don't have a clear preference between Danny Woodhead and Melvin Gordon at running back, though Woodhead offers far more value in PPR fantasy leagues.
Just like Rivers had to pass to come back on Sunday and likely won't throw it quite as much, Stevie Johnson and Ladarius Green won't see quite as much usage most weeks. They're pass-catchers with potential, but not strong fantasy plays. ... Josh Lambo hit both of his field goal attempts in Week 1, but did miss one of the extra points from the new distance.
Sit ‘em: The Chargers’ defense has no business being used in fantasy.
BENGALS
Start 'em: You'd have liked more yardage from Jeremy Hill in Week 1, but you never complain about two touchdowns, and he'd have gained more yards if the team hadn't put the game away so early. ... Fantasy owners had to be frustrated with the relatively quiet Week 1 for A.J. Green, but he's still the team's top weapon and will get his. ... It was a huge 2015 debut for Tyler Eifert. He is now a must-start tight end until further notice.
Start 'em?: There's an interesting change-of-pace back in Giovani Bernard, though he'll probably need an injury to Hill to ever be a strong fantasy performer again. ... Like his Chargers counterpart, Mike Nugent made both of his field goals on Sunday but missed one of his extra-point attempts. ... The Bengals' defense is a little above average, but is facing a strong offense, making it a risky play.
Sit 'em: It was a relatively strong Week 1 for Andy Dalton, but he doesn't carry the upside of a lot of quarterbacks, and needs to be on the fantasy bench. ... With Green and Eifert, there wasn't enough to go around for Mohamed Sanu or Marvin Jones in Week 1. They need to sit on the bench until we see more to trust.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Keenan Allen, Jeremy Hill, A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert
Start if you're desperate: Philip Rivers, Danny Woodhead, Melvin Gordon, Stevie Johnson, Ladarius Green, Josh Lambo, Giovani Bernard, Mike Nugent, Cincinnati defense
Bench: San Diego defense, Andy Dalton, Mohamed Sanu, Marvin Jones
