Another year, another sad-sack start for the Cleveland Browns and the Tennessee Titans. At this point it's just a question of how long these teams will go before they win a ga-- wait. The Titans are 1-0 and in first place in the AFC South? Huh. Crazier things have happened, I suppose. Well, they'll look to get to a surprise 2-0 start on Sunday, while the Browns, who actually did lose Week 1, hope to turn things around.
Fantasy football advice, Week 2: Who to start/sit for Titans vs. Browns
Two teams that have struggled mightily in recent years face off Sunday, but one of them is already 1-0.
There are a handful of injuries worthy of consideration leading up to the game. For Cleveland, quarterback Josh McCown is going through the league's concussion protocol, and won't play Sunday. Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, who missed Week 1 with a hamstring issue, says he's fine to play, though the team has sounded less optimistic on the subject. For the Titans, tight end Delanie Walker is dealing with a sprained wrist ligament. He's questionable for Sunday and is likely to be a game-time decision.
The Browns will host the Titans Sunday, with the game scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider.
TITANS
Start 'em: The Titans' defense will face a turned-the-ball-over-a-lot Johnny Manziel in Week 2, making that unit a must-start.
Start 'em?: No one saw that Week 1 performance (86 total yards and two scores) coming from Bishop Sankey. If he can continue to look strong, he'll shoot up the rankings. He's a mid-to-low flex play for now. ... Kendall Wright is the best wide receiver Tennessee has. So much of the Titans' fantasy forecasting comes down to "let's see if they can keep it up." ... If Delanie Walker were healthy, he'd be a must-start, but his injury concerns make him a much riskier proposition. ... Ryan Succop won't likely have six extra points in a game very often, but that means he'll have more field goals to kick.
Sit 'em: It was a tremendous debut for Marcus Mariota in Week 1, and it showed a lot to be optimistic about, but pump the brakes on him being a fantasy starter yet. Let's see some more first. ... You aren't using Justin Hunter or Harry Douglas except in the absolute deepest leagues.
BROWNS
Start 'em?: It was a disappointing Week 1 for Isaiah Crowell behind what should be a good offensive line, but that was against a stout Jets run defense. Things should go better this week. ... You assume things will get worse for the Tennessee offense, which means the Browns' defense is at least worth a small look.
Sit 'em: With Josh McCown out, the Browns turn to Johnny Manziel at quarterback for Week 2. He showed flashes in Week 1 and has a reasonable floor because of his running ability, but there's no possible way to trust Manziel as a fantasy option. ... As long as Crowell has the starting job, there won't be enough to go around for Duke Johnson. ... You don't want any part of the Cleveland receiver game, be it Andrew Hawkins, Travis Benjamin, Brian Hartline, Dwayne Bowe or Gary Barnidge. There's no upside there. ... Travis Coons didn't miss any kicks in Week 1, but he only had two chances.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Tennessee defense
Start if you're desperate: Bishop Sankey, Kendall Wright, Delanie Walker, Ryan Succop, Isaiah Crowell, Cleveland defense
Bench: Marcus Mariota, Justin Hunter, Harry Douglas, Johnny Manziel, Duke Johnson, Andrew Hawkins, Travis Benjamin, Brian Hartline, Dwayne Bowe, Gary Barnidge, Travis Coons
