If things go well this season for the Atlanta Falcons, they'll look back fondly on their Week 1 game. They jumped out to an early lead on a team that was favored, held off a late charge and earned a win against one of the NFC powerhouses. On the other hand, there is no sequence of events that will have the New York Giants look back on their Week 1 debacle with anything but regret. Sunday, the teams face off against one another, with the Falcons looking to continue their good vibes and the Giants looking to create some.
Fantasy football advice, Week 2: Who to start/sit for Falcons vs. Giants
Atlanta will look to build on a nice win in Week 1, while New York just hopes to forget that first game.
Both teams have wide receivers on the injury report. For Atlanta, wide receiver Julio Jones missed multiple practices in the week with a hamstring issue. The team has been firm that Jones will be active for Sunday, and he should be fine, but it's worth monitoring during the buildup to the game. As for the Giants, wide receiver Victor Cruz continues to battle a calf problem. He's going to miss Week 2, and it's starting to look like he could miss Week 3 as well.
The Giants host Sunday’s game, scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s take a look at the fantasy names to consider.
FALCONS
Start 'em: Everyone saw how Tony Romo picked apart that New York defense to win the game last week, and he did it without his No. 1 weapon. Matt Ryan has around the same ability as Romo, and will have his weapons. Translation: Use him. ... One of the fun things in life is watching Julio Jones play football. ... Another year, another chance for Matt Bryant to be a perfectly good fantasy kicker.
Start 'em?: It was a fairly impressive debut for Tevin Coleman, for a team desperate for some good tidings at running back. Some more like that and he'll start to shoot up rankings lists. ... Roddy White is no longer the superstar he was, but he still has his moments. He's a low-end flex option.
Sit 'em: The production of Coleman renders Devonta Freeman little more than a change-of-pace/backup guy. ... It's nice that Atlanta has a tight end now, in Jacob Tamme, but he's not a fantasy option. ... The Falcons' defense isn't one you want to use.
GIANTS
Start 'em: There might be some team discord over the ending of Week 1, but Rashad Jennings is still their best running back, and is still a fine fantasy option. ... Sure, you'd have preferred a huge Week 1 from Odell Beckham Jr., but it's not like you have any reason to not start him.
Start 'em?: It was a supremely disappointing Week 1 for Eli Manning, but he did the exact same thing in Week 1 last year, and turned in a top-10 season. He'll be fine. Don't stress. ... Players in PPR leagues can make an argument for starting Shane Vereen, but he's hard to use in standard. ... With Victor Cruz out again, Rueben Randle is a risky flex play, but he has a shot at a touchdown. ... Larry Donnell did almost nothing in Week 1. He's barely worthy of consideration until he starts producing again. ... Josh Brown will probably be a fine kicking option if the offense can produce.
Sit 'em: The Giants gave Andre Williams a handful of carries in Week 1, and he was terrible with them. ... Behind Beckham and Randle is Preston Parker. There's a reason he's that low on the list, and it isn't that he's good. ... The New York offense will be fine, but the Giants' defense is not something you want to consider.
SUMMARY
Start in every league: Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Matt Bryant, Rashad Jennings, Odell Beckham Jr.
Start if you're desperate: Tevin Coleman, Roddy White, Eli Manning, Shane Vereen, Rueben Randle, Larry Donnell, Josh Brown
Bench: Devonta Freeman, Jacob Tamme, Atlanta defense, Andre Williams, Preston Parker, New York defense
