Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 2 Running backs

Week 2 of the fantasy football season is here, and we’re back with another crop of start/sit options. We’re starting to collect a small sample size of data about each team, and can start making somewhat more-informed decisions on good plays and traps. With that in mind, we’ll pick running backs who should exceed expectations in Week 2, along with three you should probably sit.

Cohen was the darling of the waiver wire this week, and for good reason, especially in PPR leagues. I think the main takeway from his Week 1 performance is that it wasn’t some fluke borne of extenuating circumstances. Cohen’s role as Jordan Howard’s change-of-pace back was ordained fairly early in Bears’ training camp, when he so impressed the coaching staff that the team didn’t think twice about cutting Jeremy Langford. Cohen could will be taking the baton from Darren Sproles and Danny Woodhead as the reigning all-purpose fantasy monster. And with Howard dinged-up this week, Cohen could play a huge role in this week’s game plan.

Beast Mode still looks beastly after a fine return to regular season action last week in Tennessee. He rushed for 76 yards on 18 carries, but most notable was his role as the closer. That should be important this week, as the Raiders should have little trouble opening up a sizable lead over the Jets, then letting Lynch grind down the clock and chew up valuable yards in the process. Expect over 20 carries in this one, which should translate into a 100-yard effort.

Adrian Peterson made some creaky wheel sounds this week after his reduced workload on Monday night, but I’m guessing Sean Payton isn’t providing the grease against the Patriots. Ingram’s game is much better suited for the high-scoring affair this game promises to be, and with Dont’a Hightower ruled out, Ingram could have a Kareem Hunt-like day, especially if the Saints are playing from behind.

Murray never really got it going against the Raiders, which I’m sure was a disquieting outcome for his owners last week. The Jaguars defense doesn’t project as a get-well unit, so if there are better options on your roster, I don’t think it’s crazy to give Murray a week off to be sure this doesn’t become a trend.

The Ravens defense looked awfully impressive in Week 1, shutting down the Bengals offense completely. This is an incredibly difficult spot for a team with a rookie quarterback to try and impose its will on a defensive unit as elite as this one. I would expect the Ravens to focus on taking Crowell out of the picture and force DeShone Kizer to beat them with his inexperienced arm.

Mayne if this game were in Santa Clara, I might give Hyde the benefit of the doubt, especially after a pretty good showing last week against the tough Panthers defense. But going into Seattle, with the Seahawks extra motivated coming off a bad loss in Green Bay, doesn’t look like a winning scenario for the 49ers offense.