Fantasy football is primarily educated guesswork, which is very difficult to get right in Week 2, with so little NFL football to have educated ourselves with. However, there were enough standout performances over the opening weekend to feel confident about a number of players heading into Week 2.

Here are five players you should be starting this week if you have them, some of whom will have been on waivers this week.

Five Players to Trust With Your Flex Spot in Week 2

Kayshon Boutte, WR, New England Patriots

This may be the season that Kayson Boutte breaks out as a recognized alpha receiver, both in real life and in fantasy. The Patriots star finished the 2024 season with two massive performances in the final three weeks.

After tallying 95 yards and a touchdown in Week 16, he caught all seven of his targets for 117 yards and a score in Week 18. He continued that incredible form on Sunday, catching six of his eight targets for 103 yards.

He now faces the Miami Dolphins in Week 2, after their embarrassing blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

Harold Fannin Jr., TE, Cleveland Browns

I would typically advise caution when it comes to players facing the Baltimore Ravens defense, but Harold Fannin Jr. is difficult to ignore. The rookie was targeted a massive nine times on his NFL debut, catching seven for 63 yards.

I understand that playing a tight end in your flex spot is unfashionable, and that Fannin may be more of a PPR play than a standard-scoring option. That being said, I don’t expect the Browns to have much, if any, success on the ground in Week 2, and Fannin should reap the rewards of a pass-heavy approach.

J.K. Dobbins, RB, Denver Broncos

The Colts defense would be a big factor in 2025, after adding some notable weapons during the offseason. However, despite Miami’s struggles in Week 1, they still averaged 6.5 yards per rush attempt, the third-highest average in the league.

The Colts struggled against the run in 2024, and the only game we have to go on this year suggests they may struggle again this season. J.K. Dobbins could break down at any moment, but is currently the clear RB1 in the Denver Broncos offense.

Dobbins ran for 63 yards and a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in Week 1, and you shouldn’t hesitate to start him this weekend.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Ricky Pearsall caught four of his seven targets for 108 yards in Week 1 and is probably the most obvious must-start on this list. The 49ers lost star tight end George Kittle for what is expected to be multiple weeks through injury.

That leaves Pearsall and Jauan Jennings as the team’s leading pass catchers outside of Christian McCaffrey, and Jennings has been nursing a shoulder injury. The 49ers face the New Orleans Saints this weekend, and few defenses looked more vulnerable than the Saints’ did in Week 1.

Arizona averaged 5.4 yards per rush attempt against New Orleans in Week 1, and the Saints will need to commit more resources to stop McCaffrey. Pearsall could be a must-start throughout the year, but he should be on zero benches this weekend.

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Speaking of Arizona, Trey Benson rounds out this list, having outperformed his veteran teammate, James Conner, in Week 1. The second-year back turned eight rushes into 69 yards on Sunday and now faces the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.

I fully expect the Panthers to improve this weekend, but I am concerned about the team’s pass catchers. Adam Thielen was a critical player for Bryce Young, and his move to Minnesota has left the quarterback with an inexperienced receiver room.

As mentioned above, the Panthers allowed 5.4 yards per attempt on the ground in Week 1, and Benson is a home-run threat on every play. If the Panthers offense doesn’t take a step forward, it’s very possible Benson takes over in the second half of a blowout.

Those are my five must-start flex plays for Week 2. I’ll be back with another article ahead of Sunday’s games, highlighting likely touchdown scorers. I’ll then be going over waiver priorities and buy-low/sell-highs early next week.

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