Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season has officially come and gone. All 32 teams were on display for fantasy managers to watch and analyze, already preparing for next week. Fantasy football is a game of matchups and playing the right ones is essential for you to win your week. Let’s take a look at some Week 2 matchups and go over whether you should start ’em or sit ’em.

Quarterback

Start ‘Em – Anthony Richardson

Anthony Richardson possesses all the physical tools it takes to be a successful quarterback in this league. Built like a linebacker who moves like a running back, he was getting comparisons to a hybrid form of Cam Newton and Lamar Jackson. Those physical traits were on display Sunday. Completing 24/37 of his passes for almost 225 yards and a score, AR15 looked better than expected on his debut. His accuracy is what drew red flags in the draft, but the 21-year-old looked poised on Week 1. He took what the defense gave him, didn’t try to make magic happen, and just played smart football. However, the Florida product’s bread and butter is what he can do with his legs. Richardson ran 10 times for 40 yards and a TD, which is exactly what made fantasy managers draft him in the middle rounds. With how well he handled the big stage Sunday and a tasty matchup in Houston, I would fire AR15 into your starting lineup for the high-ceiling week.

Sit ‘Em – Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins is usually one of my favorite value picks each year, but I’m giving him the nod to the bench for Week 2. Cousins didn’t look horrible by any means throwing the football. He went 33/44 for 344 yards and two touchdowns. Where he got himself in trouble was in the turnover department. Cousins threw one pick but added two lost fumbles to his stat line as well. Coming off a short week and facing a stout Eagles defense, there should be better options on your team for Week 2. The Eagles finished top five in turnovers last year, while also ranking second in yards given up. Cousins already struggles in prime-time games, and a matchup in Philly could be nightmare fuel.

Running Back

Start ‘Em – David Montgomery

David Montgomery and the new-look Lions started off the 2023 season with a bang in Kansas City. The Lions came in and triumphed against the league’s best in Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Montgo was a huge portion of that success in Week 1 toting the rock 21 times for 74 yards and a touchdown. The Iowa State product didn’t see any work in the passing game, but he is versatile enough to be a factor there. Although Jahmyr Gibbs is looming over his shoulder, you can trust Montgo to lead this backfield yet again in Week 2. Seattle comes to Motor City for what should be a hard-nosed, run-first football game. Maybe down the line, we flirt with whether to start ’em or sit ’em for Montgomery, but right now I would lean on him as a solid RB2 play for Week 2.

Sit ‘Em – D’Andre Swift

Saying Week 1 was bad for Swift is an understatement, it was downright putrid. Swift came to Philly in the offseason via trade and had talks of being the number one in this backfield. Instead, he came out as a complete afterthought of this Eagles offense. Playing in only 29 percent of the offensive snaps, his usage took a big hit. As a result, Swift only had two opportunities for a grand total of three yards. Even with Kenneth Gainwell sidelined Thursday, it’s tough to trust Swift. I recommend taking the smart bet and benching Swift in Week 2.

Wide Receiver

Start ‘Em – Zay Flowers

Zay Flowers was the one bright spot of the Baltimore Ravens offense on Sunday. Still managing to beat the horrid Texans 25-9, it wasn’t because the offense was firing on all cylinders. Lamar Jackson struggled to find a consistent connection with everyone but Flowers. Reeling in nine of his 10 targets for 78 yards, the rookie was creating separation for himself and using his speed in space. Each week is going to show improvement for this Ravens offense and managers of Zay Flowers should benefit from it. The Ravens get a high-powered matchup with Cincy in Week 2 and therefore should lead to some fireworks for both squads. When you’re thinking whether to start ’em or sit ’em, go with your gut and lock Flowers in.

Sit ‘Em – Marquise Brown

It’s not going to be a great year for Arizona Cardinals fans or fantasy managers with stock in this team. Marquise Brown might be the best weapon they have, but it’s going to be tough to see any results with the horrid QB play on display. Hollywood only caught three of his five targets for 28 yards against the Washington Commanders. I don’t foresee his stat line showing much substance as long as Kyler Murray is sidelined. Hollywood Brown is big play dependent to have any fantasy relevance and should be benched until the Cardinals get their act together.

Tight End

Start ‘Em – Hayden Hurst

Some might say Hayden Hurst‘s Week 1 performance was a fluke, but I don’t think so. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young looked to his safety blanket early and often, giving Hurst seven targets for five catches, 41 yards, and a score. Anytime you get a tight end with a target share of over 18 percent, you’re almost forced to start him. The Panthers face a pungent New Orleans defense Sunday, but should also face a negative game script. This only boosts Hurst’s value, and unless you have a locked-in stud at TE, you should give the nod to Hurst.

Sit ‘Em – Irv Smith

Absolutely nothing went right for the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The entire offense looked discombobulated and outmatched by the Cleveland Browns. Irv Smith only played 54 percent of the snaps, getting five targets for three catches and 17 yards. He also had a crucial drop on a big third down and struggled in the blocking game. That is one way to diminish your already 50/50 playing time. Smith has never been a reliable fantasy option, but signing with the high-powered Bengals gave fantasy managers hope once more. I’m here to tell you that hope is gone, and Smith should be nothing more but a desperation play at tight end.

Football is BACK

There’s one thing I live by in fantasy football and that’s to ALWAYS start your stars. Middle-round picks and FLEX plays are where it gets tricky and the matchups come into play. This start ’em or sit ’em article will help you make some tough decisions in the meaty part of your roster. Finding the right matchups and making the right plays is crucial to your fantasy success. Enjoy the ride, fantasy football is just getting started.

About the Author

Paul Orlando is a die-hard Ravens and Orioles fan and a fantasy football junkie. Paul is co-host of The Eye Test: A Fantasy Football Podcast on Youtube and has recently begun writing for Belly Up Sports. He gives expert advice in both Dynasty and Redraft settings, and loves finding the sleepers no one else talks about. Find all things fantasy football on Belly Up Fantasy Sports.