Fantasy Football Key Lineups for Week 2: Can you “Truss” Lamar Jackson?

After only a week of football, it’s hard to know exactly what matchups we should be targeting and avoiding. With that being said, looking at last week’s performances along with last season can be something to consider when making lineup decisions. It’s always tough to go against the experts, but here are some players I like more than others compared to ECR.

Quarterback: Justin Herbert (LAC): ECR QB9 > Lamar Jackson (BAL): ECR QB5

With two quarterbacks coming off disappointing fantasy performances, I’m expecting Herbert to bounce back in a big way against a Dallas defense that just allowed 379 passing yards and four touchdowns to Tom Brady. As for Lamar Jackson, facing the Chiefs in a matchup he’s struggled with in the past, it’s tough to trust the Ravens’ offense with all their injuries and now potentially without All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley. Give me the quarterback in a healthy offense with an upgraded offensive line in a potential shootout this week.

Running Back: David Montgomery (CHI): ECR RB14 > Jonathan Taylor (IND): ECR RB12

Despite the loss, Montgomery picked up right where he left off last season, rushing for an impressive 108 yards in week 1. Heading into Sunday as favorites at home against a poor Cincinnati defense should allow Montgomery to see plenty of opportunities to continue his momentum and the chance at a big game. I like him more than Jonathan Taylor facing a tough Rams defense in a contest his team will likely be trailing in. This type of negative game script could mean more involvement for pass-catching specialist Nyheim Hines and less work for Taylor on the ground.

Wide Receiver: DeVonta Smith (PHI): ECR WR30 > Ja’Marr Chase (CIN): ECR WR26

The rookies showed out in their debuts, posting 70+ yards and a touchdown in week 1. Although I like both of them again this Sunday, I prefer Smith due to his lack of target competition. With Chase having to compete with Higgins and Boyd for looks, Smith looks like the clear No. 1 in his offense. And with Zach Ertz now dealing with a hamstring injury, DeVonta Smith could see an even bigger target share against a Niners defense that just lost starting cornerback Jason Verrett and surrendered 338 yards and 3 touchdowns through the air to Jared Goff.

Tight End: Hunter Henry (NE): ECR TE19 > Mike Gesicki (MIA) TE17

After finishing last week's contest with zero receptions, I am not starting Mike Gesicki with any confidence, especially against a tough Bills defense. Although Henry didn’t have much of an impact either, he does get a much much more favorable matchup against the Jets, who gave up the most fantasy points to tight ends last year, including a 4-48-1 performance to Henry. With Jonnu Smith dealing with an injury, Henry can provide a reliable floor and a high-ceiling this weekend.

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-By: Sunny Choudhury