Two weeks are complete, and I had a mixed bag last week. I said to start J.K. Dobbins, who exceeded 20 points against a struggling panther’s defense, and correctly called benching Zamir White and Jayden Reed. However, Keon Coleman and Justin Fields underperformed, while quarterback Derek Carr absolutely dominated the Cowboys defense in a shocking upset. I had some good and bad picks, but I need to be more consistent. So this week, I’ve found some insane sleepers that you need to start and some players that shouldn’t be near your lineup on gameday. 

Brock Bowers vs Carolina - Start

After being drafted by Las Vegas in the first round, Brock Bowers is a real contender to finish as the TE1 last season. His high point totals are intriguing, but what really makes Bowers such an appealing option is that he’s the TE2 right now despite not scoring a touchdown. He leads all tight ends in receptions, yards, and targets, and there isn’t a single player I’m willing to bench the rookie for. This week against Carolina, who have allowed 73 points in two games this season, he has a very good shot to hit paydirt for the first time in his NFL career. It doesn’t matter who you have; Bowers is a lock to start this week.

Quentin Johnston vs Pittsburgh - Sit

Johnston’s usage in fantasy leagues has spiked as of lately, as he recorded 22 fantasy points last game against the Panthers. This Charger’s team really needs a playmaker to rise up, but be cautious: Johnston may be a good option down the line, but he is unproven and had the odds in his favor against Carolina.

On Sunday, the Chargers will have a difficult test against a Steelers defense that has allowed just one touchdown this season - and touchdowns were a big part of Johnston’s standout performance. He was targeted 6 times, but caught two touchdowns on just 5 catches: to put this into context, two receptions made up 17.4 of his 22.1 points. That’s not a sustainable metric, and it doesn’t help that the Steelers haven’t allowed any wide receiver to exceed four receptions so far. To make the situation worse, the Pittsburgh offense will run down the clock with their ground-based offense, so Johnston won’t see the field nearly as much as he did against Carolina. 

Johnston has a chance to perform, but he doesn’t show any reliability and nothing so far has hinted that he can consistently produce good fantasy numbers. Keep him on your bench. 

Drake London vs Atlanta - Start

This Atlanta offense finally took off in their final drive to beat Philadelphia in a thriller Monday Night Football showdown, with Drake London scoring the game winning touchdown. He should be a huge factor for the Falcons against Kansas City on Sunday night.

London had an off game to open the season, but his 7 targets and a touchdown in week two made up for the poor performance. The Chiefs secondary has not looked sharp this season. They allowed at least 7 receptions to a receiver in both of their first two games, and while both these players were tight ends, London is the main pass-catcher in this offense. Kansas City should be putting up loads of points, so we could be treated to a shootout this weekend in Atlanta. Make sure that London is in your starting lineup.

Brian Thomas Jr. vs Buffalo - Sit

Brian Thomas Jr. had his fantasy performance saved on Sunday with a 66 yard catch near the end of the 3rd quarter. He salvaged 11 points off just 2 receptions, but I don’t want him anywhere near my starting lineup this week.

Thomas Jr. has been targeted just 4 times in both of his games, and has been fortunate to score double digit points. However, Buffalo has been one of the best passing defenses through two weeks. They held Tyreek Hill to just 6.6 points last week and Marvin Harrison to under 2 points in week 1. Both of these players have bigger roles in their respective offenses than Thomas, so it’s safe to say that the Jaguars rookie is set for a bad game against Buffalo. 

Joe Burrow vs Cincinatti - Start

It’s no secret that Joe Burrow has been disappointing for fantasy managers since his super bowl appearance in 2022. He struggled for most of the following season while playing on a calf injury, and was a major burden for fantasy managers throughout. He opened 2024 with an 8 point performance, but was able to somewhat bounce back with 17 in week two. Fantasy managers may be looking at their waiver wire for replacement options, but I’m here to tell you that week three should be a massive game for Burrow and this Bengals offense.

This Washington defense gave Baker Mayfield 30 fantasy points in week one and made Daniel Jones look like a capable starter in week two. They’ve been the worst defense against quarterbacks in fantasy, so Joe Burrow’s mouth is watering as we approach gameday. He put up 17 points against the Chiefs defense last week without his trusted WR2 Tee Higgins, who is expected to return for this matchup. Cincinnati still runs through Joe Burrow: he threw 36 passes against Kansas City and will continue to air the ball out as we progress through the season. Don’t even consider leaving Burrow on your bench on gameday.

Geno Smith vs Miami - Sit

Geno Smith has put up two straight 17 point performances, but that number will dip when the Dolphins come to town. This isn’t to say that the Dolphins will give Smith a hard time, it actually means the opposite. The Seahawks should dominate Miami comfortably and will avoid passing the ball.

Miami was getting crushed against Buffalo in week two before Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, and backup Skylar Thompson has very little NFL experience. This game should be a blowout for Seattle if both teams perform as they did in week two. Thompson will struggle on offense, and the Seahawks will reach a comfortable lead early while relying on running back Kenneth Walker to exploit this weak run defense. Soon enough, there won’t be much of a benefit for Geno Smith to continue passing the ball. Avoid playing him in your matchups unless you absolutely cannot avoid it.