Fantasy Football 2019: Start or sit for Week 2
Running Back
Start: Kerryon Johnson (vs. Chargers)
With the release of Theo Riddick, Kerryon Johnson is the No. 1 back in Detroit and has to step up, not only in the rushing game but in the receiving game as well. While his Week 1 stats are nothing to write home about — 16 carries for 49 yards and two receptions for another 13 yards — those 18 touches bode well for Johnson owners in fantasy football.
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Plus, the Chargers are coming off a week in which they gave up 174 yards on 25 carries and a touchdown to Colts running back Marlon Mack. Look for the Lions to rely on the run game early and often and, since Johnson is also a threat in the passing game, I could see him finishing above his projected 11.4 fantasy points.
Sit: Aaron Jones (vs. Vikings)
Aaron Jones has the most unfortunate start of the season any running back could have, going up against two of the top three run defenses in football. He got the Bears in Week 1, now the Vikings in Week 2. Minnesota just held both of the Atlanta Falcons running backs to 50 rushing yards total and no touchdowns, which equaled 5.0 fantasy points combined between Ito Smith and Devonta Freeman.
With Jones also sharing touches with fellow running back Jamaal Williams and due to Jones’ performance last week with 13 carries for 39 yards and 3.9 fantasy points and the Vikings defensive performance last week, I would steer clear of this matchup if possible.