Fantasy analysts point to Eagles, Bucs and 49ers defenses for Week 2
Newell’s column advises managers to prioritise units with favourable matchups while avoiding high-risk defenses like the Vikings and Broncos.
Fantasy football analyst James Newell has released his Week 2 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em recommendations, urging managers to focus on defensive units with clear statistical advantages. Writing for The Sporting Tribune, Newell advised starting the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and San Francisco 49ers defenses, citing specific projected fantasy point totals for each unit.
The Eagles defense, facing the Tennessee Titans, is projected to score 8.3 fantasy points. Newell noted that the Titans' offense struggled in Week 1, managing only 195 total yards and allowing three sacks, which creates a favourable environment for Philadelphia's defensive line.
Similarly, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are recommended for their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. With a projected 8.2 fantasy points, Newell highlighted the Browns' shaky offensive line, which resulted in five sacks and two turnovers for quarterback Deshaun Watson in the previous week.
The San Francisco 49ers defense is also a top pick, with a projection of 8.2 fantasy points. Newell expects the 49ers to finish with the highest fantasy point total in Week 2, leveraging the presence of healthy stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner against a Miami Dolphins unit that allowed 14 fantasy points to the Raiders in Week 1.
Conversely, managers are advised to sit the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos defenses. The Vikings, projected for 6.1 points, face a Chicago Bears offense that scored 59 points and accumulated 552 yards in its Week 1 victory. The Broncos, with a projection of 6.5 points, are viewed as a risk after surrendering 31 points to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Newell, who is returning for a second year as The Sporting Tribune's fantasy football analyst, also listed the Chargers, Ravens, Seahawks, and Panthers as honourable mentions for defensive consideration.
