2014 Fantasy Football: Week 2 Start, Sit, and Sleepers

Dec 29, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Start:

Giovani Bernard, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

I’m giving Bernard the go ahead this week, not based on his week 1 performance, but his week 2 matchup.

He goes up against the Atlanta Falcons defense. The same defense that allowed more fantasy points to running backs than any other team last week when all three of the New Orleans Saints tailbacks scored eight plus.

Look for Bernard to break out this week.

Sit:

Steven Jackson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Were simply switching sides of the ball on this one. Though returning from a hamstring injury in week 1, Jackson’s stats were underwhelming to say the least. He rushed the ball 12 times for a very average 52 yards.

Truth be told, it’s very obvious that Jackson’s better days of football are behind him. To top it off, he faces a defense in Cincinnati that only allowed 13.80 points to the Ravens to open the season.

You should sit Jackson, as he will likely lose carries to Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman, and Antone Smith as the season goes on.

Sleeper:

Terrance West, RB, Cleveland Browns

West took over for an injured Ben Tate in week 1 and fared rather well. He rushed for 100 yards on 16 carries averaging 6.2 YPC.

We now know that Tate’s knee will keep him out of action for two to four weeks and West will take over his duties in the Browns backfield.

If you lack RB depth, as many do — don’t be afraid to give West a shot vs. the Saints.