Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season delivered explosive performances from an elite tier of pass catchers and dual-threat skill position players. Several standout names cemented themselves as must-start fantasy assets, while others disappointed relative to preseason expectations.
Must-Starts: Week 2 Elite Performers
Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) — WR: 39.2 pts
St. Brown caught 9 passes for 115 yards and 3 touchdowns, also adding 7 rushing yards on 85% snap share. He was the clear-cut top performer of the week and a no-brainer start.
With three touchdown catches and nearly 120 total yards, St. Brown showcased the elite target volume and red zone involvement that makes him a locked-in lineup staple every single week.
Malik Nabers (NYG) — WR: 37.7 pts
Nabers hauled in 9 catches for 167 yards and 2 touchdowns on 99% snap participation. His commanding presence in the Giants offense was unmistakable in Week 2.
Playing nearly every snap and seeing heavy target volume with two touchdown catches, Nabers proved why he should be in every fantasy lineup. The rookie continued to establish himself as a primary receiving weapon.
Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) — WR: 36.5 pts
Chase caught 14 passes for 165 yards and 1 touchdown on 96% snap share, leading all receivers in receptions. His production volume was exceptional and impossible to bench.
The high volume combined with elite yardage totals made Chase a clear start. Fourteen receptions provided consistent floor and explosive ceiling every week.
Jared Goff (DET) — QB: 34.0 pts
Goff threw for 334 yards and 5 touchdowns on 95% snap percentage. He was the highest-scoring quarterback of Week 2 and the third-highest scorer overall at any position.
Five touchdown passes put Goff in rare company. The 334 passing yards and elite efficiency made him a must-start for any team that rostered him.
Strong Starts: Reliable Options
- Jonathan Taylor (IND) — RB: 29.5 pts — 165 rushing yards, 1 touchdown reception, and 2 receptions for 50 yards showed his value as both a runner and receiver.
- James Cook (BUF) — RB: 26.5 pts — 132 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 47% snap share proved he remains a top-tier option when deployed.
- De'Von Achane (MIA) — RB: 26.2 pts — 8 catches for 92 yards with 1 touchdown on 93% snap share demonstrated his role as a pass-catching threat.
- Rome Odunze (CHI) — WR: 31.8 pts — 7 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns on 100% snap participation established him as a weekly starter.
- Javonte Williams (DAL) — RB: 25.0 pts — 97 rushing yards, 1 touchdown, and 6 catches for 33 yards provided solid production on 72% snaps.
- Wan'Dale Robinson (TEN) — WR: 28.2 pts — 8 catches for 142 yards and 1 touchdown on 70% snap share showed elite efficiency in limited opportunities.
Tough Sits: Disappointing Weeks
- Patrick Mahomes (KC) — QB: 23.1 pts — The star quarterback scored below 24 points despite 100% snap share, with only 187 passing yards and 1 passing touchdown. This marked an uncharacteristic underperformance for a typically dominant fantasy asset.
- CeeDee Lamb (DAL) — WR: 20.2 pts — Despite 9 catches for 112 yards on 92% snaps and heavy volume, Lamb failed to find the end zone and scored below 21 points. High usage without touchdown production left him as a disappointing starter.
- Christian McCaffrey (SF) — RB: 22.7 pts — The elite running back managed only 55 rushing yards with 6 catches for 52 yards and 1 touchdown on 77% snap share. This represented a significant step down from his typical dominant production.
- Dak Prescott (DAL) — QB: 23.1 pts — Despite 361 passing yards on 100% snap share, Prescott threw only 2 touchdowns. The high yardage without commensurate scoring made him a relative disappointment.
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