Start 'Em & Sit 'Em is the ultimate look at the weekly NFL matchups and how they'll affect your fantasy football team. Sleeper alert features an under-the-radar player who could produce good numbers. Owners beware features a regular fantasy starter who could fail to meet expectations based on the strength of his opponent. Obvious fantasy starters like Aaron Rodgers and Arian Foster will not be featured in this column. For your final lineup decisions, be sure to check our weekly lineup rankings.
Start of the week
Percy Harvin at Indianapolis Colts: Harvin had a decent stat line in Week 1, recording six receptions and 104 scrimmage yards in a win over the Jaguars. He should remain active in fantasy leagues this weekend, as the Vikings head to Indianapolis to face a Colts defense that allowed the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers in the opener. Consider Harvin a high-end No. 2 fantasy wideout.
Start 'em
Reggie Wayne vs. Minnesota Vikings: Wayne was one of the most targeted wide receivers in the league last week, and an upcoming matchup against the Vikings couldn't be more favorable. Not only has their defense surrendered 30 receiving touchdowns in its last 12 games, but Minnesota also allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to wideouts in 2011. Wayne has also caught one touchdown in his last three home games.
Vincent Jackson at New York Giants: Jackson didn't put up attractive numbers in his first game with the Buccaneers, but he did lead the team with 10 targets. I'd give him the start as a No. 3 wideout or flex starter in Week 2, as Jackson goes up against a Giants defense that allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers last week. Jackson has also scored 16 touchdowns in 22 career games against the NFC.
Stevie Johnson vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Johnson had a nice stat line in the opener, recording 55 yards and one touchdown in a loss to CB Darrelle Revis and the New York Jets. He's a nice option against the Chiefs, who surrendered the fifth-most fantasy points to wide receivers in their opener. And here's a good nugget -- Jackson averaged 22 more yards per game when the Bills lost Fred Jackson to injury in 2011.
Sleeper alert - Eric Decker at Atlanta Falcons (Mon.): Decker posted a disappointing stat line in standard leagues in Week 1 with just five catches, 54 yards no touchdowns and 5.4 fantasy points in a win over the Steelers. Still, I would keep him active on Monday night in what could be an absolute barnburner against the Falcons. Their defense allowed six catches and 82 yards to Dexter McCluster in the opener.
Sit of the week
DeSean Jackson vs. Baltimore Ravens: Jackson is coming off a dreadful 2011 season, and he wasn't so hot in Philadelphia's opener with just four catches and 7.7 fantasy points. This week he faces the Ravens, who have surrendered no more than one touchdown pass to a quarterback in their last 19 contests. Furthermore, Jackson has just one touchdown (receiving or on special teams) in his last 10 home games.
Sit 'em
Kenny Britt at San Diego Chargers: Britt is back on the field after a one-game suspension, and he could be a nice option for fantasy leaguers as the season progresses. However, you would be wise to keep him on the sidelines this week against the Chargers. The Titans plan to limit him to about 15-20 snaps in the contest (he's also coming off multiple knee operations), so Britt isn't a recommended option.
Justin Blackmon vs. Houston Texans: Blackmon should end up being the No. 1 rookie wide receiver in fantasy football this season. But I don't like this week's matchup against the Texans and their stout defense. In 2011, this unit allowed the eighth-fewest receiving yards to wideouts and will no doubt focus on stopping Blackmon in this AFC South tilt. Unless you're in dire straits, leave the rookie on the bench.
Sidney Rice vs. Dallas Cowboys: A one-time fantasy star, Rice is back at 100 percent and on the radar once again. However, starting him against the Cowboys and their upgraded defensice backfield is not advised. The duo of Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne held Giants wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz to a combined 96 yards and no touchdowns in Week 1, so Rice could be in for a pretty tough weekend.
Owners beware - Torrey Smith at Philadelphia Eagles: Smith looked like he was in line for a huge Week 1, posting an early 52-yard reception from Flacco. Unfortunately, he would catch just one pass the rest of the night. His fortunes aren't likely to improve much in Week 2, as Smith goes up against the Eagles and shutdown CB Nnamdi Asomugha. While I do think he will have a nice season overall, Smith is a risky option.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to _**@MichaelFabiano**_ or send a question via **Facebook**!
