Welcome back to Cap’s Fantasy Corner, your go-to article series for all of your fantasy football needs! In this week’s edition, I’m breaking down 3 players I believe are sneaky starts who could win you a fantasy matchup Week 2 of the NFL Regular Season. This article was 3/3 on right calls last week, so we’re looking to keep the momentum going into Week 2. If you want the best fantasy football tools, personalized fantasy coaching, and a team of experts at your disposal this season, then be sure to sign-up for our premium fantasy football season pass.
Before I jump into the starts, I want to make sure you’re on top of your DFS game this season. There’s no better way to do that than by checking out our NFL Projections Portal. It’s the best tool on the market that can instantly help you increase your DFS bankroll this season. If you want to up your game to an even higher level, I encourage you to join Karma Nation as a premium member. Start dominating DFS in every sport the way you should be this season!
1. Chase Claypool vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Claypool was just OK in a tough week 1 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, a game that was lower scoring than most predicted it to be. This should be a “get right” game of sorts for Claypool. We just watched the Raiders surrender 4 catches for 96 yards to Ravens’ WR Sammy Watkins and 69 catches for 69 yards and 1 TD to Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. Claypool is better than both receivers and the Raiders offense looked surprisingly effective against a stout Ravens defense. I expect the Steelers to be much more effective in the passing game this week than they were against the Bills in week 1, which should lead to a good game for Claypool. I’m comfortable with playing Claypool as a high-upside WR2 in my lineups this week.
2. Javonte Williams vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
You might look at this and think, “but what about Melvin Gordon?” Of course, Gordon will still get work in this game, but look at who the Broncos are playing. The Jaguars let Mark Ingram dominate them in the run game week 1, which should tell you all you need to know about how bad their rushing defense is. Fun fact: Javonte Williams had more touches than Melvin Gordon week 1. Williams was actually the better rusher on the day, before Gordon hit a 75-yard TD on one play. I like Javonte in a matchup where I think the Broncos will get a lead early, allowing them to utilize him more heavily. I would be comfortable starting Williams as a mid-RB2 this week.
3. Sterling Shepherd vs. Washington Football Team
Sterling Shepherd sparkled in fantasy lineups (if you started him) like a beautiful piece of silver last week with 7 receptions for 133 yards and 1 TD. With Evan Engram declared out for a second consecutive week, and Kenny Golladay still trying to return to full speed, I am locking Shepherd into all of my full-PPR lineups as the perfect Flex play this week. I think Shepherd will lead the team in targets and receptions in a game where they will find it extremely difficult to run the football against an elite WFT defensive front. I’d be happy to have Shepherd as a flex this week and I think he’ll produce fantasy WR2 numbers in your lineups.
I hope you enjoyed these starts and that they help you win some games! Give my most recent episode of No Cap by DFS Karma a listen if you do. You can find it on any podcast platform, but click the image below to listen now.
