Fantasy football guru Matthew Berry provided his weekly insights on which wide receivers to start and sit for week 2. Berry analyzed injuries, matchups, depth charts, and expectations for receivers like George Pickens, Christian Kirk, and Drake London. For those setting lineups this week, Berry’s breakdown gives actionable advice on some tricky WR situations.
Diontae Johnson Injury Impacts Steelers WRs
With Diontae Johnson dealing with a hamstring injury expected to miss multiple weeks, Matthew Berry discussed the impacts on the Steelers passing game. Berry said George Pickens should see an uptick in opportunities. Pickens ran the most routes of any Steelers WR in week 1.
Berry has Pickens ranked as WR31 this week as the top Steelers receiver. However, he said expectations must be tempered against a “very real” Browns defense. Berry also mentioned Calvin Austin, who saw increased targets with Johnson out last week. But Austin moving outside could push Allen Robinson out of the slot, which is less ideal.
Jaguars WRs: Christian Kirk a Risky Start
The Jaguars face the Chiefs in week 2, but Matthew Berry is fading Christian Kirk as a fantasy starter. Kirk only saw 3 targets for 1 catch and 9 yards in week 1.
Berry noted Kirk played just 61% of snaps last week after never dipping below 75% last season. In shallow leagues, Berry is “closing the tab” on Kirk. However, in deeper 3WR leagues, Berry said he would “keep the tab open” given the Chiefs allowed the most slot receptions last year.
Berry prefers Zay Jones over Kirk right now with the emergence of Calvin Ridley. He expects Kirk to be the third option at best against Kansas City.
Uncertainty Around Falcons Passing Game
Berry and Lawrence Jackson discussed the Falcons passing game options after Drake London’s week 1 goose egg. Berry said he is “keeping the tab closed” on London and would rather start 41 other WRs this week.
Berry does not believe the Falcons offense can sustain multiple fantasy WRs, arguing Kyle Pitts is ahead of London. The rookie may only see targets when Atlanta trails significantly. Berry wants to see consistency from London before trusting him.