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Key NFL Week 2 matchups to leverage in fantasy football start/sit decisions

Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) rolls out against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Football is a game of matchups. There is a saying in fantasy football to “start your studs,” but we really want to rely on the players who will score the most fantasy points. Talent plays a large factor in which players score the most, but matchups also heavily contribute.


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Digging deep into the PFF database, here are five cases where the combination of how the two teams play or use their players will lead to bigger games by the offenses involved.

JALEN HURTS IS A MUST START — ESPECIALLY THIS WEEK

The Eagles quarterback was one of the most high-risk/high-reward players heading into fantasy drafts. He finished as a top-12 quarterback in every game he both started and finished last season. His ability and willingness to run gives him a high floor. He and Lamar Jackson were the only quarterbacks with over 50 rushing yards in Week 1, leading to the fifth-most fantasy points at the position.

He faces a 49ers defense that gave up the second-most rushing yards to quarterbacks in 2020 and the fourth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks last week. The defense recently lost starting cornerback Jason Verrett to injured reserve and has several other defenders either missing practice or limited. 

The 49ers' biggest strength on defense is their pass rush, but the Eagles have a healthy offensive line. Hurts was only under pressure on 23.1% of dropbacks last week. The Eagles will need to score a lot of points, so Hurts should be dropping back to pass early and often in the game. Hurts should be a top-10 quarterback again this week, and if things go right he could be the top quarterback of the week.

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