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Fantasy Football: OL/DL matchups to target and avoid in Week 2

Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) attempts a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

  • Start Wentz vs. Detroit: The Washington CommandersCarson Wentz makes for the perfect QB streamer this week against an ineffective Detroit Lions defensive line.
  • Lance primed for bounce-back performance: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance is primed for a more efficient day through the air and on the ground as his offensive line dominates the trenches.
  • Fade Fields: It will be a difficult week to trust Chicago Bears QB Justin Fields as he should face a lot of pressure on Sunday Night Football.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Whether fantasy managers are looking for some important tie-breakers in fantasy start/sit decisions or an advantage in DFS, understanding which teams have the advantage in the trenches can be a key to weekly fantasy football success. These are some of the more crucial matchups to be aware of as fantasy managers head into Week 2.

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Note: Click here to see this week’s entire offensive line/defensive line matchup tool.


OFFENSIVE LINE MATCHUPS TO TARGET

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS @ DETROIT LIONS

The Commanders' offensive line has the week’s most significant pass blocking percentage (54%) advantage against the Lions. Washington’s offensive line will be anchored by Charles Leno Jr., who earned the highest pass-blocking grade (89.5) in Week 1. 

TOP PLAYER(S) TO TARGET

QB Carson Wentz: He recorded Week 1's second-highest passing grade (88.0) when given over 2.5 seconds to throw, completing 10 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns from 16 attempts. Wentz also had the fifth-most passing yards (238) and second-highest big-time throw rate (12.5%) when in rhythm in a clean pocket in Week 1.

TE Logan Thomas: He saw 80% of his targets when Wentz had over 2.5 seconds to throw, which accounted for three receptions for 45 yards. Thomas finished second on the team in air yards (23%) and second on the team in targets per route run (19%) in Week 1. He should be involved again in Week 2.

RB Antonio Gibson: He led all running backs (min. 10 snaps) in yards per route run (3.80) in Week 1 when his QB had 2.5-plus seconds to throw. He also earned the highest receiving grade (87.1) among Week 1 running backs on those longer time-to-throw plays. His primary coverage player will likely be Alex Anzalone, who earned a 38.4 coverage grade in Week 1.


CLEVELAND BROWNS VS. NEW YORK JETS

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