Avoid Saquon Barkley for fantasy football lineups in Week 2

In the lead-up to Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season, Saquon Barkley has been highlighted as a running back to avoid in fantasy football. This assessment comes after he recorded 84 yards on 22 touches in the first week against the Dallas Cowboys, finishing as the seventh-best running back in fantasy rankings for that period. However, he is set to face the Kansas City Chiefs, a team that previously allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to running backs. The Chiefs have already demonstrated their strong defensive capabilities in Week 1, limiting the Los Angeles Chargers’ rushing attack to just 41 yards. Additionally, alongside Barkley, other notable running backs such as Aaron Jones, Alvin Kamara, Jerome Ford, and Austin Ekeler are also advised against starting this week due to varying challenging matchups. Barkley’s situation is particularly precarious as, despite being a scoring threat and a viable pass-catching option, he may struggle to find the end zone against a strong Chiefs defense. Consequently, fantasy managers are encouraged to consider alternatives in Week 2, especially given the potential for a weaker performance from Barkley. As fantasy football preparations shift toward Week 3, the stock report reveals both risers and fallers among players. This week features Tucker Kraft as a player whose fantasy value has risen, largely due to a standout performance that included six receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown. On the other hand, players like Alvin Kamara and Aaron Jones are mentioned as similarly risky prospects given their recent performances and upcoming matchups. The overall messaging in these reports emphasizes the importance of matchups and performance trends when evaluating players for fantasy lineups. As the NFL season progresses, managers must stay abreast of the evolving situations surrounding players and their matchups. Analyzing past performances, particularly in the opening weeks, can reveal critical insights for upcoming games. By carefully considering which players are likely to be more successful in the given week, fantasy football managers can better optimize their lineups for success moving forward.