The Ringer Fantasy Football Show — Week 2 Preview: Ben Johnson Back to Detroit, Eagles-Chiefs, and Start-Sit Advice

Date: September 12, 2025
Hosts: Danny Heifetz, Danny Kelly, Craig Horlbeck

Episode Overview

This episode offers a deep-dive Week 2 preview for the 2025 NFL season, focusing on key matchups, fantasy implications, and start-sit advice. The guys tackle everything from coaching narratives (the Ben Johnson revenge game) to “must-win” 0-1 team panic and under-the-radar fantasy decisions. Their lively banter, complete with tangents and memorable quotes, gives listeners practical advice, big-picture takes, and plenty of laughs.

Main Themes & Purpose

• Week 2 as a Crucial Pivot Point: Emphasizing the importance for NFL teams starting 0-1 (“teams that start 0-2 have an 11% chance to make the playoffs”). The hosts frame several matchups as defining for team narratives and fantasy value.
• Coaching Changes and Scheme Fallout: Special focus on Ben Johnson returning to Detroit, plus the effects of coaching and coordinator moves on team/offensive identity.
• Start/Sit Panic and Regression to the Mean: Processing the weirdness of Week 1 dud performances, and predicting bounce-backs or worrying trends for fantasy managers.
• Big Game Previews: In-depth coverage of Eagles-Chiefs (Super Bowl rematch), Lions-Bears (Ben Johnson’s return) and Seahawks-Steelers.
• Player and Position Group Deep Dives: RB and WR start/sit, injury watch, and outlier stat discussions — especially on running backs, AJ Brown, and several rookie QBs.

Key Discussions & Insights

1. Week 2 Stakes: “You’re probably f*** if you go 0-2”**

• [01:54] Danny Heifetz: "If you’re 0 and 1 this week and you start 0 and 2, you’re probably fucked."
• Week 2 is highlighted as the “secretly pivotal” week for both NFL and fantasy. Hosts urge not to overreact to Week 1 duds, but also not to fully ignore warning signs.

2. Week 1 Was WEIRD—Bad Offense & Rusty Teams

• Fewest RB touchdowns and WR fantasy points in nine years ([03:45] Heifetz/Danny Kelly).
• Offensive struggles blamed on lack of preseason reps, especially for offensive lines and QBs. Defenses “way ahead.”
  • [05:50] Danny Kelly: “Offenses are going to be really rusty to start the season. I think defense is ahead of offense.”

3. Game of The Week: Eagles vs. Chiefs Preview

• Super Bowl rematch with shifting point spread. Chiefs’ offense under scrutiny for lacking playmakers; Eagles dinged by injury and defensive attrition, but still “should be favored.”
• AJ Brown Hysteria: Dustups about his health, usage, and “decoy” rumors.
  • [08:19] Craig Horlbeck: Reads AJ Brown quote disputing decoy talk:

    “I saw all of that, that I had zero separation, that I was a decoy. None of those things are true… I’m not hurt. I was not a decoy. It was just how the game went.”

• Fantasy Take:
  • Start Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown (must-play: “If you bench AJ Brown this week, you’re crazy.” — [08:12] Heifetz).
  • Chiefs: “I don’t think you can play Isaiah Pacheco this week. …He’s getting like 40% of his snaps.” ([11:39] Horlbeck)
  • If Goddard sits, upgrade DeVonta Smith: “When Goddard is out, it’s really good for Devonta Smith and AJ Brown.” ([09:15] Kelly)

4. Ben Johnson Back in Detroit: Lions vs. Bears

• Narrative Game of the Week: New Bears head coach Ben Johnson returns to face his old team.
• Lions' Post-Johnson Offensive Collapse:
  • “Lions did… not score a touchdown in their first game without Ben Johnson” ([14:12] Heifetz).
  • Run Game Focus: Lions’ run-game metrics cratered (success rate, yards before contact).
  • Pressure on Dan Campbell:
    • [17:47] Horlbeck: “If… they lose to Ben Johnson at home… Campbell loses the narrative. Like, it's over.”
• Bears Offense:
  • Full takeover by DeAndre Swift (no RB committee without Roschon Johnson). “As long as he’s healthy, Swift is a solid RB2 starter this year.” ([21:35] Horlbeck)
  • Caleb Williams’ debut is divisive—a blend of big improvements plus “the most erratic throws anyone had all week.” ([17:17] Heifetz)

5. Seahawks at Steelers: Clash of the Cynical Fans

• Both Craig and DK express pessimism about their teams’ chances (“we both believe our teams are going to lose”).
• Seahawks’ D-Line called “crazy underrated, might be the best trench group in the NFL.” — ([24:24] Heifetz)
• DK Metcalf’s “reputation” discussed (teams try to bait him into retaliation).
  • “I think DK Metcalf has that rep… they’re going to get in his head quickly.” ([25:39] Heifetz)
• Play-action rate for Seahawks under new OC is “statistically anomalous” (only 4% in Week 1).
• Fantasy:
  • Start Metcalf, play both Walker and Charbonnet (“classic flexes… pretty close to 50/50 split”). ([87:08] Horlbeck)

6. Cowboys vs. Giants: Bleak Outlook for NYG

• Cowboys have dominated the Giants (15-1 in last 16 games). Giants offense slammed for “historic” futility.
• [33:14] Heifetz: “Malik Nabers… is really playable… bench everyone else, and then bench Russell Wilson if the Giants start 0-2…”
• Play Dak, CeeDee, others; fade Giants' skill players.

7. Other Game/Player Spotlights

Rams vs. Titans:

• Cam Ward (Rams QB): pressured on 53% of snaps last week vs. a tough Titans D-line.
• Expect an ugly, defensive game; Jeffrey Simmons called out as a disruptor.
• Play Puka Nacua, DeVonta, Kyren Williams, Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley.

Bengals-Jaguars:

• Massive pressure on Cincy after another bad opener. “Would be funny if Bengals started 0-2 again” ([45:07] Heifetz).
• Start Cincy & Jags stars, monitor Travis Hunter usage (“Wasn’t he supposed to play both ways? If he’s on defense, hard to start him.” [46:17] Heifetz/Horlbeck).

Ravens-Browns:

• Ravens should cruise; Browns offensive weapons (“Do you trust David Njoku?” debate) in flux
• Craziest stat: Mark Andrews had just 1 catch for 5 yards in a shootout, leading to renewed skepticism about his reliability:
  • [57:58] Heifetz: “Are there 10 tight ends you'd play over Mark Andrews?”
  • [58:25] Horlbeck: “I think most people only give players two weeks and if Mark Andrews lays another egg, it’s over.”

Bills-Jets:

• Jets labeled “Mini-Ravens” and get high marks for their creative run game—Justin Fields' improvement highlighted.
• Buffalo D-line banged up; “the Bills allowed 4.6 yards before contact per rush last week—15 feet!” ([62:48] Horlbeck/Heifetz)

Dolphins-Patriots:

• Miami, despite a disastrous opener, is still favored.
• Jalen Waddle “one last chance” game for fantasy.
  • “If everything you said about Jalen Waddle and then he sucks this week, how do you play him the rest of the year?” ([68:32] Heifetz)

Start/Sit & Rankings Hot Takes

• RBs:
  • Don’t trust Pacheco or Kareem Hunt.
  • Play DeAndre Swift, even if not flashy.
  • Both Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones (Vikings) are flex-worthy; Mason the better runner, Jones the pass-catcher.
• WRs:
  • “Don’t sit AJ Brown. Don’t panic.”
  • “Play DK Metcalf. Calvin Austin as a deep flier.”
• TEs:
  • “Can you play David Njoku?” Frequent debate—leaned to: “Only if waiver wire guys are much worse.”
  • “Mark Andrews: Still must start, but patience is running out.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Out-of-control Week 2 overreactions:
  • “[Week one] is an extension of the preseason.” ([05:16] Heifetz)
  • “More data than ever, still can’t decide if somebody played well.” ([43:11] Heifetz)
• Dan Campbell pressure:
  • “If they lose to Ben Johnson at home… it’s over.” ([17:49] Horlbeck)
• On boisterous bachelor parties & fantasy life:
  • “This is why on a bachelor party you have to lie about times. You have to gaslight people about timing.” ([03:45] Heifetz)
• On Travis Hunter’s usage:
  • “The Jaguars paid as if he definitely could have a great shot at doing this thing that's never been done before.” ([48:08] Heifetz)
• On Miami’s offense:
  • “I will be giving it a go once more with Jalen Waddle and Tyreek Hill.” ([64:34] Horlbeck)
• On scheduling snark:
  • “The Chargers-Raiders game is going to be the lowest-rated in eons… a waste of Jim Harbaugh vs. Pete Carroll!” ([90:08] Heifetz)
• On coaching feuds:
  • “Pete Carroll was asked about [Jim Harbaugh], he goes, ‘I remember Jim. I have no fond memories.’” ([91:16] Kelly)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:54] – Opening Week 2 importance, 0-2 team panic
• [03:31] – Weirdness of Week 1, offense league-wide
• [06:16] – Eagles vs. Chiefs: preview, spread, AJ Brown’s health, start/sit
• [13:38] – Lions vs. Bears: Ben Johnson revenge, run game metrics, Dan Campbell heat
• [22:26] – Seahawks at Steelers: fan cynicism, DK Metcalf, defense mismatch
• [31:18] – Cowboys vs. Giants: Dallas domination, Giants futility (15-1 in last 16)
• [40:58] – Rams vs. Titans: pressure, ugly lines, Cam Ward styling
• [45:04] – Bengals-Jaguars: high stakes, fantasy starters
• [52:00] – Ravens-Browns: Mark Andrews panic, Njoku/Fannin positional battles
• [59:16] – Bills-Jets: Mini-Ravens, Buffalo’s run D woes
• [64:34] – Dolphins-Patriots: panic meter, Waddle/Hill “last stand”
• [87:08] – Vikings RBs: “play both,” classic flex takes
• [89:03] – Monday Night Football complaints, Chargers-Raiders late start
• [98:07] – Ringer 107 betting picks rundown

Tone and Language

The hosts maintain their signature irreverence, sharp football insight, and a conversational tone that veers into playful tangents (e.g., ranking famous “Craigs” and “Bills,” K-Pop Demon Hunters, bachelor party fridge analysis). Hot takes and contrarian views abound, but the actionable advice remains clear and accessible.

Final Takeaways

• Don’t panic after Week 1, but don’t ignore red flags.
• Key coaching changes (like Ben Johnson) dramatically shape both NFL and fantasy narratives.
• Pay close attention to player usage trends from Week 1, but expect some big bounce-backs in Week 2.
• Focus your start/sit thinking on opportunity and trends, not just talent or name value.

For full positional rankings, visit: fantasyfootball.theringer.com
For emails/advice: ringerfantasyfootball@gmail.com

Bonus: The Ringer 107 Betting Picks

• Seahawks +3 vs Steelers
• Eagles -1.5 vs Chiefs
• Cowboys -4.5 vs Giants
• Broncos -2.5 vs Colts
• Rams -5.5 vs Titans

Hosts’ closing advice: Ride the zig-zag for week 2, trust “boring” proven talents, and embrace some chaos!