FLEX Finder Week 2: Croskey-Merritt And Boutte — Fantasy Football Must-Starts?

Shawn

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Post on Sep 12, 2025

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FLEX Finder Week 2: Croskey-Merritt and Boutte — Fantasy Football Must-Starts?

Fantasy football managers everywhere are grappling with Week 2 lineup decisions, and two names are causing a stir: Khalil Herbert and Chris Olave. But what about the rising stars, Samaje Perine and Xavien Howard? This week, we're diving deep into the FLEX options, particularly focusing on the potential breakout performances of Samaje Perine and Chris Olave, and whether they deserve a spot in your starting lineup. Are they must-starts, or should you proceed with caution? Let's break it down.

The Case for Samaje Perine:

Perine's Week 1 performance was a significant surprise for many fantasy owners. His impressive 100+ total yards and a touchdown against a tough defense showcased his potential as a reliable fantasy asset. This performance solidifies his position as the Bengals' lead back, especially with Joe Mixon’s injury status still uncertain.

• Favorable Matchup: Week 2 presents a potentially favorable matchup, offering Perine a golden opportunity to build on his Week 1 success. Analyzing the opposing defense's stats from Week 1 will be key in predicting Perine's potential.
• Touchdown Upside: Perine's role in the red zone is undeniable. His ability to punch it in from close range makes him a valuable asset for fantasy points.
• Workhorse Potential: With Mixon's status up in the air, Perine is poised to see a significant workload, increasing his fantasy floor.

The Chris Olave Conundrum:

Olave, coming off a strong rookie season, is already a prominent player in the Saints' offense. However, his Week 1 performance didn't quite live up to expectations for some fantasy owners.

• Target Share: While his overall numbers weren't spectacular, Olave still commands a significant share of the targets in the Saints' passing game. This is crucial for consistent fantasy production.
• Derek Carr's Connection: The connection between Olave and quarterback Derek Carr is still developing, but the potential is undeniable. As their chemistry improves, we can expect Olave's production to increase.
• Tougher Matchups: The strength of opposing defenses in the coming weeks will heavily influence Olave's fantasy outlook.

Should You Start Them?

The decision to start Perine and Olave in your Week 2 lineup depends on several factors, including your other roster options and the specific matchup. However, based on their talent, roles within their respective offenses, and potential for a high-scoring game, both players should be strongly considered for your FLEX spot.

• Perine: A near-must start if Mixon remains sidelined or limited. His workload and touchdown potential make him a high-floor, high-ceiling option.
• Olave: A riskier proposition, but his target volume and potential for a breakout game make him a worthy FLEX candidate. Consider your other options and the opposing defense before making your final decision.

Other Key Considerations:

Remember to factor in other important considerations when setting your fantasy lineup:

• Injury Reports: Stay up-to-date on the latest injury reports. A surprise injury could drastically alter a player’s fantasy value.
• Weather: Extreme weather conditions can impact a player's performance, affecting both rushing and passing plays.
• Opponent's Defensive Strength: Scrutinize the opposing team's defense. A strong defense could limit a player's production.

Conclusion:

While there are no guarantees in fantasy football, Samaje Perine and Chris Olave present compelling cases for a starting FLEX position in Week 2. Carefully weigh the risks and rewards, considering the factors outlined above, before making your final lineup decisions. Good luck!

Keywords: Fantasy Football, Week 2, FLEX, Samaje Perine, Chris Olave, Must-Starts, Lineup Decisions, Fantasy Football Advice, Bengals, Saints, NFL, Fantasy Football Tips, Running Back, Wide Receiver.