As the 2026 NFL season rolls into Week 2 on September 17, fantasy managers are already scrambling for every possible edge. The flex position—that critical roster slot that can swing a matchup—remains the ultimate X-factor. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, analyst Joel Smyth has broken down 10 players across five tiers to help you navigate your flex, double-flex, or even third-WR decisions. Whether you're 1-0 or desperate for a rebound, these calls could define your week.
Set & Forget: Lock These Guys In
At the top of the heap, Mike Evans vs. MIA is a no-brainer. With De'Zhaun Stribling already banged up and playing fewer snaps in Week 1, Evans steps into an even larger role in San Francisco. The 49ers are heavy favorites against a weak Dolphins defense, and Evans' red-zone dominance—a touchdown in four of his last six full games—makes him a WR2 with flex appeal. Don't overthink it.
Chuba Hubbard vs. ATL also earns set-and-forget status. Hubbard's Week 1 workload ranked fifth among NFL running backs in expected fantasy points, trailing only Jahmyr Gibbs, Kenneth Walker, Javonte Williams, and David Montgomery. The Falcons' defense looked stout against Pittsburgh's RB duo, but volume is volume. Hubbard saw 16+ opportunities in each of his first three games last season, and 2026 is shaping up similarly. Start him with confidence.
Matchup Starts: Buy the Bounce-Back
Terry McLaurin vs. DAL is a classic buy-low. Yes, he busted in Week 1 against Philly—his fifth straight game failing to top 60 yards or six targets versus the Eagles. But history says he bounces back against Dallas. In his last three meetings with the Cowboys, McLaurin posted lines of 100 yards and a TD, 12 targets for 60 yards and a TD, and 12 fantasy points with Josh Johnson at quarterback. New offensive coordinator David Blough knows he can't neglect his WR1 after a dud. Fire up McLaurin.
Jalen Coker vs. ATL has graduated from deep flyer to legit matchup start. Coker found the end zone twice in Week 1 and was inches away from more—a toe-tap at the two-yard line and a blown-up goal-line flat route. His volume rivals that of Tetairoa McMillan dating back to late last year, and the touchdown upside is real. While he's not ahead of George Pickens or DeVonta Smith in a vacuum, Coker is a worthy flex against Atlanta.
Vanilla Tier: Proceed with Caution
Bhayshul Tuten vs. DEN is a viable flex despite a tough matchup. Denver's defense struggled mightily in Week 1, missing tackles as Kenneth Walker ran wild. Tuten isn't Walker, but he forced seven missed tackles on rushes in Week 1—tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for most in the league. The Jaguars dropped 30+ on Denver late last season, so Tuten has a path to RB2/flex value.
Jeremiyah Love vs. SEA is tempting but risky. The rookie flashed in Week 1, but Seattle's run defense was No. 1 against fantasy backs in 2025 and just shut down Rhamondre Stevenson. Arizona's backfield split and Love's ramp-up from injury further cloud his outlook. A goal-line TD saved his Week 1; that's unlikely to repeat. He needs 12-15 touches to matter, but this is an uphill battle.
Booby Traps: Avoid If You Can
Quinshon Judkins vs. TB is a trap. Road underdog, strong run defense, negative game script—we saw this movie in Week 1. Even with Dylan Sampson injured, Raheim Sanders commanded a 40% route share, capping Judkins' upside. With Deshaun Watson starting again and Cleveland's RBs averaging 2.6 yards per carry last week, there's little reason for optimism.
DK Metcalf vs. NE is another fade. Metcalf's 10 targets in Week 1 were encouraging, but Aaron Rodgers still spread the ball to running backs, and newcomer Michael Pittman Jr. saw only three targets. Don't bank on a repeat against Christian Gonzalez and a Patriots defense that limited Rodgers to 5.5 yards per attempt. Metcalf averaged under seven targets per game last season without Pittman; regression is coming.
Deep Flyers: High-Risk, High-Reward
Deebo Samuel Sr. vs. MIA is a classic deep flyer. San Francisco's injury woes force creativity, and Deebo turned three red-zone targets into a touchdown and 15 fantasy points in Week 1—despite playing just 26 snaps. He'll need to maximize limited opportunities, but Miami's defense is soft enough to exploit.
Matthew Golden vs. NYJ is another intriguing dart throw. The Packers used Golden as their clear No. 2 receiver in Week 1, running 87% of routes and drawing 12 targets. Christian Watson remains the WR1, but Golden led the NFL with six downfield targets (10+ air yards). In deeper leagues, he's a sold flex option with upside.
As always, stay tuned to Vulius for the latest fantasy insights and official NFL merchandise to rep your squad. Good luck in Week 2!
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