Fantasy Week 2: Trenches or Benches
As we enter Week 2 in the NFL, I will discuss my weekly picks on who to start or sit for your fantasy teams. I will also highlight the not-so-obvious players at each position.
QUARTERBACKS:
No Brainers: Brady, Rodgers, Brees, Ryan, Stafford, Newton, Vick, E Manning, P Manning, Cutler, Romo, Flacco, Rivers, Griffin 3.
Upside Play: Matt Schaub
The Jags allowed Christian Ponder to complete just under 75% of his passes for 270 yards. Schaub didn’t get into the end zone last week as Arian Foster did the damage and Schaub wasn’t needed through the air as the game was wrapped early. Look for him the get it going in week 2.
Projection: 23 completions, 290 yards and 2 TDs
Sleeper: Andrew Luck
Luck didn’t quite have the debut he would have liked. He had over 300 yards and a TD; however, he completed roughly 50% of his passes and was picked 3 times. I look for him to bounce back this week against the Vikings in the dome.
Projection: 24 completions, 275 yards and 2 TDs
Deep Sleeper: Sam Bradford
Bradford didn’t crack 200 yards last week and he faces a ‘Skins team who led the whole game against the Saints and gave up 339 yards to Brees. I look for St. Louis to trail and Bradford could break 250 yards and a score and could put up another score late in the game.
Bust: Josh Freeman
RUNNING BACKS:
No Brainers: Foster, Rice, McCoy, McFadden, Murray, Jones Drew, Peterson, Ridley, Bradshaw, Morris, Lynch,
Upside Play: CJ Spiller
Spiller gets the bulk of the carries with Fred Jackson out. He had a monster game last week against a pretty good Jets defense after Jackson went down. Look for him to continue that production against the Chiefs.
Projection: 90 yards, 1 TD and 6 catches for 40 yards
Sleeper: Benjarvis Green-Ellis
The Law Firm had a good game against a tough Ravens defense last week. He was a bright spot in a tough opening week loss for the Bengals. Look for Cincy to continue to establish the run in an effort to get Dalton some breathing room
Projection: 105 yards, 1 TD and 3 catches for 25 yards
Bust: Kevin Smith
WIDE RECEIVERS:
No Brainers: Megatron, J Jones, R White, Marshall, Nelson, Colston, AJ Green, Harvin, Cruz, Nicks, A Johnson, Wayne, D Bryant, D Thomas, Garcon, S Smith
Upside Play: Wes Welker
Everyone has been too quick to write Welker off. Ridley ran great and Gronk and Hernandez each scored. Brady didn’t have to throw much at all, as the defense scored and the game was quickly decided. Welker just wasn’t a big part of last week’s game plan. Look for Brady to get him going at home this week against the Cardinals.
Projection: 8 catches for 90 yards and 1 TD
Sleeper: Brandon Lafell
Cam Newton looks to get the passing attack going in what should be a shootout with the Saints. Steve Smith will draw a lot of attention, helping Lafell have a break out game.
Projections: 7 catches for 85 yards and 1 TD
Bust: Mike Wallace
TIGHT ENDS:
No Brainers: Graham, Gronk, Hernandez, Gates, Finley, V Davis
Upside: Kyle Rudolph
Look for Rudolph to continue his production against the Colts this week. He’s already looking like a matchup nightmare and is developing the trust of Ponder.
Projection: 6 catches for 70 yards and 1 TD
Sleeper: Jared Cook
Cook looked good last week and should be able to find some room this week against the Chargers. His great size and speed presents a tough matchup. Look for either Hasselback or Locker to look his way a lot, plus the return of Britt gives him even more room to operate.
Projection: 6 catches for 65 yards and 1 TD
Deep Sleeper: Brent Celek
Vick may not have a lot of time to wait for Jackson and Maclin to get open. Look for Celek to find a little room against a tough Ravens defense.
Projections: 5 catches 50 yards and 1 Td.
Bust: Jason Witten
