Editor's note: Each week our Dave Richard will share his take on all of the players that you are on the fence about. He looks at each matchup to help you maximize the potential of your Fantasy lineups.
Cowboys at Chiefs, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
A decidedly tougher matchup for the Cowboys than last week. Kansas City boasts three good cornerbacks along with strong safety Eric Berry patrolling the backfield. The run defense is pretty strong too, starting right up front with a heavy D-line. If Dez Bryant isn't running smoothly the Chiefs could pull off the upset. Fun fact: Andy Reid is 3-3 in his career calling plays against Monte Kiffin-coached defenses.No-brainers: Tony Romo, DeMarco Murray, Dez Bryant, Jason Witten; Jamaal Charles, Dwayne Bowe
Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys: My projection: 10 FPTS
The
7.2 receiving average he put up last week was gross but the 12
targets/10 catches were cool. Romo's not afraid to lean on him if he's
in single coverage.
I'd start him over: Torrey Smith, Antonio Brown
Rams at Falcons, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Watch out for a high-scoring game here. The Falcons' loss last week can be pegged to a defense that slowed down Mark Ingram and no one else along with an offensive line that dragged its feet in pass protection. Matt Ryan struggles when the heat is on and the Rams will bring it, particularly if they're catching Roddy White with a bum ankle.
No-brainers: Jared Cook; Matt Ryan, Steven Jackson, Julio Jones, Tony Gonzalez
Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis: My projection: 20 FPTS
Bradford
should be optimistic after the Falcons couldn't slow down Drew Brees last week. Not that Bradford is Brees but the Rams'
varied offense will force the Falcons to spread out, opening the door
for Bradford to pick apart the youngsters in the Atlanta secondary. Only
problem is that it's tough to find someone to sit for him.
Flow
chart: Terrelle Pryor > Carson Palmer > Sam Bradford > Russell Wilson > Joe Flacco
Daryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis: My projection: 8 FPTS
Isaiah Pead, RB, St. Louis: My projection: 3 FPTS
Figure
Richardson to see the most play time. I know his average last week was
gross but he accelerates quickly and has good agility when he doesn't
take too many steps to set up a cut or maneuver behind the line. Pead is
a decent stash candidate for the long term.
I'd start Richardson
over: Ryan Mathews, Giovani Bernard
I'd rather start over Pead: BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Ronnie Hillman
Chris Givens, WR, St. Louis: My projection: 9 FPTS
Tavon Austin, WR, St. Louis: My projection: 8 FPTS
Atlanta's
defense will have its hands full with not only Cook quickly gaining
attention, but these two lining up and challenging with speed. Just not
sure either guy can be trusted at this point even with what looks like a
good matchup for them both.
I'd rather start: Marlon Brown, Brian Hartline
Roddy White, WR, Falcons: My projection: 8 FPTS
This one
is either going to look really smart or really stupid. Normally when a
player says he won't be himself for a few weeks, he's making excuses for
shoddy play. White was thrown at twice last week, an admission by the
Falcons offense that he's not ready to be a major contributor (he's had
four targets per game twice in his last three seasons). Until he proves
he's "back," Fantasy owners should hesitate.
I'd rather
start: Rueben Randle, James Jones
Vikings at Bears, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Like any matchup for the Vikings, everything rests on Adrian Peterson. The Lions withstood three AP touchdowns last week and still won, an indictment on the rest of the Vikings on both sides of the ball. Assume the Bears will gear up to contain Peterson (they can't shut him down completely) but the rest of their defense is better than Detroit's. They should roll.
No-brainers: Adrian Peterson; Matt Forte, Brandon Marshall
Jerome Simpson, WR, Vikings: My projection: 6 FPTS
Most
of Simpson's damage last week came on busted coverage by the Lions. The
Bears defense typically plays better. Simpson last posted back-to-back
100-yard games in late 2010 and totaled 14 yards in two games against
Chicago in 2012.
I'd rather start: Nate Burleson, Jermaine Kearse
Greg Jennings, WR, Vikings: My projection: 5 FPTS
Sure,
the Bears got whipped by A.J. Green
last week. Means nothing here. Jennings doesn't have as much gas in the
tank. He hasn't scored on the Bears since Sept., 2010. Who's his
quarterback again?
I'd rather start: Jerome Simpson, Leonard Hankerson
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings: My projection: 7 FPTS
Scored
on the Bears in the one game he played against them where he actually
had a catch. Rudolph needs more targets on a week-to-week basis to be
considered a quality tight end, especially a week after we saw 12 tight
ends post double-digit Fantasy points.
I'd rather start: Dallas Clark, Tyler Eifert
Jay Cutler, QB, Bears: My projection: 20 FPTS
Matthew Stafford turned the ball over once and had a touchdown called
back following a review last week and still connected for over 350 yards
and two touchdowns against the Vikings. Cutler had just one touchdown in
each game vs. the Vikings last year but should come up bigger this time.
Only problem: Who would you start him over?
Flow chart: Carson Palmer > Jay Cutler > Sam Bradford > Russell Wilson
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears: My projection: 7 FPTS
I feel
like we're just waiting for a breakout game from Jeffery before trusting
him as a third receiver. If we're basing it on last week we could wait a
while: Jeffery had two drops with one of eight targets in the red zone
(he was mostly targeted on short-range passes).
I'd rather start: Vincent Brown, Doug Baldwin
Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears: My projection: 10 FPTS
Worth
a shot after coming up with a nice touchdown last week. Six targets
(same as Matt Forte) suggests he's not
too far down the pecking order from Brandon Marshall.
I'd start him over: Brent Celek, Owen Daniels
Chargers at Eagles, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
We saw enough from the Eagles to know they're going to put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses with their fast-break offense. We also saw how effective they were -- so long as Michael Vick got the ball out quickly and didn't have blitzers in his face. The Chargers pass rush is a one-man show in Dwight Freeney and the defense allowed 24 points in the fourth quarter last week.
No-brainers: Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson
Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers: My projection: 18 FPTS
Rivers'
four scores last week were awesome but two came on a short field
following a turnover and a missed field goal. Tough to buy him as a good
Fantasy quarterback when none of his receivers had even 50 yards
receiving last week.
I'd rather start: Joe Flacco, EJ Manuel
Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers: My projection: 7 FPTS
Mathews'
first touch of the season went for a touchdown last week. His remaining
14 touches were good for 41 yards total. Ronnie Brown ran more effectively. Philadelphia's run defense isn't
anything outstanding but if the game gets one-sided then Mathews won't
be in the mix. Heck, he was barely in the mix last week when the
Chargers had a huge lead (three second-half carries)!
I'd rather
start: Frank Gore, Giovani Bernard
Vincent Brown, WR, Chargers: My projection: 8 FPTS
Nice
touchdown for Brown last week but it was one of two catches he had on
only four targets. Maybe he gets more work with the Bolts likely in a
dogfight and the Eagles secondary banged up, but how much can you trust
him?
I'd rather start: Chris Givens,
Rueben Randle
Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers: My projection: 8 FPTS
In a
week where a dozen tight ends did great, Gates was targeted four times
and caught two passes. A catch-and-run against the Texans left room to
believe he can still be effective, just needs the opportunities. He has
just six games in his last 20 with at least seven targets. Seems low.
I'd
rather start: Brandon Myers, Greg Olsen
Eagles DST: My projection: 9 FPTS
So if the Chargers can't run
the ball and have an offensive line with some weaknesses (it's a miracle
Rivers was sacked just twice last week), chances are they'll have
trouble playing at 1 p.m. ET in Philadelphia on a short week. I like
this DST a lot.
I'd start them over: Panthers, Steelers
Dolphins at Colts, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
The Dolphins are starting to sound like a team so frustrated with the run game that they're going to pass more than they have in the past. They might not have much of a choice this week against the Colts, who will light up the scoreboard offensively but defensively won't have an answer for the Dolphins' trio of receiving threats.
No-brainers: Andrew Luck, Reggie Wayne
Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins: My projection: 7 FPTS
The
preseason excitement over Miller has fizzled out thanks to a coaching
staff that never gave him the credit he deserved and a run game that
didn't get much of a chance last week. The matchup isn't necessarily
horrible but the prospect of Miller getting only a decent workload
sharing with Daniel Thomas kills any
upside.
I'd rather start: Giovani Bernard, Ryan Mathews
Mike Wallace, WR, Dolphins: My projection: 13 FPTS
Last
week, Joe Haden stuck to Wallace like
glue and the receiver was more decoy than dominator. Wallace groused
about it after the game but can't complain about the deep targets he had
even with Haden on him. The Colts' cornerbacks are fundamentally sound
but beatable. I expect Wallace to get going in the right direction on
the fast turf in Indy. In six career games indoors Wallace has 21
catches for 529 yards (25.1 avg.) and three touchdowns.
I'd start
him over: Reggie Wayne, Hakeem Nicks
Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins: My projection: 9 FPTS
Hartline
did great last week beating up on weaker cornerbacks while defensive
coverage tilted toward Mike Wallace.
Expect it to continue as the Dolphins keep the passing game at the
forefront. He's a good one for PPR league owners.
Flow chart:
Cardinals WRs > Marlon Brown > Brian Hartline > Rams WRs > James Jones
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Colts: My projection: 7 FPTS
I doubt
the Colts will ramp up Bradshaw's workload after he played on just 15 of
55 snaps last week. He'll play more for sure -- maybe even something
like 35 or 40 snaps, and that could give him nominal totals. But Indy
has to think long-term with him now that they've lost Vick Ballard. Donald Brown (3.9
rush avg. for three of four seasons) will probably help the most on
passing downs.
I'd rather start: Joique Bell, DeAngelo Williams
T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts: My projection: 10 FPTS
Roll the
dice on Hilton another week. The Colts took a few shots at him deep last
week and coach Chuck Pagano said this week the staff wants to get him
more touches. The Dolphins secondary had some fortuitous interceptions
last week on Brandon Weeden -- Andrew Luck is worlds better.
I'd start him over: Cecil Shorts, Steve Johnson
Redskins at Packers, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Should be a high scoring game with the Packers specifically aiming for one-on-one matchups against the Redskins cornerbacks and safeties. The Packers probably will use a little no-huddle themselves, pushing Washington's defensive front with Eddie Lacy and going over the top through the air. If the Pack put 28 points on the Niners on the road they should eclipse that at home against the Redskins.
No-brainers: Alfred Morris, Pierre Garcon; Aaron Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, Jermichael Finley
Robert Griffin III, QB, Redskins: My projection: 22 FPTS
If
RG3 is your only starter, don't fret. But it's clear that strong pass
rushes could rattle him a little bit as his footwork isn't all the way
back following an offseason of rehab. The Packers pass defense looked
sloppy last week and Griffin should end up throwing a bunch in this
game. Could lead to modest success.
Flow chart: Cam Newton > Robert Griffin III
> Colin Kaepernick > Terrelle Pryor
Leonard Hankerson, WR, Redskins: My projection: 7 FPTS
Hankerson
barely played over half the Redskins snaps last week but made them
count. Problem is, he's never been a consistent stat producer in three
years. Maybe that changes this year but it'll probably take more playing
time and certainly more results before most would start him. Helping him
this week is the reality that the Redskins should end up passing a good
amount.
I'd rather start: Doug Baldwin,
Golden Tate
Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers: My projection: 12 FPTS
Lacy's
Week 1 highlights included rumbling 31 yards on a short pass and
barreling for a 2-yard touchdown against one of the league's toughest
defenses. That's a nice warmup for a matchup against a Redskins defense
that was overwhelmed by the Eagles' up-tempo ground game on Monday.
I'd
start him over: Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson
James Jones, WR, Packers: My projection: 8 FPTS
Jones
didn't miss a snap in Week 1 and still only got two targets with zero
catches. Aaron Rodgers threw 37 passes!
Fantasy owners might be scared to trust Jones again so soon but the
matchup is just too nice and Rodgers told the Green Bay Press-Gazette
that he will try to get Jones more involved.
Flow chart: Rueben Randle > James Jones > Tavon Austin > DeAndre Hopkins
Browns at Ravens, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Whereas this game has been a laugher in the past (Joe Flacco is 10-0 all-time vs. the Browns), the Browns have ammo on both sides of the ball to give the Ravens a game. Expect Flacco to follow the Dolphins' lead from the week before and throw in the opposite direction of cornerback Joe Haden. It could mean for some good stats for the non-obvious Ravens receivers and tight ends.
No-brainers: Trent Richardson; Ray Rice
Jordan Cameron, TE, Browns: My projection: 11 FPTS
The
matchup is tricky: While the Ravens did allow two touchdowns to a tight
end last week, it was in part because of how they schemed. Baltimore can
key in a little more on Cameron, though it doesn't mean he won't be
force-fed targets or get garbage time stats. You probably have to start
him.
I'd start him over: Jason Witten,
Vernon Davis
Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens: My projection: 19 FPTS
Flacco
might be 10-0 lifetime against the Browns but he's thrown multiple
touchdowns against them just four times (and none last year).
Cleveland's defense isn't dominant but it'll take some no-huddle magic
from Flacco to be productive.
I'd rather start: Carson Palmer, Jay Cutler
Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens: My projection: 10 FPTS
Maybe
it's that the Ravens lost last week or that this is their home opener,
but something tells me Smith will show up in this game and score despite
the presence of Haden. He did well in both games against the Browns last
year, including the one matchup where Haden played. Smith even scored on
Haden in that meeting.
Flow chart: Steve Johnson > Miles Austin > Torrey Smith > Antonio Brown
Dallas Clark, TE, Ravens: My projection: 8 FPTS
There
isn't anything exciting about starting Clark ... except that it's clear
Flacco loves to lean on his tight end and Clark is filling that role.
He's a low-end starter, particularly in PPR leagues.
Flow chart: Brandon Myers > Greg Olsen > Dallas Clark > Antonio Gates
Panthers at Bills, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
Last week Cam Newton faced a difficult matchup and couldn't put together decent stats. This week he'll play in a difficult atmosphere but should have a much better time. The Bills' secondary is still beleaguered and the pass rush could have some trouble getting to Cam. It should lead to better results.
No-brainers: Cam Newton, Steve Smith; C.J. Spiller
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: My projection: 8 FPTS
I
like Williams this week. We saw the Panthers commit to him last week
with 17 carries against a dangerous Seattle defense and save for a
fumble he had a nice game. The Bills' run defense was in midseason form
against the Patriots last week. Williams is a sneaky play.
I'd
start him over: Frank Gore, Colts RBs
Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers: My projection: 8 FPTS
Olsen
led the Panthers in targets last week, a sign that he's not a forgotten
man in the Carolina offense. He should have a favorable matchup against
the Bills defense.
Flow chart: Owen Daniels > Brandon Myers > Greg Olsen > Dallas Clark > Kellen Winslow
Fred Jackson, RB, Bills: My projection: 7 FPTS
The Bills
had no problem giving Jackson the ball last week in part because he was
more effective with it than Spiller. The Panthers stout run defense will
be a challenge for both Jackson and Spiller this week. Spiller at least
has the wheels to maneuver past the bigger Carolina defenders.
I'd
rather start: Ahmad Bradshaw, Lamar Miller
Steve Johnson, WR, Bills: My projection: 10 FPTS
The
weakness of the Panthers defense is in the secondary and Johnson can get
open and make plays deep. Johnson also will play in the slot and should
emulate what Doug Baldwin did last week
against the Panthers. I don't mind Johnson this week.
Flow chart: T.Y. Hilton > Cecil Shorts > Steve Johnson > Miles Austin > Torrey Smith
Titans at Texans, Sun., 1 p.m. ET
The Texans are playing games with their running backs again: After touting Ben Tate's hard work through the summer, coach Gary Kubiak promised a split workload last week and then gave Arian Foster most of the reps, even though Tate looked better. Now Kubiak is promising more work for Tate. Can we trust him? Even if we could, would we start him knowing Foster looms large? By the way, Foster did not look great last week -- maybe he needs another game to get into the perfect game shape.
No-brainers: Arian Foster, Andre Johnson, Texans DST
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: My projection: 9 FPTS
This is
another tough test for Johnson, who hasn't scored on the Texans in two
years (four games). The Texans typically aim to slow down Johnson and
force Jake Locker into some mistakes.
It's a smart game plan. Even with his mammoth offensive line Johnson is
barely a Top-20 running back.
Flow chart: DeMarco Murray > Darren Sproles > Chris Johnson > Stevan Ridley > David Wilson
Kenny Britt, WR, Titans: My projection: 10 FPTS
The
Titans' early lead made it easy for them to lean on the run to kill the
clock last week. Jake Locker attempted
just 14 passes in the last three quarters of the game. The Titans
probably won't be as lucky this week, which should open up Britt for
some targets. Would you believe Britt has posted at least 10 Fantasy
points in each of his last three against the Texans?
I'd start him
over: Mike Williams, Michael Floyd
Matt Schaub, QB, Texans: My projection: 21 FPTS
Schaub's
track record against the Titans is exceptional: He has at least 200
yards and two touchdowns in each of his last four against them (five
straight with two or more scores). This year his O-line and receiving
corps is improved. Only problem: Who are you going to start him over?!
Flow
chart: Robert Griffin III > Colin Kaepernick > Matt Schaub > Terrelle Pryor
Ben Tate, RB, Texans: My projection: 5 FPTS
Tate looks
like the fresher, better back in Houston these days. He had a real nice
rushing average against the Chargers after working on a limited basis in
the preseason. He just doesn't have as much upside as last week.
I'd
rather start: Bilal Powell, Pierre Thomas
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans: My projection: 8 FPTS
Matchup
isn't particularly bad for Hopkins but how much will the Texans actually
need him? On the plus side, he's entrenched as the No. 2 receiver and Matt Schaub's history against the Titans gives him a chance to score.
I'd
rather start: Chris Givens, Rueben Randle
Lions at Cardinals, Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
This should be a high-scoring game. The Cardinals showed last week they were willing to sling it 40 times in a game. That might end up being the norm for them considering their run game and coach Bruce Arians' preference to chuck the ball. Andre Roberts is quickly becoming one of my favorite PPR sleepers.
No-brainers: Matthew Stafford, Reggie Bush, Calvin Johnson; Larry Fitzgerald
Joique Bell, RB, Lions: My projection: 8 FPTS
Bell has
turned Mikel Leshoure into an
extraneous piece of the team, taking over goal-line work as well as
spelling Bush throughout the game. Bell had over a third of the snaps
last week along with five catches and six carries. That could be the
norm for him. He's in the Flex conversation.
Flow chart: David Wilson > DeAngelo Williams > Joique Bell > Frank Gore > Giovani Bernard
Nate Burleson, WR, Lions: My projection: 7 FPTS
Look, if
we're calling for a lot of passing then Burleson has to be in the mix.
He had better stats than Calvin Johnson
last week and probably won't see much of top cornerback Patrick Peterson. Maybe Burleson could be a PPR Flex option.
Flow
chart: Golden Tate > Nate Burleson > Leonard Hankerson
> Alshon Jeffery
Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals: My projection: 20 FPTS
The
issue with Palmer isn't that he won't be effective. The issue is whether
or not he'll be as effective as other quarterbacks. Palmer threw for
over 327 yards and two scores with two turnovers last week and it still
wasn't enough to finish as a Top 12 option. Even if he was mistake free
he would have finished ninth-best.
I'd rather start: Matt Schaub, Terrelle Pryor
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Cardinals: My projection: 6 FPTS
Mendenhall
still has some moves to his game but the combination of a bad offensive
line, a good Lions defensive line and a Cardinals coach who loves to
call pass plays makes Mendenhall a risk.
I'd rather start: Ahmad Bradshaw , Lamar Miller
Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals: My projection: 9 FPTS
Andre Roberts, WR, Cardinals: My projection: 9 FPTS
These guys
are going to be effective week in and week out. Detroit has some
cornerback problems: Their top guy, Chris Houston,
isn't anything to write home about. Rashean Mathis
wound up playing in place of rookie Darius Slay
last week after Slay got lit up. The Lions don't have an answer for
either guy.
I'd start them over: Marlon Brown, James Jones, Roddy White
Saints at Buccaneers, Sun., 4:05 p.m. ET
Darren Sproles has been a killer against the Bucs, scoring a touchdown in three straight against them. He's a safe bet again in Week 2 if only because the Bucs can use Darrelle Revis to cordon off one side of the field but open themselves up to damage underneath by Sproles.
No-brainers: Drew Brees, Darren Sproles, Jimmy Graham; Doug Martin, Vincent Jackson
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints: My projection: 6 FPTS
Mark Ingram, RB, Saints: My projection: 5 FPTS
The Bucs run
defense remains a stiff matchup, one that Thomas and Ingram should be
benched for. If I had to pick one it would be Thomas since he can still
make some plays as a receiver.
I'd rather start: Rashard Mendenhall, Fred Jackson
Marques Colston, WR, Saints: My projection: 11 FPTS
Colston
has a pretty good track record against the Buccaneers, but that was
before Darrelle Revis and his island
came to town. Revis will likely play on one side of the field the whole
game, the left side (Drew Brees' right side), which means we could see
Colston on Brees' left a lot. That's familiar territory for him. He's
fine as a No. 2 receiver.
Flow chart: Hakeem Nicks > Dwayne Bowe > Marques Colston > Eric Decker
Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers: My projection: 10 FPTS
History
says Williams will struggle -- he's scored once on the Saints in six
tries (2010) and has never had more than 63 yards against them. But
he'll be needed to help keep up with the Saints on the scoreboard, which
means he should be in the No. 3 receiver conversation.
Flow chart: Kenny Britt > Mike Williams >
Cardinals WRs not named Fitzgerald
Broncos at Giants, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Safe to say there's going to be a lot of passing. The last time they played each other big brother Peyton had three scores to little brother Eli's two. Expect big numbers from both but I think Peyton's taste of being dominant last week could stick in his brain for a while. If he averages just three scores per game for the rest of the season he'll break Tom Brady's single-season touchdown record.
No-brainers: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker; Eli Manning, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos: My projection: 5 FPTS
Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos: My projection: 4 FPTS
Montee Ball, RB, Broncos: My projection: 3 FPTS
Coach John Fox
took to the airwaves this week and said the main reason why Moreno was
hogging playing time was because he was the most experienced. No one's
expecting big stats from him this game. Fox recognizes Hillman's
explosiveness and Ball's physical play but neither one of the younger
backs will take over for Moreno until they prove they can handle the
pass protection. So it's hands off all of these guys.
I'd rather
start: Pierre Thomas, Ahmad Bradshaw
Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: My projection: 10 FPTS
Decker
has to redeem himself quickly after a rocky Week 1 where he had three
costly drops, an offensive pass interference call and a fumbled ball
that went out of bounds. Last year we saw Decker lose targets because he
struggled to catch what Peyton was throwing at him. He still has plenty
of potential playing in this offense but the other weapons the Broncos'
passing game has are more appealing.
Flow chart: Dwayne Bowe > Marques Colston > Eric Decker > T.Y. Hilton
Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos: My projection: 11 FPTS
Thomas
might not be a one-week wonder. It was in this space last week where we
said he'd have a nice game and the feeling remains this week. Jason Witten just torched the Giants for two scores last week -- the
Giants will have a hard time covering all of the Broncos' threats.
I'd
start him over: Jordan Cameron, Jason Witten
David Wilson, RB, Giants: My projection: 8 FPTS
In a
game like this Wilson will either get lost in the shuffle as it becomes
a passing frenzy or will dominate in a big way. The Broncos' defense
isn't stellar and Wilson should get at least a dozen opportunities to
make some plays.
I'd start him over: Joique Bell, Frank Gore
Rueben Randle, WR, Giants: My projection: 8 FPTS
Randle
averaged 20 yards per catch last week with a max catch for 26 yards.
That screams consistency. He also played two-thirds of the snaps because
the Giants were playing from behind. I don't know if he can bring in 100
yards again but he's looked good as the Giants' third receiver.
Flow
chart: Marlon Brown > Brian Hartline > Rueben Randle > James Jones > Vincent Brown
Brandon Myers, TE, Giants: My projection: 9 FPTS
Myers
ate up the middle of the field last week and has seemingly settled in as
this year's tight end fixture for the Giants. We saw Dallas Clark pick up yardage last week on the Broncos -- Myers could
follow suit.
I'd start him over: Greg Olsen, Dallas Clark
Jaguars at Raiders, Sun., 4:25 p.m. ET
Darren McFadden should have himself a nice home game. The Jaguars' run defense couldn't quite contain Jamaal Charles, who totaled 100 yards even though he basically played three quarters. The Raiders need to do everything and anything to keep Terrelle Pryor from making mistakes -- handing off to McFadden would keep the rest of his workload pretty easy.
No-brainers: Maurice Jones-Drew; Darren McFadden
Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars: My projection: 10 FPTS
A
mid-week injury in practice could limit Shorts' availability, but if
he's healthy he should pick up a good amount of work from Jaguars'
starter (for now) Chad Henne. Last year
Shorts had 10-plus Fantasy points in five of six games with Henne.
Oakland's pass defense is sloppy.
I'd start him over: Steve Johnson, Miles Austin
Terrelle Pryor, QB, Raiders: My projection: 20 FPTS
If
Pryor had a better arm then he'd be in the conversation to be this
year's Colin Kaepernick. But his arm is
just so-so. He needs to make better decisions with the football and it
wouldn't hurt if he had better receivers. Starting Pryor isn't worth the
risk at this point unless you're real thin at quarterback or play in
two-quarterback formats.
Flow chart: Matt Schaub > Terrelle Pryor > Carson Palmer > Jay Cutler
Rod Streater, WR, Raiders: My projection: 10 FPTS
This
is going to be Pryor's guy. He led the Raiders in targets last week with
eight and has posted at least 70 yards in every game Pryor has started.
Not a bad No. 3 receiver this week.
I'd start him over: Antonio Brown, Kenny Britt, Vikings WRs
49ers at Seahawks, Sun., 8:30 p.m. ET
This has become the must-see rivalry game in the NFL. Home teams usually dominate in the series. Marshawn Lynch has managed to stomp the Niners for 100 rush yards in three straight. Quarterbacks typically struggle in Seattle -- including Colin Kaepernick last season -- but it's hard to write Kap off even with the tough task ahead.
No-brainers: Vernon Davis; Marshawn Lynch
Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers: My projection: 22 FPTS
Kaepernick
completed 19 of 36 passes for 244 yards with a score, a pick and 31 rush
yards last year in Seattle. The guy is a sensational player, one I had
no problem talking up before the season, but this is pretty much the
toughest matchup a quarterback can have in 2013. I don't know if Anquan Boldin is bailing him out to the degree he did in Week 1.
Flow
chart: Cam Newton > Robert Griffin III > Colin Kaepernick
> Matt Schaub > Terrelle Pryor
Frank Gore, RB, 49ers: My projection: 7 FPTS
Gore will
get his attempts but he had them last week and plodded for a weak
rushing average (he had 65 total yards on 23 touches; a touchdown saved
his stat line). I'm not sure I'd trust Gore as anything more than a
low-end No. 2 running back.
I'd rather start: Joique Bell, Daryl Richardson
Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers: My projection: 10 FPTS
Boldin
was masterful last week, getting most of his production out of the slot.
If he's there and Richard Sherman
doesn't line up against him, that could be trouble for the Seahawks. The
Seahawks usually stick Sherman at left corner, Brandon Browner at right corner and Walter Thurmond in the slot. Boldin can cause some havoc there,
particularly if a safety takes responsibility for Vernon Davis and leaves Boldin in single coverage. I think Boldin's
resurgence is for real.
I'd start him over: Eric Decker, T.Y. Hilton, Cecil Shorts
Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: My projection: 19 FPTS
Wilson
got his mojo working late last week against the Panthers and will need
to string together some drives in this one. The Packers exposed a lot of
the 49ers secondary but Wilson's receiving corps still doesn't quite
have as much talent as Aaron Rodgers'.
I'd
rather start: Jay Cutler, Sam Bradford
Golden Tate, WR, Seahawks: My projection: 8 FPTS
The
Packers connected on three deep passes (30-plus yards) on the Niners
last week. That's right up Tate's alley, though the Niners have
contained Tate throughout his career (six Fantasy points or fewer in
five career meetings).
I'd rather start: Vincent Brown, Tavon Austin
Steelers at Bengals, Sun., 8:40 p.m. ET
Forget history in this series -- the Bengals have the better offensive and defensive lines and aren't battling injuries like the Steelers are. Andy Dalton had two turnovers at Chicago last week but he wasn't the reason why the Bengals lost the game. Expect the Bengals to be balanced offensively and make the Steelers offense self-destruct thanks to Geno Atkins & Co.
No-brainers: Antonio Brown; A.J. Green
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: My projection: 15 FPTS
Big
Ben is in big trouble. The team did a nice job getting Fernando Velasco to replace Maurkice Pouncey
at center, but there's still going to be a swarm of Bengals defenders
breathing down his neck on every play. That's what happens when the run
game is dysfunctional.
I'd rather start: Philip Rivers, Andy Dalton
Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Steelers: My projection: 6 FPTS
Sanders
was heavily targeted last week and came up with seven grabs, the most
for him since his rookie season. But the receiving average (8.1) left a
lot to be desired. The new playing time he's found should keep him in
the deep Flex conversation in PPR leagues only.
I'd rather start: Nate Burleson, Malcom Floyd
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals: My projection: 17 FPTS
Throwing
under pressure isn't Dalton's specialty but at least he showed off
enough arm strength to keep the critics at bay. Last week, A.J. Green
had a pair of catches for 40-plus yards. If he has time to set up and
throw, he could add more long passes to his stat sheets. I just don't
know if you can trust him.
I'd rather start: Joe Flacco, EJ Manuel
Giovani Bernard, RB, Bengals: My projection: 7 FPTS
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals: My projection: 4 FPTS
Bernard
had over 20 yards of offense called back because of penalties. That
wouldn't have made him any more prolific of a stat producer in Week 1
but it probably did show the coaches what they already know: Bernard has
slick moves, Green-Ellis doesn't. However, this doesn't seem like the
week the changing of the guard takes place in the Bengals backfield.
I'd
rather start: DeAngelo Williams, Joique Bell
Jets at Patriots, Thu., 8:25 p.m. ET
Because of injuries, this could be one of those rare moments where the Patriots use the run to set up the pass. With the top receivers being Julian Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins, the Pats might choose to lean on the ground game first, then attack with the pass. Wouldn't be a radical change of game plans for them: They've had 30-plus carries from running backs in three of their last four against the Jets.
No-brainers: Tom Brady
Bilal Powell, RB, Jets: My projection: 6 FPTS
Chris Ivory, RB, Jets: My projection: 6 FPTS
Another week
where the going will be tough for these two. The Patriots struggled with
the Bills backs but they logged 30 total carries. There's no chance the
Jets will let Powell and Ivory get that much work.
I'd rather
start: Lamar Miller, Fred Jackson
Kellen Winslow, TE, Jets: My projection: 7 FPTS
K2 has
become fast friends with Geno Smith as
evidenced by his eight targets last week. If you're desperate at tight
end or PPR Flex then Winslow could be a candidate for 7-10 Fantasy
points thanks to his reps and targets.
I'd rather start: Dallas Clark, Brent Celek
Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: My projection: 9 FPTS
The
Jets had mixed results vs. Ridley last year (4.3 rush avg., one TD). It
will be interesting to see just how many defenders they throw at him. So
long as he doesn't fumble he'll play a minimum of 35 snaps.
Flow
chart: Darren Sproles > Chris Johnson > Stevan Ridley > David Wilson > Frank Gore
Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots: My projection: 13 FPTS
Kenbrell Thompkins, WR, Patriots: My projection: 11 FPTS
Figure
both receivers to rotate all over the field and provide some single
coverage matchups against linebackers, safeties and pretty much any
cornerback not named Cromartie. Edelman was very productive on nine
targets last week; Thompkins was given lots of chances last week (two
targets into the end zone, three deep targets) and the Pats don't have
much of a choice but to keep him involved with so many others hurt.
I'd
start them over: Eric Decker, Anquan Boldin
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