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Week 2 Rankings | Week 2 PPR Rankings | Week 2 Projections
Week 1 featured the failings of many top Fantasy Football options. We hope Week 2 will bring more rewards for the stars.
At quarterback, Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers had less Fantasy points than Matt Cassel. Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, Adrian Peterson and Eddie Lacy were outplayed by Chris Ivory, Isaiah Crowell, Darren Sproles and Justin Forsett. And Allen Hurns was the second-best Fantasy receiver in the first week. Hey, at least Calvin Johnson was better.
We obviously had some great performances from many big-name players. Matt Ryan, Matthew Stafford and Andrew Luck were awesome, and Marshawn Lynch, Le'Veon Bell and DeMarco Murray exceeded expectations. Cordarrelle Patterson showed he was worth the hype -- as a rusher -- and Antonio Brown showed he's matchup proof against Joe Haden. And Julius Thomas and Vernon Davis stayed perched on top of the tight end heap.
Week 2 will bring more great performances and some disappointing finishes. Let's just hope however it works out your Fantasy team comes away with a victory.
Start of the Week: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Dolphins
Knowshon Moreno was left for the Fantasy wasteland when the preseason started. He was out of shape and dealing with a knee injury, and he was treated more like Beanie Wells and BenJarvus Green-Ellis than someone who was a Top 5 running back in 2013.
Things started to change for him with a strong performance in the third preseason game against Dallas, and then came Week 1. Moreno dominated the Patriots at home with 24 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown, even though Lamar Miller was technically the starter.
Miller may start again in Week 2 at Buffalo, but Moreno is easily the better Fantasy option. There's a good chance Moreno might not make it through the season because of potential knee problems, but when he's healthy and running like he did in Week 1, start him with confidence.
The Bills just allowed Matt Forte to gain 173 total yards in Week 1 (17 carries for 82 yards and eight catches for 87 yards), and last year Buffalo allowed 11 running backs to reach double digits in Fantasy points. Miller will continue to share touches with Moreno, but he should stay hot coming off his strong game against New England last week.
I'm starting Moreno over: Ryan Mathews (vs. SEA), Chris Johnson (at GB), Zac Stacy (at TB), Toby Gerhart (at WAS), Joique Bell (at CAR)
Quarterback
Start 'Em
Colin Kaepernick (vs. CHI): Kaepernick didn't do much in Week 1 at Dallas with only 23 pass attempts, but he made them count with 201 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 11 rushing yards, and the Bears just gave up two total touchdowns to EJ Manuel in Week 1. In the first regular-season game in Levi's Stadium, look for Kaepernick to put on a show, and he's a must-start option this week.
Nick Foles (at IND): Foles got off to a rough start in Week 1 against the Jaguars with three turnovers in the first half, but he rebounded nicely in the second half with two touchdowns. In total, he finished with 322 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception and two fumbles. He could have a similar performance this week at the Colts, but this should be an entertaining matchup. Indianapolis doesn't have a great pass rush to harass Foles, and the Colts just allowed three touchdowns to Peyton Manning. I still like Foles as a quality starter this week.
Tony Romo (at TEN): Romo was miserable against the 49ers in Week 1 with three interceptions, and he finished with just 11 Fantasy points. But one thing to note was he had one interception in the end zone, and if he converted that touchdown he would have finished with 19 Fantasy points, giving no one cause for concern. I'm sticking with him this week against the Titans, who weren't tested last week against the Chiefs and that inept passing game. The Cowboys will rebound this week on offense, with Romo leading the way.
Jake Locker (vs. DAL): Most Fantasy owners don't need to rely on Locker this week as a starter outside of two-quarterback leagues, but I like him ahead of Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III, among others. He played great in Week 1 against the Chiefs with 266 passing yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, and he also added 14 rushing yards. Go back to last season when he had at least 18 Fantasy points in three of his first four games, and you can expect another hot start this year. With the Cowboys showing their struggles against Kaepernick, we'll gamble on Locker as a starting option in Week 2.
Andy Dalton (vs. ATL): Dalton will be looking to keep his 20-point Fantasy streak in the regular season alive in Week 2 against the Falcons. He has five games in a row with at least 20 Fantasy points after he had 301 passing yards and a touchdown and a two-point conversion in Week 1 at Baltimore. Dalton has been great at home of late with at least 20 Fantasy points in his past three games going back to last year. And the Falcons allowed seven of eight quarterbacks on the road last season to score multiple touchdowns, with Matt Flynn the lone passer who failed to do so as the replacement for the injured Rodgers.
Sleepers
Russell Wilson (at SD): Hopefully he can stay hot on the road.Carson Palmer (at NYG): He should remain productive after a big Week 1.
Ryan Tannehill (at BUF): The "Lazor Show" looked good in Week 1 at home.
Sit 'Em
Cam Newton (vs. DET): It's a good thing Newton is back this week against the Lions after missing Week 1 at Tampa Bay with injured ribs, and hopefully he doesn't suffer a setback. But I'm nervous for him this week against what should be a dominant front by the Lions coming after that suspect offensive line. While the Lions don't have a good secondary, they should harass Newton and make things tough for him to succeed. It was matchups like this that made my wary of him this season, and he'll need a big game from his offensive line to play well. I don't see it happening, so he's just a No. 2 option this week.Ben Roethlisberger (at BAL): Roethlisberger had the kind of game I expected in Week 1 against Cleveland where he would be solid but not a Top 12 Fantasy quarterback, and he finished at No. 13 with 18 points. I expect a similar kind of game this week on Thursday night. In his past five meetings with the Ravens, Roethlisberger has just one game with multiple touchdowns, which was last year at Baltimore in Week 13 when he scored 23 Fantasy points. But on the short week, we don't expect Roethlisberger to post similar stats, and he should again finish outside of the Top 12 quarterbacks.
Philip Rivers (vs. SEA): Rivers got off to a poor start in Week 1 at Arizona with 14 Fantasy points on 238 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception. He should struggle again in Week 2 against the Seahawks. Now, Seattle isn't the same dominating force on the road like at home, but the Seahawks still crush their opponents. Matt Schaub and Andrew Luck were the only quarterbacks to score at least 20 Fantasy points against Seattle last year, and both happened on the road. Rivers also lost center Nick Hardwick (neck) for the season, and he's not worth trusting in most leagues for Week 2.
Robert Griffin III (vs. JAC): If I were to tell you Griffin completed 29-of-37 passes in Week 1 at Houston you would have expected huge stats. But Griffin was limited to just 267 passing yards with no touchdowns, and he rushed for just 2 yards. We hope the Redskins let Griffin play with a little bit more freedom, but we need to see it happen first before Fantasy owners can trust him. Even with a favorable matchup against the Jaguars at home, we can't recommend starting Griffin in most formats this week. Once he proves he can play at a high level again then Fantasy owners can consider starting him.
Joe Flacco (vs. PIT): We love it when our quarterbacks throw a lot, and Flacco attempted 62 passes in Week 1 against Cincinnati. He only completed 35 of them for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and the touchdown came off a broken play to Steve Smith, who stiff-armed a defender for an 80-yard score. Flacco hasn't thrown for multiple touchdowns against the Steelers in his past five outings and has just four touchdowns, one interception and two fumbles over that span. Based on quarterback play on Thursday nights, it's easy to sit Flacco in most formats with this matchup.
Bust alert: Jay Cutler (at SF): I like that Cutler will likely be throwing a lot in this game with the Bears expected to be chasing points, but he's potentially down two offensive linemen with Roberto Garza and Matt Slauson both battling high ankle sprains. Along with that, Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) are hurt coming off the Week 1 loss against Buffalo, and Cutler can't survive without his top two targets. The 49ers defense was solid against the Cowboys in Week 1 with three interceptions, and you can expect Cutler to get turnover happy in this matchup on the road.
Running back
Start 'Em
Shonn Greene (vs. DAL): At some point this season we expect to see rookie Bishop Sankey take over as the starter for the Titans, but Greene holds that job now. And he ran well in Week 1 at Kansas City with 15 carries for 71 yards. He offers little in the passing game, and the Titans have said they will use Sankey, Dexter McCluster and Leon Washington as part of their weekly game plan. But Greene has the best chance to work at the goal line and lead the team in carries, which is a good thing in a matchup with the Cowboys. Greene is a solid option in all standard leagues.
C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson (vs. MIA): The Dolphins could be down three starting linebackers for this game with Dannell Ellerbe (hip) on injured reserve, Koa Misi (ankle) in a walking boot and Philip Wheeler (thumb) wearing a cast. That should allow the Bills to run the ball with success, and Spiller and Jackson should benefit coming off solid Week 1 outings at the Bears. Spiller had 15 carries for 53 yards and three catches for 11 yards and a touchdown, and Jackson had seven carries for 61 yards and three catches for 13 yards, including a 38-yard run to set up the winning field goal in overtime. Spiller has Top 20 potential this week since he'll get the most touches, and Jackson is a solid flex option.
Rashad Jennings (vs. ARI): The Cardinals run defense is going to be tough, and Jennings will find it hard to make plays on the ground. But he's the main show for the Giants, and he showed he could have success against a tough Lions defense with his performance in Week 1. Jennings had just 16 carries for 46 yards at Detroit, but he scored a touchdown from the 1-yard line. He also added four catches for 50 yards on five targets, and he had 20 touches compared to just five for Andre Williams. Arizona also allowed Ryan Mathews to gain 60 total yards and a touchdown last week at home so don't fear using Jennings in this matchup.
Frank Gore (vs. CHI): The Bears run defense was expected to be improved this season, and they did a good job holding Spiller to 3.5 yards per carry. But Jackson was at 8.7, and even Anthony Dixon had five carries for 60 yards. Gore was good in Week 1 at Dallas, but he underperformed as the Start of the Week with just 16 carries for 66 yards while Carlos Hyde scored a touchdown. We'll stand by Gore again this week, and he makes for a solid No. 2 running back or flex option this week.
Shane Vereen (at MIN): The Patriots plan to lean on Vereen as their primary running back, which was evidenced in Week 1 at Miami when he played 61 snaps compared to 21 for Stevan Ridley. Vereen did well with seven carries for 36 yards and a touchdown and five catches for 35 yards, and he should post a similar stat line against the Vikings. Minnesota in Week 1 limited the Rams running back duo of Zac Stacy and Benny Cunningham, who combined for 16 carries for 64 yards and five catches for 38 yards. But Vereen's ability as a receiver should be needed against a tough Minnesota front seven. He should be started in all leagues this week.
Sleepers
Terrance West (vs. NO): No Ben Tate gives West the chance to shine.
Danny Woodhead (vs. SEA): He'll be used with a lot of dump-off
passes.
Justin Forsett (vs. PIT):
He and Bernard Pierce could both do
well here.
Ahmad Bradshaw (vs.
PHI): He might replace Trent Richardson
this week.
Carlos Hyde (vs. CHI):
The rookie could get extra run in garbage time.
Sit 'Em
Ryan Mathews (vs. SEA): As you'll see with most of the running backs listed here, it's hard to bench someone like Mathews in the majority of leagues. He's coming off a solid performance against a tough defense with the Cardinals, and he finished with 12 Fantasy points in a standard league. But this matchup against the Seahawks is tougher, especially with Hardwick out. The Seahawks were doing a good job against Eddie Lacy before he got hurt in Week 1 with just 12 carries for 34 yards and three catches for 11 yards, and Seattle has only allowed one running back to reach double digits in Fantasy points in the past eight games, which was Frank Gore in Week 14 last year. The last time they allowed a rushing touchdown was Week 7 last year. Be cautious with Mathews this week.
Zac Stacy (at TB): Stacy sharing touches with Cunningham is frustrating, and it's hard to expect him to get into a rhythm like we saw last season when he was the featured option in the backfield. Tampa Bay's run defense is good but not great, and the Buccaneers allowed DeAngelo Williams to gain 72 yards on 14 carries in Week 1. We'd love to see Stacy do at least that, but he was held to 11 carries for 43 yards in Week 1 against Minnesota at home. And with the Rams possibly starting Austin Davis at quarterback with Shaun Hill (quad) banged up, it makes it even more daunting to trust Stacy this week because Tampa Bay will definitely stack the line of scrimmage.
Stevan Ridley (at MIN): I'm not ready to give up on Ridley yet, but his Week 1 performance was troubling. He had just eight carries for 21 yards at Miami, and the best thing we can say about him is he didn't fumble. He could score a touchdown against the Vikings, but he lost out on a 2-yard touchdown to Vereen. And the Vikings just did a solid job in stopping the Rams' ground game on the road. Keep Ridley stashed on your bench, and we expect him to start producing soon, possibly as early as Week 3 against Oakland.
Steven Jackson (at CIN): Jackson actually ran well against the Saints in Week 1 with 4.3 yards per carry on 12 carries for 52 yards. He only had three games in 2013 where he averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry. But the problem for Jackson is the Falcons used all four running backs against New Orleans with Jacquizz Rodgers, Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith, with Rodgers and Smith scoring touchdowns. The Bengals are going to be a formidable opponent for most running backs, and Jackson just isn't trustworthy enough for Fantasy owners to use in Week 2.
Joique Bell (at CAR): The Panther gave up a receiving touchdown to Bobby Rainey in Week 1, but he lost a fumble and failed to reach double digits in Fantasy points when he took over for the injured Doug Martin (knee). The Panthers have now gone seven games in a row without allowing a rushing touchdown, and only one running back has reached double digits in Fantasy points over that span, which was Atlanta backup Jason Snelling in Week 17. Bell was solid in Week 1 with 15 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown and one catch for 5 yards against the Giants. But if he doesn't score a touchdown this week against the Panthers then his Fantasy production could be minimal, which is what we're expecting to happen this week.
Bust alert: Chris Johnson (at GB): Johnson was great in his first game with the Jets against the Raiders in Week 1. He had 13 carries for 68 yards and five catches for 23 yards and a touchdown. We'll find out if he can play at a high level again this week, but I'm expecting the Packers to blast the Jets after Green Bay was embarrassed in Week 1 at Seattle. If the Jets are chasing points, it will be interesting to see how Johnson does running ball, while he also mixes in with Chris Ivory. Also, we could see more of Bilal Powell on passing downs even though that didn't happen in Week 1. Johnson is hard to bench, especially coming off his Week 1 outing, but I'm nervous he could be limited in what should be a Green Bay blowout victory.
Wide receiver
Start 'Em
Reggie Wayne, T.Y. Hilton and Hakeem Nicks (vs. PHI): I like all three Colts receivers this week to varying degrees. Wayne should be considered a must-start option. In Week 1 at Denver, Wayne showed no ill effects of last year's torn ACL with team-highs in catches (nine), yards (98) and targets (13). Hilton is a solid starting option as well. He was limited in Week 1 to five catches for 41 yards on 10 targets, but he's typically better indoors during his young career. And Nicks had five catches against the Broncos for 36 yards and a touchdown on five targets, and he should be a No. 3 receiver. All three should play well against a struggling secondary for the Eagles, which just allowed 266 passing yards and two touchdowns to the Jaguars.
Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter (vs. DAL): Like the Colts, both main receivers for the Titans should do well this week based on their matchup against the Cowboys. Wright is one touchdown away from matching his total from 2013 after he had six catches for 46 yards and a touchdown at Kansas City in Week 1. He was second on the team in targets with seven, but Hunter had eight to go with three catches for 63 yards. The Cowboys only allowed 12 catches for 157 yards to San Francisco's receivers last week, with Anquan Boldin doing most of the damage with eight catches for 99 yards. But Wright and Hunter should have the chance for more production, and we like Wright as a No. 2 receiver in all leagues, with Hunter a No. 3 option with upside.
Jeremy Maclin (at IND): The 68-yard touchdown Maclin had in Week 1 against the Jaguars was nice, but it came on busted coverage in the second half. He finished the game with four catches for 97 yards and the score, but the good news was he had a team-high 10 targets and felt fine in his first game since 2012 because of a torn ACL. He takes on a Colts defense this week that didn't allow a touchdown to a receiver in Week 1 at Denver, as Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders combined for 10 catches for 125 yards, but they were close to scoring a couple of times. We expect Maclin to capitalize on his chances against the Colts, and he's a solid starting option in all formats.
Brandin Cooks (at CLE): It was nice to see Cooks play well in his first NFL game in Week 1 at Atlanta with seven catches for 77 yards and a touchdown on eight targets and one carry for 18 yards. He now has to prove that wasn't a fluke. It will be interesting to see what the Browns do with Joe Haden, and if he follows someone around the field. It's not cut and dry because he could get matched up with Jimmy Graham or Marques Colston. We hope Cooks can avoid Haden, but it might not matter much. Drew Brees is locked in on Cooks, and he should be no worse than a No. 3 receiver or flex option in all formats.
Mike Wallace (at BUF): Wallace avoided Revis Island in Week 1 against the Patriots since Darrelle Revis didn't shadow him the entire time, but it didn't seem to matter. Wallace was locked in with seven catches for 81 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 11 targets. This continued a trend for Wallace since coming to Miami last year that when he's targeted he tends to succeed. Including Week 1, Wallace now has at least eight Fantasy points in eight of 10 games where he has at least nine targets. So, message to Tannehill, get Wallace the ball, and Fantasy owners will be happy.
Sleepers
Kelvin Benjamin (vs. DET): If Newton has time, Benjamin will make plays.Brian Quick (at TB): Quick has quickly become the No. 1 Rams receiver.
Andrew Hawkins (vs. NO): Has already become a potential starter in PPR.
Anquan Boldin (vs. CHI): He's not going away even with Michael Crabtree back.
Jarrett Boykin (vs. NYJ): He won't be a decoy this week against a bad Jets secondary.
Sit 'Em
Dwayne Bowe (at DEN): Bowe returns from his one-game suspension, and he should remain on the bench for most Fantasy owners. He has one game with double digits in Fantasy points against the Broncos in his past five meetings, but it happened to be his last trip to Denver last season when he had four catches for 57 yards and a touchdown. But the Broncos added Aqib Talib this offseason, and he just helped shut down Hilton with five catches for 41 yards on 10 targets. Bowe could always do some damage in garbage time with the Chiefs chasing points, but he's also the same receiver who had double digits in Fantasy points just five times last year and never had more than 70 receiving yards in any game.
Keenan Allen (vs. SEA): This is as tough a two-game stretch as any receiver will likely face this season as Allen went up against Patrick Peterson for the Cardinals in Week 1 and now gets the Legion of Boom in Week 2. We hope the Chargers will keep Allen away from Richard Sherman, especially after Peterson held him to five catches for 37 yards on nine targets. Allen could easily do better than that this week, and the Packers had Jordy Nelson (nine catches for 83 yards) and Randall Cobb (six catches for 58 yards and a touchdown) both do well at Seattle this week with Sherman staying on his side to cover decoy Boykin. Still, Allen could easily have another down stat line based on the matchup, and he should only be viewed as a No. 3 receiver this week.
Victor Cruz (vs. ARI): It will be interesting to see what the Cardinals do with Peterson this week, and if he'll match up with Cruz when he's in the slot. It will likely happen, which means Cruz is in trouble despite asking for more targets this week. Cruz was limited in Week 1 at Detroit with just two catches for 24 yards on six targets. It's well documented that the Giants offense is a mess, and until Eli Manning gets a better grasp of Ben McAdoo's system we can't start Cruz with confidence. He's at best a No. 3 receiver in the majority of leagues.
Eric Decker (at GB): The Jets will likely need Decker more this week than in Week 1 against Oakland as they're probably going to be chasing points against the Packers. We hope that's the case because Decker only had six targets in Week 1, and he finished with five catches for 74 yards. The Packers know stopping Decker will limit the Jets passing attack, and he's a risky starter in most standard leagues. We could still consider Decker as a No. 3 receiver, but don't be surprised if the best he does is a repeat of Week 1 with seven Fantasy points at best.
Steve Smith (vs. PIT): Smith had one of the best highlight plays of Week 1 when he caught an 80-yard touchdown against the Bengals, including a nice stiff-arm to get into the end zone. He tied Dennis Pitta for the team lead in targets with 15, and he finished with seven catches for 118 yards and the score. We hope this isn't Smith's best game of the season, but we also wouldn't be surprised if that's the case. This game should be a slugfest, and Smith could see his Fantasy production drop dramatically. We don't mind stashing Smith, especially in PPR leagues, but don't expect another big performance on Thursday night.
Bust alert: Allen Hurns (at WAS): Hurns is the classic bust alert after his huge debut performance in Week 1 at the Eagles with four catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. He was definitely worth adding in the majority of leagues off the waiver wire, but he shouldn't be started in Week 2. Cecil Shorts (hamstring) could return after missing Week 1, and Hurns would only benefit if Marqise Lee (hamstring) is out this week. There's a lot to like about Hurns, but don't expect his performance in Week 1 to be indicative of his production all season. He's still limited, for now, by Chad Henne, and the Eagles aren't exactly the toughest secondary. We'd be very cautious about starting Hurns as anything more than a No. 3 Fantasy receiver in the majority of leagues.
Tight end
Start 'Em
Delanie Walker (vs. DAL): At least two owners in every 12-team league will be looking for a starter this week if Jordan Cameron (shoulder) and Jordan Reed (hamstring) are out as expected. I have Reed in one league, and I picked up Walker to start against the Cowboys. Dallas gave up two touchdowns in Week 1 to Vernon Davis, and Walker scored last week at the Chiefs. He also scored a touchdown in three of his final four home games in 2013.
Dwayne Allen (vs. PHI): Allen, like Walker, is a great replacement option as a starter this week. He returned in Week 1 at Denver after missing the 2013 season with a hip injury, and he had four catches for 64 yards and a touchdown on five targets. There are a lot of mouths to feed for the Colts, but Allen should be the No. 1 red-zone target. In what could be a shootout, we like Allen as a potential starter, especially if you're without Reed or Cameron.
Greg Olsen (vs. DET): The Panthers used their receivers as expected in Week 1 with Benjamin and Olsen dominating targets, even with Derek Anderson starting for Newton. Olsen led the way with 11 targets and finished with a game-high eight catches for 83 yards and a touchdown. The Lions just gave up a touchdown to Larry Donnell in Week 1, and Olsen should be heavily involved again now that Newton is back.
Sleepers
Larry Donnell (vs. ARI): A dream matchup since Arizona can't stop tight ends.Charles Clay (at BUF): He scored vs. the Bills in one meeting last year.
Travis Kelce (at DEN): Andy Reid needs to get him more involved this week.
Sit 'Em
Antonio Gates (vs. SEA): Gates was able to play through a hamstring injury in Week 1 at Arizona, and he took advantage of the matchup as expected with six catches for 81 yards on 10 targets. He also outplayed Ladarius Green, who was used mostly as a blocker when he was on the field. This should be a much tougher matchup against the Seahawks, and Gates continues to be limited in practice with the hamstring problem.
Eric Ebron (at CAR): Ebron heads into Week 2 looking for his first catch after missing out in Week 1 against the Giants. He did have three targets, including one in the red zone, but his lack of involvement is troubling, even this early in the season. The Panthers weren't the best team at defending tight ends last year, and Tampa Bay did have its three tight ends (Brandon Myers, Austin Seferian-Jenkins and Luke Stocker) combine for eight catches for 75 yards. But until we see Ebron become more of a factor for the Lions we can't recommend using him even in the deepest of leagues.
Heath Miller (at BAL): The Browns made it a point to try and limit Miller in Week 1, and he finished with just three catches for 26 yards on four targets. He was tied for fourth in targets with Justin Brown behind Markus Wheaton, Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown, and we expect the Ravens to use a similar game plan. Miller does have at least seven Fantasy points in his past three meetings with Baltimore, but the Ravens only allowed two tight ends to reach double digits in Fantasy points in their past 17 games.
Bust alert: Martellus Bennett (at SF): The 49ers did a great job in taking away Jason Witten in Week 1 at Dallas, holding him to two catches for 14 yards on six targets. They could do something similar to Bennett, who was once again solid in Week 1 against Buffalo with eight catches for 70 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Bennett could be needed more in the passing game if Marshall and Jeffery are less than 100 percent, but he also could be needed to block with the offensive line woes. You can start Bennett if needed based on the tight end landscape this week, but we don't expect him to be a Top 12 option with this matchup.
Defense/Special teams
Start 'Em
Packers (vs. NYJ): Even though Geno Smith played well in Week 1 against the Raiders he still threw an interception and lost a fumble. And that was at home against a lowly opponent. The Packers are coming off an embarrassing loss at Seattle in the first game of the season, and they should be fired up in their building. If the game goes as expected with the Packers building a lead and forcing Smith to throw, a turnover or two is likely. The Packers make for a solid streaming option this week based on the matchup.Sleepers
Texans (at OAK): J.J. Watt will make things tough for Derek Carr.
Buccaneers (vs. STL): It's Week 2 and STL is
already on its third QB.
Saints (at CLE): Hopefully this
defense does better than the Steelers.
Sit 'Em
Bears (at SF): The Bears defense was expected to improve this season, but they struggled at home in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Bills, which included 193 rushing yards. The 49ers, meanwhile, put aside their preseason woes and dominated the Cowboys in a 28-17 victory at Dallas. This is the first regular-season game at Levi's Stadium, and the 49ers will likely put on a show, with the Bears defense providing minimal resistance. Any Fantasy owners who had hope in the Bears DST this season should move on, especially in this matchup.
Kicker
Start 'Em
Brandon McManus (vs. KC): McManus wasn't asked to do much in his NFL debut against the Colts in Week 1 with one field goal and four extra points. It could be a similar outing against the Chiefs this week, but if he gets multiple field goals on top of the expected four-plus extra points then we're looking at a double-digit Fantasy performance. I'll gamble on that, especially after the Chiefs just allowed Ryan Succop to kick four field goals against them at home in Week 1 with two extra points.
Sleepers
Shaun Suisham (at BAL): Has multiple field goals in three
of past five vs. BAL.
Mike Nugent
(vs. ATL): He's worth using after five field goals in Week 1.
Shayne Graham (at CLE): Hopefully the Saints offense doesn't stall
outdoors.
Sit 'Em
Nick Novak (vs. SEA): Points are going to be hard to come by for the Chargers in this matchup against the Seahawks, even at home. Novak had just one field goal and two extra points in Week 1 at Arizona, and Seattle held Mason Crosby to one field goal and one extra point last week. Novak was drafted as a No. 1 kicker this season, but he's someone to drop based on the matchup. You should be able to add him soon, whether it's for Week 3 at Buffalo or Week 4 against the Jets. Those are much better situations to use him as your starting option.
Full Disclosure: Week 1
Our first week of Start 'Em and Sit 'Em was good, but it could have been better. If only Gore didn't lose a touchdown to Hyde then he would have been stellar.
Not having Gore finish as a starting option -- he was the No. 36 running back in standard leagues -- left a bad feeling in my stomach, which otherwise was positive. We hit on a lot of our predictions.
Kaepernick, Cutler and Wilson were good quarterback starts, Chris Johnson, Bell, Mark Ingram and Vereen did well at running back and Patterson and Maclin were stars at receiver. We also had Zach Ertz as a Top 5 tight end.
Among the sleepers, we had big performances from Palmer, Locker, Moreno, Wayne, Terrance Williams, Cooks, Bennett and Allen. And our good sit calls were Rodgers, Hilton and Allen, among others.
We missed on a few as well, with Romo, Decker and Gerhart struggling as starters, and Jennings, Benjamin and Wallace exceeding expectations. And the 49ers DST, which was a sit, finished No. 3 in Fantasy points in a standard league.
Overall, it was a good Week 1, as yours truly finished No. 1 among 130-plus Fantasy experts in the industry based on my rankings, according to Fantasy Pros. Not a bad first week, but the pressure is on to stay on top. Let's hope we stay there, along with your Fantasy teams.
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| Player | Fantasy Pts. (proj.) | Fantasy Pts. (actual) | Pos. rank | |
| Frank Gore, RB, 49ers | 15 | 6 | 36 | |
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| Mark Ingram, RB, Saints | 11 | 18 | 4 | |
| Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings | 15 | 18 | 4 | |
| Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles | 13 | 15 | 7 | |
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| Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers | 20 | 11 | 29 | |
| T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts | 7 | 4 | 57 | |
| Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers | 8 | 3 | 70 | |
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| Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys | 22 | 11 | 28 | |
| Eric Decker, WR, Jets | 12 | 7 | 42 | |
| Toby Gerhart, RB, Jaguars | 13 | 5 | 41 | |
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| Rashad Jennings, RB, Giants | 7 | 15 | 9 | |
| Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers | 7 | 15 | 8 | |
| Mike Wallace, WR, Dolphins | 6 | 12 | 12 | |
