Quarterbacks
Start: Matt Stafford vs Kansas City
Ryan Fitzpatrick and company annihilated the Kansas City defense last week. Now Stafford and his talented Lions get their shot to put up great numbers. Look for a big week and number 1 quarterback production from Stafford.
Start: Rex Grossman vs Arizona
Any time Rex Grossman is being recommended to start, I get a knot in my stomach. While he certainly has big potential against the defense that rookie Cam Newton trounced, Grossman is still Grossman. But if you don't have an elite QB option, there is no reason not to go with Grossman. Be aware, many of his great weeks in Chicago were followed by some of the worst quarterback play ever seen.
Sit: Josh Freeman at Minnesota
Freeman is generally a safe 15 point option week in and week out. While he may come close this week, I have reservations with his slot receiver Sammie Stroughter not playing. There is a low ceiling for Freeman and it is advisable to start someone with more upside for this matchup.
Sit: Sam Bradford at New York Giants
The Rams offense had one of the worst injury weeks I have ever seen to start a season. Bradford's trusty option in Danny Amendola is gone and Steven Jackson is looking iffy. Bradford himself is still recovering and should not be trusted at this point. I'd rather start Chad Henne and Kyle Orton this week.
Running Backs
Start: Tim Hightower vs Arizona
Coach Shanahan worked Hightower last week and got solid production from the former Cardinal. Look for more success and 20 plus carries for Hightower against the pitiful Arizona defense.
Start: Cedric Benson at Denver
Benson found success against Cleveland last week and should be able to do the same against Denver. Benson is a lock for 20 plus carries and will be looking to take the load of off Cincinnati quarterbacks. I am seeing another 100 yard game and at least one touchdown.
Start: Jahvid Best vs Kansas City
Best is still healthy. Thank God. Kansas City's defense may be set up for allowing big yards every week at this point. In PPR leagues, Best is especially valuable, but just as much so in standard leagues. His big play potential makes him a fairly low risk start this week with a great chance for a breakout game.
Sit: LeGarrette Blount at Minnesota
Minnesota's run defense is not as feared as in the past, but they still boast one of the better, more physical defensive lines. I think it will be tough for Blount to produce especially with the amount of carries he got last week. If his production doesn't change soon, I'd be very cautious with Blount for the rest of this year.
Bust Alert: Chris Johnson vs Baltimore
I would not advise anyone to actually sit their first round pick, but if you have that gut feeling that I do, I would be cautious. Johnson struggled mightily against the weak Jags defense and now faces the tough Ravens defense. Johnson is still an elite, but I suspect that missing camp time may hinder his season.
Wide Receivers
Start: Steve Smith vs Green Bay
Smith was revitalized with Newton throwing his way and will find success against the struggling Packers' defense. Whether or not struggling is the word for the Packers that faced the powerful Saints, I still believe that Smith will find some openings.
Start: Anquan Boldin at Tennessee
I expect Boldin to return to being an elite this year with the constantly improving Joe Flacco. With Lee Evans providing a needed speed threat, Boldin will be able to get open in the middle of the field. He had a solid week 1 and has a great matchup this week against the Titans.
Start: Devery Henderson vs Chicago
Henderson is one of the most inconsistent fantasy performers as his success depends on 80 yard bombs. But against a slow Chicago seconday, Henderson has big play potential for this week. With Colston out, expect more targets and a big week from Henderson.
Sit: Dwayne Bowe at Detroit
Matt Cassel simply is not that good. As a result, Bowe will suffer. Last year's numbers will be a far cry from this season as Kansas City appears to be in for a long season.
Tight Ends
Start: Greg Olsen vs Green Bay
Green Bay has struggled with big, athletic tight ends and Olsen fits that criteria. Jimmy Graham found modest success against the Pack and Olsen should too.
Start: Owen Daniels at Miami
A disappointing week 1 for Owen Daniels' owners may drop one's opinion of him. But now with Kevin Walter out, Daniels will become a much larger part of the offense. He got rave reviews this off-season and looks healthy and ready to go. He does have elite potential and after we saw what the New England tight ends do, you should be very, very excited.
Bust alert: Dallas Clark vs Cleveland
Kerry Collins' play did not affect Reggie Wayne nearly as much as Dallas Clark. Collins may eventually lean on his athletic tight end, but it will be a bumpy road. Despite a favorable matchup, I would be cautious with Clark. While he is still elite, I would not be against benching Clark from time to time this year.
Defenses
Start: Detroit Lions vs Kansas City
When Buffalo shuts down a team, things look optimistic. Detroit's ferocious defensive line should feast in this matchup. Start 'em!
Sit: Chicago Bears at New Orleans Saints
This game is in New Orleans. Drew Brees is their quarterback. Nuff said. Don't start Chicago.
No comments:
Post a Comment