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Last week, I decided not to write up a start and sits fantasy football post until we got some season stats under our belts. Now that we are in week 2, we can finally start digging in. I love fantasy football, it is one of my favorite games. This weekly start/sit article is really enjoyable to me, it is one of the first column to say that I ever wrote for his site. I primary write Fantasy Nascar posts for this site, but fantasy football is what got me started here at Timerssports. But heck fantasy sports always been pretty personal to me. I like to think of it as a distraction to get away from reality. Even if it just for a Sunday. I am so excited about this fantsay football season. I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck this week. Alright let's get started!
Also remember to check out my William's Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
Week 2 Start/Sits -
Starts:
Quarterbacks -
Matthew Stafford - I love Matthew Stafford in the Cooter system, he have been simply awesome since Bob Cooter has taken over. Since week 9 of last season, he's ranked as a top 5 fantasy scorer. He took full advantage of a weak and thin Indianapolis defense. Guess what? He has another juicy matchup this weekend against a questionable Titans offense. In week 1, the Titans fair very well against a lackluster Minnesota offense. Bad news for the Titans though. They allowed the 4th-most fantasy points per game (23.8) with the 3rd-most touchdown allowed (34). Since week 9 of last season, he has scored 23 Touchdown passes. You can feel good about employing Stafford this week and going forward.
Carson Palmer - Palmer didn't have a bad outing vs New England. He was alright overall with a couple of touchdown tosses, but the offense wasn't ever on the same page for back-to-back series in my opinion. They would have one really good drive and follow it up a dud the next. I think Palmer and co will find even more success against the Bucs. The Bucs allowed the 8th-most fantasy points last week to the Atlanta Falcons offense. With a couple of passing touchdowns through the air and 330+ yards to Matt Ryan. No disrespect to Matt Ryan, but Carson Palmer has a far better offense and is much better quarterback as well. I fully expect him to shred apart the Tampa Bay secondary!
Eli Manning - Eli Manning may be one of the most underrated fantasy Quarterbacks in the NFL, he may not be the flashy or sexiest product. However, he will get the results more often than not. Manning finished as a top 10 scorer a year ago, in fact he scored the 7th most fantasy points per game (22.8). He also nearly collected 4500 yards and 35 Touchdowns. So many people don't get what type of a solid fantasy producer he is, but he showed why he was last week. Throwing three touchdown passes to three different weapons in the New York's offense. And he has some great weapons on the outside in Odell Beckham Jr and Sterling Shepard. If they are covered? You have Victor Cruz and tight ends of Will Tye and the always touchdown hungry Larry Donnell. Point being? There are more than enough options for Eli Manning to torch defenses all season. This weekend, they will face the New Orleans defense. A defense that have put ugly numbers in recent seasons as well. They allowed a lead-high 45 Touchdowns last season and the 2nd-most yards at nearly 4800 yards. They also allowed the most fantasy points overall (469.9) and the highest per game at 29.1. The second-highest average was at 24.5. That's a huge difference. This defense is not much improved, as they were shredded by Darek Carr and the Oakland Raiders in week 1. Manning will have no problem with passing against them.
Running Backs -
C.J Anderson - Anderson is clearly the top back in the Denver's run-first offense and showed why he was considered a top fantasy running back headed into last season. As he destroyed the Carolina's defense for 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns. And that was suppose to be a difficult matchup for him too. On the other hand, the Indianapolis defense is a mess. They were man-handled by the Detroit Lions and the their running attack. The Lions could run up the middle. left or right. It didn't really matter, whatever they wanted to do they seemed to gain yards. Nothing new for the Colt's run defense though. Last season they allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game (18.8) with nearly 1700 yards (little over 100 yards per game) and 12 Touchdown (about 1.8 Touchdowns per contest). I think Anderson will get about 17 to 20 touches for least 100 yards and a couple touchdowns!
Jeremy Langford - I wasn't super high on Langford headed into the season, I thought he got lucky last season with his opportunities. However, after last week it is pretty clear he is the feature back in week 1 vs the Texans. In fantasy football, it is all about value and number of opportunities. Just like when Matt Forte was the feature back in Chicago, Langford will see enough carries to be least a very solid RB2 in most fantasy formats. In week 2, he will face an Eagles defense which haven't exactly fair well against the run. Last season, they struggled pretty bad. As he they gave up the 5th-most fantasy points per game (21.7) and allowed the most yards in the league at 1930. Which is about 120 yards per contest. Guess what? They were ran all over in week 1 by the Cleveland Browns. Yes the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland scored 18.8 fantasy points on 84 yards rushing (with 44 yards through air to Rbs) and a touchdown. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, just 84 rushing yards. But then you realize that Cleveland was playing from behind and only had 15 rushing attempts. Only three other teams rushed less times and they all were in big holes early too. Also they were playing stout run defenses as well. The Eagles however are not very stout. Langford will eat good on Monday night and so will his owners!
Rashad Jennings -Jennings was the feature back vs the Cowboys as he carried the ball 18 times for 75 yards. The Cowboys aren't anything special when it comes to stopping the run, but it was still good to see Jennings get good production from his carries. Even though it wasn't nothing to headline about. In week 2, he will face a very poor New Orleans defense. Last week, the Raiders ran all over the Saints defense. Despite, the Saints grabbing a pretty early lead. The Raider scored 38.2 fantasy points with 150 yards on the ground and 3 rushing Touchdowns by 3 different running backs. When you get scored on by three different backs, you know you are doing something wrong. Nothing new for this defense though. They allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points per game last season at 23.0 per game. With the 2nd-most yards allowed at 1857 (little under 120 yards per game). If Jennings get 15 to 20 touches vs this defense, he will go off for 100 yards easily and probably find the endzone a couple times as well. He should be played in all formats as he will get rewarded this week vs one of the worst defenses in the league.
Wide Receivers -
Julian Edelman - Even with Rob Gronkowski back in the starting lineup, you can expect the Pats to heavily depend on Edelman. I would say that is even more true than ever before. The Pats will want Gronk healthy when Brady comes back, so they may make a gameplan which is less depended on Gronk and more featured around Edelman and the other weapons. Even though, I wouldn't be shocked if they threw often towards Gronk, either. It doesn't matter because Julian will get his fair share of balls. Jimmy G loves throwing Edelman way, much like Brady does. Against the Cardinals he thrown to early and often. In the first Quarter alone, he caught 3 passes in the first couple drives. It was pretty obvious that they would be looking towards him often. He ended the night with 7 catches on 7 targets for about 76 yards. He didn't find the endzone though. In week 2, I don't really expect anything different. He will be one of the feature options in the passing game and long as it is a fair close game, then I think the Pats will be passing the ball. Much like they did in week 1 vs the Cardinals. I expect 6 catches on 8 targets for 82 and a score from Edelman this weekend vs the Dolphins
Marvin Jones - Jones was only able to haul in 4 passes but turned it into 80+ yards on 10 targets. Not only did he have 80+ yards, which was a team-high. But he also led the team in targets (10), over teammate and oppose Wide out Golden Tate. I thought week 1 for Jones was going to be huge, as it would tell us what to expect from his role. In the preseason, the reports were that Stafford loves throwing to Jones and has great chemistry. Those reports weren't made up either, as Stafford looked towards one of his newest weapon on offense. The Lions offense is designed to spread the ball around, but I have a feeling he will be looking Jones little more often than rest of his options. In week 2, Jones should be able to do whatever he wants against a pretty questionable Titans defense. Who allowed Diggs to have 107 yards and a score. No disrespect to Diggs, but Jones is a far better player in a much better offense. He will have himself a big day in my opinion.
DeSean Jackson - Jackson had a very solid season opener against the Steelers, as he had 102 yards with 6 catches on a team-high 10 targets. Outside of Jordan Reed, he is by far the top receiving option in the Washington's offense. And in week 2, he will play a questionable Dallas defense who haven't been known to shut down offense. In fact, just last week they allowed multiple touchdown passes from the Giants offense. In fact, 2 different wide receivers scored on them and his name wasn't Odell Beckham Jr. When the 2nd and 3rd best offense players are doing the scoring, then you know you are doing something wrong on defense. The Cowboys allowed nearly 14 yards per catch vs the Cowboys WRs last week. Jackson shouldn't have many problems producing a solid stat line, especially if the game remains close throughout the first half and into the second
Tight Ends -
Eric Ebron - I am pretty high on the Detroit offense vs the Tennese defense, so I guess we can add the tight end of Ebron to the party list. He only caught 5 balls on 5 targets for 46 yards and a score vs Indy. In the Lions offense, I believe there will be three very relevant fantasy options in the passing game. They would be Golden Tate, Marvin Jones and you guessed it Eric Ebron. I love Ebron because he much more under the radar than the other two top options. He isn't a flashy tight end, as he won't burn you with staggering speed. But he is the most talented tight end in the Detroit offense in quite awhile. Long as the Lions are passing the football, he will be good enough to have 3 to 5 catches per game and hover with least 50 yards. Any tight end who can do that in this league will be worth being on your roster. This week, you can expect Ebron to take advantage of the Titans.
Antonio Gates - With Allen's season ending injury, I would expect certain players to step up and take charge of this offense. Gates is one of those players. He is one of the few in that passing game, that Rivers trust without question. Obviously there are a couple other options who will get easy targets, but I would expect Gates to be the favorite to get increase in targets now. Behind Allen, he has been Rivers' go-to-guy. Benjamin, Williams and Woodhead will take away some targets his way, but I am not too concerned about that. Chargers love passing the football and I expect them to pass heavily in week 2 vs Jacksonville. The Jags aren't your pushover easy win anymore, the Chargers will have to earn this win this week. So expect a tight contest between the teams, which will lead to a lot of passing in my opinion.
Sits -
Quarterbacks -
Tyrod Taylor - Taylor will have a tough night on Thursday vs the New York defense. They looked impressive vs the Bengals. Despite letting AJ Green go for 180 yards on 12 catches and a touchdown, they did a great job of tossing around Andy Dalton. They sacked him 7 times and that was without their best pass rusher in Sheldon Richardson. Bad news for the Bills as they will have on the field this Thursday. More bad news for Taylor's owners? The Bills will be without their starting Left tackle. It concerning because the Bills offensive line was complete garbage in week 1. On top of that, the Bills top offensive weapon in Sammy Watkins also dealing with foot pain. Early in the week, many thought he would be shut down for the year. Turns out he will play, but you cannot expect much from a offense who best player is basically on one foot. Just stay away from Taylor!
Russell Wilson - I don't hate Russell Wilson this week, but there are some major concerns about him though. He struggled overall vs the Miami Dolphins and just wasn't himself. He did help lead them down the field on a game-winning drive late in the game, but otherwise he looked pretty meh to me. There also is a concern of him with that ankle injury, he says it is nothing. But I am no idiot though. It is bothering him, even if he denies it. That injury may not affect him in terms of taking the field on Sunday, but you have to wonder how much it will limit him though. Wilson loves moving around with the football, escaping the pressure and throwing on the run. This ankle injury may not give him that luxury. Of course I am just guessing, none of us really know the true extent of his injury. Personally I don't think it will limit him too much from his typical stuff. However, the Rams could be a tough matchup. Despite the Rams being embarrassed on Monday night. They only allowed 170 yards through the air and a touchdown. So not like they were garbage. You wouldn't know it, but they allowed the 3rd-fewest passing yards, but the 15th-most fantasy points in week 1. A lot of that is do with they allowed the 2nd-most rushing yards to Quarterbacks in week 1 as well. You can start Wilson if you really want to, but this wouldn't be a bad week to sit him. That given you have another really good Quarterback on your roster, too.
Running Backs -
Jeremy Hill - Hill was heavily depended on touchdown last season and this season may not be any different. Last week vs a tough Jets defense, he wasn't able to gain much on the ground. But that also was because the Bengals had to abandon the run game pretty early in the game. As Cincy had to go to the passing attack often after the first quarter. Hill was able to save his fantasy owners by scoring a touchdown in the 4th Quarter, but he has another tough matchup vs the Steelers this weekend. The Steelers has been extremely tough on running backs lately and Hill haven't ever scored a touchdown vs his AFC North rivalries. Trust me, you see stats like that you are just much better off in staying away. I expect about 12 carries for about 45 yards out of Hill. I think he will get a lot of carries early on, but Cincy will have to go to passing when they fall behind in the second-half of the game.
Frank Gore - Gore wasn't anything special against the Lions, where he only mustered 14 carries for 59 yards. I guess that isn't terrible, but it was against a lackluster Detroit defense. Trust me, the Lions aren't that good of a defense. Especially compared to his week 2 matchup vs the Denver Broncos stout defense. They are much more known for their strong secondary, but when they need to, they can stop the running game. As they did last week vs Carolina. Personally, I don't think there will be much running go on for Indy. As I expect Indy to play from behind before halftime. Big problem with running backs in Indy is, they seem to fall behind on the scoreboard and have to go to the passing game early and often. I think Gore can manage about 60 to 70 yards at max this week. You should probably sit him, as I am sure you have some better option on your bench which can be employed. Especially since I don't see much upside in this matchup.
Wide Receivers -
Sammy Watkins - Sit him folks. Sammy Watkins only had 4 catches in week 1 and was playing on a injured foot. He was able to play through the game, but that was against a softer Baltimore defense. He will not get so lucky on Thrusday night, when he has to make a visit to Revis Island. Some people say that Revis isn't the cornerback he once was. And I call bullshit! He still can be that shutdown that we all remember. And heck anyone who trying to cover AJ Green is going to have trouble. Even for Revis. And even a fully healthy Watkins isn't the player that Green is. I expect Revis to keep Sammy in-check for most of the night. Not that it will matter, as the Jets defense will be in the face of Tyrod Taylor most of the night. So good luck trying to get the ball out. Just sit him and find a new fantasy option to roll with. Also it's never seems to pay off to start someone on Thursday night.
Ty Hilton - So far in his NFL career, it's seems like Hilton is boom or bust. He may be the number 1 wide receiver in Indy. But it doesn't change the fact that, he always seems to be lackluster when he doesn't score a touchdown. Not to say, he doesn't have good non-touchdown games. But he's a speedster. He get down field and make big plays. When he doesn't make big plays, he more often than not won't have that big fantasy points upside. Example, in week 1 he had 12 targets but only was able to haul in 6 catches for 79 yards vs the Lions. The Lions defense is terrible, so if he can only get 79 yards against them. Then he's in trouble vs the Broncos. You can expect the Broncos to put their best players on him throughout the game. It makes for a very tough matchup for him. He might be still good as a WR3 or a flex, but that pretty much it.
Tight Ends -
Jared Cook - I was on the fence about Cook in the offseason, It thought the move to Green Bay was a good one for him. I also thought he would be overhyped as well. And I was right, in week 1 he was only targeted twice by Aaron Rodgers. To be fair, there are a lot of mouths to be fed in Green Bay right now. The pecking order goes: Nelson, Cobb, Adams, then the tight ends. So he is fighting at least 4 other players (who all above him - I will include Richard Rodgers because of chemistry with QB Rodgers), who will take up a lot of targets. Until we see more how the Packers will use their Tight ends, I would recommend that you bench Cook. Starting this week vs the Vikings.
Martellus Bennett - If you are a deeper league, I don't know if you can bench Bennett (12 teams or deeper), but in your basic 10-team leagues I think there will be better options out there. Especially after the complete dud that Bennett dropped on his fantasy owners in week 1. There was Rob Gronkowski, so logically thinking he would have a great game. But nope! He had 4 catches for just 14 yards on 5 targets. Even with Jimmy G as the starter, I expect at least 40 yards from him as the secondary option to Edelman. Instead he was primary used as a blocker for much of the game. In the New England offense, it is always hard to figure out who Bill Belichick will feature. But guessing based off of pure logic, Bennett will be at least third fiddle to Gronk and Edelman. Heck, Bennett may be the 4th or 5th option in this offense. Who knows maybe the Pats just plan to use him as a primary blocking Tight end. Wouldn't surprise me, if that was the case honestly.
***All stats are from FFToday.com
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Twitter - @MattAleza
Last week, I decided not to write up a start and sits fantasy football post until we got some season stats under our belts. Now that we are in week 2, we can finally start digging in. I love fantasy football, it is one of my favorite games. This weekly start/sit article is really enjoyable to me, it is one of the first column to say that I ever wrote for his site. I primary write Fantasy Nascar posts for this site, but fantasy football is what got me started here at Timerssports. But heck fantasy sports always been pretty personal to me. I like to think of it as a distraction to get away from reality. Even if it just for a Sunday. I am so excited about this fantsay football season. I wish each and everyone of you the best of luck this week. Alright let's get started!
Also remember to check out my William's Fantasy Football Rankings for Week 2
Week 2 Start/Sits -
Starts:
Quarterbacks -
Matthew Stafford - I love Matthew Stafford in the Cooter system, he have been simply awesome since Bob Cooter has taken over. Since week 9 of last season, he's ranked as a top 5 fantasy scorer. He took full advantage of a weak and thin Indianapolis defense. Guess what? He has another juicy matchup this weekend against a questionable Titans offense. In week 1, the Titans fair very well against a lackluster Minnesota offense. Bad news for the Titans though. They allowed the 4th-most fantasy points per game (23.8) with the 3rd-most touchdown allowed (34). Since week 9 of last season, he has scored 23 Touchdown passes. You can feel good about employing Stafford this week and going forward.
Carson Palmer - Palmer didn't have a bad outing vs New England. He was alright overall with a couple of touchdown tosses, but the offense wasn't ever on the same page for back-to-back series in my opinion. They would have one really good drive and follow it up a dud the next. I think Palmer and co will find even more success against the Bucs. The Bucs allowed the 8th-most fantasy points last week to the Atlanta Falcons offense. With a couple of passing touchdowns through the air and 330+ yards to Matt Ryan. No disrespect to Matt Ryan, but Carson Palmer has a far better offense and is much better quarterback as well. I fully expect him to shred apart the Tampa Bay secondary!
Eli Manning - Eli Manning may be one of the most underrated fantasy Quarterbacks in the NFL, he may not be the flashy or sexiest product. However, he will get the results more often than not. Manning finished as a top 10 scorer a year ago, in fact he scored the 7th most fantasy points per game (22.8). He also nearly collected 4500 yards and 35 Touchdowns. So many people don't get what type of a solid fantasy producer he is, but he showed why he was last week. Throwing three touchdown passes to three different weapons in the New York's offense. And he has some great weapons on the outside in Odell Beckham Jr and Sterling Shepard. If they are covered? You have Victor Cruz and tight ends of Will Tye and the always touchdown hungry Larry Donnell. Point being? There are more than enough options for Eli Manning to torch defenses all season. This weekend, they will face the New Orleans defense. A defense that have put ugly numbers in recent seasons as well. They allowed a lead-high 45 Touchdowns last season and the 2nd-most yards at nearly 4800 yards. They also allowed the most fantasy points overall (469.9) and the highest per game at 29.1. The second-highest average was at 24.5. That's a huge difference. This defense is not much improved, as they were shredded by Darek Carr and the Oakland Raiders in week 1. Manning will have no problem with passing against them.
Running Backs -
C.J Anderson - Anderson is clearly the top back in the Denver's run-first offense and showed why he was considered a top fantasy running back headed into last season. As he destroyed the Carolina's defense for 100+ yards and multiple touchdowns. And that was suppose to be a difficult matchup for him too. On the other hand, the Indianapolis defense is a mess. They were man-handled by the Detroit Lions and the their running attack. The Lions could run up the middle. left or right. It didn't really matter, whatever they wanted to do they seemed to gain yards. Nothing new for the Colt's run defense though. Last season they allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game (18.8) with nearly 1700 yards (little over 100 yards per game) and 12 Touchdown (about 1.8 Touchdowns per contest). I think Anderson will get about 17 to 20 touches for least 100 yards and a couple touchdowns!
Jeremy Langford - I wasn't super high on Langford headed into the season, I thought he got lucky last season with his opportunities. However, after last week it is pretty clear he is the feature back in week 1 vs the Texans. In fantasy football, it is all about value and number of opportunities. Just like when Matt Forte was the feature back in Chicago, Langford will see enough carries to be least a very solid RB2 in most fantasy formats. In week 2, he will face an Eagles defense which haven't exactly fair well against the run. Last season, they struggled pretty bad. As he they gave up the 5th-most fantasy points per game (21.7) and allowed the most yards in the league at 1930. Which is about 120 yards per contest. Guess what? They were ran all over in week 1 by the Cleveland Browns. Yes the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland scored 18.8 fantasy points on 84 yards rushing (with 44 yards through air to Rbs) and a touchdown. I know that doesn't sound like a lot, just 84 rushing yards. But then you realize that Cleveland was playing from behind and only had 15 rushing attempts. Only three other teams rushed less times and they all were in big holes early too. Also they were playing stout run defenses as well. The Eagles however are not very stout. Langford will eat good on Monday night and so will his owners!
Rashad Jennings -Jennings was the feature back vs the Cowboys as he carried the ball 18 times for 75 yards. The Cowboys aren't anything special when it comes to stopping the run, but it was still good to see Jennings get good production from his carries. Even though it wasn't nothing to headline about. In week 2, he will face a very poor New Orleans defense. Last week, the Raiders ran all over the Saints defense. Despite, the Saints grabbing a pretty early lead. The Raider scored 38.2 fantasy points with 150 yards on the ground and 3 rushing Touchdowns by 3 different running backs. When you get scored on by three different backs, you know you are doing something wrong. Nothing new for this defense though. They allowed the 3rd-most fantasy points per game last season at 23.0 per game. With the 2nd-most yards allowed at 1857 (little under 120 yards per game). If Jennings get 15 to 20 touches vs this defense, he will go off for 100 yards easily and probably find the endzone a couple times as well. He should be played in all formats as he will get rewarded this week vs one of the worst defenses in the league.
Wide Receivers -
Julian Edelman - Even with Rob Gronkowski back in the starting lineup, you can expect the Pats to heavily depend on Edelman. I would say that is even more true than ever before. The Pats will want Gronk healthy when Brady comes back, so they may make a gameplan which is less depended on Gronk and more featured around Edelman and the other weapons. Even though, I wouldn't be shocked if they threw often towards Gronk, either. It doesn't matter because Julian will get his fair share of balls. Jimmy G loves throwing Edelman way, much like Brady does. Against the Cardinals he thrown to early and often. In the first Quarter alone, he caught 3 passes in the first couple drives. It was pretty obvious that they would be looking towards him often. He ended the night with 7 catches on 7 targets for about 76 yards. He didn't find the endzone though. In week 2, I don't really expect anything different. He will be one of the feature options in the passing game and long as it is a fair close game, then I think the Pats will be passing the ball. Much like they did in week 1 vs the Cardinals. I expect 6 catches on 8 targets for 82 and a score from Edelman this weekend vs the Dolphins
Marvin Jones - Jones was only able to haul in 4 passes but turned it into 80+ yards on 10 targets. Not only did he have 80+ yards, which was a team-high. But he also led the team in targets (10), over teammate and oppose Wide out Golden Tate. I thought week 1 for Jones was going to be huge, as it would tell us what to expect from his role. In the preseason, the reports were that Stafford loves throwing to Jones and has great chemistry. Those reports weren't made up either, as Stafford looked towards one of his newest weapon on offense. The Lions offense is designed to spread the ball around, but I have a feeling he will be looking Jones little more often than rest of his options. In week 2, Jones should be able to do whatever he wants against a pretty questionable Titans defense. Who allowed Diggs to have 107 yards and a score. No disrespect to Diggs, but Jones is a far better player in a much better offense. He will have himself a big day in my opinion.
DeSean Jackson - Jackson had a very solid season opener against the Steelers, as he had 102 yards with 6 catches on a team-high 10 targets. Outside of Jordan Reed, he is by far the top receiving option in the Washington's offense. And in week 2, he will play a questionable Dallas defense who haven't been known to shut down offense. In fact, just last week they allowed multiple touchdown passes from the Giants offense. In fact, 2 different wide receivers scored on them and his name wasn't Odell Beckham Jr. When the 2nd and 3rd best offense players are doing the scoring, then you know you are doing something wrong on defense. The Cowboys allowed nearly 14 yards per catch vs the Cowboys WRs last week. Jackson shouldn't have many problems producing a solid stat line, especially if the game remains close throughout the first half and into the second
Tight Ends -
Eric Ebron - I am pretty high on the Detroit offense vs the Tennese defense, so I guess we can add the tight end of Ebron to the party list. He only caught 5 balls on 5 targets for 46 yards and a score vs Indy. In the Lions offense, I believe there will be three very relevant fantasy options in the passing game. They would be Golden Tate, Marvin Jones and you guessed it Eric Ebron. I love Ebron because he much more under the radar than the other two top options. He isn't a flashy tight end, as he won't burn you with staggering speed. But he is the most talented tight end in the Detroit offense in quite awhile. Long as the Lions are passing the football, he will be good enough to have 3 to 5 catches per game and hover with least 50 yards. Any tight end who can do that in this league will be worth being on your roster. This week, you can expect Ebron to take advantage of the Titans.
Antonio Gates - With Allen's season ending injury, I would expect certain players to step up and take charge of this offense. Gates is one of those players. He is one of the few in that passing game, that Rivers trust without question. Obviously there are a couple other options who will get easy targets, but I would expect Gates to be the favorite to get increase in targets now. Behind Allen, he has been Rivers' go-to-guy. Benjamin, Williams and Woodhead will take away some targets his way, but I am not too concerned about that. Chargers love passing the football and I expect them to pass heavily in week 2 vs Jacksonville. The Jags aren't your pushover easy win anymore, the Chargers will have to earn this win this week. So expect a tight contest between the teams, which will lead to a lot of passing in my opinion.
Sits -
Quarterbacks -
Tyrod Taylor - Taylor will have a tough night on Thursday vs the New York defense. They looked impressive vs the Bengals. Despite letting AJ Green go for 180 yards on 12 catches and a touchdown, they did a great job of tossing around Andy Dalton. They sacked him 7 times and that was without their best pass rusher in Sheldon Richardson. Bad news for the Bills as they will have on the field this Thursday. More bad news for Taylor's owners? The Bills will be without their starting Left tackle. It concerning because the Bills offensive line was complete garbage in week 1. On top of that, the Bills top offensive weapon in Sammy Watkins also dealing with foot pain. Early in the week, many thought he would be shut down for the year. Turns out he will play, but you cannot expect much from a offense who best player is basically on one foot. Just stay away from Taylor!
Russell Wilson - I don't hate Russell Wilson this week, but there are some major concerns about him though. He struggled overall vs the Miami Dolphins and just wasn't himself. He did help lead them down the field on a game-winning drive late in the game, but otherwise he looked pretty meh to me. There also is a concern of him with that ankle injury, he says it is nothing. But I am no idiot though. It is bothering him, even if he denies it. That injury may not affect him in terms of taking the field on Sunday, but you have to wonder how much it will limit him though. Wilson loves moving around with the football, escaping the pressure and throwing on the run. This ankle injury may not give him that luxury. Of course I am just guessing, none of us really know the true extent of his injury. Personally I don't think it will limit him too much from his typical stuff. However, the Rams could be a tough matchup. Despite the Rams being embarrassed on Monday night. They only allowed 170 yards through the air and a touchdown. So not like they were garbage. You wouldn't know it, but they allowed the 3rd-fewest passing yards, but the 15th-most fantasy points in week 1. A lot of that is do with they allowed the 2nd-most rushing yards to Quarterbacks in week 1 as well. You can start Wilson if you really want to, but this wouldn't be a bad week to sit him. That given you have another really good Quarterback on your roster, too.
Running Backs -
Jeremy Hill - Hill was heavily depended on touchdown last season and this season may not be any different. Last week vs a tough Jets defense, he wasn't able to gain much on the ground. But that also was because the Bengals had to abandon the run game pretty early in the game. As Cincy had to go to the passing attack often after the first quarter. Hill was able to save his fantasy owners by scoring a touchdown in the 4th Quarter, but he has another tough matchup vs the Steelers this weekend. The Steelers has been extremely tough on running backs lately and Hill haven't ever scored a touchdown vs his AFC North rivalries. Trust me, you see stats like that you are just much better off in staying away. I expect about 12 carries for about 45 yards out of Hill. I think he will get a lot of carries early on, but Cincy will have to go to passing when they fall behind in the second-half of the game.
Frank Gore - Gore wasn't anything special against the Lions, where he only mustered 14 carries for 59 yards. I guess that isn't terrible, but it was against a lackluster Detroit defense. Trust me, the Lions aren't that good of a defense. Especially compared to his week 2 matchup vs the Denver Broncos stout defense. They are much more known for their strong secondary, but when they need to, they can stop the running game. As they did last week vs Carolina. Personally, I don't think there will be much running go on for Indy. As I expect Indy to play from behind before halftime. Big problem with running backs in Indy is, they seem to fall behind on the scoreboard and have to go to the passing game early and often. I think Gore can manage about 60 to 70 yards at max this week. You should probably sit him, as I am sure you have some better option on your bench which can be employed. Especially since I don't see much upside in this matchup.
Wide Receivers -
Sammy Watkins - Sit him folks. Sammy Watkins only had 4 catches in week 1 and was playing on a injured foot. He was able to play through the game, but that was against a softer Baltimore defense. He will not get so lucky on Thrusday night, when he has to make a visit to Revis Island. Some people say that Revis isn't the cornerback he once was. And I call bullshit! He still can be that shutdown that we all remember. And heck anyone who trying to cover AJ Green is going to have trouble. Even for Revis. And even a fully healthy Watkins isn't the player that Green is. I expect Revis to keep Sammy in-check for most of the night. Not that it will matter, as the Jets defense will be in the face of Tyrod Taylor most of the night. So good luck trying to get the ball out. Just sit him and find a new fantasy option to roll with. Also it's never seems to pay off to start someone on Thursday night.
Ty Hilton - So far in his NFL career, it's seems like Hilton is boom or bust. He may be the number 1 wide receiver in Indy. But it doesn't change the fact that, he always seems to be lackluster when he doesn't score a touchdown. Not to say, he doesn't have good non-touchdown games. But he's a speedster. He get down field and make big plays. When he doesn't make big plays, he more often than not won't have that big fantasy points upside. Example, in week 1 he had 12 targets but only was able to haul in 6 catches for 79 yards vs the Lions. The Lions defense is terrible, so if he can only get 79 yards against them. Then he's in trouble vs the Broncos. You can expect the Broncos to put their best players on him throughout the game. It makes for a very tough matchup for him. He might be still good as a WR3 or a flex, but that pretty much it.
Tight Ends -
Jared Cook - I was on the fence about Cook in the offseason, It thought the move to Green Bay was a good one for him. I also thought he would be overhyped as well. And I was right, in week 1 he was only targeted twice by Aaron Rodgers. To be fair, there are a lot of mouths to be fed in Green Bay right now. The pecking order goes: Nelson, Cobb, Adams, then the tight ends. So he is fighting at least 4 other players (who all above him - I will include Richard Rodgers because of chemistry with QB Rodgers), who will take up a lot of targets. Until we see more how the Packers will use their Tight ends, I would recommend that you bench Cook. Starting this week vs the Vikings.
Martellus Bennett - If you are a deeper league, I don't know if you can bench Bennett (12 teams or deeper), but in your basic 10-team leagues I think there will be better options out there. Especially after the complete dud that Bennett dropped on his fantasy owners in week 1. There was Rob Gronkowski, so logically thinking he would have a great game. But nope! He had 4 catches for just 14 yards on 5 targets. Even with Jimmy G as the starter, I expect at least 40 yards from him as the secondary option to Edelman. Instead he was primary used as a blocker for much of the game. In the New England offense, it is always hard to figure out who Bill Belichick will feature. But guessing based off of pure logic, Bennett will be at least third fiddle to Gronk and Edelman. Heck, Bennett may be the 4th or 5th option in this offense. Who knows maybe the Pats just plan to use him as a primary blocking Tight end. Wouldn't surprise me, if that was the case honestly.
***All stats are from FFToday.com
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