NFL Fantasy News 2012

[HacheMan]

2012 ranks: Sanchez, Spiller on the rise

Eric Karabell

Now that Week 1 is over, we turn to the end-of-season rankings. Yes, we here at ESPN Fantasy are also looking at Week 2, but this is Tuesday, and for those who recall what we did on this day last season, this space was used to rank each and every position as if you were drafting today.


There aren't many changes so far, because overrating what happens in the opening week is a dangerous practice. However, drafts remain ongoing, and there is much relevance in terms of trading and free-agent purposes. Basically, if you're looking for Alfred Morris and Kevin Ogletree in the top 10 at their respective positions, you're in the wrong place.


<offer>A friendly reminder: These are not the Week 2 rankings. You'll see those on the ESPN Fantasy pages each Wednesday.</offer>


Now let's get going position by position, with comments to the left of the rankings explaining things. As always, we look forward to your comments and support, and feel free to follow up with questions in my weekly Wednesday chat session.


Quick click by position, for easy reference:
Top 40 Quarterbacks | Top 60 Running Backs | Top 60 Wide Receivers
Top 25 Tight Ends | Top 32 Defense/Special Teams | Top 100 Overall

Top 40 Quarterbacks




<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tom Brady </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Brees </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matthew Stafford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cam Newton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eli Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Romo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Ryan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Vick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philip Rivers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;">Robert Griffin III </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Roethlisberger </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Cutler </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Flacco </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Schaub </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Freeman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carson Palmer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Dalton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sam Bradford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Luck </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Locker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Sanchez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Fitzpatrick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cassel </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Tebow </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Russell Wilson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Blaine Gabbert </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Christian Ponder </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Kolb </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Tannehill </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Weeden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Foles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Hasselbeck </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Flynn </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Skelton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colt McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tarvaris Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




While a few of the top five quarterbacks didn't have their best games Sunday, it's premature to panic when it comes to Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Matthew Stafford and others. While Rodgers and Brees lost, they didn't single-handedly make their fantasy owners lose. Rodgers, for example, still ended up with a solid 22 fantasy points. That could be his worst fantasy performance of the season now that he is done with the San Francisco 49ers defense.


The only noteworthy change in the top 10 is that "other" Manning brother, the one that missed all of the 2011 season, has moved up a bit. He sure looked good Sunday night, although I still had him ranked a respectable ninth to begin the season.


The big mover among the fantasy-backup quarterbacks (i.e., those who didn't make the top 10) is Washington Redskins rookie Robert Griffin III. As noted in this week's Four Downs blog entry, Griffin looked terrific Sunday, but there's a limit to how many proven reliable passers he should vault over. As it is, he gets the nod over three such entities in Ben Roethlisberger, Jay Cutler and Matt Schaub, none of whom struggled Sunday. I like Griffin, and certainly we saw Joe Flacco put on a Monday night show. In theory, they should continue to thrive and be worthy of top-10 status, but it seems no fewer than 15 quarterbacks could make a similar claim.


There's a change in the New York Jets' hierarchy, as Mark Sanchez played well and Tim Tebow barely played. Look, the Jets played a Buffalo Bills team that looked dreadful. I'm guessing Sanchez won't have as much fun against the Pittsburgh Steelers this week. If you have Tebow on your bench, don't drop him, because he still possesses top-10 upside, if and when he gets opportunities. Then again, Sanchez finished in the top 10 a year ago.


As for the back end of the top 40, with the way Ryan Fitzpatrick played against the Jets, it's reasonable to wonder whether he is even a reliable fantasy backup. We shouldn't overrate one week, but you can probably do better. That doesn't mean you should run out and get Buffalo backup Tarvaris Jackson, though. The only reasonable quarterback handcuff situation at this point looks like it's in Philadelphia, as Michael Vick looked terrible in Week 1. Rookie Nick Foles is his backup, and he gets ranked. It's reasonable to wonder how Vick is going to make it out of the Week 2 game against the Ravens in one piece.



Top 60 Running Backs





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arian Foster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ray Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeSean McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Maurice Jones-Drew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Forte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Peterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marshawn Lynch </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeMarco Murray </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamaal Charles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren McFadden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steven Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Gore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Mathews </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren Sproles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stevan Ridley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ahmad Bradshaw </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trent Richardson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Turner </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Spiller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Martin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Willis McGahee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> BenJarvus Green-Ellis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shonn Greene </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Tate </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Stewart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cedric Benson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfred Morris </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Beanie Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Helu </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Hillis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Donald Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeAngelo Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Ingram </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fred Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Isaac Redman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Toby Gerhart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wilson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mikel Leshoure </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Vereen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Dwyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Felix Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeGarrette Blount </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rashard Mendenhall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rashad Jennings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Daniel Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Turbin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Knowshon Moreno </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Tolbert </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ronnie Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Evan Royster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kendall Hunter </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bernard Scott </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dexter McCluster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacquizz Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




The top three remain the top three, with no real concerns, though I admit I considered moving Arian Foster down to No. 3. Foster was a game-time decision Sunday because of a knee problem, and while he scored two touchdowns, he has a terrific backup looming in Ben Tate. Plus, the Texans certainly appear to be the class of the AFC South, which could affect how Foster is handled in December. For now, he is still No. 1, but nobody would laugh if you're drafting this week and choose Ray Rice or LeSean McCoy ahead of him.


As for No. 4, Chris Johnson tortured fantasy owners much of the 2011 season, when he reported to camp late following a holdout and noticeably out of shape. By all accounts, he is in fine shape and is motivated to have a big year. He's even talking about a 2,000-yard rushing season. Well, he has only 1,996 yards to go after he gained all of four yards on 11 carries Sunday. Awful. Still, fantasy owners shouldn't panic. The skills are there. I hope this is his worst game. I'm convinced Maurice Jones-Drew will be terrific, and Adrian Peterson showed he's healthy, so they pass him, but Johnson owners shouldn't be so quick to sell him this week.


It's understandable that Alfred Morris likely will be the most popular running back pickup of the week, because as we all know, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan has never, ever changed his mind when it comes to personnel decisions. (Ahem, yes, that's sarcasm.) Morris could be in for a fine season, or he could be inactive by Week 5. He moves way up my rankings, but don't exalt him to top-20 status yet. You'll see him ranked one spot after a considerably older fellow in Green Bay coming off an 18-yard outing. But Cedric Benson has more job security.


Trent Richardson and Michael Turner looked bad Sunday, but I'm not ready to dump these guys yet and don't see how anybody would be. It's one week. Turner was fantasy's No. 5 running back a year ago, and while we expect regression, it's premature to unload the guy. Richardson could sure use a threat at quarterback, eh? He and Turner drop a bit, but they remain in the top 20 and are joined by Stevan Ridley and C.J. Spiller. Yep, Spiller is Buffalo's starter for the next month, perhaps more. On Sunday, Fred Jackson's knee bent in a way it shouldn't, but he shouldn't be dropped yet either.



Top 60 Wide Receivers





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Calvin Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Larry Fitzgerald </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Julio Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Marshall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roddy White </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Wallace </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Green </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wes Welker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Jennings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hakeem Nicks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Victor Cruz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordy Nelson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Percy Harvin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marques Colston </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dez Bryant </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vincent Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Maclin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Demaryius Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dwayne Bowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lloyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miles Austin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Decker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeSean Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Garcon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torrey Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Wayne </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Meachem </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenny Britt </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Malcom Floyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Santonio Holmes </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anquan Boldin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nate Washington </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Ogletree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Crabtree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sidney Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Denarius Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Titus Young </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mario Manningham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darrius Heyward-Bey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Blackmon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Leonard Hankerson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon LaFell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Laurent Robinson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Moss </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nate Burleson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Baldwin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randall Cobb </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kendall Wright </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alshon Jeffery </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rueben Randle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stephen Hill </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Amendola </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rod Streater </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>




Atlanta Falcons sophomore Julio Jones put on a nice show Sunday, and he moves into the top five, where he ought to stay for, oh, the next decade. He has the ability, but there will be some weeks in which he actually -- wait for it -- does not score a touchdown and Roddy White does. Yes, White can remain productive as well. Jones and Brandon Marshall move up, while no top 20 wide receivers take a major hit. Percy Harvin, who adds to his value with occasional rushes, moves up a bit as well. Harvin had five carries Sunday, which matched the total rushing attempts for the rest of the top 40 wide receivers.


Edging his way into the top 20 is Peyton Manning target Demaryius Thomas. As with the top Falcons, Packers, Giants, Cowboys and other teams with multiple top wide receiver options, Thomas won't outscore Eric Decker every week, but Week 1 was a reminder that just because Decker played better in August, that bears little meaning in September. Each Bronco is worth owning and considering as WR2 or flex possibilities.


The biggest riser at wide receiver was the aforementioned Kevin Ogletree of the Dallas Cowboys, fresh off his 23 standard-fantasy-point effort. Ogletree isn't necessarily a strong Week 2 play, since the Cowboys figure to have both Dez Bryant and Miles Austin healthy, but like Laurent Robinson a year ago, opportunity could continue to knock. There aren't many No. 3 wide receivers with Ogletree's upside.


Plenty of wide receivers had productive games last weekend and did not move up much in the rankings, which speaks more to the depth at the position than anything else. For example, Pierre Garcon had a big game. Torrey Smith and Reggie Wayne looked great as well. Whom exactly do they pass in the rankings? Like at quarterback, where we can probably nominate 15 or 16 passers as deserving of top-10 status, there are more than 30 wide receivers that could be in the top 20. If only we could say this at running back!


At the back end of the wide receiver rankings, keep an eye on the rookies. A few have infiltrated these rankings, such as Alshon Jeffery, Stephen Hill and even Rod Streater. This doesn't mean they are to be trusted or they'll continue the success in Week 2, but in each case, they, and others with little experience, are interesting in fantasy.


Top 25 Tight Ends





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Graham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rob Gronkowski </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Gates </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vernon Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermichael Finley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Witten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Pettigrew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jared Cook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fred Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacob Tamme </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Owen Daniels </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brent Celek </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Keller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martellus Bennett </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dennis Pitta </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermaine Gresham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Coby Fleener </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Olsen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Rudolph </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ed Dickson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marcedes Lewis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joel Dreessen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Heath Miller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr></tbody></table>




Who is Dennis Pitta, and why does he matter? Well, if you like Flacco and think a big year is coming, it stands to reason Baltimore Ravens tight end Pitta could be a nice factor. Pitta racked up 73 receiving yards and a touchdown Monday night, and he breaks into the top 20.


Like quarterback and wide receiver, it's tough to move upstarts higher when so few players deserve to drop. This was the highest-scoring Week 1 in the NFL since the merger in 1970. A lot of players performed well -- though obviously not a lot of defenses. For instance, 14 tight ends scored touchdowns in Week 1.


As for the top 10 at tight end, not a whole lot changes. Fred Davis drops a few spots, but I wouldn't read too much into that. Jason Witten does not drop yet, because he should still be plenty productive this season. As things stand now, you shouldn't feel bad about using a tight end in your flex position, as there are clearly more than 10 relevant options, perhaps Pitta, Martellus Bennett and Greg Olsen included.



Top 32 Defense/Special Teams






<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th><th style="width: 5px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><center> </center></th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> San Francisco 49ers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> St. Louis Rams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Houston Texans </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Oakland Raiders </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chicago Bears </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cleveland Browns </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Baltimore Ravens </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miami Dolphins </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philadelphia Eagles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacksonville Jaguars </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Seattle Seahawks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tampa Bay Buccaneers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New York Jets </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tennessee Titans </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pittsburgh Steelers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> San Diego Chargers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Atlanta Falcons </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carolina Panthers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Detroit Lions </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Washington Redskins </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dallas Cowboys </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kansas City Chiefs </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New England Patriots </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Minnesota Vikings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Green Bay Packers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buffalo Bills </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arizona Cardinals </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cincinnati Bengals </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Denver Broncos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New Orleans Saints </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New York Giants </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Indianapolis Colts </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr></tbody></table>





Top 100 Overall






<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Ovr.
Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Pos.
Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Next 3
Weeks </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev.
Rank </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arian Foster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Jac, @Den, Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ray Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Phi, NE, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeSean McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal, @Ari, NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Maurice Jones-Drew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou, @Ind, Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Calvin Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SF, @Ten, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi, @Sea, NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Forte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @GB, StL, @Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tom Brady </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Peterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ind, SF, @Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Brees </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Jac, @Den, Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Larry Fitzgerald </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NE, Phi, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Julio Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den, @SD, Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Det, @Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Marshall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @GB, StL, @Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marshawn Lynch </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal, GB, @StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matthew Stafford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SF, @Ten, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roddy White </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den, @SD, Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Wallace </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ, @Oak, Bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Graham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rob Gronkowski </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeMarco Murray </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cam Newton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO, NYG, @Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamaal Charles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Buf, @NO, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Green </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle, @Wsh, @Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wes Welker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren McFadden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Mia, Pit, @Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Jennings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi, @Sea, NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steven Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh, @Chi, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Gore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det, @Min, @NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eli Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, @Car, @Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Atl, Hou, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hakeem Nicks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, @Car, @Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Mathews </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten, Atl, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Victor Cruz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, @Car, @Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren Sproles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stevan Ridley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordy Nelson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi, @Sea, NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ahmad Bradshaw </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, @Car, @Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO, NYG, @Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Percy Harvin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ind, SF, @Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trent Richardson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Cin, Buf, @Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Turner </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den, @SD, Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Spiller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @Cle, NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Romo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marques Colston </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Martin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NYG, @Dal, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Willis McGahee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Atl, Hou, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dez Bryant </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vincent Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NYG, @Dal, Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Ryan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den, @SD, Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> BenJarvus Green-Ellis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle, @Wsh, @Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Maclin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal, @Ari, NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shonn Greene </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Pit, @Mia, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Demaryius Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Atl, Hou, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Gates </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten, Atl, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dwayne Bowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Buf, @NO, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak, NYJ, @Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lloyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @Cle, NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vernon Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det, @Min, @NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Tate </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Jac, @Den, Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ, @Oak, Bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Vick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal, @Ari, NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @GB, StL, @Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miles Austin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Stewart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO, NYG, @Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Decker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Atl, Hou, Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermichael Finley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi, @Sea, NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SF, @Ten, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeSean Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal, @Ari, NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cedric Benson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi, @Sea, NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfred Morris </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @StL, Cin, @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philip Rivers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten, Atl, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Garcon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @StL, Cin, @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Beanie Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NE, Phi, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torrey Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Phi, NE, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Helu </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @StL, Cin, @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Griffin III </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @StL, Cin, @TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Wayne </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min, Jac, Bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Hillis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Buf, @NO, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Donald Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min, Jac, Bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Meachem </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten, Atl, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenny Britt </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Det, @Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Roethlisberger </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ, @Oak, Bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari, @Bal, @Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeAngelo Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO, NYG, @Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Malcom Floyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten, Atl, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Ingram </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, KC, @GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Santonio Holmes </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Pit, @Mia, SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fred Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @Cle, NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den, @SD, Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anquan Boldin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Phi, NE, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Witten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nate Washington </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Det, @Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Pettigrew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SF, @Ten, Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Ogletree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, TB, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Cutler </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @GB, StL, @Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Flacco </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Phi, NE, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

Don't rush judgment on Falcons WRs

Fantasy points differ greatly, but targets tell a different story

By Ken Daube | Special to ESPN.com

Welcome to the 2012-13 version of Trendspotting, a unique fantasy football advice column that, based on data provided by ESPN Stats and Information, aims to look at key performance indicators and factors that impact production rather than the end-result fantasy point totals. The goal of this column is not always to provide my opinion on why Player A is better than Player B, but rather to give you, the reader, more information so that you can make appropriate changes in player valuations. Trendspotting will initially focus on the following metrics: the number of targets that top receiving options are getting, the number of carries that running backs are receiving near their opponent's goal line and the number of times a running back breaks a run for more than 10 yards. As the season progresses, the column can morph into other statistical analysis, and I'd love to involve the readers of the column in selecting which other stats they'd like to see, so if you have a request, post it in the comments section below each weekly column and we'll see what can be done.


On target



Receiving yardage is the most variable form of yardage, which makes sense because so much of it is dependent on where the quarterback elects to throw the ball. Because of this, variations in the number of times a player is targeted by his quarterback can greatly change a player's value. So while your receiver may have scored 10 fantasy points this weekend, you need to know if it's reasonable to expect that he can repeat that type of performance on a routine basis. If he had one target that he turned into a 40-yard touchdown, you need to realize that he was one quarterback decision away from posting a goose egg. Conversely, if your wideout had 12 targets and finished with 108 yards receiving, his prospects for consistent fantasy production are significantly greater.


Below, you'll see all the players who received eight or more targets in Week 1 and how many of them were on plays that began in the red zone.


Most Targets, Week 1

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th> Targets </th><th> Red Zone </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Darren McFadden </td><td> 18 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jeremy Maclin </td><td> 17 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Reggie Wayne </td><td> 17 </td><td> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brandon Marshall </td><td> 17 </td><td> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Larry Fitzgerald </td><td> 12 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jermichael Finley </td><td> 12 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Kevin Ogletree </td><td> 12 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Lance Moore </td><td> 12 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> A.J. Green </td><td> 11 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Steve Smith (CAR) </td><td> 11 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Steve Johnson </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jimmy Graham </td><td> 10 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Sidney Rice </td><td> 10 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Coby Fleener </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Greg Jennings </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brandon Pettigrew </td><td> 10 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Victor Cruz </td><td> 10 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Vincent Jackson </td><td> 10 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> LeSean McCoy </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Marques Colston </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Andre Johnson </td><td> 10 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Danny Amendola </td><td> 10 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Randall Cobb </td><td> 9 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Laurent Robinson </td><td> 9 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Rod Streater </td><td> 9 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Julio Jones </td><td> 9 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Braylon Edwards </td><td> 9 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Andrew Hawkins </td><td> 9 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Heath Miller </td><td> 9 </td><td> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Antonio Brown </td><td> 9 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> James Jones </td><td> 9 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Owen Daniels </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Nate Washington </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Nate Burleson </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Mohamed Massaquoi </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Michael Crabtree </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Antonio Gates </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Eric Decker </td><td> 8 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brent Celek </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brian Hartline </td><td> 8 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Derek Hagan </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Dexter McCluster </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Donnie Avery </td><td> 8 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Emmanuel Sanders </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Jermaine Gresham </td><td> 8 </td><td> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Percy Harvin </td><td> 8 </td><td> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Brandon Lloyd </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Santonio Holmes </td><td> 8 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Tony Scheffler </td><td> 8 </td><td> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Roddy White </td><td> 8 </td><td> 3 </td></tr></tbody></table>



Top storylines from Week 1



• Julio Jones finished Week 1 with the second-highest fantasy point total among wide receivers, behind only Kevin Ogletree. There will be plenty of analysts who view Jones' two-touchdown day as indicative of the fact that Jones has now emerged as the clear No. 1 option for Matt Ryan. Don't be one of those people. While Jones did indeed finish with the better stat line, Roddy White finished with the same number of red zone targets and only one fewer total target. That variance usually won't amount to a significant difference in production, especially 14 fantasy points, so don't even think of considering adjusting either player's value yet.


• Darren McFadden's 13 catches on Monday were a total abnormality. In his previous four seasons, his total reception count was 29, 21, 47 and 19. While it would appear McFadden is likely to be more involved in the passing game, making a huge valuation move on McFadden is extremely difficult, as Monday's game was an obvious statistical outlier.


• The preseason love that was bestowed upon Jonathan Baldwin needs to be redirected in Dexter McCluster's direction. McCluster has game-breaking abilities, and to see this level of involvement is a big lift to his value.

• Randall Cobb is owned in just 13 percent of ESPN.com leagues. That number will jump dramatically this week because of his performance against the San Francisco 49ers. Those of you in keeper leagues should be all over Cobb. Greg Jennings is a free agent at the end of the season, and with a weapon like Cobb available for significantly less money than Jennings will demand, it's not unreasonable to project Cobb as one of the top two options for the passing game in Green Bay next season.


• Reggie Wayne was clearly Andrew Luck's favorite target in the rookie's debut, but don't overlook the eight targets that Donnie Avery received. Avery was a very popular sleeper for a couple of years but was held back by injuries. While the casual observer may point to Austin Collie's absence in Sunday's game as the reason Avery got an opportunity, remember that there's a completely new coaching regime in Indianapolis and therefore no built-in loyalty to Collie.


• Newcomer Brandon Lloyd led the New England Patriots in targets with eight and Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez combined for 13 targets at the tight end position. Throw in only four targets for the usually high-targeted Wes Welker and it's clear that Tom Brady may not be keying in on anyone in particular. I wouldn't make a major value adjustment to anyone just yet, but this could be a formula that works for the Patriots but becomes very frustrating for fantasy owners.


• Danny Amendola of the St. Louis Rams is owned in only 9 percent of ESPN.com leagues. He's going to be the top yardage receiver for the Rams and is worthy of a roster spot. A lot of people had Amendola as a sleeper in point-per-reception leagues and they will be vindicated.

• For those of you in very deep leagues, Rod Streater and Andrew Hawkins are very interesting candidates for roster spots. Streater was an undrafted free agent who really impressed during the Oakland Raiders' training camp. Hawkins is a second-year player for the Cincinnati Bengals who was listed as A.J. Green's primary backup, but operated primarily out of the slot against the Ravens. If you don't have a ton of receiving depth and are in a league with 14 or more teams, you should definitely have these two on your radar.


Big plays and up close



There were 12 NFL players who had at least three rushes that gained 10 or more yards each: Stevan Ridley (6), Frank Gore (4), LeSean McCoy (4), Donald Brown (3), Reggie Bush (3), BenJarvus Green-Ellis (3), Maurice Jones-Drew (3), Doug Martin (3), Alfred Morris (3), Adrian Peterson (3), Ray Rice (3) and C.J. Spiller (3).



Meanwhile, the nine players with at least two carries inside their opponent's 5-yard line were Arian Foster (4), Adrian Peterson (3), Michael Bush (3), Ahmad Bradshaw (2), Alfred Morris (2), Doug Martin (2), Kevin Smith (2), Rashad Jennings (2) and Tashard Choice (2). Of these players, only Bradshaw, Martin, Jennings and Choice failed to score.


Ridley's six rushes of 10 or more yards led the league in this metric during the first week of the season and was half his total that he amassed last season. While he also tied for first by having four rushes stuffed for negative yardage, it's not something that should be viewed as a negative at this point, because those four rushes accounted for only 19 percent of his total rushing attempts.


Morris obviously rewarded those with the moxie to start him, but there definitely are some red flags that should go up regarding his performance. He averaged just 3.4 yards per carry and just 17.9 percent of his rushing attempts resulted in a first down (or touchdown). Throw in the fact that Mike Shanahan isn't exactly known for being extremely loyal to his starting backs, and there's a recipe for disaster.

 

[HacheMan]

Week 2 Rankings
After two years of teasing frustrated fantasy owners, the Falcons and Ravens finally seem poised to put the hurry-up, no-huddle reins in the hands of Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. It's no coincidence that the 791 points scored in Week 1 were the most in Kickoff Weekend history and the second-most of any week in NFL history. The up-tempo Falcons and Ravens were responsible for 84 of those points, and the Broncos' new no-huddle offense chipped in 31 of their own.

Queried about the league's offensive bent, one defensive coordinator replied, "Are you kidding me? The league loved this weekend. If they could have this every weekend, they'd be [extremely happy]. They're never going to slow this down. This is the gravy train."

Although we may see precocious rookies Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III accelerate the learning curve, the lesson provided by Ryan and Flacco is that not just any quarterback can master the responsibilities of the no-huddle offense.

"The biggest misnomer out there is that any quarterback can do this," former Colts president Bill Polian told Yahoo's Jason Cole this week. "Even within the quarterbacks in this league, you have to have someone with special traits, intelligence, recognition, the ability to process things both in terms of time and actual physical ability. There are a lot of great quarterbacks out there who can't run the no-huddle. It requires way too much processing for them. ... At any one time, you might have three or four quarterbacks who can really do it."

The good news for the owners of fantasy players on the Falcons and Ravens is that Ryan and Flacco have finally joined that elite club. Week 1 was a harbinger of fantasy success to come.




Week 2 Quarterbacks



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Tom Brady</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Aaron Rodgers</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Drew Brees</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Cam Newton</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Matt Ryan</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Peyton Manning</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Matthew Stafford</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Robert Griffin III</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Jay Cutler</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Eli Manning</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Tony Romo</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Philip Rivers</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Andrew Luck</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Michael Vick</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Joe Flacco</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Alex Smith</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Ben Roethlisberger</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Jake Locker</td><td>at SD</td><td>Probable(shoulder)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Josh Freeman</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Matt Schaub</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Christian Ponder</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Carson Palmer</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Ryan Fitzpatrick</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Andy Dalton</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Kevin Kolb</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Russell Wilson</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Matt Cassel</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Mark Sanchez</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Ryan Tannehill</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Sam Bradford</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Blaine Gabbert</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Brandon Weeden</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

QB Notes: Redskins VP of Football Operations Mike Shanahan already had a leg up on the Executive of the Year award after his bold trade with old crony Jeff Fisher to land franchise quarterback Robert Griffin III. If Week 1 was a sign of things to come, Shanahan is going to add Coach of the Year as well. After slow-playing the rest of the league with bland preseason game plans, Shanahan unveiled a masterpiece of screens, run-pass options, play action fakes and eight (!) fantasy-friendly designed quarterback runs in New Orleans. Don't get the idea that Griffin's record-setting performance was all scripted, though. Griffin extended the play on five occasions, three of them resulting in big plays. The rookie went 17-of-21 for 267 yards, two touchdowns and a 150.5 passer rating from inside the pocket, showing the same preternatural poise and playmaking ability that leaped off his college game film. The inimitable John Madden opined that the No. 2 overall pick was "the best player in the league in Week 1." RGIII is here to stay as a fantasy starter.

Rodgers would have topped the list considering his history of success versus the Bears, but the timing has been just a bit off with his receivers. The likely absence of Greg Jennings won't help matters. ... The Saints-Panthers game has the potential to be a fantasy bonanza. ... Ditto the no-huddle Broncos and Falcons on Monday night. ... Don't sit Stafford even against the 49ers. He just tied an NFL record with four consecutive 350-yard games, averaging over 400 yards per week going back to late December of last season.

Vick didn't play well at Cleveland, but he wasn't nearly as inept as you may have read elsewhere. The play design was uninspired, the pass protection was shaky thanks to a stronger than expected Browns pass rush, and the receivers had trouble gaining separation. The relatively low rankings of Vick and Flacco aren't red flags for the future, rather a reflection of two stingy defenses in a tough matchup. ... Big Ben has tough sledding against a defense that may be Rex Ryan's best ever. ... I always wonder why more teams don't mimic the Shanahan/Kubiak offense. Every time I look up in a Texans game, receivers and tight ends are running free on a play-action fake. As long as this remains a run-first unit, though, Schaub is no more than a QB2 option.

Fitzpatrick locked onto his receivers in a disastrous performance versus the Jets. With Tamba Hali and perhaps Brandon Flowers returning this week, his matchup isn't nearly as good as the one that greeted Matt Ryan in the opener. As Matchups guru Evan Silva points out, Fitzpatrick is just 216-of-372 (58.1 percent) for 2,288 yards (6.15 YPA) and a 13:19 TD-to-INT ratio in directing the Bills to a 1-9 record over their last 10 games. Silva also tells us that Dalton is reponsible for 13 turnovers versus a mere eight touchdowns while directing the Bengals to a 3-7 record over their last 10. ... Ponder, on the hand, was downright excellent in the second half and overtime of the Vikings' Week 1 victory, showing accuracy, poise and field vision while completing 17 of his final 20 passes for 238 yards. ... Weeden set a record for worst quarterback grade ever handed out by Pro Football Focus.<!--RW-->

Week 2 Running Backs



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Arian Foster</td><td>at JAC</td><td>Probable(illness)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Adrian Peterson</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>LeSean McCoy</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Ray Rice</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Darren McFadden</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>C.J. Spiller</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Matt Forte</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Marshawn Lynch</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>DeMarco Murray</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Maurice Jones-Drew</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Doug Martin</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Stevan Ridley</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Jamaal Charles</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Trent Richardson</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>BenJarvus Green-Ellis</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Alfred Morris</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Steven Jackson</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Ryan Mathews</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>Cleared for contact, check back on Friday</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Ahmad Bradshaw</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Chris Johnson</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Frank Gore</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Darren Sproles</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Willis McGahee</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Reggie Bush</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Kevin Smith</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Cedric Benson</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Donald Brown</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Shonn Greene</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Peyton Hillis</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Michael Turner</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Mark Ingram</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Jonathan Stewart</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>Likely will play</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>33</td><td>Jonathan Dwyer</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>Returned to full Thursday practice</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>34</td><td>DeAngelo Williams</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>35</td><td>Beanie Wells</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>36</td><td>Michael Bush</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>37</td><td>Jacquizz Rodgers</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>38</td><td>David Wilson</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>39</td><td>Ryan Williams</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>40</td><td>Ben Tate</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>41</td><td>Pierre Thomas</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>42</td><td>Toby Gerhart</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>43</td><td>Kendall Hunter</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>44</td><td>Isaac Redman</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>Probable(ankle)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>45</td><td>Knowshon Moreno</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>46</td><td>Felix Jones</td><td>at SEA</td><td>Probable(ribs)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>47</td><td>Shane Vereen</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>Questionable(foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>48</td><td>Roy Helu</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>49</td><td>Vick Ballard</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>50</td><td>Bilal Powell</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>51</td><td>Curtis Brinkley</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td> </td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>52</td><td>Alex Green</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>Probable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>53</td><td>Mike Tolbert</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>54</td><td>Ronnie Brown</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>55</td><td>Brandon Jackson</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>56</td><td>Rashad Jennings</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>Doubtful(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>57</td><td>Taiwan Jones</td><td>at MIA</td><td>Questionable(ribs)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>58</td><td>Robert Turbin</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>59</td><td>Evan Royster</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

RB Notes: My game-watching notes on Chris Johnson from Week 1: "First series: hesitant, indecisive, looking for the homerun, not following the design of the play. Reminiscent of a place kicker or free-throw shooter over-thinking instead of relying on muscle memory. Second and third series: Vincent Wilfork & Co. simply swallowed him up behind the line of scrimmage. Fourth series: dancing east-to-west, can't bring himself to hit a hole." Ex-scout Daniel Jeremiah was more concerned with Johnson's hesitation than acceleration because he's "not trusting his eyes." Johnson's issues are the exact same as last season. We know the explosiveness is there, but he doesn't get a chance to use it with any degree of consistency thanks to his own indecisiveness and an overwhelmed offensive line. Although the one saving grace is that Johnson's stat line could have looked drastically different with a bigger workload, he's now facing a defense that held Darren McFadden to 32 yards on 15 carries.

Peterson didn't have the same extra gear in the open field versus the Jaguars, but that's to be expected. The promising signs were his excellent vision and a willingness to stick his foot in the ground and make sharp, slashing cuts. We don't believe he's all the way back to Superman level. His No. 2 ranking has as much to do with an opponent that allowed 122 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Matt Forte and Michael Bush last week. We know Peterson will get the ball inside the 5-yard line.

While it may be true that Spiller's eight forced missed tackles on 16 touches were at least two more than any other Week 1 player, it should be noted that he was facing a lazy tackling defense in garbage time. That's not to say Spiller's stats should be written off, though. Even with Tashard Choice looming as a goal-line vulture, Spiller has legit RB1 appeal for the next month. He's been a top-three fantasy performer going back to the beginning of December. ... In four years with the Patriots, BenJarvus Green-Ellis matched or exceeded Ridley's 21 carries just four times. In 16 games as the starter a year ago, Green-Ellis' longest run was 18 yards. In addition to a 20-yard catch-and-run, Ridley had explosive runs of 17, 17, 16, 15, 15 and 14 in the opener. There's top-10 potential fantasy potential in standard scoring leagues this season.

Still rounding into form, Trent Richardson was "just a guy" against the Eagles. Although he ran with power, there was no extra gear and the offensive line failed to open up running lanes. Although I have no doubt that he will regain his burst, I saw nothing in Week 1 to suggest that he's a buy-low candidate in this offense. ... I'd be bailing on Steven Jackson and all other Rams. That offensive line looks like the Battle of Chancellorsville after losing three more players in Week 1.

What to do about Alfred Morris? The season opener could not have been set up more perfectly for fantasy success. Morris' two scores came via an end-zone pass interference call and a long interception return inside the 5-yard line. The Redskins' third quarter lead and time of posssion advantage were the perfect storm for 25+ carries. Morris has a fine matchup against a defense that made Kevin Smith a top-five fantasy performer, but his long-term value is sketchy. I suspect Shanahan appreciates Morris -- for the moment -- because the hard-nosed rookie can handle 20 carries with getting dinged up, hasn't fumbled yet and doesn't lose yards. In short, he's a lot like BenJarvus Green-Ellis. The problem is that Morris hasn't topped 3.6 yards per carry in three of four preseason and regular season games, has no second gear and offers less playmaking ability than his backups. Knowing Shanahan's notorious fickleness, it's a recipe for fantasy heartbreak.

Kevin Smith is a bonafide lead back every time he takes the field healthy. Mikel Leshoure isn't a threat to the starting job in Week 3. ... Benson's cuts were sharp enough in the opener. Facing the 49ers' brick wall on every carry, he never had a chance to take advantage of a defense on its heels as Gore did. ... Donald Brown's box score was misleading. The straight-line speed is there, but he had two brutal drops, struggled again in pass protection and shows very little lateral agility. Fortunately, he has a better matchup this week.

I wasn't impressed with Shonn Greene despite the solid fantasy numbers. He fumbled twice, left yards on the field and his touchdown came deep in garbage time. ... Michael Turner is finished as a reliable fantasy asset. He has single-digit fantasy points in five of his past seven games and has found the end zone in just two of his past eight games. The only thing he's a threat to is the 3.0 YPC threshold. ... Ryan Williams' Week 1 performance inspired Pro Football Focus to pen the phrase "impressively unimpressive."


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Week 2 Wide Receivers



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Julio Jones</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Calvin Johnson</td><td>at SF</td><td>Full practice Thursday</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Brandon Marshall</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Andre Johnson</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Percy Harvin</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>A.J. Green</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Steve Smith</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>Thursday setback, still expected to play</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Larry Fitzgerald</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Jordy Nelson</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Hakeem Nicks</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>Probable(foot)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Victor Cruz</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Marques Colston</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Reggie Wayne</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Dez Bryant</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Roddy White</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Eric Decker</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Demaryius Thomas</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Brandon Lloyd</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Stevie Johnson</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Dwayne Bowe</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Vincent Jackson</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Pierre Garcon</td><td>at STL</td><td>Game-time decision?</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Miles Austin</td><td>at SEA</td><td> </td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Torrey Smith</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Wes Welker</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Randall Cobb</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>Bigger role with Jennings doubtful</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Antonio Brown</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>Revis' status should be known by Saturday</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Mike Wallace</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>James Jones</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>Expected to start vs. Bears</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>DeSean Jackson</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>Expected to play, could be limited</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Michael Crabtree</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Malcom Floyd</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>33</td><td>Jeremy Maclin</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>Expected to play, could be limited</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>34</td><td>Lance Moore</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>35</td><td>Sidney Rice</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>Questionable(knee)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>36</td><td>Austin Collie</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>Expected to play full snap count</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>37</td><td>Justin Blackmon</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>38</td><td>Darrius Heyward-Bey</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>39</td><td>Kenny Britt</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>40</td><td>Anquan Boldin</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>41</td><td>Greg Jennings</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>Doubtful(groin)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>42</td><td>Robert Meachem</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>43</td><td>Brandon LaFell</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>44</td><td>Mike Williams</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>45</td><td>Denarius Moore</td><td>at MIA</td><td>Probable(hamstring)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>46</td><td>Greg Little</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>47</td><td>Dexter McCluster</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>48</td><td>Nate Washington</td><td>at SD</td><td>Probable(leg)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>49</td><td>Kevin Ogletree</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>50</td><td>Danny Amendola</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>51</td><td>Santonio Holmes</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>52</td><td>Nate Burleson</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>53</td><td>Andre Roberts</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>54</td><td>Titus Young</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>55</td><td>Randy Moss</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>56</td><td>Davone Bess</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>57</td><td>Donald Jones</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>58</td><td>Alshon Jeffery</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>59</td><td>Brian Hartline</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>60</td><td>Laurent Robinson</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>61</td><td>Emmanuel Sanders</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>62</td><td>Stephen Hill</td><td>at PIT</td><td>Probable(calf)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>63</td><td>Kendall Wright</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>64</td><td>Rod Streater</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>65</td><td>Aldrick Robinson</td><td>at STL</td><td>Not a bad fallback if Garcon sits out</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>66</td><td>Santana Moss</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>67</td><td>Braylon Edwards</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>Losing starting job to Golden Tate?</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>68</td><td>Mario Manningham</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>69</td><td>Doug Baldwin</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

WR Notes: If he stays healthy and out of handcuffs, Marshall is going to lead the NFL in receptions this season. Cutler targets him relentlessly regardless of coverage. ... Andre Johnson is as good as he ever was. ... It's no slight to Randall Cobb to point out that he's no Percy Harvin. Nobody is. After telling CBS color analyst Solomon Wilcots that he lost 10 pounds to gain even more explosiveness, Harvin forced at least a half-dozen missed tackles in the opener. The new NFL prototype slot receiver is on the mountain top with Julio Jones in run-after-catch ability.

While it's never a good idea to make a panic trade after Week 1, Welker is going to be downgraded in Josh McDaniels' more vertical offense. The Patriots are committed to emphasizing Aaron Hernandez and Brandon Lloyd while turning to Ridley as Welker's primary replacement in the move-the-chains role. Welker's numbers are "naturally going to go down."

It's still too early to make a lineup call on Garcon or Maclin. I wouldn't feel comfortable about the availability of either one at this point. ... We don't know yet whether Darrelle Revis will stick to Wallace or move on to Antonio Brown. Check Silva's Matchups column on Friday for a better read on that situation. ... Barring an unexpected setback, Collie is going to play as an every-down receiver opposite Reggie Wayne. There's a slight risk, but Collie is a fine WR3 option against a suspect secondary as long as he suits up.

Blackmon has a tough matchup this week. Owners may take solace in the fact that he would have scored last week had Blaine Gabbert not slightly overthrown him wide open in the end zone from five yards out. ... Similarly, James Jones would have produced a 5/114/1 line if not for a ticky-tack offensive P.I. call on an impressive 33-yard catch. Jones is in line to play nearly every down with Jennings listed as doubtful. While we prefer Cobb's upside, it's a close call this week. See here for our early-week breakdown on Cobb, who is being used more like Darren Sproles than Harvin.

A Kenny Britt history lesson: Coming off a multi-week hamstring injury in December of 2010, Britt was expected to play about 40 snaps and “more than Randy Moss.” He responded with a 4/39/0 line on 49-of-66 snaps. Disciplined for a bar fight earlier in the season, Britt’s playing status was up in the air going into an October game against the Eagles. After entering mid-way through the second quarter, Britt ended up playing 42-of-69 snaps with an eye-popping 7/225/3 stat line. Coach Mike Munchak is prescribing 15-20 plays against the Chargers. This time Britt is coming off three knee surgeries. It’s a “prove it” game for fantasy owners.

Bills rookie CB Stephon Gilmore fell for a pump fake, leading to Stephen Hill's first touchdown. The second score came on a questionable call at the pylon, but Hill did show imperssive run-after-catch ability. His stat line was also boosted by a 27-yard flea flicker. While Hill is certainly an intriguing Dynasty league stash, his Week 1 performance is not repeatable.
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Week 2 Tight Ends



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Jimmy Graham</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Rob Gronkowski</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Aaron Hernandez</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Jermichael Finley</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Antonio Gates</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>Questionable(ribs)</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Vernon Davis</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Tony Gonzalez</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Greg Olsen</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Jared Cook</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Brandon Pettigrew</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Kyle Rudolph</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Fred Davis</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Jason Witten</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Coby Fleener</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Brent Celek</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Jacob Tamme</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Owen Daniels</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Dennis Pitta</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Jermaine Gresham</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Martellus Bennett</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Scott Chandler</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Heath Miller</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Marcedes Lewis</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Joel Dreessen</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Dustin Keller</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Dallas Clark</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Lance Kendricks</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

TE Notes: Ex-scout Daniel Jeremiah believes Hernandez may be the toughest cover in the NFL outside of Calvin Johnson because of the separation he gains from defenders on every play. ... Finley is the Cover-2 killer. Play him against the Bears with Jennings likely out. ... Cook played 92.3 percent of the offensive snaps in the opener. It's a promising sign considering his snap-count for the 2011 season stood at 59.1 percent. ... Pettigrew flubbed a 23-yard touchdown that would have given him a 6/100/1 line against the Rams.

Beyond the box score: Fleener's 10-target, 82-yard performance was artificially inflated by the Bears Cover-2 defense that leaves the middle of the field open in two-minute drills. While Fleener offeners plenty of long-term potential, he's not yet a reliable TE1 option with Austin Collie returning. ... Pitta is the real deal as a solid TE2 option in the Ravens' new up-tempo offense. Going back to Week 14 of last season, he has nearly double the production of teammate Ed Dickson.

Gresham hasn't reached the point where he can be trusted by Andy Dalton or fantasy owners. He ran the wrong route on Ed Reed's pick-six in the opener. It's been a persistent problem for Gresham going back to his rookie season. ... I need to see Keller take on a bigger role than blocking specialist Jeff Cumberland before I trust that his hamstring injury won't be an issue. ... Clark played fewer snaps than Luke Stocker in the opener.



Week 2 Kickers



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>David Akers</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Sebastian Janikowski</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Garrett Hartley</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Matt Bryant</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Stephen Gostkowski</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Robbie Gould</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Mason Crosby</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Dan Bailey</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Matt Prater</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Shayne Graham</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Billy Cundiff</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Jason Hanson</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Nate Kaeding</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Adam Vinatieri</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Alex Henery</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Rob Bironas</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Lawrence Tynes</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Justin Tucker</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Justin Medlock</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Steven Hauschka</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Connor Barth</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Shaun Suisham</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Ryan Succop</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Greg Zuerlein</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Blair Walsh</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Nick Folk</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Rian Lindell</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Josh Scobee</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Mike Nugent</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Jay Feely</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Dan Carpenter</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Phil Dawson</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>


Week 2 Defense/Special Teams



<table style="width: 100%;"><tbody><tr class="TableTopRed"><td>Rank</td><td>Player Name</td><td>Opponent</td><td>Notes</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>1</td><td>Texans Def/Spec Team</td><td>at JAC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>2</td><td>Patriots Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. ARZ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>3</td><td>Steelers Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. NYJ</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>4</td><td>Bengals Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. CLE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>5</td><td>Ravens Def/Spec Team</td><td>at PHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>6</td><td>Redskins Def/Spec Team</td><td>at STL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>7</td><td>Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. DET</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>8</td><td>Giants Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. TB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>9</td><td>Jets Def/Spec Team</td><td>at PIT</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>10</td><td>Raiders Def/Spec Team</td><td>at MIA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>11</td><td>Eagles Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. BAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>12</td><td>Lions Def/Spec Team</td><td>at SF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>13</td><td>Chiefs Def/Spec Team</td><td>at BUF</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>14</td><td>Seahawks Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. DAL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>15</td><td>Bills Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. KC</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>16</td><td>Cowboys Def/Spec Team</td><td>at SEA</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>17</td><td>Bears Def/Spec Team</td><td>at GB</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>18</td><td>Packers Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. CHI</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>19</td><td>Broncos Def/Spec Team</td><td>at ATL</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>20</td><td>Vikings Def/Spec Team</td><td>at IND</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>21</td><td>Chargers Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. TEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>22</td><td>Titans Def/Spec Team</td><td>at SD</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>23</td><td>Browns Def/Spec Team</td><td>at CIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>24</td><td>Dolphins Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. OAK</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>25</td><td>Saints Def/Spec Team</td><td>at CAR</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>26</td><td>Jaguars Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. HOU</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>27</td><td>Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</td><td>at NYG</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>28</td><td>Colts Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. MIN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>29</td><td>Rams Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. WAS</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>30</td><td>Falcons Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. DEN</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW2"><td>31</td><td>Cardinals Def/Spec Team</td><td>at NE</td><td>-</td></tr><tr class="TABLEALTROW1"><td>32</td><td>Panthers Def/Spec Team</td><td>vs. NO</td><td>-</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

[HacheMan]

Week 2 Target Watch – AFC
Welcome to the AFC version of Target Watch. You will find all of the AFC teams below, with all of their passing targets, plus some snap count data and words I came up with in my brain after tackling the NFC teams on Wednesday.





Baltimore Ravens



Dennis Pitta: (9), Anquan Boldin: (5), Ray Rice: (4), Vonta Leach: (3), Jacoby Jones: (3), Torrey Smith: (3), Ed Dickson: (3), Deonte Thompson: (2)


This was very much the Dennis Pitta target three hours of power. Pitta ran 28 passing routes compared to Ed Dickson’s 16. Last year it was quite difficult to predict who would see the most targets between the two from week to week. This could be the start of something good for Pitta, especially since he saw three red zone targets, but I would like to see a pattern develop.


Torrey Smith’s mediocre three targets were a bit disappointing. I don’t think it will be the norm, because it looked as if he wouldn’t just be the deep threat this season. This is another storyline to keep an eye on, but I think they’ll make a point to get him more looks this weekend.


Ray Rice only had 10 carries, but thankfully found the end zone twice. His overall usage was a little alarming, but there’s no doubt they want him with the ball in the red zone. This is yet another bit of usage we’ll need to watch as the Ravens new pass oriented offense finds its legs.





Buffalo Bills



Stevie Johnson: (10), Donald Jones: (7), Scott Chandler: (6), David Nelson: (5), C.J. Spiller: (3), Lee Smith: (1)

The Bills were flattened by the Jets and also lost David Nelson and Fred Jackson. That is what I’d call a bad game. Thankfully C.J. Spiller did his thing and went fantasy football crazy, gaining 194 yards and a touchdown on just 16 touches. That’s a pretty good 12 yards per touch.

Donald Jones saw plenty of targets and should continue to get them with Nelson out for the season.

Tight end Scott Chandler didn’t have six targets until week 11 last season, so that is good news for him. He’ll need to get that average a little above six to be fantasy relevant in single tight end leagues, but in two tight end leagues, he could be worthwhile soon.





Cincinnati Bengals



A.J. Green: (11), Andrew Hawkins: (9), Jermaine Gresham: (8), Armon Binns: (5), Brandon Tate: (2), BenJarvus Green-Ellis: (2)

Andrew Hawkins was the big news on Monday night for the Bengals as they were beaten like things that get beaten a lot. He was Dalton’s go to guy over the middle, catching eight passes for 86 yards on nine targets.

Armon Binns actually saw more work than Hawkins, 35 to 26 pass routes, but Hawkins was easily the go to guy when he was out there. He’s worth looking into for PPR aficionados.

Jermaine Gresham had a healthy eight targets, but only came up with three of them. I believe this is an anomaly and he’ll get back on track. The targets will be there and just like last season, he is a favorite of Dalton’s in the red zone where he had three targets on Monday.





Cleveland Browns



Mohamed Massaquoi: (8), Travis Benjamin: (6), Josh Gordon: (4), Greg Little: (4), Brandon Jackson: (4), Trent Richardson: (3), Owen Marecic: (2), Ben Watson: (2), Alex Smith: (1), Jordan Cameron: (1)


It’s hard to get too excited about any of these target numbers with Brandon Weeden having a terrible debut. Unless he can improve and quickly, there’s no Cleveland receiver worth gambling on.


The best news here is Trent Richardson’s three targets. He was rusty against the Eagles, but with the workload it looks like he’ll be getting on the ground and through the air, it will be hard for him not to be a fantasy starter.





Denver Broncos



Demaryius Thomas: (7), Eric Decker: (7), Jacob Tamme: (5), Brandon Stokley: (3), Joel Dreessen: (2), Matt Willis: (1), Willis McGahee: (1)


All the guessing as to who would be Peyton Manning’s go-to guys was pretty much right on. The duo of Thomas and Decker will continue to lead in targets, while Decker looks to be the guy in the red zone with two targets to Thomas’ none.


Jacob Tamme had 24 receiving routes to Dreessen’s 19, but had three more targets, including a red zone target that resulted in a touchdown. He’s the guy to own in Denver, but he is splitting time and has a better chance of throwing up a dud.





Houston Texans



Andre Johnson: (10), Owen Daniels: (8), Ben Tate: (3), Arian Foster: (3), James Casey: (2), Kevin Walter: (2), Lestar Jean: (2), Keshawn Martin: (1)


Andre Johnson was Andre Johnson and will continue to be Andre Johnson while of sound body. If he gets hurt he turns into Andy Johns P.I.


No other receiver really stepped up except for Owen Daniels, who continues to be the tight end to own in Houston. I was a little worried James Casey and Garrett Graham would cut into his targets, but it doesn’t seem to be the case.


Arian Foster was Arian . . . okay, we get it! He played 50 snaps to Ben Tate’s 21. Tate isn’t going away, but Foster had seven looks inside the red zone compared to Tate’s zero. He’s going to continue doing what he does.





Indianapolis Colts



Reggie Wayne: (18), Coby Fleener: (10), Donnie Avery: (8), Kris Adams: (4), Donald Brown: (2), Mewelde Moore: (1), LaVon Brazill: (1)


Eighteen targets for Reggie Wayne gave me a warm fuzzy guttural feeling because I felt a big target year coming his way. Of course the addition of Austin Collie might cut into those targets a bit, but Andrew Luck will be throwing the ball often this season.


Wayne also had four red zone targets to Donnie Avery’s three. We most likely will see Collie get those instead of Avery if he’s back to full speed this week.


Coby Fleener ran 44 pass routes compared to Dwayne Allen’s 17 and Allen didn’t even see a target. Fleener is the guy to own no doubt.


The running backs were spread out quite a bit, with Donald Brown getting 28 snaps compared to 19 for Mewelde Moore and 11 for Vick Ballard. With Brown not being the passing down back, he will have trouble remaining fantasy relevant unless he can take one of his few carries into the end zone like he did against the Bears.





Jacksonville Jaguars



Laurent Robinson: (9), Cecil Shorts: (7), Justin Blackmon: (6), Marcedes Lewis: (5), Maurice Jones-Drew: (5), Montell Owens: (3), Greg Jones: (2), Mike Thomas: (1), Rashad Jennings: (1)


I’m still not sold on Blaine Gabbert as a quarterback who can sustain fantasy receivers. They faced a poor Minnesota Viking pass defense and Gabbert had his best game as a pro and Cecil Shorts was the fantasy star. And Shorts was only on the field for 14 plays. Unless he gets a big boost in playing time next week, he’ll be impossible to trust on your fantasy team.


The real fantasy winners should have been Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon, but they weren’t. I’m not giving up on Blackmon because his skills after the catch are impressive.


Maurice Jones-Drew was on the field for 49 plays compared to Rashad Jennings’ 19. Jennings sustained an injury, but Jones-Drew was going to take over the lead back duties anyway.




<!--RW-->
Kansas City Chiefs



Dexter McCluster: (10), Tony Moeaki: (6), Dwayne Bowe: (6), Steve Breaston: (4), Peyton Hillis: (3), Kevin Boss: (2), Shaun Draughn: (2)



Easily the biggest news here is Dexter McCluster’s 10 targets and Jonathon Baldwin’s zero. McCluster ran 30 routes, second only to Dwayne Bowe’s 33. He also saw one of the two red zone targets on the day.


The problem of course is that the Chiefs were down quickly and went to the pass, whereas they would much rather run the ball as often as possible. The Chiefs defense will be getting some key players back and won’t always be facing a high-powered offense like the Falcons. With Bowe as the number one guy, McCluster isn’t going to see ten targets all that often.


Peyton Hillis and Jamaal Charles split up work about as we envisioned. It wasn’t 50/50 like we’d been duped to believe of course. Charles was on the field for 29 plays compared to Hillis’ 19, while Draughn came in for garbage time.





Miami Dolphins



Brian Hartline: (8), Davone Bess: (7), Reggie Bush: (6), Anthony Fasano: (5), Anthony Armstrong: (3), Daniel Thomas: (3), Legedu Naanee: (2), Jorvorskie Lane: (1), Charles Clay: (1)


Much like the Brandon Weedon experiment, the Ryan Tannehill show needed to be postponed for a few extra dress rehearsals. They were facing one of the best defenses in the league, so I’d like to see Tannehill face an easier matchup before I write off the Dolphins passing game for the foreseeable future, but they’ll need to show me before I take the bait.


The best news was probably for Reggie Bush who had 20 looks on the day and accumulated 115 total yards. Bush was only backed up by Daniel Thomas who ended his day with a concussion. Look for Bush to continue carrying the load.





New England Patriots



Brandon Lloyd: (8), Aaron Hernandez: (7), Rob Gronkowski: (6), Wes Welker: (5), Stevan Ridley: (3), Julian Edelman: (2)


The lack of targets is a big topic of discussion in the fantasy football community and for good reason. In only one game last season did Welker see less targets than he had in week one. Is this a trend? His 22 pass routes are one of the lowest game totals I’ve seen for him in quite some time, but the Patriots did run the ball more than usual. Coach Belichick is all about situational football, so we could see Welker get 20 targets next week. I’m taking a wait and see attitude.


Stevan Ridley is probably the biggest story coming out of week one. His 23 touches is a very good sign for a team that likes to micro-manage their running backs. He had six looks in the red zone, so we’re not talking the Green Bay Packers offense here. Ridley can get into the end zone just like BenJarvus Green-Ellis did last season, but maybe more so.





New York Jets



Santonio Holmes: (8), Stephen Hill: (6), Jeremy Kerley: (4), Jeff Cumberland: (4), Chaz Schilens: (1), Bilal Powell: (1), Shonn Greene: (1), Dustin Keller: (1)


It seemed like we’d have to wait on Stephen Hill to make an impact in this league, but he went ahead without us and grabbed a couple touchdowns and saw the second most time on the field, behind only veteran Santonio Holmes. And after his big game it will take a lot to knock him out of that number two receiver position.


Jeremy Kerley had a big day and was only behind Hill and Holmes by a few snaps, so it will be interesting to see if he continues that workload. He also had two targets in the red zone, to help out his cause.


Shonn Greene only had one target on 10 pass routes, while Bilal Powell had one on 11 pass routes. That’s about as even as you can get, but Powell may start seeing more passing down work, which will hurt Greene when they don’t have big leads like last week.





Oakland Raiders



Darren McFadden: (18), Rod Streater: (10), Brandon Myers: (5), Darrius Heyward-Bey: (5), Marcel Reece: (2), David Ausberry: (1)


Holy Targets McFadden Man! Zoinks! Eighteen targets for a running back didn’t happen one time last year. Roy Helu came close with 17, but that’s one less than 18 I think. Of course his rushing numbers were abysmal, but 13 receptions will get you through anything in a PPR league. He won’t see that many usually, but he’s the guy and the guy’s uncle in Oakland.


With Denarius Moore out, Rod Streater had a target fest, but fumbled and only caught four of the ten targets. Thankfully for those that started him, he got into the end zone.


The offense was not right for Oakland, but they have weapons. These numbers are going to fluctuate quite a bit until they get things right. Heyward-Bey and McFadden are the shoreline in which the sea is crashing. Hold steady with them.





Pittsburgh Steelers



Emmanuel Sanders: (8), Antonio Brown: (8), Heath Miller: (7), Mike Wallace: (6), Jonathan Dwyer: (4), Isaac Redman: (2), Chris Rainey: (1), Jerricho Cotchery: (1)


The three Steelers wide receivers were used extensively in Denver. Antonio Brown and Mike Wallace ran 49 and 46 pass routes, while Emmanuel Sanders ran 38. Brown and Wallace are of course the main guys, but a healthy Sanders will continue to get targets in Todd Haley’s offense.


Antonio Brown’s three red zone targets are a nice stat to hold in your back pocket. He’ll continue getting looks near the goal line and should improve on his two touchdowns from last year by quite a few.


The running back situation broke down as Jonathan Dwyer being on the field for 42 snaps compared to 24 for Isaac Redman. And now Coach Tomlin has said Dwyer will see even more work going forward. Dwyer is the guy to own right now.





San Diego Chargers



Antonio Gates: (8), Malcom Floyd: (6), Curtis Brinkley: (5), Ronnie Brown: (5), Le'Ron McClain: (4), Robert Meachem: (2), Eddie Royal: (2), Dante Rosario: (1)


There wasn’t a whole lot of production coming out of the Charger’s offense late Monday night that didn’t involve three pointers, but we did learn that Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd are the go to receivers. We knew that about Gates of course, but there was some debate around Floyd.


Floyd also had three targets in the red zone compared to one for Gates. If he can stay healthy, 10 touchdowns are very much in his future.


The running back situation is a mess with Ryan Mathews, but Curtis Brinkley at least looked like the best back they had. Neither he nor Ronnie Brown put up numbers, but Brown looks done.




Tennessee Titans



Nate Washington: (8), Chris Johnson: (7), Jared Cook: (6), Kendall Wright: (6), Damian Williams: (6), Darius Reynaud: (4), Lavelle Hawkins: (4), Craig Stevens: (1), Jamie Harper: (1)


Without Kenny Britt, we saw a lot of Damian Williams. This weekend I believe we will only be able to count on Nate Washington and Jared Cook. Speaking of Jared Cook, last season it was like pulling teeth, trying to get him a full game on the field. But this year, he was out there more than any other receiver. As long as that keeps up, he’ll be worthwhile in fantasy.


Chris Johnson saved his day, at least for PPR leaguers, by catching six passes. It wasn’t enough for where you drafted him of course, but hopefully his PPR value will stay in the realm of fantasy relevance even if he continues to rot as a rusher.



Snap count data comes from our friends at Pro Football Focus and red zone data from our other friends at The Football Guys.

 

[HacheMan]

Jettison Jennings? Three games, three different injuries.

As brought to light by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel’s legendary Bob McGinn, that’s how things have played out for Greg Jennings of late.

First, there was the MCL sprain he suffered in Green Bay’s Week 14 win over the Raiders last season. That knocked Jennings out until the Packers’ Divisional Round loss to the Giants, where he departed with a fourth-quarter rib injury.

Fast forward to the 2012 season, and Jennings couldn’t survive Green Bay’s Week 1 loss to the 49ers without pulling his groin. Although he’s supposedly “50-50” to play, Jennings’ latest ailment will likely hold him out of tonight’s tilt with the Bears.

It’s a troubling trend that grows even more troubling when you consider it’s really been four games, four injuries for Jennings. He suffered a concussion in the Packers’ ”Family Night Scrimmage” to kick off camp.

That’s a heck of a lot of injuries in one nine-month span for a soon-to-be 29-year-old receiver who hadn’t missed a game since 2007 until last season.

So is it a fluke? Bad luck meets the trials of aging? The beginning of the end?

There’s no real way to know, but there is one thing to know: it might not matter with regards to Jennings’ role in the Packers offense.

There’s already mounting evidence Jennings has been surpassed by Jordy Nelson as the Packers’ No. 1 receiver, and the team is clearly infatuated with second-year pro Randall Cobb.

(For more on Cobb, check out this article from McGinn’s colleague Tyler Dunne.)

Throw in the fact that James Jones is one of the top reserve wideouts in the NFL, and...might the Pack not even mind if Jennings can’t suit up?

It seems to be a question on McGinn’s mind, who believes the Packers would be “wise” to shop Jennings ahead of October’s trade deadline. Granted, McGinn’s view is based on Jennings’ impending free agency, but if one of the voices of the Packers thinks they should shop Jennings, you can bet it’s at least crossed GM Ted Thompson’s mind.

As it is, it’s doubtful Jennings will be sent packing. It’s equally doubtful fantasy owners will have any better idea of Jennings’ true role in the Packers’ well-oiled machine after tonight’s game.

That means there’s major uncertainty surrounding a player who was the eighth receiver off the board by ADP this summer. So should you strike it rich by buying low, or get out while the gettin’ is still good?

If Jennings is healthy, he’ll play and produce. There’s really no doubt about that. If you wait too long to decide what to do, however, there’s no guarantee it won’t be five games, five injuries.

Running Back Roulette

Another Wednesday, another day of limited practices, surprise absences and warm reassurances.

We’ll start with Jonathan Stewart, who is “optimistic” he’ll play against the Saints after getting in a full practice Wednesday afternoon. Whereas Stewart is optimistic, the Panthers might be desperate after DeAngelo Williams “gained” -1 yards on six carries in Stewart’s absence Sunday. If Stewart gets in two more full practices the next two days, there’s no reason to believe he won’t be active for Week 2.

Jonathan Dwyer

How did Dwyer celebrate being Rotoworld’s eighth most searched player and coach Mike Tomlin’s Tuesday admission that he’s earned an “increased opportunity”? By sitting out practice with a previously undisclosed foot injury.

Nothing is known about Dwyer’s status beyond the fact that he didn’t suit up, but it we’re making assumptions, it’s probably safe to assume Tomlin wouldn’t have talked Dwyer up on Tuesday if he thought he wasn’t going to play on Sunday.

Of course, that assumes Dwyer’s injury didn’t come on the practice field Wednesday. Based on what we know, however, there’s no reason to panic, and plenty of reason to believe one of this week’s top waiver wire warriors will claim what’s his against the Jets: an increased opportunity.

Adrian Peterson and Trent Richardson

Both players were full-go on Wednesday, and each appears poised to have the reins loosened further in Week 2. For Peterson, that could mean as many as 20 carries. For Richardson, that could mean another 19-carry afternoon, but hopefully more than 39 yards this time.

Peterson is locked and loaded as an RB2 who could easily produce like an RB1. Richardson’s workload will scream RB2, but his production will likely say RB3/flex as he continues to get back into football shape and up to NFL speed following his second knee scope of 2012.

Other Running Back Notes: Ryan Mathews (clavicle) has yet to be cleared for contact, and didn’t even participate in individual drills Wednesday. He won’t be returning in Week 2. … Arian Foster left practice early with an “illness.” No, it’s not because his vegan diet has weakened his immune system. A bug is making its way through the Texans’ locker room. Foster will be fine for Sunday. … Fred Jackson (knee) believes he’ll “without a doubt” be back in four weeks. C.J. Spiller could have a lot to say about that.

Quarterback Notes: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt claimed there’s still a chance John Skelton (ankle) could start against the Patriots. Reality has yet to back-up his assertion. … Jake Locker (shoulder) did “everything he wanted” in Titans practice, and expects to start against the Chargers barring a “huge setback.”

Receiver Notes: Calvin Johnson sat out with a foot injury, but “seems to be fine.” His status isn’t a concern for Sunday Night Football. … Hakeem Nicks (foot) missed Giants practice, but will return on Thursday. It’s clear Nicks will be playing through pain this season. It’s less clear how that might affect him. … Pierre Garcon (foot) didn’t practice, but is optimistic he’ll play against the Rams. Fantasy owners’ optimism should be tempered by the fact that coach Mike Shanahan has remained so coy on his No. 1 receiver’s status. … Jeremy Maclin (hip) was held out of Eagles practice. It could be hard to get a true read on his status before Friday. … Steve Smith was limited with a knee issue, but will “without a doubt” play against the Saints. … Austin Collie is expected to be “full go” for Sunday after fully participating in Wednesday’s practice.

Chris Johnson’s four yards rushing Sunday were: Tied for 93rd in the league. … Two other players with four yards rushing were Ben Roethlisberger and La'Rod Stephens-Howling. … 18 quarterbacks rushed for more yards than Chris Johnson, including backups Tyrod Taylor and Colin Kaepernick. One tight end, Aaron Hernandez, had a better day out of the backfield than Johnson.

Brandon Weeden’s 5.1 QB rating Sunday was: 10 times worse than Michael Vick’s, who threw four picks for the team Weeden was playing. … 7.2 points worse than Robert Griffin III’s yards per attempt. … 6.5 points less than Shane Battier averaged in the NBA Finals. … On the bright side, Weeden did rush for 21 more yards than Chris Johnson.

 

[HacheMan]

Flex ranks: Already looking top-heavy

Eric Karabell

Welcome to Thursday, the day we'll be "flexing" this season. Here are the fantasy flex rankings for Week 2, taking the best -- and not-so best as we near the bottom of the ranks -- running backs, wide receivers and tight ends and combining them into one tidy top 100 list in order to compare players across the flex-eligible positions. Obviously, you should make your own lineup decisions; as with other information available to you on ESPN.com, this is merely a guide.




Need more advice? Check out the Week 2 staff rankings, which you can sort individually by expert, or perhaps your question was answered either in my Wednesday chat wrap or will be by my colleagues today or tomorrow. You can also find me on Twitter (@karabellespn).


Good luck in Week 2 and beyond!

1. Arian Foster, RB, Texans: Still No. 1, but keep an eye on his knee woes, because the team does have depth.
2. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: Don't be concerned if his rushing attempts remain low.
3. Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders: Wow, 13 receptions! He had 19 all of last season. Um, please don't get hurt.
4. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: Yeah, I'd say he's feelin' pretty good.
5. LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles: The Eagles threw the football a ton last year, too, and McCoy still got his numbers. Don't worry about him. Instead, worry about his quarterback staying upright.
6. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
7. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars: So much for the Rashad Jennings experience.
9. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
10. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons: A likely fantasy monster, but as colleague Ken Daube wisely noted, don't forget about Atlanta's other guy.
11. Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: Can't complain about this week's matchup.
12. DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys
13. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals: Don't overthink the situation with the team's quarterbacks. In Fitz's case, there's ample evidence it doesn't matter who starts.
14. Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
15. Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears
16. Percy Harvin, WR, Vikings
17. C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills: This won't be the last time he ranks well. In fact, I think he keeps the starting job. Fred Jackson is 31 years old, and apparently brittle.
18. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks: Looked fine Sunday for a guy with back problems.
19. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: Also dealing with a knee issue, and also not a young man (by NFL standards).
20. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: He's apparently a polarizing fantasy option, the Tim Tebow of running backs. Many are ready to give up on him, but I'm not.
21. Roddy White, WR, Falcons
22. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals: I just don't think his quarterback is all that great.
23. Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots: The true test will come when Pats coach Bill Belichick has a full complement of running back options.
24. Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
25. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants: Instead of debating which Giant to own, can't we just recommend both?
26. Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: Will get another chance to perfect his spike motion this week.
27. Steven Jackson, RB, Rams
28. Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
29. Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
30. Wes Welker, WR, Patriots: Another example of a guy who didn't do much in Week 1, and despite months of prepping for drafts and loving the guy, now people think he's done. That's just ridiculous.
31. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants
32. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers: Regardless of who else plays wide receiver for the Packers, he's going to get his numbers.
33. Michael Turner, RB, Falcons: Buy low, within reason. He's not a top-10 running back, but he's not going away, either.
34. Marques Colston, WR, Saints
35. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals: Actually looked strong against the Ravens, so I admit that perhaps this rank isn't quite fair.
36. Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
37. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: Don't love him too much. Peyton has other options, too.
38. Darren Sproles, RB, Saints: Nary a rushing attempt in Week 1, but he was on the field plenty.
39. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers: Be prepared to remove him from lineups in case he's scratched. Packers play Thursday. This rank is obviously predicated on him playing. If he's active, he can put up numbers.
40. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys
41. Brandon Lloyd, WR, Patriots: I'll still take Welker over Lloyd.
42. Trent Richardson, RB, Browns: He's not the only Brown on the list, but he is the lone Cleveland Brown. Things should improve.
43. Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins
44. Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens: Came so close to a few big plays Monday. Look for the Eagles to give up a few big plays this week.
45. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts: Take the under on 200 receiving targets this season.
46. Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers
47. Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins: Too much Mike Shanahan evidence to ever trust that a sixth-round rookie keeps the starting job.
48. Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys
49. Mike Wallace, WR, Steelers
50. Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos
51. Aaron Hernandez, TE, Patriots
52. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs: The problem with sitting him is he's so talented that any game could be a 20-point performance.
53. Shonn Greene, RB, Jets: Hopefully we didn't see his best game of the season already.
54. Steve Johnson, WR, Bills
55. Donald Brown, RB, Colts: Pretty sure he'll get more than nine rushing attempts this week, and he'll catch passes, too.
56. Kevin Smith, RB, Lions: One more week until Mikel Leshoure can steal some, most or all touches.
57. Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
58. Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
59. Peyton Hillis, RB, Chiefs: I'm buying low here, absolutely. Doesn't mean he's a top-10 running back, but good times are ahead.
60. DeSean Jackson, WR, Eagles
61. Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins: A tad concerned about his foot issue, and he's probably a tad overrated from his big game in the first place. It was basically one big play he made.
62. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
63. Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Steelers: Seems like he's getting opportunity, but a foot injury could cost him. Make sure he plays before flexing him.
64. Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles: I'm getting the feeling he's not going to play this week, actually. Doesn't mean I'd flex Mardy Gilyard, however.
65. Beanie Wells, RB, Cardinals: Not the best week to rely on him, up in New England.
66. Eric Decker, WR, Broncos: Probably coming at too much of a discount in trades this week. He and Thomas will both produce.
67. Jermichael Finley, TE, Packers
68. Santonio Holmes, WR, Jets
69. Cedric Benson, RB, Packers: Another fellow to buy low on, no matter how you feel about him. Remember, they just played the 49ers. It gets easier.
70. Robert Meachem, WR, Chargers
71. Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
72. Lance Moore, WR, Saints
73. Tony Gonzalez, TE, Falcons
74. Mark Ingram, RB, Saints: Has to get more touches to keep earning even this modest rank.
75. Michael Bush, RB, Bears: Let's see if he gets a healthy 12 carries in closer games. Not sure he will.
76. Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks
77. Nate Washington, WR, Titans
78. DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: You and I actually have more rushing yards than this guy this season. And we have nary a rushing attempt. By the way, I did not rank still-questionable teammate Jonathan Stewart yet. If he plays, he'd be in the 60s on this list.
79. Anquan Boldin, WR, Ravens
80. Ben Tate, RB, Texans: I'll just say while he's not a great option this week, make sure he's owned in your league, because Foster's situation is probably more precarious than the team is letting on. Seriously. Plan ahead, whether you own Foster or not.
81. Kevin Ogletree, WR, Cowboys: Not a great rank for the Week 1 high scorer at wide receiver. There's a reason for that. Own him, but don't start him.
82. Randall Cobb, WR, Packers: Leaps up 20 spots if Jennings can't go.
83. Nate Burleson, WR, Lions
84. Fred Davis, TE, Redskins
85. Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers
86. Titus Young, WR, Lions: Way too early to give up on this guy. We're all underrating him a bit.
87. Kenny Britt, WR, Titans: Expected to get 20 or so plays, and no, I don't think this situation is like Adrian Peterson or Maurice Jones-Drew, when they blew away expectations.
88. Brandon LaFell, WR, Panthers: Solid first game, and is likely to matter all year.
89. Roy Helu, RB, Redskins: Don't drop him. I'm telling you, he will matter at some point, perhaps soon.
90. Toby Gerhart, RB, Vikings: I wouldn't drop him, either. Peterson looked great, but a missed game or two wouldn't be shocking.
91. Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Lions
92. Mike Williams, WR, Buccaneers
93. Danny Amendola, WR, Rams: Borderline starter in PPR formats. No, really.
94. James Jones, WR, Packers: I'll take Cobb over him, but each should be relevant.
95. Ryan Williams, RB, Cardinals: This is not the week to use a Cardinals running back, after what the Patriots did to Chris Johnson, but don't cut Williams.
96. Isaac Redman, RB, Steelers: Watch Dwyer's situation, but Redman is not a strong option regardless.
97. Laurent Robinson, WR, Jaguars
98. Stephen Hill, WR, Jets: The Steelers' defense is just a bit better than the Bills'.
99. David Wilson, RB, Giants: Hold on to the football, young fella!
100. Mario Manningham, WR, 49ers: Yes, I'd use him over the future Hall of Famer that just missed the list (whose name is next).
Others: Randy Moss, WR, 49ers; Ronnie Brown, RB, Chargers; Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints; Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos; Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Raiders; LeGarrette Blount, RB, Buccaneers; Jacquizz Rodgers, RB, Falcons; Jared Cook, TE, Titans; Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Chiefs.

 

[HacheMan]

Forte Frustration
Matt Forte owners griped all week about losing goal-line carries to Michael Bush (as he should). That’s small potatoes now.

During the third quarter of Wednesday’s loss to the Packers, Forte was on his way out of bounds when Charles Woodson awkwardly tried to make the tackle. Woodson’s knee struck Forte’s foot, causing the multi-purpose back’s ankle to roll. Forte attempted to get taped up and go back in the game, but couldn’t cut at all. He then went to the locker room and was quickly ruled out for the night.

After the game, the Bears stayed tight-lipped.

"The extent of the injury we don't know right now but he couldn't finish the game," coach Lovie Smith said.

I hate to speculate on injuries, but I thought Forte’s injury looked a lot like the ankle sprain Jonathan Stewart sustained during the preseason. Both players' toes ended up too high, but their foot didn’t stick in the ground and roll. As we’ve seen, Stewart’s injury turned out to be a three-week deal.

As we await a timetable, Michael Bush should be owned in every single league across the land. He has starting-caliber talent and we know he’s the goal-line back anyway.

BEARS AT PACKERS RANDOM THOUGHTS
* Greg Jennings (groin) was inactive, but seemed close to playing. He’ll probably be back for Week 3.
* Awful night for James Jones. He was an every-down receiver, but had a touchdown pass go off his fingertips. Worse yet was when he broke off a route at the wrong time, resulting in an Aaron Rodgers interception. Rodgers was furious with Jones.
* The Packers used a rejuvenated Tramon Williams on Brandon Marshall when he lined up outside. On the inside, Marshall saw Charles Woodson. In both scenarios, the Packers had a safety on top. When Jay Cutler finally did get a perfect pass off to Marshall, he dropped a routine catch in the end zone.
* The Bears’ pass protection was laughable. It was at least as bad as it was when Jay Cutler was running for his life last season.
* Now would be a good time to buy low on Aaron Rodgers. He’s faced two of the league’s better defenses already.
* With the Packers nursing a lead for most of the game, Randall Cobb wasn’t used in the backfield very much. Those duties went to Cedric Benson, who actually showed some gas in the tank. He even beat Bears S Major Wright to the edge on one play. (Wright should be humiliated.)

NEWS OF THE DAY #1
The Chargers thought that Ronnie Brown would be a suitable stopgap while Ryan Mathews was sidelined. It took them less than one quarter on Monday night to realize that wouldn’t be the case. Brown is totally out of gas, washed up and slow.

Have no fear, however, because Superman is coming to the rescue. Ryan Mathews, one of the most productive per-play backs in the league over the last two seasons, has been cleared for contact. He practiced in pads on Thursday and appears headed for a game-time call at worst. It’s a tough spot for owners considering the 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday, but Mathews is close. He’s on track to be three-down and goal-line workhorse come Week 3.

NEWS OF THE DAY #2
We knew that Jeremy Maclin (hip pointer) was in doubt for Week 2. We found out Thursday that DeSean Jackson strained a hamstring during Wednesday’s practice and is now questionable as well.

Coach Andy Reid is optimistic that both will play, but he’s not taking any chances. The Eagles re-signed Mardy Gilyard off the street and are currently carrying three wideouts on the practice squad. If Maclin can’t go, rookie Damaris Johnson is expected to start, leaving Jason Avant in his usual slot role.

Regardless, owners of both Eagles wideouts should be on alert. They were already facing a tough matchup against a Ravens defense that figures to put a ton of pressure on Michael Vick. The Eagles offensive line once again looks lost as they’re playing without All-Pro Jason Peters.

NEWS OF THE DAY #3
I wrote about the Colts bungling of the Austin Collie situation exactly one week ago. Nothing has changed.

After Collie practiced in full on Wednesday, coach Chuck Pagano said his No. 2 wideout has been totally cleared and is ready to play in Week 2. On Thursday, however, Collie was downgraded to a limited practice. This really should be simple: Either Collie has been cleared to play football with full contact or not. Until I actually see him on the field, I’m not trusting anything the Colts say anymore.


DEPTH CHART QUICK SLANTS
Braylon Edwards will come off the bench behind Golden Tate at split end this week. … The Lions expect Mikel Leshoure (suspension) to contribute immediately come Week 3. … Armon Binns has passed Brandon Tate on the Bengals’ depth chart. Yawn. … Joseph Morgan is going to be the Saints’ No. 3 wideout with Devery Henderson (concussion) doubtful and Adrian Arrington (knee) on injured reserve. … Legedu Naanee saw just 27 snaps in Week 1. He’s a poor NFL receiver. … Tom Brady said he still expects Wes Welker “to be a huge part of this offense and what we do on a weekly basis.”

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: RUNNING BACKS AND TIGHT ENDS
Antonio Gates (ribs) is sore but should be fine for Sunday. … Dustin Keller (hamstring) was downgraded to out on Thursday. Really bad sign. … Javon Ringer (elbow) is not expected to play this week. Good news for Chris Johnson’s receiving stats. … Jonathan Stewart (ankle) is tentatively expected to play vs. the Saints. … The Steelers continue to pretend like Rashard Mendenhall (knee) is going to play. In reality, it’s going to be the Isaac Redman/Jonathan Dwyer show again. … LeGarrette Blount (neck) returned to a full practice. … Rashad Jennings (knee) is looking very doubtful. Maurice Jones-Drew is set up for a monster workload.

INJURY QUICK SLANTS: WIDE RECEIVERS AND QUARTERBACKS
Hakeem Nicks’ (foot) absence Wednesday was scheduled. He’ll be fine. … The oft-injured Sidney Rice (knee) has missed two straight practices and has a tough matchup against the Cowboys this week. … Kenny Britt (knee) is on track for 20-25 snaps Sunday. … Denarius Moore (hamstring) has been practicing well and appears ready to go, but may be on a snap count … Pierre Garcon (foot) is probably headed for a game-time call. … Jake Locker’s shoulder is not a real concern. … Calvin Johnson (foot) returned to a full practice, as expected. … Steve Smith (CAR) has a sore knee but should be fine.

 

[HacheMan]

Doug Martin looks like real deal

By Christopher Harris | ESPN.com

Before I get started, let me mention that I've got a new weekly podcast called the Fantasy Underground, where Field Yates and I will do player breakdowns similar to what you're used to reading in this column. I'll try hard not to duplicate players between the column and the podcast, so you get maximum exposure to my film-watching mania. On the UG this week, Field and I discuss the debuts of Adrian Peterson, Maurice Jones-Drew, Chris Johnson, Trent Richardson, Kevin Ogletree and Stephen Hill. You can listen to the first podcast here.

Five In Depth



1. Doug Martin looked great: I'll try not to go overboard in my praise of the Muscle Hamster, because the Carolina Panthers' defense isn't exactly a reincarnation of the 1985 Chicago Bears. Last year, by my metrics, they were the second-easiest team for fantasy backs to score points against. That said, Martin did some things in Week 1 that gave me shivers. He consistently made defenders miss even on runs where he was stuffed at the line; it was exceedingly rare that the first man brought him down. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' run blocking was in pretty good synch, as there seemed to be consistent rushing holes, and Martin usually got to them decisively and often made one hard move once he got through. So many of the RBs I focused on this week (Peterson, MJD, CJ) seemed reluctant (or unable) to really plant hard and go, so much so that I found myself getting a little bit bored watching their film. Martin had a suddenness to him that leapt off the screen.

And while the rookie had only four catches for 23 yards in Week 1, you can see there's a potential for him to be a big factor in the passing game. His first target, in particular, was a thing of beauty: Josh Freeman checked down to Martin and probably shouldn't have, because he was covered. But Martin reached up with both hands and fingertip-grabbed the pass while allowing himself to fall backward (if I may steal a turn of phrase from myself from Slotback Rhapsody) like a southern belle with the vapors.


It wasn't all sweetness and light from Martin. In the second quarter, he got a carry from the Panthers' 1 and was stuffed by Thomas Davis; his fantasy day (28 touches, 118 yards) would've looked even better with a touchdown. It would certainly stink if Martin winds up having the same goal-line problems that his predecessor LeGarrette Blount so vexingly possesses. And one must also offer the general caveat that RBs who run with Martin's level of violence sometimes don't have the world's longest shelf life. This kid hits it hard, even when a play isn't blocked well.


I ranked Martin "only" 15th among RBs this week, a bit below some of my ESPN ranking colleagues, mostly because I want to see the kid do it against better competition. I'm not sure whether the New York Giants qualify in Week 2 (they allowed 131 rushing yards in their opener), but I think they're better than Carolina. Week 3 versus the Dallas Cowboys will be a true test, but I now acknowledge I wasn't psyched enough about Martin this summer. He runs low and hard between the guards, unafraid and shifty, very much like a young back who wants to take the NFL by storm.


2. Cam Newton's (relatively) awful day: Folks who drafted Newton in the first or second round last month probably didn't think they were signing up for one passing TD, two picks and five rushing yards in Week 1, especially not against a Bucs defense that was horrendous in '11. First off, that's Exhibit A in a list of a million about why you shouldn't look at strength of schedule before the season starts. The NFL changes dramatically from year to year. Suddenly the Bucs can hold any team to 10 rushing yards, let alone the RB-heavy Panthers? Crazy.


As for Newton, this clearly isn't a typical result or game plan. Carolina possessed the ball for just over 22 minutes, and had only eight carries by its RBs all day. Newton took snaps out of the shotgun on many more plays than he was under center (like last season), and he threw a ton of short passes (like last year after the season's first month). In the first half, I counted three passes that traveled more than 10 yards in the air, though he definitely opened it up in the second half. Heck, Brandon LaFell's TD pass was designed to be a short look, but the coverage was completely blown and LaFell was by himself deep. Make no mistake: Cam still has a bazooka. His deep connection with Louis Murphy in the fourth quarter down 16-7 was a thing of beauty, a drop-it-in-the-bucket shot that not all NFL QBs can make. But outside of that throw, Newton was 1-of-6 on attempts that traveled 20-plus yards in the air:


Cam Newton, Week 1 versus Buccaneers

<table><thead><tr><th> Pass Traveled </th><th> Completions </th><th> Attempts </th><th> Yards </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Behind line </td><td> 5 </td><td> 6 </td><td> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 0-9 yards </td><td> 7 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 10-19 yards </td><td> 9 </td><td> 10 </td><td> 153 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 20-29 yards </td><td> 1 </td><td> 5 </td><td> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 30-39 yards </td><td> 0 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 40-plus yards </td><td> 1 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 51 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Stats LLC



This distribution isn't atypical for the Panthers. I've trod this stat out a few times, but here it is again: From Week 5 forward in 2011, Newton ranked 20th among starting NFL QBs in average yards at the catch. We obviously know that isn't a question of arm strength; it's a question of strategy.


Listen, Newton threw for 303 yards (by contrast, on a messy day in Tampa, winning QB Josh Freeman threw for 138 yards), but Tampa's game plan was surely devised around keeping Newton in the pocket, and it worked significantly better than most teams' similar plans last season. Cam's highest-value called run came from the Bucs' 3, a third-down QB draw out of the shotgun that was stuffed for no gain. The bad news, of course, is that he didn't get you those six juicy fantasy points. The good news is that he got the call in the first place. We certainly need Newton to run to maintain elite fantasy value. This week against a New Orleans Saints defense that allowed 320 pass yards and 42 rush yards to Robert Griffin III, expect last year's Newton to make an appearance.


3. How good was RG3? Speaking of the Washington Redskins' rookie, he represents the NFL's biggest story from Week 1, as the D.C. area is going ga-ga, dreaming of a Super Bowl run. Trouncing the Saints defense in the Superdome isn't supposed to be the domain of a first-year signal-caller, and Griffin was very good. He didn't turn the ball over and he completed 73 percent of his throws. That's excellent stuff. But despite a fun litany of formations and fakes, the Skins' offense was conservative. I'll give the same Week 1 chart I just did for Newton:


Robert Griffin III, Week 1 versus Saints

<table><thead><tr><th> Pass Traveled </th><th> Completions </th><th> Attempts </th><th> Yards </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Behind line </td><td> 7 </td><td> 7 </td><td> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 0-9 yards </td><td> 5 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 10-19 yards </td><td> 6 </td><td> 8 </td><td> 185 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 20-29 yards </td><td> 1 </td><td> 2 </td><td> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 30-39 yards </td><td> 0 </td><td> 1 </td><td> 0 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> 40-plus yards </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td><td> 0 </td></tr></tbody></table>Source: Stats LLC



Remember, 88 of those yards in the 10-to-19 bucket came on a probably-ill-advised throw when RG3 was getting hit hard, an overthrown ball that Pierre Garcon snagged because (a) he made a spectacular play, and (b) Roman Harper took a terrible angle. Remove that one play (which absolutely isn't fair, but bear with me) and Griffin is 18-of-25 for 232 yards, also known as Alex Smith territory.

All of which is not a knock on RG3! He played so well, he really did. I'm just saying this wasn't "mad bomber" stuff. Mike Shanahan would readily agree that this is Griffin's ideal game as a rookie. Washington ran as many play-action passes as they did standard dropbacks, and they let RG3 run several naked bootlegs and even more read-option plays, where he stuck the ball in his running back's belly, scanned the defense, then decided whether or not to actually hand the ball off. There were a few times where Griffin's passing form got lazy and he threw off his back foot, at least once when there was no pressure on him, and he paid for it (except on the long TD). There were also a couple plays where he made defenders miss (and look silly) while scrambling, and then hit receivers for nice gains. (A second-quarter naked boot where he broke the play open, waited, then hit Fred Davis all the way across the field for a big gain comes to mind.)


The deciding factor for RG's fantasy rookie year is going to be his running. He had several planned runs versus the Saints, occasionally breaking around the end and looking more like Jamaal Charles than any QB you care to mention. The kid is fast. He took a couple of those naked boots for nice chunks, too. But of course, when the Skins were in close, the Shanahans went with RB carries rather than letting RG3 plunge it himself, and that figures to be a major difference between the rookie seasons of Newton and Griffin. I'm very impressed. That's a heck of a ceiling RG3 just established there. But from what I saw, I'm not quite ready to put him ahead of Tony Romo, Peyton Manning or Michael Vick, as some of our other rankers did this week.

4. Alfred Morris leads the NFL in carries: That headline kind of says it all, right? Alfred Who? The Florida Atlantic sixth-round rookie is Shanahan's new toy, and he wound up with 28 totes for 96 yards and two scores versus the Saints, while Roy Helu had five touches for 27 yards and Evan Royster had two touches for 10 yards. At this point, fantasy owners are so aware of Shanny's fickle RB decisions that it's almost become clich�, but let's emphasize it by attacking it from two directions.


First, Morris himself looks like a fairly pedestrian talent. Of his 28 carries Sunday, 22 of them went for three yards or fewer, and as I mentioned Tuesday in my Free-Agent Finds piece, I counted exactly one carry where Morris cut hard in the Shanahan mode and made someone miss while finding a seam. Otherwise, it was essentially power football: Run into whatever's in the way, whether it's a defender, open space, or your own lineman. The day looks great because Morris barreled into the end zone from in close twice, and to be fair, that's something he seems very capable of continuing. But in truth after one game I'm going to say I don't particularly believe Morris is a "typical" Shanny one-cut back, because I rarely saw this dude cut.


Second, there's the, shall we say, mercurial nature of Shanahan's love affairs with RBs. Since Week 9 of the '07 season with the Denver Broncos, when Travis Henry was suspended, the list of men who've led Shanny's teams in carries is quite revealing. Here's an updated chart that I used in the Hard Count last year, illustrating this behavior:


Game-By-Game Carries Leader, Recent Shanahan Teams

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th> 2007 Broncos </th><th> 2008 Broncos </th><th> 2010 Redskins </th><th> 2011 Redskins </th></tr><tbody><tr class="last"><td> Game 1 </td><td></td><td> Andre Hall </td><td> Clinton Portis </td><td> Tim Hightower </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 2 </td><td></td><td> Selvin Young </td><td> Portis </td><td> Hightower </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 3 </td><td></td><td> Young </td><td> Portis </td><td> Hightower </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 4 </td><td></td><td> Young </td><td> Ryan Torain </td><td> Ryan Torain </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 5 </td><td></td><td> Young </td><td> Torain </td><td> Torain </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 6 </td><td></td><td> Michael Pittman </td><td> Torain </td><td> Hightower </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 7 </td><td></td><td> Pittman </td><td> Torain </td><td> Torain </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 8 </td><td></td><td> Pittman </td><td> Torain </td><td> Roy Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 9 </td><td> Selvin Young </td><td> Ryan Torain </td><td> Keiiland Williams </td><td> Torain </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 10 </td><td> Andre Hall </td><td> Peyton Hillis </td><td> Williams </td><td> Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 11 </td><td> Hall </td><td> Hillis </td><td> James Davis </td><td> Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 12 </td><td> Travis Henry </td><td> Hillis </td><td> Davis </td><td> Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 13 </td><td> Young </td><td> Tatum Bell </td><td> Torain </td><td> Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 14 </td><td> Henry </td><td> P.J. Pope </td><td> Torain </td><td> Helu </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 15 </td><td> Young </td><td> Young </td><td> Torain </td><td> Evan Royster </td></tr><tr class="last"><td> Game 16 </td><td> Young </td><td> Bell </td><td> Torain </td><td> Royster </td></tr></tbody></table>



In 22 of a possible 52 games, Shanahan had a different RB lead his team in carries than the week before. (I'm ignoring the first game on each of these four lists, since there was nothing to change from.) That's 42 percent of the time. I'll grant you that sometimes injury provided the impetus, but there's still something pathological here.


I ranked Morris higher than Helu or Royster this week, but I don't feel confident. Shanny might change his mind. By the end of the year, history dictates that he absolutely will change his mind, multiple times.


5. How good was C.J. Spiller, really? When LaRon Landry hit Fred Jackson early in the second quarter of Week 1, it looked bad. Really bad. My first thought was that Jackson had torn every ligament in his right knee. Fortunately for the Buffalo Bills, that wasn't the case; Jackson sprained a ligament and will miss at least a month, but he avoided a season-ending injury. What happened next in the Bills' backfield, however, has set up fantasy owners for quite a quandary.


C.J. Spiller had racked up one carry for three yards before Jackson's injury. After, he produced 15 touches for 192 yards, a TD and a fumble. When the injury occurred the Bills were down 14-0; Spiller's 56-yard scamper made it 14-7, but a few plays into the second half it was 34-7, so it's tough to know exactly how much resistance the New York Jets were offering Spiller thereafter. Cynics will say he produced 86 yards on two of his touches, but that still leaves 109 yards on the other 14, which still is a not-too-shabby 7.8 yards per touch.

His first two carries after the Jackson injury had ridiculously differing results (the former went for zero, the latter went for 56), but really developed about the same. Spiller carries a reputation of not being the most instinctive rusher as he's getting going, often getting stopped in the box by a single player, and that's what happened on the first run: Quentin Coples beat his man and basically got Spiller down with one arm. On the second run, a simple little shotgun draw should've been stopped by the right defensive end and Spiller basically ran right into him, but he spun and escaped, then turned on his sprinter's jets which caused two New York defenders to comically crash into one another trying to tackle him. When this guy gets in the open field, he's deadly.



Unfortunately, after that point the score got out of hand and I'm not sure how much we can really evaluate. The Jets did play some single-safety-high early in the third quarter, and it was heartening to see Spiller still find holes and jig through linebackers on a pair of 8-yard runs. But after that, New York was mostly trying to contain the Bills, forcing them to throw into deeper zones (which, on the day, helped cause three Ryan Fitzpatrick interceptions).


Here's the thing: Spiller is an elite burner. That's the reason he's nearly a must-start in fantasy right now; I rated him 10th among RBs this week despite the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs held the Atlanta Falcons to 59 rush yards from RBs last week and will get Tamba Hali back from suspension Sunday. Spiller is simply as good a home-run hitter as the NFL has right now. But he's also capable of putting up one of those 11-carries-for-14-yards days, because he doesn't make much happen on his own, especially in the box. Spiller isn't Charles. He doesn't have that kind of vision. But he's really good, and I'm excited to see how he does. I just imagine Week 1 might be his high-water mark for yardage in a single game this season.


Five In Brief



6. For one week, Ben Tate is largely a spectator: The fantasy world went through paroxysms late last week, as Arian Foster tweaked a knee in practice and required an MRI to make sure everything was OK. I admit I downgraded the Vegan Volcano (think that'll stick?) a couple spots, and pushed Tate up into my top 25, under the logic that (a) the Houston Texans would take no chances with Foster and remove a bit of his workload, because (b) they would be killing the Miami Dolphins. Well, the Texans stomped the Dolphins, all right, but Foster got 27 touches for 75 yards and two juicy TDs, while Tate had eight touches for 28 yards. Oops. Not only that, but Foster played 49 snaps, compared to 21 for Tate, including a 7-0 snaps advantage in the red zone. If Tate can't get a sniff when there appear to be legit concerns about Foster's health, he is truly a handcuff only. No doubt Tate will occasionally get on a roll and score a few fantasy points, but it won't be every week, so you won't know when to start him. It's business as usual in Houston. After all, last year in the games where Foster was at full strength, Tate averaged 7.5 touches per contest.

7. What is Peyton Hillis' role with the Kansas City Chiefs? Jamaal Charles had 16 carries Sunday compared to seven for Hillis, and the rushing advantage was 87 to 16, sending some Hillis owners I know into spirals of self-doubt. Of course, 46 of Charles' yards came on a single second-quarter scamper, but considering Dexter McCluster saw 10 targets while the two main backs combined for three, the box score does look bleak for Hillis. But don't panic just yet. In terms of time spent on the field, this is probably about a 60/40 split between Charles and Hillis, which is about what you'd expect. In the first half, touches were 8-to-6 in favor Charles. Simply put, the second half versus the Falcons was a mess of massive proportions, exacerbated by a missed field goal and back-to-back-to-back Matt Cassel turnovers. This week in Buffalo will tell a larger tale. Hillis has never had tons of wiggle to his game, but he brings thunder and he's healthy. I rated him my No. 27 RB this week, still squarely in flex territory.


8. It really might be just this bad for Michael Turner: It wasn't good, folks. I counted twice that Turner made nice runs: First, on the game's first play, he gained six while utilizing a subtle cut-back into the middle, and second, when he took a third-quarter draw and rumbled through a huge hole for 11. Even on that second run, though, Turner looked painfully stuck in mud. In all, he produced 32 yards on 11 carries, four of which took place in the red zone. (Only one, alas, took place inside the Chiefs' 10, and Turner was able to plow for three yards setting up Matt Ryan's scramble for a score.) It was a theme. Seven of Turner's carries went for two yards or fewer. Give the Chiefs credit, they were stout. It's not as though Jacquizz Rodgers (seven carries for 22 yards) or Jason Snelling (two carries for five yards) did squadoosh, so it's definitely possible that Turner could find more running room in future weeks, perhaps as soon as Monday's game versus the Broncos. It's not like the guy is completely ossified; if and when there are straight-ahead holes, he can gain yards. Plus this Falcons offense is obviously pretty high-octane, which means there's a not-insignificant chance Turner gets some 1-yard-plunge opportunities. But even as the Falcons had a lead, they played Rodgers an awful lot: I don't have an exact count, but I'd be surprised if it wasn't basically an even split between the two backs lining up behind Ryan. That's not a recipe for a return to Burner glory.


9. Percy Harvin is good: I had Harvin No. 17 on my WR list last week, but he's bumped up to No. 8 for Week 2. What changed? Well, I sure do like the matchup against an Indianapolis Colts defense that often looked helpless against the Chicago Bears passing game. But even more than that, Harvin was a significant part of the Minnesota Vikings' run game. Aside from a first-quarter end-around and an alarmingly bullying nine-yard run on a traditional up-the-gut handoff, Harvin also got a third-quarter carry from the Jacksonville Jaguars' 3 (he was stuffed), a strong cut-back run from the Jags' 20 that gained seven, and an overtime shot from Jacksonville's 25. I mean, seriously, he had five carries to Toby Gerhart's six, and got closer to the end zone! Even setting aside the strong chemistry Harvin has with Christian Ponder (to the tune of eight targets and six catches for 84 yards), if this is the way the Vikings are ensuring that the ball is in his hands more, sign me up. Add in the omnipresent chance for a kickoff return for a TD, and Harvin is officially a No. 1 fantasy wideout. This is a "Flag Player" to enjoy.


10. Flacco Redux: I discussed Flacco at length in last week's Hard Count, and endorsed him as a Week 1 fantasy starter. But it wasn't so much that I was sold on a revamped Baltimore Ravens offense. It was that I believe the Cincinnati Bengals secondary, as presently constituted, is awful. Re-watching Monday night's game, I find it difficult to know where Flacco's goodness ends and the Cincy D's terribleness begins, especially because I don't think you're going to suddenly see Flacco turn into Eli Manning in terms of becoming a downfield bomber. He threw four attempts in Week 1 that traveled more than 20 yards in the air, which isn't a criticism of him at all but rather a bit of cold water for those who suddenly imagine this team is among the league's most wide-open on offense. To be fair, they were more wide-open. I'm just trying not to overreact about Flacco's greatness (and the greatness of this no-huddle attack that actually only went no-huddle about a third of the time) until I see him do it against a legit pass rush and secondary. This week's opponent, the Philadelphia Eagles, possess such a defense. That said, I still ranked Flacco No. 11 among fantasy QBs. And if he does it again this week, he's going to find himself pushing into the top 10 pretty quick.

 

[HacheMan]

Matchups: Count on Cam
1:00PM ET Games

Tampa Bay @ NY Giants

Fantasy owners expressed worry about Hakeem Nicks following a four-catch, 38-yard opener in what had the look of a receiver-friendly battle with rookie CB Morris Claiborne. Not the case. On Tuesday night, I charted all 35 Giants passing plays using All-22 tape. While Nicks did run some seemingly lackadaisical routes, Claiborne's sticky man coverage turned Nicks into almost a complete non-factor. Week 2's matchup is more favorable against Bucs RCB Eric Wright, who surrendered most of Steve Smith's 106 yards on seven Week 1 catches. But the foot remains a situation to monitor. ... Victor Cruz didn't have a sterling opener (three drops, 58 yards) and has quietly played tentatively over the middle since January's playoffs, ducking hits and reacting to footsteps. I still don't think there's any real reason for fantasy concern. Cruz paced the Giants with 11 targets against Dallas and should run circles around 37-year-old safety/slot corner Ronde Barber in passing situations. LCB Aqib Talib will be a tougher test outside, but Cruz plays inside enough to experience plenty of favorable matchups over the course of the game. He is a WR2.



Friday Update: Nicks was withheld from Friday's practice after experiencing continued pain in his foot. While the Giants expect him to play, this problem is becoming increasingly worrisome and may help explain last Wednesday night's inability to separate from Claiborne. The ten-day layoff clearly didn't fix Nicks' foot woes. Fantasy owners need to keep a close eye on this situation leading up to Sunday's kickoff.

I never took Martellus Bennett seriously as a preseason fantasy darling, but found it promising that he lined up in the slot some against Dallas and played all but two of the Giants' offensive snaps. He was clearly New York's No. 3 pass option behind Nicks and Cruz. I don't think Bennett moves as well as some suggest, but he can score in the red zone and will never come off the field between the 20s. He's worth a look as a back-end TE1 and solid starter during forthcoming bye weeks. ... Despite Cam Newton's pedestrian Week 1 stats, I'm not the least bit afraid of Tampa's pass defense. They don't get much pressure and can be exposed in the secondary. Eli Manning isn't an elite fantasy passer, but he won't particularly hurt you as a starter. ... Ahmad Bradshaw was the least impressive of the Giants' offensive weaponry on Opening Day, appearing to have lost a step or two and managing 2.81 yards per carry aside from one well-blocked 33-yard burst. Bradshaw is a viable RB2 against the Bucs, but the Giants will need to turn to first-round pick David Wilson eventually. Despite a costly Week 1 fumble, Wilson should be owned in all leagues.

On LeGarrette Blount's first Week 1 snap at 11:23 in the second quarter, he dove at Panthers rookie DE Frank Alexander's ankles on a blitz pickup attempt, and Alexander deflected Josh Freeman's pass into the air, where it easily could have been picked off. Blount closed out the series but wasn't heard from thereafter, finishing with 10 yards on four touches. He played six snaps and can be dropped in fantasy leagues. ... Doug Martin was the Bucs' most effective skill-position player versus Carolina, racking up 123 yards on 28 touches in an expectedly run-heavy game plan. Martin played 52-of-67 downs (78 percent) and is Tampa's every-down back. He'll square off Sunday with a Giants defense that served up 131 yards on 20 carries (6.55 YPC) to DeMarco Murray last Thursday. With fast feet, top-notch receiving skills, and an offense designed for him to succeed as the featured player, Martin is locked in as an every-week fantasy starter.

The Bucs pulled off the Week 1 upset of Carolina, but Freeman continued to underwhelm. The Panthers gifted Tampa Bay advantageous coverage looks by "playing sides" in the back end. Top CB Chris Gamble stuck to the left side, mostly squaring off with No. 2 receiver Mike Williams. Vincent Jackson matched up with fifth-round rookie RCB Josh Norman and Freeman failed to capitalize, hooking up with V-Jax just four times for 47 yards. (Jackson did have one drop.) It was good enough to lead the Bucs in receiving, but not good enough for fantasy leaguers. Jackson gets another favorable matchup this week with reeling Giants CB Corey Webster, who got cooked by Kevin Ogletree and Dez Bryant in the NFL opener. Start Jackson as a WR3, but Freeman remains buried at the bottom of QB2s. ... The Bucs' offense lacks a recipe for more than one pass catcher to maintain fantasy relevance with a run-first philosophy and shaky quarterback play. Williams was targeted three times in Week 1 -- fewer than Martin and fullback Erik Lorig -- and secured two for 12 yards. Dallas Clark played only in passing situations (48-percent snap rate) and was targeted just once.

Bonus Stat: Since selecting DT Gerald McCoy with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft, the Buccaneers are 12-8 when McCoy plays. They are 3-10 when McCoy has been inactive.

Score Prediction: Giants 23, Bucs 16

Oakland @ Miami

Reggie Bush was the Dolphins' offensive centerpiece before last week's game against the Texans got out of hand, either handling the rock or being targeted on seven of Miami's first ten snaps. He had 14 touches at halftime. I think the Dolphins can keep this game closer at home against a Raiders team that looked discombobulated on both sides of the ball last Monday night. Bush has three touchdowns in two career meetings with Oakland. Expect him to add to that total and approach 25 touches this week, particularly with Daniel Thomas (concussion) out. Over his last dozen games, Bush has 1,036 yards and six TDs on 190 carries (5.45 YPC) to go with 36 catches for 256 yards. Clearly turning a corner in his career, Bush is averaging 108 all-purpose yards per game during that span and is locked in as an every-week RB2. He is also Miami's best receiver.

The only Dolphins wideout even remotely on the standard-scoring fantasy radar is Brian Hartline, who led Miami with eight Week 1 targets but secured only three for 50 yards. This passing game is sputtering and showing no signs of improvement, as Ryan Tannehill is still working out kinks and rookie right tackle Jonathan Martin is getting destroyed in pass protection. In the opener at Houston, Pro Football Focus charged Martin with four QB hurries allowed in addition to one of Texans LE J.J. Watt's sacks. The Raiders will miss top CB Ronald Bartell for the next 4-6 weeks due to a broken shoulder, but it doesn't mean much for this particular matchup. The Dolphins lack passing-game chops to exploit Bartell's absence. ... Davone Bess can get open in the slot and move the chains on occasion, but continues to exhibit little big-play ability and should never be discussed in the same breath as the Welkers and Harvins. Compared to them, Bess is just a guy.

I could give you a bunch of stats to explain why Miami has a fierce run defense, but none of it matters in fantasy football when Darren McFadden is getting 25-30 touches a game. McFadden led the NFL in Week 1 receptions (13), and his passing-game role should remain voluminous all year. If new Raiders playcaller Greg Knapp is doing anything right, it's using McFadden all over the field. He lined up in the slot and split wide in the opener, as well as in preseason games. If McFadden stays healthy -- a big "if" -- he will push for the NFL rushing lead and pace all running backs in catches. ... Rod Streater was a nice August story, making the Raiders' 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent out of Temple and starting the season opener. Streater is in the big leagues now, and he's exhibiting possession-receiver skills only, lacking explosive route-running ability, and had a fumble and a drop in Week 1 while doing absolutely nothing after the catch. I like Streater, but not for my fantasy team.

Although it often pays to give players returning from lengthy absences a week to "prove" their role and health before starting them in fantasy, Denarius Moore looks intriguing as a high-risk, high-reward WR3. Offenses generally have to throw to move the ball against Miami's defense, which envelopes run games but is one of the league's least imposing against the pass. The Dolphins are one-dimensional in terms of pass rush and easy-to-beat in the back end. Carson Palmer was a checkdown machine last Monday night against San Diego, but finished with respectable stats and projects to be under less duress this week. Moore could have played in the opener if the Raiders hadn't been overly cautious. I think he's close to 100 percent after a string of strong practices and worth a long look in Week 2. ... Darrius Heyward-Bey had an unsettling Week 1, playing fewer snaps than Streater and also seeing fewer targets. He may be scuffling a bit in the new offense. Heyward-Bey could re-instill confidence with a productive game, but for now he's not start-able.

Score Prediction: Raiders 21, Dolphins 17

Houston @ Jacksonville

In four career meetings with the Jaguars, Arian Foster has accumulated 413 yards on 101 carries (4.09 YPC), and five touchdowns. He's caught 11 passes for 50 more yards. While the per-play averages suggest Jacksonville has held Foster in check, it's a reminder that monster workloads carry bellcow backs through tough times. Foster is averaging 28 touches a game in his career against the Jags. ... FOX Sports' Jay Glazer is probably the most reliable NFL reporter on the planet. He reported last Sunday that the Texans plan to increase Ben Tate's usage regardless of Foster's week-to-week health. That may be the case, but Tate is going to have to do better than six yards on five carries for Houston to make good on the plan. Tate is a low-end flex in Week 2. ... Owen Daniels' 87 yards in the opener were his second most in Daniels' last 14 games. Daniels is a good player, but he's not a reliable starting fantasy tight end. He could easily go for 30 yards in Week 2. Daniels was held to 35 yards or fewer 11 times last season, including the playoffs.

Andre Johnson picked up in Week 1 where he left off in the postseason, securing 8-of-10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown and dominating a porous Dolphins secondary. The Jaguars play better pass defense than Miami, but Johnson remains a target monster and has been on a tear of late. Since returning from a hamstring injury late last season, Johnson has at least 97 yards and/or a touchdown in four of his last five games. He's a locked-and-loaded WR1. ... The Houston pass catchers behind Johnson and Daniels aren't on the fantasy radar. Kevin Walter, Keshawn Martin, and Lestar Jean aren't even worth owning outside of Dynasty leagues, for the latter two. ... Matt Schaub continues to play efficiently and keep the Texans' offense moving, but he does little from a fantasy perspective anymore. Schaub has thrown multiple touchdown passes in just five of his last 13 games. Schaub is a game-managing two-quarterback league option and nothing more.

We saw it late in preseason and it's carrying over to real games: The Jaguars have a legit passing attack this season, and that's great news for the fantasy values of their pass catchers. Marcedes Lewis (5/52/1), Laurent Robinson (5/66), and even No. 4 receiver Cecil Shorts (4/74/1) got into the act in Week 1. Justin Blackmon (3/24) was temporarily left behind, but remains the best bet for season-long production. I'd like to see the dust settle before declaring any of the four a worthwhile fantasy start -- particularly against a Texans pass defense that has shut down every offense in its path since last September -- but that time is approaching. With a quick-hitting offense to mask his deficiencies and plenty of arm talent and athleticism, Blaine Gabbert is a new quarterback in '12.

Just like Toby Gerhart in Minnesota, Rashad Jennings' fantasy value took a long walk off a short Week 1 bridge. Jennings hit the skids due to a second-quarter knee injury, but he's probably not going to be seeing substantial doses of carries even when he gets back. Maurice Jones-Drew is the Jaguars' every-down back again, and on Sunday will square off with a Houston defense he touched up for 240 total yards and a touchdown in two 2011 meetings. One week back from his camp-long holdout, Jones-Drew didn't exhibit his usual burst in the opener, and his long speed has been fading for awhile, but his weekly workloads are no longer a concern. Start Jones-Drew as a formidable RB2. Even if the Jags fall behind, he'll play in the passing game to compensate.

Bonus Stat: Texans LE J.J. Watt has 17 tackles, five sacks, six quarterback hits, an interception returned for a touchdown, and four pass breakups in his last three games. Beast.

Score Prediction: Texans 28, Jaguars 17
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Cleveland @ Cincinnati

For a guy widely regarded as positively as Andy Dalton, he sure hasn't played well in awhile. Dalton's stats in his last ten games: 191-of-338 (56.5 percent) for 2,180 yards (6.45 YPA), eight touchdowns, and ten interceptions. He has three more turnovers on fumbles lost. The overrated Bengals are 3-7 during that span with wins over the Rams, Browns, and Cardinals. Perhaps a Week 2 date with Joe Haden-less Cleveland will spark Dalton temporarily, but he's completely off the fantasy radar. ... If there was one shining light in last Monday night's 44-13 blowout loss to Baltimore, it was the Cincinnati offensive line's performance. The front five not only protected Dalton far better than his four sacks taken suggest, it truly did win its down-to-down battle in the trenches. Capitalizing on consistent push up front, BenJarvus Green-Ellis averaged 5.06 yards per carry in Week 1 -- a personal high for him in Green-Ellis' last 22 games. The Browns have ongoing defensive front-seven problems and surrendered 150 rushing yards on 30 Week 1 carries against the Eagles. The Cleveland offense is also incapable of ball movement at this point, so look for the Bengals to be playing with a lead. Start Green-Ellis in your fantasy league, then sell him high before Week 3.

A little background on Bengals slot man Andrew Hawkins, who caught eight balls for 86 yards at Baltimore: He was a contestant on Michael Irvin's 2009 reality show Fourth & Long, losing out to Jesse Holley. Hawkins stands 5-foot-7, 180 and ran 4.34 with a 38" vertical at the Toledo Rockets' 2008 Pro Day. He had a six-touch, 60-yard game against the Steelers last November. Hawkins made 2010 third-round pick Jordan Shipley expendable in training camp. I'm not sure Hawkins will produce like he did against the Ravens every week, but he's getting open more than Armon Binns and Brandon Tate, and that I would not expect to change. With Jermaine Gresham struggling as much as ever, there is some potential for Hawkins to emerge as Dalton's No. 2 target. In an obviously dumbed-down version, perhaps Hawkins can be the Welker to A.J. Green's Moss. I'd grab him in PPR leagues. ... Green was already an every-week WR1, and now Haden is on suspension. Who's going to stop him? Green is a top-five receiver play in Week 2.

Cleveland's offense is a fantasy owner's worst dream from the quarterback to the would-be pass catchers, to the offensive line. Even running back Trent Richardson showed little acceleration and cutting ability against the Eagles, averaging 2.05 yards per carry on 19 totes. I thought his usage was promising and expect Richardson to improve each week he's further removed from two knee scopes, but for now he's a dicey flex. I want to see Richardson perform better before betting he'll overcome the dreadful situation around him. Despite Richardson's Week 1 struggles, defenses will continue to set out to eliminate Cleveland's run game, daring over-matched Brandon Weeden to beat them. ... I recommended in this space to wholly avoid the Browns' passing game in Week 1, and it paid dividends if you did. Mohamed Massaquoi led the pass-catching corps with 41 yards. Greg Little was targeted four times and caught none. What a nightmare. Start the Bengals' fantasy defense.

Score Prediction: Bengals 20, Browns 7

Kansas City @ Buffalo

The matchup gets easier going from the Jets' defense to the Chiefs', but it'd be nice to actually see Ryan Fitzpatrick play well in a football game before considering using him even in a two-QB league. He gave Brandon Weeden a strong run for NFL's worst quarterback last week, and over his last ten games Fitzpatrick is 216-of-372 (58.1%) for 2,288 yards (6.15 YPA), and a 13:19 TD-to-INT ratio. The Bills have one win and nine losses. ... While Darrelle Revis got the better of Stevie Johnson in their matchup this time around, Johnson's groin injury did not appear to be a Week 1 concern as he played 60-of-63 snaps and caught four balls for 55 yards with a touchdown. A WR2, Johnson should be started with confidence against a Chiefs pass defense that Matt Ryan opened up for 299 yards and three touchdown throws in the opener. ... David Nelson tore his ACL against the Jets and will be replaced primarily by Donald Jones in the slot, with rookie T.J. Graham playing outside. From a fantasy perspective, though, don't be surprised if C.J. Spiller benefits most in box scores going forward. Spiller can play the slot, too.

Speaking of Spiller, no player in the league experienced a greater Week 1 leap in fantasy value than the Bills' versatile new workhorse runner. Multiple reports indicate Fred Jackson will miss at least four weeks with a torn LCL, catapulting Spiller from shaky flex play to RB1. Not only did Spiller almost single-handedly vault Buffalo back into last week's game, he's starting to piece together an impressive resume as a bellcow back. In Spiller's last six games, he's gained 560 yards on 81 carries (6.91 YPC) and caught 23 passes for 197 more yards. He's also scored six all-purpose touchdowns while holding up on 18 touches a game. And he's going to get the ball even more than that now. He needs to be in your lineup every week. ... Keep an eye on TE Scott Chandler. He's oft-used in the red zone -- as we recall from last year -- and Chandler played 92 percent of Buffalo's Week 1 offensive snaps, far more than his 2011 snap rates. He also plays extensively as a slot receiver. Chandler could be another beneficiary of Nelson's ACL injury.

I re-watched Bills-Jets on Wednesday, and if I'm a Bills fan I'm probably already a little concerned about Dave Wannstedt. Fandom or no, I'm green-lighting Buffalo's defense for fantasy matchup purposes. Mark Sanchez had a crystal-clean pocket as Jets receivers ran wide open through the back end. The Bills gave up eight pass plays of 15-plus yards against a Jets offense that's been an NFL laughingstock. Rookie cornerbacks not named Morris Claiborne tend to struggle out of the chute -- often mightily -- and that looks like it'll be the case with Stephon Gilmore. Even coach Chan Gailey admitted post-game that Gilmore played "a little soft." Rookie Stephen Hill was the first to capitalize. It's scary to think what Dwayne Bowe might do to him. ... Dexter McCluster can be a useful slot guy in new Chiefs OC Brian Daboll's offense, but I'd hesitate to consider him a fantasy starter beyond PPR settings. McCluster finished Week 1 with a team-high 10 targets, securing six for 82 yards. He is still sitting on three non-return touchdowns in 28 career games. It's difficult to foresee consistency from McCluster as a situational slot receiver in a running offense.

Jon Baldwin's offseason "buzz" has been exposed as offseason "puffery." He was the Chiefs' No. 4 receiver in Week 1 and was not targeted. ... Steve Breaston looks to be behind McCluster, Bowe, and Tony Moeaki in K.C.'s target pecking order. Drop Breaston if you haven't already. ... Despite a strong first half of the Chiefs' Week 1 game, Matt Cassel remains buried on the fantasy QB2 list. He came back down to Earth in the final two quarters, completing just 11 of his final 21 throws for 135 yards and two interceptions. ... Third-string back Shaun Draughn finished Week 1 with eight touches and a four-yard rushing score, but virtually all of his work came in garbage time with the Chiefs down 40-17. ... Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis remain the only fantasy-viable backs in Kansas City. Charles was not involved in the Week 1 pass game (0 targets), but rushed for 87 yards on 16 carries (5.44 YPC) and played more snaps than Hillis. Hillis is still the favorite for passing-game duties. ... I'll keep a running tally here of Chiefs red-zone involvement between Charles and Hillis. In Week 1, Charles got two red-zone carries. Hillis got one. I think you lock in Charles as an RB1/2 against Buffalo's foundering defense. Hillis remains a viable flex option.

Score Prediction: Chiefs 27, Bills 17

Baltimore @ Philadelphia

Joe Flacco put a whipping on Cincinnati's normally stout defense last Monday, operating without a huddle on 21-of-58 snaps. Flacco dominated in the fast-paced, passer-friendly attack, sending a 52-yard strike to Torrey Smith on the first play from scrimmage and quietly putting together his sixth multiple-touchdown effort in Flacco's last seven games. The revised offense bodes well for Flacco's long-range outlook, but may meet its match against Philly's relentless 9-Technique pass rush. The no-huddle sacrifices blockers to get more catchers on the field, and often telegraphs intentions with a pass-first structure. Let's see Baltimore's offense fare well against a formidable foe before declaring Flacco matchup-proof. He does have an attractive one soon on the docket, as the Ravens host the Patriots in Week 3. We'll know to start Flacco if he stays hot this week at The Linc. ... Dennis Pitta recorded a career-high 73 yards and a score on five Week 1 receptions and looks to be a big part of Baltimore's new offensive design. Pitta started over Ed Dickson and played more snaps, lining up primarily as a slot tight end and running down the seam. I wouldn't trust Pitta as a fantasy starter yet, but he can get there if this usage holds up. Including January's two playoff contests, Pitta has at least 40 yards and a touchdown in three of his past four games.

Smith teased with a monster preseason and the long bomb to open last week's win, but he took a backseat thereafter as Pitta, Anquan Boldin, and Ray Rice were Flacco's primary receivers over the middle and inside the numbers. Smith was targeted twice the rest of the way. Philadelphia defends the perimeter better than the middle of the field with edge pressure to support talented outside CBs Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. It might be a good week to sit Smith. ... Eagles rookie nickel CB Brandon Boykin was one of my favorite draft picks in April. He was a stud cover man and special teams playmaker at Georgia. Slightly built (5'9/182), though, Boykin may struggle with Boldin's physicality in the slot. Showing fresh legs in the opener, I like Boldin to lead Baltimore in receiving this week. ... Rice only received 13 touches in the no-huddle's debut, but racked up 93 total yards and two touchdowns. He'll score more if the Ravens generate increased ball movement in the new-look offense. Rice remains locked in as a top-five RB1 play.

LeSean McCoy's matchup appears difficult on paper, but the Terrell Suggs-less Ravens weren't so imposing Monday against Cincinnati. BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Cedric Peerman touched up Baltimore for 113 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries (5.38 YPC), and McCoy is far more skilled than both. McCoy also has a history of success against elite run defenses. In six 2011 matchups with top-ten rush units, McCoy scored eight touchdowns and averaged a robust 4.49 yards per touch. Start McCoy with confidence. ... Michael Vick threw four interceptions in the Eagles' nail-biting Week 1 win over the Browns, but shook off the early rust after an essentially idle preseason to lead Philadelphia to victory on a game-winning touchdown pass to backup TE Clay Harbor. Baltimore's pass rush was nonexistent for long stretches against the Bengals, giving Andy Dalton ample time to throw. Dalton couldn't capitalize, but Vick can. The matchup is quite a bit less intimidating than "versus Baltimore" normally indicates. I still think Vick is more of a mid-range to low-end QB1 this week with Jeremy Maclin (hip) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) both banged up.

Brent Celek is worth a look this week for fantasy leaguers desperate at tight end. Celek was targeted eight times in the opener, catching four for 65 yards. While the Eagles aren't going to be able to fire off nearly 100 snaps every game as they did against the Browns, Celek would stand to benefit in the passing attack were Maclin or Jackson either gimpy or inactive. And Celek shouldn't have to block so much against a decreasingly effective Ravens pass rush. ... Maclin owners need to track his progress leading all the way up until game time. His balky hip is cause for concern. After going down in the first half against Cleveland, Maclin managed one catch for 11 yards in the final two quarters. ... Jackson plays flanker in the Eagles' offense, the position most commonly covered by Ravens top CB Lardarius Webb. While Jackson moves around the formation enough that he won't draw Webb on every single snap -- Webb typically sticks to one side -- D-Jax does have a tough on-paper matchup. I'd still start him if Maclin is declared inactive Sunday. Both Maclin and Jackson did return to practice on Friday morning, suggesting they’ll play against Baltimore.

Score Prediction: Eagles 20, Ravens 17

New Orleans @ Carolina

Two defenses' Opening Day efforts were particularly embarrassing. Buffalo was one. The Saints were the other. I discussed in Week 1 Matchups how New Orleans' defensive personnel poorly fits new DC Steve Spagnuolo's scheme. That certainly seemed the case against Washington, as the five hits on Robert Griffin III were largely innocuous and the rookie operated in a mostly-clean pocket. (For RG3's part, he also played with poise in the few instances he felt duress.) Saints top CB Jabari Greer is tentatively due back this week after a lengthy sports hernia absence, but doesn't figure to be 100 percent. Rookie nickel back Corey White and RCB Patrick Robinson were picked on frequently by the Redskins' air raid. After a slow opener in which they were dominated in time of possession (nearly 20:40) by the Bucs, I think the Panthers will bounce back big against a legitimately bad Saints defense, with Cam Newton leading the charge. ... I also think Jonathan Stewart (ankle) was severely missed in the opener. Though he isn't employed as a workhorse, it's important to recall that Stewart led Carolina's 2011 backfield in snaps by a healthy margin and adds a dynamic all-purpose threat, often affecting games even when he's not handling the rock. Stewart and Williams are low-end flex options, but the former's return should spark this offense.

I went back and watched Panthers-Bucs on Tuesday to prep for this column. The Tampa defense did a terrific job of snuffing out read-option plays and basically eliminating the Panthers' vaunted run game. (Carolina led the NFL in per-carry average last year.) While the game eventually got away from the Panthers because they so rarely had the ball, it was evident that OC Rob Chudzinski has big plans for Greg Olsen, possibly to be Carolina's No. 2 receiver. Olsen lined up in the slot with regularity and also ran pass routes from his in-line tight end position. He played 96 percent of the snaps. Had the Panthers held the ball for longer than 22 minutes -- and Olsen not dropped an early catchable pass -- I think we'd be talking about him a lot more coming off a 90- or 100-yard game. Because of where he plays, Olsen will square off Sunday with coverage-liability linebackers Curtis Lofton and David Hawthorne. Olsen can have a big day against this defense. ... Though I'm not enamored with his physical skills, Brandon LaFell played 52-of-52 downs in Week 1 and that's promising for his future fantasy outlook. Because this game projects as high scoring, you could do worse than LaFell as a WR3. ... Steve Smith turned 33 in May and he's still playing on springs. He was the best player on the football field in Week 1 and is an every-week WR1/2.

You'll start noticing a trend with Saints games. Just like last week, the Vegas experts project the New Orleans game to be the highest scoring of Sunday's slate (over-under of 51). As noted in this space before, you want to start fantasy players in these kinds of games. The Saints' season didn't get off to an ideal start in a home loss to Washington, but these guys fill up the box score even when they lose and essentially force their opponent to do the same. Jimmy Graham, Drew Brees, Marques Colston (despite a relatively slow game one), and Darren Sproles are money in the bank. Start them every week. With that out of the way, onto the other guys. ... Lance Moore opened with 120 yards and a touchdown on six catches against the Skins, but I think the most fantasy-relevant stat was Moore's 75-percent snap rate. Moore has not always been a 75-percent player; he didn't have a single game of over 42 snaps in 2011 and played 56 last week. Perhaps it was due to a comeback-oriented offense, but it's something to keep an eye on. For this week, Moore's role also may be positively impacted by Devery Henderson's (concussion) unavailability.

Maybe I'm delusional on Mark Ingram. I think my reasons for liking him are logical. He's a gifted player, a talented power back with better versatility than his role in New Orleans suggests. He's the go-to red-zone back in perhaps the NFL's most productive offense. Ingram should be scoring touchdowns. But he played only nine snaps in Week 1 because the Saints fell behind early, and at this point he's killing your fantasy week when he's not hammering in a goal-line score. Is Ingram just a younger, fresher version of 2011 LeGarrette Blount and 2012 Michael Turner? Perhaps. I'm sitting Ingram this week in a mouth-watering matchup. I wonder if I'll regret it. ... Pierre Thomas played 18 snaps against the Skins and got the ball five times. Again, Thomas is a good NFL player. He's terrific in the screen game and soaks up blocked yards. But he's better in real life than fantasy. Thomas is going to need either Sproles or Ingram to get injured to approach viable flex value.

Score Prediction: Panthers 28, Saints 27
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Arizona @ New England

Perhaps once Sunday's games are through Wes Welker will have caught ten balls for 120 yards and two touchdowns and I'll look stupid for saying this. (Wouldn't be a first.) But I do believe there is substance to the notion that Welker is taking a "backseat" in an offense that will feature its two tight ends, Brandon Lloyd, and Stevan Ridley moving forward. Ridley has developed into a more dynamic chain-moving option than Welker, who showed signs of decline late last season, being held to 60 yards or fewer in five of his final six games. His per-game yardage average sank from 120 in the first eight weeks to 70.6 in the last 11, including playoffs. Welker's yards-per-catch average also dipped from 14.5 to 10.4. He didn't score at all in Weeks 7-11, and found pay dirt just twice between November 28 and the February 5 Super Bowl. I still think Welker will catch 90 balls, but question whether he'll exceed standard-scoring WR3 production in Josh McDaniels' offense. He should still be locked into PPR lineups. ... Ridley, to me, is a top-ten running back play until proven otherwise. He's not another BenJarvus Green-Ellis, whose weekly value was totally governed by weekly game plans. Ridley is a legit bellcow runner. Start him against the Cardinals.

Cardinals DLs Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell manhandled the Seahawks' offensive line in Week 1, but they'll have trouble keeping it up against New England's far more talented front five. Tom Brady is an elite QB1. ... I think there is reason for caution on Brandon Lloyd this week, but not because of his final Week 1 stat line. He led the Patriots in targets and would have finished with six catches for 117 yards and a touchdown had Brady not overthrown Lloyd on a would-be 48-yard score after blowing past Titans FS Michael Griffin. I'm a little worried about Lloyd in Week 2 because of Patrick Peterson's coverage. I'd bump Lloyd from borderline WR1 to WR2/3 status this Sunday, but certainly wouldn't be opposed to starting him. ... Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez both scored Opening Day touchdowns and are the top-two options in an efficient, high-octane, voluminous passing attack. They are both locked-and-loaded every-week fantasy starters. ... Gronkowski has 23 TDs in his last 23 games. He's off to a Hall-worthy beginning to his career.

The fact that Kevin Kolb led Arizona to a Week 1 win off the bench against Seattle is a nice little short-term plus for a Cardinals organization that was horribly ripped off in last year's trade for a quarterback who doesn't even fit their system. Expect Kolb's success to be short lived. NT Vince Wilfork, impressive rookie RE Chandler Jones, and versatile WLB Dont'a Hightower will shred the Arizona offensive line just as they did Tennessee's in the opener. And we all know how well Kolb reacts to pressure. I'd avoid Kolb even in two-quarterback leagues, chalk up Andre Roberts' 5/54/1 first game as a fluke, and start only Larry Fitzgerald from the Cardinals' passing game.

Although Beanie Wells is back (supposedly) healthy this week, I don't see a lot of reason for Week 2 optimism from the Cardinals' backfield. Ryan Williams was completely ineffective on ten Opening Day touches, managing 26 total yards and losing a fumble. He's a candidate for coach Ken Whisenhunt's doghouse. Wells' health status is day to day even when he's not listed on the weekly injury reports. Wells had 14 yards on seven Week 1 rushing attempts. Unless they are playing the Rams or one of them suffers a game-costing injury, Wells and Williams are not viable fantasy starters for the foreseeable future. I wouldn't even bother with either of them in a flex spot.

Score Prediction: Patriots 34, Cardinals 10

Minnesota @ Indianapolis

On December 24 last year, Adrian Peterson shredded his left ACL and MCL with damage to both meniscuses. 268 days later, "All Day" shocked even the folks who went to every Vikings training camp practice by averaging nearly 5.0 yards a carry and scoring twice against the Jaguars. "I told him: 'I'm not sure you weren't just faking that ACL,'" coach Leslie Frazier joked (sort of) after the win. "He looked pretty good." I went back and watched all of Peterson's 18 touches, and I'd guess he's at around 85 percent of his in-prime self. That's better than all but maybe five NFL backs, of course, and Peterson will only improve each week as he becomes further and further removed from the injury. Indianapolis' run defense was eviscerated by the Bears in Week 1, allowing Matt Forte and Michael Bush to combine for three TDs and 122 yards on 28 carries. Forte and Bush's combined rushing yardage sounds like a reasonable over-under for AP in Week 2. ... Meanwhile, Toby Gerhart has already been reduced to change-of-pace back and fantasy handcuff-only. Gerhart had seven touches on 20 Week 1 snaps, and that'll be about his ceiling moving forward.

Frazier underutilized Percy Harvin last season, often leaving him on the sideline in the red zone and for long stretches in the open field. The mistake has been corrected. Harvin played 47-of-59 snaps in Week 1 (80 percent) and racked up 104 total yards on 11 touches. Over his last eight games, Harvin has 90 touches for 827 yards and seven touchdowns. (Not including returns.) Those numbers extrapolate to 160 touches for 1,654 yards and 14 scores over a full season, stats that would've ranked Harvin second among 2011 fantasy receivers, behind only Calvin Johnson. Still think Harvin isn't a WR1? ... Kyle Rudolph played 100 percent of Minnesota's Week 1 snaps and ranked second to Harvin in targets with seven, securing five for 67 yards including a Gronkian 29-yard gain over the top of Jaguars CB Kevin Rutland. The touchdowns will come. Rudolph is a legitimate TE1 against the Colts, whose loss of DE/OLB Dwight Freeney (ankle) may free up Rudolph for more pass routes than blocking assignments. ... No other Vikings pass catchers are worth fantasy roster spots. I did think Christian Ponder was impressive against Jacksonville's underrated pass defense after a slow start to Week 1, completing 17 of his final 20 passes for 238 yards. He's a viable back-end QB2. I'd take him over the likes of Andy Dalton and Sam Bradford, and probably Russell Wilson, too.

The Colts have misled with info regarding Austin Collie's (concussions) availability for consecutive weeks, and I'd be hard pressed to trust him even if he's declared active Sunday at noon. While I'm certain Collie will be a fantasy asset once cleared, I want to see him play a significant on-field role before placing him in my lineup. Collie would have a difficult matchup with Vikings slot CB Antoine Winfield, anyway. Winfield helped hold Justin Blackmon to 24 yards on three catches on Opening Day. ... Colts RT Winston Justice struggled in pass pro before suffering his own concussion in the opener. While Justice is expected to play against Minnesota, he may have his lunch handed to him by LE Brian Robison. Robison was a Week 1 terror against the Jaguars, as Pro Football Focus credited him with six quarterback hurries and three hits, on top of three solo tackles and a pass breakup. Andrew Luck has a bright future, but his supporting cast isn't helping him. Collie's health is unreliable and so is Luck's protection, even to a greater degree.

Falling behind 17-3 in the second quarter led to 45 pass attempts by Luck in Week 1, a number Colts coaches certainly would say is too high. The Bears sat back in their opportunistic Cover 2 and picked him off three times, in addition to reserve DE Corey Wootton's strip-sack. The game flow resulted in abnormally high target counts for Reggie Wayne (18), Coby Fleener (10), and Donnie Avery (8). While Wayne will remain a double-digit target monster going forward -- at least until Collie returns -- I don't think you can count on Fleener and Avery as starters in a game that projects to offer up a more level playing field. This should be a tight one. Start Wayne, but the others need to do it again to enter fantasy lineups. ... Donald Brown powered in from 18 yards out for a Week 1 touchdown against the Bears, but was held under four yards-per on his other eight carries and lost 30 combined snaps to rookie No. 2 runner Vick Ballard and passing-down back Mewelde Moore. Sell Brown now if you find a taker. Minnesota held the Jaguars to 113 scoreless yards on 34 runs (3.32 YPC) on Opening Day and should dominate Indianapolis in the trenches.

Score Prediction: Vikings 23, Colts 20



Friday Update: Collie was listed as doubtful on Friday's final injury report. Look for another start out of Avery, although I don't think anyone besides Wayne is a strong Week 2 fantasy play on the Indianapolis 53-man roster.



4:05PM ET Games

Washington @ St. Louis

Pierre Garcon teased his mammoth fantasy upside as the featured "X" receiver in Washington's offense by catching four balls for 109 yards and a touchdown in just eight snaps at New Orleans. Unfortunately, he suffered a first-quarter foot injury and will be a game-time decision for Sunday's afternoon matchup with the Rams. Aldrick Robinson was Garcon's fill-in last week, but Leonard Hankerson also has experience at X. I think it's a fantasy situation to avoid due to the late start, lack of clarity, and Garcon's suspect health if he plays. I'd look elsewhere for Week 2 receivers. ... Whereas Fred Davis was a go-to pass catcher in the 2011 Redskins offense, so far Davis has operated as more of a traditional, balanced tight end in the new-look attack. Davis played 76-of-76 Week 1 snaps, but Pro Football Focus charted him with 52 blocking plays and only 24 pass routes. Those metrics might reverse when the Redskins play a game mostly from behind, but they don't figure to do that at the Edward Jones Dome. Davis is not a recommended Week 2 start.

Robert Griffin III was nothing short of terrific in his NFL debut. While he benefited from an anemic Saints pass rush, Griffin also made big-time throws when there was pressure in his face, most notably on the 88-yard touchdown pass to Garcon. Eight of Griffin's nine runs were by design, confirming the Redskins are game planning to put his legs to productive use. Garcon's potential absence is a slight Week 2 fantasy concern, but Robinson's out-of-nowhere 4/52/1 career game suggests they can just plug another guy in and be alright. Griffin is a top-ten quarterback play in Week 2 and I expect him to remain so going forward. ... Alfred Morris is a laboring plodder; a running back who can't run. But he falls forward, has lean and power to his game, and can make a small cut when he needs to. Knowing Shanahan & Son's history, Morris isn't guaranteed the Week 2 feature back role. Shoot, I wrote last week that Evan Royster was the favorite for carries after the Redskins listed him first on the "updated" depth chart. But I'd feel good about Morris' chances of pacing the backfield in workload for a second straight week. Roy Helu is the passing-down back, for now. Royster played three Week 1 snaps and will have to wait his turn.

The Rams breathed a sigh of relief when LT Rodger Saffold practiced this week following last Sunday's scary neck injury. They won't get back C Scott Wells (foot fracture) anytime soon. Wells was perhaps the NFC's best center last year, and St. Louis signed him for $24 million specifically to spark its interior run blocking for Jeff Fisher's ground-based attack. Wells' loss is incredibly discouraging news for Steven Jackson, who looked sharp all August but found no room to run in the opener against Detroit. The fact that Jackson is a workhorse and true every-down back should keep him locked into fantasy lineups as an RB2/flex at worst, but it's difficult to be as optimistic about S-Jax's season-long outlook. ... Lance Kendricks played 42-of-58 Week 1 snaps (72 percent) but was targeted just twice, ranking fifth on the Rams. Kendricks isn't even a viable TE2.

The Week 1 box score shows a touchdown for Brandon Gibson, but Danny Amendola is the lone Rams receiver worth weekly fantasy consideration. And that's only in PPR leagues. Amendola led the corps by playing 90 percent of St. Louis' Week 1 snaps and was targeted a team-high nine times, securing five for 70 yards. Don't bet on 100-yard games or touchdowns from Amendola, but he should rack up receptions all year long. ... Steve Smith (23 snaps), Chris Givens (18), and Brian Quick (3) rounded out the opening-week receiver group for St. Louis. ... The Rams are asking Sam Bradford to manage games this year, and he did so effectively in the opener, avoiding turnovers and converting 68 percent of his 25 throws. Fisher would likely be happy if Bradford enjoyed a 2011 Alex Smith-type year. That would be a promising step for the Rams' organization in the long run, but couldn't equate to much fantasy value. Drop Bradford for higher-upside QB2s.

Score Prediction: Redskins 24, Rams 13

Dallas @ Seattle

Cowboys RCB Morris Claiborne all but eliminated Hakeem Nicks from Week 1 with lockdown man coverage, holding the Giants' split end to 38 yards on four tough catches. Seahawks split end Braylon Edwards may struggle to repeat his own 43-yard opener versus Dallas' impressive first-round pick. Edwards also looks set to share time with Golden Tate, who returns from a knee injury this week ... Cowboys DC Rob Ryan played corner-wideout matchups to perfection against New York, letting Claiborne manhandle Nicks while usual LCB Brandon Carr shadowed Victor Cruz whenever Cruz lined up outside. Look for Carr to mirror Sidney Rice in a tough matchup for Seattle's flanker. ... Russell Wilson didn't show enough at Arizona to be worth considering as any more than a two-QB league option against a Dallas pass defense that may be emerging as a legit shutdown force. Wilson can still be a 2012 fantasy asset, but he'll need better pass protection and to play with more aggressiveness and command. He played like a tentative rookie in the opener.

Cowboys NT Jay Ratliff (ankle) will miss his second straight game. While his absence wasn't fully exposed by a fading Ahmad Bradshaw last Thursday, it's more likely to be by Marshawn Lynch and Seattle's run-centric attack. Even with Ratliff in the lineup for last November's meeting with the Seahawks, Lynch powered his way to 135 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries (5.87 YPC) against these same Cowboys. After dealing with back spasms last week, Lynch proved his health by handling the rock 23 times against the Cardinals. Lynch should also benefit from the return of RG John Moffitt from elbow surgery. Moffitt missed Week 1, and rookie fill-in J.R. Sweezy got tossed around the field by DE/DT Darnell Dockett. ... Zach Miller caught all three of his targets for 40 yards in the opener. Largely a blocker in this offense, Miller has been off the fantasy radar since he was a Raider. ... Doug Baldwin played 67 percent of the Week 1 snaps, but dropped two of his five targets and finished with five yards. The slot receiver might have a good week now and again this season, but will lack consistency as a No. 3/4 passing option in a conservative offense.

Staying with the theme of recalling last year's Seahawks-Cowboys game, I think it's notable that DeMarco Murray touched up a normally stout Seattle front seven for 139 yards on 22 carries (6.32 YPC), adding 47 more yards on four grabs. Murray is averaging a sterling 5.59 yards-per-rushing attempt through 14 NFL games. He a fantasy lineup mainstay. ... Kevin Ogletree's unforeseeable and most-likely-fluky monster Week 1 may ultimately work to the advantage of Dez Bryant by discouraging defenses from sending heavy coverage Bryant's way. The Cowboys now have five ways to beat a defense: Dez, Murray, Miles Austin, Jason Witten, and Ogletree. Tony Romo will throw to the open man, and that will be Bryant more often than not if he's avoiding double teams and safety help. Bryant also gets the most favorable matchup of Week 2. Seattle RCB Brandon Browner is physical and makes plays on the ball, but he's stiff in the hips and vulnerable over the top. Bryant can match Browner's physicality and beat him deep with speed.

Returning from a month-long hamstring injury, Austin needed a half to get his legs underneath him against the Giants. Sitting on one catch for nine yards at the break, Austin took over on one fourth-quarter drive, capping it with a 34-yard touchdown on a sluggo route after aligning at split end. He whipped Justin Tryon on the play. Austin still does some of his finest work in the slot and will square off Sunday with 32-year-old Marcus Trufant. Consider Austin a rock-solid WR2/3. ... I feel much better about Romo's fantasy prospects now that his weaponry is getting healthy and Ogletree emerged as a viable option. Dallas has the makings of one of football's most explosive offenses. While talented, the Seahawks' defense has not yet established itself as an intimidating unit from a pass-game perspective. Romo is a mid-range QB1 play. ... Jason Witten is the one Cowboys pass catcher I'd avoid in Week 2. Witten (spleen) should round gradually back into form, but he spent most of Week 1 on the line blocking and saw just three targets. He dropped one, and caught the other two for short gains near the line of scrimmage. Witten is a TE2 at the moment. I’d start guys like Jared Cook, Kyle Rudolph, and Greg Olsen over him.

Score Prediction: Cowboys 23, Seahawks 14
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4:25PM ET Games

NY Jets @ Pittsburgh

Last Sunday's perfect storm of no pressure and bad coverage by Buffalo's secondary miraged the Jets as a passable offense -- for a week at least. The Bills' inability to collapse the pocket was pathetic against an average-at-best New York offensive line. Mark Sanchez didn't take a single sack or quarterback hit, unless you include contact after throws were made. I think it's safe to say the jury remains very much out on the Jets' passing offense. Its mettle will be tested by a Steelers team that led the league in pass defense last season and gets back FS Ryan Clark this week. ... Chris Wesseling's takeaways after watching tape of Shonn Greene's 27/94/1 opener: "Not impressed despite solid fantasy outing. Fumbled twice, left yards on field. TD came deep in garbage time. Turner-esque." Greene is an ideal sell-high candidate. Move him before Sunday's kickoff. ... Dustin Keller isn't recovered from his preseason hamstring strain. He played on a snap count against the Bills and was targeted once. Particularly after experiencing a setback on the practice field this week, I’d consider dropping Keller for healthier options in more reliable passing attacks.

I did some game watching on Stephen Hill at Georgia Tech ahead of April's draft. He looked like the best player on the field at times, and the worst at others. He definitely looked like the Jets' best skill-position player against overwhelmed rookie CB Stephon Gilmore in Week 1. Hill can run by coverage and make plays on seemingly uncatchable throws. While I'm hesitant to crown Hill despite the impressive 5/89/2 line, he has a favorable Week 2 matchup with Steelers LCB Keenan Lewis, whom Peyton Manning picked on relentlessly last Sunday. Hill is a boom-or-bust fantasy play. ... Santonio Holmes has a more difficult draw in RCB Ike Taylor, who may shadow the Jets' $45 million receiver all over the field. Pittsburgh won't let the player it traded away for a fifth-round pick amid Steel City groans beat them on their home turf. Keep Holmes plastered to your bench.

Pittsburgh went three-wide on 52 of its 71 snaps in Week 1, vaulting Emmanuel Sanders to the status of "regular" as he tied Antonio Brown for team highs in targets (8) and catches (4). Sanders is an intriguing gambling man's WR3 this week. Whereas Brown and Mike Wallace will contend with New York's impenetrable outside corners, Sanders will work the slot against liability nickel back Kyle Wilson. Sanders is a sleeper to lead the Steelers in Week 2 receiving. ... If the opener was any indication, the Steelers will indeed be a pass-first team under new playcaller Todd Haley. Only 25 of their 71 plays were designed runs in a matchup with Denver that went down to the wire. Jonathan Dwyer is the guy to use if you're willing to roll dice on a Steelers back, but he's just a flex option. Isaac Redman looks so worthless in the ball-carrying department that he should be dropped in standard leagues. Rookie Chris Rainey got three Week 1 touches, gaining four yards. Baron Batch had one carry. Rashard Mendenhall (knee) isn't due back until Week 4 at soonest.

Heavier reliance on passing may bode well for Ben Roethlisberger's 2012 fantasy outlook, but the pass-pro problems aren't going away. First-round pick David DeCastro is shelved until at least midseason, and second-rounder Mike Adams gets eviscerated every time he takes the field. While it isn't QB1-caliber production, I do think it's worth noting for won-loss prognosticators that Roethlisberger has had a fair amount of past success against Rex Ryan. In nine career meetings with defenses overseen by the Jets' coach and former Ravens coordinator, Big Ben has a 6-3 record, completing 152-of-278 passes (54.7 percent) for 1,848 yards (6.65 YPA), 12 touchdown passes, and eight interceptions. In light of Ryan's dominant defensive track record, they're decent stats all things considered. ... We'll know by Saturday whether Darrelle Revis ("mild" concussion) will play. Let's assume he does. I'd think Ryan sticks Antonio Brown on Revis Island with Antonio Cromartie shadowing Mike Wallace because those are the most reasonable skill-set matchups. Wallace is a deep-ball specialist, or at least viewed as such, and Cromartie is a long corner who can really run. Brown is more versatile. Revis has shown an ability to track receivers on all portions of the field, from Wes Welker inside the numbers to Andre Johnson outside. Wallace is the superior Week 2 fantasy play.

Score Prediction: Steelers 17, Jets 7

Tennessee @ San Diego

Jake Locker's accuracy woes were a much bigger issue in preseason than they have been in real games. Locker still hasn't played an extended stretch with a viable running game, and through six career appearances has averaged nearly 8.0 yards per pass attempt with six all-purpose TDs and two turnovers. Cleared to play after last week's non-throwing shoulder injury, Locker is a strong two-quarterback league option in sunny San Diego. The Chargers lack an imposing pass defense, so Locker should be considered by risk-taking QB1 streamers, as well. ... Game watchers are aware of the factors that worked against Chris Johnson in Week 1. He was bottled up for three yards or worse on 9-of-11 Week 1 carries, including two for no gain and three negative runs. C.J. received two rushing attempts after halftime as the Titans trailed 21-3 at the break. Johnson's talent remains, but Tennessee's offensive line is seemingly incapable of preventing penetration and Johnson has been all too willing to go down on first contact behind the line of scrimmage. Falling behind early also didn't help, but Johnson looks destined for another roller-coaster year.

Jared Cook's relatively quiet opener saw him catch 4-of-6 targets for 64 yards, but his usage was promising. Cook played 60-of-65 snaps (92 percent), more than any other Titans non-lineman and an individual career high for Cook. He's a virtual lock to reach TE1 fantasy production if this keeps up. Grab Cook quickly if he is on your waiver wire. His breakout game can come as soon as this week. ... In his return from suspension and three knee surgeries, Kenny Britt is scheduled for 15-25 snaps against the Bolts, which equates to something between 25 and 40 percent of the plays. While Britt possesses talent to produce through adverse situations, I'm putting him on a wait-and-see week in fantasy football. He's never caught a pass from Locker beyond the practice field, and has rarely even done that. Britt remains on track to be a fantasy asset sooner rather than later. ... One of Kendall Wright and Nate Washington is likely to have a productive Week 2 game, but your guess is as good as mine as to which receiver it'll be. They'll both play a heavy majority of snaps and have favorable matchups. Neither stood out as a particularly superior player in the opener.

Ryan Mathews' increased practice work is promising and so is the fact that he stands an outside chance to face the Titans. But I own Mathews in a number of leagues and will be starting Alfred Morris instead. While the matchup is favorable, my best guess is Mathews will initially be on a pitch count, before recapturing full-time duties in his second game back. It's early in the year and there haven't been many NFL injuries yet. Most fantasy owners can afford to exercise caution. With only Ronnie Brown (done) and Curtis Brinkley (ineffective) behind him, Mathews can't be reliably handcuffed in a game with a late start. The Chargers host Atlanta next week. ... Robert Meachem beat Raiders CB Ronald Bartell for a 46-yard bomb in Week 1, but I found his overall usage unsettling. Eddie Royal played first in the rotation, as Meachem finished with just 36 snaps (61 percent) and two targets. Royal was also targeted twice and was a 37-percent player. Royal can be waived in standard leagues. Meachem is a WR4 until we see him produce and play more.

Malcom Floyd led the Chargers' wideout corps with an 86-percent Week 1 snap rate, also pacing the group in targets (6) and yards (66) while scoring a second-quarter TD from six yards out. Look for Meachem to square off with consistent Titans LCB Jason McCourty while Floyd contends with RCB Alterraun Verner. Neither has a plus matchup, but I continue to prefer Floyd of the two. ... Philip Rivers and his offensive line looked better than I expected against Oakland, and the Titans' pass rush is even less imposing than the Raiders'. Rivers is a low-end QB1, but I was skeptical he'd even get there this year after looking at his 2011 performance. ... Tennessee's pass defense got shredded for 12 catches, 129 yards, and two touchdowns by New England tight ends in the opener. Antonio Gates isn't quite as good as Gronk or Hernandez, but he's about as close as the rest of the NFL can get. Keep an eye on Gates' rib injury, but I fully expect him to start Sunday.

Score Prediction: Chargers 27, Titans 23

Sunday Night Football

Detroit @ San Francisco

While San Francisco's offensive philosophy is run-based and will continue to be regardless of forthcoming box scores, Jim Harbaugh has gotten Alex Smith to the point where he's on the QB2 radar simply because he's so efficient. Harbaugh has developed Smith into a precise, confident, reliable passer who capitalizes on advantageous situations where the defense is frequently on its heels to protect against the run game. Up front, the 49ers blow opponents off the football with a powerful, smash-mouth mentality. Smith has not been intercepted since November of 2011, in between posting an 11:0 TD-to-INT ratio across eight games with two more scores on the ground. Don't expect Smith to leap into top-12 quarterback production, but he is a better player than we thought he'd be and it was more evident than ever in San Francisco's Week 1 win over Green Bay. Despite talent limitations, Smith is panning out as an effective real-life quarterback. He's not Trent Dilfer. ... Vernon Davis found Week 1 pay dirt and now has six touchdowns over his last six games, on top of 31 grabs for 579 yards. It's a 96.5 yards-per-game average. He's a top-six TE1.

Randy Moss' Week 1 box score looks serviceable (4/47/1), but there are warning signs. He played 21-of-62 snaps (33.9 percent) -- fewer than Mario Manningham -- and caught his 14-yard score on a blown coverage. I wonder if Harbaugh will use Moss as a package-type player, operating in the red zone and on specified playcalls between the 20s. He could be a headache WR3 going forward, scoring touchdowns but killing you in weeks you play him and he doesn't. ... Manningham isn't roster-worthy in 12-team leagues despite playing eight more Week 1 snaps than Moss. He's currently a rotational player with skills limited enough that Mario would require full complements of snaps to be fantasy viable in a run-first attack. ... Michael Crabtree is a volume possession receiver with more value in PPR leagues than non. The Lions do not present a difficult pass-defense matchup, but Crabtree is just a WR3. ... If the 49ers are going to keep manhandling defensive front sevens as they did in the opener against Green Bay, it may not matter that Frank Gore has lost a step. Keep starting Gore until he begins showing signs of slowing down.

The 49ers and Lions squared off in October last year and Calvin Johnson tagged San Francisco for 113 yards on seven catches. The Niners might accept a stat line like that again as long as they keep Megatron from punishing them with multiple touchdowns. Gore also had 141 yards and a score on just 15 carries in that game, while Kendall Hunter added 33 more on eight runs. The Lions made stopping Steven Jackson their defensive focus in Week 1 against the Rams and figure to do the same in this game. ... Scoop up Titus Young if he was dropped in your league after a quiet opener. I wouldn't start Young on Sunday night, but he will be an asset in the weeks ahead. He started in a three-wide set against St. Louis, and looked ticketed for heavy snaps before head-butting Rams CB Janoris Jenkins and getting benched early in the third quarter. ... Nate Burleson (6/69) and Brandon Pettigrew (5/77) picked up the slack with Young out. Burleson is a WR5 lacking playmaking ability. Pettigrew's value remains limited to PPR leagues. Both of their stats will regress once Young resumes playing more.

While San Francisco is not an easy matchup for opposing skill-position players, Matthew Stafford owners can take solace in the fact that he'll likely be firing off pass attempts early and often. The Niners' shutdown run defense forces offenses to resort to the air, and the Lions are already the NFL's pass-happiest team. Chalk up Stafford's three-pick first half against the Rams as a bump in the road. Stafford gathered himself to complete 15-of-24 second-half passes for 182 yards and a touchdown, avoiding picks and leading his team to a come-from-behind victory. ... Kevin Smith isn't going to have Week 2 rushing success -- no one does against the 49ers -- but he's different from Week 1 Niners opponent Cedric Benson in that Smith plays in the passing game. He can buoy his weekly workloads and statistics with catches and receiving yards. Smith is just a flex play in standard leagues, but he should stay in PPR lineups. Smith was targeted six times in the opener, catching four for 29 yards and a touchdown. He also gets goal-line carries, which can be another week-saving quality.

Score Prediction: 49ers 27, Lions 20

Monday Night Football

Denver @ Atlanta

The 51-point over-under on Broncos-Falcons is tied for the highest of Week 2, and it's a sensible projection. Vegas has regained full confidence in Peyton Manning, who stands to benefit from Atlanta's year-ending loss of top cornerback Brent Grimes (Achilles'). Although Manning has lost something off his fastball, he still controls the game in the pre-snap phase, dictating favorable matchups even before plays start, and gets rid of the ball quickly enough to compensate for pass-protection leakage. He's also armed with one big-time, playmaking receiver (Demaryius Thomas) and a slippery, precision route runner (Eric Decker). Perhaps Manning will fade as his age-36 season moves along, but I'm starting him as an elite QB1 against the shorthanded Falcons. ... Due to this game's high-scoring projection, indoor environment, and battle of two high-octane, up-tempo offenses, both Thomas and Decker are top-18 fantasy receiver plays. Decker got all the preseason hype, but Thomas got just as many Week 1 targets and more than doubled Decker's box-score production. Look for Thomas to dominate Falcons RCB Dunta Robinson on Monday night. Decker will draw more of LCB Asante Samuel in coverage. I like Thomas' matchup better.

Willis McGahee has never been a passing-game weapon and Manning's offenses are historically pass heavy. So I found it promising that McGahee played 41-of-59 (69 percent) Week 1 snaps while Knowshon Moreno (16) and Lance Ball (2) were mixed in relatively sparingly. McGahee had little rushing success against Pittsburgh's stout defense, but should find more room Monday night against an Atlanta group that surrendered 152 yards and two TDs on 33 Week 1 carries (4.61 YPC) against the Chiefs. McGahee has early-season juice in his 31-year-old legs and is a solid bet for a touchdown. He's a quality RB2/flex. ... In the opener at least, Jacob Tamme appeared to be Manning's clear No. 3 pass option while Brandon Stokley and Joel Dreessen battled for scraps at the bottom of the totem pole. Tamme finished with five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown, securing each of the balls thrown his way and playing 49-of-59 snaps. I'm not bullish on Tamme as a season-long TE1, but he played well in the first game and this offense can support three fantasy-relevant pass catchers. He can be a top-12 fantasy tight end if he stays in front of Stokley and Dreessen.

Julio Jones has now played at least 40 snaps in 13 NFL games, and in them he's combined for 64 receptions, 1,158 yards, and ten TDs while averaging 17.7 yards per catch. In fantasy scoring per game, those numbers would extrapolate to third among 2011 receivers, behind only Calvin Johnson and Kenny Britt. If the Broncos "play sides" at cornerback as they did in last Sunday's win over Pittsburgh, Jones will avoid LCB Champ Bailey's coverage for most of this game, instead facing RCB Tracy Porter. Roddy White would match up more with Denver's shutdown cornerback. I like Julio to lead Atlanta in receiving for a second straight week. ... Matt Ryan attacked Chiefs fill-in LCB Jacques Reeves with relentless success in the opener. While Ryan won't have quite as weak an opposing corner to abuse on Monday night, Grimes' loss could actually end up working in his quarterback's fantasy favor. The Falcons will not be able to halt opposing passing games nearly as effectively in the post-Grimes era, and over their next five games square off with Peyton, Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Carson Palmer before a Week 7 bye. They're not going against Andy Dalton and Brandon Weeden. Ryan may have to keep slinging it "to keep up."

This same Denver defense surrendered four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown to Steelers TE Heath Miller in Week 1 on a slow night for Pittsburgh's pass game. Tony Gonzalez reasserted himself as the Falcons' No. 3 receiving option by ranking third on the team in Week 1 targets (6), catches (5), and yards (53), also scoring on a seven-yard throw from Ryan. Gonzo will offer low-end TE1 appeal propped up by Atlanta's more aggressive new plan of attack. He's staying well ahead of Harry Douglas in the competition for leftovers behind Jones and White. ... Read our post-game recap blurb on Michael Turner (done by Wess) for all you need to know about the 30-year-old's Week 1 performance and outlook going forward. It's not and isn't going to be pretty. ... Jacquizz Rodgers remains a role player, seeing about 7-12 touches per game and perhaps in need of a Turner injury to be start-able in fantasy leagues. See if Rodgers' role grows on Monday night against an opponent who will be more competitive than the Chiefs were in Week 1. The Falcons are going to need to make backfield changes because Turner is slowing down the team.

Score Prediction: Falcons 30, Broncos 28

 

[HacheMan]

Week 2 Injury Questions
It’s only Week 2, but we have a lot of guys expected to play through pain this week.

Owners of Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin, DeSean Jackson, Sidney Rice, Jonathan Stewart and Steve Smith will have to gauge how their players will fare at less than 100 percent. It’s never an exact science.

As we get set for kickoff, we’ll look for clues on those hobbled folks and post it on our relentless News Page. We’ve also got rankings from Chris Wesseling/Mike Clay here and Evan Silva’s ridiculously mind-blowing Matchup Column here. Inside the Season Pass, you’ll find flex rankings and exact projections for every player.

If you want to draft a new team just for this week, check out SnapDraft. And if you don’t have it already, you need the Rotoworld App for your iPhone/iPad. Badly.

OK, let’s get to the hurt folks:

1PM GAMES
RAIDERS at DOLPHINS
* Denarius Moore (hamstring) practiced in full all week, looked good and is listed as probable. The risk is that he could be on a snap count.
* Daniel Thomas (concussion) is out. Reggie Bush will be a workhorse and rookie Lamar Miller is expected to be active as the backup.

BUCS at GIANTS
* Hakeem Nicks (foot) is going to play, but it’s obvious he’s in pain. Getting separation could be an issue.
* LeGarrette Blount (neck) got a scare last week when he lost some feeling in his leg, but is fine now. He’s a strict backup to Doug Martin.

SAINTS at PANTHERS
* Devery Henderson (concussion) is out. Joseph Morgan will be the No. 3 wideout.
* Jonathan Stewart (ankle) practiced in full on Friday and is expected to play. Effectiveness and workload are question marks.
* Steve Smith (knee) is fully expected to play through a questionable tag. Get him active in this plus matchup.

CARDINALS at PATRIOTS
* John Skelton (ankle) is out. Kevin Kolb draws the start.
* Beanie Wells (knee) and Ryan Williams (knee) will both play in a “hot hand” committee.

VIKINGS at COLTS
* Adrian Peterson (knee) says he’s at 95 percent. Expect a big workload.
* Austin Collie (concussions) isn’t going to play after encountering a setback this week. He’s just a stash for now.

RAVENS at EAGLES
* Jeremy Maclin (hip) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) are both expected to play. Maclin often creates injury drama, but usually performs well through it. Jackson’s strain was never considered as serious as Maclin’s.

CHIEFS at BILLS
* Brandon Flowers (foot) is ready to go. Bad news for Stevie Johnson.
* Fred Jackson (knee) is out for at least three weeks. It’s C.J. Spiller’s turn to shine.

BROWNS at BENGALS
* Bernard Scott (hand) is questionable, but he won’t threaten BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ workload right now anyway.

TEXANS at JAGUARS
* Rashad Jennings (knee) isn’t close to playing. Maurice Jones-Drew is set for a monster workload and Montell Owens will act as the backup.

4PM GAMES
COWBOYS at SEAHAWKS
* Marshawn Lynch (back) practiced on a limited basis this week. Back spasms are scary because they can crop up at any time, but he appears ready to go.
* Sidney Rice (knee) will play in this tough matchup.
* Golden Tate (knee) returns to the starting split end spot, sending Braylon Edwards back to the bench.

TITANS at CHARGERS
* Kenny Britt (knee) is expected to play roughly 15-25 snaps.
* Nate Washington (calf) didn’t practice at all this week and is a game-time call. If you’re going to wait for him, you need Kendall Wright at the ready.
* Jake Locker (shoulder) is fully ready to start in this plus matchup.
* Javon Ringer (elbow) is out. Good news for Chris Johnson’s passing-game role.
* Ryan Mathews (collarbone) is tentatively expected to sit out this week before returning in Week 3.
*Antonio Gates (ribs) will almost certainly play through a questionable tag.

REDSKINS at RAMS
* Pierre Garcon (foot) is a true game-time call. It’s expected to come down to an issue of pain tolerance.

JETS at STEELERS
* Darrelle Revis (concussion) is out. Look for Antonio Cromartie to match up with Mike Wallace and Kyle Wilson to stick with Antonio Brown.
* Dustin Keller (hamstring) is out.
* Rashard Mendenhall (knee) still isn’t expected back until October. Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman will carry the load once again.

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
LIONS at 49ERS
* Calvin Johnson (foot) took Wednesday off as a maintenance day. He’s ready to go.
* Brandon Jacobs (knee) remains sidelined. Kendall Hunter is the clear backup.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL
BRONCOS at FALCONS
* Roddy White (groin) isn’t in any real danger of missing this one.


MY TOUGHEST DECISION OF THE WEEK
In a 12-team half-PPR league, my flex spot came down to Mark Ingram or Sidney Rice.

In reality, this decision comes down to how we think the Saints will fare this week. If they get a lead and grind some drives into the red zone, Ingram is going to score points. If they fall behind – as they did last week – then Ingram is barely going to play.

It’s a big risk with the Saints only one-point favorites in Carolina, but I decided to roll with Ingram. Rice is at less than 100 percent and facing an elite corner duo. The Saints should be ready to play after last week’s loss.

SURVIVOR PICK OF THE WEEK
Last week, I (barely) survived when the Lions squeezed out a win over the Rams. The good news is that I didn’t burn the Texans.

This week, the most likely winner is the Patriots, who are facing Kevin Kolb and the Cardinals in their home opener. However, I’m going to save those Pats and use the Bengals this week.

Cincy was humiliated on national television Monday night. Now they get to come home and take on a Browns team that is absolutely inept. During Week 1, Brandon Weeden looked like a deer in headlights, Trent Richardson couldn’t make anyone miss, the receivers couldn’t get open and their defensive line was abused in the run game by a weak Eagles’ offensive line. Now their secondary will be playing without top CB Joe Haden (suspension).

 

[HacheMan]

Fantasy Cheat Sheet: Week 2

A week of NFL fantasy advice for last-minute moves


By Tim Kavanagh | ESPN Insider

Week 2 Cheat Sheet



As the 2012 NFL season began, we at ESPN Insider realized there was a need for a one-stop shop for the devoted fantasy football owner. A greatest-hits collection of the week's advice for those looking to make their final decisions Sunday morning. Behold: the ESPN Fantasy Cheat Sheet, which will be published every week until the bitter end of the season.


Each week, we'll have advice on who to start, who to sit, who to pick up and who to drop -- the four major food groups of the fantasy football world -- culled from our Insider fantasy experts. In addition, we'll have a look at a big question of the week and how to address it. But enough of the preamble; let's get to it.


Top Tips




Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins: While some are already making their travel plans for RG3's enshrinement in Canton in a couple of decades, our Eric Karabell says fantasy owners should hold him on their benches for now if they have a QB in the top 10 of ADP also on the roster. If he is the next Cam Newton, you can easily deploy him in another week or so. If Week 1 winds up being the aberration, you've put yourself in a better position to win Week 2.


Peyton Manning, QB, Denver Broncos: One of the big questions for Week 1 was just how well Manning would do with his surgically altered neck and a new set of teammates. While it wasn't the greatest game he's ever played, he appeared to address most doubts, albeit against a Pittsburgh Steelers D that was without OLB James Harrison and S Ryan Clark. Manning Version 2.0 and the Broncos take on an Atlanta Falcons team that lost starting CB Brent Grimes for the season and gave up 258 yards passing to Matt Cassel even with Grimes in for most of the game. Yep, Manning is a starter over just about everyone else this week; Karabell has him as the No. 6 QB in this week's rankings.


The Carolina Panthers RBs: They can't rush for 0.77 yards per carry every week, can they? Danny Tuccitto of Football Outsiders doesn't think so, and he likes their matchup this week against a New Orleans Saints D that was made to look like a bunch of amateurs by sixth-round pick Alfred Morris in Week 1. In their two games against New Orleans last season, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart combined for 289 yards on 29 carries with three touchdowns.


Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans: Johnson ruined a lot of fantasy owners' opening weekends, but Football Scientist KC Joyner believes that was not a harbinger of what's to come, noting that the Titans' run blocking will get better as the season progresses, and Tennessee won't be getting blown out every week (necessitating a reliance on the passing game). Karabell adds that it's too early to be giving up on Johnson.


Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: In Week 1, no WR had more targets, more catches or more yards than Wayne. While that trend might not continue, it appears Andrew Luck has found his favorite target, and fantasy owners have yet to catch on (Karabell writes that Wayne was started in only 27 percent of ESPN leagues in Week 1). Since Indy will be down early in a lot of games, expect big yardage for Luck and, by extension, Wayne.


Best Matchup Nuggets



Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB, Buffalo Bills: Take away the final score -- and the pick-six the other direction -- and Fitzpatrick didn't have a horrible game in Week 1, finishing with 16.6 points in ESPN standard scoring. And as Tuccitto notes, the defense he'll face at home in Week 2 (the Chiefs) is a considerably easier foe than he faced on the road in Week 1 (the Jets).


Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers: It's simple: If Norv Turner and his henchmen in San Diego trust Mathews enough to put him on their game-day active roster, fantasy owners should do the same, in Karabell's opinion. (However, it's still unclear if he will be active, so keep an eye on his status.) The Bolts take on a Titans D that relented 125 yards on 21 carries (a 6 YPC average) to Stevan Ridley in Week 1; there's reason for optimism here.
Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis, RBs, Kansas City Chiefs: Karabell is driving the Chiefs RB bandwagon here, noting that the Week 1 production will be an outlier and this offense will be running the football.


Lance Moore, WR, New Orleans Saints: In Week 1, Moore got just as many targets as TE Jimmy Graham and just one fewer than No. 1 WR Marques Colston, both of whom are automatic starters in fantasy. This week, there's a great matchup for all three. Although the Panthers did improve various parts of the team this offseason, the secondary is still a question mark. Karabell lists Moore in the No. 72 spot in his flex rankings for Week 2.


Malcom Floyd and Robert Meachem, WRs, San Diego Chargers: Philip Rivers & Co. are matched up against a Tennessee Titans team that appears to be vulnerable through the air. While neither Floyd nor Meachem will consistently put up starter-level points this season, Week 2 could be one of the games in which they pull up their average output. Tuccitto lists them both as plus-1 in his matchups column.


Injury Impact



Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers: Smith is not an automatic start within the fantasy realm, but in a week in which he'll face a Detroit Lions D that might not have CB Bill Bentley (concussion) or S Louis Delmas (knee) -- resulting in a plus-2 in the Football Outsiders' matchups column -- he might be worth a spin in the active lineup.


Mark Sanchez, QB, New York Jets: Sanchez won't put up his Week 1 totals in every game, but with James Harrison and Troy Polamalu both potentially out for Pittsburgh, this is a good opportunity for another strong game. And we know WR Santonio Holmes always loves to play against the team that shipped him off in exchange for a fifth (!) round pick. "I think people forget Sanchez was fantasy's No. 10 QB last season," Karabell noted via email. "He has skills. The threat of Tim Tebow mitigates his value but not this week."


Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Giants might get something from 2011 first-round CB Prince Amukamara this week after he missed the season opener, but their secondary was clearly an issue in Week 1. Freeman is not Tony Romo, so don't expect a huge game, but there's a nice opportunity for him to get on track here against Big Blue. Karabell ranks him the No. 12 QB option this week.


Kevin Smith, RB, Detroit Lions: As Karabell notes in his flex rankings, "one more week until Mikel Leshoure can steal some, most or all touches" in the Detroit backfield.



Aldrick Robinson, WR, Washington Redskins: Robinson led all Redskins pass-catchers in Week 1 with six targets, catching four of them for 52 yards and a TD. Sure, that might be an aberration, but maybe he'll become RG3's second-favorite target behind Pierre Garcon, as Karabell noted in his Four Downs column Monday. There could be a big reward here.


Long Shots Who Can Pay Off Big



Mike Tolbert, RB, Carolina Panthers: As mentioned above, the Panthers have a chance to make some noise on the ground against New Orleans this week, and if things go a certain way -- an injury to one of the top two -- that could present Tolbert with some nice opportunities.


Rueben Randle, WR, New York Giants: The Football Outsiders think the matchup against Tampa Bay is a good one for Eli Manning, and that trickles down to his WRs. Now, if Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz are already on someone else's team, that leaves the Giants' other pass-catchers as options; Randle might be the best bet for a big game out of that bunch.


Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: Hawkins isn't about to unseat A.J. Green as the Bengals' top wideout, and he might not even finish the season as the No. 2. But it's clear after Week 1 that Andy Dalton likes throwing to the diminutive Toledo product (he had nine targets, catching eight of them for 86 yards), and the Bengals have a Joe Haden-less Cleveland Browns team in Week 2, so Hawkins could have another big week.


Damaris Johnson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles: Johnson earned the trust of the Eagles' coaches after the preseason and entered the Week 1 contest against Cleveland in Jeremy Maclin's place after the latter was sidelined with a hip issue. If Maclin is out this week -- and there's a very real possibility he might be -- Johnson has an opportunity for a big day.


Michael Jenkins, WR Minnesota Vikings: An Indianapolis Colts defense without Dwight Freeney is going to let Christian Ponder have a lot more time to throw -- thus the matchup has generated a plus-2 for Ponder by Football Outsiders' calculations. That could mean big things for Percy Harvin and Kyle Rudolph, but for those who didn't snap up one of those two, Jenkins might be an option; the veteran was third on the team in targets in Week 1.


The Big Question of the Week



What will Buffalo's offense look like after it lost two key offensive contributors in Week 1? Slot WR David Nelson was the club's No. 2 receiving option in 2011, and veteran RB Fred Jackson was one of the league's best at the position before his season-ending injury in Week 11 short-circuited any hopes of a rushing title. Now, Nelson is out for the year and Jackson will miss at least a month. We know C.J. Spiller takes over for Jackson -- adding a different dimension to the offense -- but can he hold up physically without his backfield mate? Karabell bumps him up into the top 20 RBs in his end-of-season ranks this week. As for Nelson, Donald Jones has seemingly stepped up to take his fallen teammate's place, but will he be able to deliver the goods as well as Nelson did? Week 2 should provide some answers.

 

[HacheMan]

Instant Impressions: Week 2

C.J. Spiller, Robert Griffin III shine again; Trio of top-10 caliber backs disappoint

By Christopher Harris | ESPN.com

• Remind me again: Who exactly is this Fred Jackson you speak of? The Buffalo Bills sure didn't miss Jackson on Sunday, as C.J. Spiller ran wild to the tune of 194 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns (he nearly scored a third) on 16 touches. Unlike Week 1, Spiller's TDs were shorter this time around (17 and 5 yards), but he nevertheless made chunk runs of 38, 27 and 20, usually jetting through the middle and making people miss at the second level. Our ESPN rankers, yours truly included, were bullish on Spiller heading into Week 2, ensconcing him within our top 10 RBs. Even with a relatively tough matchup against a reasonably stout Cleveland Browns run defense on next week's horizon, Spiller will verge on top-5 territory. According to ESPN's own Adam Schefter, Spiller is the first player to average at least 10 yards per carry through a season's first two games (with a minimum of 25 attempts) since Jim Brown in 1963.

• Robert Griffin III still hasn't produced an exceptionally great passing day, and might not consistently do so for a while, but his legwork is starting to get serious. In the Washington Redskins' opener, RG3 had nine carries for 42 yards, and that was a mere appetizer for Sunday, when he produced 82 yards and two rushing TDs on 11 carries, many of them scripted. If you're getting early-Michael Vick vibes off this guy, I understand why. The question now becomes whether he deserves to start over your incumbent fantasy signal-caller. I'll reserve judgment until I review the game tape -- RG3 will be a topic of conversation in this week's version of my new podcast with Field Yates, called The Fantasy Underground -- but it's now a legitimate possibility. Take away Griffin's Week 2 rushing and he'd have produced 10 fantasy points in standard ESPN leagues. Add back in the running, though, and he wound up with 30.


• In the same game, Steven Jackson apparently had to leave in the second quarter because of a groin injury. He was on his way to a terrific day, with 58 yards on nine carries, but was stuffed on back-to-back plays from the Redskins' 1 and got an unsportsmanlike penalty for spiking the ball in anger on the second of them. Initial speculation had it that Jeff Fisher benched Jackson for the foolish penalty, but St. Louis Rams beat reporters have subsequently reported that Jackson was injured. In Jackson's stead, rookie Daryl Richardson proved that he's Jackson's handcuff, as he produced 102 yards on 17 touches while Isaiah Pead didn't have a touch from scrimmage. Jackson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that his injury isn't severe, but, regardless, Richardson should be owned in all leagues, preferably by whichever fantasy team owns Jackson.


• Ahmad Bradshaw also had to leave Sunday's game, and, because the New York Giants play on Thursday, Bradshaw's status for Week 3 is up in the air. David Wilson had a horrendous drop early, following up his Week 1 fumble, and that might have contributed to Andre Brown's taking over first-string duties after Bradshaw suffered his neck injury. Although Wilson had three carries for 6 yards, Brown (a "Super-Deep Sleeper" of mine from two years ago, so, y'know, better late than never) managed 90 yards and the game-winning 2-yard TD on 15 touches. I'm not convinced that Brown will be a fantasy must start Thursday if Bradshaw can't go, but, based on the two RBs' usage, you'd have to conclude that Brown would be a better start than Wilson.

• What in the wide, wide world of sports is going on with Jamaal Charles? Following up on his Week 1 effort of 16 carries for 87 yards and no scores, J-Mail had nine touches for 22 yards on Sunday. He barely played in the second half (he had two touches in that stanza), when Peyton Hillis and the immortal Shaun Draughn were made to suffer as the Kansas City Chiefs were getting their doors blown off. After his strong preseason, Charles looked as if he had bounced back from his torn ACL to become the same lightning-quick, ultrafast player we all fell in love with in 2010, putting him on the fringes of the RB top 10 in drafts. Clearly, though, something is wrong here. Remove a 46-yard Week 1 scamper against the Atlanta Falcons assisted by a hole the size of the great outdoors, and Charles has 21 carries for 34 yards. The winless Chiefs get the winless New Orleans Saints next week, and the Saints have allowed 56 fantasy points to opposing RBs through two games. Charles had better get his helmet on straight for this one.


• If Charles is a disaster running the ball, Darren McFadden isn't far behind. He produced 22 yards on 11 carries Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, plus missed the play on which Mike Goodson took a screen 64 yards to the house because he'd just been poked in the eye. His fantasy owners know the feeling. Unfortunately, unlike last Monday night, when Run-DMC had 13 catches on 18 targets, McFadden caught only two of seven targets Sunday, for a pedestrian 19 yards. The entire Oakland Raiders offense seems held hostage by Greg Knapp's archaic-feeling West Coast offense, and by Carson Palmer's erratic play. It's difficult to imagine things getting better against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3.


• Aaron Hernandez injured his right ankle in the first quarter Sunday when Julian Edelman fell on him, and, although X-rays reportedly didn't show a break, the New England Patriots are going to be without half of their tantalizing tight end tandem for several games. There are a couple of implications here. First, Wes Welker once again played behind Edelman, which is bizarre, but Hernandez's injury could render it irrelevant. In the first half, Welker had one target and one reception (incidentally, that grab set a record for the most catches ever by a Patriot) and didn't see much time out of two-receiver sets, but business picked up substantially after that. All week, I told folks that my over/under for Welker's targets in Week 2 was 10 and that I was taking the "over," and, in fact, he wound up with 11 (resulting in five catches for 95 yards), but it took a few late-game desperation drives. In a weird way, Hernandez missing time might be the best thing for Welker's fantasy value because he'll probably be on the field all the time now. Second, Hernandez owners are going to need a replacement. Martellus Bennett and Kyle Rudolph are each owned in less than half of ESPN leagues and each scored a TD on Sunday. But the best bet might just be Dennis Pitta, who followed up a big Week 1 with a ludicrous 15 Week 2 targets.


• Antonio Gates sure does get a lot of slack from those of in the fantasy industry, considering how often he has killed his owners. Add another chapter to that particular story. As of noon ET Sunday, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that Gates would play, then the inactives came out for the late game and he was scratched. That left his owners scrambling for a late-game solution, but I'm guessing not many of them landed on Dante Rosario. All Rosario did was play the Gates role for Philip Rivers -- and score three red zone TDs. Awesome. Gates supposedly thinks he'll be able to go in Week 3 versus the Falcons, but you know what? I'm done with this guy. Done answering questions about his constant "questionable" status. Just done. He's questionable. I don't know whether he's going to play. So there.

• Danny Amendola fumbled on the Rams' first play from scrimmage, which led to a Redskins defensive touchdown, but, after that, he was golden. He caught 15 of his 16 targets for a smooth 160 yards and a 1-yard TD, leading clever wags to opine that perhaps Welker and Amendola have secretly switched uniforms. Note, however, that this was Amendola's first career 100-yard output in 33 career games. He's startable as a No. 3 fantasy wideout in PPR leagues, and he can be added in standard leagues, too, but I worry he might be tough to start in formats in which he doesn't get credit for receptions.


• Eli Manning played badly for quite a while Sunday. It seemed as if he was about to begin the year with two stinkers and send his owners into paroxysms of doubt. At halftime, he had six fantasy points in standard ESPN leagues. But that's the beauty of Eli, and the beauty of the New York Giants' offense: They will throw -- and throw deep -- until the final whistle. Manning snapped out of his funk and produced score after score, winding up with 510 yards passing and 26 fantasy points. It's his nature to be an up-and-down player, and his lows are lower than almost anyone's. But it doesn't matter so much how you get there. Eli is a strong option once again Thursday night against the Panthers.


• Those of us who felt nauseated by the prospect of Marshawn Lynch as a top-10 RB this summer (but put him there anyway) certainly feel calmer now. Beast Mode was the powerhouse at the center of the Seattle Seahawks' whitewashing of the Dallas Cowboys, producing 122 yards and a TD on 26 time-sucking carries. His back appears to be fine once again, and Lynch hasn't let his fat new contract stop him from punishing opposing defenses. The Cowboys' D is not some pedestrian run-defense unit, which makes this performance all the more impressive. He's locked in as a must start for Week 3 against the Green Bay Packers.


• Yes, I'm burying my requisite Chris Johnson note way down here. He and his offensive line deserve it. Ten touches for 28 yards? Seriously? A week after 11 carries for 4 yards? In terms of total yards, Week 2 was actually worse than Week 1 (51 in the opener versus just the 28 this time), and, although I haven't seen any of the tape yet, CJ0K owners are justified in panicking. Do the Patriots and Chargers have terrible run defenses? No. Are they elite? My guess is not. Perhaps Jake Locker isn't quite striking fear into opponents' hearts the way some surmised he would. But if you're a Johnson owner and you're starting to feel as if he has to ride your bench until he shows something -- one of those "you have to miss his first good game" deals -- you're absolutely forgiven. Frank Gore performed well against the Detroit Lions (Tennessee's Week 3 foe) Sunday night, but it's borderline impossible to have confidence in the Tennessee Titans' run game right now.

 

[HacheMan]

Four Downs: Reggie Bush, T-Rich step up

Eric Karabell

It's relatively safe to say the Miami Dolphins aren't loaded with fantasy-relevant players, but kudos to those who stuck with running back Reggie Bush for the Week 2 game against the Oakland Raiders. Bush scored 10 fantasy points in the Week 1 loss to the Houston Texans, the only one of his teammates to even reach double digits, and it would have made sense for fantasy owners to shy away from him. Instead, Bush was active in more than 90 percent of ESPN standard leagues for Week 2 -- 15th at the position -- as he paced the NFL with 31 standard fantasy points entering the Sunday night 49ers-Lions game.




<offer>While it's hard to make a reasonable fantasy case for Miami rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill and the team's passing game, Bush managed to overcome a rather underwhelming passing attack a year ago, and it's a great sign that he torched the Raiders for 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns, accumulating 26 rushing attempts along the way. Yep, as good as Bush was a year ago, when he was his best during the fantasy playoffs (519 rushing yards, 2 TDs from Weeks 13-16) and finished 12th among all running backs in standard scoring, he's starting the 2012 campaign right where he left off, quieting the critics.</offer>


It's tough to tell what's more surprising about this new version of Reggie Bush: Is it the fact he continues to carry a heavy rushing load (26 attempts!) and produce astounding numbers, or that he hasn't gotten hurt? For years as a pass-catching member of the New Orleans Saints, Bush just couldn't stay on the field consistently, and when he did play, it sure wasn't like this. Fantasy owners had reason for some skepticism, and they showed it in ESPN average live drafts, as 20 other running backs were chosen earlier. In Week 1, Bush ran 14 times for 69 yards, and caught six passes for 46 yards. There's no shame in that 10-point performance, but impatient fantasy owners could have wondered if 2011 was a mirage. Instead, Bush delivered arguably the signature fantasy outing of his career. Fantasy owners stuck with Bush for Week 2 and should be applauded, as they continue to forget about the Saints version and focus on the still-productive Dolphins one.


Moving forward, Bush remains more likely to fall into the RB2 range fantasy-wise than perform like a top-10 back. That said, it's tough to label him a sell-high option when he is Miami's offense. As ESPN.com AFC East blogger James Walker noted, Bush's goal is to lead the league in rushing, and of course it doesn't hurt to be motivated by future riches. He'll likely settle into the 14-16 range among running backs in Tuesday's updated 2012 rankings.

Second down: Staying in the AFC East, Sunday's shocker came when the heavily favored New England Patriots, with more than 39 percent of the love from Eliminator Challenge pickers, lost at home to the Arizona Cardinals. Tom Brady was merely average (14 fantasy points) for the second week in a row, again struggling on deep passes. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Brady has the highest percentage of overthrows on passes of at least 30 yards downfield this season (63.2 percent). It's early, but that's something to take note of, perhaps in evaluating what Brandon Lloyd is really worth.


However, the real concern is with tight end Aaron Hernandez, who left the game with an ankle injury. Only three tight ends were active in more leagues than Hernandez this week, but it sure looks like fantasy owners will need to find a replacement for him. Those who own Rob Gronkowski are probably smiling a bit, but since the Patriots run so many multiple-tight end sets, it's possible Michael Hoomanawanui or Daniel Fells are summoned to receive legit action. Still, tight end remains a deep position in fantasy. Eleven tight ends scored in double digits in Week 1, and while that number was down to seven entering the 49ers-Lions game, certainly Week 2 heroes Brent Celek, Martellus Bennett, Scott Chandler and the surprising Dante Rosario, who scored three touchdowns filling in for an injured Antonio Gates (a surprise inactive used in 80 percent of leagues), are readily available.


Third down: The Hernandez injury isn't the only one fantasy owners need to deal with, as New York Giants running backs Ahmad Bradshaw left early because of a neck injury. He's scheduled for an MRI on Monday. Perhaps it's nothing, but Bradshaw seems to constantly toe the line when it comes to being a reliable and healthy player, though he's often played through foot, ankle and wrist injuries. Those owning rookie David Wilson (now owned in more than 81 percent of leagues) couldn't have been pleased to see Andre Brown produce 90 total yards and the winning touchdown run in relief, while Wilson, who lost a key fumble in Week 1, was barely used. Pending Bradshaw's test results, Brown could become very popular, very quickly because the New York offense had little trouble moving the ball Sunday, as quarterback Eli Manning proved with 510 passing yards. Also keep an eye on injuries to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (hip) and St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (hamstring).


Fourth down: A few relevant rookies stepped up after disappointing Week 1 performances, highlighted by Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson and Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck. Richardson, like Miami's Bush seemingly being held back by a moribund offense, ran for 109 yards, scored a touchdown and totaled 25 fantasy points. He was active in 73.3 percent of leagues, 21st at the position. Richardson struggled in Week 1, but certainly looks like a safe play moving ahead. As for Luck, most of his 18 fantasy points came in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings, but the best news was he committed nary a turnover. Robert Griffin III seems to be in a rookie class all his own (a fantasy-best 54 quarterback fantasy points in two weeks), but Luck is also worth owning as a backup. Another rookie worth owning: Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who scored 16 fantasy points for the second consecutive week, blasting field goals of 56, 51 and 48 yards in Philadelphia. We don't discuss kickers much, but Tucker looks terrific, and he's available in more than 85 percent of ESPN leagues.

 

[HacheMan]

Hernandez Sidelined
After a relatively quiet Week 1 on the injury front, this Sunday was considerably more noisy/painful in the fantasy football infirmary. Here's the early word on Week 2 injuries:

Aaron Hernandez: High ankle sprain? Julian Edelman fell on Hernandez’s ankle in the first quarter, and a source has told ProFootballTalk.com that the New England TE could miss up to six weeks due to a possible high-ankle sprain. Rotten news, but given the timetable, fantasy owners have little choice but to wait patiently. Rob Gronkowski, Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd (and to a lesser extent, Edelman) all figure to see additional targets while Hernandez is out.

MRI for Bradshaw: Ahmad Bradshaw left in the second quarter with a neck injury, and though the hope is that it was just a “stinger,” his status is unclear heading into a Thursday night matchup with Carolina. If Bradshaw sits, Andre Brown (90 total yds, TD) looks like the preferred Week 3 start over rookie David Wilson (3 rush, 6 yds), who’s still attempting to regain trust after a Week 1 fumble.

Gutshot from Gates: All signs pointed toward Antonio Gates playing through his rib injury on Sunday, but the San Diego TE was a late scratch around 3pm ET. The injury still doesn’t appear to be serious – and it would be surprising if Gates doesn’t play next week – but that’s no consolation for the zero in Week 2 box scores. Making matters even more irritating, Gates backup Dante Rosario went off for three scores against a helpless Tennessee defense.

Steven Jackson: Benched? Injured? A little bit of both? To review: Jackson (9 rush, 58 yds) committed an unsportsmanlike penalty in the second quarter, then spent the rest of the day on the sideline. Initially it appeared that Jeff Fisher was benching S-Jax as punishment for the penalty, but word has since surfaced that Jackson injured his groin. The whole situation seems a little bit strange, but the bottom line is that we may not get a clear read on S-Jax’s status until later in the week. In the meantime, backup Daryl Richardson (102 total yds) is worth adding as insurance, though he did cough up a key fourth quarter fumble.

Follow me on Twitter: @MattStroup

Jeremy Maclin’s hip is aggravated: The Eagles WR (1 rec, 23 yds, TD) was carted off in the third quarter after aggravating his hip pointer injury, and now sounds like a major question mark for Week 3. DeSean Jackson (7 rec, 114 yds) and Brent Celek (8 rec, 157 yds) should continue to draw most of Michael Vick’s targets if Maclin sits. If you’re desperate to add one of Maclin’s teammates off waivers, the inconsistent Jason Avant (2 rec, 33 yds) is capable of breaking out the occasional big line, but hopefully you can do better given the league-wide depth at wide receiver.

This is meant to be more of an FYI than a “time to panic,” but… It’s worth noting that Jamaal Charles (6 rush, 3 yds; 3 rec, 19 yds) was sidelined for a stretch – and riding a stationary bike – after appearing to come off the field limping slightly late in the first half. Charles was able to return for two carries early in the third quarter, but his day was over after that. It’s possible that the Chiefs shut him down as a precaution in a blowout loss to the Bills, and hopefully there won’t be any Charles-related injury blurbs surfacing during the upcoming week.

Blaine Gabbert (toe, hamstring) has a Monday visit to the MRI chamber: This news isn’t all that significant outside of two-QB leagues, but owners desperate for a QB3 could consider the uninspiring Chad Henne if Gabbert ends up missing time.

Editor’s note: For a complete look at all the key happenings from Sunday, check out Chet Gresham’s The Morning After column on Monday. And on Tuesday, don’t miss Chris Wesseling’s Waiver Wired column, plus Evan Silva’s Season Pass Live Chat.

Other Injury Notes: Shonn Greene (11 rush, 23 yds) appeared to be done for the day after a helmet-to-helmet hit, but was able to return … Ryan Mathews (collarbone) is currently on course to make his season debut next week … Darren McFadden is fine after being poked in the eye, but McFadden’s fantasy owners were not amused when Mike Goodson scored on a 64-yard screen pass while McFadden was getting his eye examined … Eddie Royal sustained a shoulder injury … Giants RT David Diehl left with a knee injury … The Eagles lost LT King Dunlap to a hamstring injury, and C Jason Kelce (knee) is headed for an MRI.

 

[HacheMan]

Another Thriller for Spiller Since taking over as the main running back, twice!, C.J. Spiller has put together an amazing string of games. In his last seven games, Spiller has 928 total yards and eight touchdowns on 122 touches equaling 7.6 yards each time he touches the ball. That’s Gale Sayers-like. Or another well known running back as Adam Caplan of The Sideline View pointed out on Twitter, “He is the first player to average at least 10.0 yards per carry through his team’s first two games of a season since Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Brown in 1963.” That’s a’ight company.

And here’s a little fun with extrapolation! This season he is on pace for 2,920 total yards and 24 touchdowns. I’m going to go out on a limb and say he won’t quite reach those numbers, but there’s no reason he can’t keep up this incredible play.

He is of course used in all aspects of the offense, so the game won’t dictate his touches. His ability is so dynamic, it will be extremely difficult for a defense to shut him down completely. What happens when Fred Jackson returns? Good question voice in my head. I wish I knew, but if he continues to put up numbers even close to these, he’ll be nearly impossible to sit. I’m not selling high anytime soon.

Game Balls

Reggie Bush – He has been much maligned due to his innate ability to be sidelined due to an injury of some sort (by me mostly), but last year, and so far this season, he has taken his game to the next level.

He gashed the Raiders’ defense for 172 rushing yards and two touchdowns. And since Week 8 of last season he is averaging 125 total yards a game with eight touchdowns, with a nice 5.6 yards per carry. Don’t hide that under a bushel basket!

Trent Richardson – Mr. Richardson was on my “buy” list last week and probably everyone else’s and for good reason. He’s pretty good at the football.

Richardson rushed for 109 yards and one touchdown and caught four passes on five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown. Week 1 was training camp and preseason all wrapped up in one for TRich. He will continue to improve.

Robert Griffin III – Well, he backed up his Week 1 fantasy fireworks with another explosive show. The Native Americans didn’t get the win, but this thankfully is fake football we play.

RGIII didn’t throw for as many yards as Week 1, but he more than made up for it on the ground with 11 rushes for 82 yards and two touchdowns to go along with his 206 yards passing and one touchdown.

He’s lived up to the hype and then some. He’ll have to take a big step backwards or face the 49ers to not be a top-5 quarterback going forward.

Danny Amendola – Sticking with Danny instead of switching to Dan or Daniel at some point after you turn 18 is about as brave as finding soft spots over the middle, catching the ball, and then getting destroyed by a linebacker. And he did that many times in the first half of their game against the Native Americans on Sunday.

At halftime Danny had 12 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown. He ended the day with 15 receptions on 16 targets! for 160 yards and that same old touchdown. You might think about covering that guy.

Hakeem Nicks/Victor Cruz/Eli Manning – At halftime Manning owners were ready to go smack him around after three interceptions, but when you are getting beat bad by a team with a poor pass defense at halftime, well, players like Manning, Nicks and Cruz are going to end up making your fantasy team happy.

Manning ended the game with 510 yards passing and three touchdowns, which 378 yards and two of those touchdowns went to Hicks and Cruz. I think Cruz may be over his drops and Hicks over his foot pain.

Cam Newton – Newton rushed for a career high 71 yards and a touchdown, while throwing for 253 yards and another touchdown on just 14 completions. Newton is a stud, no doubt, but can the Saints defense be any worse right now? They allowed 70% pass completion, 18 yards a reception, 219 yards rushing at a 5.3 yards per carry pace and 35 points. I’m thinking the Chiefs offense gets a shot in the arm next week.

Michael Vick – Vick is on pace to throw 48 interceptions on the season and also go 16-0. Now that would be cool! Of course neither will happen, but it was good to see Vick get his fantasy chops back this week with 371 yards passing, one passing touchdown, 34 yards rushing and one rushing touchdown to easily offset his two interceptions.

Rushing touchdowns for quarterbacks are end of the rainbow fantasy gold. In 2010 he had nine rushing touchdowns, but only one last season. Those turn Vick from an average fantasy player to a great fantasy player.

Of course the problem right now is Vick is getting hit way too often. I’m starting to worry.

Ben Tate/Arian Foster – This duo puts fear into any opposing defense and also into fantasy players. But when the game allows for plenty of rushes from each, they both can put up number one running back numbers like they did this week.

Together they rushed 40 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns with 10 receptions for 60 yards. Oh just think if that were one person. Stop drooling. I’ll break down their work below, so get ready for a party!

Sam Bradford – Bradford has been in a year-plus slump, but he busted out big time with 310 yards passing and three touchdowns. He only has one other three touchdown game and that came November 28^th 2010 in his rookie year. Last season he didn’t have a single double digit touchdown game. It’s not much of a stretch to say things are looking up for Bradford.

Andy Dalton – Dalton had been scuffling in a major way until yesterday. In his last 10 games he had averaged 218 yards passing, less than a touchdown a game and one interception a game. Then on Sunday he goes off for 318 yards and three touchdowns to go with one interception. Of course the Joe Haden-less Browns probably had something to do with that, but it’s still a big step up.

<!--RW-->Sell High

Danny Amendola – I still love me some Danny Scrapendola, but his upside is fairly low with his inability to put up big yards-after-the-catch. I’d be selling in non-PPR leagues, but holding onto him in PPR.

Alfred Morris: Without a touchdown this week, people may not be as high on him, but he still had a decent game against the poor Rams rush defense. I still see no long term value there.

Buy Low

Darren McFadden – The numbers aren’t pretty. There is no doubting that. But let’s take a look-see at just how ugly they are. On 26 attempts he has rushed for 54 yards. That is a nice 2.1 yards per carry! This is Run DMC we are talking about. In his last 336 carries he is averaging 5.3 yards a carry. That’s not going to just get sucked into a black hole, any black hole.

He’s still going to get his targets (25 so far) and he’s had two tough matchups. I’m fully on the McFadden bandwagon still.

Marques Colston – Drew Brees is having trouble hitting his deep passes and is relying on Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham, but Colston has 15 targets over the last two games and just missed two touchdowns and Brees hasn’t lost it.

Dez Bryant – Talent-wise Dez Bryant is off the charts, but he can’t seem to get on the same page with Tony Romo. Am I worried? Maybe, but not enough to give up on him. He had 10 touchdowns last season and I still think he puts up better overall numbers this year. Grab him after this horrible game where he had three receptions for 17 yards.


Target Tease

I do the AFC/NFC Target Watch later in the week, but I figured I could give you a little taste before we got there with some interesting target numbers from Week 2.

1 – The number of targets Kevin Ogletree had after getting 11 last week.

2 – The number of targets Stephen Hill had for no catches, which also equals the number of touchdowns he had week one.

3 – The number of touchdowns Dante Rosario had with his four targets.

4 – The number of targets Justin Blackmon had with his zero receptions.

5 – The number of targets and receptions Seattle tight end Anthony McCoy had to pair with his touchdown and 41 yards.

6 - The number of targets and receptions Oakland tight end Brandon Myers had with his 86 yards.

7 – The number of targets Arian Foster had to go along with his 28 carries.

8 – The number of targets Brandon LaFell had with his six receptions and one carry for 115 yards.

9 – The number of targets Owen Daniels had compared to four; the number of targets Andre Johnson had.

10 – The number of targets Donnie Avery had with nine receptions for 111 yards.

11 – The number of targets Wes Welker had after backing up Julian Edelman (and Aaron Hernandez went down).

12 – The number of targets Brian Hartline had on his way to nine receptions for 111 yards.

13 – The number of targets Percy Harvin had in which he caught 12 for 104 yards. It wasn’t until week 14 last season that Harvin hit double digit targets.

14 – The number of targets “running back” Darren Sproles had to go with his 13 receptions for 128 yards. He now has 22 targets and zero rushing attempts.

15 – The number of targets Dennis Pitta had to go with his relatively lackluster eight receptions and 65 yards.

16 – The number of targets Danny Amendola had of which he caught 15 for 160 yards and one touchdown.

17 – The number of targets Week 2’s target hog champion had, Mr. Salsa himself, Victor Cruz!


Early Waiver Look

QB: Sam Bradford

RB: Mikel LeShoure, Andre Brown, Daryl Richardson, Bilal Powell

WR: Danny Amendola, Andrew Hawkins, Donnie Avery, Brian Hartline

TE: Martellus Bennett, Dennis Pitta, Brandon Myers, Scott Chandler

D/ST: Dallas Cowboys



<!--RW-->Committee Time

Saints – It is difficult to know what to do with the Saints running backs. Darren Sproles isn’t really a running back, so you just have to put him out of your mind and focus on Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram, both who had good games this week.

Mark Ingram had 16 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown while Pierre Thomas had nine carries for 110 yards and six targets for four receptions and 33 yards. The touchdown helped Ingram compete with Thomas’ gaudy yardage numbers and really is what keeps him in the conversation even more than Thomas.

If you are getting goal line carries for a high-powered offense you should be fantasy relevant, whereas Pierre Thomas will have less fantasy consistency. But so far it’s been a crapshoot, so continue to be wary.

Redskins – The main running back was once again Alfred Morris. This week he only had 16 carries compared to 28 in Week 1. He did well gaining 89 yards against the poor Rams rush defense, but didn’t see one passing target. Without a touchdown he is toast.

Evan Royster seems to have surpassed Roy Helu for the time being with three targets compared to just one for Helu, but that’s all chump change anyway.

Texans – Ben Tate won the fantasy point contest this week, but Foster one the usage contest. Tate finished the day with 16 touches and looks while Foster had 35. It isn’t fun watching Tate score touchdowns if you are a Foster owner, but you also can’t ask for much more than 35 looks.

Steelers – Ugh, this situation continues to be poor for fantasy prognosticators. Word out of Pittsburgh was that Jonathan Dwyer would get more work this week, but it actually came out to be about dead even with each back getting 12 carries and two receptions. Isaac Redman won the fantasy battle by getting into the end zone, but with Rashard Mendenhall getting into the mix at some point, this mess is one to avoid.

Chiefs – The Chiefs once again were beat up by their opponent and never really got into any rhythm in the running game, but if you are a Jamaal Charles owner that is in no way any consolation. Charles had six carries for three yards and 4 targets for three receptions and 19 yards, while Peyton Hillis had 11 carries for 66 yards and three targets with two receptions for 25 yards.

These numbers are total garbage for Charles, but he gets the Saints next week. If he doesn’t go off, well, throw in the towel.


Awards

Fantasy MVP of Week 2: Reggie Bush – I feel like I owe him.

Fantasy Breakout Player of Week 2: Trent Richardson, and you guys were worried!

Fantasy Rookie of Week 2: Trent Richardson, see above.

Fantasy Disappointment of Week 2: I.E. “The Chris Johnson Award” is split into co-champions, Andre Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald.

Fantasy Fluke of Week 2: Dante Rosario – He’s not a bad player, but Antonio Gates shall return.

Bonehead of Week 2: Josh Morgan -- He threw the ball at the defender and magically turned a 48 yard game-tying field goal into a 62 yard game losing field goal.

Runner up Bonehead of Week 2: Ryan Williams – While salting away the game, Williams fumbled and gave the Patriots a shot at winning the game on a Gostkowski field goal. Williams owes Gostkowski a couple steak dinners and a Rolex or two for missing said field goal.


Twitter Talk

@scott_pianowski of Yahoo Sports-- Jets essentially sit on the ball in the final minute, two timeouts left. They really trust their quarterback.

@ebenezersamuel of NY Daily News -- Ridiculous. Just crunched numbers. Eli Manning had 243 fourth-quarter passing yards. Freeman had 243 for the GAME

@PriscoCBS ‏of CBSSports.com -- C.J. Spiller is the real deal. Speed back. In a league where passing is king, he's the ideal back now.

@RotoPat of Rotoworld.com -- Josh McDaniels has brought the St. Louis version of himself to New England.

@PriscoCBS ‏of CBSSports.com -- How often do we have a week where Andre Johnson has three catches and Larry Fitzgerald has one and they both win? On the road?

@greggrosenthal of NFL.com -- DeSean Jackson isn't just making the big plays. He's making the tough plays. He's catching passes over the middle. None were bigger and tougher than Jackson's 49-yard catch Sunday, before Ed Reed leveled him. Jackson is a more complete receiver.

@LateRoundQB -- Through two weeks, Danny Amendola has a mind boggling 42% of team targets.

@billbarnwell of Grantland.com- Absolutely mystifying pass interference penalty on the Steelers defense.

@fbgchase of Football Perspective.com -- Can someone explain why people keep saying "this ain't college these are paid professionals" re: Schiano? Is it better to hurt college kids?

Stats and What Not

Alex Smith now has 13 touchdown passes and zero interceptions in the last nine games.

According to ESPN’s Stats and Info, “Stephen Gostkowski had made 38 straight field goals in the 4th quarter during the regular season. That was Gostkowski's 1st regular-season miss in the 4th quarter at home (was 21-for-21).”

Eli Manning’s career high 510 yards passing just missed the Giants single game record of 513 yards held by Phil Simms and is eighth on the all-time list.

Tom Brady is 14-29 when trailing going into the 4^th quarter.

Only three of the 46 teams to win a Super Bowl started 0-2. This year’s 0-2 teams – Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Oakland, Kansas City, and New Orleans.

The Arizona Cardinals have won nine of their last 11 games.

Percy Harvin has 62 receptions for 696 yards with 31 rushes for 154 yards over his last eight games.

The Jaguars tied their record for least amount of offensive yards with 117 total yards.

 

[HacheMan]

Matchup: Broncos @ Falcons Monday Night Football

Denver @ Atlanta

The 51.5-point over-under on Broncos-Falcons wound up as the second highest for all of Week 2, and it's a sensible projection. Vegas has regained full confidence in Peyton Manning, who stands to benefit from Atlanta's year-ending loss of top corner Brent Grimes (Achilles'). Although Manning has lost something off his fastball, he still controls the game in the pre-snap phase, dictating favorable matchups even before plays start, and gets rid of the ball quickly enough to compensate for pass-protection leakage. He's also armed with one big-time, playmaking receiver (Demaryius Thomas) and a slippery, precision route runner (Eric Decker). Perhaps Manning will fade as his age-36 season moves along, but I'd start him as an elite QB1 against the shorthanded Falcons. ... Due to this game's high-scoring projection, indoor environment, and battle of two high-octane, up-tempo offenses, both Thomas and Decker are top-18 fantasy receiver plays. Decker got all the preseason hype, but Thomas got just as many Week 1 targets and more than doubled Decker's box-score production. Look for Thomas to dominate Falcons RCB Dunta Robinson on Monday night. Decker will draw more of LCB Asante Samuel in coverage. I like Thomas' matchup better.

Willis McGahee has never been a passing-game weapon and Manning's offenses are historically pass heavy. So I found it promising that McGahee played 41-of-59 (69 percent) Week 1 snaps while Knowshon Moreno (16) and Lance Ball (2) were mixed in relatively sparingly. McGahee had little rushing success against Pittsburgh's stout defense in the opener, but should find more room Monday night against an Atlanta group that surrendered 152 yards and two TDs on 33 Week 1 carries (4.61 YPC) against the Chiefs. McGahee has early-season juice in his 31-year-old legs and is a solid bet for a touchdown. He's a quality RB2/flex. ... In Week 1, at least, Jacob Tamme was Manning's clear No. 3 pass option while Brandon Stokley and Joel Dreessen battled for scraps at the bottom of the totem pole. Tamme finished with five catches for 43 yards and a touchdown, securing each of the balls thrown his way and playing 49-of-59 snaps. I'm not bullish on Tamme as a season-long TE1, but he played well in the first game and this offense can support three fantasy-relevant pass catchers. Tamme can be a top-12 fantasy tight end if he stays in front of Stokley and Dreessen.

Julio Jones has now played at least 40 snaps in 13 NFL games, and in them he's combined for 64 receptions, 1,158 yards, and ten TDs while averaging 17.7 yards per catch. In fantasy scoring per game, those numbers would extrapolate to third among 2011 receivers, behind only Calvin Johnson and Kenny Britt. If the Broncos "play sides" at cornerback as they did in last Sunday's win over Pittsburgh, Jones will avoid LCB Champ Bailey's coverage for most of this game, instead facing RCB Tracy Porter. Roddy White would match up more with Denver's shutdown corner. I like Julio to lead Atlanta in receiving for a second straight week. ... Matt Ryan attacked Chiefs fill-in LCB Jacques Reeves with relentless success in the opener. While Ryan won't have quite as weak an opposing corner to abuse on Monday night, Grimes' loss could actually end up working in his quarterback's fantasy favor. The Falcons will not be able to halt opposing passing games as effectively in the post-Grimes era, and over their next five games square off with Peyton, Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Robert Griffin III, and Carson Palmer before a Week 7 bye. They're not going against Blaine Gabbert and Brandon Weeden. Ryan may have to keep slinging it "to keep up."

This same Denver defense surrendered four catches for 50 yards and a touchdown to Steelers TE Heath Miller in Week 1 on a slow night for Pittsburgh's passing game. Tony Gonzalez reasserted himself as the Falcons' No. 3 receiving option by ranking third on the team in Week 1 targets (6), catches (5), and yards (53), also scoring on a seven-yard throw from Ryan. Gonzo will offer low-end TE1 appeal propped up by Atlanta's more aggressive new plan of attack. He's staying well ahead of Harry Douglas in the competition for leftovers behind Jones and White. ... Read our post-game recap blurb on Michael Turner (done by Chris Wesseling) for all you need to know about the 30-year-old's Week 1 performance and outlook going forward. It's not and isn't going to be pretty. ... Jacquizz Rodgers remains a role player, seeing about 7-12 touches per game and perhaps in need of a Turner injury to be start-able in fantasy leagues. See if Rodgers' role grows on Monday night against an opponent who will be more competitive than the Chiefs were in Week 1. The Falcons are going to need to make backfield changes because Turner is slowing down the team.

Score Prediction: Falcons 30, Broncos 28

 

[HacheMan]

<table border="0" cellSpacing="0" cellPadding="0" width="940"><tbody><tr vAlign="top"><td width="843" align="left">White Hot “Fantasy owners I'm playing Monday.”

That’s what Roddy White tweeted out on Sunday, and on Monday night, play he did. After being limited in practice this week with a groin injury, White racked up 102 yards and a score on eight catches against the Broncos.

There was speculation from some fantasy pundits this offseason that White would be on the decline in 2012. I wasn’t buying it then, and I’m not buying it now.

White now has 189 yards and 14 catches on 19 targets through the first two games of the season. He’s not going to top the 175 targets he saw in 2011, but 150 is not out of the question, especially in this new-look Dirk Koetter offense. White has shown no decline in his skills, and still remains a trusted target for Matt Ryan. WR1 production out of him is not only possible, it's probable.


Manning Face

The Manning face was out in full force on Monday night.

Peyton Manning started out Monday night’s contest by throwing three picks in the first quarter. Things didn’t get much better from there as an aggressive Falcons defense created confusion for Manning all night.

What can we take away from this performance? For starters, any hope that Manning was going to return to his former elite-level fantasy production is gone at this point. That’s not to say that he can’t still be a productive low-end QB1, but he’s not someone you can expect to ride right into your fantasy championship in December.


Broncos at Falcons Random Thoughts

*Julio Jones dropped a sure touchdown in the end zone. He absolutely needs to make plays like that moving forward.

*Michael Turner looks extremely slow. Yes, he had the number-padding 15-yard run to seal the game, but he had no burst whatsoever on his 17 carries.

*Conversely, Willis McGahee showed that he still has plenty of tread left on his tires. Still, we don't know how many more weeks like this we'll see out of him this season, so it might be a good opportunity to sell high on McGahee.

*The nickel may just be the Falcons base package this season. After playing nearly 85% of their Week 1 defensive snaps in their nickel subpackages, the Falcons again turned almost exclusively to the nickel in Week 2.

*William Moore was all over the place in this game. The Falcons safety battled injuries over his first three seasons, but now is finally playing up to his potential. Owners in IDP leagues need to take notice.


The Other Rookie Richardson

Initial speculation was that Steven Jackson was benched following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he received after spiking the ball following a blown-call by the replacement refs at the goal-line. Coach Jeff Fisher later insisted that Jackson was not benched, and that a groin injury was what sidelined him. He went on to say that Jackson would have reentered if Daryl Richardson had struggled.

Regardless of the reasoning behind this curious move, the takeaway is clear – Daryl Richardson can play. As it stands, Richardson has shown to be a more than capable change-of-pace back. But if Jackson were to miss any extended period of time, Richardson would stand to see a heavy workload as Jeff Fisher’s bell cow. He absolutely needs to be owned in all leagues.


J.C. Superstar?

Jamaal Charles played just 21 snaps on Sunday, and rushed six times for three yards.

What?

After looking relatively solid in Week 1, Charles had absolutely nothing against the Bills and was essentially non-existent in the second half. Some have suggested that Charles isn’t playing at 100%, and coach Romeo Crennel confirmed that he’s dealt with some knee soreness.

Is it time to pull the ripcord on Charles? Not just yet. Remember he’s still just 12 months removed from that ACL injury. He has a juicy Week 3 matchup against the Saints, so let’s wait another week and then reevaluate his fantasy stock.


NFC Quick Slants: Ahmad Bradshaw’s status for Thursday’s game is up in the air after suffering a neck injury in Sunday’s win. ... The Redskins lost LB Brian Orakpo (torn pectoral) and DE Adam Carriker (torn quad) for the season. This huge blow for the Skins. ... Coach Lovie Smith said Monday that Matt Forte does not have a high ankle sprain, as was initially reported. The Bears addition of Khalil Bell indicates there’s a good chance Forte does not play this week. ... Coach Mike Shanahan said that if Pierre Garcon (foot) did play last Sunday, it would have been in a limited role. His status for Week 3 is still up in the air. ... Jeremy Maclin (hip) isn’t expected to practice on Wednesday. The fact that he couldn’t return to play doesn’t bode well for his status in Week 3. ... Eagles C Jason Kelce will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Tuesday to determine the full extent of his Week 2 knee injury. ... Todd Heap is day-to-day with a sprained PCL. ... Fred Davis suffered a concussion in the Redskins’ Week 2 loss to the Rams.

AFC Quick Slants: Not only did the Patriots have to suck up an ugly loss at home to the Cardinals, but they also lost jack-of-all-trades TE Aaron Hernandez, who is expected to be out until October at the earliest after Julian Edelman rolled up on his ankle. ... Darren McFadden will continue to wear the visor he sported after he was poked in the eye in the first quarter of Sunday’s game. ... Blaine Gabbert (toe, hamstring) is expected to be ready for Sunday’s game against the Colts. ... Kenny Britt (knee) is expected to see an increased workload moving forward after he emerged from Week 2 unscathed. ... Austin Collie (concussion) was again inactive on Sunday. Day-to-day has turned to week-to-week for Collie. ... Bernard Pollard has a rib contusion, but should be able to play in Week 3. ... Denarius Moore isn’t quite in football shape, and experienced cramping in Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins. ... Coach Norv Turner did not want to risk Antonio Gates getting further injured on Sunday, and called Gates “day-to-day.” ... Chris Johnson will not lose his starting job according to coach Mike Munchak. It’s pretty sad that this needs to be confirmed. ... Ryan Mathews is expected to practice on Wednesday and all signs point to him playing against the Falcons in Week 3.

​

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[HacheMan]

Replacing Hernandez
Aaron Hernandez owners, I feel your pain. As the new offensive focal point and the best player in Patriots camp this summer, Hernandez was poised for a monster season before going down an ankle injury in the first quarter of the Cardinals game. I had drafted him as my tight end in all redraft formats this year.



Likely reeling from a Week 2 fantasy loss thanks to Hernandez's goose egg, owners have to turn to the waiver wire or the trade block for a replacement. Although regular readers of this column may have pulled the trigger on Dennis Pitta or Martellus Bennett a week ago, the two remain unowned in over 60 percent of Yahoo leagues.



As the "move" tight end in Baltimore's up-tempo offense, Pitta is leading all tight ends in targets and receptions. He's obviously earned Joe Flacco's trust. Bennett is behind only Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski in fantasy points, and only four tight ends have been targeted more frequently.



If Pitta and Bennett have already been snatched up in your league, it's not a bad idea to work the phone lines for a trade. I wouldn't buy low on Fred Davis, who appears to be an afterthought in the RGIII offense, but two options that may be available for a decent price are Kyle Rudolph and Brandon Pettigrew.



Rudolph has yet to "arrive" on the scene nationally while playing every snap, but there's still plenty of breakout potential in an offense that will score more points than commonly believed. Pettigrew is heading to Tennessee to square off against a defense that has allowed five passing touchdowns in two games -- all to tight ends.



On to the players. Here is how I rank the top players at each position as we head into Week 2. Full write-ups of each player are below.


Editor’s Note: Join subscriber only chats, get weekly rankings before anyone else, plus exclusive weekly projections, stat tools, dynasty ranks, columns, and much more including the Rotoworld Oracle in our Season Pass.



Tight Ends

Dennis Pitta

Martellus Bennett
Dustin Keller
Brandon Myers
Kellen Winslow
Dante Rosario

Running Backs
Andre Brown
Mikel Leshoure
Pierre Thomas
Rashard Mendenhall
Daryl Richardson
Bilal Powell
Mike Goodson

Wide Receivers
Austin Collie
Greg Little
Brian Hartline
Donnie Avery
Julian Edelman
Damaris Johnson
Golden Tate
Andrew Hawkins

Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel
Alex Smith
Sam Bradford
Christian Ponder
Jake Locker

Team Defense
Dolphins
Bills

Tight Ends

Dennis Pitta, Ravens - Emerging as Joe Flacco’s go-to receiver, Pitta leads all tight ends in targets and receptions through two weeks. As the “move” tight end in an up-tempo offense, Pitta’s TE1 production appears to be here to stay. In his last five games going back to Week 17 of the 2011 season, Pitta is averaging 8.6 targets, 5.2 receptions and 54 yards with three scords.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Martellus Bennett, Giants - Already featured heavily in the red zone, Bennett could have had a monster Week 2 game had he reeled in two end-zone passes that hit his hands. Big and athletic, Bennett is more than just a blocking specialist. Eli Manning targeted his tight end a whopping ten times versus the Bucs. Only Pitta, Jimmy Graham, Brent Celek and Owen Daniels have been targeted more frequently through two games. Bennett is fourth among tight ends in fantasy points. He needs to be rostered in all leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Dustin Keller, Jets - Keller’s ownership is down to 40 percent in Yahoo leagues after missing Week 2 with a setback in his hamstring injury. Keep an eye on his practice participation this week. If it looks like he’s going to play at Miami, Keller is worthy of a roster spot for those owners desperate at the position.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Brandon Myers, Raiders - Drafted out of Iowa in 2009 as a blocking specialist, Myers has shown better hands than expected going back to his first training camp. Although he’s taking on a bigger role in Greg Knapp’s West Coast offense, Myers’ 11 targets are tied for 16th among tight end through two games. He’s just a low-end TE2 going forward.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Kellen Winslow, Patriots - Winslow will be joining the Patriots pending the outcome of his physical, but expectations for a fantasy impact should remain low. With no experience in Josh McDaniels’ offense, Winslow will have a tough time earning snaps as the second tight end in New England. He’s going to be well behind Rob Gronkowski, Brandon Lloyd, Wes Welker and Julian Edelman in the pecking order.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Dante Rosario, Chargers - A long-time special teamer and backup, Rosario had five career touchdowns in five seasons before finding the end zone three times versus the Titans. He’s headed back to the bench once Antonio Gates returns from his rib injury, likely this week. Hold off on adding Rosario until Gates’ Week 3 status is known.

Recommendation: Worth a look only in the deepest of leagues.

<!--RW-->Running Backs

Andre Brown, Giants - Exhibit A in the case for Achilles surgery not being a death knell for running backs. As explosive as David Wilson looked in preseason games, fumbling and pass protection issues have him buried in Tom Coughlin’s doghouse. Brown played 53 snaps to Wilson’s six versus the Bucs while Ahmad Bradshaw was sidelined with a nebulous neck sprain. Bradshaw missed Monday’s walkthrough, and his status is up in the air on a short practice week. Brown has top-25 fantasy potential if he gets the nod versus the Panthers Thursday night.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Mikel Leshoure, Lions - Exhibit B in the case for Achilles surgery not being a death knell for running backs. Despite a solid Week 1 performance, Kevin Smith appeared to lose the coaching staff’s confidence against the 49ers’ stonewalling front seven. The Lions have stated publicly that they expect Leshoure to make an impact right away now that he’s been reinstated from suspension. The Detroit Free Press nonchalantly adds that Leshoure is “expected to take over as the starter before long.” Whether he plays effectively enough to hold off Smith over the final 14 games is another story.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Pierre Thomas, Saints - Thomas was the best player on the Saints offense in Week 2, routinely carrying would-be tacklers for extra yards and refusing to go down on first contact. His 143 yards versus the Panthers were the fourth-most of his career and his highest one-game total since 2008. He’s outplaying Mark Ingram and the Saints have yet to use Darren Sproles as a runner through two games. Thomas should be owned in more than 48 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers - Mendenhall has been listed as a full practice participant the first two weeks, but neither the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette nor the Beaver County Times expects him to play before the Week 4 bye. After Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer failed to top 2.5 yards per carry versus the Jets, Mendenhall may not have much trouble resurfacing atop the backfield pecking order. He’s worth stashing in all leagues in the mean time.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Daryl Richardson, Rams - Showing more speed and decisiveness, the seventh-rounder out of Abilene Christian has been outplaying the more ballyhooed second-rounder Isaiah Pead since the beginning of training camp. Coach Jeff Fisher explained that Steven Jackson (groin) could have re-entered the Redskins game, but the Rams opted to go the cautious route due to Richardson’s high level of play. Jackson should be fine for this week’s game at Chicago, limiting Richardson to handcuff status in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Bilal Powell, Jets - Shonn Greene apparently was not concussed when he looked dazed and confused after a helmet-to-helmet hit. Greene returned to the game, carrying the ball four times for a grand total of zero yards after getting his bell rung. Powell earned 10 more yards on two fewer carries, looking like the better back of the two. As the one player Rex Ryan stood on the table for in the 2011 draft, Powell has the right man in his corner.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Mike Goodson, Raiders - Goodson is starting to emerge as the clear-cut handcuff to Darren McFadden in deeper leagues. While Taiwan Jones was relegated to special teams, Goodson scored on a 64-yard screen pass and added two more receptions versus the Dolphins.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Lamar Miller, Chris Ogbonnaya, Bernard Scott, Bryce Brown

Hold Off: Jackie Battle

Battle is headed back to special teams with Ryan Mathews expected back this week.

Cut Bait: Rashad Jennings, Curtis Brinkley, Ronnie Brown, Isaac Redman, Isaiah Pead, Ryan Williams, Alex Green, Dion Lewis

Jennings is only worth owning as a handcuff to Maurice Jones-Drew. … Brinkley and Brown can be dumped now that Mathews is returning. … Redman is a fantasy team killer. … Pead is a third-stringer. … Williams has been of the least effective players in the league through two weeks. … Lewis has lost the backup job to Bryce Brown.

<!--RW-->Wide Receivers

Austin Collie, Colts - Coach Chuck Pagano keeps expecting Collie to be “full go,” but team doctors advised the concussion-prone receiver to sit out one more week. Collie makes for a fine roster stash because he’s slated to be an every-down receiver and potential fantasy WR3 once he does receive the green light to play. That could come as early as this week versus the Jags. Collie is owned in less than a quarter of Yahoo leagues; he should be owned in all of them.

Recommendation: Should be owned in all leagues.

Greg Little, Browns - Cleveland’s offense was downright frisky versus a shaky Bengals defense in Week 2. Although Mohamed Massaquoi led the team with 90 yards, Little is the superior fantasy play going forward. He’s going to be Brandon Weeden’s top target and should be owned in more than 48 percent of Yahoo leagues.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Brian Hartline, Dolphins - Despite missing offseason practice and all of training camp, Hartline has already emerged as Ryan Tannehill’s go-to receiver. Don’t go crazy with expectations, however. The Dolphins’ passing attack is still suspect and Harline was working over Raiders backup CB Patrick Lee in Week 2. He has a much tougher matchup versus the Jets this week.

Recommendation: Should be owned in 12-team leagues.

Donnie Avery, Colts - A major part of the Colts’ game plan with Austin Collie out, Avery took two handoffs and was targeted frequently on bubble screens and quick slants versus the Vikings. Although his fantasy value is dependent on Collie’s status, Avery is worthy of a roster spot after leading the team in targets, receptions and yards in Week 2.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Julian Edelman, Patriots - Edelman was the surprise starter opposite Brandon Lloyd in Week 2, playing over Wes Welker in two-receiver sets. With Aaron Hernandez sidelined, both Edelman and Welker are in line for steady snap-counts. Edelman won’t be a top red-zone option, but he should have value in PPR formats.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Damaris Johnson, Eagles - Dealing with a painful hip flexor injury, Jeremy Maclin’s status is touch-and-go for the second straight week. He’s not expected to practice Wednesday. If Maclin doesn’t at Arizona, Johnson would fill in opposite DeSean Jackson. Undrafted out of Tulsa, Johnson showed flashes of playmaking ability in training camp and preseason action. He’s only an option in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look as an injury replacement.

Andrew Hawkins, Bengals - Hawkins got our attention with his speed and quickness in racking up eight receptions versus the Ravens in Week 1. Although his playing time was scaled back while the Bengals nursed a Week 2 lead, he still managed to find the end zone versus the Browns. We expect Cincinnati to be playing from behind more often than not this year. In which case, Hawkins has a shot at PPR value.

Recommendation: Worth a look in PPR leagues.

Golden Tate, Seahawks - Seattle wasted no time in plugging Tate back in for Braylon Edwards at split end. Although the box score doesn’t show it, the Seattle Times called Tate the “most explosive player not named Marshawn Lynch” in Week 2. Tate isn’t going to have reliable fantasy value in the Seahawks’ run-first, but he’s worth a look in deeper leagues.

Recommendation: Worth a look in deeper leagues.

Watch List: Jerome Simpson, Armon Binns, Jon Baldwin, Leonard Hankerson

Simpson returns from suspension in Week 4 to add another playmaker to an offense that could have surprising fantasy potential in October and beyond. … Binns is playing the majority of the snaps opposite A.J. Green. … Baldwin was more involved at Buffalo after going underground in Week 1.

Cut Bait: Kevin Ogletree, Randy Moss, Andre Roberts, Josh Gordon, Rod Streater, Braylon Edwards, Doug Baldwin

Ogletree saw just one target versus the Seahawks. It remains to be seen whether he’s a one-game wonder or not, but he can’t be counted on to produce week-in and week-out. … Moss is playing just 20 snaps per game. … The passing games in Arizona and Seattle don’t support more than one fantasy receiver.

<!--RW-->Quarterbacks

Matt Cassel, Chiefs - Playing from behind thanks to a generous defense, Cassel has turned in top-five fantasy numbers through two weeks. The Chiefs passing game is worthy of spot-start status against a struggling Saints defense that has allowed big games to Robert Griffin III and Cam Newton the first two weeks.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Alex Smith, 49ers - Smith isn’t going to flirt with 300-yard games on a regular basis in the 49ers’ conservative offense, but he’s playing well enough to be rostered in more than 50 percent of Yahoo leagues. Second only to Matt Ryan in passer rating, Smith has a fine matchup versus the Vikings in Week 3.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Sam Bradford, Rams - Bradford lost his left tackle for the second game in a row, but turned in one of the best quarterback performances of Week 2. Through two weeks, he’s third in the NFL in both passer rating and completion percentage while standing just inside the top-10 in fantasy points. The offensive line remains a red-flag concern heading into a forbidding Week 3 game in Chicago.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Christian Ponder, Vikings - Guess which quarterback is leading the NFL in completion percentage through two weeks. It’s Ponder at an impressive 75.8 percent thanks in large part to excellent play after halftime of both games. Ponder is also fifth in yards per attempt and sixth in passer rating. The next step is to gain consistency behind a still iffy offensive line. Ponder is a solid QB2 heading into a tough matchup with the 49ers.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Jake Locker, Titans - The Titans have morphed into a one-dimensional offense, but there should be brighter days ahead for Locker. Difference-making wide receiver Kenny Britt should be ready to reclaim his starting job in time for a fantasy-friendly stretch that includes matchups versus the Lions, Vikings, Bills and Colts.

Recommendation: Worth a look in 12-team leagues.

Hold Off: Brandon Weeden

I think Weeden’s Week 2 performance says more about the state of the Bengals’ secondary than his own fantasy potential. I need to see the rookie do it again before I invest a roster spot. … Tannehill is a better NFL prospect, but he has a tough matchup with the Jets this week.

Cut Bait: Mark Sanchez, Russell Wilson

Week 1 was an illusion for Sanchez and the Jets passing game. He can’t be trusted on a week-to-week basis. … Wilson is playing fine, but the Seahawks remain a run-first offense.

Team Defense

Dolphins - It’s not a great matchups week for streaming defenses. The Dolphins are hosting a Jets offense that couldn’t protect the quarterback, run the ball or make plays in the passing game in Week 2.

Bills - I need to see Brandon Weeden repeat his Week 2 performance against a defense tougher than Cincinnati’s. It’s become obvious early in the season that the Bengals’ secondary is one of the most porous in the NFL.

 

[HacheMan]

Leshoure leads weak waiver crop

Despite being untested, Mikel Leshoure's upside worth taking a chance on

By Christopher Harris | ESPN.com

It's going to be tough to make a flashy, high-impact signing off your waiver wire this week. To be sure, Week 2 featured some crucial injuries: Matt Forte's ankle, Aaron Hernandez's ankle, Steven Jackson's groin, Ahmad Bradshaw's neck, Jeremy Maclin's hip. But in none of these cases is there a lightly-owned replacement player who obviously benefits to the point where you'd feel great about starting him in Week 3. For sure, if you're a Jackson or Bradshaw owner, there seem to be new leaders for the handcuff job, players we didn't expect when the season began. I discuss them below. But even those guys figure to have their upsides muffled by potential platoons should the starter stay injured. Anyway, let's get to an underwhelming bunch:


ESPN Standard-League Finds



Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions (owned in 19.7 percent of ESPN.com leagues): That's right, I'm leading with a guy who hasn't taken the field in a regular-season game yet, and who tore his Achilles' last preseason. Leshoure was in the "Deeper League" section of this column last week and after Joique Bell stole significant snaps from Kevin Smith in the first half Sunday night, one gets the sense that the Lions may be restless with their backfield situation. (And Bell obviously isn't the answer.) Leshoure weighs 227 pounds and in his final season at the University of Illinois had 20 TDs and 1,893 yards from scrimmage. If he's fully recovered, he's a thumper who could get involved in goal-line work right away. He won't be startable in Week 3, and it's worth noting that the Lions are reportedly bringing in both Steve Slaton and Ryan Grant for tryouts this week, but I still say Leshoure is worth a stash in all leagues.

Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins (0.4 percent): Yikes, the pickings get slim mighty fast. Hartline caught nine of 12 targets for 111 yards Sunday, though while I haven't watched the tape yet, the story I've read from beat reporters is that he found himself matched against Oakland Raiders' fill-in corner Pat Lee an awful lot, and Lee (who was making his first start in place of Ronald Bartell, who has a broken shoulder blade) struggled mightily. Hartline had two catches or fewer in nine of 16 games last season, and until this week didn't have a single game with more than five grabs in his career. He has fine straight-ahead speed and above-average size, but has never been much of a route-runner. This week, you'll hear a lot of folks say, "Well, the Dolphins have to throw it to somebody," but I'm concerned that "somebody" will change from week to week. I mean, Hartline had three catches in Week 1. But if you're speculating, I suppose you could do worse than a 6-foot-2, 200-pound, three-year veteran operating in Joe Philbin's offensive system that until recently highlighted Greg Jennings and Jordy Nelson. Just keep those expectations in check.


Danny Amendola, WR, St. Louis Rams (17.3 percent): In a point-per-reception league, Amendola is a top-30 fantasy wideout. Amendola leads the NFL with 20 receptions and is third in the league with 230 receiving yards. The first of those two statistics isn't surprising, but I don't expect the second to persist. I'm not sure what in the world the Washington Redskins defense was doing in the first half Sunday, but Amendola had a ludicrous amount of space to roam, and produced uncontested catch-and-runs again and again; heck, six of Sam Bradford's first seven passes were intended for Amendola (he caught five but fumbled one). Eventually, Jim Haslett's defense figured this out and clamped down on the slot, which is Amendola's biggest fantasy flaw: He doesn't possess the physical gifts to beat defenses that are paying him close mind, and I don't see enough other weapons on this Rams team to distract opponents. If I'm in a 10-team standard-scoring fantasy league, I have a difficult time imagining Amendola producing enough yardage or TDs to be startable.


Andrew Hawkins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (2.3 percent): If I can mention Amendola, there's no reason not to mention Hawkins, another possession receiver who's done a bit of damage through two weeks. The former CFL star caught eight of nine targets for 86 yards in a Week 1 blowout loss, and on Sunday grabbed a short pass for a highlight-reel fourth-quarter run that produced a TD. Again, don't get carried away. Hawkins is a very small, quick player who didn't play much in two-receiver sets this week; according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, he was on the field for 32 out of 62 plays. Seeing him become a factor in NFL games is a fantastic story, but don't confuse that with being starter-worthy. Heck, even in PPR leagues he'd have been a big ol' bust Sunday without his touchdown, considering he had only two grabs all day. Those in PPR leagues, though, can feel free to take a look.

Kellen Winslow, TE, New England Patriots (0.2 percent): As of this writing, ESPN Boston is reporting that Winslow will join the Pats pending a physical. If that happens, his name and situation are going to spark interest, since Hernandez is likely out for at least a few games. Winslow only seems as old as the hills; he's actually 29, and he's coming off a competent 763-yard season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New England has certainly run a ton of two-TE formations over the past couple seasons, and if Winslow is ready to contribute, he could hit the mother lode. But with no training camp to learn the Patriots' complicated offensive system, Winslow could also struggle to see the field. Personally, I prefer a few of the TE names I mentioned last week (Martellus Bennett, Dennis Pitta, Coby Fleener, Kyle Rudolph), but if you're feeling lucky, maybe Winslow outdoes them all for a while.


Other solid waiver adds, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Brandon LaFell, WR, Panthers (25.4 percent); Martellus Bennett, TE, Giants (35.7 percent); Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens (24.3 percent); Coby Fleener, TE, Colts (32.9 percent); Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings (11.2 percent).


Deeper-League Finds



Donnie Avery, WR, Indianapolis Colts (0.5 percent): Anybody starting to feel like new Colts head coach Chuck Pagano plays fast and loose with the facts regarding his injured players? For two straight weeks, Austin Collie was supposedly rounding into shape and ready to contribute, then two straight weekends, we're told he'll be inactive. In Collie's stead Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings, Avery caught nine passes on 10 targets for 111 yards. If Collie is out for many more weeks (and at this point, who the heck knows?), Avery could be a sneaky fill-in in deep leagues.


Daryl Richardson, RB, St. Louis Rams (0.6 percent): When Steven Jackson tweaked his groin Sunday, it was Richardson, not Isaiah Pead, who took over feature-back duties. In fact, Pead never touched the ball from scrimmage. Richardson is a speedy rookie without ideal feature-back size, so it's legit to wonder whether he'd hold up to every-down pounding if Jackson missed extended time. (Jackson has told reporters he doesn't think his Week 2 injury is a big deal, and he could play against the Chicago Bears next week.) Pead would probably get in the mix with Jackson out of the picture, but at the moment it seems clear that Richardson would have the lead role in that speculative platoon. If you own Jackson, you should probably find roster space for Richardson. If you don't own Jackson and are in a deeper league, Richardson is probably also worth an add.

Andre Brown, RB, New York Giants (0.4 percent): Everything I just said about Jackson, Richardson and Pead can basically be reiterated for Bradshaw, Brown and David Wilson. Because Wilson was a first-round pick this spring, and because he produced some scintillating preseason highlights, it's widely been assumed that he'd be Bradshaw's handcuff. But a Week 1 fumble and a horrible Week 2 drop may have shaken the Giants' faith in Wilson. That led to Brown's ascendancy in Sunday's comeback win: He racked up 15 touches for 90 yards and the game-winning TD run, looking like the rough, physical player I remember from his NC State days. The Giants play Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, so it seems possible Bradshaw will have to rest his injured neck. As with the Rams, I envision a platoon in such a situation: Brown and Wilson would likely each get early chances, and the Giants would probably ride the hot hand thereafter. Wilson, of course, is owned in more than 80 percent of leagues, whereas Brown is essentially unowned. It would take stones to start him on your fantasy team Thursday, but Bradshaw owners in deeper leagues may not have a choice.


Bilal Powell, RB, New York Jets (0.7 percent): Shonn Greene appeared concussed after an early second-quarter carry Sunday, and Powell asserted himself as the clear second-stringer by dominating the subsequent drive that led to a Jets field goal. Greene surprisingly returned to the field after halftime, relegating Powell to his typical "breather" role (he had only two second-half carries), but any notion that Joe McKnight is close to a fantasy-relevant role went out the window. If you need to own Greene's handcuff in a deeper league, Powell is your guy. He ran impressively when given the chance, illustrating a power/speed combo that frankly I don't believe Greene has ever possessed.


Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots (0.1 percent): The likeliest scenario that comes out of Aaron Hernandez's injury is that Wes Welker reclaims his full-time role and reasserts himself as a top fantasy player. But considering Edelman apparently beat out Welker for a spot in two-WR sets this summer, I can't rule out the possibility that it actually winds up being Edelman who benefits most from Hernandez's absence. It doesn't seem particularly likely; all that juicy playing time Edelman has seen so far has netted him eight targets in two weeks. But those in deep PPR leagues could hedge by adding the former collegiate QB.


Jackie Battle, RB, San Diego Chargers (0.3 percent): Ryan Mathews didn't play in Week 2, giving his busted collarbone (and his cardio conditioning) one more week before his season debut. In Mathews' place, Curtis Brinkley got 18 carries compared to 14 for Battle and only four for Ronnie Brown (who can be dropped in all leagues). But whereas Brinkley slogged for 43 yards on 18 carries, Battle produced a pair of 1-yard scores. This is probably another situation where there's no viable handcuff, which is why standard-leaguers probably can just avoid Mathews' backup situation entirely. But the thundering, 238-pound Battle would probably get first crack at being the TD-maker in the event of another Mathews injury.


Scott Chandler, TE, Buffalo Bills (17.5 percent) and Brandon Myers, TE, Oakland Raiders (0.1 percent): The NFL is tight-end-happy right now, so much so that the position is starting to feel a little bit like kickers. Fourteen TEs scored touchdowns in Week 1, and 15 scored in Week 2. Alas, only six of these men scored both weeks. Chandler is one of those TEs (along with Vernon Davis, Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Heath Miller and Martellus Bennett), but as anyone who owned Chandler last year knows, when he doesn't get into the end zone he's borderline useless. He had just 389 yards receiving last season, after all. Myers is supposed to be a block-first TE, but has somehow racked up 11 grabs and 151 receiving yards so far in '12. In theory, neither of these guys is attractive to me as the myriad other lightly owned TE replacement options. If this many TEs are going to score TDs each week, heck, throw their names in a hat.


Other solid waiver adds for deep-leaguers, about whom I've written in previous weeks: Christian Ponder, QB, Vikings (4.9 percent); Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears (22.6 percent).

 

[HacheMan]

'12 ranks: CJ2K, Charles out of top-10 RBs

Eric Karabell

Two weeks down, 14 or 15 left to go, depending on when your playoffs start. The second week of the 2012 fantasy football season featured many outstanding performances, but as always, some players overachieved and others, ahem, did not. Our goal in the weekly end-of-season rankings update is to find perspective of this small sample size, but also look ahead as if we're drafting today, going position by position with added insight.




You'll see more changes in this edition of the rankings than last week because we've learned quite a bit more, but you'll also find that we're not giving up on a few of the first-round picks who are struggling, nor have we presumed that a few of the September stars are safe.


Remember: These are not the Week 3 rankings. You'll see those on the ESPN Fantasy pages each Wednesday.


Quick click by position, for easy reference:
Top 40 Quarterbacks | Top 60 Running Backs | Top 60 Wide Receivers
Top 30 Tight Ends | Top 32 Defense/Special Teams | Top 100 Overall



Top 40 Quarterbacks





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Brees </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tom Brady </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cam Newton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matthew Stafford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eli Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Ryan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Griffin III </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Romo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Vick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philip Rivers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Roethlisberger </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Freeman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jay Cutler </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Joe Flacco </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alex Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Luck </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andy Dalton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Schaub </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sam Bradford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carson Palmer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Fitzpatrick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jake Locker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Sanchez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Cassel </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Russell Wilson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Blaine Gabbert </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Christian Ponder </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Kolb </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Tannehill </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Weeden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Hasselbeck </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tim Tebow </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> John Skelton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nick Foles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Flynn </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chad Henne </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Colt McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr></tbody></table>





While it's important to avoid overrating the first two weeks, it's pretty clear Robert Griffin III has major game. He leads all quarterbacks in fantasy points, but it worth noting that he also has played both of his games in dome stadiums, and against questionable defenses. Expect Griffin to get a favorable rank in Week 3 at home against the Cincinnati Bengals, but for 2012, it's tough to move him much higher than he is here. Matt Ryan, the guy just ahead of him, has been excellent so far, as well. Neither Griffin nor Ryan began this season in the top 10, but if you own them, enjoy the ride.


Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Drew Brees aren't exactly thriving so far. The consensus top three to start the year, only Brees is among the top 10 quarterbacks so far. Am I concerned? Well, the rankings answer that. No, I am not. Matthew Stafford is averaging 12 fantasy points per game, but as I wrote about Rodgers coming off a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, things will get only easier.


The Manning brothers delivered interesting performances in Week 2. Each played poorly in the first quarter, but Eli Manning finished with 31 completions for 510 yards, eighth-most in NFL history, while big bro Peyton Manning tossed three interceptions Monday night, yet still somehow finished with a respectable seven-point fantasy game. Neither guy moves in the rankings. I'd still take Eli, and I expect both of them to remain healthy and productive as fantasy starters.


As for the backup-level quarterbacks, it certainly was not a good week for Chicago Bears passer Jay Cutler, whose fantasy production disappeared behind a host of annoying interceptions and sacks. However, he remains a reasonable fantasy backup, and he's joined by Indianapolis Colts rookie Andrew Luck. Alex Smith and Luck delivered near-identical statistical performances, but think about how differently they are viewed. Smith does remain worthy of fantasy backup attention, though.



Top 60 Running Backs






<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arian Foster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ray Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeSean McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Maurice Jones-Drew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marshawn Lynch </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Peterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Forte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeMarco Murray </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Gore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Spiller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren McFadden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steven Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stevan Ridley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren Sproles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trent Richardson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Mathews </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamaal Charles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Turner </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Martin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Willis McGahee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> BenJarvus Green-Ellis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ahmad Bradshaw </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Tate </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Stewart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfred Morris </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shonn Greene </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cedric Benson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Ingram </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeAngelo Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Beanie Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Donald Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Hillis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mikel Leshoure </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Helu </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fred Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Isaac Redman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Toby Gerhart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shane Vereen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Dwyer </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Daryl Richardson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeGarrette Blount </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rashard Mendenhall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> David Wilson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Tolbert </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Turbin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Knowshon Moreno </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lamar Miller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dexter McCluster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Goodson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kendall Hunter </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jackie Battle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Bilal Powell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacquizz Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr></tbody></table>




This probably will not be a popular stance, but it's still too early to either dump Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson or trade him for a lesser player. However, as dreadful as he has looked the first two weeks (1.1 yards per carry!), even in relation to how he underachieved last season, it's tough to leave him active. In these rankings, he drops to barely RB2 status, but don't close the door on him becoming relevant. No, really. Think about how you'll feel if Johnson suddenly turns things around and someone else in your league enjoys it instead of you. Of course, you'll see he's also no longer regarded as a top-10 guy, though.


While Johnson bolts the top 10 here, C.J. Spiller enters it. As was noted in this space a week ago, when Fred Jackson returns, he might find himself on third-down duty. Spiller is good. Really good. He enters the top 10, while Marshawn Lynch and Frank Gore also move up. May all of us be as productive as Lynch when we have back woes. Speaking of woes, it's premature to drop down Matt Forte significantly. He left Sunday's game because of an ankle sprain, but let's not presume Michael Bush is the Week 3 starter just yet. The Bears are saying Forte might not miss games, and I'm not calling him brittle, either.


Jamaal Charles of the Kansas City Chiefs leaves the top 10 and follows Johnson to the back end of the top 20. It was revealed after Sunday's game that Charles is dealing with knee discomfort, which should scare fantasy owners because he is coming off ACL surgery. Ahmad Bradshaw also drops some, outside the top 20, because of his sprained neck. The other New York starting running back is Shonn Greene of the Jets, and he drops some as well coming off his stellar 23-yard effort. Be careful, though, when it comes to the New York backups. Rookie David Wilson of the Giants isn't looking so good these days, and Andre Brown passes him in the rankings. Bilal Powell enters the rankings as well, but Jets fans should expect Greene to play this week, and he's not as bad as he looked in Week 2.


We'll say this about the Falcons' Michael Turner: He doesn't look the fellow that finished tied for fifth among all running backs in fantasy scoring last year. That said, he's going to score touchdowns, and as long as your expectations are lower, he maintains RB2 status here for now. Things might be different if Jacquizz Rodgers was playing at an extraordinary level, but he is not. Trade Turner if you must, but don't be surprised if he still reaches 1,000 rushing yards and eight or nine touchdowns.


As for movement further down in the rankings (ie. outside fantasy starter range), six running backs enter the rankings, mainly handcuff types who could be relevant. If Bradshaw misses time, go with Brown. In St. Louis, Steven Jackson does not drop much in the rankings, because it's still a bit cloudy as to whether he missed a good portion of Week 2 due to injury (groin) or temperament, but rookie Isaiah Pead is out of the rankings because Daryl Richardson is clearly next in line. Miami Dolphins rookie Lamar Miller also became interesting this week despite Reggie Bush having a monster game, arguably the best of his interesting career. Speaking of which, Bush moves up 11 spots.



Top 60 Wide Receivers





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Calvin Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hakeem Nicks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Victor Cruz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Julio Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Marshall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Percy Harvin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Green </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordy Nelson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roddy White </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Wallace </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Demaryius Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vincent Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Jennings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marques Colston </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Larry Fitzgerald </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wes Welker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dwayne Bowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Wayne </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dez Bryant </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lloyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miles Austin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Decker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeSean Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Maclin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torrey Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Crabtree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Garcon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Meachem </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenny Britt </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Amendola </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon LaFell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Malcom Floyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Santonio Holmes </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anquan Boldin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Denarius Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darrius Heyward-Bey </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Ogletree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Sidney Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Justin Blackmon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Titus Young </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Donnie Avery </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Leonard Hankerson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andrew Hawkins </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mario Manningham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Laurent Robinson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randall Cobb </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> James Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Randy Moss </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Nate Burleson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kendall Wright </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Little </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alshon Jeffery </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Davone Bess </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brian Hartline </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr></tbody></table>


Clearly the New York Giants duo of Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz enjoyed themselves in Week 2. Which Giants receiver is better in fantasy? Well, there's really no need to answer that. We can all agree that because these guys finished 1-2 this past week, and enter Week 3 tied for second overall after Demaryius Thomas, both are worth starting weekly. Percy Harvin was also a bit underrated, so he joins the two Giants in the top 10, while question marks surrounding the health of Greg Jennings help Jordy Nelson climb in the ranks. Then again, Jennings doesn't drop much. He should play this week.


Jennings shouldn't worry fantasy owners as much as Larry Fitzgerald and Wes Welker. Fitzgerald's Arizona Cardinals beat Welker's New England Patriots on Sunday, but Fitzgerald didn't play much of a role. Blame Kevin Kolb if it makes you feel better, but the Cardinals didn't have much at quarterback last year and Fitzgerald was a top-10 option. It's a good time to buy low on Fitzgerald, who drops here but shouldn't be overlooked. With Welker, there's a bit more reason for concern, but not enough to write the guy off. Fitzgerald and Welker maintain WR2 status, and each is a smart buy-low option.


Some have suggested that Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola has switched jerseys with Welker. Amendola was targeted early and often Sunday and ended up having a career day (15 receptions for 160 yards and a touchdown). He has been recommended in this blog before in point-per-reception formats and deeper standard leagues, but his stock is rising. Still, don't assume he's a safe WR2. He wasn't ranked that way here. Amendola should have more double-digit receptions games, but the 160 yards was actually more surprising.


Other names on the move up include Brandon LaFell, Donnie Avery and Andrew Hawkins. LaFell was a popular preseason sleeper, and now that Carolina Panthers colleague Steve Smith is dealing with knee issues, it could change LaFell's production. As it is, LaFell has reached double digits in fantasy scoring each of the first two weeks. Avery and Reggie Wayne have been a terrific tandem for Luck so far, and we'll see if Austin Collie affects that. Hawkins saw his targets drop from Week 1 to Week 2, but he scored a touchdown on a nifty play, and should be in line for more attention because we know stalwart A.J. Green sees plenty of double teams.


Leaving the rankings is Titans receiver Nate Washington, who has been awfully quiet so far. Also contributing to that: Quarterback Jake Locker isn't off to the best start, though he should improve. The Titans represent a wise real-life team to buy low with, from their running back to others, including Kenny Britt and Washington. New York rookies Stephen Hill, who had a big Week 1, and Rueben Randle, who hasn't done a thing, also leave the ranks. When it comes to those guys, I feel there are more than 60 wide receivers worthy of attention, but in deep leagues, don't forget about Washington or Hill, and perhaps the Chiefs' Jon Baldwin as well.



Top 30 Tight Ends






<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="width: 200px; vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Graham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rob Gronkowski </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vernon Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Gates </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermichael Finley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Pettigrew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brent Celek </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Witten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacob Tamme </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jared Cook </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dennis Pitta </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Hernandez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Martellus Bennett </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kyle Rudolph </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Owen Daniels </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Fred Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermaine Gresham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Coby Fleener </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Scott Chandler </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Olsen </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dustin Keller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kellen Winslow </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Myers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dante Rosario </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Heath Miller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marcedes Lewis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Benjamin Watson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anthony Fasano </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Evan Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr></tbody></table>




The big news at tight end this week is the ankle injury suffered by the Patriots' Aaron Hernandez and the signing of former Brown/Buccaneer (and brief Seahawk) Kellen Winslow. It isn't yet known just how long Hernandez will be out, but he drops from the top 10 here. Tight end is a deep spot in fantasy this season, so much so that it's reasonable to be using a second tight end as a flex option. In fact, so far eight tight ends have amassed 20 or more standard fantasy points. Most of the big-name guys, save for Jermichael Finley and Antonio Gates, have done well.


The Hernandez injury could be good news for Rob Gronkowski's production, but it's likely that Winslow will play a role there in New England, though perhaps not in Week 3. After all, he's brand new to the team. He does, however, enter these rankings at the back end. For now, if you own Hernandez, bench him and find one of many available options, including targets machine Dennis Pitta of Baltimore (he leads all tight ends, even Jimmy Graham, with 24 targets), Martellus Bennett and Kyle Rudolph.


As for Gates, who really hurt his fantasy owners this week when he was a surprise inactive -- those late-afternoon Sunday games can be a problem -- it's tough to truly trust him. It would be easier if he was producing at an elite level. Perhaps he still will, but Gates scored four fantasy points in Week 1. His Week 2 replacements were Randy McMichael and Dante Rosario, and the latter scored three touchdowns. It's reasonable for fantasy owners to be angry about Gates, but adding Rosario isn't the solution.


Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten was targeted 10 times in Week 2, so while he hasn't produced the numbers expected of him, be patient. At least he's playing. Witten remains in the top 10, but Washington Redskins option Fred Davis does not; Davis has four receptions in two games, and a concussion could cost him the team's next game.
It's a bit early to presume whether Griffin will throw plenty to his tight ends this season, but the bottom line is Davis still has potential.



Top 32 Defense/Special Teams





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th><th style="width: 5px; vertical-align: bottom; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><center> </center></th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 40px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev. </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> San Francisco 49ers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> St. Louis Rams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Houston Texans </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cleveland Browns </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Baltimore Ravens </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miami Dolphins </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philadelphia Eagles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jacksonville Jaguars </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chicago Bears </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tampa Bay Buccaneers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Seattle Seahawks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tennessee Titans </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New York Jets </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Oakland Raiders </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pittsburgh Steelers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> San Diego Chargers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Green Bay Packers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Buffalo Bills </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Atlanta Falcons </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Carolina Panthers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arizona Cardinals </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Washington Redskins </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Detroit Lions </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Minnesota Vikings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New York Giants </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kansas City Chiefs </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New England Patriots </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cincinnati Bengals </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dallas Cowboys </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> New Orleans Saints </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Denver Broncos </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Indianapolis Colts </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr></tbody></table>





Top 100 Overall





<style type="text/css">.mod-inline td img {margin: 0px;}</style><table style="margin: 0px; width: 100%;"><thead><tr><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Ovr.
Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"> Player </th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Team </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Pos.
Rank </center></th><th style="vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Next 3
Weeks </center></th><th style="width: 50px; vertical-align: bottom;"><center> Prev.
Rank </center></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Arian Foster </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Den, Ten, @NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 1 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ray Rice </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE, Cle, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 2 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> LeSean McCoy </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ari, NYG, @Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 3 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Maurice Jones-Drew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ind, Cin, Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 4 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Calvin Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ten, Min, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 5 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Aaron Rodgers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, NO, @Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 6 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marshawn Lynch </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB, @StL, @Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Drew Brees </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Adrian Peterson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF, @Det, Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 9 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tom Brady </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Bal, @Buf, Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 8 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Andre Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Den, Ten, @NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 11 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Hakeem Nicks </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, @Phi, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Victor Cruz </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, @Phi, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Forte </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL, @Dal, @Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 7 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Julio Jones </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Car, @Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 13 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeMarco Murray </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, Chi, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cam Newton </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG, @Atl, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Marshall </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL, @Dal, @Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 15 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Percy Harvin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF, @Det, Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jimmy Graham </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE1 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 20 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Rob Gronkowski </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE2 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Bal, @Buf, Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 21 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Frank Gore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Min, @NYJ, Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matthew Stafford </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ten, Min, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 17 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> C.J. Spiller </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Cle, NE, @SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> A.J. Green </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Wsh, @Jac, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 25 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jordy Nelson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, NO, @Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren McFadden </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Oak </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit, @Den, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 27 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roddy White </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Car, @Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 18 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eli Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, @Phi, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steven Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Chi, Sea, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 29 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Stevan Ridley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Bal, @Buf, Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Manning </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou, Oak, @NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 32 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mike Wallace </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Oak, bye, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 19 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ, @Ari, @Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Matt Ryan </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Car, @Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Demaryius Thomas </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou, Oak, @NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Griffin III </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin, @TB, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Darren Sproles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 36 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Trent Richardson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf, @Bal, @NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vincent Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Dal, Wsh, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 41 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ryan Mathews </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl, @KC, @NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 34 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 42 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Greg Jennings </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, NO, @Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 28 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Marques Colston </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR15 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 44 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jamaal Charles </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NO, SD, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 24 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Chris Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det, @Hou, @Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 14 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 46 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Turner </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Car, @Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 43 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Larry Fitzgerald </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR16 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi, Mia, @StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 12 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Doug Martin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Dal, Wsh, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 47 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Willis McGahee </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou, Oak, @NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 48 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 50 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Wes Welker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR17 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Bal, @Buf, Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 26 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 51 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR18 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Oak, bye, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> BenJarvus Green-Ellis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Wsh, @Jac, Mia </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 52 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR19 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG, @Atl, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 40 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Romo </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB10 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, Chi, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 45 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 55 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ahmad Bradshaw </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Car, @Phi, Cle </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 39 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Steve Johnson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR20 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Cle, NE, @SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Vick </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB11 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ari, NYG, @Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 58 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Vernon Davis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE3 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Min, @NYJ, Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dwayne Bowe </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR21 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NO, SD, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 57 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 60 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Bush </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Chi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL, @Dal, @Jac </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 61 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Reggie Wayne </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR22 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac, bye, GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Dez Bryant </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR23 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, Chi, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 49 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 63 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Antonio Gates </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE4 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl, @KC, @NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 56 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 64 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Tate </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Den, Ten, @NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 62 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 65 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Lloyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR24 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Bal, @Buf, Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 59 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jonathan Stewart </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG, @Atl, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 67 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Miles Austin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR25 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, Chi, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 66 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Alfred Morris </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin, @TB, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Eric Decker </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Den </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR26 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Hou, Oak, @NE </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 68 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jermichael Finley </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE5 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, NO, @Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 69 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Shonn Greene </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Mia, SF, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 54 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Philip Rivers </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB12 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl, @KC, @NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 73 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeSean Jackson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR27 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ari, NYG, @Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 71 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 74 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Tony Gonzalez </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE6 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @SD, Car, @Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Cedric Benson </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Sea, NO, @Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 72 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jeremy Maclin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR28 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ari, NYG, @Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 53 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mark Ingram </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kevin Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ten, Min, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 70 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 79 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Torrey Smith </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR29 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE, Cle, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 77 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 80 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> DeAngelo Williams </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG, @Atl, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Michael Crabtree </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SF </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR30 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Min, @NYJ, Buf </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Beanie Wells </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi, Mia, @StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 76 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Pierre Garcon </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR31 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin, @TB, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 75 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Donald Brown </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ind </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Jac, bye, GB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 83 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Lance Moore </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR32 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC, @GB, SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 82 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Robert Meachem </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR33 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl, @KC, @NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 84 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 87 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Ben Roethlisberger </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB13 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Oak, bye, Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 86 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 88 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Peyton Hillis </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @NO, SD, Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 81 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Kenny Britt </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Ten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR34 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det, @Hou, @Min </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 85 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 90 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Mikel Leshoure </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ten, Min, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Danny Amendola </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> StL </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR35 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Chi, Sea, Ari </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 92 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Roy Helu </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Wsh </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> RB38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Cin, @TB, Atl </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 78 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 93 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon Pettigrew </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Det </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE7 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ten, Min, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brandon LaFell </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Car </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR36 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYG, @Atl, Sea </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Brent Celek </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Phi </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE8 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Ari, NYG, @Pit </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 96 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Malcom Floyd </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> SD </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR37 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Atl, @KC, @NO </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 89 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 97 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Jason Witten </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Dal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TE9 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB, Chi, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 95 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 98 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Santonio Holmes </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NYJ </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR38 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Mia, SF, Hou </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 91 </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 99 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Josh Freeman </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> TB </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> QB14 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> @Dal, Wsh, bye </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NR </td></tr><tr class="last"><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 100 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;"> Anquan Boldin </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> Bal </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> WR39 </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> NE, Cle, @KC </td><td style="vertical-align: middle;" align="center"> 94 </td></tr></tbody></table>