This Week Around The NFL.

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Atlanta at Oakland

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where: Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California

After a bold decision led to a victory in their season opener, the Oakland Raiders look to start 2-0 for the first time in 14 years when they take on the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in their home opener. Oakland trailed by 11 points after three quarters in New Orleans last week before outscoring the Saints 22-10 in the fourth, capping the comeback with a two-point conversion pass from Derek Carr to Michael Crabtree with less than a minute remaining after the quarterback connected with Seth Roberts for a 10-yard touchdown.
The Raiders are hoping to open the season with back-to-back victories for the first time since 2002, which was the last time the team qualified for the postseason. Atlanta, which is coming off a season-opening 31-24 home loss to Tampa Bay, somehow will have to contain Carr and company after permitting Jameis Winston to complete 23-of-32 passes for 281 yards and four touchdowns. The Falcons would prefer to avoid a shootout through the air, even though Matt Ryan threw for 334 yards and two scores last week. Favorite target Julio Jones, who made four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in the opener, was limited in practice Thursday due to an ankle injury but is expected to play against Oakland.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Raiders -4.5. O/U: 49

ABOUT THE FALCONS (0-1): Ankle injuries have become the norm for Atlanta early on, as rookie linebacker De'Vondre Campbell and wide receiver Mohamed Sanu have joined Jones with the ailment. Sanu made five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown against Tampa Bay in his debut with the Falcons after spending the first four years of his career with Cincinnati. After Oakland allowed Drew Brees to throw for 423 yards in Week 1, it is all but a sure thing Ryan will record his franchise-high 37th career game with at least 300 passing yards on Sunday.

ABOUT THE RAIDERS (1-0): Oakland will need to shore up its defense after allowing 507 total yards - 419 passing - against New Orleans and failing to record a sack despite having a line that includes Khalil Mack, who finished second in the league last year with 15. The team was encouraged by the limited participation in Thursday's practice by center Rodney Hudson and guard Gabe Jackson, who both sat out the day before due to knee injuries. Oakland may want to utilize running back Jalen Richard a little earlier this week as the rookie ran for a 75-yard touchdown on his first career carry in the fourth quarter versus the Saints.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Falcons have won their last three meetings with the Raiders, including a 23-20 triumph at home on Oct. 14, 2012 on Matt Bryant's 55-yard field goal with one second remaining.

2. Oakland WR Amari Cooper gained 137 yards on six catches in the opener after registering five 100-yard performances as a rookie last year.

3. Atlanta RB Devonta Freeman has collected at least 100 yards from scrimmage in two of his last three road games.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Jacksonville at San Diego

When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, California

The San Diego Chargers' opening-day fate and perhaps that of their season changed on one play when star receiver Keenan Allen suffered a torn ACL midway through the second quarter in last week's devastating loss at Kansas City. Sans their top wideout, the Chargers will look to rebound when it entertains the upstart Jacksonville Jaguars in their home opener Sunday.
Allen had already snared six passes and the Chargers seemed ready to cruise to an upset at Kansas City when the veteran suffered a non-contact tear near midfield last week. San Diego subsequently blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost in overtime 33-27. The Jaguars fell short in their comeback bid against Green Bay in their opener, stalling at the Packers' 14-yard-line on their final drive in the 27-23 setback. Blake Bortles, however, picked up where he left off last season, throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns in a promising season opener that Jacksonville fans hope will end in a playoff berth.

TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Chargers -3. O/U: 47.

ABOUT THE JAGUARS (0-1): Running back Chris Ivory spent last week's opener in the hospital with a non-football medical issue and is questionable for Sunday's game along with tight end Julius Thomas, who caught a touchdown pass last week. The Jaguars are hoping that Ivory can team with T.J. Yeldon to take some of the burden off Bortles, who finished tied for second in the NFL last season with 35 touchdown passes while ranking sixth in total attempts. Jacksonville, which ran for a paltry 39 yards on 21 carries against Green Bay, has never fared well traveling to the West Coast, going 2-14 since 2004.

ABOUT THE CHARGERS (0-1): Travis Benjamin moves up to the No. 1 receiver and Dontrelle Inman (35 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 2015) will replace Allen in three-wide receiver sets, but veteran quarterback Philip Rivers vows not to scale back his furious passing attack. Rivers has lit up the Jaguars recently, completing 74 percent of his passes for 962 yards and eight touchdowns with no interceptions as San Diego has beaten Jacksonville by an average of 14.3 points over past three seasons. Overall, however, it's been a different story as the Chargers have won just two of their past 13 games and the heat is turning up on coach Mike McCoy.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Former Chargers general manager A.J. Smith said that league sources have told him the team will remain in San Diego, but the rumors about an inevitable move to Los Angeles persist.

2. Jaguars WR Allen Robinson finished the opener with six catches for 72 yards but had a whopping 15 of Bortles' 39 passes thrown his way.

3. Chargers top draft pick Joey Bosa is dealing with a soft tissue injury in his hamstring and is not expected to suit up.

 

[Greenbacks]

Preview: Green Bay at Minnesota

When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, September 18, 2016
Where: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota

In any other year, opening a brand-new stadium against a bitter rival would easily be the overriding storyline for the Minnesota Vikings. However, the first game at the state-of-the-art facility known as U.S. Bank Stadium is being overshadowed by the question of whether recently acquired Sam Bradford or Shaun Hill will start at quarterback Sunday against the visiting Green Bay Packers.
Bradford, acquired for first- and fourth-round draft picks after Teddy Bridgewater was injured at the end of the preseason, took the majority of snaps in practice Thursday and is expected to get the nod. Vikings coach Mike Zimmer, however, told reporters he will not reveal the starter and might not disclose the decision to the team until Sunday. Packers coach Mike McCarthy is getting his team ready for both quarterbacks, although he made a point to mention that neither signal-caller is the key to Minnesota's offense. "The fact of the matter is it's going to start with giving the ball to (running back) Adrian Peterson," McCarthy said. "Every time we play the Vikings, that's the focal point of our defense."

TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Packers -2.5. O/U: 42.5

ABOUT THE PACKERS (1-0): There are no issues under center for Green Bay with two-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers, who threw for a pair of touchdowns and ran for another in last week's 27-23 victory at Jacksonville. While Rodgers has at least two touchdown passes in 11 of the past 13 meetings against the Vikings, he couldn't beat them at home in the regular-season finale that gave Minnesota the NFC North title last season. Wide receiver Jordy Nelson, who missed the entire 2015 season after tearing a knee ligament, had a relatively quite debut with six catches for 32 yards. The Packers held the Jaguars to 48 yards rushing but were burned for 320 yards through the air.

ABOUT THE VIKINGS (1-0): Minnesota was rescued by its defense in its 25-16 win at Tennessee, with Hill throwing for 233 yards on 18-of-33 and Peterson managing only 31 yards rushing on 19 carries. A 77-yard interception return and 24-yard fumble return for touchdowns sparked a run of 25 unanswered points for the Vikings after they were held off the scoreboard in the first half, further fueling speculation that Bradford will get the start Sunday. Wide receiver Stefon Diggs was the lone offensive performance of note in the game, hauling in seven catches for 103 yards, while Minnesota's defense recorded a pair of sacks after tying for seventh in the league last season with 43.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Peterson, who has a rushing touchdown in his last four games versus Green Bay, is three shy of 100 for his career.

2. Packers RB Eddie Lacy has rushed for 100 yards in five of the last six matchups with the Vikings.

3. Former No. 1 overall pick Bradford threw for a career-high 3,725 yards with Philadelphia last season.

 

[Greenbacks]

Ravens assistant coach Clarence Brooks has passed away.....RIP, Coach Brooks. You will be missed.

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em




Start of the Week - Jarvis Landry vs. New England Patriots

Landry didn't put up much of a stat line in standard formats last week, but that was against CB Richard Sherman and a stout Seattle pass defense. He should improve in New England, who surrendered almost 30 fantasy points to Arizona's wideouts last week. Landry has also averaged 10 targets in his last three meetings against the Pats.





Julian Edelman vs. Miami Dolphins

Fantasy fans in all formats should expect Edelman to put up a nice stat line this week against a Miami defense he has owned over the last three seasons. In fact, he's posted an average of 16.75 fantasy points in his last four games against the AFC East rival. In that time, Edelman has also seen a combined 46 targets in the offense.





DeSean Jackson vs. Dallas Cowboys

Jackson seems to shine when he faces the Cowboys, as he's put up no fewer than 12 fantasy points in each of his last three games against them. That includes one game with 136 yards and two others where he scored a touchdown. When you also consider the question marks on the current Dallas defense, Jackson becomes a nice option.





Emmanuel Sanders vs. Indianapolis Colts

Sanders led the Broncos with eight targets in their opener, but his final stat line (5/49/0) left a lot to be desired for fantasy owners. Still, he should be in the WR3/flex starter conversation this weekend due to a tremendous matchup against a Colts defense that is chock full of injuries. Keep the faith, and keep Sanders active.





Jordan Matthews vs. Chicago Bears

This might be a case of chasing the fantasy points, but I'll bite because Matthews has a solid matchup ahead against the Bears. Last week, Chicago surrendered almost 30 fantasy points to Houston's wideouts (including two touchdowns). Couple that with his rapport with Carson Wentz, and Matthews is now on the WR2/3 radar for Week 2.


Sleepers: Sterling Shepard vs. Saints, Mike Wallace at Browns

Sit 'Em




Sit of the Week - Randall Cobb vs. Minnesota Vikings

Cobb didn't have a great start to the fantasy season, posting 57 yards and no touchdowns in a win over the Jaguars. His slow start could continue against the Vikings, who have held him to 258 yards (36.8 YPG) and two touchdowns in seven career meetings. Cobb is difficult to sit, so if you do start him it should be with real caution.





T.Y. Hilton vs. Denver Broncos

Hilton was held to six receptions, 79 yards and 7.9 fantasy points in last week's loss to Detroit, as teammates Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett both lapped him in the stat sheets. He could be in for another tough week against CBs Aqib Talib, Chris Harris and a Broncos pass defense that is among the toughest units in the league.





John Brown vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This one is less about the matchup and more about the fact that Brown saw a mere 35 snaps last week, compared to Larry Fitzgerald's 59 and Michael Floyd's 58. Whether this is a result of the concussion issues he had in the preseason is unclear, but I can't make a case for Brown as a fantasy starter until his usage totals increase.





Stefon Diggs vs. Green Bay Packers

Diggs was a solid option for fantasy fans last week, posting 10.2 fantasy points in a win over the Titans. Still, an upcoming matchup against the Packers makes him a difficult sell for fantasy fans. Their defense held Allen Robinson and the Jaguars wideouts in check last week, and the Packers were tough on the position in 2015.





Tavon Austin vs. Seattle Seahawks

Austin is tough to trust for fantasy fans, and it's almost impossible to start him against the Seahawks. That's due in large part to the fact that Seattle has owned him in his career. In five career games against them, Austin has recorded a combined 11 catches, 61 scrimmage yards and one rushing touchdown. Again, that's combined.


Busts: Dez Bryant at Redskins

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em




Start of the Week - C.J. Anderson vs. Indianapolis Colts

Anderson went off in the season opener, scoring two touchdowns and 25.90 fantasy points in a win over the Panthers. He also saw 48 snaps compared to six for rookie Devontae Booker, so CJA looked like a true featured runner. This week, Anderson faces a Colts defense that surrendered 46.90 fantasy points to backs in Week 1.





Jeremy Langford vs. Philadelphia Eagles

I wasn't a huge fan of Langford in the preseason, but his value rose as the Bears leaned on him as their featured back. In Week 1, he saw 54 snaps compared to 21 for his backup, Ka'Deem Carey. Langford should continue to roar against the Eagles, who surrendered 19.70 fantasy points to backs in their opener. He's an attractive RB2.





Eddie Lacy vs. Minnesota Vikings

Lacy didn't ball out last week (at least in the stat sheets), but he did average 4.4 yards per attempt and was the clear featured back (14 carries) over James Starks (four carries) in the offense. I'd expect him to produce a nice line this week in Minnesota, where he has averaged 17.8 fantasy points in three career matchups on the road.





T.J. Yeldon vs. San Diego Chargers

Yeldon had a gross 1.9 yards-per-attempt average last week, but he did score a touchdown as the featured back for Jacksonville. With Chris Ivory out once again, the Alabama product is a solid RB2/flex starter against what is a questionable San Diego run defense. Yeldon isn't a must-start, but he's a favorable one based on the matchup.





Jonathan Stewart vs. San Francisco 49ers

Stewart didn't put up a huge line in the opener, but he served as a featured runner (42 plays) and averaged 4.3 yards per attempt. I like him as a RB2/flex starter this week against the Niners, as Stewart has averaged 19.8 carries in his last five home games and has scored a touchdown in three of his last four games in Carolina.


Sleepers: Rashad Jennings vs. Saints, LeGarrette Blount vs. Dolphins

Sit 'Em




Sit of the Week - Ameer Abdullah vs. Tennessee Titans

Abdullah was awesome last week, posting 18 fantasy points in a win over the Colts. But can he do it in back to back weeks? Well, he'll be facing a Titans defense that held Arian Peterson to 31 yards and a terrible 1.6 yards per attempt a week ago. This defense also allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to runners last season.





Frank Gore vs. Denver Broncos

Gore's biggest asset is the fact that he sees volume in the Colts offense (48 plays in Week 1), but he's not what owners would call a reliable fantasy starter. In fact, he should be on your bench this week when Gore heads to Denver to face the Broncos. Their defense surrendered a mere 8.80 points to Carolina's runners in Week 1.





Jeremy Hill vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Hill is a constant threat to score a touchdown, but he's also become dependant on end-zone visits to make a solid fantasy impact. This week he goes up against the Steelers, who have held him to an average of 6.7 fantasy points in four career meetings. Hill has also never scored a touchdown against them, making him tough to start.





Isaiah Crowell vs. Baltimore Ravens

Crowell had a nice start to the new campaign, rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown en route to a 13.80-point performance against the Eagles. Still, he saw just seven more snaps than Duke Johnson and is now facing a tough task against the Ravens. Their defense allowed just 12.20 fantasy points to Buffalo's runners in their opener.





Christine Michael vs. Los Angeles Rams

"The Awakening," as it was being called, appears to have been put to bed with the news that Thomas Rawls has taken back the starting role in Seattle's backfield. That's bad news for Michael, who started (and looked good) last week but is now no better than second in what could be an uneven committee. Michael should be benched.


Busts: Doug Martin at Cardinals, Melvin Gordon vs. Jaguars

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em




Start of the Week - Eli Manning vs. New Orleans Saints

Manning put up a solid 18.28 fantasy points last week in Dallas, and now he'll face another questionable defense in a home matchup against the Saints. Last week, Derek Carr went for 319 passing yards and 22.36 points against them. Manning also shredded New Orleans for 350 yards and six touchdowns last season. He's a must-start.





Carson Palmer vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Palmer put up 18.94 fantasy points in last week's loss to the Patriots, and he's a good bet to at least reach that mark when the Cardinals host the Buccaneers. Last week, Tampa Bay's defense surrendered 334 yards, two touchdowns and 24.36 fantasy points to Matt Ryan and the Falcons pass attack. Look for Palmer to find success.





Matthew Stafford vs. Tennessee Titans

Here's a fun little piece of information ... since Jim Bob Cooter took over as the offensive coordinator in Detroit, Stafford has averaged 20.76 fantasy points per game. That includes 23 touchdown passes and a mere four interceptions. He's also been solid at home under Cooter, tossing nine touchdowns in his last three starts.





Derek Carr vs. Atlanta Falcons

Carr, listed as a start 'em last week, rewarded fans with 22.36-point performance in a win over the Saints. I'd keep him active against the Falcons, who surrendered four touchdowns and 25.5 fantasy points to Jameis Winston last week. Carr has also been solid at home, tossing 15 touchdown passes in his last seven games in Oakland.





Philip Rivers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Rivers might have lost his top wideout in Keenan Allen, but he's still a viable starter at home against a Jaguars defense that allowed 23.56 fantasy points to Aaron Rodgers on their home field. Rivers has also been solid on his home turf, posting two or more touchdowns in four of his last six games in San Diego against AFC teams.


Sleepers: Marcus Mariota at Lions, Joe Flacco vs. Browns

Sit 'Em




Sit of the Week - Matt Ryan vs. Oakland Raiders

Ryan, listed as a sleeper last week, put up a strong stat line (24.36 fantasy points) in a loss to the Buccaneers. I'd keep him on the bench this week though, as Ryan has averaged a mere 14.87 fantasy points in his last nine road contests. I would also look for the Raiders defense to be a whole lot better on their home field.





Jameis Winston vs. Arizona Cardinals

Winston was a statistical beast last week, throwing four touchdown passes en route to a 25.54-point explosion in Atlanta. Unfortunately, his next contest in Arizona isn't nearly as favorable on paper. In fact, the Cardinals have surrendered one or fewer touchdown passes to field generals in five of their last six home games.





Alex Smith vs. Houston Texans

Smith was one of the highest scoring players in fantasy football a week ago, putting 28.02 points on the Chargers in a come-from-behind win. His fortunes aren't likely to continue this week however, as he'll face a much tougher test in Houston. The Texans have surrendered fewer than 290 passing yards in 12 straight games.





Ryan Tannehill vs. New England Patriots

Tannehill had a respectable 15.14 fantasy points last week in Seattle, and it could have been better had Kenny Stills not dropped a sure touchdown. Still, this week's roadie against New England isn't what you would call favorable. In four career games at Gillette Stadium, Tannehill has three touchdown passes with seven picks.





Jay Cutler vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Cutler doesn't have an awful matchup on paper against the Eagles, but he's been a tough sell for fantasy fans on the road over the last year. In his last four contests outside of Solider Field, he's scored an average of just 12.6 fantasy points. That includes three games where he's produced one touchdown pass. Look elsewhere.


Busts: Ben Roethlisberger vs. Bengals, Andy Dalton at Steelers

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em




Start of the Week - Dan Bailey vs. Washington Redskins

Bailey was our top kicker start last week, and he blew up for a ridiculous 17 fantasy points in a loss to the Giants. I'll roll with him for another week, as the veteran faces a Redskins team that he's done quite well against in recent seasons. In fact, Bailey has put up a combined 27 points in his last two games at FedEx Field.





Chris Boswell vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Boswell had a decent start to the new season, scoring a respectable eight fantasy points in a blowout win over the Redskins. Fantasy owners should consider that his statistical floor this weekend, as Boswell should thrive against a Cincinnati defense that surrendered 10 fantasy points to Jets kicker Nick Foles just one weekend ago.





Justin Tucker vs. Cleveland Browns

Tucker opened the 2015 campaign with a nine-point performance in a win over the Bills, and he figures to have another solid stat line this weekend in Cleveland. In his last four games against the AFC North opponent, Tucker has scored eight or more points three times. He's also converted on all 10 extra points in that time frame.





Chandler Catanzaro vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Catanzaro had a stinker of an opener, posting just three fantasy points in a loss to the Patriots. I'd keep the faith in the talented kicker, however, as he faces a Buccaneers defense that surrendered 10 fantasy points to Matt Bryant a week ago. What's more, Tampa Bay allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing kickers in 2015.


Sleepers: Will Lutz at Giants, Caleb Sturgis at Bears (Mon.)

Sit 'Em




Sit of the Week - Cairo Santos vs. Houston Texans

Santos was a start 'em last week, and he delivered with nine fantasy points. Whether he can put up another good line remains to be seen, but the matchup in Houston is not what you would call favorable. In fact, this defense allowed just two points to Patrick Murray last week and allowed the third-fewest points to kickers last year.





Jason Myers vs. San Diego Chargers

Myers came out and scored 13 fantasy points in last week's loss to the Packers, but few owners were able to benefit (1.3 percent owned). Before you rush to add him, however, keep in mind that no kicker has converted on more than two field goals in the last six games in San Diego. That could be a tough trend for Myers to overcome.





Nick Novak vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Listed as a sleeper last week, Novak posted 11 fantasy points and tied for the fifth-best total at the position. Still, he's a matchup-based option and this week's contest against the Chiefs isn't favorable on paper. Kansas City surrendered the fewest fantasy points to kickers (5.19 PPG) a year ago, so Novak is a definite risk for owners.





Phil Dawson vs. Carolina Panthers

The 49ers might have scored 28 points against the Rams in their opener, but Dawson didn't benefit with a mere four fantasy points (all extra points). He isn't going to make much of an impact this week either, as the veteran faces a Panthers team that surrendered the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers a season ago.


Busts: Greg Zuerlein vs. Seahawks, Matt Bryant at Raiders

 

[Greenbacks]

Start 'Em


Start of the Week - Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Panthers didn't put up a monster line in last week's loss to the Broncos, but eight fantasy points is nothing to sneeze at in standard scoring leagues. I'm expecting an even better outcome this week, as Carolina hosts Blaine Gabbert and a Niners offense that will not be nearly as effective as it appeared last Monday night.



Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns

Remember when the Ravens defense was among the elite units in fantasy football? Well, owners should have faith in the purple and black this week against the Browns and backup quarterback Josh McCown. Maybe he's an upgrade of Robert Griffin III, maybe he's not ... but the Browns remain a matchup target for defenses.



New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills

The Jets defense recorded seven sacks in last week's loss to the Bengals, and now they're in Buffalo against a Bills team that scored seven points in their opener. Their offense is also in a questionable state due to the status of wide receiver Sammy Watkins (foot), who is expected to be on the gridiron at less than 100 percent.



Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears

The Eagles put up an impressive 11 fantasy points in last week's win over the Browns, and another favorable matchup awaits against turnover-prone quarterback in Jay Cutler and the Bears. Philadelphia's defense is still a free agent in more than 70 percent of NFL.com leagues, so fantasy fans who like to stream are in business.


Sleepers: Lions defense vs. Titans, Jaguars defense at Chargers

Sit 'Em


Sit of the Week - Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

No defense scored more fantasy points than the Vikings last week, but that was against Marcus Mariota and the Titans. The matchup is much more difficult in Week 2, as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers come to Minnesota in the first-ever contest at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings might be fired up, but Rodgers is too good to ignore.



Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots

In what was a shock to some (including me), the Dolphins defense put up 11 fantasy points on the road against the Seahawks. And while their upcoming matchup against the Patriots features Jimmy Garoppolo and not Tom Brady, New England is not a team that turns the ball over very often. Keep these fish in the waiver wire pool.



New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints

The Giants spent a mint on defensive additions in the offseason, but this unit still scored one fantasy point last week against a rookie quarterback in Dak Prescott. Next on the schedule is Drew Brees and the Saints, who showed off one of the league's most powerful offenses in their opener. Keep the G-Men on the bench this week.



San Francisco 49ers vs. Carolina Panthers

The Niners defense was one of the top units in the league from a fantasy perspective last week, posting an impressive 16 points against the Rams. Before you go out and add them for Week 2 though, keep in mind that a terrible road matchup against Cam Newton and the Panthers awaits. I wouldn't have much faith as a result.


Busts: Rams defense vs. Seahawks, Bengals defense at Steelers