STARTERS
QB Andrew
Luck, Ind QB
Mia
Sun 1:00
The second-year pro can't wait to get on the field Sunday to
face a Dolphins defense he obliterated last season for a rookie-record 433
passing yards. In that contest, Luck threw for 9.0 yards per attempt and
completed 63 percent of his passes, including two touchdowns. While Miami's
defense looked strong against the Browns in Week 1, picking off three passes,
it's a different ballgame at the Lucas Oil Stadium fast track where Luck has
thrown 14 touchdowns and just five picks over nine career games.
Tue, Sep 10
RB Jamaal
Charles, KC RB
Dal
Sun 1:00
All signs point toward Charles getting a healthy workload in
Week 2, even if he's not fully healthy. Dallas allowed the sixth-most fantasy
points to opposing backs last season, and in order to help offset an aggressive
Cowboys pass rush, we can expect a handful of short passes to Charles in
addition to a decent helping of ground work.
Tue, Sep 10
RB Maurice
Jones-Drew, Jac RB
@Oak
Sun 4:25
He didn't do a whole lot in the season opener, marking his
first action since getting injured against the Raiders last year. Jones-Drew is
not being helped by an unsettled quarterback situation that will allow Oakland
to key on the run. But as the focal point of this Jaguars offense, it wouldn't
be a shock if Jones-Drew broke of a couple of big gainers against the Raiders.
Tue, Sep 10
WR Calvin
Johnson, Det WR
@Ari
Sun 4:05
While Matthew Stafford rolled up 357 passing yards against
the Vikings in Week 1, Johnson managed just 37 yards on four receptions. Thank
the NFL in part for that. Megatron had a first-quarter touchdown taken off the
board after video review when it was determined that Johnson "failed to
complete the process of the catch." Yes, that's the same ruling that cost
Johnson and the Lions a go-ahead touchdown three years ago against the Bears.
Not to worry, fantasy owners: Johnson's overall pass-catching process is still
pretty darn good. Look for much better things against the Cardinals in Week 2.
Tue, Sep 10
WR Dwayne
Bowe, KC WR
Dal
Sun 1:00
An unimpressive first go with new quarterback Alex Smith
shouldn't scare you off of using Bowe in your lineup this week, as the Chiefs
figure to play a more competitive game and thus rely on their passing game a
bit more than in the handily won opener. Concerns about Smith's ability to push
the ball downfield remain real, but we still expect Bowe to be his top overall
target.
Tue, Sep 10
TE Jimmy
Graham, NO TE
@TB
Sun 4:05
Graham has rolled on Tampa over the past three meetings,
posting a total of 18 receptions and 271 yards, though he has been held
scoreless in those contests. However, don't expect that TD-less streak to last
much longer.
Tue, Sep 10
FLEX Daryl
Richardson, StL RB
@Atl
Sun 1:00
Richardson showed that he is the Rams' feature back, as he
finished with 20 carries for 63 yards and added five receptions for 33 more in
Week 1. Still, the outing was a bit disappointing considering it came against a
Cardinals team that was among the worst against the run in 2012. It's not on
all Richardson, of course; the Rams' offensive line held the Cardinals without
a sack but opened up few holes in the ground game. Look for better things in
Week 2 against a Falcons defense that yielded 4.8 yards per carry last season.
Tue, Sep 10
D/ST Patriots
D/ST
NYJ
Thu 8:25
The last time the Patriots played the Jets, they forced five
turnovers, including the infamous Mark Sanchez "butt fumble," and won
49-19. New York is in more capable hands now with promising rookie QB Geno
Smith, but considering the Bills had one decent drive for the entire game
against the Pats in Week 1, New England's D/ST is a no-brainer fantasy start
for Week 2.
Tue, Sep 10
K Phil
Dawson, SF K
@Sea
Sun 8:30
BENCH
Ahmad Bradshaw, Ind RB
Mia
Sun 1:00
Although he's still in a timeshare with Vick Ballard,
Bradshaw is slowly regaining the strength in his foot and will soon be getting
twice as many touches as the plodding Ballard. Considering the Dolphins stymied
Trent Richardson in the opener (13 carries, 47 yards), don't expect Bradshaw to
perform at a high level in what figures to be a more pass-centric Colts attack
on Sunday.
Tue, Sep 10
Mike Williams, TB WR
NO
Sun 4:05
If Mike Williams ever opens a sports bar (don't do it,
Mike), it will likely be called "The Red Zone," because that's where
this guy makes his money and does his damage. Despite his scoring pedigree,
Williams has scored just once versus the Saints in six career meetings, but
eyes a second visit to the end zone this weekend.
Tue, Sep 10
Anquan Boldin, SF WR
@Sea
Sun 8:30
Boldin knows how to make a first impression. As a Cardinals
rookie, he burst into fantasy prominence with 10 catches, 217 yards and two TDs
in Week 1 in 2003. Ten years later, Boldin produced a starkly similar line in
his 49ers debut: 13 grabs, 208 yards and one score. While you have to like
Boldin's opportunity in an offense that's still missing Michael Crabtree and
Mario Manningham, benching him for Week 2 against the Seahawks is an
understandable call.
Tue, Sep 10
Bilal Powell, NYJ RB
@NE
Thu 8:25
Although Powell had more touches (16) than Chris Ivory (10)
in Week 1, he's probably not feeling too proud of his 2.4 yards per carry
against the Buccaneers. Considering the Patriots stymied Bills star RB C.J.
Spiller for that same 2.4 YPC rate, Powell should be concerned about his
prospects of doing anything more on Thursday night.
Tue, Sep 10
Vincent Brown, SD WR
@Phi
Sun 1:00
Brown was supposed to fill the role of the injured Danario
Alexander and lead his team in receptions, but he wasn't even the best receiver
named Brown on Monday, gaining a mere 13 yards on two catches. The Eagles pass
defense isn't elite, but they are good enough to not let a generic receiver
like Brown tear them apart. Regardless, expect decent production from the San
Diego wideout on Sunday.
Jordan Cameron, CIN TE
@Bal
Sun 1:00
Clearly, Cameron went to Basketball Tight End University
(BTEU) just like Jimmy Graham and famous alums Antonio Gates and Tony Gonzalez.
But really, the former hoopster has immense red zone upside and is currently
the Browns' premier passing weapon with Josh Gordon serving a suspension. Also,
there is clearly some risk associated with such an unproven commodity on the
NFL level, but all the ingredients are here for a fun season.
Tue, Sep 10
Alex Smith, KC QB
Dal
Sun 1:00
Smith's Week 1 performance was really exactly what Andy Reid
and his staff were seeking when they acquired the former top pick --
consistency and efficiency is valued over upside and improvisation. Expect
another steady day filled with handoffs and timely check-downs, but don't expect
much for fantasy purposes.
