Re: Fantasy Football News 2007
Week 2 Rankings Update
The 2006 Jaguars were a truly rare running game. On an 8-8 team, they managed to squeeze out two overachieving, top-20 running backs in
Maurice Jones-Drew and
Fred Taylor. We're only through one week, but there are early indications that Jacksonville could struggle to reproduce that sort of dominance.
www.tampabaybuccaneers.ws
Jacksonville's offensive line was manhandled against Tennessee.
Albert Haynesworth dominated the day, disrupting the Jaguars' rare attempts to run. The team's play calling is a bigger concern for Mo-Jo owners. The Jaguars hired a new offensive coordinator this season, Dirk Koetter, who has a repuation for vertical passing. He called 13 runs versus 30 passes during a game that was tight throughout.
One of the primary reasons both Jaguars runners excelled last year was that the Jaguars pounded the ball 513 times, good for third in the league. This was only one game, and could prove to be an anomaly. Jacksonville's schedule is favorable (including this week against Atlanta) and Jones-Drew and Taylor are the best two players on the offense. Hopefully Dirk Koetter realizes it.
Editor's Note: These rankings were updated Saturday morning. The notes were from Thursday. A roundup of the movement is in
Pancake Blocks.
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Week 2 Quarterbacks[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>Peyton Manning</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Drew Brees</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Carson Palmer</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Marc Bulger</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Tom Brady</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Jon Kitna</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Donovan McNabb</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Tony Romo</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Ben Roethlisberger</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Matt Hasselbeck</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Jay Cutler</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Vince Young</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>David Garrard</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Brett Favre</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Jake Delhomme</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Eli Manning</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>Questionable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Jason Campbell</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Matt Leinart</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Philip Rivers</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Tarvaris Jackson</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Matt Schaub</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Trent Green</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Jeff Garcia</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Rex Grossman</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Kyle Boller</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>J.P. Losman</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Steve McNair</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Questionable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Derek Anderson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Daunte Culpepper</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Kellen Clemens</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Damon Huard</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Joey Harrington</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
QB Notes: For fantasy leaguers,
Chad Pennington's injury is fairly irrelevant. Perhaps the Jets wideouts are worth downgrading slightly if
Kellen Clemens plays, but the entire Jets offense could be in for a rough day against an ornery Ravens defense. I've ranked Clemens and Pennington, as well as
Kyle Boller and
Steve McNair. Everyone is ranked as if they'll start. ? The Patriots emphasized protecting
Tom Brady in Week 1 ? he was only hit once. They occasionally played three tight ends at the same time, including usual tackle Ryan O'Callaghan. If they can keep Brady clean against the Chargers, it will show true improvement from a unit that struggled a year ago. ?
Brett Favre needs to bounce back this week. The Giants may have the worst secondary in the league and Favre gets
Greg Jennings back. The Packers offense looked disorganized for much of their game against the Eagles, but Mike McCarthy remained pass-heavy as ever. That makes Favre a solid option this week.
I'm not sure what the Redskins were doing benching
Shawn Springs last week, but it didn't help their pass defense. Miami picked on
Fred Smoot, and I expect the Eagles to do the same. Look for a much better effort from
Donovan McNabb. ?
Jason Campbell did not look sharp against the Dolphins. At least once a game, though, Campbell will drop a gem pretty enough to make Joe Gibbs cry. Last week, it was a 49-yard third quarter sideline strike to
Antwaan Randle El ? the best pass I saw all week. Now he needs consistency. ?
Trent Green looked better than I expected overall in Miami's first game. He has a cake matchup this week against the Cowboys, so let's see if he can put up some scores before considering him as a fantasy option. ?
Philip Rivers just isn't ready yet to post huge stats against elite defenses. That makes him a poor option this week against the Patriots, who held him in check during their playoff matchup last year.
Players in 2QB leagues could consider picking up
Luke McCown, because
Jeff Garcia is not going to survive the season with his playing style and Tampa's offensive line. He barely survived one game. ?
Daunte Culpepper will have a difficult re-introduction to NFL life against a primed Denver secondary. ?
Vince Young and the Titans are running a scaled-back passing game these days. Young only attempted ten passes to his wide receivers Sunday, completing four. He only threw three passes over 20 yards by my count. Of course he also scored on a designed rushing play; he's probably Tennessee's best goal line option. The Colts won't give anything up deep, so Young will have to run for fantasy points this week, like he did last year when he posted 121 yards and a touchdown in two games against Indianapolis. He's a shaky QB1 play, but he shouldn't kill you.
David Garrard was under a lot of pressure and didn't react particularly well late in the game. I'd still count on a bounceback game for that team against Atlanta. ? Upon further inspection,
Matt Schaub's debut wasn't overly exciting. The Houston offensive line still had trouble protecting and Schaub threw an ugly interception. I only counted four throws over 20 yards, although Schaub threw a beautiful bomb to
Andre Johnson for a long score. Schaub still looks like a solid fantasy backup; he's already better than
David Carr.
I love
Ben Roethlisberger's matchup against Buffalo.
Jay Cutler found a lot of open receivers last week. Cutler seems to do better on plays when he's in trouble, but he's going to throw a lot of interceptions because of his decision-making. He could have been picked of a few more times last week. As
Football Outsiders pointed out, Cutler has an amazing amount of success throwing long passes off his back foot. He may have the best pure arm in the league. And despite a few brain farts, Cutler was very sharp on Denver's game-winning drive. ? Reports out of New York Thursday suggest
Eli Manning's injury will probably be a couple weeks, as Chris Mortensen originally reported. ? Buffalo's pass protection was terrible last week and
J.P. Losman didn't react well. It could be another long week against a blitzing Pittsburgh defense.
Tarvaris Jackson is high because Detroit's defense is that bad.
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Week 2 Running Backs[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>Steven Jackson</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Frank Gore</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>LaDainian Tomlinson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Joseph Addai</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Willie Parker</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Brian Westbrook</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Travis Henry</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Willis McGahee</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Shaun Alexander</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Rudi Johnson</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Laurence Maroney</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Reggie Bush</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Larry Johnson</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Edgerrin James</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>LaMont Jordan</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Clinton Portis</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Ronnie Brown</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Cedric Benson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Marshawn Lynch</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Maurice Jones-Drew</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Deuce McAllister</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Ladell Betts</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Julius Jones</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Thomas Jones</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>Questionable(calf)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Brandon Jackson</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Derrick Ward</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Marion Barber</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Ahman Green</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>LenDale White</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>DeAngelo Williams</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>DeShaun Foster</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Carnell Williams</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>Questionable(ribs)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>Fred Taylor</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Tatum Bell</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Chris Brown</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Jamal Lewis</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Michael Pittman</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Warrick Dunn</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Chester Taylor</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>Questionable(hip)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Jerious Norwood</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Adrian Peterson</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Sammy Morris</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Ron Dayne</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Leon Washington</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Jesse Chatman</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Selvin Young</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Michael Turner</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Musa Smith</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Anthony Thomas</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Brian Leonard</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
RB Notes: I almost led the column with
Marshawn Lynch because of his impressive Week 1 effort. It wasn't just the solid totals (99 total yards, more than half of his team), it was how Lynch got to them. The kid runs hard, his feet do not stop moving, and he gets a lot of yards after contact. His herky-jerky style reminds me of
Fred Taylor. They both have great vision, although I think Lynch can be a better power runner. After a shaky preseason, Lynch owners that took him as a RB2 should feel good. He'll have a very difficult matchup this week, but Lynch will be tough to bench in most formats.
The optimistic
Larry Johnson owner could note his large role in the passing game against Houston. With a weak group of wideouts and offensive linemen,
Damon Huard is going to look for LJ coming out of the backfield often. ?
Ahman Green's so-so debut was worse than it appeared in the box score. Thirty of Green's 73 yards were earned on garbage carries; one on a third-and-35, another at the end of the first half. Both Green and Dayne had very little running room all day. ?
Tatum Bell scored a touchdown late against the Raiders, but the Lions only attempted 18 runs last week in a game they led throughout. Look for that number to decrease against the stout Minnesota rush defense.
Rudi Johnson is a player to watch closely this week. Getting stuffed against Baltimore is no crime, but the Bengals coaching staff was clearly concerned with Rudi slowing down over the offseason. Getting stuffed against the Browns would be a cause for concern. ? Fantasy owners don't care, but the Broncos should be concerned that 11 of
Travis Henry's 23 carries went for three yards or less. Nine were two yards or less. It sounds like I'm nitpicking, but the Broncos will want less boom-or-bust from their starter. ?
Ronnie Brown is off to a slow start, but it's difficult to bench him against a shaky-looking Dallas defense. ? For now, I'm ranking the Vikings as if
Chester Taylor will play. Peterson is a strong RB2 against Detroit regardless. I'm ranking
Derrick Ward as if
Eli Manning won't play, which appears safe. Cadillac Williams is not ranked, but he will be inserted around
Michael Pittman's rank if it looks like he'll start. I update the rankings on Saturdays, so check back.
Chris Brown had a terrific day against the Jaguars, outrunning their physical defense. I think
LenDale White will be featured more against the lightweight Colts. Either way, White is getting the ball on the goal line more, which makes him safer.
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Week 2 Wide Receivers[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>Steve Smith</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Reggie Wayne</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Terrell Owens</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Marvin Harrison</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Torry Holt</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Chad Johnson</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Andre Johnson</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Roy Williams</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Marques Colston</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Randy Moss</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Lee Evans</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>Larry Fitzgerald</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Anquan Boldin</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Javon Walker</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>Probable(shoulder)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>T.J. Houshmandzadeh</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(knee)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Donald Driver</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Plaxico Burress</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Santana Moss</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Hines Ward</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>Santonio Holmes</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Reggie Brown</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Braylon Edwards</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Joey Galloway</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Laveranues Coles</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Jerricho Cotchery</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Bernard Berrian</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Darrell Jackson</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Chris Chambers</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>Vincent Jackson</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>Deion Branch</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>Patrick Crayton</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>Ronald Curry</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>33</TD><TD>Calvin Johnson</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>34</TD><TD>James Jones</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>35</TD><TD>Kevin Curtis</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>36</TD><TD>Mike Furrey</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>37</TD><TD>Brandon Marshall</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>38</TD><TD>Nate Burleson</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>39</TD><TD>Isaac Bruce</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>40</TD><TD>Devery Henderson</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>41</TD><TD>Troy Williamson</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>42</TD><TD>Wes Welker</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>43</TD><TD>Marty Booker</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>44</TD><TD>Ernest Wilford</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>45</TD><TD>Jerry Porter</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>46</TD><TD>Mark Clayton</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Questionable(toe)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>47</TD><TD>Derrick Mason</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>48</TD><TD>Muhsin Muhammad</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>Probable(ankle)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>49</TD><TD>Demetrius Williams</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>Questionable(chest)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>50</TD><TD>Dennis Northcutt</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>51</TD><TD>Amani Toomer</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>52</TD><TD>Roddy White</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>53</TD><TD>Joe Horn</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>54</TD><TD>Matt Jones</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>55</TD><TD>Brandon Jones</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>56</TD><TD>Dwayne Bowe</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>57</TD><TD>Joe Jurevicius</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>58</TD><TD>Jacoby Jones</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>59</TD><TD>Jabar Gaffney</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>60</TD><TD>Keary Colbert</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>61</TD><TD>Drew Carter</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
WR Notes: Javon Walker led the NFL in targets last week. He dropped a couple, but dominated
Terrence McGee on Denver's final drive. This week will be as difficult a test as there is: Nmandi Asomugha. If Walker holds his own, it could be a sign that he's ready for a big campaign. ?
Brandon Marshall made a couple tough grabs against the Bills and is facing a Raiders secondary that was shredded last week. We'll see if it was a fluke. ?
Lee Evans got the
Champ Bailey treatment last week and was practically shutout (although he did beat Bailey once deep).
Ronald Curry will probably draw Bailey most of the time this week or he'd be ranked much higher. ? I am remaining patient with
Jerry Porter, but he's had a poor preseason and Week 1 effort. Where's the separation? He looks like
[URL="http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/playerpages/player_main.asp?sport=NFL&id=3124"]Mike Williams[/URL] out there.
Mark Clayton is ranked so low this week because his ankle/toe isn't fully healthy. My thoughts on
Demetrius Williams are in
Pancake Blocks. ?
Eddie Kennison popped his hamstring on the very first offensive play for Kansas City's season, an ominous sign to say the least. I dismissed
Dwayne Bowe and
Samie Parker in
Waiver Wired, but watching tape of the game made me think twice. Bowe certainly looked like the team's number one receiver with seven targets. He grabbed one tough deep pass, but failed to haul in two other catchable balls. That was the rap on Bowe coming out of LSU; a guy who doesn't get great separation needs better hands. Still, he was in position to make plays. They should come eventually. Parker shocked me by making a pair of difficult catches. It's hard to get excited about these two with such a tough schedule, but Bowe could be worth a look in deep leagues.
Andre Johnson's 77-yard score was great to see after a season in which he was basically a possession receiver. He caught one pass over 25 yards in the second half of last season. Gary Kubiak moved AJ around a lot, and got him matched up with a young safety on that play. Maybe he can bust through Carolina's shaky safeties deep this week. ?
Matt Jones was targeted in the end zone in Week 1, but otherwise was an afterthought in the Jacksonville offense. That team will spread it around, making any of their receivers tough plays. For what it's worth,
Dennis Northcutt looked like the top option in the first week. He went 4-for-57 and is worth owning in deep leagues, but had a trademark costly drop. ?
Eric Moulds came off the bench for the Titans. I don't see the upside in the offense ? I'd drop him. The biggest play
Brandon Jones made was on a run. His talent is worth holding on to, but he's not a borderline WR3 like a lot of owners hoped.
Roydell Williams, by the way, didn't even have a target.
I'd still play guys like
Deion Branch and
Reggie Brown this week. ?
Randy Moss is going to have his quiet weeks, but I don't think this will be one of them. San Diego can be attacked vertically, and Moss is the only option unless Donte' Stallworth plays more. Stallworth is off the board. ?
Mike Furrey will continue to be a sneaky PPR option as long as he's starting. Minnesota's secondary is average at best. ? You could do worse than
Nate Burleson as a WR3 this week. He'll get targets deep. Other randomly good matchups: James Jones, Greg Jennings,
Troy Williamson, and
Marty Booker.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 2 Tight Ends[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>Antonio Gates</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>Probable(back)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>Chris Cooley</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>Todd Heap</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>Jason Witten</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>Kellen Winslow</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>Tony Gonzalez</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>Vernon Davis</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>Jeremy Shockey</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>Heath Miller</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>Alge Crumpler</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>Ben Watson</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>L.J. Smith</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>Probable(groin)</TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>Owen Daniels</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>Eric Johnson</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>Dallas Clark</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>Marcedes Lewis</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>Daniel Graham</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>Randy McMichael</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>Bo Scaife</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>David Martin</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>Jeff King</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>Zach Miller</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>Desmond Clark</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>Marcus Pollard</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>Tony Scheffler</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>Chris Baker</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
<TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>Visanthe Shiancoe</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>Alex Smith</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR>
</TBODY></TABLE>
TE Notes: A couple tight ends with that are rising in the rankings and are worth <A href="http://blogs.rotoworld.com/Fantasy_Football/2007/09/waiver_tight_ends.php" target=_new>
a look for bye week purposes include Jeff King,
Marcus Pollard, and
Marcedes Lewis. Lewis is easily the best bet to be a TE1. He made a great leaping catch against Tennessee and also stretched the field on a 15-yard slant. I think
Randy McMichael-in-Miami like numbers are a reasonable goal. ? Kansas City's offensive struggles will affect
Tony Gonzalez, if only because he'll get fewer scoring opportunities. Everything to him in Week 1 was short.
Chris Cooley had four games under 25 yards last year.
Tony Gonzalez also had four. It happens to tight ends, so don't panic. ?
Eric Johnson had a big game as a Cover 2 zone buster last week against the Colts. He faces the original Tampa 2 this week and looks like a fine PPR option. ?
Jason Witten may benefit the most from
Terry Glenn's injury. It's only one game, but Witten hasn't had a game like that since 2004. ? I love
Heath Miller this week. The Bills left a lot of wide open holes in the middle of their defense against Denver. Miller caught all four of his targets in the opening game.
[SIZE=+1]
Week 2 Team Defense[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>
Bears Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>
Ravens Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>
Jaguars Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>
Steelers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>
Broncos Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>
Packers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>
Vikings Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>
Bengals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>
Chargers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>
Patriots Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>
Colts Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>
Panthers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>
Chiefs Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>
Eagles Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>
Raiders Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>
Dolphins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>
Seahawks Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>
Texans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>
Redskins Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>
Cowboys Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>
Fortyniners Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>
Jets Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>
Saints Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>
Giants Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>
Lions Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>
Cardinals Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>
Browns Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>
Falcons Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>
Bills Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>
Buccaneers Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>
Rams Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>
Titans Def/Spec Team</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
[SIZE=+1]
Week 2 Kickers[/SIZE]
<TABLE 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>
Adam Vinatieri</TD><TD>at TEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>2</TD><TD>
Jeff Wilkins</TD><TD>vs. SF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>3</TD><TD>
David Akers</TD><TD>vs. WAS</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>4</TD><TD>
Ryan Longwell</TD><TD>at DET</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>5</TD><TD>
Stephen Gostkowski</TD><TD>vs. SD</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>6</TD><TD>
Jason Hanson</TD><TD>vs. MIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>7</TD><TD>
Olindo Mare</TD><TD>at TB</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>8</TD><TD>
Josh Brown</TD><TD>at ARZ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>9</TD><TD>
Robbie Gould</TD><TD>vs. KC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>10</TD><TD>
Nate Kaeding</TD><TD>at NE</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>11</TD><TD>
Neil Rackers</TD><TD>vs. SEA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>12</TD><TD>
Jason Elam</TD><TD>vs. OAK</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>13</TD><TD>
Jeff Reed</TD><TD>vs. BUF</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>14</TD><TD>
Jay Feely</TD><TD>vs. DAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>15</TD><TD>
Joe Nedney</TD><TD>at STL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>16</TD><TD>
Rian Lindell</TD><TD>at PIT</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>17</TD><TD>
John Kasay</TD><TD>vs. HOU</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>18</TD><TD>
Shayne Graham</TD><TD>at CLE</TD><TD>Probable(hip)</TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>19</TD><TD>
Mason Crosby</TD><TD>at NYG</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>20</TD><TD>
Shaun Suisham</TD><TD>at PHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>21</TD><TD>
Sebastian Janikowski</TD><TD>at DEN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>22</TD><TD>
Nick Folk</TD><TD>at MIA</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>23</TD><TD>
Matt Stover</TD><TD>vs. NYJ</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>24</TD><TD>
Lawrence Tynes</TD><TD>vs. GB</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>25</TD><TD>
Kris Brown</TD><TD>at CAR</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>26</TD><TD>
Phil Dawson</TD><TD>vs. CIN</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>27</TD><TD>
Rob Bironas</TD><TD>vs. IND</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>28</TD><TD>
Mike Nugent</TD><TD>at BAL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>29</TD><TD>
John Carney</TD><TD>vs. ATL</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>30</TD><TD>
Matt Bryant</TD><TD>vs. NO</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW2><TD>31</TD><TD>
Matt Prater</TD><TD>at JAC</TD><TD>- </TD></TR><TR class=TABLEALTROW1><TD>32</TD><TD>
Dave Rayner</TD><TD>at CHI</TD><TD>- </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>