Reflection on Week 2

In a week of upsets in both the real games and fantasy matchups, I did not have my best week last week predicting Start/Sit and in my own fantasy leagues.

I’m officially 0-2 in both of my leagues, but I’m not panicking. Luckily, there are still 11 regular season fantasy weeks left and I’m only a few games under .500 in my Start/Sit picks with plenty of football to be played.

With Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, Andre Ellington, DeSean Jackson, Alshon Jeffery, Arian Foster, Dez Bryant, Eddie Lacy, and more missing time last week, it’s time to dig deeper to deliver this week’s picks.

Similar to last week, I will be evaluating my picks from the previous week utilizing completions (good advice), interceptions (wrong advice), and incompletions (irrelevant advice).

Week 1: 16-15-5
Week 2 (below): 11-16-9 (36 picks)

Total: 27-31-14

Completions Interceptions Incompletions
QB Carson Palmer (START) QB Matthew Stafford (SIT) QB Marcus Mariota (SLEEPER)
QB Eli Manning (START) QB Tyrod Taylor (SIT) QB Philip Rivers (BUST)
RB C.J. Anderson (SIT) RB Marshawn Lynch (START) RB T.J. Yeldon (SLEEPER)
WR Julian Edelman (START) RB Darren Sproles (START) WR Percy Harvin (SLEEPER)
WR Jeremy Maclin (SIT) RB DeAngelo Williams (SIT) WR Alshon Jeffery (BUST) – Didn’t play
TE Heath Miller (START) RB Adrian Peterson (BUST) TE Greg Olsen (START)
TE Ladarius Green (SIT) WR Cole Beasley (START) TE Vernon Davis (SLEEPER)
K Justin Tucker (START) WR Amari Cooper (SIT) K Nick Folk (SIT)
D/ST Cleveland (SLEEPER) TE Eric Ebron (SIT) K Steven Hauschka (BUST)
D/ST Buffalo (SIT) TE Tyler Eifert (BUST)
D/ST Seattle (SIT) K Dan Carpenter (START)
K Zach Hocker (SLEEPER)
K Brandon McManus (SIT)
D/ST St. Louis (START)
D/ST Miami (START)
D/ST NY Jets (SIT)

Week 3 Start/Sit

Quarterbacks

Start

Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (vs. New Orleans Saints)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.14 PM

Newton comes off a monstrous game against the Texans, where he threw for 195 yards and two touchdowns (one interception), while also running in for a touchdown. He still has not got into a rhythm with his most reliable receiver, Greg Olsen, but he should thrive against the Saints’ weak defense. The Saints have given up multiple touchdown games to opposing quarterbacks thus far, including last week when they allowed Jameis Winston to complete 67% of his passes.

Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans (vs. Indianapolis Colts)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.44 PM

Yes, the Colts are going to come into this game very hungry after two miserable defeats against the Bills and Jets to start off their season. But, Mariota, similar to Tyrod Taylor, is a dual-threat quarterback the Colts struggle to defend. I expect him to do well in general, and he could also rack up garbage time fantasy points if the Colts come out big early on.

Sleeper: Nick Foles, St. Louis Rams (vs. Pittsburgh Steelers)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.27 PM

The Steelers have given up big fantasy weeks to opposing quarterbacks both weeks thus far. Tom Brady threw four touchdowns in Week 1, and Colin Kaepernick thrived in garbage time to put up some big numbers against the Steelers’ defense. Clearly, Kaepernick did well when it didn’t matter, but the Steelers’ secondary is so vulnerable and the Rams play so well at home that I think Foles could have a big game.

Sit

Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Baltimore Ravens)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.55 PM

In his career, Dalton is 4-4 against the Ravens, but more importantly he has a 69.6 passer rating and has thrown 12 interceptions to only seven touchdowns. Additionally, I think the Ravens playing at home, even without Terrell Suggs, should rebound well this week after an embarrassing loss to Oakland. I don’t see Dalton throwing many touchdowns in this game or racking up many yards.

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (vs. Denver Broncos)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.01 PM

Stafford has actually dominated the AFC West in the past and he’s at home in primetime for this game. But, the Denver defense is for real and Stafford is not 100% healthy. I think the Broncos are going to get a lot of pressure on Stafford and the Lions might decide to run the ball a lot in this one. Stafford’s value always relies on Calvin Johnson, and I’m skeptical of a banged up Stafford performing this week especially against Prime Time Peyton Manning.

Bust Potential: Derek Carr, Oakland Raiders (@ Cleveland Browns)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.53 PM

Yes, Carr had a helluva day against the Ravens last week throwing for over 350 yards and three touchdowns against a tough defense. The Browns wreaked havoc on Marcus Mariota and the Titans last week, and they’ve been very good at home lately. I know Carr might be your Romo replacement, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Carr had a poor outing in Cleveland.


Running Backs

Start

Dion Lewis, New England Patriots (vs. Jacksonville Jaguars)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.38 PM

This is how much Bill Belichick loves Dion Lewis: he has fumbled in back-to-back weeks, and has not seen any time on the bench. Over the years, BB has been known to sit players immediately after a fumble (think Stevan Ridley). Also, Lewis gets the Jaguars at home in Week 3, and he saw much more playing time than LeGarrette Blount (had less than 10 snaps) last week. Look for a big day from the Patriots’ newest pass-catching running back.

James Starks, Green Bay Packers (vs. Kansas City Chiefs)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.04 PM

In my opinion, there’s a very slim chance Eddie Lacy plays on Monday night. Even if he does suit up, I wouldn’t expect him to play more than 20 snaps. That means Starks will get the green light for a Packers team that hasn’t lost at Lambeau Field since 2013. Not to mention Starks looked very good last week against a solid Seahawks run defense, gaining 4.75 yards per carry. Keep an eye on Lacy, and if you have both players like I do, I would start Starks even if Lacy goes unless Mike McCarthy tells us something different.

Sleeper: David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals (vs. San Francisco 49ers)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.25 PM

David Johnson, not Chris Johnson, has two kick return touchdowns and a rushing touchdown already this year. He only played 16 snaps last week for the Cardinals, but Bruce Arians said he will get more playing time this week. I favor David over Chris this week in Andre Ellington’s absence, as I think he’s just a better football player and he’s proven that in his touches thus far this season.

Sit

Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons (@ Dallas Cowboys)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.12 PM

The Cowboys have given up 106 rushing yards all season, best in the NFL. Pair that with a lower tier running back in Freeman, and I can’t see him having a big day taking on full-time carries while Tevin Coleman deals with a fractured rib. The game is also in Jerry World against a team going through a lot of adversity, which may not go in Freeman’s favor.

Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Baltimore Ravens)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.55 PM

Jeremy Hill is going to come out hungry against the stout Ravens’ run defense, and I think the Ravens are fast enough to keep up with Bernard if he even gets that many touches this week. He did get the bulk of the workload last week against the Chargers, but I’m not sure he will get the same volume nor the same production in Baltimore. I would only start him as your flex in PPR leagues if you really have no better options.

Bust Potential: Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (@ St. Louis Rams)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.57 PM

Fantasy owners are very excited to get their first-round pick back after a two game suspension. Unfortunately, Bell is playing in St. Louis against the best defensive line in the NFL even though they’re third last in rushing yards against. More importantly, I’m not sure he’s going to get all of the carries after DeAngelo Williams’ success (#1 fantasy running back right now!) in his absence. Obviously, you’re still starting him; but, you’ve been warned.


Wide Receivers

Start

Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins (@ New York Giants)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.25.12 PM

The Giants top corner Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie has already been ruled out for tonight’s contest on Thursday Night Football and DeSean Jackson is still out for a while. Kirk Cousins has found comfort in Garcon through the years, and Garcon has averaged five receptions per game against the Giants in six career games. I expect him to do well against a weak pass defense without DRC and score big tonight for your team.

Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs (@ Green Bay Packers)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.21 PM

I know Maclin has had a disappointing year so far, but this Monday against the Packers may feature the Maclin we remember in Philadelphia. Yes, the Packers have solid cornerbacks to guard Maclin, but they have struggled over the past year plus against similar receivers. Take Doug Baldwin for example; the unsexy wide receiver had seven catches for 92 yards and a touchdown last week against the Packers. I have a feeling about Maclin this week, and I would start him especially if you need points on Monday Night.

Sleeper: Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Chicago Bears)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.30 PM

The aforementioned Baldwin has had a solid start to the season with seven catches in both of the Seahawks’ games and a touchdown last week. I think he’ll continue to roll against the ugly Bears’ pass defense so he may be worth a flex start if you really need somebody to fill for an injured running back or receiver.

Sit

Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints (@ Carolina Panthers)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.17 PM

Drew Brees’ status is up in the air and Cooks has not seen much of the ball even when Brees was healthy in Week 1 and part of Week 2. The Panthers have an underrated secondary and play very well at home. I think you still have to start Cooks over guys like Andre Johnson, Davante Adams, and other WR3’s, but I’m not sure what to expect from him this week.

Torrey Smith, San Francisco 49ers (@ Arizona Cardinals)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.41 PM

Smith had a big game last week against the weak Steelers’ secondary in garbage time and even found the end zone. This week, Smith will likely go head-to-head with Patrick Peterson, one of the league’s best corners. I wouldn’t trust him this week and there are definitely better options on your roster.

Bust Potential: A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Baltimore Ravens)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.55 PM

I talked about Green’s quarterback Andy Dalton above, and I feel similarly about Green. The Ravens may not have the most flashy secondary, but I think Dalton is going to struggle in Baltimore this week with a heavy pass rush coming his way and a reliance on Jeremy Hill. Green is the key to Dalton’s success, but I don’t know if he’s going to get the ball a lot this week. Again, you’re starting him if you have him, but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t do much this week.


Tight Ends

Start

Jimmy Graham, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Chicago Bears)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.30 PM

So probably one of the best offensive weapons in the NFL is being underused and he’s unhappy? That will probably change this week when the Seahawks return home for their home opener against none other than the Chicago Bears. Graham could have one of those career games this week, and you need to start him despite how bad he’s been so far.

Martellus Bennett, Chicago Bears (@ Seattle Seahawks)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.58 PM

The Seahawks are going to have their full arsenal back this weekend on defense, and they’ll probably get out to a big lead. We all know how hard Bennett is to stop in general, so I think he’ll score a lot of points just with the Bears on the comeback. Kam Chancellor will probably be tasked with keeping an eye on Bennett, but he may not be up to game speed after his contract holdout. Start Bennett if you have him; don’t be shy.

Sleeper: Gavin Escobar, Dallas Cowboys (vs. Atlanta Falcons)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.46 PM

Jason Witten suffered some injuries last week and it would be pretty crazy if he played against the Falcons. The next man up is Escobar, who is probably one of the best back-up tight ends in the NFL and could start for some teams. Brandon Weeden is definitely a downgrade from Tony Romo, but Escobar will likely score a touchdown if Witten doesn’t play.

Sit

Owen Daniels, Denver Broncos (@ Detroit Lions)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.19 PM

Daniels has not been able to get involved in Peyton Manning’s offense so far, and I think it’s hard to trust him until he delivers two consistent games in a row. I would sit back on Daniels again this week, especially with fellow tight end Virgil Green in the mix.

Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles (@ New York Jets)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.49 PM

Ertz should not be at fault for his production thus far; the offensive line and Sam Bradford have not played well for the Eagles. The Jets played tremendously last week against Andrew Luck, and I don’t think you can trust Ertz until Bradford starts putting together quality football games.

Bust Alert: Crockett Gillmore, Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cincinnati Bengals)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.53 PM

Gillmore went off last week, scoring two touchdowns against the Raiders’ weak pass defense. This week will be a bit different for Gillmore against a pretty vicious Bengals’ defense that has given up the fifth fewest points to tight ends so far this season.


Kickers

Start

Steven Hauschka, Seattle Seahawks (vs. Chicago Bears)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.30 PM

I’ll take the points in a Seahawks home game against the Bears.

Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts (@ Tennessee Titans)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.09 PM

I know Vinatieri only has one point all season (he’s on my squad); but, if there was any week to see if he can still kick field goals and if the Colts can still score, it’s this week against the Titans. If he fails to put up points this week, then I will drop him.

Sleeper: Andrew Franks, Miami Dolphins (vs. Buffalo Bills)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.35 PM

A lot of people don’t even realize Franks is the Dolphins kicker right now, and the Bills gave up four field goals to Stephen Gostkowski last week. The Dolphins also aren’t great at finding the end zone (60% touchdown percentage in the red zone), so some field goal attempts could be in his immediate future.

Sit

Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears (@ Seattle Seahawks)Screen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.58 PM

Gould has been solid the past couple of weeks, but Seattle is a tough place to play and to kick. The Bears probably won’t score too many points this week with Jimmy Clausen at quarterback.

Josh Scobee, Pittsburgh Steelers (@ St. Louis Rams)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.57 PM

Ben Roethlisberger affirmed this week that the Steelers will continue to go for two points, which means Scobee will be missing out on points that a lot of other kickers get. He’s also missed a few field goals this year already.

Bust Alert: Mike Nugent, Cincinnati Bengals (@ Baltimore Ravens)Screen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.25.55 PM

Same rationale as above about the other Bengals: I don’t like the matchup and I don’t think there will be a lot of scoring.


Defenses/Special Teams

Start

Houston Texans vs. Tampa Bay BuccaneersScreen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.24.32 PM

So you’re going to give the Texans a home game, J.J. Watt, and let them play against a shaky offensive line and rookie quarterback? Yes, please.

Green Bay Packers vs. Kansas City ChiefsScreen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.04 PM

The Packers will score a defensive or special teams touchdown this week and the only player on offense they’re worried about is Jamaal Charles. I’m starting them over the Rams D/ST this week.

Sleeper: Atlanta Falcons @ Dallas CowboysScreen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.12 PM

That revitalized Atlanta defense against Brandon Weeden and no Dez Bryant could have a huge game if you need to pick up a defense.

Sit

Washington Redskins vs. New York GiantsScreen Shot 2015-09-08 at 3.25.12 PM

The Giants are at home against a Redskins defense that has played way better than it truly is. I think Odell Beckham, Jr. scores 30+ points against them this week.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Green Bay PackersScreen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.21 PM

You just can’t start a defense against the Packers at Lambeau Field these days.

Bust Alert: St. Louis Rams vs. Pittsburgh SteelersScreen Shot 2015-09-03 at 8.26.27 PM

I know the Rams are great at home and all, but the Steelers’ offense has a top five quarterback, top five running back, and the best wide receiver in the NFL with an offensive line that has looked pretty good.


Week 3 Predictions

Starting this week, I’ll also publicly be making my weekly predictions for all of the games. So far this year, I am 17-15.

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 7-9

Week 3

Washington Redskins 21 @ New York Giants 24 (Giants -4)
Pittsburgh Steelers 33 @ St. Louis Rams 28 (Steelers -1)
San Diego Chargers 27 @ Minnesota Vikings 20 (Chargers +2.5)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20 @ Houston Texans 24 (Texans -6.5)
Philadelphia Eagles 14 @ New York Jets 17 (Jets -2.5)
New Orleans Saints 17 @ Carolina Panthers 27 (Panthers -3)
Jacksonville Jaguars 21 @ New England Patriots 45 (Patriots -13.5)
Cincinnati Bengals 14 @ Baltimore Ravens 17 (Ravens -2.5)
Oakland Raiders 17 @ Cleveland Browns 24 (Browns -3.5)
Indianapolis Colts 42 @ Tennessee Titans 24 (Colts -5)
Atlanta Falcons 14 @ Dallas Cowboys 17 (Cowboys +1)
San Francisco 49ers 21 @ Arizona Cardinals 38 (Cardinals -6.5)
Chicago Bears 13 @ Seattle Seahawks 35 (Seahawks -14)
Buffalo Bills 28 @ Miami Dolphins 27 (Bills +3)
Denver Broncos 27 @ Detroit Lions 21 (Broncos -3)
Kansas City Chiefs 26 @ Green Bay Packers 34 (Packers -7)


Sources: Yahoo! Fantasy, ESPN Fantasy, Rotowire
Image: Newton

Advertisements