Unbelievable was the word for the NFL Week 2. Let’s recap from a fantasy perspective. TheStandardOne likes to keep it positive, but I would be remiss if we didn’t recap some of the things we all thought we’re going to happen and didn’t. Then we’ll get into the gold mines for Week 3.
Big Disappointments We Kinda Expected
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans: Unfortunately, CJ0K is doing a rendition of last year’s pathetic start so far in 2012. Against a decent San Diego rushing defense, Johnson rushed for 17 yards on eight carries and caught 2 passes. That simply won’t cut it. Traditional fantasy owners are losing patience with Chris Johnson, although the Titans run blocking has been mostly to blame. Weekly owners and daily fantasy gamers should take a show-and-prove approach with him against the Detroit Lions in Week 3.
Matt Forte, RB, Bears: Matt Forte’s track record against the Packers was less than stellar, but the resurgent Packers run defense injured the Bears running back in the game. He had a decent line to that point (7 carries for 31 yards, 4 catches for 49 yards) so he’s now unsure for Week 3 with a suspected high ankle sprain. Forte’s injury not withstanding, even more disconcerting is Michael Bush’s expanding role. Look for other options for Week 3 when the Bears play the St. Louis Rams. Bush may be a decent RB2 or Flex if Forte can’t go.
Disappointments from Guys We Didn’t Expect:
- Dezappearing Act?
Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys: Where did Dez go? Starting to become a pattern with second-half disappearances. Not ready to completely abandon him and has a matchup against the Bucs in Week 3. The Bucs secondary is still giving up yards to Eli as we speak.
Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs: I like Jamaal Charles--just knew he would run roughshod over the Bills...His performance Sunday was not at all what we had in mind! 6 carries for 3 yards and similar knee issues from last year-ugh. Next up a visit to the Big Easy, whose Saints are more generous to opposing runners- he’s a shade below an RB 1 if healthy. Be cautious utilizing him as a RB2--Hillis got 11 carries and this Shaun Draughn fellow isn’t going anywhere. The Chiefs need to be more competitive to make Charles valuable.
Julio Jones, WR, Falcons; This 4 catch- 14 yard effort may have been the most damaging to a lot of fantasy Monday night owners with the week's victory hanging in the balance. He dropped a touchdown in the first half and then turned into fantasy vapor. Two words: Champ Bailey. The talented wide receiver won’t have a repeat game like that all season—next up the Chargers in San Diego. Roddy White will still be a primary target for Matt Ryan.
Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants: Bradshaw was supposed to run free against the Bucs in this game but injured his foot early. He’s not doing anything to shake the injury-prone label and fantasy owners must be ready for the wait-and-see approach with him all season long.
A Look Ahead:
Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos: He represents a must-start option at wide receiver, in case anyone was wondering. The Broncos will face the undefeated Houston Texans, who haven’t played anyone (wins vs. Miami and Jacksonville) but could find themselves trailing in Houston. Thomas is a beast after the catch, utilizing screens from Peyton Manning. Deploy and collect the checks with Demaryius, who needs a catchy nickname.
- Far From Bush League
Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: All that offseason talk about Reggie Bush receiving a lesser workload was just talk, especially after his 172 yards rushing and two touchdowns against the Oakland Raiders. If last year's 1,000 yard-season didn't dispel misconceptions about his viability and durability as a legitimate NFL starting-caliber running back, then Week 2 did. Reggie Bush is a must-start even against the Jets, who struggled with a similar type runner in C.J. Spiller in Week 1. Bigger-name running backs are falling to injury and struggling in other aspects, so fantasy teams that go with Bush are getting a precious commodity right now in the NFL: A breakaway RB threat with no injury/performance issues. He’s an ideal RB2.
Alex Smith, QB, 49ers: Alex Smith is turning into a low-end QB1 right before our eyes. He has been a steady fantasy contributor so far because he has lots of weapons and doesn’t turn the ball over. He won’t turn in many 300-yard efforts but many of these 300 yards efforts from higher ranked quarterbacks don’t score the same points because of the aforementioned turnovers. Ride the wave while you can. Up next: A trip to the Metrodome against the Vikings secondary, who made Blaine Gabbert look good in Week 1 and were handled by rookie Andrew Luck in Week 2.
Trends and Other Notes
(And for fantasy owners that have a revolving door at fantasy DEF)…
The Titans can’t run the ball right now (or do anything else on offense for that matter).
The Buccaneers can’t stop the pass right now.
The Cardinals defense is making noise.
The Seahawks will continue to be a better, different team at home.
The Jaguars will struggle on offense.
The Browns may not be complete garbage on offense.
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