Michael Hermanson
Week 2! For all you fantasy owners who started Kevin Kolb, Brett Favre, or Matt Schaub expecting monster weeks, I’m here for you. Even if you were knocked down by Arian Foster’s breakout party, Matt Forte’s receiving field day, or Jake Delhomme’s mistake-free game, I’m still here for you. Okay, so I made that last one up, but Week 1 was still pretty unpredictable. Without further ado, here are my foolproof* picks for week 2:
Start ‘Em
Michael Vick, QB, PHI @ DET: Vick looked like he was playing for the Falcons in 2005 on Sunday against Green Bay. It seemed like a walk in the dog-park (too soon?) for Vick against the highly touted Packers. Vick took over in the second half after Clay Matthews concussed starter Kevin Kolb. Vick not only threw for 175 yards and a touchdown, but also ran for 103 yards. 278 yards of offense as a backup in the first half! Who is he, Denard Robinson? Good news for Vick owners, NFL Network’s Mike Lombardi reported that Vick will start week 2 due to Kolb’s concussion. That means we get to see Vick play a full game this week. Playing against the Lions (who were ranked last in the league in pass defense last year) will only help his campaign.
Darren McFadden, RB, OAK vs. STL: Projected starter Michael Bush missed week 1 due to a thumb injury, and he’s been limited in practice this week, meaning McFadden will most likely get the bulk of the carries Sunday. As the starter last week, McFadden was the only positive in a 38-13 loss to Tennessee that looked even worse than the score indicated. After dominating in college, McFadden has been somewhat of an enigma in the NFL, but this may be his breakthrough year. If he can put up 20 fantasy points (4th out of running backs by ESPN) against the Titans, then he certainly can do something special against St. Louis.
Dwayne Bowe, WR, KC @ CLE: Bowe’s poor fantasy numbers against San Diego Monday night (one catch, 13 yards) are a little misleading as the pouring rain really affected the Chief’s passing game. Cleveland surrendered 17 points to an injured Josh Freeman last week. Injured! Quick, name what college Josh Freeman went to. How long has he been in the league? Don’t know either? I don’t blame you; Josh Freeman isn’t exactly known for tearing defenses apart (He’s a second year player from Kansas State for those wondering). This Cleveland team is weak, especially on defense. Bowe’s speed makes him a deep threat at all times, and if he and Cassel connect on even one of these against the Browns, it could be a big week for Bowe.
Sit ‘Em
Carson Palmer, QB, CIN vs. BAL: Palmer had a surprisingly good week 1 in terms of fantasy points: ESPN ranks him T-5th among quarterbacks in week 1. Rookies Jermaine Gresham and Jordan Shipley made nice debuts against the Patriots, and the receiver formerly known as Chad Johnson had a great game. However, I have to wonder if T.Ocho is going to last [On the note of T.Ocho, one of the most interesting events of NFL week 1 had to be T.O. and Ochocinco disappearing before the end of the 1st half, and not playing the final Hail Mary play of the half. Why did they both leave before the half was over? And more importantly, what did they leave to go do? I’ve got a 20 on Madden 11]. Week 2 against Baltimore will be much tougher than Week 1 was for Palmer. Mark Sanchez managed just two fantasy points against this Baltimore defense last week. The Ravens looked menacing against the Jets, laying down big hits and forcing two fumbles. Palmer also had 50 attempts against the Patriots, a number he probably won’t hit against the Ravens.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, PIT @ TEN: Mendenhall was just OK in Week 1 against a very good Atlanta Falcons team. He ran for 120 yards on just 22 attempts, including a touchdown. However, those stats are skewed in his favor: In regulation, he had 21 carries for 70 yards and no touchdowns, the 50-yard overtime score padded his stats. With Ben Roethlisberger still out, the Steelers’ offense is one-dimensional, and the Titans will prepare for a run-heavy offense. The Titans defense was 6th best in Week One, according to the Football Outsiders, and this game is at Tennessee. Unless you have to, I’d stay away from starting Mendenhall this week.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, ARI @ ATL: Ever since leaving Pittsburgh for the NFL in 2004, Fitzgerald has consistently been a top fantasy receiver. He was a Heisman candidate at Pitt, and is a great receiver. However, it’s easier to be a good receiver with Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner throwing to you. Now that Derek Anderson is starting for the Cardinals, Fitzgerald could be in for a tough year. We’re talking about a guy who threw 10 picks last year against just three TD’s; a far cry from the Hall of Fame. While Fitzgerald was able to grab a touchdown to make up for his 3 receptions, he won’t have 16 touchdown catches this year. While he’s still an elite receiver, I think he could dip out of the top-10 fantasy receivers this year. His trade value is high right now and if you’re in need of a different position, Fitzgerald could be a valuable guy to make a trade.
*- In no way are these picks foolproof, and in the event of a fantasy loss, the author will not accept any liability.