NFL Fantasy Football: Locks, Busts & Sleepers (Week 2)
By jluff
BUSTS:
Sep 9, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick (7) celebrates a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns in the fourth quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE
Quarterbacks:
Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick vs. BAL – Vick might not throw 4 picks but he might be playing with a banged up wide receiver core. WRs Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson are both playing at less than 100% and unless LeSean McCoy can have a huge game, Vick will try to throw this game on his shoulders, which could be dangerous against this Ravens defense.
Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford @ SF – Stafford didn’t throw any picks last year against the San Fransisco 49ers defense that returns all 11 starters, but he only completed 56% of his throws. He could be headed for a rough start to the 2012 season.
Running backs:
New York Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw vs. TB – I think this Tampa Bay defense is being widely overlooked and I don’t trust Bradshaw to have a great performance this week.
Wide Receivers:
Denver Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas @ ATL – Some think Thomas will have a huge game, I think he will be relatively contained by Atlanta Falcons CBs Asante Samuel (who did a great job covering Dwyane Bowe last week) and Dunta Robinson.
DEF/ST:
Pittsburgh Steelers DEF/ST – The Steelers defense looked about as bad last week as it did in last years season opener against the Ravens. They may get Ryan Clark back, but they’ll probably be playing without their two most valuable defensive starters in Troy Polamalu and James Harrison.
SLEEPERS:
Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton vs. CLE – Dalton has lit the fires of many doubters in just one game this year. But, the Bengals offense looked like it had progressed its 2nd year QB deeper into Jay Gruden’s West Coast offense with short plays and quick releases. Dalton might not be a bad start against a weak Browns secondary.
Houston Texans QB Matt Schaub @ JAC – Schaub will get on a roll against the Jaguars as RB Arian Foster creates huge play-action opportunities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Doug Martin @ NYG – Martin looked the part of an every down back last week and the Giants looked the part of a porous defensive team. Start him, I know I am.
Cincinnati Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis vs. CLE – LeSean McCoy had a decent game against the Browns defense last week, aside from his fumble. BJG doesn’t fumble, ever, so this should be a great game for him as he emerges as a top 10 RB.
Washington Redskins WR Santana Moss @ STL – Robert Griffin III showed he can spread the ball last week but his favorite target WE Pierre Garcon will miss the game so look for veteran WR Santana Moss, who looked good in the preseason, to step up big for RG3 and the Redskins.
San Fransisco 49ers WR Randy Moss vs. DET – Moss made a huge TD grab against the Packers last week and while the Green Bay defense get scrutinized for allowing big plays, the Detroit Lions secondary isn’t much better. Moss could have another big game.
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen vs. NO – The Panthers vocalized their intentions to get Greg Olsen the ball more and with TE Jeremy Shockey no longer on the roster Olsen could have his stats improve as the year goes on with Cam Newton settling in. New Orleans gave up big plays last week to RG3, a similar QB to Newton, and Olsen is the ultimate security blanket for the 2nd year QB.
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Heath Miller vs. NYJ – Miller was targeted a ton last week and as if to mimic the New England Patriots, the Steelers new offensive coordinator Todd Haley said he wants Miller involved more in the passing game, much like the Panthers with Greg Olsen.
Washington Redskins DEF/ST – St. Louis hasn’t showed they are an elite offense yet and the Redskins have a lot of talent on defense, especially in the pass rush department. This squad is worth a start.
Oakland Raiders DEF/ST – The Raiders were able to get after Chargers QB Phillip Rivers last week and keep him humble. Not to mention they snuffed out the run game, which Miami is lacking in with the subtraction of RB Daniel Thomas. They could be a surprising sleeper this week.
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