We’re in week 2 of the 2012 NFL season and there is a lot of football left to be played. Fantasy owners get your rosters ready, this is going to be another crazy week.
LOCKS:
September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA;Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) calls an audible during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE
Quarterbacks:
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning – Peyton faces a banged up Atlanta Falcons secondary and showed he’s still got it against a Steelers defense that was missing a key player in their secondary in free safety Ryan Clark.
Drew Brees @ CAR, Tom Brady vs. ARI, Tony Romo @ SEA – All three quarterbacks are obvious starts and face defenses that can easily be exposed by these QBs’ superior talents.
Running backs:
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster @ JAC – Arian Foster will be healthier and therefore more productive against AFC South rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
Dallas Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray @ SEA – Murray looked like an uncaged beast against the New York Giants defense that many thought would be able to dismantle the Cowboys offense last week. Seattle doesn’t stand a chance.
Wide receivers:
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green vs. CLE – The Browns are missing their best player in the defensive backfield, CB Joe Haden this week against the Bengals. While the Browns were able to create a lot of turnovers against the Eagles, the Bengals are more familiar with their AFC North rivals and should be able to capitalize on the Browns misfortune of having their best chance of covering the explosive Green out of the game as Haden starts his four game suspension this week.
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson @ JAC – Johnson is still healthy so he should still be a sure-fire lock to start this week.
Tight ends:
New Orleans TE Jimmy Graham @ CAR – Graham is a freak of nature and should have a great outing against the Panthers defense. Brees shouldn’t have much trouble finding him with little pressure coming from the Carolina front line and Graham always seems to get open.
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski vs. ARI – The Patriots play great at home and, well, Gronk is Gronk. The only way you’re not starting him is if he’s injured or its a BYE week, but he should have an especially productive game this week.
Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez vs. DEN – The Falcons also play well at home, and while I have Denver winning this game, Gonzalez could have a big day given how productive Pittsburgh TE Heath Miller was against the Broncos.
DEF/ST:
Houston Texans DEF/ST – Jags QB Blaine Gabbert actually looked decent against the Minnesota Vikings last week. Expect a set back in his progression this week as he faces a tough Texans defense.
Cincinnati Bengals DEF/ST – The Browns offense looked worse than they have in years last week, which is hard to do. This is a rule from here on out, if Brandon Weeden is starting against your defense, your defense is going to put up huge numbers.
San Fransisco 49ers DEF/ST – I like the 49ers chances this week mainly because of their defense. They frustrate offenses and so far Matthew Stafford looks like he is trying to hard to make big plays and forcing the ball down the field.