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Quarterback Add Immediately (Impact potential)
As expected, the Browns were hammered by the Bengals this week. The Browns trailed early and Frye had the opportunity to throw a lot against one of the better pass defenses in the AFC. He completed 20-of-33 for 244 yards and ran for 10 yards including a 2-yard TD run in the fourth quarter, but also turned over the football three times. Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards are rounding into shape quickly giving Frye to plus receivers. The Browns don’t have a strong #2 option at QB, so it would take a lot for him to be benched.
It’s hard to find quality QBs on the waiver wire. It remains to be seen if Grossman qualities as a quality QB, but after his first two games it’s hard to argue with his results. He threw four TDs against the Lions this week, completing 20-of-27 for 289 yards. If he’s available and you need a QB, then grab him.
Smith performed well for the second week in a row. He completed only 11-of-22 passes but produced 233 yards and 72-yard TD to Antonio Bryant. He’s making a case for himself as a solid backup fantasy QB if he can sustain his production. It’s only two games, but it’s a good start for last year’s top overall pick in the NFL draft. If he’s available still, then grab him to bolster your QB depth. He could be a quality start for a bye week at the very least – depending on the matchup. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Losman isn’t lighting up any scoreboards, but he’s likely to be one of the few starting NFL quarterbacks available in your league. His stats might catch up, but he almost led the Bills to a win over New England last week. This week, they beat the Dolphins on the road.
Aaron Brooks left the game with a bum shoulder after trying to cover up his second fumble in the Raiders first two possession. Walter took over and finished the game against the brutally tough Ravens defense. Walker was intercepted three times and he fumbled three times – losing one. He threw for 162 yards completing 10 out of 27 passes. As bad as the Raiders appear to be, Walter could get a long look this season, especially if they’ve already soured on Brooks. He’s like a younger, poor man’s Drew Bledsoe. Big, immobile and he has a plus arm.
Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Drew Bledsoe played poorly in the first week. The media has already anointed Tony Romo as the starter at some point this season. Bledsoe controls his own destiny as long as he plays well and the team wins. If that doesn’t happen, Romo will almost certainly get a shot to lead this team. Romo might be the best QB available in most leagues, even though he’s not even starting for his own team. The chance that he could be starting within the next month or two makes him especially appealing with Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn and Jason Witten as prime-time targets.
Leinart isn’t available in most leagues with 12 or more teams. If you have Kurt Warner and not Leinart, then you want to target him if you can afford a roster spot. Warner hasn’t played all 16 games since he was a Ram and he's getting hit a lot in the team's first two games. Leinart will probably see the field as a starter at some point this year, but if you wait for it to happen it will be too late to get him.
Jon Kitna was sacked six time by the Bears this week and he was constantly under pressure in the season opener against the Seahawks. It’s not that his play is terrible, though it’s not great. He just might not survive too many more weeks unless the protection improves. McCown doesn’t throw the ball as well as Kitna, but he’s more mobile and he’s younger. If the team continues to lose, McCown could get a shot and put up some decent fantasy numbers in Mike Martz’s scheme.
Look for Young to be on the field full-time sooner rather than later. The Titans are going nowhere this year and the Titans will rebuild around Young. Kerry Collins is terrible and Billy Volek may be dealt by the time you read this. Young may not produce much this year, but if anything, he’ll be more entertaining to watch. Against a rabid Chargers defense, Young produced 106 yards through the air and threw his first NFL touchdown – an 18-yarder to Drew Bennett. Young also ran for 24 yards on five attempts. Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
Huard didn’t exactly ignite the Chiefs offense on Sunday, but he did fare better than expected on the road against a solid Broncos defense. He completed 17-of-23 for just 133 yards. He didn’t get the Chiefs into the end zone and he lost one fumble. He could get the start again next week vs. San Francisco. If you need a one week fill-in for a Week 3 bye, Huard could be a last ditch effort, but hopefully you can do better on the waiver wire than this. Trent Green could be back this week or next, so Huard’s window of opportunity is narrow. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
Mark Brunell isn’t getting any younger. If his plays slips or the team falls out of the playoff race, Campbell could be given the reigns to the offense. Neither of those scenarios is likely to happen in the next couple of weeks. The Redskins have a talented group of skill players, so Campbell could be a pleasant surprise if opportunity knocks.
Running Back
Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Turner is similar to LaMont Jordan or Chester Taylor. He might be the league’s most talented backup tailback and he’s a restricted free agent after the season. If you can acquire him cheaply now, he’ll be worth a LOT more at this time next year. It would be a surprise if another team doesn’t make him a big contract offer during the offseason – one the Chargers likely won’t be able to match. This week he busted loose for a 73-yard run and he combined for 155 yards serving as LT’s backup. Imagine what he might do on a full-time basis. He’s a high priority waiver pickup whether you have LT or not.
Warrick Dunn has been a remarkably healthy back throughout his career despite weighing less than 200 lbs. Even with Dunn healthy now, the Falcons flashy rookie RB is productive enough to roster. Norwood broke a 33-yard run this week and he produced 57 yards on 10 touches. If Dunn gets hurt, Norwood could be a top 10 fantasy back. He may only be available in 8 or 10 team leagues, but without question, grab him if he’s still out there.
The Texans acquired Gado via trade last week for Vernand Morency. With less than a week of practice under his belt, Gado still saw game action rushing for 36 yards on three carries against the Colts. By contrast, Ron Dayne ran 11 times for 37 yards and Wali Lundy 25 times on six carries. The trade could be a boost for Gado, especially, if he emerges as the starter. Gado played assistant coach Mike Sherman in Green Bay. He was productive then and he could be again if he gets earns the opportunity.
Smith continues to produce when he’s given the rock. Smith ran seven times this week for 24 yards and he caught two balls for 33 yards. He appears to be the primary backup to Jamal Lewis. Consider that Mike Anderson carried just once and caught one ball. Smith could be a top 20 fantasy back if Jamal goes down.
Chris Brown didn’t do anything against the Chargers this week and Travis Henry was sidelined by turf toe. White carried the rock eight times for 22 yards and he caught one ball for 3 yards. Brown had 6 carries and one catch. As the season progresses, expect the Titans to give White more and more playing time – just like Vince Young. This team is looking to get young and rebuild. Brown’s on his way out and the Titans hope that White is the future.
Add For Depth (Starter potential)
It might take a little while for Drew to become a commodity, but he’s a great player to gamble on if he’s lingering around the waiver wire. In PPR leagues, he adds more value. Drew is a home run threat with the ball in his hands. He can catch very well and he likely would be a top 25 back if Fred Taylor gets hurt. He may not get the goal line carries – that would go to LaBrandon Toefield or Derrick Wimbush, but he would get at least 15 to 20 touches a game.
Brian Westbrook gave his owners a brief scare this week as swelling in his knee kept him sidelined in practice some of the week. If Westbrook misses time, then Buckhalter becomes the feature back. He would share duties with Ryan Moats, but Buckhalter would still get red zone touches and some third down duty. If he’s available, he’s worth a roster spot. He’s definitely a fighter having returned from numerous injuries, so you need not worry about C-Buck’s commitment level.
Harrison’s playing time is limited to passing situations right now. However, if Droughns falters then he would likely take on a prominent role, perhaps a more productive role than the Browns current backup Jason Wright would. In many leagues, Harrison was drafted, picked up before/after week one or among the select few available that are worth a roster spot.
Dayne ran for 37 yards on 11 carries this week against the Colts. Wali Lundy only ran six times and Sam Gado ran three times. Once again, Dayne has an opportunity to seize the job and become the Texans bell cow. HC Gary Kubiak runs the same system that Denver uses, so Dayne has a shot to make an impression before Gado leapfrogs him for good. If Dayne is available, you might gamble on him, but don’t be let down if he fizzles with his third team.
Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Davenport hopes to fill the “Jerome Bettis role” for the Steelers offense. He signed as a free agent after he was waived by the Packers. Davenport definitely has the size to fulfill the role, but we’ll see if he can stay healthy long enough to deliver the goods. Davenport will compete for playing time with Verron Haynes and Duce Staley. If Davenport lives up to expectations, it could cost Staley his roster spot.
If you’re looking for a back to gamble on. Stash Robinson on your roster. If Frank Gore gets hurt, Robinson could be major surprise. He’s third on the depth chart behind Gore and Maurice Hicks, but Robinson is arguably more talented than Hicks and ultimately he could emerge as the primary back in the event that Gore is out for several weeks.
Moats value definitely peaked early in the summer. He’s available in many leagues after Buckhalter beat him for the No. 2 job. Moats still has value, but it hinges on Brian Westbrook’s health and availability. If Westbrook can’t play, then Moats would probably see as many as 10 to 15 touches with Correll Buckhalter getting a few more. Opportunity is the key and right now Moats is No. 3, but if injury strikes either Westbrook or Buckhalter then Moats would surge to the front of the waiver wire players available.
Herron was one of the biggest reasons why the Packers pulled the trigger on the Samkon Gado trade. Vernand Morency may ultimately pass Herron on the Packers depth chart, but Herron had a strong offseason and he’s getting some touches as the change-of-pace option to Ahman Green. If Green gets hurt, Herron would probably split carries with Morency, but he could get the bigger piece of the pie at first.
Morency has shown flashes of his ability with the Texans, but now he has an opportunity to earn the backup job in Green Bay. He’ll start third on the depth chart behind Noah Herron and Ahman Green. Morency danced a little too much for Texans HC Gary Kubiak’s taste, apparently, but the Packers like his style and think he’ll fit well into their offense. If Green doesn’t hold up, Morency’s name could surface and he could provide good depth and insurance to Green owners if you never secured Gado.
Add for Insurance (Injury or bye week replacement)
Davis is starting to get his legs underneath him after signing late in the preseason to be Steven Jackson’s backup. Davis got into this week’s game and produced 16 yards on five carries. If Jackson gets hurt, Davis could be productive. He’s obviously not the same player he was two or three years ago, but he can get it done near the goal line if needed.
Bennett is firmly entrenched as the backup to Larry Johnson. He carried six times this week for just 19 yards. The important thing to know is this – if LJ gets hurt, then Bennett becomes the Chiefs primary RB.
Suggs is now the No. 2 back behind Ronnie Brown. He is playing more as a change of pace back than a third down back. His only real value comes if Brown gets hurt. Keep an eye on
To the surprise of most, Wright beat out Jerome Harrison for the team’s No. 2 RB spot. Wright is the official backup to Reuben Droughns, but we don’t really believe that designation will last very long. Wright is good at many things, but not special at any of them. Harrison, by contrast, is much better as a receiver out of the backfield and he’s a bigger threat to hit the home run play. For now, Wright has the spot on the depth chart, but we wouldn’t recommend moving on him if you own Droughns. Harrison will probably emerge at some point and if Droughns gets hurt then the two will probably form some sort of RBBC.
Wide Receiver Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Colston scored for the second week in a row. He caught four balls for 58 yards and he was targeted 10 times by Drew Brees. Colston and Jerricho Cotchery were probably the two biggest name waiver wire plays in week one. If either play is still available in your league, grab them immediately.
Cotchery was at the top of our waiver list for WRs last week. He was probably rostered in most leagues after a strong first week. This week he broke a tackle and sprinted the distance for a 71-yard TD reception in the 3rd quarter against the Patriots. He finished with 121 yards on six catches. If he’s still out there, get him while you can.
Carter saw extensive action for the second week in a row with Steve Smith on the shelf. Carter caught four balls for 34 yards and ran once for 7 yards. He was targeted 9 times this week. As long as Smith remains sidelined with a bad hammy, Carter should be productive. He was picked up in most leagues last week, but he could still be out there in smaller leagues if you need a player with good home run potential each week.
Berrian caught a 40+ yard TD for the second consecutive week, but this time he filled out the box score with five catches and 89 yards. He and Rex Grossman had excellent games against the Lions. Berrian should continue to get more reps opposite Muhsin Muhammad if he continues to produce. Mark Bradley is back from his torn-ACL injury last year and Rashied Davis, supposedly, won the starting job in the preseason. However, Davis hasn’t put up the numbers yet and Bradley is still regaining his confidence. It looks like Berrian’s job to lose now. On the other hand, the Bears probably won’t continue to pass with as much regularity or success the rest of the way, but we can’t discount what we’ve seen in the first two weeks.
Henry was shut out in week one, but he broke through with a big game this week against the Browns catching five passes for 113 yards on 12 targets. Henry faces a likely suspension for at least four games at some point this year, but with T.J. Houshmandzadeh missing the first two games, Henry has a chance to be productive in the short-term. If Housh returns this week, then Henry still holds value as a flex WR or in deeper leagues because of his tremendous big play potential and scoring ability in the red zone.
Battle has managed to stay healthy so far. Not a minor accomplishment given that he sat out a handful of games last year and move of the preseason with a balky knee. Against the Rams this week, Battle produced 78 yards on three catches. He was targeted six times and he currently serves as the team’s No. 1 punt returner. If Antonio Bryant continues to play well, Battle will have a lot of single coverage and he could prove to be a solid WR if you need depth at WR during the bye weeks.
Crayton was mostly invisible during the preseason due to a high ankle sprain, but he's going to play a larger role in the next 2 to 4 weeks with Terrell Owens sidelined with a broken ring finger. Crayton is a "Parcells guy" and he got off to a quick start last year before getting hurt. He caught two passes this week - including a 4-yard TD in the first quarter. He's 6', 205 lbs with great all-around athletic ability. He could be a nice short-term solution and perhaps a solid player for depth for the remainder of the season. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Brown was productive again this week catching four balls for 51 yards. The Patriots WR corps has been bereft by injuries and Deion Branch’s holdout. Jackson is getting healthier each week, Branch is now in Seattle and Doug Gabriel is learning the playbook. Brown will ultimately fall back into the No. 3 or No. 4 role – it would seem. Until things settle down, Brown should continue to lead the team in targets and receptions – save for Ben Watson perhaps – but look for Gabriel and Jackson to be on the upswing.
Henderson caught a 26-yard touchdown beating Ahmad Carroll on a nice route to give the Saints a 14-13 lead at the time. He was targeted six times and he caught three balls for 51 yards – all came during the first half. Henderson may not regain the starting job as rookie Marques Colston has played well, but Henderson is – at the very least – the team’s No. 3 receiver. With his top-flight speed, Henderson is a big play candidate, but he’s struggled to develop as a pro so let’s see if he can sustain the production moving forward.
Taylor made some big plays against the Panthers this week coming up with 65 yards on three catches. He was targeted seven times. Brad Johnson is getting the job done and the Vikings potentially have one of the best lines in the league. Taylor would serve well as a No. 4 WR, but even better as No. 5 or No 6 if he’s available.
Washington will probably not return to the Bengals next year and he had to earn his roster spot this year in training camp. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh out with a heel injury, Washington joined Chad Johnson in the starting lineup. He caught five balls for 77 yards and produced a 22-yard TD in the first quarter to open the scoring. He was targeted six times.
Best known for his speed, Whitten caught the eye of Al Davis as a Jaguar and he’s spent the past four seasons in the famous Silver and Black uniform catching only 30 passes in that span. With Jerry Porter inactive and disgruntled, Whitted moved into a starting role. He was targeted 10 times this week producing three catches for 45 yards – leading the Raiders in both categories this week. His upside is questionable, but for now at least he’s starting and he could be a decent reach as a flex player in the coming weeks with a slightly better matchup. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
The Deion Branch situation is now settled and Chad Jackson is back on the field. Rookies are a tough call. Some produce, some struggle. Jackson has the skills to be immediately productive, but he missed most of the preseason and he didn’t play in week one either. This week, he caught a 13-yard TD pass from Tom Brady and finished with two catches for 42 yards - all in the first half. Jackson should emerge as a starter at some point this year alongside Doug Gabriel, Troy Brown or Reche Caldwell.
Jackson caught a 12-yard TD in the 4th quarter of Sunday’s game giving the Chargers an insurmountable 33-0 lead. Jackson had a strong offseason and he’s only going to get better as the season progresses. He shouldn’t be available in dynasty leagues, but he’s probably lurking out there in most re-draft leagues. He’s worth a roster spot for now, but he could be a tremendous sleeper if McCardell or Parker misses any time due to injury this year.
Parker was targeted six times this week as he caught five balls for 37 yards against the Broncos. With Trent Green expected to return in a week or two, Parker could be one of those players who get off to a slow start, but produce solid down the stretch. He had a decent second half of 2005, so if he’s available in your league, keep him on your watch list, especially in PPR leagues.
Stokley will probably never regain his form of 2004 because they use more double TE formations, but he’s still a threat in the red zone. He is roster worthy in some leagues, especially ones that score heavily on TDs. Stokley didn’t play in week one. This week he opened the scoring with a 10-yard TD reception on the team’s first possession. It was his only catch and the only time he was targeted.
Welker might be worth rostering if you’re in a league with PPR scoring or 14 or more teams starting three WRs. He caught another five passes this week producing 41 yards. He was targeted 6 times. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
The Bengals like their second year receiver out of UCLA. With Chris Henry likely serving a suspension at some point this year and Kelley Washington possibly leaving after the season, Perry could emerge as a No. 3 receiver next year. He caught three balls this week for 37 yards. Last week he produced 44 yards on two catches. He’s currently the team’s kickoff returner. Keep an eye on
Bradley saw his first live action since tearing his ACL last year as a rookie. He was targeted three times during the fourth quarter as the Bears held a 31-7 lead. He won the starting job over Bernard Berrian last year and he could re-emerge slowly as he regains his confidence and gets closer to 100%.
Davis won the starting job in training camp, but he’s produced next to nothing through two games. He was targeted just once this week and that play produced a 31-yard reception. He’s currently the Bears kickoff returner, but he’s worth watching and he could be worthwhile at some point this year.
Tight End Add Immediately (Impact potential)
Clark produced a big game for the second straight week. The Bears have said they plan to use him more this year and that certainly appears to be the case after two weeks. Clark was targeted six times and he produced five catches for 89 yards and a 31-yard TD. He was probably picked up in most leagues after last week’s nice game, but if he remains available then he should be a priority for those still looking for better production or depth at TE this week.
Daniels caught his first NFL touchdown this week against the Colts – 33 yard reception from David Carr in the fourth quarter. He finished with 45 yards on four catches. Daniels impressed HC Gary Kubiak during the preseason with his all-around ability. He’s neither the best receiver nor the best block amongst the Texans TEs, but he’s probably the best combination of the two on the team and he beat out Jeb Putzier, Mark Bruener and Benny Joppru for the job. As a rookie, he’ll probably be sporadic as a fantasy TE, but he looked good this week and he could be good for 30+ catches this year. Add For Depth (Starter potential)
Anderson caught two balls for 26 yards against the Ravens this week. He seems to drop as many as he catches, but he’s getting the opportunities to produce so that’s important. The Raiders can’t seem to run the ball, so Anderson could be helped by garbage time quite a bit this year. If the Raiders blocking or QB play ever improves, the Anderson might be worthwhile. For now, he’s at best a backup in deeper leagues that require TEs.
Baker caught a TD in the season opener, but he didn’t follow up that game with a solid performance this week. He caught only one pass for 5 yards and he was only targeted once. Baker is a good athlete and he’s good around the end zone, but he may not be consistent enough to be anything more than a bye-week fill in or occasional reach. Let’s see if he bounces back this coming week with a solid game.
The Rams rookie tight end won the starting job with a solid training camp over fellow rookie Dominique Byrd and veteran Aaron Walker. He didn’t catch a pass in week one, but he produced 34 yards on two catches this week. He was targeted three times. Add for Later (Sleeper potential)
Dallas Clark is off to a good start this year, but he’s very durable and the Colts love to use two and three tight ends each game. That’s where Ben Utecht and Bryan Fletcher enter into the equation. Fletcher caught a 15-yard TD this week amongst three targets. Utecht produced a 26-yard reception on his only target. In the event of an injury to Clark, both players could become decent sleepers in TE-required leagues. They see regular action in the red zone and they could each produce two or three TDs this year – even if Clark stays healthy.
Williams made one big play this week – a 28-yard reception. He’s a former receiver who converted over to tight end at the end of last season. Courtney Anderson remains the team’s starter, but the Raiders are using their tight ends more this year than in the past. Williams just might produce solid numbers if his role increases. Add for Next Year (Dynasty potential)
Ben Troupe pitched a goose egg for his owners this week, but Bo Scaife came up with 53 yards on three catches. Most of that came in garbage time with the Chargers taking it a little easier with a huge lead. Scaife benefits from Erron Kinney’s absence. Once Kinney returns, he’ll eat up some of Scaife’s snaps and the Titans figure to use all three of their tight ends (Troupe, Kinney and Scaife). The team likes for former Longhorn’s potential and he’s been productive when called upon. The longer Kinney is sidelined, the better chance Scaife has to earn a bigger role and keep it. At the very least, Kinney probably won’t return and Scaife could develop into a starter by next week alongside Ben Troupe if the Titans continue to use formations with multiple tight ends. Keep an eye on
Gilmore made a splash this week with 2 touchdown catches against the Lions. It was his only catches in the game and he finished with 8 yards. Don’t run out to the waiver wire to pick him up. He’s strictly a blocker and the team’s No. 2 TE. He’ll get some looks around the goal line as defenses commit their coverage to other players, but Gilmore may not catch another TD the rest of the season. If he begins doing this with any regularity, then you might add him in basic scoring leagues (TDs only). Otherwise, consider this one a one week wonder.
Defense
Add Immediately (Impact potential)
The Chiefs held the Denver Broncos offense in check this week and did a solid
job on the Cincinnati Bengals in the season opener. They've long been one of
the defensive doormats in the AFC, but it looks like they are on the way up
again after two games. Herm Edwards is known for defense, not innovative
offensive schemes, so you may consider adding them for bye weeks and a solid
backup if their matchups fit with your current starting defense.
The Bills defense played a solid game in Miami this week limiting the Dolphins
to 6 points, sacking Daunte Culpepper six times and forcing one turnover.
They did a solid job against the Patriots in the first game of the season,
too. Through two games they have 10 sacks and have allowed a combined 25
points. If they can sustain this effort with two road games, then they
should be even better at home. They are worth a flyer at this point.
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