Arizona
Carson Palmer (shoulder) missed Week 2 with a shoulder injury. It is unknown if he will be able to play this week and the team isn't sure if this is something that will affect his throwing motion even when he returns. This uncertainty opens the door for Drew Stanton who was decent at best in the Cardinals Week 2 win at New York. Larry Fitzgerald bounced back to some degree, but Michael Floyd's numbers suffered. I think it's safe to say, expect a drop in production across the board if Stanton starts. Andre Ellington is looking like a good, but not great RB2 option. He needs to find the end zone and get more receptions for me to be excited about his chances week to week. There is definitely some promise there, but he's not meeting his ADP expectations yet, in my opinion.
Atlanta
Two games in and the Falcons are a Jeckyl and Hyde type of team. Go figure?! This has somewhat been the case in previous seasons - good at home and so-so on the road. Could it be that Cincinnati is just a difficult team to play against, especially in their stadium? Possibly, but there is some degree of onus on the Falcons themselves as well. I would pump the brakes on the Atlanta running game for now, especially Steven Jackson. A home game could yield different results, but their OL is a big question mark. I still am of the belief that Devonta Freeman will eventually get an opportunity to receive increased reps. It may take an injury to do so, but there is an outside chance that he plays his way into it. Don't give up on him just yet.
Baltimore
I foresee a RBBC approach for the Ravens backfield, which isn't good news for Bernard Pierce or Justin Forsett. One or the other could have a decent week here and there, but consistency isn't in the cards. Steve Smith has bolted into the team's X receiver, which has resulted in 25 targets in two games. The elder Smith is very much a part of the offense and should be played as a flex at the least until he shows otherwise. Dennis Pitta is holding onto his low end TE1 status, but I need to see more before being confident in him as a weekly start.
Buffalo
Sammy Watkins was dropped in one of my leagues, prior to kickoff on Sunday. The drop was made known by email and not one minute later he was picked up before I could claim him myself. He then went on to a 8-117-1 stat line. He definitely has the talent to be a big contributor. My main concern from going all-in on Watkins as a fantasy play, is the level of play from EJ Manuel. I like wide receivers on teams where the quarterback is a big part of the offense. I don't necessarily see that in EJ Manuel, so my expectations aren't as high for Watkins as a result. I don't necessarily have clarity with Watkins as an every week start, but last week's effort is a step in the right direction.
Carolina
As long as the Panthers defense is holding opponents to 10.5 points a game (pace after two games) the offense won't have to be forced to score a lot of points. I had Cam Newton as a Top 10 fringe quarterback at the beginning of the year and I'm not changing my opinion on him for now. Greg Olsen has gotten off to a great start and should be started with confidence every week. I will be surprised if he keeps his torrid pace, but he's still a strong TE1. Kelvin Benjamin just missed a touchdown last week when he failed to get one of his feet in bounds while making an acrobatic catch. He'll have his good games and his mediocre games. Last week was a mediocre one. He's still a good flex option start most weeks.
Cincinnati
Giovani Bernard has graduated into must start RB1 territory and Jeremy Hill is also earning carries after a strong Week 2 catapulted him into fantasy consideration. The injury to A.J. Green (foot) should result in more touches to the dynamic duo of Bernard and Hill. Cincinnati has their version of thunder and lightning and the way things look now, both could be legit fantasy plays on a weekly basis. Hill has not found the end zone yet, but all signs point to him receiving more opportunities in the coming weeks. I'm buying Jeremy Hill.
Cleveland
Don't look now but the Browns are starting to exhibit some decent fantasy options. Terrance West has emerged as the team's primary running back, with some Isaiah Crowell sprinkled in for good measure. The diminutive Andrew Hawkins is the leading receiver with 14 receptions on 22 targets. He is looking like he'll be a nice weekly flex option going forward after 8 and 6 receptions respectively in two weeks. Right now Brian Hoyer is comfortable targeting him as his main receiving weapon, but the question is - will Johnny Manziel be just as comfortable when (and if) he sees the field?
Dallas
You can't talk about Dallas without mentioning how good DeMarco Murray looks. There's no question he'd be a Top 4 pick if we drafted players after two weeks. The interesting piece to Murray is, he hasn't even started being a factor as a receiver yet (4 receptions on 6 targets). I expect that number to rise sharply in the coming weeks. It has to. Murray is coming off a 53-reception season in 2013 and has shown the ability to be an excellent pass catcher in his three years in the league.
Denver
Two points on Denver - Montee Ball is still getting the lion's share of the team's snaps and carries. As of right now, it doesn't look like John Fox is looking to C.J. Anderson to "see if he can do better." I would not be too anxious to start Ball this week at Seattle and after this week, the Broncos will have their bye. Wes Welker will be eligible to play this week and my gut says he'll be used exactly like he was in the past. Sure there is a concern that another head injury could be his last, but I don't see Denver backing down in how they use him in the offense. As long as he practices this week, I expect to see him play against Seattle. I wouldn't be surprised if he has one of his 8-10 catch games this week.
Detroit
Reggie Bush had a tough match up against Carolina last week and it showed in his stat line of 6 carries for 26 yards and 2 receptions for 6 yards. I will be shocked if he doesn't rebound in a big way against the Packers at home this week. Joique Bell had 6 catches on 11 targets last week, most of which came in garbage time. He's seeing a lot of reps, which should continue this week. He's a low end RB2 who can put up strong numbers any given week.
Green Bay
A few notes on the Packers - One, Davonte Adams is looking like he is edging out Jarrett Boykin as the team's WR3 behind Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. As a result, look for Adams to continue to see an increase in snaps. He had 9 offensive snaps in Week 1 (15%) and 36 in Week 2 (51%). He's an excellent proactive waiver wire claim for this week. Don't get discouraged with Eddie Lacy's slow start. He started off slow last year and wound up turning up the heat against, the Lions of all teams. He's a rare running back breed that can be counted on to move the pile, collect carries and get into the end zone. He'll come around, possibly as soon as this week at Detroit.
Houston
Don't look now, but DeAndre Hopkins has two touchdowns (compared to Andre Johnson's zero). Hopkins as many scores in two weeks as he did all of last year. He's on my radar as someone who could take off this year. Johnson is still the target leader, but Hopkins isn't far behind. He's not quite at that point where he's an every week fantasy start, but the time is coming where he might graduate to that level. I said last week and I will stand by it - Houston is going to live and die by Arian Foster. I see them feeding him the ball early and often, as long as he is productive. Ride Foster until the wheels come off, because that's exactly what I think Bill O'Brien is going to do.
Indianapolis
The Colts handed the ball off just nine times against Denver and they made sure that wouldn't be the case against Philadelphia - how about 34 carries between Trent Richardson (21) and Ahmad Bradshaw (13). Bradshaw looks like a much better back than Richardson, however I don't see Indianapolis making him their primary rusher. Utilizing Bradshaw is a good strategy. Overusing him is a mistake, especially given his tendency to get banged up over the course of a season. As a fantasy option, Bradshaw has earned his role as a flex option at worst, especially with 10 catches in the first two games.
Jacksonville
Get ready for the Blake Bortles era to begin. I'm excited to see what Bortles can do for the Jaguars offense and it's only a matter of time before Gus Bradley decides that Chad Henne isn't the answer for the Jaguars woes. They are allowing 37.5 points per game in the first two weeks, which means there's going to be a lot of offensive opportunities. Allen Hurns (ankle) is day to day, so monitor his status this week. I still like him as a fantasy option. Marqise Lee is the other receiver that should see plenty of targets going forward, including this week vs. the Colts.
Kansas City
Jamaal Charles is a special back who can make plays that other backs can't. Having said that, Knile Davis will occupy his role for as long as he is out. What that means is plenty of carries and targets in the Chiefs offense. If Charles is out, Davis is a must start, plain and simple. I will give Dwayne Bowe one more week to show me something. It's not exactly his fault, but he's just not being featured in the down field passing game like he was at the end of the season last year. Travis Kelce is still seeing limited snaps, however he is converting his opportunities to the tune of 4 catches for 81 yards on just 23 routes run in 37% of the team's offensive snaps. In short - Free Kelce!
Miami
It's only a matter of time before Jarvis Landry overtakes Brian Hartline as the receiver opposite Mike Wallace. I am a firm believer in that. Nothing against Hartline, but Landry is a better fit in the new Dolphins offense. Mike Wallace has scored in both games so far this year and this week the Dolphins host the Chiefs who have allowed 5 touchdown passes this season. It's a good match up all around for Miami. Lamar Miller should see the majority of the team's carries with Knowshon Moreno out with an elbow injury. Consider Miller a decent flex option this week.
Minnesota
At this time last week, there was no talk of an Adrian Peterson replacement and Matt Asiata was barely on the radar thanks to his 3-touchdown game in Week 15 last year. Now that Adrian Peterson is officially out for this game and however many more (probably at least six), consider Asiata a decent fantasy option as a replacement. I would not be surprised to see Jerrick McKinnon also get more reps as the season goes on and he gains more experience. Don't give up on Cordarrelle Patterson or Greg Jenning as a wide receiver option. The Saints have been horrendous agains the pass, giving up at least five receptions to three different wide receivers in each game this year. The third receiver who could benefit for Minnesota is Kyle Rudolph.
New England
The one constant for New England in both games this year has been Julian Edelman. He has caught 80% of the passes that have come his way, compared to 47% of the passes intended for Rob Gronkowski. New England has not fully unveiled their star tight end just yet. He is still seeing limited snaps and as a result his level of play has been mediocre at best. It's hard to tell if he has some uncertainty with his knee, but he hasn't quite looked Gronk-like yet this season. It bears watching, but if he struggles to produce against Oakland this week, it might be time to worry.
New Orleans
The Saints have had two road games to begin the year and we all know they have struggled on the road. They should bounce back against Minnesota this week in the friendly confines under the dome. If they can't take care of business this week in their home opener, then it will be time to panic on the Saints season. I do think they miss Darren Sproles, who was such an integral part of the offensive game plan. Now that Mark Ingram (hand) is out for 4-5 weeks, look for Khiry Robinson and/or Pierre Thomas to pick up some of the slack. It also could mean an adjustment to the offense to revert back to their bread and butter - the passing game. Isn't that what all Drew Brees owners and Marques Colston owners want to see? Look for a rebound game for all Saints. Start your Saints with confidence this week.
NY Giants
Larry Donnell continues to be a big part of the Giants offense. I don't see his involvement going anywhere. We knew the Giants liked to involve their tight end, but we didn't see anyone who was going to rise to the occasion. Donnell has shown us that he's going to be that guy. Victor Cruz has shown signs of life and so has Rueben Randle. I'm not supremely confident in either right now, but there is some degree of interest brewing.
Philadelphia
I think it's safe to say the Eagles will continue to feed Darren Sproles the ball in their offense. He's a lethal threat as a receiver when teams have to plan for LeSean McCoy and they don't have the right personnel on the field in Chip Kelly's up tempo offense. Sproles, McCoy, Maclin and Ertz are the fantasy winners on this team. I'm not that excited about anyone else. Riley Cooper looks like he's wearing mittens on end zone targets. Perhaps his time to shine will come, but right now he's not on my fantasy radar.
Pittsburgh
The Steelers travel to Carolina this week for a Sunday night game. Carolina may shut down the running game, so tread carefully when looking at LeVeon Bell as a starter this week. I don't see Antonio Brown fading away, but considering Carolina has allowed only three possessions to score in two games, don't have high expectations for him or anyone else.
San Diego
Apparently nobody told Antonio Gates that it's 2014 and not 2006. He may be the single biggest shock in fantasy terms in this young year so far. Old man Gates is still getting it done. A lot of his success is Philip Rivers' confidence in him to make plays. They know each other so well and it shows in their ability to connect. Ryan Mathews (MCL sprain) is expected to be out for 4-5 weeks at minumum. In the interim, look for Donald Brown to see an increase in carries along with more from their swiss army knife, Danny Woodhead.
Seattle
The Seahawks will host the Broncos this week in a Super Bowl match up. I don't expect them to win by 35, but they will be pumped in their own building and they are coming off a loss. Good luck Peyton Manning. Expect to see a lot of Percy Harvin in this game and if Marshawn Lynch (back) is healthy, he'll see plenty of action. Robert Turbin also figures to see some looks in relief of Lynch. If the Lynch injury is worse than expected, Turbin could be a nice play this week with Christine Michael still getting back to health from a hamstring injury. Monitor Lynch's situation as the week progresses. I'm forecasting a higher scoring game than people might think. If that's the case, Russell Wilson becomes a great fantasy start, especially if this game goes back and forth. Denver will be out to prove the Super Bowl was a fluke. I am looking forward to watching this game unfold and would much rather see a back and forth game with plenty of scoring.
St. Louis
Brian Quick has quickly become the team's go-to receiving threat catching 14 of his team-leading 18 targets. I'm not thrilled with the quarterback situation in St. Louis, but someone has to catch balls and that answer is clearly Quick. You can stick a fork in Kenny Britt. He has been on the field for nearly the same number of plays as Quick, but he has just 4 targets and one lone reception. Don't be surprised if Stedman Bailey is featured more when he returns from his suspension after Week 4. Tavon Austin (sprained MCL) is looking like he'll be out this week and perhaps the next as well. Monitor his progress. Austin has fallen down my radar even before the injury. He is merely a short-yardage receiver and that won't account for much in a fantasy sense.
Tennessee
Aside from Delanie Walker, the Titans didn't do much against the Cowboys, which is shocking. Walker was the go-to target for Jake Locker. It's obvious that the Titans saw a match up they liked and exploited it. We've seen them do that in the past with Kendall Wright. I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again with Walker, in the coming weeks. For now, he's an excellent fantasy start if your other options aren't as shiny. Don't give up on Justin Hunter just yet, but that doesn't mean you should start him either. He's getting opportunities, but right now he's not converting them. Stay put on Hunter for now, but don't let him go, even in redraft leagues. Dexter McCluster (foot) is questionable this week, so we might start to see some signs of life from rookie Bishop Sankey. Shonn Greene is a nice stopgap, but I don't see him being the team's primary carrier. I'd buy low on Sankey right now. If you have him in redraft, keep him on your bench. His time is coming.
Washington
Washington will look to move on without Robert Griffin (ankle) for what looks like it could be a season-ending injury. Kirk Cousins will be team's quarterback and all signs point to this being a positive for the rest of the team. Cousins is more of a pocket passer, which Jay Gruden prefers. Pierre Garcon was targeted only four times in Week 2 after having 12 come his way in Week 1. The quick answer is - Kirk Cousins is the common denominator in his lack of appearance in Week 2, however I don't foresee that continuing going forward. DeSean Jackson (shoulder) is probably going to be a gametime decision. You can bet he'll want to be out there against his former team (PHI) this week. Niles Paul filled in admirably for Jordan Reed (hamstring) and there is no reason to think his connection with Cousins will go away anytime soon - that is until Reed returns.
Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com
