Start ‘em!
Brandon Jacobs – RB New York Giants at Dallas – There’s two arguments here: 1 – Jacobs was a high enough pick that you’d start him anyway, or 2 – that maybe starting in Dallas isn’t the best option if you’re relatively deep. I like the play against the Cowboys. By relying on Jacobs and company in the rushing game, the Giants may be able to keep QB Tony Romo and the Cowboy offense off of the field. Look for Brandon to net a few yards and scores.
Brett Favre - QB Minnesota Vikings at Detroit - Picking on Detroit’s secondary after last weeks routing by the Saints is not exactly a stretch, but the Lions should have 8 in the box for a good portion of the game – attempting to stave off Adrian Peterson’s rushing antics. While he won’t put up 6 touchdowns, Brett should have a solid double-digit outing.
Fred Jackson - RB Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay – Jackson looked good last week filling in for Marshawn Lynch and shouldn’t disappoint this week against the Bucs. Tampa Bay proved ineffective against Dallas last week and should lay down a few yards for Freddie. Look for a score and low double-digits out of Jackson in Week 2.
Fred Jackson looks to continue rolling against the Bucs.
Santonio Holmes - WR Pittsburgh Steelers at Chicago – Santonio had an impressive stat line in Pittsburgh’s pass-happy debut last Thursday, eclipsing 130 yards and netting a score. Though they won’t be nearly as aerial against the Bears (Roethlisberger can’t throw that much again, can he?), Holmes is still a major weapon against a less-than stable Bears’ defense. He may not hit the century-mark, but he’ll score.
Cedric Benson – RB Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay – Benson slipped in most FF drafts though he probably shouldn’t have. He fits in Cincy and they need him in Cincy. While he won’t see 1,500 yards this season, he will see 20 carries a game and fairly likely, the end zone a few times. Look for the Bengals to hand off early and attempt to slow down the Packers before they get sucked into a scrambling game of catch-up. Benson’s line should almost mirror that of his against Denver.
Sit ‘em!
Philadelphia Eagles D/ST vs New Orleans – Some will argue that after last week’s performance, it’d be a crime to sit Philly’s D at any point this season. They’d be wrong. New Orleans QB Drew Brees came out firing for 6 touchdowns and back-up running back Mike Bell squeaked out 143 yards rushing in Week 1. Although they played the Lions, they got a solid warm-up and feel good scrimmage under their belt and should be clicking on all cylinders. If you’ve got the Eagles and no other options, cross your fingers for another punt return by DJax, but probability isn’t working in your favor. They may play well, but they’ll give up some points this week.
Steve Slaton – RB Houston Texans at Tennessee – Slaton’s rough opener against the Jets was just a preview for this game. Though the Titans may have lost DT Albert Haynesworth, their run D looked solid against the Steelers on opening night. Tennessee will not be an easy opponent in the running game so unless Steve lights up as a receiver, his stat line should prove less-than-stellar.
Brady Quinn – QB Cleveland Browns at Denver – Brady wasn’t spectacular in his debut against Minnesota and frankly should have had better numbers in the second half while the Browns attempted to come back. Denver’s secondary looked solid against Carson Palmer, so unless Cleveland has some play-makers step up, Quinn’s numbers will be mediocre at best. He should be a back-up on your team if you’ve got him, but keep the mouse away from him this week.
Steve Smith – WR Carolina Panthers at Atlanta – Smith was once a stud in the fantasy football world, but that was before. This is now and in the now, Jake Delhomme is garbage a flaming bag of poopy. Unless ol’ Jake gets his act together, Smith’s value is diminished. Though YAC is always the plus-side to Steve’s game, you can’t cross your fingers hoping for his 3 touches to turn into gold. Leave him on the bench if you’ve got options and wait for Carolina to mature.
Steve Smith hopes that QB Jake Delhomme doesn't flake again in Week 2.
Carson Palmer – QB Cincinnati Bengals at Green Bay – Palmer looks hobbled and didn’t perform well last week against Denver. Given the Packers secondary (see Cutler’s performance last week) and the fact that the game is on the road, Week 2 doesn’t look any better for Carson. If they’re smart, they’ll give Benson the ball. If they’re successful, they’ll keep giving Benson the ball. Though he may put up some yards, Palmer will throw a pick or two this week. Mark my words.
Waiver Wire Pick Ups:
Mike Bell - RB New Orleans Saints – If he wasn’t picked up last week in your league then you’ve got a shot at winning it all because you’re playing against idiots.
Jamal Lewis – RB Cleveland Browns – The passing game behind Brady Quinn will be lackluster for some time and with injuries to the rest of the RB corps, he’s a solid back-up play.
Isaac Bruce – WR San Francisco 49ers - The immortal Bruce always seems to creep up the depth chart and could pay off during up-coming bye weeks.
Louis Murphy – WR Oakland Raiders – Murphy looked like the main option for QB JaMarcus Russell in the Raiders’ opener and shows some promise as a formidable optional play this season.
Byron Leftwich – QB Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Byron looks like he should be a consistent back-up option, especially if you were dumb enough to draft QB Jake Delhomme . . .
