Week 1 Fantasy Football Recap
How are we feeling? Week 1 is in the books and we had some completely unexpected performances, some duds, and everything in-between. I know that I had some hits and some misses. Here’s my report card from last week: Week 1 Hesitations
Hesitate Before Starting, Week 1:
Matt Ryan
Sure, he ended up with 304 yards and 2 touchdowns but 127 of the yards and both touchdowns came in the 4th Quarter with the Vikings up 28-0 and employing a rather conservative defensive approach. The Vikings held Ryan in check all day and picked him off twice prior to the 4th Quarter. From a real-world perspective, I hit on this one, though Ryan did force his way into fantasy relevance.
Baker Mayfield
I thought that everyone was a little bit too high too quickly on the Browns, but I didn’t imagine that they’d throw up THIS much of a stinker at home in Week 1. Mayfield put up a less than ideal stat line of 25/38 for 285 yards, with only one touchdown and three interceptions. He was also sacked 5 times in a 43-13 loss. I thought Mayfield would have a decent, but not a great game in Week 1. That might’ve been generous.
Derrick Henry
I was almost right with Henry. He was decent, if unspectacular on the ground, carrying 19 times for 84 yards. However, he did punch in a 1-yard touchdown run. All in all, I was looking solid until he caught your typical 75-yard touchdown reception. A bit unlucky on my part, but I’ll take the L on that one.
Kenyan Drake
My main point with Drake was that it’s impossible to predict his usage from game to game, and I turned out to be right as far as Week 1 was concerned. Drake carried the ball four times for 12 yards and added two receptions for 15 yards. Sure, the direction of the game may have played a factor in the carry total, but only two catches in a 59-10 loss? Alarming. I hope you didn’t start him Week 1, and I’d be leery of doing so moving forward.
Juju Smith-Schuster
In 2018, the Patriots held Smith-Schuster in check, and I didn’t think a matchup in New England with coverage from Stephon Gilmore was a recipe for success. Juju started out slow but ended up with a respectable 6/78 stat line despite the team’s terrible offensive showing. Not bad, but not the WR1 performance many were hoping for.
Tyler Boyd
I figured that this was a terrible all-around matchup. Opening day in Seattle, banged up Cincy offensive line, no A.J. Green, improved Seattle pass rush. Yet, Seattle’s defense proved to be surprisingly flimsy, allowing Andy Dalton to complete 69% of his passes for 418 yards and 2 touchdowns. Yes, you heard that right…Andy Dalton and 418 yards in the same sentence. Yet Boyd was not the main beneficiary. That honor belonged to John Ross III, who caught seven passes on 12 targets for 158 yards and two touchdowns. Who saw that coming? Boyd put up a respectable stat line (8/60), so owners can’t be too upset. But again, maybe not the breakout game some were hoping for.
Austin Hooper
Didn’t do so great with Tight Ends last week. I expressed pessimism about playing Hooper due to the tough matchup (at Minnesota) and his boom or bust nature (9 games in 2018 with 10 or fewer points and four with less than seven points). However, despite Ryan’s inconsistent game, Hooper caught all 9 of his targets for 77 yards. Maybe not a “monster” game, but a solid one.
David Njoku
As with Hooper, I pointed to Njoku’s boom or bust nature and the Tennessee defense in advising to sit Njoku. In 2018, Njoku was very hit or miss…either a star or a nonentity. Sunday was the rare instance of a middle ground for the young Browns TE. Njoku caught four passes for 37 yards and one touchdown. Not a monster game but you’ll take 13.7 points from your TE most weeks.
Saints Defense
I expressed hesitation in trusting the Saints against Houston’s dynamic offense. Though the Saints pulled out a win, their defensive performance was somewhat of a mixed bag. They allowed 28 points (not great), racked up six sacks (excellent), and forced one turnover (Marcus Williams interception). At times they seemed dominant but allowed the Texans to convert 3rd downs at will and move the ball on the ground (23 carries for 180 yards and 7.8 YPC). Not a flagship performance.
Jets Defense
The Jet defense was a tale of two halves. They shut out the Bills in the first half and allowed 17 unanswered points in the second half in a 17-16 loss. They did generate four turnovers but weren’t able to generate any pressure (only 1 sack). John Brown torched the secondary for 123 yards on seven receptions. An injury to C.J. Mosley derailed much of the team’s momentum.
Week 1 Waiver Wire Options to Pick Up & Play (Recap)
Jameis Winston
Probably my worst pick of the week. I was suckered in by the matchup (home against the 49ers), quality receiving options in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and O.J. Howard, and the possibility of Winston throwing the ball 50 times. Boy was I wrong. Winston completed barely 50% of his passes for 194 yards and one touchdown against a surprisingly stingy San Francisco defense. He also threw three interceptions and took three sacks on the day. There’s “Good Jameis” and “Bad Jameis”, and Week 1 was “Very, Very, Very Bad Jameis”
Kirk Cousins
I didn’t expect Cousins to have a monster game by any stretch, but I thought he’d put up a respectable showing at home against a below-average Atlanta defense. He certainly didn’t have a great game by any stretch. After all, he threw eight passes. Yes, eight passes in a 2019 NFL game. However, Cousins salvaged a somewhat respectable fantasy performance (maybe “palpable” is a better word) by throwing for a touchdown and running for another. However, this game represents what I consider to be a probably major shift into a run-dominant offensive scheme for the Vikings. Cousins may not be a reliable play moving forward.
Josh Allen
Allen looked like he was on his way to a poor performance after putting up three points through three quarters while throwing two picks in that span. However, he had a dominant 4th Quarter, showing flashes of his late 2018 Renaissance. In the 4th Quarter, Allen passed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while adding another score on the ground. A little bit of a mixed bag.
Justin Jackson
Austin Ekeler got the glory in the Chargers’ OT victory against the Colts, and rightfully so. But, if you picked up Jackson and played him in a desperation play, you probably weren’t disappointed with his output. Jackson carried the ball six times for 57 yards and added one catch for four yards. 7.1 fantasy points out of Justin Jackson is useful at the very least.
Chris Thompson
One of the most popular Week 2 Waiver Wire pickups, Thompson displayed his value in a Week 1 loss against the Eagles. Though he only carried the ball three times for 10 yards, Thompson added seven receptions on 10 targets (most on the team) for 68 yards. 15.8 points without a score is certainly a good showing for an RB who was only owned in 18.7% of leagues.
Mohamed Sanu
I pointed out the fact that Sanu, while maybe not a home run threat, is a steady cog in a high-scoring Atlanta offense with a very high floor. A stat line of 5/57 perfectly represents what Sanu will offer in a typical week. He isn’t flashy but is a good bet to put up strong baseline numbers.
Ted Ginn Jr.
I think that Ginn Jr has a lot of upside in a potent Saints offense. If Week 1 was any indication, it looks like the focal point of the offense will be Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara, and Latavius Murray to a lesser extent, but Ginn will have a big role as the possible #2. In Week 1, he amassed seven catches for 101 yards. TE Jared Cook figures to be in the mix, along with second-year WR Tre’Quan Smith. Ginn will probably have his “boom” performances, along with some “busts”, but he is a trusted veteran in a high-powered Saints offense. If you started him, you can’t be displeased with 17.1 points.
Adam Humphries
Probably on par with my Winston pick for my worst showing of the week. One catch for six yards isn’t going to cut it in the world of Fantasy Football. He’ll develop a more prominent role in that offense, but I would wait it out before counting on that.
Jack Doyle
I wrote that Doyle is one of the most overlooked assets in Fantasy due to his missed time in 2018 and Eric Ebron’s presence on the Colts. I still feel that way, but it’s safe to say that Doyle had a disappointing Week 1. One catch for 20 yards was a poor 2019 debut for Doyle, to say the least.
T.J. Hockenson
Even though he’s probably my biggest hit, I can’t take full credit because I advised exercising caution in Week 1. My encouragement to add Hockenson was based on my season-long expectations. I hope you really took my words to heart and started the rookie Week 1 because, with six catches for 131 yards and a touchdown, he had a debut for the ages.
Ravens Defense
59-10. Need I say more? They were rostered in less than half of leagues going into Week 1. Even though everyone now realizes how terrible Miami is, I have a feeling that they won’t be so easy to snatch up moving forward.
Seahawks Defense
As previously mentioned, Seattle put up a surprisingly poor defensive performance in Week 1 at home against Cincinnati. It’s difficult to feel good about a defense moving forward if they just allowed Andy Dalton to put on a passing clinic to John Ross III in one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. Be very cautious moving forward.
2019 Fantasy Football Start Em Sit Em Week 2
Start Em – Quarterback
Josh Allen, QB – Buffalo Bills
In Week 2, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills will take on the swiss cheese otherwise known as the New York Giants defense at Metlife Stadium. In Week 1, the Giants allowed Dak Prescott to go 25/32 for 402 yards and four touchdowns. They allowed 16.2 yards per catch and were unable to slow down a prolific Dallas offense. I don’t expect Josh Allen to throw for 402 yards or four touchdowns, but I expect him to have a monster game, nonetheless.
In Week 1 against the Jets, Allen passed for 254 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 38 yards and an additional score. Most of this production came in the second half, which shows what kind of output you can expect from Allen if he puts it all together for a full game. I like him to do so in Week 2.
Jared Goff, QB – LA Rams
Goff was decent, if unspectacular in Week 1, leading the Rams to a solid road win. In the game, Goff threw for 186 yards with a touchdown. I expect a bounce-back performance in what should be an emotional Week 2 matchup with the Saints. Both offenses are potent and will put up points, in what will be an entertaining back and forth contest. Goff has his full array of offensive weapons at his disposal and will need to throw to keep up with the high-flying Saints offense. Furthermore, while the Saints sacked Deshaun Watson six times, he was able to pick them apart at times and was near flawless in 3rd down situations. I think the Saints win in a close game, but I expect Goff to put up good numbers.
Baker Mayfield, QB – Cleveland Browns
I stressed caution in starting Baker Mayfield last week and was proven right. Now, I’m telling you to start him. Mayfield is an emotional leader who will be out for revenge after the Browns got walloped at home in their season opener. While I was not on the Cleveland bandwagon to begin the year, I also don’t think that they should be overlooked as a result of their Week 1 clunker. The Jets have a decent defense on paper but may be without C.J. Mosley. When Mosely left the game in Week 1 with a groin injury, the entire defense unraveled and allowed Buffalo to score 17 unanswered second-half points en-route to a 17-16 victory. He is likely to miss Monday’s game, and the Jets are extremely vulnerable in the secondary. They have talented Safeties, but awful Cornerbacks. If John Brown was able to go off for over 120 yards against the Jets, what can Odell Beckham Jr, Jarvis Landry, David Njoku, and Nick Chubb do? Mayfield marches into Metlife Stadium and buries the Jets on Monday Night Football.
Sit Em – Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers, QB – Green Bay Packers
I didn’t like Rodgers’ matchup last week and he turned in a disappointing performance, against an admittedly excellent Bears defense. 203 yards through the air and one touchdown are not going to help owners win many matchups. In Week 2, Rodgers goes back to the comforts of Lambeau Field but welcomes a strong Vikings team, fresh off a resounding Week 1 victory against Atlanta. In that game, Matt Ryan was largely held in check, and I expect Minnesota to do the same to Rodgers this week. He should put up a better performance than he did in Week 1 but keep your expectations reasonable. The Vikings are a good team and have an excellent defense. I expect them to limit the damage that Rodgers can do, and thus his fantasy potential in Week 2.
Kyler Murray, QB – Arizona Cardinals
As Sunday Night Football drew to a close, I shook my head and said, “I should’ve started Kyler Murray over Ben Roethlisberger”. And alas, that’s how the numbers shook out! However, if I had watched Kyler Murray in the first half, I’d have seen a rookie who was struggling mightily. Arizona’s late comeback against Detroit was admirable, and I do have high hopes for Murray on the year. If I were a Cardinals fan, I’d be very encouraged by his gutsy performance. However, I hate the matchup in Week 2 against Baltimore. Cross-country, on the road against one of the best defenses in the NFL? I’m passing on that matchup all day every day. There are way less risky options for you out there.
Kirk Cousins, QB – Minnesota Vikings
I recommended owners to consider starting Cousins at home against the Falcons last week. He salvaged his fantasy performance with a touchdown run but otherwise proved exactly why you should consider staying away from starting him this year in general, and this week specifically. The Vikings are transitioning to a much heavier run-first offense, featuring the dynamic Dalvin Cook. Cousins threw eight passes in a game at home against one of 2018’s worst pass defenses. Now he goes on the road against a Packer defense that will be chomping at the bit after completely shutting down Mitch Trubisky at Soldier Field in Week 1. Stay away!
Start Em – Running Back
Nick Chubb, RB – Cleveland Browns
The former Bulldog’s workload sure wasn’t an issue in Week 1, as he carried the ball 17 times. Nobody else had more than one carry. However, he only gained 75 yards on those carries and caught three passes for just 10 yards. In Week 2, rather than facing a stingy Tennessee defense, Chubb gets to face a depleted Jets defense that just gave up over five yards per carry to Devin Singletary, Frank Gore (yes he’s still playing), and Josh Allen. Expect the Browns offense to explode in this one, with Chubb getting plenty of work. Start him with confidence.
Josh Jacobs, RB – Oakland Raiders
What a debut! The rookie from Alabama gained 113 all-purpose yards and added two scores on the ground. He is clearly already the most trusted back on the team, and Gruden will use him heavily against the Chiefs. The Chiefs have allowed the most yards per carry to running backs since the beginning of last year, and Oakland will need to score early and often to keep pace with them. From sheer volume alone, Jacobs should be started every week and is a good bet to find the end zone in Week 2. Start him at a Flex or RB2 with confidence.
Chris Thompson, RB – Washington Redskins
I featured Thompson in my Waiver Wire article last week, and that was before Derrius Guice got hurt. Thompson may not get much in the way of carries, but he is a key member of the Washington passing attack. Last week, Thompson led the team in targets (10) and receptions (seven) and was second in receiving yards (68). In a PPR league, he’s a must-start at your Flex, simply from his massive usage through the air. With Guice headed to IR, Thompson’s role should increase even more. A daunting Week 2 matchup with the Cowboys approaches and Dallas is expected to win big. This being the case, expect the Redskins to be playing from behind, which benefits Thompson even more. Start him this week.
Sit Em – Running Back
Leonard Fournette, RB – Jacksonville Jaguars
Sure, he had the lion’s share of carries for the Jaguars, averaged 5.1 yards per carry, and added four receptions in Week 1 against Kansas City. But most owners drafted Fournette based on his near-lock ability to amass 20+ touches on a weekly basis when healthy. Fournette’s limited usage was surprising considering the injury to Nick Foles and Gardner Minshew entering the game to make his NFL debut. Though Minshew played well, owners would have liked to see more usage from Fournette, who now travels to Houston. I think Fournette probably gets enough usage to remain fantasy-relevant, but if you have better options, start them because I think the upside will be limited in this one.
Kenyan Drake, RB – Miami Dolphins
I cautioned against trusting Drake last week and I’m doubling down on that this week after a pitiful Week 1 performance against Baltimore. The Dolphins lost 59-10, so it’s understandable that they abandoned the running game to a degree. But four carries? And only two receptions in that kind of situation? Doesn’t bode well for anything related to Drake’s fantasy output. He’s way too risky of a play unless you’re in an exceptionally deep league. A Week 2 matchup looms against a New England defense that held the Steelers to 3 points. Stay away. Stay far away.
Phillip Lindsay, RB – Denver Broncos
I feel bad about this pick because I’m a Lindsay guy. How can you not like an undrafted, undersized free agent who helped lead many a fantasy team to glory last year? However, we heard going into the season that the Broncos were going to try to get Royce Freeman more involved. Alas, in Week 1, the two backs had an even split in carries (10 for Freeman and 11 for Lindsay), with Freeman averaging 5.6 yards per carry compared to only 3.9 for Lindsay. While Lindsay is used more in the passing game, I believe that 2019 will be a very even split, which doesn’t bode well for Lindsay’s prospects. A Week 2 matchup at the Bears further gives me pessimism. If you’re going to start Lindsay Week 2, do so at your Flex. Even there, I wouldn’t be too optimistic. Bench him if you can afford to.
Start Em – Wide Receiver
Robert Woods, WR – LA Rams
Robert Woods is as steady as they come. The Rams have many viable options in the passing game, yet Woods seems to be targeted constantly. Including the playoffs, he’s had 7 or more targets in 22 of his last 25 games. The touchdowns may not always come in bunches, but Woods is a near-lock to get you 7-9 catches for 60-70 yards on a weekly basis. In Week 2, the Rams will get a high-flying Saints offense at home and will have to put points on the board to have a realistic chance. Expect Woods to have a big game.
Jarvis Landry, WR – Cleveland Browns
Landry may be the forgotten man in the revamped Browns offense. While Odell Beckham Jr. may get most of the headlines, it’s Landy who should earn your trust in Week 2. Even in a “down year” in 2018, Landry averaged over nine targets per game and caught 81 passes. In a terrible Week 1 loss to the Titans, he still put up a respectable stat line of 4/67. The Jets secondary just gave up 123 yards to John Brown. I shudder to think of what might happen when they go up against OBJ, Landry, Njoku, and Chubb. I expect all to have good weeks, but I think Landry goes off in a big way against what could be an even further shorthanded defense if C.J. Mosley is ruled out.
Michael Gallup, WR – Dallas Cowboys
I’m buying the Michael Gallup hype. Last year, the Dallas defense got some love, and I think the offense does this time around. In Week 1, Gallup caught all seven of his targets for 158 yards and a touchdown. Sure, the Giants will be terrible in 2019. But are the Redskins much, if any better? Ezekiel Elliott gets more work in Week 2, but with how great Dak looked, I think the Cowboys continue to ease him into things, and rely on Dak’s arm again. I like the young WR to have another huge game against a bad opponent, even if it’s on the road. There’s some risk involved, so I wouldn’t start him at WR1 or WR2 by any stretch. But he’s well worth a Flex start this week.
Sit Em – Wide Receiver
John Ross III, WR – Cincinnati Bengals
I know, I know. He’s the popular waiver claim this week, and everyone wants to add him or trade for him. While I think he has some potential and upside (see Week 1), Ross strikes me as the classic “don’t go too crazy over one-week” candidate. A LOT of things went right for the Cincinnati offense last week. For one, they faced a surprisingly uninspired Seahawks’ defense that allowed ANDY DALTON to throw for 418 yards. Does anybody believe that’s going to happen again? Ross had more yards on a single touchdown reception (55) than he’d ever had in a game. I get that the kid has upside, and if you want to make a low-risk waiver pickup, go for it. But don’t give up legitimate assets for him, and don’t slot him in as your WR2 this week. A matchup against a seemingly much-improved 49er defense doesn’t bode well for a repeat performance. Have caution.
Sammy Watkins, WR – Kansas City Chiefs
Call me crazy, but I’m certainly not ready to anoint Sammy Watkins as a surefire WR1 just yet. I understand that there’s a lot going for him, namely the temporary potential #1 in a dynamic Kansas City offense led by an MVP Quarterback. I’m sure many owners were kicking themselves after benching Watkins in Week 1, as he posted a ridiculous 9/198/3 stat line. But Sammy Watkins has ALWAYS been very boom or bust. People forget that he’s had some real “boom” games before in his career. 9/107/2 against Denver and 7/100 at Pittsburgh last year. 7/106/2 against San Francisco in 2017. 10/154/1 against Miami in 2016.
In 2019, he also posted games of one catch for four yards, two catches for 18 yards, and zero catches. In 2017, Watkins had more than three catches in only three games. In an injury-plagued 2016, he scored two touchdowns in eight games. I’m sure he will get a spike in production, and I’m not even necessarily saying to sit him. But be reasonable in your expectations until he proves for the first time in a six-year career that he can sustain it. The Raider defense played well in Week 1 too, so think long and hard before committing to Watkins as your WR1.
T.Y. Hilton, WR – Indianapolis Colts
I cautioned owners against abandoning all Colts in the wake of Andrew Luck’s surprising retirement. This was mostly because Jacoby Brissett really is pretty decent. This was certainly the case in Week 1, as Brisset went 21/27 for 190 yards and 2 touchdowns. Hilton, whose fantasy stock sharply declined following the retirement, posted an outstanding stat line, going off for 8/87/2. I think T.Y. will be a reliable fantasy option moving forward. However, I don’t love him this week going up against a good Tennessee defense on the road. The Titans just smacked around a better (at least on paper) Cleveland offense and should look to feast on Brissett at home. I think he’ll find Hilton a few times, but I’m sensing a poor output this week. Proceed with caution.
Start Em – Tight End
T.J. Hockenson, TE – Detroit Lions
I already recapped Hockenson’s outstanding Week 1 debut. As I said, I believe the highest-drafted TE since 2006 develops into a favorite weapon for Matthew Stafford and winds up as a top-10 TE by season’s end (if not top-5). The Chargers defense is dearly missing Derwin James and allowed Brissett to put up 24 points in Week 1 (though Brisset is not that bad). Stafford looked sharp in Week 1, and I believe that he keeps it up in what should be a high scoring affair with a good Chargers offense. There’s some real upside for you if you start T.J. this week.
Jared Cook, TE – New Orleans Saints
Week 1 was an inauspicious start for Cooks in New Orleans. He caught two passes for 37 yards and was only targeted 3 times. However, I expect Drew Brees to throw early and often in what should be a high-scoring game in Los Angeles. The Saints will need to put points on the board in bunches to keep up with the Rams, and I expect Cook to find paydirt this week. I get it if you don’t trust him yet, but I like Cook to have a big bounce-back game in Week 2.
David Njoku, TE – Cleveland Browns
Notice a theme here? I think the Browns torch the shorthanded Jets in Week 2, and if the Browns are going to torch the Jets, I like most of the offensive players for the Browns. Njoku was one of the lone bright spots for Cleveland in Week 1, catching four passes for 37 yards with a touchdown. I think Njoku scores again in Week 2 and is worth starting.
Sit Em – Tight End
Jimmy Graham, TE – Green Bay Packers
Yes, he scored in Week 1, but I wouldn’t touch Graham this week. The touchdown was a little bit of a fluke/busted play, and Week 2 presents a poor matchup against a good Vikings defense. Graham frustrated fantasy owners all year in 2018 with a maddening degree of inconsistency, and I think 2019 will be much of the same. He’s always a candidate for a monster game but is way too inconsistent to trust him with a start. There are much more reliable options for you out there.
Vance Mcdonald, TE – Pittsburgh Steelers
Nobody on the Steelers had a flagship game in Week 1. I think the Steelers bounce back in Week 2 at home against Seattle, but I’m not placing any degree of trust in Mcdonald. In 2018, he racked up 50 or more receiving yards just 3 times, despite being featured in a high-flying offense. The Seahawk defense wasn’t great in Week 1 but was more vulnerable to Wide Receivers than Tight Ends in that game. Manage your expectations for Vance in Week 2, and any week thereafter.
Evan Engram, TE – New York Giants
Engram went off in Week 1 despite the Giants getting blown out by the Cowboys, hauling in 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. In Week 2, I think the Giants lean more heavily on Saquon Barkley, and Eli Manning won’t play well against an excellent Buffalo defense. Engram should get you a reasonable floor at the very least. But, due to my expected Eli regression and a changed offensive game plan, Engram comes back down to earth in Week 2.
Start Em – D/ST
New England Patriots
The Patriots’ defense has always been “underrated,” although it’s fair to argue if they are every truly “underrated.” However, that doesn’t seem to be the case in the early going this year. In Week 1, the Pats held a dynamic Pittsburgh offense to three points. How are they going to do against a Dolphin team that was just trounced by the Ravens 59-10? If you watched that Dolphins game, saw the box score, or simply heard about it, you’ll know that the Patriots are a must-start in Week 2.
Houston Texans
Houston’s defense was somewhat of a mixed bag against the Saints in Week 1. They held the Saints to three points in the first half at the Superdome (not easy to do) and picked off Brees in the red zone (which never happens). However, they wilted in the second half and allowed the Saints to earn the comeback victory. In Week 2, the Texans get Gardner Minshew and the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. I’m not making fun of Minshew. He had a solid NFL debut. But Minshew is not Drew Brees. The Texans will have their way with the rookie and are a great option in Week 2.
Tennesee Titans
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, the Tennessee defense is an overlooked asset. The inconsistency of the offense (though in Week 1 they were anything but) masks the fact that the Titans have a solid defense. They picked off Baker Mayfield three times on the road in Week 1 and generated five sacks. I think the Colts take a step back in Week 2 and are held in check by a confident Tennessee defense in Week 2. They’re a reasonable play for you this week.
Sit Em – D/ST
Los Angeles Chargers
I have the Chargers in both of my leagues, so it pains me to say this, but I don’t know if they’re a great starting option…at least for the time being. The loss of Derwin James significantly affects their pass defense, and I was surprised how poorly they played against a mediocre Colt offense. I think Matthew Stafford has a field day in Week 2 and leads the Lions to an upset win. Start the Chargers if you must, but if you have the room on your bench, pick up another option to stream.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are my pick to win an NFC Wild Card spot this year, but their defense makes me nervous. They allowed Case Keenum to have a career day in Week 1 and generated only one sack without any turnovers. Going on the road to Atlanta is a much tougher task. If Washington was able to put 27 points up against the Eagles, I expect Atlanta to threaten for 40. Don’t start the Eagles this week.
Seattle Seahawks
Admittedly, I was drinking the Kool-Aid before Week 1. A home game against a depleted offensive line, with Andy Dalton and no A.J. Green? Instead, Dalton had a career game, and the Seahawks barely escaped with a 31-30 win. The Steelers are hungry after suffering a 33-3 embarrassment at the hands of the Patriots in Week 1 and will rebound in a big way. I think Pittsburgh puts at least 30-35 points on the board, which is a dreary outlook for the Seattle defense.
Washington Redskins Running Back Chris Thompson. Photo Credit: KA Sports Photos | Under Creative Commons License