Start Em Sit Em Week 2: Stars Sure to Bounce Back from Disappointing Opener

The opening week of the 2013 NFL season featured a few players who had breakout games, but Mike Wallace will be one of the star players who will rebound from a disappointing opener in Week 2.

Some teams, like the Miami Dolphins, were able to overcome poor outings from their star players. Others weren't as lucky, and even an average performance out of those players would have been enough to lead the team to a victory.

The players on this list will be expected to bounce back strong this week, and they will do exactly that.

Wallace didn't make much of an impact in his first game with the Dolphins, but he is one of the stars that will be worth a start in fantasy football leagues.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Week 1 stats: 16/23, 125 YDS, 1 TD, 0 INT; 5 ATT, 38 YDS, 0 TD

Outside of the elite passers like Peyton Manning, Cam Newton was expected to be one of the best options at quarterback for fantasy teams. Unfortunately, many owners were left hoping the rest of their team could make up for a rough outing by the quarterback.

Newton faced a tough Seattle defense. There's no shame in struggling against the Seahawks, but he was shut down completely. He threw for 125 yards with a touchdown and added only 38 yards on five carries. Those numbers earned him 12 points in ESPN leagues, which is not even close to what he is capable of putting up.

The Panthers lost 12-7, and they likely would have won had Newton put up slightly better numbers.

His next opponent, the Buffalo Bills, allowed Tom Brady to throw for 288 yards and two touchdowns last week. The New England Patriots also ran for 158 yards in that game. The Bills ranked 31st in the NFL in run defense last season, so Newton will be able to have his way on the ground.

Newton is the best dual-threat quarterback in the league. He has a big arm, and his size allows him to take hits while running the ball.

Mike Wallace, WR, Miami Dolphins

Week 1 stats: 5 TGTS, 1 REC, 15 YDS, 0 TD

The Dolphins beat the Cleveland Browns last week, but James Walker of ESPN.com reported that Wallace was unhappy with his role in the offense. It's concerning that he's already unhappy only one game into his new deal. However, it may have persuaded his coaches to get him more involved.

Wallace was brought in to be a vertical threat, but he was unable to do much against Joe Haden and the Browns. 

Miami will head to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in an important divisional game. The Colts ranked 21st in the NFL in pass defense last season, and they allowed Terrelle Pryor to throw for 217 yards in only his second start.

Brian Hartline was the beneficiary of Wallace's presence on the field, but this week will be about getting the 27-year-old more looks.

Wallace has great speed, so quarterback Ryan Tannehill should take advantage of it against a mediocre secondary. 

 

Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Week 1 stats: 8 TGTS, 4 REC, 22 YDS, 0 TD

Dallas won a shootout against the New York Giants last week thanks to six turnovers, but Dez Bryant needs to have more of an impact if the Cowboys are going to contend this season.

Todd Archer of ESPN.com reported that Bryant is dealing with a foot injury, but he should be ready to go on Sunday.

The 24-year-old is an elite receiver, so he has the talent to take over a game. 

He posted 1,382 yards with 12 touchdowns in a breakout season last year, but he is off to a slow start this season. Last year he did not have consecutive games with fewer than 50 receiving yards. He also ended the season with at least one touchdown in seven of the final eight games, so look for Tony Romo to target his top receiver near the goal line.

Kansas City looked impressive in its opener. After falling behind 2-0 early in the game, the Chiefs dominated the Jacksonville Jaguars en route to a 28-2 victory.

The Chiefs held the Jaguars to 157 yards through the air, but keep it in perspective. The Jaguars switched quarterbacks in the middle of the game due to injury, and Justin Blackmon was not on the field. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew was unable to get anything going, so Kansas City was able to stop the receivers.

Bryant is an unstoppable force when he and Romo are on the same page. After the two were unable to hook up much last week, Romo will make sure Bryant impacts this game.

*All stats are courtesy of NFL.com