Fantasy Football Week Two Starts & Sits

Chad Samuels, Fantasy columnist at Fantasy Football Maniaxs

Week Two is gearing up and as we amass our stats and make our start and sit decisions it is good to have some extra opinions and advice. We at Fantasy Football Maniaxs have you covered, as always.

Note to everyone:
"You may notice that sometimes we advice against starting a particular player and in the next message (comment box) we advocate on starting him.

The reason is very simple:
It depends on who your other option is. Oftentimes we're talking about players that will put up similar stats; what we're trying to accomplish is to take some gambles to optimize your lineup and max out your final score."
 
Finally, before we get into serious football, let me note that it was also stunning to see Tom Brady go down for the season and that will be difficult to recover from.

I think the Patriots will be fine though there is a lot of talent on that team and they are in a weaker division so they should still make the playoffs. I doubt they will get far, though.   

Start of the Week

Several running backs produced down games last week, but are slated to bounce back this week. The one I like to bounce back the most is Chiefs’ Larry Johnson.
Rookie Guard Branden Albert held his own, and Oakland’s defense needs more help than Al Davis spending money with reckless abandon.

Though we here at Fantasy Football Maniaxs do not wish injury on anyone, the injury to Brodie Croyle might actually help their offense.

Damon Huard is a solid veteran who is capable of running an offense even if it is not very impressive. Huard will run a safe offense that will require many handoffs to Larry Johnson. Start Larry this week.

Quarterbacks to start:

The balance of power will stay even in the AFC until Peyton Manning gets his wings back. Early on the Steelers are the team to beat. Pittsburgh’s offense is not as prolific as Dallas’ but they should have similar results.
Ben Roethlisberger can chuck the ball. Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes are more than capable of beating the Browns’ defense. Start him this week.
 
Eli Manning moved the ball well last week but could not overcome halftime adjustments to score in the second half. It may be “inconsistent” Eli this season, though, only time will tell. For this week, start Eli as he should expose the Rams’ defense again.
 
The Cardinals were able to move the ball last week but were not able to punch it in the end zone efficiently settling for three FGs. Kurt Warner will do better this week because the San Francisco defense is better than most realize. Give him the start against a weaker Miami’s defense.
 
Finally, for those who are looking for life after Tom Brady, do not despair. Matt Cassel will play solid and has weapons to throw to. He won’t give you the stud points Brady would, but he will be a serviceable option this week as you will probably play a QBBC this year.

Running Backs to start:

Marion Barber bruised his ribs last week. He left the game and Felix Jones filled in capably during that time. The good news is that Marion Barber should practice and be ready to play this Monday versus Philadelphia. Dallas has more weapons and they will be able to run the ball effectively on Philadelphia where St. Louis never really could. Start him.
 
Ryan Grant was monitored for a hamstring last week. He started and played well on Monday versus a tough Vikings defense. Despite a short week to prepare and rest up from the rigors of football, Grant should tear apart the Lions’ defense.
 
It appears that there will not be a committee in New York. Of the 32 plays Brandon Jacobs was part of, 66 percent of them were carries. The only thing that will stop Brandon Jacobs from having a large day will be injury.
 
It was surprising that Rookie Chris Johnson started the game over LenDale White. Then he goes out and almost rushes for 100 yards and a score. He did get a bit dinged up but will be ready to go versus Cincinnati. Johnson will be versatile and effective again in this game. Give him a go.

Wide Receivers to start:

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