Fantasy Football Week 2 Start 'em or Sit 'em: 5 Players That Might Surprise You

Jeff Curry/Getty Images

Utilizing the waiver wire in your fantasy football league is an important part of having a successful season. Here are five players who are widely available in fantasy leagues and could surprise you in Week 2. 

Now that the first week of the season is in the books, it is time to revamp your fantasy bench and grab some players who could have strong games in Week 2.

Cadillac Williams

Ed Szczepanski/Getty Images

St. Louis Rams' back-up running back Cadillac Williams has been one of the most talked-about waiver-wire pickups this week.

The Rams' starting running back Steven Jackson injured his quad in Week 1 and is extremely unlikely to play in Week 2. Therefore, Cadillac Williams will be the starter against the New York Giants.

Williams totaled 140 yards on 25 touches last week. He also was a big part of the Rams' passing game out of the backfield.

With a banged-up roster, expect the Rams to rely heavily on Williams. Even if you don't own Jackson, it would be a wise decision to grab him off waivers this week as a fill-in back.

Ben Tate

Bob Levey/Getty Images

In the face of Arian Foster's absence, the Houston Texans split their carries amongst Ben Tate and Derrick Ward. Throughout the game, Tate looked like the much better runner as he showed speed and power.

With Foster's ability to play in Week 2 still in doubt, it would be smart to grab Tate off of waivers this week. He could be a strong flex play against the Miami Dolphins, whose defense just gave up 500+ yards to Tom Brady on Monday night.

Tate should be on the bench of every Foster owner but is also worth a look by any fantasy owner this week.

Rex Grossman

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

If you need a short-term solution at quarterback, then Rex Grossman might just be your guy. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns last week against the New York Giants. Grossman also had zero interceptions thrown in the game.

Grossman's main benefit going into Week 2 is the fact that his team will face the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals had a terrible game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1 by allowing Cam Newton to pass for over 400 yards in his NFL debut.

While Grossman is not a long-term solution at quarterback for fantasy owners, he does have a decent chance of having another nice game in Week 2 and is available in many leagues.

Devin Hester

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears will play the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. The Saints are coming off a game against the Green Bay Packers in which they allowed 42 points.

Last week, Devin Hester caught three passes for 60 yards. His advantage in Week 2 will be the fact that the Saints have allowed the most fantasy points to wide receivers so far this season.

This is not to advocate that Hester will have a huge game on Sunday. There is just a decent chance that Hester will be able to use his speed to do some damage against the New Orleans secondary.

Nate Burleson

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson had a decent showing against Tampa Bay in Week 1. He caught all five balls that were thrown his way and also had a 20-yard run on a reverse. However, he was in and out of the game with cramps that were a factor of playing in the Florida heat and missed most of the second quarter.

With quarterback Matthew Stafford finally healthy and playing well, Burleson could be a strong fantasy option throughout the 2011 season. Opposing defenses will focus on Calvin Johnson, which should allow Burleson to get his fair share of the action.

If Burleson is available in your league, then he is definitely worthy of a spot on your fantasy bench and, depending on the strength of your roster at wide receiver, in your starting lineup.