Fantasy Football 2011: Musts, Trusts and Busts (Week 2)

Week 2: Who to Start Edition

 As far as Musts, Trusts and Busts Version 3.0 is concerned, I’m pleased with some of my projections that have stood since as early as the beginning of June.

In Version 2.0, I went somewhat against the grain, correctly predicting that you could trust Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and that you could not trust Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel.

I labeled newly acquired Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower a sleeper, and he performed admirably in Week 1.  

But like any fantasy football article comprised of projections, there were some misses.

Despite the disappointing play of Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan, I still went a dominating 3-0 on the NFL’s opening weekend.

Start your “musts” and bench your “busts”—reference the MTB formula when considering your fantasy football lineup each week.

MTB Version 2.0: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/838927-fantasy-football-2011-musts-trusts-and-busts-version-20

MTB Version 1.0: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/719153-fantasy-football-2011-musts-trusts-and-busts-version-10 

Quarterback

Musts:

1. Michael Vick

2. Aaron Rodgers

3. Tom Brady

4. Drew Brees

5. (A) Philip Rivers 

5. (B) Matthew Stafford

Trusts:

Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Big Ben, Matt Schaub 

Busts:

Matt Cassel, Cam Newton

Value Depth:

Sam Bradford, Josh Freeman

Sleepers:

Mark Sanchez, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Kevin Kolb

Analysis: 

There really isn’t much change as far as the quarterback position is concerned. The “musts” went out and did what they do in Week 1; and the "trusts," well, some of them didn't really play all that well.

Some will argue Tom Brady’s ranking at No. 3, but I’m almost positive he’s not going to go out and throw for 500+ yards every week.

I did say that you can trust Matt Ryan and Ben Roethlisberger, but in Week 1 that wasn’t necessarily the case. I firmly believe that both Ryan and Roethlisberger are “trusts,” and I will continue to employ them in my fantasy football lineups.

Philadelphia’s “Dream” secondary will get all it can handle if Matt Ryan and Co. can bring it together.

Carolina Panthers strong-armed rookie quarterback Cam Newton absolutely blew up last Sunday. His matchup versus the Green Bay Packers this weekend should bring the “War Eagle” back down to earth.

Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is a must start in Detroit's match up against the Kansas City Chiefs at Ford Field this Sunday.

Running Back

Musts:

1. Adrian Peterson

2. Ray Rice

3. Darren McFadden

4. Jamaal Charles 

5. Any Houston Texans running back (Arian Foster or Ben Tate) 

Trusts:

Rashard Mendenhall, LeSean McCoy, Michael Turner, Frank Gore, CJ2K

Busts:

Any Indianapolis running back, Ryan Torain, Shonn Greene, MJD

Value Depth:

LeGarrette Blount, Mark Ingram, Matt Forte

Sleepers:

Beanie Wells, Tim Hightower

Analysis:

With Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Marcedes Lewis listed as doubtful, the value of running back Maurice Jones-Drew takes a significant hit. The play of Lewis ensures that opposing defenses “stay honest”—look for the New York Jets to stack the box… just as they always do.

Raiders’ running back Darren McFadden is going to smash the Buffalo Bills defense. I’m not worried about the shoulder injury he suffered in Week 1’s contest versus the Denver Broncos.

Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice and Jamaal Charles are automatic starts, but don’t look for Charles to go for more than 90 all-purpose yards and a score against a stingy Detroit Lions defense.

Due to his well-documented injury history, I actually labeled Beanie Wells a “bust” in Week 1. If he can stay healthy this season, he belongs in the “trust” category.

STAY AWAY from all Indianapolis Colts running backs. Joseph Addai has been boom or bust throughout his entire career, and rookie Delone Carter is all hype.

After LeGarrette Blount's performance in Tampa Bay’s home opener last week, now is the time to acquire the services of the running back. Buy low.

Wide Receiver

Musts:

1. Andre Johnson 

2. Calvin Johnson 

3. Larry Fitzgerald

4. Greg Jennings 

5. Mike Wallace

Trusts:

Roddy White, Vincent Jackson, Reggie Wayne, Kenny Britt, Hakeem Nicks

Busts:

Santonio Holmes, Julio Jones, Miles Austin

Value Depth:

Dez Bryant, Steve Johnson, Wes Welker, Brandon Marshall

Sleepers:

Devery Henderson, Percy Harvin

Analysis:

I was mocked for arguing the selection Calvin Johnson before Andre Johnson in all fantasy football formats back in June.

All hail the rise of “Megatron.”

With Calvin Johnson suffering from a lingering ankle injury, start Andre Johnson in Week 2. Detroit will sit Calvin if they build a lead.

Larry Fitzgerald, Mike Wallace and Greg Jennings will all get their numbers this Sunday.

Also, start Roddy White. The Atlanta Falcons will go to him early and often. I don’t care if Deion Sanders in his prime is lined up against White. If he’s healthy, start him.

In contrast, sit Falcons rookie wideout Julio Jones. He will most likely see a combination of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Asante Samuel and Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage.

Both Cowboys’ wideouts—Dez Bryant and Miles Austin—will be slowed this Sunday due to injuries. I believe that Bryant is only a year or two away from being considered elite. Players make plays, and I expect Bryant to find the end zone.