Fantasy Football Week 2: Rankings and Advice for Thursday Night Football
Thursday Night Football has been fantastic to start off the year. Not only has there been an agglomeration of fantasy football ramifications, but if this week's contest with the Denver Broncos traveling to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Kansas City Chiefs is anything like last week's Thursday night game, it will be entertaining to watch.
A couple storylines to follow will include Peyton Manning and his arm strength, if Travis Kelce can keep it up and, last but certainly not least, if the Broncos can get running back C.J. Anderson going.
Both teams are 1-0 and are in the same division. Will this game foreshadow what we expect to see this season from both clubs? Will the winner be the eventual division champ?
Once again, this column will basically break down every player that will step on the field Thursday night.
Top-10 Big Board
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| Rank | Player | Pos. | Team |
| 1 | Jamaal Charles | RB | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 2 | C.J. Anderson | RB | Denver Broncos |
| 3 | Travis Kelce | TE | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 4 | Demaryius Thomas | WR | Denver Broncos |
| 5 | Jeremy Maclin | WR | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 6 | Peyton Manning | QB | Denver Broncos |
| 7 | Alex Smith | QB | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 8 | Emmanuel Sanders | WR | Denver Broncos |
| 9 | Albert Wilson | WR | Kansas City Chiefs |
| 10 | Andre Caldwell | WR | Denver Broncos |
Starting Quarterbacks
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Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning
Make no qualms about it: Peyton Manning looked horrible in his Week 1 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens.
Heading in to Week 2, Manning will take on a defense in the Chiefs that seemed to rattle Houston Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer until he was eventually pulled from the game, taking four sacks. However, in head coach Gary Kubiak's offense, you need to be able to run the ball, and the Broncos could not accomplish that goal.
If the Texans were able to accomplish anything against the Kansas City Chiefs, it was that they were able to run the ball. Now, it's understandable that their success may have been forgotten because it was all Kansas City the whole game, but the Texans running backs totaled 92 yards and over four yards per carry.
Do you agree that C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman are better than the Texans running backs? OK, good.
In a game that will be a close defensive battle, the running game should be able to kick-start on Thursday. While Manning won't be his usual eye-popping, stat-producing machine, he'll post much better numbers in Week 2.
Projections: 25-of-37, 245 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Kansas City Chiefs: Alex Smith
Well, well, well, Mr. Smith. You certainly played well in Week 1. Should we just give you the MVP award now?
Yeah, Smith played well en route to a three-touchdown game against the Texans. However, the Broncos currently rank first and third in pass coverage and run defense, respectively. Of course, it was only one week, but the Broncos defense seems to be the real deal.
Smith has more weapons and he's been the poster boy of a quarterback who takes care of the ball.
The Chiefs have what the Ravens don't—weapons. Having studs such as tight end Travis Kelce, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin and running back Jamaal Charles will certainly help.
Smith will be productive in what will, again, be a close game.
Projections: 20-of-29, 235 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
Running Backs
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Denver Broncos Starter: C.J. Anderson
As I pointed out in the last slide, the Chiefs could not stop the run last week.
As reported by multiple media outlets, Anderson is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game with toe and ankle injuries he's been dealing with this week. While this injury is worth monitoring, the hope is that Anderson will play. If he does, don't second-guess starting him just because of the injury—play him.
Anderson struggled in Week 1, but going up against a Chiefs defense that showed a weakness in run defense and in what should be a close game, Anderson should see his fair share of opportunities. This will lead to a solid stat line for fantasy owners.
Projections: 18 carries, 85 rushing yards, 0 TD; 4 receptions, 30 yards, 1 TD
Denver Broncos Backup: Ronnie Hillman
Coming in for relief of an injured Anderson, Hillman produced against what was a tough Ravens defense (against Anderson, anyway). Though his yards per carry were less than four, he produced over 40 rushing yards.
The same rules apply to Anderson—in his attempts, Hillman will produce, but not enough to make you consider playing him unless, of course, Anderson is ruled out for Thursday night's game.
Projections: 9 carries, 35 rushing yards, 0 TD
Kansas City Chiefs Starter: Jamaal Charles
The Broncos run defense is legit, I get it. However, Charles is a different specimen. Of course, you're not avoiding Charles under any circumstance; you're just concerned with how he's going to perform.
The Broncos defense doesn't scare me against him for this reason: The Chiefs will be able to pass more than the Ravens. It's an obvious viewpoint: If you can throw the ball, teams will not be able to stack the box. With my projections for Alex Smith, he should perform well in the passing game, thus resulting in Charles having a productive Thursday night.
Projections: 20 carries, 110 rushing yards, 1 TD; 5 receptions, 50 receiving yards
Kansas City Chiefs Backup: Knile Davis
In a game I expect to be close, Davis should see some opportunities in the ground game. Like Hillman, Davis just won't produce nearly enough to start.
Projections: 7 carries, 29 rushing yards, 0 TD; 1 reception, 10 receiving yards, 0 TD
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Wide Receivers
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Denver Broncos: Demaryius Thomas
The Ravens don't have a Demaryius Thomas-like player. Going up against the Chiefs, who got absolutely mauled by Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Thomas will see success, too.
Like Jamaal Charles, you're starting Thomas regardless. Don't sweat it "DT" owners, he's finding the end zone Thursday night.
Projections: 6 receptions, 78 receiving yards, 1 TD
Denver Broncos: Emmanuel Sanders
Similar to Thomas, Sanders should be able to exploit this secondary. As we saw last week, Hopkins and fellow Texans wide receiver Nate Washington both had success. Of course, that was during garbage time, but I put more faith in Peyton Manning than any Texans quarterback.
If you're in a points-per-reception league, Sanders will always present value.
Projections: 7 receptions, 70 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Denver Broncos: Andre Caldwell
Outside of Thomas and Sanders, you can expect another lackluster week from wide receiver options lower on the totem pole.
This game will mostly be run by the receivers mentioned above and running back C.J. Anderson.
Projections: 3 receptions, 20 yards, 0 TDs
Denver Broncos: Jordan Norwood
Going off of last week's game in which Norwood saw the field more often than fellow Broncos wide receiver and mystery man Cody Latimer, Norwood will be a non-factor again this week.
Avoid Norwood in all formats.
Projections: 1 reception, 7 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremy Maclin
The much-talked about "Chiefs wide receivers haven't caught a regular-season touchdown in forever" narrative will end Thursday night.
While I expect Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce to be a huge factor, he's a specimen the Broncos won't see again this season, and Maclin will benefit.
Broncos cornerbacks Chris Harris and Aqib Talib are fantastic, no doubt, but don't be scared by their presence. Go against the grain and reap the benefits of Maclin's success.
Projections: 5 receptions, 60 receiving yards, 1 TD
Kansas City Chiefs: Albert Wilson
You just wait—Wilson will come in to his own as a points-per-reception machine. Unfortunately for him, it won't be this week. Being the fourth receiving option in an Alex Smith-led offense is a tough gig to have.
However, Wilson is worth monitoring. Being on national television, everyone will become exposed to Wilson which will be beneficial later.
Wilson is worth flex consideration in deeper leagues.
Projections: 3 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Kansas City Chiefs: DeAnthony Thomas
A very versatile athlete, but the production isn't quite there yet for him to be on many fantasy rosters as of yet.
Projections: 2 receptions, 10 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Kansas City Chiefs: Jason Avant
Not being lazy in my analysis here, but yeah, no, you're not starting him. But hey, just watch, he'll go out and catch two touchdowns.
Projections: 1 reception, 5 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Tight Ends
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Denver Broncos Starter: Owen Daniels
A huge believer coming into the season, Daniels' lackluster Week 1 will carry over in to Week 2.
In a Week 1 where Daniels ran 33 pass routes and received only two targets, let's take a "wait and see" approach for now.
Projections: 3 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Denver Broncos Backup: Virgil Green
One of the preseason's most-hyped players, Virgil Green is a non-factor it seems. Having ran seven pass routes, Virgil Green is not on any fantasy radars.
Projections: 1 reception, 5 receiving yards, 0 TDs
Kansas City Chiefs Starter: Travis Kelce
Having absolutely dismantled the Houston Texans, his success will continue. Leading Week 1 with 4.08 yards per route run, Kelce is a monster. Nothing more to say.
Projections: 6 receptions, 65 receiving yards, 1 TD
Kansas City Chiefs Backup: James O'Shaugnessy
Seeing one target and eight pass routes ran, avoid O'Shaughnessy.
Projections: 0 receptions
Defense/Special Teams
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Denver Broncos Defense/Special Teams
A very good defense, no doubt. However, the production and Alex Smith and Jamaal Charles will lead to a loss for this defense. The defensive line should be able to get to Smith a few times, and looking at Smith's projections, an interception, too.
Projections: 24 points allowed, 1 INT, 3 sacks
Kansas City Chiefs Defense/Special Teams
In what will be a dogfight of a game that comes down to field goals, the Chiefs will take the win here. The Ravens were able to sack Manning four times, and a Chiefs defensive line headed by Justin Houston should be able to produce similar pressure.
How great would it be for Eric Berry to get an interception?
Projections: 20 points allowed, 1 INT, 4 sacks
Best Sleeper Add
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1. Albert Wilson, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs (owned in 0.2 percent of ESPN leagues)
Mentioned previously, Wilson won't be much of a factor this week, but long term he will be. Running just behind Jeremy Maclin in terms of pass routes ran, the Chiefs obviously view Wilson as their No. 2 wide receiver.
Injury Report
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Highlighted by C.J. Anderson's questionable status, what other players are on the injury report? You can find all injury reports here.
Denver Broncos
Player | Status | |
Peyton Manning | QB | Probable |
Demaryius Thomas | WR | Probable |
C.J. Anderson | RB | Questionable |
Again, highlighted by Anderson, he's the player worth watching.
Kansas City Chiefs
Player | Status | |
Jeremy Maclin | WR | Probable |
Albert Wilson | WR | Probable |
Tamba Hali | LB | Probable |
| Travis Kelce | TE | Probable |
Nothing serious here. All of these fellas should be ready to suit up.
Start or Sit
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Heading in to a week highlighted by what is being speculated as the end of Manning, should you start him?
QB Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos): Who would have thought he'd ever make this slide? Unless you have some other top quarterbacks on your team, you know the drill here.
Verdict: Start
TE Owen Daniels (Denver Broncos): We're waiting for Daniels to become the beneficiary of being Manning's tight end, but this isn't the week.
Verdict: Sit
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