NFL Picks Week 2: Predicting the Top Fantasy Football Scorers
It's the second weekend in the NFL, signifying the second straight Sunday when grudges are rationally thrown to the league's best and worst players imaginable.
No big deal, it's only a naturally recurring event.
Last week it was the Texans' Arian Foster who caused hundreds of jaws to drop, wondering who in the heck this guy was. No surprises this week, everyone—save for those who live under a rockknows exactly what he can do. (Shame on those who have Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, duh).
Or maybe it was Matt Forte's two screen passes that went for touchdowns that made many succumb to tears.
No fear.
Here are some predictions for the fantasy toppers in week two.
Quaterback: Aaron Rodgers
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The season-opener for Aaron Rodgers was a less than memorable one for his fantasy owners, only accounting for 188 yards and two touchdowns against a formidable Eagles defense.
Week two for the Packers' signal caller looks bright as the Bills come to Lambeau Field.
Rodgers threw 14 touchdowns to just three interceptions at home last year, and he looks to demonstrate that same comfort.
Unfortunately, Green Bay's running back Ryan Grant will miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury, thereby putting Rodgers in a spot to accumulate some monster numbers.
His receivers are one of the deadliest groups in the league, and the Bills did not play well on the road last season. Things are very much stacked in favor of Rodgers and his slew of ultra-talented pass catchers.
Fantasy Line: 320 yds, 4 TDs, 0 INTs
Running Back: Adrian Peterson
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An unspectacular opener for Adrian Peterson will be followed up by a monster when the Vikings host the Dolphins.
Minnesota's feature player in the backfield rushed 19 times for 87 yards against what is widely considered a solid defense in the Saints.
The Dolphins are not the Saints.
When getting less than 20 carries in a game, typically Peterson comes back the next week with a full load on his shoulders.
If Brett Favre has an interest in making it to the end of the season, we'll likely see less passes out of the future Hall of Famer and more hand-offs to number 28.
Fantasy Line: 25 car., 170 yds, 2 TDs, 3 rec., 30 yds, 1 TD
Running Back: Stephen Jackson
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He's back.
Steven Jackson carried the ball 22 times last week, racking up 81 yards, but failed to find the end zone. Keep in mind that Sam Bradford threw the ball 55 times in the loss to Arizona.
The Rams are pitted against an Oakland team that gave up 142 yards to the Titans' Chris Johnson.
Obviously Jackson is no Johnson, but his bruising running style may be something to lean on for St. Louis this week. Jackson also had four catches, but totaled just nine yards.
If the Rams are to ease Bradford into a usually hostile environment in the Black Hole, Jackson will play a big role on Sunday.
Fantasy Line: 27 car., 130 yds, 2 TDs, 4 rec., 29 yds
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Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson
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Rest easy Andre Johnson owners.
After Matt Schaub (9-17, 107 yds, 1 TD) delegated the production to Arian Foster in the opener against the Colts, expectations of big games from both Schaub and Johnson are imminent.
The opposing secondary in the Redskins gave up 277 yards through the air against a Cowboys offense that hardly looked the part of a playoff contender.
Clearly the Texans offense is running quite smoothly after a flabbergasting display from Foster, but if Washington loads the box to defend the run, it may be too easy for Schaub and Johnson to connect.
Fantasy Line: 11 rec., 140 yds, 2 TDs
Wide Receiver: Greg Jennings
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The easy pick here may be Reggie Waynewho could easily hold down the top receiver spot this week.
But the Packers are going into the second game with some great upside at receiver.
With Ryan Grant out for the season, and backup Brandon Jackson chalked up for the start, fully expect Green Bay's passing game to come full circle.
Aaron Rodgers could comfortably throw the ball at least 40 times, and that could translate into monster yardage for Jennings and co.
Fantasy Line: 8 rec., 135 yds, 2 TDs
Tight End: Dallas Clark
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Dallas Clark's first week merits rave reviews, hauling in 11 receptions for 80 yards and a score.
In the Manning Bowl on Sunday night, Reggie Wayne likely will garner most of the attention over the field, leaving nice pockets for the older Manning to find his other favorite target.
The downside to Clark is the plethora of talented receivers around him. Austin Collie is coming on strong, and Pierre Garçon also has shown his abilities as a pass catcher.
Even if the Colts' tight end doesn't rack up the usual yards, he's a definite red zone threat alongside Wayne.
Fantasy Line: 7 rec. 80 yds, 1 TD
Defense/Special Teams: Carolina Panthers
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The Panthers forced four turnovers against the Giants, despite giving up 31 points and 376 yards of offense.
Tampa Bay lacks the offensive threats to even fathom scoring 31 points. Josh Freeman will still play like a rookie at times, so securing the fantasy points will come down to keeping Cadillac Williams in check.
Carolina's secondary proved to be very scrappy in week one and should feed off an inferior offense in the Buccaneers.
Fantasy Line: 260 yds allowed, 13 points, 3 TOs
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