Fantasy Football Sleepers: Week Two Dark Horses

John Arias, Fantasy Columnist at Fantasy Football Maniaxs

Are you looking for an edge this year and every week in your fantasy league?
The Dark Horses are coming.!

Make sure to check out what players will make the cut, which leads me to the elite-eight for week two.

1. Chris Cooley, TE: Redskins

He started off last year catching one pass in the opening game (just like this year) and finished with 66 receptions and a career-high 786 yards. He was stymied by the Giants' defense in the opener, and will turn it around this week against the Saints.

The Saints last year ranked 30th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game. Look for Jason Campbell and his favorite target to be in sync.

Prediction:
Expect six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown.

2. Chris Johnson, RB: Titans

The former East Carolina player looked fantastic in week one. He had 15 carries for 93 yards, which is an average of 6.2 yards per carry and had a touchdown reception. Without Vince Young in the lineup, Kerry Collins will rely on his rushing attack and Johnson should get more carries this week.

The Titans’ opponent in week two is the Bengals; they ranked 21st in rushing yards allowed each game and gave up 11 touchdowns on the ground. Johnson could have his breakout game.

Prediction:
Expect 21 carries for 117 yards and one touchdown.

3. Santonio Holmes, WR: Steelers

The Steelers threw the ball less than 15 times and they did not have to. Willie Parker eclipsed his rushing touchdown total of last year (three) in the first game of the 2008 campaign.

Santonio Holmes was not needed for big plays down the field, but that will change in week two against the Browns. The Browns secondary looked suspect in their loss against the Cowboys and Terrell Owens was able to find the end zone. Look for Holmes to do the same.

Prediction:
Expect five receptions for 89 yards and one touchdown

4. Earnest Graham, RB: Buccaneers

Graham’s owners could not have been any happier with the play of the five-year veteran. On only 10 carries he ran for 91 yards, and even though one carry was for 46 yards, his overall yard per rush was fantastic.

He also caught three passes for 27 yards. His next opponent will be the Atlanta Falcons, who come into Tampa Bay on a high after they beat the Lions. The Falcons ranked 26th in 2007 against the run last year and Graham will get more than 10 carries in week two.

Prediction:
Expect 23 carries for 108 yards and one touchdown, with three receptions for 18 yards.

5. Matt Cassel, QB: Patriots

He comes into a very tough situation and a challenging role as the new quarterback of the Patriots. His first career start is against the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets. Even though they won the game against in Miami, they could not get consistent pressure on Chad Pennington. Look for Cassel to enjoy the same pressure-free atmosphere have a good game away from Foxboro.

Prediction:
Expect 268 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.

6. Julius Jones, RB: Seahawks

He signed a huge contract to become the starter in Seattle and failed to get the job out of training camp in week one. Maurice Morris left the game in Buffalo with a knee injury (will miss his next two games) making the way for Jones.

He finished the game vs. Buffalo with 13 carries for 45 yards and caught two passes for 17 yards. The 49ers have an underrated secondary and their rush defense ranked 22nd in the NFL; look for the Seahawks to get back on track with Jones leading the way.

Prediction:
Expect 20 carries for 94 yards and one touchdown, with four receptions for 26 yards.

7. DeSean Jackson, WR: Eagles

He came and did exactly what Eagles fans have wanted from a receiver; he was exciting and explosive. He caught six passes for 106 yards in his first game as a pro. The Eagles play on Monday Night against the Cowboys in a huge division game. Look for a shootout and Jackson to have solid numbers.

Prediction:
Expect six receptions for 76 yards and one touchdown.

8. Anthony Gonzalez, WR: Colts

It looks like the ball will be spread around all season long in Indianapolis. Gonzalez caught five balls for 48 yards. He is definitely the sleeper of the week, because of who the Colts will play in week two.

The Colts will travel to Minnesota against the toughest rush defense in the NFL last year. Look for the ball to be distributed among the receivers as Dallas Clark left the game with a knee injury. It all adds up to a great game for Gonzalez.

Prediction:
Expect seven receptions for 93 yards.