Fantasy Football: Week Two Hangover

With another week in the books, here's what was worth noting about the performances in the second week of the season. 

Fantasy Up

1. Jonathan Stewart - This guy was basically dead after Week One, with everybody (myself included) saying that DeAngelo Williams looked like he was going to be able to carry the load. Stewart responded with a two-touchdown performance. His ability doesn't change with Steve Smith back, either.
2. John Carlson - You have to consider this guy a primary receiver in Seattle, because he's all Matt Hasselbeck has to work with. Carlson has six catches for 78 yards against the 49ers last week and will be just as featured going forward.
3. Warrick Dunn- Earnest Graham saw 16 carries last week, but Warrick Dunn saw 15 of his own. Dunn also added a touchdown to go with it. It doesn't seem like Gruden is sold on Graham any more than most people are. He'll ride the hot hand. A 68-yard touchdown run saved Graham's day.
4. Julius Jones - I like this guy, regardless if everyone is going to expect Seattle to run the ball. Jones still managed 141 yards and a touchdown this past week, and that was without anyone else helping on offense.
5. J.T. O'Sullivan - Sure, it's one game against a pretty poor pass defense, but O'Sullivan's numbers were solid. He put up 321 yards and a touchdown against Seattle, to go along with the day that Frank Gore had. Better, he didn't make a mistake. He's not more than a fill-in, but you could do worse here.

Fantasy Down

1. Larry Johnson - Johnson went up against one of the worst run defenses in the league from last season and managed 12 carries and 22 yards. Yes, the Chiefs had to throw because they were behind, but Johnson wasn't involved from the get go. Taking out the one big run from last week, and he just hasn't been good at all.
2. Matt Hasselbeck - Yes, he's without any receivers at this point, but that doesn't make it any less true. Sadly, those that drafted Hasselbeck are struggling in their leagues, in all likelihood. The light at the end of the tunnel won't come until after their bye week, when Deion Branch and Bobby Engram are expected back.
3. Jerricho Cotchery - With Brett Favre's limited playbook knowledge, the lack of chemistry with his receivers becomes that much more evident. Cotchery put up virtually nothing of fantasy note, and Coles will get on track much sooner than he will.
4. Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor - The injured offensive line is creating no holes for them to run through. The lack of healthy receivers is allowing defenses to gear up even more to stop the run and put pressure on Garrard. Jones-Drew's ankle has to worry owners as well. A situation to avoid.
5. Laurence Maroney - While the back went out with a shoulder injury in the second half, the three-headed approach of Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and LaMont Jordan was very effective for the Patriots. As well as I think Maroney ran against the Chiefs, it's not beyond Belichick to do this with his backs.

Dishonorable Mention: Rashard Mendenhall, Cleveland's Offense, Carson Palmer, and Ted Ginn...it's a long list this week...

You Shouldn't Trust the Performance of...

...Ahmad Bradshaw. It was evident over the course of the meaningful minutes that Derrick Ward was getting the majority of the carries as the backup to Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw was good in sparing minutes, and even picked up two touchdowns, but the fact remains that Ward was still more effective.

Chansi Stuckey is high up on this list, too. He's going to be the third or fourth option. This is two weeks in a row with a touchdown catch, but I wouldn't expect one for the next two.

I'm Worried Most About...

...Larry Johnson, but Derek Anderson is getting close. Johnson has been held relatively in check for the two weeks so far this season and has started to complain about the way he's used. Given the faith that the organization seems to have in Jamaal Charles, Johnson's role can be reduced without hurting the team further.

Derek Anderson, though, is making me crazy. There's no second receiver in Cleveland right now, putting a crazy amount of pressure on Braylon Edwards to get open. Cribbs does not have the same impact as Stallworth, and Jamal Lewis has been hit or miss for three seasons now.

The pressure of having Brady Quinn behind him is going to force Anderson in to doing things he might not otherwise do. With a coach already on the hot seat to continue his success from last season, it could be a short leash.

Workin' the Wire

• Eddie Royal - If you didn't believe it last week, he gave you reason to take a good look at him again. Grab Royal if you still can.
• Mewelde Moore - He saw more time backing up Willie Parker this week than Mendenhall did. That accounts for something when you're looking to grab a back that needs some touches to be successful. As a veteran, Moore will be able to integrate himself into the offense more quickly.
• Steve Slaton - There's something to be said for a lead running back, regardless of the offense. I wouldn't want him against Tennessee this week, but there are easier battles ahead.
• Michael Bush- This is an injury watch as much as anything else. Bush ran for 90 yards spelling McFadden while Justin Fargas was hurt. Depending on the length of the injury, this could be a boost to some teams.
• Brandon Jackson - There's no doubt that this Ryan Grant injury could be a problem. Jackson was good this past week and he'll be running through the same line as Grant. The two have similar styles, so is similar results a stretch?
• Fred Jackson - He's not valuable beyond much more than a handcuff to Marshawn Lynch right now, but he did catch seven passes for 83 yards. In PPR leagues, he could move up much more quickly. Watch him this week.
• Justin Gage - He was the favorite target down in Tennessee this week. With Collins under center, the passing game becomes more important since he can't use his legs as effectively as Young.