2011 Fantasy Football Week 2: Start or Bench Lineup Advice

The wild and crazy Week 1 is done, and I think about 30 quarterbacks threw for over 300 yards this week as blown assignments in the secondary were the theme around the NFL.

Tom Brady’s 99-yard touchdown pass to Wes Welker had to be the exclamation point on what was truly a fun weekend of passing offense.

While the first week was all about the passing game, there were a few key running backs to consider starting this week as matchups dictate potential solid days, from borderline options.

 More Week 2 Rankings - QB | RB | WR | TE | K/D | DL | LB | DB | Waiver Wire | Start/Sit |

Start’em

Tim Hightower vs. Cardinals

 While Hightower failed to rush for a high yard-per-carry average against the Giants, he was clearly the main man in the Redskins backfield. This week Hightower has a tasty matchup against the Cardinals defense.

James Starks vs. Panthers

 I’m sure most fantasy football owners watched the opening Thursday night game when James Starks played against the Saints. Starks looked good in the opener, as he seemed to play with the punishing run style his body type would suggest.

Starks is the running back to have in your lineup from the Packers, as Ryan Grant seems to have lost a step coming back from injury.

Joseph Addai vs. Browns

 The Colts are going to have a long season, but if they have any hopes of winning games, they need to lean on their running game and this week Addai should have success. The Browns gave up over 120 yards on the ground to Cedric Benson in Week 1, and Addai should be good for at least 80 yards on the ground and a score.

Matthew Stafford vs. Chiefs

 It really shouldn’t matter who Matthew Stafford is playing on a given week, as he needs to be in your fantasy lineup. Sure, you’re not going to start him over studs like Brees, Brady or Rodgers, but if you have options like Roethlisberger or Ryan, this guy is a better option.

Plaxico Burress vs. Jaguars

 It took Mark Sanchez until the second half against the Cowboys to find Burress, but after a nice touchdown pass, it seemed Sanchez was looking his way the rest of the game. Why not, as Burress has a big frame, and if you can get the football close to him, he seems to find a way to haul it in.

This week is a tasty matchup against the Jaguars, and I believe that Burress should find a way to get the job done for fantasy owners. If Kenny Britt can go for over 100 yards and two scores against this secondary, why can't Burress have at least 75 yards and a score?

Jordy Nelson vs. Panthers

 Aaron Rodgers is going to spread the football around to a million pass catchers weekly, but it looks like Nelson is ready to be a fantasy-relevant player. Nelson was key for the Packers in the Super Bowl and had some nice plays in the teams’ opener against the Saints. Look for Nelson to have another productive game against the Panthers this week.

Fred Davis vs. Cardinals

 Look for the Redskins to continue to rest Chris Cooley and his ailing knee after Fred Davis went off for over 100 yards against the Giants last week. Davis gets another productive matchup against the Cardinals shaky secondary and should be in fantasy lineups.

Aaron Hernandez vs. Chargers

 A start’em special last week, Aaron Hernandez delivered against the Dolphins and he should continue to be a productive starter weekly. Tom Brady will use both of his tight ends and with Chad Ochocinco struggling to get on the field, it’s going to be a good start for Hernandez this year.

Sit’em

Chris Johnson vs. Ravens

 This is a hard one, but if and only if you have quality depth on your roster should you entertain the idea of benching Chris Johnson this week.

It’s clear by the workload that Johnson had in Week 1 that he still needs time to get into football shape, and he’s had problems finding production against the Ravens, even when he’s at his best.

It’s hard to put a healthy CJ2K on your bench, but for this week, it might be a good idea. He will be a must-start against the Broncos in Week 3.

Mike Tolbert vs. Patriots

 Tolbert had a great game against the Vikings with three touchdowns, but he suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter. While Tolbert may play against the Patriots, hold off on him this week and see if the Chargers continue to use him as they normally would.

Knowshon Moreno vs. Bengals

 The Broncos didn’t look very good on offense, and Knowshon Moreno suffered a leg injury in the fourth quarter. It’s clear that Willis McGahee will be an active part of Denver’s running game, and Moreno isn’t a game-breaking running back.

IF Moreno is a full go in practice by the end of the week, he might be worth a flex play in 12-team leagues.

Sidney Rice vs. Steelers

It’s time to bench all Seahawks until they start showing they can actually play some real football on offense, or at least they match up against a weak defense. While the Steelers had their problems against the Ravens, expect them to get back on track against the Seahawks as they play their first game at home in Pittsburgh.

Chad Ochocinco vs. Chargers

 Anyone who watched the Patriots play the Dolphins knows that Chad Ochocinco isn’t close to being a productive receiver for fantasy football. It’s clear that Ochocinco is having his problems with the Patriots playbook, and this really isn’t anything new, as we’ve been hearing this out of New England for the past three weeks.

Jacoby Ford vs. Bills

 Ford is an interesting player, but a second half hamstring injury against the Broncos makes him a shaky option as a WR-3 play this week. Oakland has a short week and has to fly across the country to play in Buffalo, so look to another option this week.

2011 Weekly Lineup Help

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