NFL Predictions Week 2: Arian Foster, Andy Dalton Injuries to Affect Picks?

The NFL season opened with some surprises, making the week two predictions rather difficult. Surprisingly dominant wins by the Ravens and Bills made for an exciting weekend. However, football pools and fantasy team lineups might be greatly impacted by the key injuries to Houston Texans RB Arian Foster and Cincinnati Bengals QB Andy Dalton.   

There’s no doubt that Houston RB Arian Foster had a breakout year in 2010, which is why he’s considered one of the top running backs in the league. His hamstring injury, suffered in a preseason game against the 49ers, kept him out of the season opener. According to NFL.com’s article from the Associated Press, Foster is taking his injury “…day by day. It’s frustrating, but injuries are just part of the game.”

There is no word yet as to if he will play in week two. Gary Kubiak, the Texans head coach, said he will be re-evaluated on Thursday, and that "If Arian's full speed, he can play. We want him to play. We need to be at our best to win a football game, but at the same time, we've got to listen to what's going on.”

The news on Thursday will surely affect fantasy football team lineups and make week two pool predictions difficult.

Former TCU signal-caller Andy Dalton did not finish his pro debut in week one due to a wrist injury suffered on a late hit by Cleveland Brown Phil Taylor. Dalton said that he lost feeling in his right wrist, and that "It's fine. I just …couldn't grip it like I wanted to. If I could have gripped the ball, I would have stayed in the game. The plan is to play. I'm going to come in and do whatever I can to make it better,” reported the Cincinnati Enquirer.

Prior to the injury, Dalton was 10 for 15 in passing, for 81 yards and a touchdown. Bengals fans are expecting a lot from the rookie, but if his wrist is not 100%, the Bengals might not be a smart pick this week, as they face Denver this week.   

While their injuries are not too serious, they are a concern for NFL fantasy owners who have Foster and Dalton on their teams. Foster will be the most missed, as he was a powerhouse fantasy scorer last season.

Dalton showed promise in his debut, and it could lead to bigger things, but a quarterback with a bum throwing wrist is not worth starting. Digging into your bench this week might be the safer bet. As far as week two pool predictions are concerned, Houston looked rather good against a weakened Colts team, and this week they face the shockingly productive Chad Henne and the Miami Dolphins. If Houston's secondary can keep up, the Texans should be the best choice.

The Bengals hope to go 2-0 this week when they head to Denver to play the fumble-happy Broncos. If Kyle Orton and company can keep the ball safe, their performance could top Cincinnati.