50 Things We Learned in Week 2 and What They Mean to Your Fantasy Team

Just like I said in my Week 2 grades last night, there are plenty of story lines to go around with this week of the 2011 NFL season in the books.

Everything from dominant performances by rookies, some surprising 2-0 starts and some unexpected performances by sinister and suspect defenses.

We'll take a look here at some of the biggest stories and what kind of an impact, if any, they might have on your fantasy team.

Detroit Lions Offense

Don't look now, but the Lions look like they're for real. I know stomping the injury depleted Chiefs shouldn't raise too many eyebrows, but Matthew Stafford and the Detroit offense is quickly becoming a juggernaut that is eighth in the league in total offense per game through two weeks.

If you have anyone on this stacked unit on your fantasy team, play them every week.

Ryan Fitzpatrick

It would be hard for me to sit here and tell you that racking up the yardage against the Chiefs, who have looked horrible, is something to get excited about. But against a tough Raiders defense, Ryan Fitzpatrick was able to put up 264 yards and three touchdowns.

With the offense clicking, Fitz is a top 10 quarterback in fantasy ball right now, but the stout Philly defense next week should be the real test.

Arian Foster

Just like I told everyone in my fantasy picks last week, Foster wasn't going to play much. Head Coach Gary Kubiak said he wanted to get Foster 15 carries, but he only got 10 before his lingering hamstring tightened up again and he became a spectator for the entire second half.

Until he is proclaimed absolutely 100 percent over the hammy, I'd look for other options to carry the load as your top runner in fantasy ball.

Rex Grossman

Leave it to Rex Grossman to make me sound like a fool. Given that he was playing a shaky Cardinals secondary, he did play well in consecutive weeks leading the Skins to a big fourth quarter comeback and a 2-0 record to begin the year.

While I'm still not sold on Grossman's consistency, he could be good in a pinch if he's available. I say start him against a Dallas defense this week that had a hard time stopping Alex Smith on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers Defense

I can understand giving up the amount of yards that the Packers defense did with the high-powered Saints offense led by Drew Brees. But a repeat performance in Week 2 against the Panthers led by rookie Cam Newton, that's cause for alarm.

I expect the Green Bay defense to get back on track against the Bears this week.

Philip Rivers

This just in: Philip Rivers is a really good quarterback. Now that this has been addressed, let me reiterate that this guy is amazing to watch. Even though his defense couldn't keep New England off the scoreboard, this one was in no way on him.

With the miserable Chiefs defense headed to San Diego in Week 3, Rivers might be able to win this week for your fantasy team all by himself.

Nick Mangold

I know Nick Mangold isn't usually what comes to mind when talking about fantasy football, but his high ankle sprain impacts the New York offense in serious ways. First of all being that he keeps Mark Sanchez from getting killed each week.

This is a huge loss for the Jets and I'd refrain from starting Shonn Greene or Mark Sanchez this week against the Raiders.

Drew Brees

There is some things you can count on each Sunday: church, NFL football and Drew Brees throwing for 300-plus yards. After another stellar week, we saw Brees pick apart a Bears defense that came in hot off dominating Atlanta.

It may not be the lock of the week, but I'd still recommend starting Drew Brees against any defense in the league, especially the transitioning Texans this Sunday.

Eddie Royal

The injury of Eddie Royal was a blow to the sluggish Broncos offense, for sure. But the biggest story out of it was lining Tim Tebow up as a wide receiver after he left the game.

Don't get cute and waste a draft spot on Tebow, but it appears Royal will be out this week against the Titans.

Kansas City Chiefs Defense

From bad to worse in Week 2, the Chiefs look like the worst defense in the league by a long shot. Being outscored 86-10 this season, things look like they won't be any better in Week 3 facing the Chargers offense that has no problem running up the score.

If you have anyone playing against the Chiefs defense in fantasy, I'd start them until further notice.

Matt Hasselbeck

I'm not going to lie to you, I didn't think Matt Hasselbeck had anything left in the tank. But seeing him carve up the Ravens secondary on Sunday was quite captivating to watch.

With the success rookie Andy Dalton had against Denver last week, look for Hasselbeck to pick up where he left off Sunday at home.

Adrian Peterson

When Donovan McNabb doesn't look like a corpse behind center, it automatically makes Adrian Peterson look like what he is; one of the best in the game. A huge day against the Bucs was dampered by the Vikings being unable to hold onto a big second half lead, but that isn't Peterson's fault.

Against the strong defensive front of Detroit, I'm looking forward to this matchup for all fantasy owners this weekend.

Blaine Gabbert

With the Luke McCown experiment looking like it could come to an end much earlier than anticipated, Blaine Gabbert got some playing time against the Jets last week. Not that I think he turns them into a good team or anything, but he should be better than McCown.

Gabbert should go ahead and be scooped up in case he has a Cam Newton-like impact on his team. He could be an intriguing trade piece later in the fantasy season.

Jamaal Charles

If you could write a script on how a great team can go to bad in just one month, you'd probably have the start of this Kansas City Chiefs season. Since Matt Cassel got hurt in the preseason, it has been one catastrophe after another for this team. Eric Berry was done for the year in Week 1 and now Jamaal Charles in Week 2.

Losing Charles, a stud in the fantasy running game, is a killer for some players. Replacing him won't be easy, but expect Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones' carries to increase. It isn't the best option, but it is a temporary solution.

Matt Schaub

Say what you want about how little the Texans have achieved as a franchise in its first nine years of existence. But it's hard to blame that on Matt Schaub, who has started off right where he left off last season with a 71 percent completion clip and a rating over 100.

This week should be a good week to start Matt Schaub if you have him, as the Texans and Saints looks to be a high-scoring shootout in the making. 

Baltimore Ravens Defense

Talk about a Jekyll and Hyde of a defense through two weeks. Only seven days after taking apart the AFC Champions like it was no big thing, the defense couldn't stop a Titans team who looked abysmal on offense the week before.

With the Rams on the schedule next, expect defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano to make the necessary adjustments and have the Ravens controlling the defensive side of the field again.

Jeremy Maclin

So much for my prediction that Maclin wasn't ready to be a factor yet. Regardless of the drama with Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson and dropping a pass on fourth down that could have capped an impressive comeback, Maclin had a stellar game.

I would say that I expect Maclin to have another big day against the Giants in Week 3, but until the status of Michael Vick is clear, I would take this one day-by-day.

Matt Ryan

One of the criticisms of Matt Ryan has always been that he isn't the type of quarterback that can win in a shootout. Atlanta is a grinder team that will beat you down rushing the ball and make a big passing play when needed. With the offseason moves, it appears this isn't the case anymore as Ryan tossed four touchdown passes to lead the Falcons to an impressive fourth quarter comeback.

With a tough divisional game coming up against the Bucs, I wouldn't hesitate to play Ryan who looks to have a heck of a group of receivers to throw to this season.

A.J. Green

Now we see why Green was the top receiver taken in this draft. Being a University of Georgia fan, I already knew this, but he looked absolutely unstoppable against Denver this week. The Bengals may have something with the Dalton and Green duo.

With the 49ers on tap in Week 3, Cincinnati should be able to move the ball pretty well against a secondary that has struggled some this season. Starting Green looks to be a no-brainer.

Tom Brady

Can we just go ahead and give Tom Brady his third MVP award already? For a quarterback who has a defense that looks like they couldn't stop a leaky faucet thus far, Brady has been masterful. With a rating of 128.1 and almost 1,000 yards after just two games, it's hard to say there is a better quarterback in the game right now.

New England draws the Bills this weekend, but it matters not. Tom Brady needs to be starting for your fantasy team every week, regardless of the matchup.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick returned to Atlanta and didn't quite get the reaction from the Falcons fans that the media would have you believe. But that didn't alter his performance at all as he was playing lights out before leaving with a concussion in the third quarter.

Like I predicted in the preseason, there are many pros and cons to drafting Michael Vick to your fantasy team. He can rack up the points for you, no doubt. But he is never going to be a 16 game quarterback for you with his playing style. It's early, but it is looking like Mike Kafka may get the call this week against the Giants.

Houston Texans Defense

Don't look now, but one of the most embarrassing defenses in the history of the league last year is leading the league in total defense through two weeks this season. While not many expect it to stay at quite that level, those who know anything about Wade Phillips don't expect it to fall off too much.

While I think Houston could be a sleeper defense to pick up in fantasy ball, I wouldn't recommend going with them this week against the Saints offense.

Vincent Jackson

Wow, was Jackson lights out this week or what? Ten catches for 172 yards with a pair of scores is just ridiculous. It just goes to show that if you concentrate on stopping Antonio Gates, Rivers will burn you with Jackson.

If the Chiefs try to focus all their defensive attention on Jackson this week, they still are unlikely to be able to stop him. He will likely have the biggest fantasy day out of all wide receivers in Week 3.

Chicago Bears Defense

While the big story was about Brian Urlacher's gutsy performance only a few days after his mother passed away, it wasn't enough to inspire the defense to rise up and stop the high-octane Saints offense. After thoroughly dominating the Falcons offense in Week 1, many thought Chicago might have the formula to do the same against New Orleans but that just wasn't the case.

If you have the Bears defense in fantasy, I would still play them this week against the Packers. Sure, they were flat against the Saints, but New Orleans does that to most defenses. Plus, the Bears usually do a pretty good job of getting to Aaron Rodgers in the pass rush.

Cam Newton

What else can I say about Cam the Man? Did I doubt him? Not really. Did I expect him to repeat his Week 1 performance against the defending champs? Not even remotely. Newton has the most passing yards in NFL history through two games and if it weren't for the three interceptions, he might have pulled off the upset.

I'm not going to recommend not playing Cam Newton again until he has a game in which he actually looks human. If you've got him, I'd certainly start him this week against the Jaguars.

Detroit Lions Defense

I already spoke of the high flying Lions offense, but you can't leave out a defense that has been one of the most intimidating in the young NFL season. Their front line looks unblockable and Ndamukong Suh is in the early running for defensive player of the year.

With the Lions being so stout against the run, they have a heck of a test this weekend against Adrian Peterson.

Fred Jackson

Everyone talks about Peterson, Foster and Ray Rice when talking about the best running backs in the league and that may be appropriate. But Fred Jackson just might be the most underrated one in the entire NFL. He is leading the game in rushing up to this point and doesn't appear to be slowing down any. His 6.5 yards per carry thus far is just video game-like.

Against the Patriots this week, expect another big game from Jackson as New England has had a rough go of it so far on defense.

Ben Tate

How disgusting is it that Houston can have Arian Foster at only 50 percent and they just plug in his back up and he begins his NFL career with back-to-back 100 yard rushing games? It's a scheme that can make average running backs good and good running backs special. Tate appears to be the latter.

I recommended people to start Ben Tate over Arian Foster this week in fantasy and it appears that was a wise decision, if anybody actually listened to me. However, I think this week against the Saints will be a shootout between Brees and Schaub, so if you've got another running option, I might lean that way in fantasy.

Julio Jones

I thought Jones would have a quiet day against the trio of stud corners that the Eagles have on their roster, and other than one pretty good catch, I was right. I still think he'll have a great rookie campaign, he has just faced two terrific defenses thus far in his short career.

I think he'll make his presence a little more known this week against Tampa in fantasy. There are still other rookie wide receivers I would probably go with based off matchups, but I wouldn't sit Jones if you have him.

New England Patriots Defense

I've referenced the New England defense a couple of times already in this article and I'll repeat it like Bart Scott would: they couldn't stop a nose bleed. They're currently 31st in total defense and both the run and the pass have been there against them. I have to believe that they'll improve, but I have no facts pointing to why that will happen.

Facing a Buffalo team that has scored 79 points in two games, this certainly wouldn't be the week to assign the Pats defense in your fantasy league. They could turn it around, but it likely won't be this week.

Jay Cutler

Like I guessed last week, Jay Cutler had a pretty rough game against the Saints. It isn't that I think Cutler is as mediocre as some of the national media assumes, I just think he is terribly inconsistent. A completion percentage of 42 and a rating in the low 60s is never going to beat a team the quality of New Orleans.

Cutler seems to always follow up a really bad game with a pretty darn good one and I'm feeling that this week against the Packers for some reason. Both the Panthers and Saints have moved the ball at will against Green Bay thus far.

Indianapolis Colts Defense

While all the talk has been focused on how the Colts are terrible because they don't have Peyton Manning, that shouldn't be an excuse for a defense that looks simply atrocious right now. Playing as poorly at home as they did against the Browns had to be really sobering to those who thought it was just the Texans offense that made them look so bad.

Right now, there are three defenses I wouldn't trot out against anyone in fantasy right now; Kansas City, New England and Indy. With the Steelers coming to town this week, it could go from bad to ugly real fast for the Colts.

Tony Romo

It seemed like all week no one could say anything even remotely positive about Tony Romo after his poor decisions in the opener against New York. But he proved himself a man this week against the 49ers. I've had a cracked rib before and I couldn't even breathe without feeling like I was dying. For Romo to play with that injury and lead the team to a crazy comeback victory in overtime speaks volumes to his competitive nature.

The news just came out about 30 minutes ago that Romo has not only a cracked rib, but a punctured lung as well. No official word has come down, but I would be shocked if a doctor cleared him to play this week or anytime soon. Time to find another option if you don't have a competent back-up on your fantasy roster.

Darren McFadden

Even though McFadden wasn't having a great day on the ground, he still got involved for 143 yards and a pair of touchdowns against the Bills on Sunday. He just seems to improve every week and is with Fred Jackson as one of the more underrated backs in the game right now.

Run DMC is just one of those fantasy players that is going to get you points one way or another. If he isn't getting it done on the ground, he'll get you something receiving the ball. He is a must start every week in fantasy for this reason alone, regardless of the opponent.

Matt Forte

Matt Forte didn't have quite as good of a game last Sunday as he did against Atlanta the week before. He was shut down on the ground and accrued most of his yardage receiving out of the back field.

Everything I just said about McFadden in the fantasy game is pretty much true with Forte as well. He's going to get you points one way or another and hit that occasional home run too. I'd always start him if I don't have a better back ahead of him.

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson sure is having a rough go at it right now. Unfortunately for him, teams like Baltimore focused on him all the way and dared Matt Hasselbeck to beat them. It's a formula that may be rough for Johnson but it worked pretty well for the Titans.

Fantasy owners that drafted Johnson and Arian Foster must be going bald by this point. The truth is that Johnson is still getting into game shape from missing the entire preseason. But he is far too talented not to have a breakout game coming real soon. This week against Denver could be such a time to expect one.

Jason Campbell

I've been guilty in the past of saying that Jason Campbell wasn't an NFL starting quarterback, but he is shutting me up the past couple of weeks. Despite the loss, he had a heck of a game this week against Buffalo. Sadly for him, it was a game where the team with the ball last was going to win and Oakland wasn't that team.

Campbell was one of those quarterbacks that was still on the waiver wire in some leagues as the season started but if you missed that opportunity, it's a shame. He is a stellar backup and is good for a start when in a bind. However, I'd be hesitant of starting him against the Jets this week.

Andre Johnson

Johnson is just one of those guys who will miss a big play and then go to the huddle and demand to get the ball again. He missed a catch that could have put the game out of reach earlier, but made up for it on a big drive in the fourth quarter that put the game away in front of his hometown fans.

While AJ hasn't had a ridiculous 12 catch, 160 yard day yet this season, you know he will have one. This week could be that week as the Saints and Texans look poised to have a high scoring affair in the Superdome.

New York Jets Defense

What the Jets defense did to Luke McCown just didn't even seem fair. The mean streak that they seemed to be lacking against the Cowboys last week certainly seemed to return for them against the Jags.

The Jets are one of the handful of NFL defenses that is a must start every week in fantasy if you were lucky enough to draft them. This week is no different.

Andy Dalton

Carson who? All joking aside, this kid can play. Andy Dalton went from questionable and whispers of a quarterback controversy to a second round steal all within 24 hours. His first 300 yard game wasn't enough to earn his first NFL victory, but the future combo of him and A.J. Green looks to be very promising.

If injury or bad luck has you with Andy Dalton as your starting quarterback in fantasy ball this season, feel confident about starting him against the 49ers this week.

Michael Turner

Another game, another heavy workload for Michael Turner on national television. He eclipsed 100 yards for the second week in a row but he didn't put one on the turf this time and got into the end zone once too.

Michael Turner is never going to be that highlight reel guy that is just flat out smoking guys. I know his nickname is "burner" and all that, but it just isn't his style. But one thing you can always count on him for is a 100 yard game and a touchdown on an almost weekly basis. Look for another sold performance against the Bucs this Sunday.

Miles Austin

Austin is one of those "roll up your sleeves and go have a solid game week in and week out" type guys that every team loves to have. But every once in awhile, he is capable of exploding for a nine catch, 143 yard and three touchdown day like this past Sunday.

Miles Austin was looking to be on his way to another solid season before leaving the game late with a tweaked hamstring that some are saying could have him out for up to a month. That's a tough blow for any fantasy team.

Chad Henne

Just like I predicted, Chad Henne was Fool's Gold in Week 1. Houston was able to keep consistent pressure on him for most of the game and forced him into a couple of mistakes that was difference enough for the Texans to come away with the victory.

Look, I'm not a "Henne Hater" or anything like that. I just felt that he was hyped up a bit too much after his stats in Week 1 that had Brandon Marshall calling him "White Mike Vick." He's still a serviceable quarterback as a backup option, but he isn't going to lead your fantasy team to the league championship.

Denarius Moore

It was a pretty good week for rookie wide receivers and Denarius Moore threw his name into that hat with a huge 143 yard day that included a highlight reel 50-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter.

Moore was floating around on a bunch of league's waiver wires this time last week, but it's likely that he has been snatched up at this point. He'll have a tougher go at it this week against the Jets secondary, but I wouldn't rule him out if you don't have a better option in front of him.

Josh Freeman

Every time I count the Bucs out, Josh Freeman seems to lead some crazy comeback victory. This week was no different as he led a second half offense that outscored Minnesota 21-3 down the stretch en route to another thrilling finish.

Freeman is definitely a must start if you have him in fantasy. He always seems to have good games against the Falcons and with their secondary looking pretty shaky thus far, he should get you some points this week.

Willis McGahee

It looks like McGahee still has something left in the tank after all, huh? A 100 yard day for the veteran helped Denver hang on against the Bengals last week.

McGahee's best days are clearly behind him and he isn't ever going to be a must start in fantasy ball ever again, but he can surprise you once in a while like his did this past Sunday. Watch the matchups and play him accordingly.

Owen Daniels

I said it before the year started and it appears to be working out that way. Owen Daniels is Matt Schaub's favorite red zone target and he connected for another touchdown this week in Miami. With Daniels seemingly fully recovered from his ACL injury in 2009, expect more of this.

Daniels is easily a top five tight end in any fantasy league and will always be good for some points. With Arian Foster out, look for Daniels to get more looks in the end zone as the primary target this weekend against the Saints.

Steve Smith

Steve Smith seems to never get talked about in the group of elite wide receivers in the NFL. But he is quickly changing that with yet another terrific game against the Packers this past Sunday. In two games, he now has 334 yards receiving and two touchdowns on just 12 receptions.

Cam Newton and Steve Smith are becoming quite the threat very quickly. With his 23.9 yards per reception right now, he is the home run threat that your fantasy team needs. If you got him, start him every week.

Daniel Thomas

As good as the Texans defense was against Chad Henne, rookie Daniel Thomas had a spectacular game, if not for a momentum-killing fumble late in the game that Houston recovered. Still, the fact that he seems to have taken the reins over Reggie Bush this quickly says a lot about his work ethic and talent.

At almost six yards per carry last week, I wouldn't be scared to trot him out against the Browns if Thomas is on your fantasy squad.

Ben Roethlisberger

The hangover from the Week 1 beating seems to not have had any lasting effects on Roethlisberger as he took care of business against the Seahawks rather easily on Sunday. 

Fantasy owners were on high alert when Big Ben was hit in the knees and left the game temporarily last Sunday, but he shook it off and seems to be okay. I'd feel confident starting him this week against the pitiful Indianapolis defense.