WEEK 2 REVIEW

BUCCANEERS: Gotta start with my young Bucs....Freeman has developed into the QB people expected him too. He has all the tools and work ethic to become a great QB in this league. He stated after the game how they need to improve, and how many points they left on the field. That doesn't sound like a second year QB. The Defense is playing as fast as they have since the Super Bowl days and could be this year's breakout squad. I still need to see some steady production from the Z receiver position, which could come once Stovall returns. A big test will come next week as the Steelers come to town. This to me will be more a reflection of the coaching staff's ability to scheme against what is a top five defense than the players. Raheem Morris can prove he can be a coach in this league long term. Mike Williams seems to be the real deal and is a steady WR 2 for fantasy. Cadillac has value here also, but it will be more based on the match-up's when you use him. Freeman may have solidified himself as a worthy QB number 2 also.





CAROLINA: The second youngest team in the NFL is playing like the youngest team last year did (Bucs). As I've stated, the Carolina backs off-season surgeries seem to have hampered them. They still have time to hit their stride, but the lack of any weapons outside Smith is going to allow teams to focus all attention on the run game. They are a team which has talent, but needs to make a push for a WR via trade, or even V. Jackson. Think they're missing Peppers now? The secondary showed Week 1 wasn't a fluke and could become a problem given this is a team that can struggle without run dominance. As of Monday morning, Clausen has already been named the starter for week 3. Buy low now on Steve Smith, people will start to wonder this week about his value with Clausen, but I think it actually improves it. Clausen has a better arm and will try and force feed it to Smith. I wouldn't panic on Williams yet since he will get his, but the team struggles do not bode well for Stewart. I would get what you can for him at this point.





CHICAGO: Martz must have read my blog, because he decided to get Olsen involved. Adding Olsen into the mix makes all sorts of sense and dimensions to a spread quick pass attack. Cutler seemed to be quick and accurate for the most part. If this can continue, the Bears could put up the leagues top scoring mark. However, this could be a case of a team beating another team that is just plain over rated. The Bears are getting everyone involved and using their talents. Green Bay comes to town next week, so that should be a true test of where this team really is. A close game or a win will show they are legit contenders. I still wouldn't trust any WR for fantasy here since the ball will be spread out and week to week could be a different producer. Forte is the obvious every day starter in your line up, and Cutler has put up crazy numbers the last four games dating to last season. Given his use, Cutler is a viable number one QB.





DALLAS: A putrid pre-season has carried on into the regular season. Dez Bryant is the playmaker Jerry Jones hyped him up to be, but Roy Williams is proving to be an expensive bust. The running game is killing them, with Barber and Jones combining for 38 yards this week and 77 last week. Time to start mixing in Choice to see what he can offer as a starter. The Cowboys become very one dimensional and as seen can be beat without the run game despite their WR/TE weapons. They will hit their stride soon though as this seems to be more a case of poor off-season prep than lack of talent. They could go into the tank mentally if they lose to a Texans team whom has come out on fire. Phillips is done after this season. For fantasy, Dez Bryant, Austin, Witten and Romo are the only ones you want to target. Romo is going to be borderline though and is not going to match last years numbers. Teams seem to have the Cowboys number this year and a major change is in need in their play calling.





NY JETS: Rex Ryan took the leash off Sanchez and allowed him to do what was needed if the Jets hope to contend. L.T. seems to really have the zip he lacked the last two seasons and is giving Shonn Greene owners a headache. Though Sanchez threw for three scores, they were not exactly throws that proved anything to me. A leaping Braylon Edwards catch and the lob pass before that seemed more the result of good body control by his receivers than great throws. Regardless, allowing Sanchez to throw is taking advantage of his weapons and forcing teams to play more conservative. It could be that this Pats Defense is weaker than anticipated, and with the next 2 vs Miami and Buffalo, we won't know for sure if the passing game is legit against playoff caliber defenses. Jets fans will take it, and this is the shot in the arm the Jets needed to get their swagger back. Shonn Greene is still valuable for fantasy, and as the season goes on will hit the potential he was drafted for. LT is definitely taking away more than anyone really expected, but he does have a history of injury the last few years and Rex will want to keep him fresh. At WR, I still don't buy Braylon Edwards or Sanchez at all. Once Santonio returns he should be the only WR you target. He and Sanchez seem to have a great bond and it should pay off come week 5.





NEW ENGLAND: On Offense, everything looks normal as Brady continues his bromance with Welker and Moss. The D is the big question here, giving up 52 pts. in two games. They are young somewhat in the secondary, but the Pats seem to be lacking the speed we are used to seeing. If anyone can correct it, the Hoodie can and will. It's early, and they Pats D can't really get much worse. Once they even out, this will be a playoff team who is dangerous as ever. You want all the usual suspects going forward, but to me Fred Taylor becomes that much more interesting given what could be a serious Kevin Faulk injury.





OAKLAND: Cambpell's benching couldn't have been good for his ego, but I give credit to Tom Cable for making the right and hard decision. Knowing that his ass was on the line, he went with the best QB in pre-season and it paid off. Gradkowski has all the tools, and reminds me of Jeff Garcia. McFadden is finally showing the speed and downhill running we saw in Arkansas. The way KC and SD are playing though it's an uphill struggle for them to do much damage. A few upsets and some steady production from the X position could pay off in setting the Raiders up in the future. For now, remember it was St. Louis...let's see if this win can carry over to Arizona on the road. The way MCfadden is running, Bush is nothing more than a handcuff for now, since McFadden will get hurt at some point due to the way he runs. Louis Murphy is the only WR I would trust and Zach Miller at TE is usually serviceable.





ST. LOUIS: Mark Clayton seems to be one of those players who never could reach his potential because he was stuck behind veteran talent in Baltimore. While everyone knew his abilities, the scheme and position just never let him loose like he is now. Being a big armed rookie QB's favorite target doesn't hurt either. The Rams are just falling short so far, but the Offense is displaying what may be in store for the future. Their main Achilles heel is Defense, which has needs that need to be filled, especially in the secondary. At least Rams fans are having fun watching this team lose unlike years past. Steven Jackson, and Clayton are the two you want in your line up so far, but surprisingly, Bradford has some value for a rookie as a bye week sub.





PHILADELPHIA: As I expected, Vick showed he can be a pocket passer and lead this team. All scrambler QB's eventually realize this, but the question was if Vick could do it. He proved it this week, passing for 284 and 2 TD while only running for 37. McCoy on Jackson had their breakout parties and made up for last weeks performance. Here comes the QB controversy! Vick adds a dimension to this team that will keep Defenses off balance. Even with the talent on this team, if Kolb is the QB, opposition know what to focus on. Having a guy that could take off any minute strains assignment, leaving someone in single coverage. The bigger concern is with the Defense. What was expected to be a top five coming into the year has given up 59 pts. in two games. They won't continue to put up games like this regardless who's at QB so the D needs to start proving they can keep scoring down. Andy Reid has already stated Kolb is the starter week 3, so this could get ugly in the locker room. Guys want to win this season, not next and Vick gives them that opportunity. All the guys you drafted here are going to produce, but Reid will give Kolb chance after chance since he was Reid's pick and successor to McNabb. Either way, the possible time share at QB hurts each QB's value.





DETROIT: Far from being in the tank after losing Stafford, Shaun Hill threw for 335 with 2 TD and 2 INT. The picks are what will continue to hurt Detroit, but they are showing they can compete with anybody. Two close games with Chicago and Phily are a big jump from last year. This is a team that could be scary once they are able to gel a bit more and once the Defense can begin making stands. Stafford's return will give them a boost once he returns, but it won't be next week when they visit a Vikings team with a major chip on their shoulder. Burleson has hurt his ankle again, which will hurt the value of Megatron and teams will be able to focus a bit more on him. I think this helps Scheffler's value big time. They will need him to step up and take that pressure off. So look for more targets. Jhavid Best added two more Touchdowns this week and regardless of the opponent, he is the best weapon they have in the RB position and will get fed.





MIAMI: A Win is a Win, but the Dolphins didn't do it in spectacular fashion. The game was overall ugly, and if not for the Percy Harvin missed catch/Int, this could have turned out much different. While Brian Harline showed some value, this is a team who will be and is too dependent on the run. With the Wildcat gimmick running it's course, Chad Henne is going to have to start producing more instead of doing his best Trent Dilfer impression. Yes, it can win games for this team, but it will also lose them. Ronnie Brown is clearly the fantasy guy you want on this team, and I don't see Brandon Marshall being too consistent this year because of Henne. I think Marshall is a sell high while you can right now if you need RB help. Ronnie Brown is really the only trust worthy starter on this team at this point.





MINNESOTA: Favre has to be questioning his return by now, left without a true number 1 WR and an Offensive line that is performing below it's abilities. A.P. is showing he can carry the load, but wearing him down in the process. The Vikes have to find their passing game, and if they can lure V. Jax to town, they become instant playoff contenders. Thankfully, it's early in the season and more time working with the receivers will be bound to help rectify their issues. Much like the Cowboys, this seems like a result of a lack of preparation in the off-season than a long term issue. The Vikings will return to their previous ways, just not until week four or six when they get another play maker on the team, be it VJax or Rice returning from injury. As of Monday morning, Percy Harvin is set to have an MRI on his hip, and the Vikes staff will meet to discuss how they need VJax desperately. Other than AP nobody is proving to be reliable in your line up week to week. Harvin is best out of the slot, so if VJax does come to town he will bounce back. Hold him for now, but watch the news.



INDIANAPOLIS: Both Addai and Brown had solid games as Peyton threw for 3 TD's against little brother. The last team you want to face is one with an angry Peyton Manning. He looked surgical and if the run game can keep it up their return to last year's form is right around the corner. Every fantasy pick on this team will produce, but the production of Garcon is leaving something to be desired. Peyton doesn't seem to have 100% trust in him and it may be time to sell him while you can.



SAN DIEGO: Rivers may be an easy guy to hate, but we all must admit his competitive nature is a good thing for this team. He bounced back for over 330 yds and 3 TD's. Early word is the Matthews injury is minor and will be ready next week. The big thing here is how he spread the ball around. Like expected, Floyd became much more involved and week to week should be a bit more steady play in fantasy than Naanee. Gates is Gates and all the Chargers you drafted should be starting weekly other than possibly Naanee.



JACKSONVILLE: I figured the Jags to force feed Simms-Walker, but didn't expect them to have the success on the road they did. Is this where he gets the road monkey off his back for good? We'll see, but regardless it's good to know he's alive. MJD does concern me though. 130 yds in two games with no scores on the ground is not what was expected. While by all means still a solid #1, there may be concern that all the work the last four years is catching up to him if only just a bit. Given the high price tag he came with in fantasy drafts I think after next week it may be time to sell high on him since people will keep the faith. You could easily get a solid #2 RB and a top WR for him at the moment. If you have depth, watch him next week and make a decision. Another sub 90 yd game without a score may mean trade time. The man you want right now is Mercedes Lewis. Three scores in two games and Gerrard's favorite target thus far could mean great things going ahead. The two worked together all off-season and Lewis even stayed in Jacksonville for the first time in his career to build their chemistry. I don't think it's a fluke but more a tandem having top trust in each other. Jacksonville hosts Philadelphia next week which has a possible upset written all over it. Having Kolb in as the starter could blow up in Reid's face quickly should he struggle, giving the Jags an edge if they can execute.



KANSAS CITY: Though giving fans a scare, the Chiefs pulled this one out on the road at Cleveland. Cassel had another poor outing but was saved by the run game and Defense. This could be the teams M.O. going forward, and fantasy wise will continue to hurt Bowe's value. At some point Cassel will settle in, but now is the time to buy low on Bowe. KC will host SF on a short week for them and another win is very possible. SF does have a much more talented Defense than SD or CLE so look for this as a true test of what Weiss can scheme. This should be a game where the pass is needed if KC is to pull this one out.



CLEVELAND: The Browns are in a funk, and Mangini's run is all but over. Wallace is definitely the QB the Browns should roll with, but the lack of a run game is where this team will get beat often. The value on Harrison has declined, and Hillis could take the job over as early as next week. Hillis had 35 on 8 carries while Harrison had double the carries for only 33 yds. The Browns will go with whoever gives them the best chance to win. Massoquoi has been a flop this far and while Cribbs did have a good game, he is not dependable every week as a starter. Hillis seems to be the back you want to own and picking up Wallace could prove to pay off if he keeps the job.



SEATTLE: The Broncos knew not to take Seattle lightly, and they didn't. The run game has been pathetic with Forsett being the lead back and not rushing over 44 yds in either game. Hasselbeck continued to look pretty efficient but at some point they will need a dependable #1 WR he can build with. Hasselbeck may be a dependable starter this year but the lack of another reliable starter leaves Tate and Forsett owners in limbo. Forsett is still the one to own, but past these two and Carlson there is not a play you can even trust. The Seabags host SD next week, so things may not get much clearer.



DENVER: Knowshon and Buckhalter looked healthy and Orton is quickly proving to be a better QB than anyone expected. Spreading the ball around again, Orton has thrown for 297 and over 300 yds. Denver seems to be a passing team first and has proved they can do it. Demarius Thomas' breakout after spending most the preseason injured has quickly dropped Gaffney's value. He should quickly be Orton's first target and Royal is back to producing like his rookie year after a down year last season. Both RB's still have value, but I don't see Knowshon living up to his high draft status. Demarius could be on the wire in a lot of leagues and is worth a pick up as a viable number 2 or 3 WR.

HOUSTON: Out to prove they are serious contenders, the Texans are showing they can do it by ground or air. Schaub threw for 497 and Foster had 69 running and 69 catching. Walter chipped in for 149 and Johnson put up 158. The questions come on Defense where they have given up 24 and 27 pts. They can surely outscore most teams, but what happens when a top Defense comes to town will be the true test if they can make it deep into the playoffs. Regardless Texans fans will take it and ride this wave as long as possible. Kevin Walter's big game was noticeable, but he is far from a reliable week in week out play. Andre Johnson's ankle sprain seems to be minor and nothing to worry about. Schaub and Johnson could become the Brady-Moss connection fantasy owners dream of.

WASHINGTON: The Redskins continue to impress given their aged RB's and WR corps. No one player seems to have a monster game, but they all work well as a unit. McNabb threw for a crazy 426 yds. but only one score. The Redskins seem to be serious contenders for their division which has been put up for grabs with Dallas' lazy start. Other than McNabb and maybe Cooley, there really isn't a guy I fully trust week in and out to start. None of the RB's have been impressive even though Portis did get 2 scores here. Santana Moss could easily get 40 yards or 140. It looks like Washington has given up on getting VJax, so if you had to start one WR here it is of course Moss. A roll of the dice each week.

NY GIANTS: Nobody could say the outcome was a shock, given the Colts were not in a good mood after a poor showing week 1. The Giants Defense was picked apart and Eli was forced to contend with a defense waiting for the throw in the second half. Not a big need for panic by any means unless you own Brandon Jacobs. He is clearly not pleased, and supposedly met with management about his role. Rumors even have him asking for a trade. Most surprising is the lack of a role for Steve Smith who was a fantasy stud last year. Manningham and Nicks are the Red Zone, big gain targets and Smith seems to be in the possession role. Now would be the time to sell Smith with the arguement that it's only two games. Unless injury happens, I can't see Smith expanding his role. Sure he will have some big games, but the plan seems to be that this is how he will be used. Given Nicks' injury record it's quite a possibility so stashing him on the bench for later isn't a bad idea either. At some point Jacobs will get a larger role since Bradshaw isn't built to be a 16 game grinder.

ARIZONA: Too bad Kurt Warner is happy being retired. I suspect ownership would be willing to build him his own golden plated church if he would return. Fitzgerald returned to normalcy after last week, and the disappearance of Beanie Wells has to be wearing on owners who took him as their number two back. Arizona lost too much during the off-season to contend and is a team in search of an identity. Tim Hightower is about the only sure fire week to week start given there are no other options behind him for now. Even with a Wells return, he should be able to produce if it becomes a time share. Fitzgerald will get his looks, but until Anderson proves he is capable Fitz loses his reliability as a solid number one starter. Given what he cost fantasy owners, I think trading him for some reliable upper second tier WR/RB combo of starters may be a good idea.

ATLANTA: Turner is expected to have a mild ankle injury so nothing serious to report or worry about. The big new is what Snelling can do if given the chance. However, you can't read into the monster game Atlanta had too much since Arizona is clearly a bad team nowhere close to what they were a year ago. Both Turner and White are the only two real options on this team, as Gonzalez and Ryan seem to be a bit too unpredictable. Next week's New Orleans game should be a better reflection of where Atlanta stands.

BUFFALO: One name can sum up the positives for this team and is all you need to know for fantasy....C.J. Spiller. Past that, why even bother wasting space.

GREEN BAY: They have proved they can beat a good team and a bad team, and are the Super Bowl contenders we expected. The loss of Ryan Grant shouldn't hurt them since Jackson is more than serviceable. Every other GB player on Offense is a legit fantasy start each week and the Defense could wind up at the top when all is said and done. Green Bay seems to have put it all together thus far and there isn't a team out there you wouldn't believe they can beat. They lack weakness pretty much anywhere but you could pick the secondary as a minor drop in comparisson to all their other squads. Jermichael wasted no time cementing his status as elite TE and Rogers, Jennings, and Driver are producing their usual numbers.

PITTSBURGH: Defense is this teams identity and fans have to be elated at the start Dixon has provided in Ben's absence. Problem now is that Dixon is out with a torn meniscus and they are damn lucky nobody took a chance on Leftwich. Either Batch or Leftwich will start next week against Tampa Bay which makes it more of a competition than it would have been had Dixon been the starter. Regardless, all this offense needs it two scores to win a game and maybe even one. The Defense is back and this team could become scary once Ben returns. One guy who should benefit when he does is Mike Wallace. The speedster needs Ben's big arm to produce and has not shown too much thus far. Hines Ward continues to excel no matter who has the ball, and while Mendenhall is putting up decent numbers, there is a nagging feeling that it's only a matter of time before he is less than relevant. For right now he's a solid number two RB and Ward is the only real weekly option.

TENNESSEE: Young got the bench treatment and Fisher prayed maybe Collins could spark something here. Last time this happened, Young went into the tank. We'll see what happens next time a situation like this takes place. I think he should have left Young in and let him struggle through it regardless as it was more of a case that no matter what the Steeler D was going to shut down anything the Titans could throw at them. Benching Young sends a message that can seriously make him doubt his comfortability and maybe cause him to be off his game and play a bit differently instead of taking those chances needed to win games. Next week will show how Vince reacts, but if it's not a good showing then I think Fisher is mostly to blame. The Steelers have CJ's number so look for him to get back to his sick numbers next week against the Giants whom are not the fastest team when stretching across the field.

NEW ORLEANS: The Saints were their usual selves, too many weapons to contend with and different looks each time around. They may be the hardest team in the NFL to game plan for. Both backs were used a lot and the big news is that Bush may miss 6 weeks with a broken bone in his lower leg. This may impact the team more than first thought since it does take away that one extra dimension Defenses have to worry about. Thankfully Chris Ivory, the pre-season sensation is waiting and looks like he has the ability to take over and fill the role. Ivory would be an interesting pick up if Bush has to shut it down for the season but otherwise I don't see any real value for just six weeks barring a Pierre Thomas injury.

SAN FRANCISCO: While many will complain about Alex Smith's play, he really wasn't the main problem. His receivers were less than helpful on a few of the interceptions, and even though he did throw some balls just behind them they were catchable. Overall you have to give them credit for the heart they displayed fighting until the end and tying it up late in the 4th. This could actually be a momentum builder for them despite the loss. They proved they can bounce back and if the turn overs can be limited they can win against top teams. Patrick Willis was in usual beast mode as were Gore and Vernon Davis. The Crabtree bust birds are chirping and this guy really is starting to live up to the prima donna status given to him during his hold out last year. Singletary will get this team right and by mid season they should be in contention for this division despite the 0-2 start. No WR is a trustworthy play here. Gore and Davis are the only two you can count on thus far.