Fantasy football: Where average Joe’s like you and I can feel like award-winning general managers who put together teams to embarrass our friends. Here’s my spin on the week. As always I claim no responsibility for your failures, but will accept all of the credit for your successes.
Stock Trending Up
1. Percy Harvin, WR, Seattle Seahawks: In the words of Richard Sherman, “Lord have mercy, we’ve got Percy.” Man, is there anything this guy can’t do? On Thursday night, Harvin was key in the receiving, rushing, and return game. My key stat from Harvin’s night: he had seven receptions on seven targets. The guy makes plays. If he can stay healthy, Harvin is due for a BIG season.
2. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals: The NFL’s favorite redhead will take on a weak Atlanta defense in week two with a pocket full of weapons. AJ Green, Giovanni Bernard, Tyler Eifert, Marvin Jones and the rest of this Bengals team has a lot of talent. That’s good news if this game turns into a slugfest since Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has one of the most dynamic receiver duos on the other side of the field. Dalton will earn his absurdly large paycheck this week with a big game at home against the Falcons.
3. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers: Man, what an embarrassment for the Cheeseheads on opening night. Now they’ll get to return home and take on an absolutely abysmal Jets secondary. I’m expecting HUGE days from Nelson and Cobb and could see them both going for over 100 yards and each with at least a touchdown. Discount Double Check, indeed.
Stock Trending Down
1. CJ Spiller, RB, Buffalo Bills: I’ll admit, I was one of the guys who thought CJ Spiller would turn into an certified fantasy stud last year. But, a season full of injuries and a committee backfield for the Bills did not help make that a reality. Spiller is once again the main return man for the Bills but this time, I’m not buying. Sell high on Spiller now because I can’t see him having a good year.
2. Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers: Rivers against the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom defense? Ha! Good luck with that one. Rivers will be a solid fantasy QB this year, but I would advise starting someone who is not playing the best defense in the league.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew and Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: MJD has been a decent value pick in most fantasy leagues this year, but I can’t see the Oakland backfield going anywhere against the Texans defense. JJ Watt and first overall pick Jadeveon Clowney are poised to turn the Houston front seven into a nightmare for offenses and the Oakland backfield is far from the class of the NFL.
Week Two Waiver Wire Pickups
1. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints: If you can pick up Ingram in your league, I advise you do it now. Ingram looked great in the preseason, and he has the potential to become the Saints bellcow back for the year. I have him in most of my leagues, and he’s a good bench RB that can potentially be put in the starting rotation during a bye week or if someone gets injured. ROLL TIDE!
2. James Starks, RB, Green Bay: I was a HUGE Eddie Lacy guy this year. Seeing him go down week one with a concussion diagnosis is not good news for Lacy owners like myself. I highly advise picking up Starks, who proved last year he can be an effective back in the Green Bay offense both rushing the ball and catching it out of the backfield.
3. Tampa Bay Defense: Lovie Smith’s squad will take on a depleted St. Louis offense that just lost Sam Bradford for the season. They should be able to put up very good numbers for a defense. Anyone with a defense that isn’t named the Seattle Seahawks should look to add Tampa Bay as a solid D/ST play this week.