TABLE OF CONTENTS. Fantasy Sharks VIP Weekly Report September 14, rd Edition, Volume 2 FANTASY STOCK EXCHANGE GARY DAVENPORT THOMAS CASALE

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1 VIP Weekly Report September 14, rd Edition, Volume 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS FANTASY STOCK EXCHANGE GARY DAVENPORT THE RED ZONE THOMAS CASALE THE DAILY PLANET TODD COLBURN ASSUME THE POSITION BILL AQUAVIVA FLEX APPEAL MICHAEL NEASE THE BLITZ WALTON SPURLIN GAME CAPSULES MATT WILSON CRYSTAL BALL RANKINGS FANTASY SHARKS

2 Weekly Report Page 2 SECTION I-ARTICLES The Fantasy Stock Exchange By Gary Davenport FANTASY STOCK EXCHANGE: Week 2 If the days leading up to Week 1 are filled with hope and excitement, the days just after are filled with a combination of jubilation and abject terror. Every player who went off in Week 1 is the greatest thing since sliced bread. Every player who struggled is the end of the world. The sky is FALLING, man! Can t you SEE THAT? In other words, if there s a word of the week for the inaugural game of the season, that word is overreaction. Now, this isn t to say that there were no major developments in Week 1. The season-ending ACL tear suffered by San Diego Chargers wideout Keenan Allen not only ends his season but also throws a huge wrench into Philip Rivers fantasy value. Fantasy players for the New York Giants and Denver Broncos need to be in lineups this week, because the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts have decided that playing defense is for chumps. And speaking of chumps, the Cleveland Browns suck but that isn t exactly news. It s important not to read too much into one week s games, but it s equally important to keep abreast of happenings and performances that could be of importance to fantasy owners moving forward. And with that in mind, let s check the ticker to see which players stocks is up or down now that the season is underway. QUARTERBACKS STOCK UP: Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals Dalton took a beating against the New York Jets (seven sacks) and managed only one touchdown pass on the day. But the annually undervalued fantasy option topped 350 yards through the air and should find the sledding easier Sunday against a Pittsburgh Steelers team that ranked 30 th in the NFL against the pass in STOCK DOWN: Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills Taylor was invisible in a Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, amassing less than 125 total yards and leading head coach Rex Ryan to grouse to ESPN s Mike Rodak, "We've just got to get rid of this game and move on. The Bills next face that same Jets team that just beat Andy Dalton up on a short week with top wideout Sammy Watkins beat up.

3 Weekly Report Page 3 STOCK UP: Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions Some will say that Stafford s huge Week 1 deserves an asterisk compliments of the Colts matador defense (OLE!). But Stafford s been posting solid QB1 fantasy numbers ever since Jim Bob Cooter took over at OC for the Lions last season. Per CBS Detroit, head coach Jim Caldwell expects Stafford to continue to impress. I think any time you re in a system for a length of time you start to get a little better feel for things, Caldwell said. I think that s a natural sort of occurrence, I really do. STOCK DOWN: Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks Head coach Pete Carroll told the team s website he expects Wilson to face the Rams in Week 2 despite a sprained ankle. "He got a sprained ankle and he s got a little bit of swelling and he ll make it through," Carroll said. However, even if Wilson does go (he s never missed a game in the NFL), we re talking about a mobile quarterback with a bad wheel facing a Rams that that s given him problems in the past. RUNNING BACKS STOCK UP: Ameer Abdullah, Detroit Lions It would be easy to include Detroit scat-back Theo Riddick here as well, as both backs had solid games against the Colts (have I mentioned their defense sucks). Abdullah piled up 120 total yards on 17 touches and found the end zone, while Riddick rolled up 108 total yards and scored twice. Both are very much on the flex radar (RB2 in PPR leagues) for Week 2 against the Tennessee Titans. STOCK DOWN: Gio Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals There was a bit of concern entering the 2016 season about Bernard s usage this season with Hue Jackson no longer coordinating the Bengals offense. It s still too early to freak out, but against the Jets Bernard was a complete non-factor, getting only seven touches all game long. If his usage doesn t increase Sunday against the Steelers, fantasy owners may be looking at the first big backfield disappointment of STOCK UP: C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos Anderson downplayed his huge Week 1 performance while speaking with Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post. I m just doing what I can, he said. There was a lot of negativity about myself and our offense. I m just trying to do what I can to help out my teammates. There isn t any negativity after Anderson picked up 139 total yards and scored twice against the Panthers in Week 1 especially with the papier mache Colts on tap. STOCK DOWN: Devonta Freeman, Atlanta Falcons I know I ve been preaching patience to this point in this column, but where last year s No. 1 fantasy RB is concerned you can go ahead and start freaking out. Not only was Freeman involved in a true RBBC with Tevin Coleman (a 15/13 touch split), but Coleman outgained Freeman Right now

4 Weekly Report Page 4 a best-case scenario might be a big Week 2 against Oakland that could pave the way to deal Freeman before the bottom falls out. WIDE EIVERS STOCK UP: Travis Benjamin, San Diego Chargers With Keenan Allen lost for the year, the Chargers newest wide receiver now becomes their most proven wide receiver. And Bleacher Report s Rob Goldberg expects that to translate to fantasy production. Benjamin provides the Chargers with the big-play threat they've been missing, he said, an option the team will probably utilize even more without Allen on the field. With a legitimate quarterback in Rivers throwing him passes, he can produce with more efficiency. STOCK DOWN: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys Not to toot my own horn, but I mentioned in this column a week ago that the insertion of Dak Prescott at quarterback for the Cowboys could mean ungood things for No. 88. Sure enough, in the first game of the Dakera (copyright me), Bryant was held to a single catch for eight yards against a Giants defense that was dead last in the NFL against the pass last season. Things aren t quite that dire but fantasy owners who drafted Bryant as an elite WR1 have reason to be concerned. STOCK UP: Will Fuller, Houston Texans After a team high five catches for 107 yards and a score in a win over the Chicago Bears, Fuller drew raves from quarterback Brock Osweiler. I thought Will did a tremendous job today, Osweiler told Deepi Sidhu of the team s website. Will is a terrific football player and he is an even better teammate. I love everything about him. Many more stat lines like that, and fantasy owners will be loving everything about the rookie too. STOCK DOWN: Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills Despite severe foot pain that clearly limited him against the Ravens, Watkins insisted to the Buffalo News that he s OK. "It's not about the pain, it's about just being smart," Watkins said. "I got it checked out and I'm fine. I've just got to get ready for the game." However, Watkins looked anything but fine against the Ravens, and he plays on a short week Thursday against the Jets. Even if Watkins guts it out he should be glued to fantasy benches if at all possible. TIGHT ENDS STOCK UP: Gary Barnidge, Cleveland Browns Barnidge s stock isn t up because of anything he did in the Clowns Week 1 pasting at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. But with Robert Griffin heading to IR, Barnidge s BFF Josh McCown goes back under center in Cleveland. From Week 3 to Week 8 last year, with McCown at quarterback, Barnidge was fantasy s top tight end in Fantasy Sharks Default Scoring by a sizable margin.

5 Weekly Report Page 5 STOCK DOWN: Coby Fleener, New Orleans Saints The summer kicked off with talk of Fleener emerging as a breakout star at the tight end position in 2016, but as July gave way to August there were rumblings that Fleener was struggling to learn the playbook and get on the same page with Drew Brees in New Orleans. Given that he managed all of one catch for six yards on a day that Brees topped 400 passing yards, it appears those concerns were justified. STOCK UP: Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys As the New York Post reported, Witten scoffed when asked heading into Week 1 if his best days were behind him. I think everybody is pretty confident, Witten said. That s something I don t lack. That s why you train and work the way you do, to have those opportunities. Witten thrived against the Giants as Dak Prescott s safety valve, hauling in nine passes for 66 yards. STOCK DOWN: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots The nightmare scenario for Gronkowski owners was the same it always is that an injury would cause the Patriots tight end to again miss a significant portion of the season. Gronk didn t even travel with the team to face to the Arizona Cardinals, and while there s hope he ll play in Week 2 it appears Gronkers can look forward to week after week of Questionable tags and upset stomachs. Top

6 Weekly Report Page 6 The Red Zone: Week 2 Thomas Casale Passing Andrew Luck, Colts Luck led the NFL in red zone pass attempts (9), completions (8) and touchdowns (4) in Week 1. The Colts lack of a running game assures that Luck will continue to throw the ball in the red zone. Two of Luck s touchdown passes came inside the 10-yard line. He ll rack up plenty of fantasy points in the red zone for owners this year. Eli Manning, Giants Giants coach Ben McAdoo will continue to preach running the football but with the game on the line, he called three straight pass plays inside the 10-yard line. The Giants strength is Manning and their receivers. Eli threw the ball seven times in the red zone Sunday resulting in three touchdowns. Rashad Jennings is a factor at the goal line but expect Manning to pile up the red zone attempts in Marcus Mariota, Titans Mariota threw the ball seven times in the red zone and five times inside the 10. He converted two of those attempts into touchdowns. Don t expect Mariota to keep this kind of pace going. The Titans were trailing in the second half and Minnesota has one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL. With a backfield that consists of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry, the Titans will run more than they pass in the red zone most weeks. Jameis Winston, Buccaneers Winston only threw one red zone pass but it was a touchdown to tight end Brandon Myers. You can see the Buccaneers transitioning to more of a passing offense in Winston s second season. Doug Martin is still there and will get his scoring chances from inside the 10 as well. However, look for Winston to throw more in the red zone this year. Mike Evans only had 14 red zone targets in That will change. Winston is also a threat to run, making him one of the more productive red zone quarterbacks moving forward. Rushing Ryan Mathews, Eagles Mathews led the NFL with seven red zone carries in Week 1. He scored one touchdown. There s no question the Eagles want to be a power running team, especially in the red zone. Mathews received all of the team s red zone carries in Week 1 but he could lose goal line touches in the future to Darren Sproles and even Carson Wentz. The early returns are positive on Mathews though for fantasy owners. Matt Forte, Jets There was some question as to how the Jets would use Forte and Bilal Powell coming into the season. After one week, it s clear that Forte will see a majority of touches. Forte got five red zone carries against the Bengals and Powell just one. He didn t score. The only issue with Forte is he s never been a great short yardage runner in the past but the Jets don t really have another option near the goal. Forte should continue to dominate goal line touches moving forward.

7 Weekly Report Page 7 Melvin Gordon, Chargers If you re searching for a backfield that presents a red zone headache, look no further than San Diego. Gordon and Danny Woodhead each got three red zone carries on Sunday. Gordon converted two of his into scores. The Chargers like to use Woodhead in the red zone but if Gordon continues to produce near the goal line, he ll certainly get more opportunities. Gordon and Woodhead should continue to split red zone touches but Gordon is in position to see a majority of the goal line carries after his encouraging Week 1 performance. Isaiah Crowell, Browns Duke Johnson was all the rage this summer but it s Crowell who continues to dominate red zone carries in Cleveland. Crowell got three red zone carries in Week 1, converting one into a touchdown. The Browns offense may be better off with Josh McCown under center. Johnson will see targets in the passing game but Crowell will do the heavy lifting near the goal line. Latavius Murray, Raiders On Sunday Murray got one goal line carry and scored. However, he lost a scoring opportunity to Jamize Olawale. Olawale did score but the touchdown is likely just an annoying bump in the road for Murray owners. Last year Murray saw an NFL-high 70.2 percent of his team s red zone carries. Even if that percentage drops a little, Murray will continue to be one of the most consistent red zone running backs in the league. Receiving WR Jamison Crowder, Redskins Crowder led the NFL with four red zone targets in Week 1. He saw 66.7 percent of his team s red zone targets against the Steelers. You know it s a small sample size when Crowder has more red zone targets than Allen Robinson. Crowder caught one of those targets for six yards and no touchdowns. Kirk Cousins was under heavy pressure from the Steelers and settled for a lot of underneath throws Monday night. Expect Jordan Reed to resume his role as Cousin s favorite red zone option in the coming weeks. Allen Robinson, Jaguars Robinson only saw one red zone target on Sunday. That came out to 25 percent of the Jaguars red zone targets. Robinson is a perfect example of not overreacting to one week. He caught one pass for six yards in Week 1 last season and went on to dominate red zone targets. Expect more of the same this year. ARob had a tough matchup in the opener like he did last year against Carolina. He ll heat up. Dez Bryant, Cowboys Bryant only saw five total targets against the Giants despite Dak Prescott throwing the ball 45 times. He didn t get a look in the red zone. Bryant will obviously be more involved in the offense moving forward. Remember that the Giants have one of the best cornerback tandems in the NFL. Prescott checked down a lot in his first start but you can bet Dez will be a factor in the red zone this year. Don t overreact to one game. Mohamed Sanu, Falcons Sanu made an instant impact in his first game with the Falcons. He caught both of his red zone targets for touchdowns on Sunday. Sanu gives Matt Ryan another weapon but he saw just 33 percent of the Falcons red zone targets against the Buccaneers. Julio Jones is still going to

8 Weekly Report Page 8 dominate targets inside the 10-yard line. Sanu will have to make the most of his opportunities like he did in Week 1. Eric Decker, Jets Decker led the NFL with 28 red zone targets in 2015; converting 10 of those into scores. On Sunday he was targeted in the red zone twice and scored a touchdown. Decker only saw 16.7 percent of the Jets red zone targets in Week 1 and he still scored. Ryan Fitzpatrick will look for Decker inside the 20 more often as the year goes on. He s consistently one of the most productive red zone receivers in the NFL. Receiving TE Jack Doyle, Colts Doyle caught both of his red zone targets for scores on Sunday. He made the most of his chances but Doyle only saw 22.2 percent of the Colts red zone targets. They just happen to both go for scores. Doyle might catch a couple more short touchdowns this season but Dwayne Allen continues to be the Colts primary tight end red zone target in Virgil Green, Broncos Green saw one red zone target but didn t convert. However, Green was wide open in the back of the end zone and Trevor Siemen s pass got knocked down. Green won t be a highvolume reception tight end in the Broncos offense but he should be a factor in the red zone all season. Down the line the look Green got against the Panthers will convert into short touchdown receptions for fantasy owners. Coby Fleener, Saints Fleener didn t exactly set the world on fire in his first game with the Saints. He caught one ball for six yards. Fleener was a non-factor in the red zone, while running back Travaris Cadet got three red zone targets and scored. Cadet certainly won t see that many red zone targets every week but Fleener needs to carve out a role in the offense. Drew Brees has historically targeted the tight end in the red zone. Fleener should still make a fantasy impact with the Saints.

9 Weekly Report Page 9 THE DAILY PLANET BY TODD COLBURN The Daily Planet Week 2 By Todd Colburn Despite a fairly dismal slate of Week 1 matchups, it felt so right to be in front of NFL football once again! Admittedly, I m ready to get past the concussion and Star Spangled Banner talk and get straight to the good stuff making money! Let s dig into the numbers for the Week 2 NFL fantasy matchups VEGAS-SOURCING Vegas-sourcing is the term I use for the strategy of using the knowledge of the wise guys to inform your daily fantasy decisions. Each week you ll want to build a base of information around the matchups. Vegas bookmakers have an uncanny ability to project what teams are going to put up on the scoreboard. The over/unders and the spread give you a free look at what the experts think each team is going to produce. So instead of crowdsourcing, we present: Vegas-sourcing. You just extrapolate the projected points scored by a team by looking at the Over/Unders and cross-referencing the spreads. Keep in mind that the numbers all change throughout the week, so don t get too worked up if the line has moved based on what you see below. The takeaway is the same whether Vegas is projecting 28 or 29 points scored by a team at different points throughout the week. High Scorers: Carolina 29.5 Low Scorers: Philadelphia NY Giants 28.5 Cleveland Arizona Los Angeles 17.5 Oakland 27 Miami 17.5 Detroit San Francisco 16 Notable: Seattle 20.5 Kansas City 21.5 Denver There are a few surprises in the Top 5 this week; Detroit makes an appearance in this space for the first time in a VERY long time. Not a lot of faith in the Tennessee defense in Vegas. Vegas is telling you to think hard about Theo Riddick and/or Amir Abdullah this week. Oakland was a team I was high on last week, but they took a fantasy backseat to the New Orleans juggernaut in Week 1. I do think Amari Cooper s numbers were no fluke. He is going to be a Top 10 WR every week with Top 5 upside. I m not sure I saw enough out of the NY Giants in Week 1 to justify this lofty ranking, but I won t be shy about using Odell Beckham, Jr. as my WR1 this week.

10 Weekly Report Page 10 Noteworthy this week is Seattle, who finds themselves in Vegas crosshairs after a Week 1 dud, as well as a Week 2 matchup with a stout defense (Los Angeles). Despite Kansas City starting things off with a bang, their matchup with Houston might be enough to give us pause when considering their skill players. And then we have Denver, recently coming off of a big win on Monday night against a very tough Carolina D. I m not sure I m ready to put that offense within the Top 10 of any given week. Their work was admirable, but I m not yet sold. Indianapolis is definitely a better matchup, so perhaps this game turns into a big shootout. WEEK 1 VALUE PLAYS DEFENSE: Defense is where I usually like to steal some value. You can usually find some nice inefficiencies in pricing on defense. I will often start my roster construction with defense, looking for the best relative value, with an emphasis on low price. Some weeks, the matchup compels you to take the high-priced options, but I like to spend my money elsewhere. DraftKings Salary FanDuel Salary Seattle $3800 Seattle $5200 NY Jets $3300 NY Jets $4700 Philadelphia $3300 Baltimore $4500 Green Bay $3200 Green Bay $4400 Detroit $2800 Los Angeles $4300 All of the defenses you want are pretty high priced this week, unfortunately. You might not be able to justify looking for value I might just like to ride Seattle against that TERRIBLE Los Angeles offensive line. Then again, that cuts both ways on FanDuel, the LA defense is priced near the bottom. With Russell Wilson gimpy, I might be inclined to gamble on the Rams defense. If I really need to trim salary with my defense, I m going to war with Green Bay this week. They did just okay last week, but I like what I see from this D. Minnesota doesn t offer much at all on offense; Tennessee more or less held them scoreless until they gave up two defensive touchdowns. Another consideration is Philadelphia this week; Chicago is another lackluster offense that is prone to turnovers. Keep Philly in mind on DraftKings. QUARTERBACK: Normally I like to pay up for the best QB options, as they are such a big source of points. This week is no exception, as some of the highest-priced players project to score big this weekend (I m looking at you, Drew Brees). But if you want to go big at another position, here are some values for you to consider: DraftKings Salary FanDuel Salary

11 Weekly Report Page 11 Eli Manning $7600 Eli Manning $8100 Matthew Stafford $7300 Blake Bortles $8100 Derek Carr $7200 Andy Dalton $7800 Blake Bortles $6700 Philip Rivers $7700 Philip Rivers $6400 Joe Flacco $7400 The horse I m riding this week will likely be Eli Manning at home against that suspect New Orleans secondary. But as much as I m here to tell you who to choose, let me take a moment and tell you who not to choose: do NOT use Andrew Luck this week. That Denver defense is no joke, people and that Colts O Line is not THAT much better than last year. I m scared for Luck s life this week. Consider instead Mr. Blake Bortles, with only the 10 th highest salary on FD, and the 13 th highest on DK. I like Philip Rivers on the other side of that matchup as well I see that game as a high-scoring affair. Also, don t sleep on Joe Flacco against a Cleveland defense that made Carson Wentz look pretty competent! RUNNING BACK: Normally, I m looking for value at RB and paying up for top WRs. With so many roles in question, it s hard to justify going to deep into the bargain bin, but here are some guys outside of the top tier to consider: DraftKings Salary FanDuel Salary C.J. Anderson $6800 DeAngelo Williams $7600 Spencer Ware $6100 Spencer Ware $6800 DeMarco Murray $5700 Danny Woodhead $6400 Danny Woodhead $5200 Carlos Hyde $6100 Theo Riddick $4300 LeGarrette Blount $6000 Turns out Eddy Lacy really is fat. But we put that behind us and push on for value in the RB space. DK makes C.J. Anderson a reasonable splurge, while DeAngelo Williams has a fairly reasonable number this week. But I m going to dip back into the Spencer Ware well. This guy is a Top 10 RB period, guys and gals. Watch KC slow play the return of Jamal Charles Ware is for real. Tennessee made clear their intentions to run the crap out of DeMarco Murray, but it was nice to see how much he was used in the passing game. Don t fret about Derrick Henry, because the big dog (DM) is gonna eat. Carlos Hyde did nothing in Week 1 to take me out of his fan club his price on FD is sweet. Perennially undervalued RB Danny Woodhead is a bargain again this week yeah, I know Melvin Gordon got 2 s. Woodhead had twice as many touches I m going to bank on the usage. And lastly, I love Theo Riddick this week against a Titans defense that struggles to defend RBs in space. Detroit proved last week that they can definitely get RBs into space.

12 Weekly Report Page 12 WIDE EIVER: Most weeks, my plan will be to max out the wide receiver position. I ll try to get top guys for their reliability. With one higher-end RB, you might have to find at least one bargain among this position group. Here are some options for Week 1: DraftKings Salary FanDuel Salary Amari Cooper $7200 Amari Cooper $7900 Kelvin Benjamin $6500 Kelvin Benjamin $7500 Larry Fitzgerald $6400 Julian Edelman $7100 Willie Snead $5800 Jordan Matthews $6900 Tyrell Williams $3700 Tyrell Williams $5400 I m doubling down on my Amari Cooper love from Week 1. It s clear he is the #1 target and the ball will get forced to him. And my goodness how much of a monster was Kelvin Benjamin in Week 1?! That guy looks like an unstoppable force. The price is right, especially on DK. I think Jordan Matthews has a good chance to repeat his Week 1 performance, and he is especially cheap on FanDuel. Tyrell Williams, and not Travis Benjamin or Dontrelle Inman, is my bet to be the man at WR for San Diego. Consider him if you went heavy at RB or TE and need a cheap flex or WR. And don t sleep on Larry Fitzgerald, who is still making the world go round in Arizona. TIGHT END: I m going extreme on TE most of the time. Either it s Gronk or Jordan Reed if the numbers work out right (I find multiple bargains at other positions), or I might be punting TE. That said, punting TE doesn t mean you put a can of corn out there. You can get a quality contributor for cheap. Here are some options: DraftKings Salary FanDuel Salary Greg Olsen $5600 Delanie Walker $6600 Delanie Walker $4500 Julius Thomas $6400 Julius Thomas $4400 Gary Barnidge $6000 Gary Barnidge $4000 Antonio Gates $5900 Virgil Green $2800 Virgil Green $4600 My glowing thoughts of Delanie Walker didn t lead to much in Week 1, but I m not deterred. I like him again this week he ll get more than 5 targets this week, and I m betting on some redzone work. Gary Barnidge will be a popular play this week with the narrative that he ll be much more sought after with Josh McCown at QB. I tend to agree his production should surpass his cost this week. Julius Thomas showed quite a bit in Week 1 and should continue to be used provided he can stay healthy. Watch his status for Week 2, and be prepared to start him if he rallies later in the week. If you need a bargain this week, Virgil Green is there for you. If this is indeed going to be a highscoring game as Vegas predicts, Green could find a little more action this week (5 targets last week).

13 Weekly Report Page 13 Here are a couple of sample lineups for cash game entries this week: SAMPLE CASH GAME LINEUP DRAFTKINGS POS PLAYER SALARY QB Eli Manning $7600 RB Theo Riddick $4300 RB Danny Woodhead $5200 WR Amari Cooper $7600 WR Kelvin Benjamin $6500 WR Willie Snead $5800 TE Greg Olsen $5600 FLEX Tyrell Williams $3700 DST Arizona Cardinals $3500 SAMPLE CASH GAME LINEUP FANDUEL POS PLAYER SALARY QB Eli Manning $8100 RB Carlos Hyde $6100 RB LeGarrette Blount $6000 WR Odell Beckham, Jr. $9400 WR Amari Cooper $7900 WR Jordan Matthews $6900 TE Delanie Walker $6600 K Sebastian Janikowski $4600 DST Green Bay Packers $4400 Thanks for reading this week, best of luck with your Daily Leagues in Week 2! Top

14 Weekly Report Page 14 ASSUME THE POSITION BY BILL AQUAVIVA ASSUME THE POSITION: Week 2 Deep breaths owners of RGIII (both of you) and Keenan Allen, it hurts right now, but it s gonna be okay For everyone else, including the close calls and still to be determined impacts of injuries to Cam Newton, Chris Ivory, Russell Wilson, Sammy Watkins, Demaryius Thomas and Zach Ertz, the season is officially underway now and while one week does not a season make, there were some takeaways for your players and teams. Kelvin Benjamin appears to be back, Victor Cruz might have a few more salsas in his future, Drew Brees can throw 400 yards and multiple s to anyone - possibly even me, and there s now a QB controversy in New England - I m just kidding, of course there s no controversy, but the Patriots beating the Cardinals without Brady or Gronkowski? Pretty impressive. As always, the weekly Assume The Position article takes a look at some of the great matchups ( Money in the Bank ), good matchups ( Safe Bets ) and bad matchups ( Rolling the Dice ), and we give you one player at each position (QB, RB, WR and TE) that we ve identified for that respective performance (great, good or bad), taking into account the player s offensive capabilities as well as the defensive matchup they re facing. MONEY IN THE BANK (Great Matchup) Eli Manning QB, New York Giants (vs. NO) Eli barely cracked 200 yards passing against the Cowboys last week, but he did have 3 s, and we confirmed the return of Victor Cruz is actually a thing. With the new head coach and an offensive philosophy that doesn t consist of run, run, pass, punt, Eli can only blame himself if he can t light up the Saints like Derek Carr and the Raiders did last week. Carr only had 1 but threw for 319 yards. Look for Eli to add another 3 (or more) s this week and to significantly increase his yardage total against what might be the worst pass defense in the league again this year, especially with CB Delvin Breaux out for the next 6+ weeks. C. J. Anderson RB, Denver Broncos (vs. IND) The Colts are currently giving up almost 6 ypc to RBs after one week, and that was against decent, but not great, RBs from Detroit. I m not saying C. J. Anderson is great, but he s better than either of Detroit s RBs and he should be Denver s offensive focus in most games while Trevor Siemian gets up to speed. That makes him a great start this week so keep riding him. Brandin Cooks WR, New Orleans Saints (at NYG) All Cooks did last week was catch 6 balls for 143 yards and 2 s, one of which was a franchise record 98 yard. This week he plays the NY Giants, who last year actually beat out the Saints for

15 Weekly Report Page 15 worst pass defense in the league. So obviously this game is going to be a shootout and all WRs will excel. Willie Snead will excel, rookie Michael Thomas will excel and Brandin Cooks will excel. He might not get 2 more s, or a 98 yard catch, but he will have a bunch of receptions and hover around or crack the 100 yard mark, making him a very safe play. Julius Thomas TE, Jacksonville Jaguars (at SD) Thomas season debut resulted in a 5 catch, 64 yard, 1 performance against the Green Bay Packers, most likely making everyone remember his Denver Broncos days a couple of years ago. This week he faces the Chargers, who gave up the 4th most yards last week and last year struggled against fantasy TEs. Jaguars Senior Writer, John Oehser sees the potential here as well: Thomas was critical against Green Bay, playing like the weapon he had been in Denver in If he continues in that vein, quarterback Blake Bortles suddenly has three go-to, reliable weapons in Thomas, Hurns and Robinson. SAFE BETS (Good Matchup) Marcus Mariota QB, Tennessee Titans (at DET) Detroit gave up the 12th most fantasy points to QBs in 2015, and after watching Andrew Luck torch them for 385 yards and 4 s, it looks like things might be even worse this year. Of course that was Andrew Luck doing that damage, so don t expect such high numbers from Mariota, but coming off an impressive showing against a tough Vikings defense, to the tune of 271 yards and 2 s, he should have a big day in Detroit with his arm and his legs. T. J. Yeldon RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (at SD) On the surface week 1 looks pretty bad for Yeldon. He rushed 21 times for just 39 yards (less than 2 YPC) and his longest gain was 7 yards. But he did score a, and he did catch 4 balls for 30 yards. And he did face a better than average run defense in the Packers. So, it wasn t the start you d hoped for, but this week he gets San Diego. The Chargers gave up 70 yards rushing, an almost 7 YPC average and a, and another 129 yards receiving on 7 catches to Kansas City s fill-in RB, Spencer Ware. San Diego also gave up the 4th most fantasy points to RBs last year, so expect this trend to continue and enjoy a bounce-back week from Yeldon. Brandon LaFell WR, Cincinnati Bengals (at PIT) Obviously you play A.J. Green every week regardless of his matchup, as he proved last week by destroying Revis Island. But we don t state the obvious here, which means in order to identify a Bengals WR who will pick on the Steelers secondary, we look to LaFell. LaFell had 4 catches for 91 yards last week against the Jets but was completely, and justifiably, overshadowed by A.J. Green s ridiculous game. Pittsburgh will be doing everything they can to contain Green, which should leave LaFell open for another big game this week against one of last year s worst pass defenses. Kyle Rudolph TE, Minnesota Vikings (vs. GB)

16 Weekly Report Page 16 With the emergency QB changes that occurred in Minnesota, the TE, as he so often does, stepped up to be a security blanket for the QB. This time it was Rudolph catching 4 balls for 65 yards against the Titans. He should perform similarly this week against the Packers who last week gave up 5 catches, 64 yards and a to Julius Thomas and last year sported a middle of the road defense against TEs. Regardless of the starter, (Hill or Bradford), Rudolph should have another solid game. ROLLING THE DICE (Bad Matchup) Jimmy Garoppolo QB, New England Patriots (vs. MIA) So, after his first NFL start, and an upset win against Arizona, Garoppolo is being picked up in leagues all across the country. I understand that, it s a smart move if your starter has a bye before Brady returns. But what I don t understand is how Boston Herald columnist Ron Borges can say Garoppolo is the real deal. Belichick is the real deal, the Patriots team is the real deal. Jimmy Garoppolo is a backup filling a role for a few weeks out of necessity. Did he have a nice game, yes. Should he be starting this week? No. The Dolphins caused problems for the Seahawks and made Russell Wilson work for his 254 yards and 1. Maybe Garoppolo really is the real deal and I m clueless, but I wouldn t bet my starting QB spot on it. LeSean McCoy RB, Buffalo Bills (vs. NYJ) Shady McCoy did score a last week against Baltimore, but his stats were nothing to write about...although apparently I m currently writing about them...anyway, he rushed 16 times for just 58 yards. This week he faces the Jets who gave up the second least fantasy points to RBs last year, including allowing a league low 2 rushing s. The Jets did give up a last week to Jeremy Hill but allowed just 57 yards on 19 carries. I expect McCoy to have similar struggles running the ball against the Jets this week. Phillip Dorsett WR, Indianapolis Colts (at DEN) Dorsett, the Colts leading WR last week, caught 4 balls for 91 yards, but 51 of them came on 1 catch, and he had none of Andrew Luck s 4 s. He ll likely end up another 4 catches this week but against the Broncos smothering defense it will lead to only about yards. Denver held Cam Superman Newton to just over 50% pass completion, 194 yards, 1 and picked him off once while sacking him 3 times. These numbers do not bode well for the significantly less mobile Andrew Luck or his receivers. Gary Barnidge TE, Cleveland Browns (vs. BAL) Barnidge was shutout last week against the Eagles and this week he faces the Ravens, the league s best pass defense after week one. Baltimore allowed just 111 yards passing and 15 completions against the Buffalo Bills last week. This week Cleveland comes in with a new QB and oh yeah, no talent. This is still your Daddy s Cleveland Browns (unless your Daddy was around in the 50s) and it s going to be ugly. I, like NFL Media Writer, Alex Gelhar, believe Barnidge will perform better with McCown than he did/would have with RGIII, but I still believe his numbers will be painfully low this week.

17 Weekly Report Page 17 FLEX APPEAL BY MICHAEL NEASE Flex Appeal Week 2 By: Mike Nease, Senior Writer The fantasy football game should come with a warning label Monday Night Football has a way of turning Sunday leads into Monday defeats. I lost a couple of games in Week 1 where I had 30+ point leads Sunday thanks to the Steelers trio of Ben Roethlisberger, DeAngelo Williams and Antonio Bryant. The emotional rollercoaster of being able to monitor fantasy scoring in real time makes the game so much more scintillating to play and watch. After so much excitement, concluding the week with that Rams-49ers game was a brutal letdown after so many great games. The networks complained about lower ratings than expected, but really, how many people could stand watching the Rams flounder around looking lost for three hours? The dynamics of the 2016 season are now underway. Players and teams are scrambling to achieve an edge. Heroes are already emerging out of obscurity and some imagined studs have started off like duds. In other words, it is business as usual in the fantasy football world. My goal each and every week will be to help you fill that wild card slot in your lineup, the flex position, with some viable, practical solutions. In a typical fantasy football lineup we have one position dedicated to a flex player, that being an extra RB, WR, or TE. Many people just take a lower tier RB or WR and slap them into the lineup. Following that haphazard strategy can cost you games on a regular ongoing basis. You can turn the challenging flex position in your lineup into one of strength, rather than an afterthought. Typically the selection pool here in a 12-team league includes those players ranked beyond RB24, WR36 and TE12. I will use several rankings sources to obtain a healthy consensus. Marriage Material This could be either an available free agent pickup, or a player you already have on your roster that you would take home to meet your folks. This is a likely keeper that you can use more often than not throughout the rest of the season. He has a flair for consistency and the ability to light up the scoreboard with big numbers some weeks. RB Theo Riddick, Det In 2015 Theo Riddick stood out with his consistent double-digit performances. With a /// game in Week 1 he is off to a great start. He is one of the elite pass catching RBs in the league. Most

18 Weekly Report Page 18 weeks he will be heavily skewed to receiving points, but he is also a rushing threat. He won t have 28 points every week, but you can rely on him to give you some solid points each and every game, the perfect flex marriage. Look for him and Ameer Abdullah to work well in tandem once again this week. Riddick should exceed 10 FP at home against the Titans. RB Charles Sims, TB Like Riddick, Charles Sims has shown that he has a niche in Tampa Bay, working with Doug Martin as a RB duo. He can sub for Martin and not only can he carry the ball, but he is also a skilled pass receiver. In Week 1 he had a /// stat line, accounting for 13 FP. While he is not as highly regarded as Riddick yet, he is closing in on him. Playing a tough Cardinals defense on the road in Week 2, expect Charles Sims to score 9-10 FP. Love em and Leave em A player here has some flex appeal, but you really only want him because of a favorable matchup this week. You will likely see some red warning flags as you approach. A background check may alert you to injury risks, his coach may favor someone else that is not even suiting up this week, etc., etc. But hey, you don t want to consider marriage. A one week stand is all you need him for now. But over the long-haul, maybe, just maybe he could fit the bill for something long-term. RB Tevin Coleman, Atl Karma is a bit! Two years ago Devonta Freeman was drafted by the Falcons. Last year they drafted Coleman because they were less than satisfied. Coleman got hurt at the onset of 2015 and Freeman excelled for half a year and then coasted to the finish line. Now Tevin Coleman, with an /// stat line, is making a statement. He wants the job! In Week 2 he should be good for 8-10 FP against the Raiders. Keep an eye on Coleman the next couple months. He could be moving higher than flex status depending on how the duel between him and Freeman goes. As of now, Tevin Coleman is off to a strong start. WR Will Fuller, Hou Most of the young rookie WRs had a rough start in Week 1. Will Fuller was not one of them. He looked right at home as he scored 22 FP, with a stat line, in his initial game against the Bears. Defenses are going to have the unenviable task of covering both Fuller and DeAndre Hopkins every week. As a result, Fuller is another player, like Coleman, with the potential to quickly rise above the flex level in the lineup.

19 Weekly Report Page 19 Playing it conservatively, let s pencil in Fuller for about 9-10 FP in his match up against Kansas City this week. WR Phillip Dorsett. Ind With T.Y. Hilton and Dante Moncrief both receiving so much attention, a healthy Phillip Dorsett led the Colts in receiving in Week 1, scoring 13 FP with a team leading stat line. With so many targets, Dorsett looks like a perfect flex player. This week will be a test of the Colts overall offense, playing the Broncos in Colorado. Let s figure on Dorsett getting 9-10 FP and see how he does. WR Tajae Sharpe, Ten For the last couple months, the relatively unheralded rookie WR Tajae Sharpe was getting a lot of backing as a pleasant surprise for those drafting him. Those pundits just may have been right! With 11 targets in Week 1, Sharpe produced a solid stat line good for 14 FP. That is a welcome sight for those with the foresight to draft him. He is another player that could be playing above the flex level later in the season. To play it safe only expect about 8-10 FP from him this week. I do not think you will be disappointed. TE Jacob Tamme, Atl After a year of getting to know one another, Matt Ryan and Jacob Tamme seem to be starting the year on the same page, unlike last year. While being targeted 11 times, Tamme had a stat line with numbers. With Roddy White gone, Mohamad Sanu being new and Julio Jones already nursing an injury, it looks like Tamme could be a surprise at TE and a good flex choice. We cannot be too greedy though. Let s look for Jacob Tamme to score about 7-8 FP against the Oakland Raiders. Last Call The bar is closing and you are so, so desperate. We have all been there at one time or another. LeSean McCoy or another similar wasted draft choice is a scratch once again. Who can I add to my roster? Here we will give you a guy to start. He won t be great and very seldom will he be even good. But this week this mutt of a player will give you at least something from the flex position. WR Quincy Enunwa, NYJ Now we get into some players who may be more of a reach. Quincy Enunwa has survived another training camp and many highly drafted Jets WRs have come and gone. Enunwa was targeted eight

20 Weekly Report Page 20 times in Week 1 and produced a solid stat line. With Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall being heavily covered every week, Quincy Enunwa could become a decent flex choice. He is the kind of guy you try once and see how it works out. See if he can deliver 7-8 FP for you. If he can, try him again. If not, there are lots of fish in that WR pool WR Travis Benjamin, SD Travis Benjamin is now the WR1 in San Diego, with Keenan Allen on IR already. He has an opportunity here to excel, but he has never been consistent. On eight targets, he had a less than inspiring stat line in Week 1. That s 10 points, but he did not even average five- yards/catch. If he can prove to be a reliable receiver, he could be at least a flex choice, or maybe even more. See if he can get you 10 FP or more this week. We can determine his 2016 value within 2-3 games. TE Jack Doyle, Ind With Coby Fleener gone, Jack Doyle stepped in and on only four targets he had a stat line. On the surface that looks great, but take a look at the details. 12 of his 18 FP were scored on s. The question becomes one of whether it was a fluke or can we count on him? It at least earns him a one time opportunity at the flex position. If he can score 7-8 points against Denver, he passes his test and gets another chance. If not, put him back on the bench and look elsewhere. TE Jermaine Gresham, Ari Another test drive choice would be Jermaine Gresham, the former Bengals TE playing with the Cardinals. In Week 1 he was targeted four times by Carson Palmer. He caught all of them and converted them into a stat line. That showed a high degree of reliability and Gresham should see more chances in coming games. Expect him to score 7-8 FP against the Bucs this week. Adrian Balboa To Rocky, she was the greatest, prettiest woman in the world. To the rest of us with discerning tastes perhaps not so much. In fantasy football there are players like that available all the time. While others are running away from a player and completely overlooking them is the time for you to swoop in and snap them up. WR Mike Wallace, Bal Once upon a time Antonio Brown was playing in the shadows of Mike Wallace in Pittsburgh. When it came to budgets, the Steelers chose Brown and Wallace pretty much disappeared from the fantasy

21 Weekly Report Page 21 radar. Now with six targets in Week 1, he has produced a nice with 11 yards rushing stat line. I know that he is pretty much a low credibility option now, but he merits a chance to shine. Expect him to get you about 10 points against Cleveland. What do you have to lose? WR Eddie Royal, Den Eddie Royal has been a decent WR 3/4/Flex the last few years, but he has been hindered by nagging injuries. Now he is healthy and just as importantly, Jay Cutler knows him and they have a solid chemistry between them. He had a stat line in Week 1. Take him off that scrap heap and expect 7-8 FP this week against the Eagles on Monday night. And there you have it the Week 2 flex play recommendations. When you look at your lineup, view it as a combination of players designed to give you enough points not only to win this week, but enough to win each and every week and ultimately to win the league championship. Work hard each week to have the strongest lineup possible. Use your judgment to maximize your points based on the players you have. Work the waiver wire and seek out trades to give you the strongest roster you can have. Your job is not done just because the draft is over and the season has begun. In fact things only get harder from this point on. Outwork your opponents and keep building your team from week to week. Good luck! Have fun! Mike Nease is a member of the FSWA and has been playing the game since 1985, while also writing about it since Over the years he has sampled about all the playing scenarios that fantasy football offers, including re-drafter, keeper, dynasty, auction, IDP and salary cap leagues. He and his wife Bonnie reside in West Chicago, IL You can contact Mike at mnease23@yahoo.com anytime and during the football season follow

22 Weekly Report Page 22 The Blitz TEAM DEFENSE Here s what we think we learned from the first week of NFL action: The Philadelphia Eagles D/ST delivered against the Browns rolling up 3 sacks, an interception as well as a safety. Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Connor Barwin all notched a sack and look for Vinny Curry to get on the board this week against a Chicago offense that gave up 5 sacks last week Despite getting rolled by the lowly 49ers we like the Los Angeles Rams to put forth a much better effort in their home opener. Seattle QB Russell Wilson is dealing with an ankle issue and will be limited if he s able to play. The Rams defense roughed up Seattle last year racking up 10 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and a pair of D/ST scores in their two meetings Chasing the Cleveland Browns offense is still a good idea. Josh McCown will take over at QB for the injured Robert Griffin III and faces a very stingy Baltimore Ravens D/ST. Last week the Ravens held the Buffalo Bills to only 7 points and 176 total yards while amassing a pair of sacks Things don t get any easier for the Bills this week as they face the New York Jets on a short week (the teams face off in the Thursday Night Game). The Jets D- line had a great opening weekend racking up 6 sacks. They get Sheldon Richardson back this week and Tyrod Taylor is going to be under pressure all night. We like the Jets this week. Team Defense Rankings for Week 2 # Team # Team # Team # Team 1 Seattle 9 Los Angeles 17 Buffalo 25 San Diego 2 Carolina 10 New England 18 Detroit 26 Dallas 3 Baltimore 11 Houston 19 Jacksonville 27 Chicago 4 Denver 12 Kansas City 20 Washington 28 San Francisco 5 Philadelphia 13 Pittsburgh 21 Miami 29 Atlanta 6 Arizona 14 Minnesota 22 Tennessee 30 Cleveland 7 NY Jets 15 Cincinnati 23 Tampa Bay 31 Indianapolis 8 Green Bay 16 Oakland 24 NY Giants 32 New Orleans Less Than 90% Owned Standout Team Defenses for Week 2*: *Ownership information based on ESPN standard leagues Baltimore (@ Cleveland)-28% owned. The Ravens defense completely shut down Tyrod Taylor and the Bills offense last week allowing only 7 points and 176 total yards. Cleveland will turn to veteran QB Josh McCown to run the offense with RG III on injured reserve. Yes. The same McCown that in his career has scored 81 total touchdowns while turning the ball over a total of 88 times. The Ravens D/ST rolls in week 2.

23 Weekly Report Page 23 Philadelphia Chicago)-29% owned. We continue to ride the Eagles as an aggressive D/ST with upside and a nice matchup. The Eagles racked up 3 sacks along with an interception and safety last week and will once again be bringing heavy pressure off the edge. The Bears allowed 5 sacks last week and Jay Cutler threw his customary interception. This is another nice week to roll with the Eagles D/ST. Los Angeles (vs. Seattle)-50% owned. Yes. We realize that the Rams looked completely disinterested on defense last week once they realized how putrid their offense was. This is the home opener back in Los Angeles and a surprisingly good matchup. QB Russell Wilson is dealing with an ankle injury and the Rams D/ST manhandled Seattle last season. As mentioned above in the two games they played last year the Rams posted 10 sacks, 2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and scored 2 D/ST touchdowns. Those are numbers we like. BONUS PICK: Minnesota (vs. Green Bay Packers)-62% owned. This one is a bit of a roll of the dice as the Packers are generally pretty stingy with turnovers. The thing I like about Minny is that they are coming off a strong game on the road in which they posted a pair of defensive scores while racking up a pair of sacks. They punish QBs even when they don t get the sack and I can see Aaron Rodgers tossing a pick or two. Downside Team Defenses for Week 2: Cincinnati (@ Pittsburgh)-93% owned. After watching the Steelers offense Monday night I m guessing a lot of the 93% of owners of the Bengals are starting another D/ST and just want to keep Cincy for later in the season. If not, then they are in for a long game against a healthy Steelers offense that s firing on all cylinders. Houston (vs. Kansas City)-95% owned. I m generally hesitant to start a D/ST against the Chiefs because of the conservative play calling they employ. It s tough for J.J. Watt and company to make big plays when the Chiefs play it so close to the vest. In the two meetings between these teams last season (including the playoff blowout win by KC) the Chiefs scored 57 points while allowing 5 sacks and turned the ball over 1 time. INDIVIDUAL DEFENSIVE PLAYERS Some thoughts regarding the IDP landscape following Week 1: Ziggy Ansah of the Lions had a disappointing game against a bad Colts offensive line but teammate Kerry Hyder followed a strong preseason with 2 sacks in the opener. Look for Ansah to bounce back this week at home Let s get both Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt in our lineups this week against a Bengals team that allowed 6 sacks to DL in the opener At the risk of sounding like a broken record I like Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Vinny Curry this week against the Bears. The Wide-9 is alive and well for Philadelphia Old Man River Derrick Johnson is in the top-5 of my LB ranks this week due to a matchup with the Texans. Houston allowed 28 total stops to the dup of Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman Speaking of Trevathan and Freeman they are weekly starts as the D-line in Chicago is nothing to write home about We like the all the main LBs in the Dallas Cowboys and Washington

24 Weekly Report Page 24 Redskins game. The stat crew didn t let us down in Washington last week as 3 LBs put up top-20 numbers (standard scoring). So roll out Sean Lee, Will Compton as well as Mason Foster this week Tahir Whitehead is a nice start this week against a Tennessee offense that will feature a heavy dose of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry Tyrann Mathieu is back and looking good and we love him and teammate Tony Jefferson going up against the rejuvenated Tampa Bay pass offense. QB Jamies Winston likes to use the TE position as well as throw to his backs so the Cardinals safeties will be busy Kurt Coleman will be a busy man facing a 49ers offense that allowed 30 solo tackles to DBs last week Safeties made 24 solo stops against the Patriots last week so taking a flyer on Isa Abdul-Quddus of the Dolphins could pay off. There should be enough tackles to go around for him and Reshad Jones The last time the Saints and Giants hooked up it was a victory for New Orleans with 13 touchdown passes thrown between the teams. What I m getting at is Janoris Jenkins is going to have plenty of opportunity to make a big play or two. The Vikings haven t named a starting QB for week 2 and it won t matter as we still start Ha Ha Clinton-Dix and Morgan Burnett. This is one of the top S duos in the league and both put up top-15 DB numbers last week Finally, don t chase the 11 solo stops by Baltimore CB Shareece Wright this week against a Browns offense that allowed only 12 total tackles to DBs last week. Pick the kid up (see the waiver wire section) but keep him benched this week. IDP Rankings-Defensive Linemen-Week 2 # D Lineman # D Lineman # D Lineman 1 Khalil Mack 11 Cameron Jordan 21 Robert Ayers 2 JJ Watt 12 Jabaal Sheard 22 Brandon Graham 3 Robert Quinn 13 Olivier Vernon 23 Jurrell Casey 4 Ziggy Ansah 14 Cameron Heyward 24 Cliff Avril 5 Muhammad Wilkerson 15 Jason Pierre-Paul 25 Sheldon Richardson 6 Aaron Donald 16 Kawaan Short 26 Ndamukong Suh 7 Carlos Dunlap 17 Michael Bennett 27 Vinny Curry 8 Fletcher Cox 18 Geno Atkins 28 Leonard Williams 9 Calais Campbell 19 Mario Williams 29 Gerald McCoy 10 Everson Griffen 20 Stephon Tuitt 30 Derek Wolfe IDP Rankings-Linebackers-Week 2 # Linebackers # Linebackers # Linebackers 1 Alec Ogletree 11 DeAndre Levy 21 Preston Brown 2 Navorro Bowman 12 CJ Mosely 22 Mark Barron 3 Luke Kuechly 13 Sean Lee 23 Kiko Alonso 4 Derrick Johnson 14 Danny Trevathan 24 Kwon Alexander 5 Lavonte David 15 Eric Kendricks 25 Deone Bucannon 6 Telvin Smith 16 Ryan Shazier 26 Will Compton 7 Jamie Collins 17 Paul Posluszny 27 Jerrell Freeman 8 Babby Wagner 18 Brandon Marshall 28 Demario Davis 9 DQ Jackson 19 Jordan Hicks 29 Karlos Dansby

25 Weekly Report Page Malcolm Smith 20 Lawrence Timmons 30 James Laurinaitis IDP Rankings-Defensive Backs-Week 2 # Defensive Backs # Defensive Backs # Defensive Backs 1 Reshad Jones 11 Antoine Bethea 21 Reggie Nelson 2 Landon Collins 12 Johnathan Cyprien 22 Shawn Williams 3 Tyrann Mathieu 13 Malcolm Jenkins 23 Kam Chancellor 4 Corey Graham 14 Ibraheim Campbell 24 Janoris Jenkins 5 Harrison Smith 15 Eric Berry 25 Josh Norman 6 Kenny Vaccaro 16 Bashaud Breeland 26 Mike Adams 7 H.H. Clinton-Dix 17 Tony Jefferson 27 David Amerson 8 Eric Weddle 18 TJ Ward 28 Adam Jones 9 Morgan Burnett 19 DeAngelo Hall 29 Kemal Ishmael 10 Barry Church 20 Kurt Coleman 30 Calvin Pryor Banged Up: Here are the primary concerns this week. DL- Jacquies Smith of the Buccaneers was placed on the Reserved/Injured list with a torn ACL Mario Williams is currently in the league s concussion protocol and must be cleared to return to action The Cardinals will be without Frostee Rucker for 2-3 weeks due to a knee injury Vinny Curry of the Eagles is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to continue to play through it Derrick Morgan has a hamstring injury and no word yet if he s expected to miss week 2. We ll continue to watch practice reports out of Tennessee. LB- The Colts Robert Mathis is dealing with a toe injury but expects to play this week Sam Barrington of the Chiefs left last week s game with a hamstring injury. JT Thomas of the Giants has been placed on IR with a knee injury Ryan Shazier sat out much of the second half with a knee issue but has claimed he ll be good to go DB- Two of Jaguars secondary are dealing with leg issues as Jalen Ramsey (ankle) and Prince Amukamara (hamstring) are iffy to play this week. We ll carefully monitor the practice reports this week Delvin Breaux suffered a fractured fibula and will be out 6 weeks or so TJ Green of the Colts suffered a knee injury but the player he was starting for Clayton Geathers may be returning to practice Still in Indy Patrick Robinson is in the concussion protocol as is Sam Shields of the Packers. Xavier Rhodes of the Vikings injured his knee and is likely week-to-week CB Leodis McKelvin is doubtful for this week with a hamstring injury. Free Agent Thoughts: It s still too early to pull the plug on under performing big names as a one week sample isn t enough. However, feel free to drop any later round picks that you had doubts about going into Week 1 and snag some of these suggestions. Defensive Linemen

26 Weekly Report Page 26 Kerry Hyder Jared Odrick Steve McLendon Akiem Hicks Chris Long Had 2 sacks in week 1 for Detroit. Put up 5 total tackles and sack in opener. Big week 1 for Jets and nice DL depth for IDP rosters. 3 solos last week and seeing a lot of snaps (62) for the Bears. A sack in first game for Patriots is a good sign. Linebackers Todd Davis Starter next to Brandon Marshall and had great week 1. Max Bullough Will replace injured Brian Cushing. Sio Moore 10 solo tackles in season opener. Craig Robertson Stepping in for as long as Dannell Ellerbe is out. Justin Durant Could supplant Hitchens as MLB for Dallas. Dee Ford Finally fulfilling pass rush potential with sack and 4 solos in week 1. Defensive Backs Shareece Wright We love CBs that will tackle and he had 11 solos week 1. Tre Boston Full time FS for Carolina now. Keith McGill Starting SS for Oakland. Winston Guy Next man up at S if Geathers can t go for Indy this week. Trae Waynes Rhodes is injured and the Packers are coming to town.

27 Weekly Report Page 27 GAME CAPSULES WEEK 2 By Matt Wilson FantasySharks.com Senior Writer

28 Weekly Report Page 28 NEW YORK JETS (0-1) BUFFALO BILLS (0-1) Thursday September 15th, 8:25 PM ET RALPH WILSON STADIUM ORCHARD PARK, NY LINE: PICK EM OVER/UNDER: 40.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG NYJ OFFENSE BUF DEFENSE BUF OFFENSE NYJ DEFENSE

29 Weekly Report Page 29 INJURIES TO MONITOR: Brandon Marshall (hip) NEW YORK JETS Although the Buffalo Bills defense isn t a pushover, this is the softest matchup that the New York Jets will have in the next several weeks. There s no mystery with the passing game, which flows through Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker as usual. Quincy Enunwa made a fantasy impact last week, but that happened mainly because the Cincinnati Bengals did a good job of containing Marshall. Since New York doesn t have productive tight ends, Enunwa should continue to be a factor. However, like most slot wideout, he s a boom-or-bust option. Ryan Fitzpatrick usually tosses at least a pair of touchdowns each week, but his yardage continues to be pedestrian. The Jets had led us to believe that they d use Matt Forte and Bilal Powell in a 50/50 timeshare, but Forte out-touched him 27 to six last week. Since Buffalo is solid against the run, Powell could see more action in the passing game this week, but he s the far riskier play of the two. The blitz-heavy New York team defense has streaming potential, especially if Sammy Watkins (foot) is a no-go. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Ryan Fitzpatrick RB Matt Forte RB Bilal Powell RB Troymaine Pope WR Brandon Marshall WR Eric Decker WR Quincy Enunwa WR Robby Anderson TE Kellen Davis TE Brandon Bostick FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Nick Folk P/A SK INT FUM s

30 Weekly Report Page 30 DT Jets BUFFALO BILLS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Sammy Watkins (foot), Charles Clay (knee) At last check, Sammy Watkins was officially questionable. If he plays, Watkins should be in starting lineups against a soft New York Jets secondary, but the Buffalo Bills top receiving threat clearly is loaded with risk. If Watkins plays, Tyrod Taylor looks like a mediocre play. If Watkins sits, it would be very hard to trust Taylor throwing to the pedestrian Robert Woods and a banged-up (and underachieving) Charles Clay. Even though the Jets are very good against the run, the Bills will lean heavily on LeSean McCoy, who looks like the only reasonably safe Bills fantasy starter this week. Consider the Buffalo team defense a solid play at home. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Tyrod Taylor RB LeSean McCoy RB Reggie Bush RB Mike Gillislee WR Sammy Watkins WR Robert Woods WR Marquise Goodwin WR Greg Salas TE Charles Clay FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Dan Carpenter P/A SK INT FUM s DT Bills

31 Weekly Report Page 31 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-0) CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1) SUNDAY September 18th, 1:00 PM ET BANK OF AMERICA STADIUM CHARLOTTE, NC LINE: CAR 13.0 OVER/UNDER: 45.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG SF OFFENSE CAR DEFENSE CAR OFFENSE SF DEFENSE

32 Weekly Report Page 32 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS The San Francisco 49ers that you may have watched on Monday Night Football were a mirage. They played at home and simply wore down a usually stellar Los Angeles Rams defense that collapsed under the strain of carrying an awful offense. Carlos Hyde and Shaun Draughn are the only reasonable starts, but they won t duplicate their Monday night success on the road against an elite Carolina Panthers defense. The Blaine Gabbert-led passing attack won t be able to do much, but Jeremy Kerley could cobble together a bunch of short catches in junk time. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Blaine Gabbert RB Carlos Hyde RB Shaun Draughn RB DuJuan Harris RB Mike Davis WR Torrey Smith WR Quinton Patton WR Jeremy Kerley TE Vance McDonald TE Garrett Celek FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Phil Dawson P/A SK INT FUM s DT 49ers

33 Weekly Report Page 33 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None CAROLINA PANTHERS The Carolina Panthers are undoubtedly mad about their frustrating Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos, and they re going to take it out on a San Francisco 49ers defense that s nowhere near as good as it looked against a feeble Los Angeles Rams offense on Monday Night Football. Cam Newton, Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen are must-starts. The Panthers had promised to get Devin Funchess more involved, but he has slipped behind Benjamin and Olsen in the passing game pecking order. Granted, the 49ers were able to contain Todd Gurley, but Jonathan Stewart will do most of his damage in garbage time when Carolina is comfortably ahead. The Panthers team defense is a must-start. PLAYER Week 2 Player Projections QB Cam Newton RB Jonathan Stewart RB Fozzy Whittaker RB Cameron Artis-Payne FB Mike Tolbert WR Kelvin Benjamin WR Devin Funchess WR Ted Ginn WR Corey Brown TE Greg Olsen TE Ed Dickson FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Graham Gano P/A SK INT FUM s DT Panthers

34 Weekly Report Page 34 DALLAS COWBOYS (0-1) WASHINGTON (0-1) SUNDAY September 18th, 1:00 PM ET FEDEX FIELD GREATER LANDOVER, MD LINE: WAS 2.5 OVER/UNDER: 45.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG DAL OFFENSE WAS DEFENSE WAS OFFENSE DAL DEFENSE

35 Weekly Report Page 35 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None DALLAS COWBOYS Even though the Pittsburgh Steelers shredded a soft Washington offense Monday night, don t expect the Dallas Cowboys to go into attack mode with rookie Dak Prescott making his second career regular-season start. The Cowboys will continue to utilize a conservative scheme featuring Ezekiel Elliott, who should find plenty of running room. Dez Bryant flopped last week, but look for Dallas to go the extra mile to get him more involved. Otherwise look for a ton of check-down throws again from Prescott, which makes Jason Witten and Cole Beasley decent plays in PPR leagues. The Cowboys team defense doesn t always play well away from home, so it s not a starting option. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Dak Prescott RB Ezekiel Elliott RB Alfred Morris RB Lance Dunbar WR Dez Bryant WR Terrance Williams WR Cole Beasley WR Brice Butler TE Jason Witten FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Dan Bailey P/A SK INT FUM s DT Cowboys

36 Weekly Report Page 36 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None WASHINGTON The Dallas Cowboys defense is usually much softer away from AT&T Stadium, so the ridiculously pass-happy Kirk Cousins-led Washington offense should get back on track after a disappointing showing Monday night. Cousins, Jordan Reed and DeSean Jackson are the top plays here. Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder will be involved, but they re both dice rolls. Dallas is vulnerable to the run away from home, but Matt Jones isn t running well to say the least. While Chris Thompson could do some damage in the passing game, his workloads have been inconsistent in this offense. The Washington team defense isn t a starting option. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Kirk Cousins RB Matt Jones RB Rob Kelley RB Chris Thompson WR DeSean Jackson WR Pierre Garcon WR Jamison Crowder WR Ryan Grant WR Josh Doctson TE Jordan Reed TE Vernon Davis FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Dustin Hopkins P/A SK INT FUM s DT Washington

37 Weekly Report Page 37 CINCINNATI BENGALS (1-0) PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-0) SUNDAY September 18th, 1:00 PM ET HEINZ FIELD PITTSBURGH, PA LINE: PIT 3.0 OVER/UNDER: 48.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG CIN OFFENSE PIT DEFENSE PIT OFFENSE CIN DEFENSE

38 Weekly Report Page 38 INJURIES TO MONITOR: Tyler Eifert (knee surgery). CINCINNATI BENGALS The Pittsburgh Steelers defense is usually tough against the run, which makes it hard to trust Jeremy Hill. Even though this looks like a better matchup for passing-down back Giovani Bernard, his lack of involvement in the passing game last week is raising red flags in the minds of fantasy owners. While Bernard could receive more targets this week, he s a risky start. Look for the Cincinnati Bengals to attack Pittsburgh through the air with Andy Dalton leading the way. The must-start A.J. Green usually shreds the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Steelers secondary looks somewhat improved, look for another big outing from him. Green s wingman, Brandon LaFell, played solidly last week and has established himself as the No. 2 option in the Bengals passing attack with Tyler Eifert still on the injury shelf. Consider the Cincinnati team defense a weak start. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Andy Dalton RB Jeremy Hill RB Giovani Bernard RB Rex Burkhead WR A.J. Green WR Brandon LaFell WR Tyler Boyd TE Tyler Eifert TE Tyler Kroft TE C.J. Uzomah FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Mike Nugent P/A SK INT FUM s DT Bengals

39 Weekly Report Page 39 INJURIES TO MONITOR: Markus Wheaton (shoulder) PITTSBURGH STEELERS The Cincinnati Bengals defense was surprisingly soft against the run last week, so look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to pound the rock with DeAngelo Williams as much as possible. The Steelers receiver corps is thin and defending the pass is the strength of the Bengals defense. Antonio Brown is a must-start as always, and Ben Roethlisberger looks like a moderate play. Eli Rogers has supplanted Sammie Coates in the slot, and Rogers should be targeted heavily again especially if Markus Wheaton sits out again. Jesse James caught five passes for 31 yards last week, but it s too early to tell whether he ll have a steady role in the offense. The Pittsburgh team defense, playing at home, is a fringe No. 1 option this week. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Ben Roethlisberger RB Le Veon Bell (Suspended) RB DeAngelo Williams RB Fitzgerald Toussaint WR Antonio Brown WR Markus Wheaton WR Eli Rogers WR Sammie Coates WR Darrius Heyward-Bey TE Jesse James FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Chris Boswell P/A SK INT FUM s DT Steelers

40 Weekly Report Page 40 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-1) NEW YORK GIANTS (1-0) SUNDAY September 18th, 1:00 PM ET METLIFE STADIUM EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ LINE: NYG 4.5 OVER/UNDER: 53.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG NO OFFENSE NYG DEFENSE NYG OFFENSE NO DEFENSE

41 Weekly Report Page 41 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None NEW ORLEANS SAINTS The New Orleans Saints absolutely torched the New York Giants defense last season, and Drew Brees and company are going to do it again. There s no need for deep analysis here. Brees, Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead and Mark Ingram are all must-starts against a still soft G-Men stop unit. Coby Fleener, who flopped last week, draws a great matchup here, too the Giants usually struggle against the tight end position but he s a risky play. New York is also weak against slot receivers, which makes Michael Thomas a dice roll. Since the New Orleans receivers will be productive, it s doubtful that new passing-down back Travaris Cadet will see many targets come his way. The Saints defense isn t a starting option as usual. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Drew Brees RB Mark Ingram RB Tim Hightower RB Travaris Cadet WR Brandin Cooks WR Willie Snead WR Michael Thomas WR Brandon Coleman TE Coby Fleener FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Wil Lutz P/A SK INT FUM s DT Saints

42 Weekly Report Page 42 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None NEW YORK GIANTS This will go down as the New York Giants best matchup of the season. We all know the New Orleans Saints defense is terrible. Odell Beckham, Eli Manning and Rashad Jennings are all must-starts. It also looks like the stage is set for a Sterling Shepard coming out party and a Victor Cruz-is-back party. The Giants, however, are using Larry Donnell and Will Tye in a committee, so they re both dicey starts despite the plus matchup. Shane Vereen scored against New Orleans last season, but his usage is unpredictable. Forget about the New York team defense. PLAYER Week 2 Player Projections QB Eli Manning RB Rashad Jennings RB Shane Vereen RB Orleans Darkwa WR Odell Beckham, Jr WR Sterling Shepard WR Victor Cruz WR Dwayne Harris TE Will Tye TE Larry Donnell FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Josh Brown P/A SK INT FUM s DT Giants

43 Weekly Report Page 43 MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-1) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 1:00 PM ET G I L L E T T E S T A D I U M F O X B O R O U G H, M A L I N E : N E 6. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 41.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG MIA OFFENSE NE DEFENSE NE OFFENSE MIA DEFENSE

44 Weekly Report Page 44 MIAMI DOLPHINS INJURIES TO MONITOR: DeVante Parker (hamstring) New head coach and offensive guru Adam Gase is trying to work his magic, but a second straight tough road matchup is going to put the bag on the Miami Dolphins offense once again. Jarvis Landry and Arian Foster are the only safe starts, but they won t light it up versus a New England Patriots defense that usually dominates on its home field. Ryan Tannehill and Kenny Stills both seem to have regressed a bit since their nice preseason showings, but better matchups are coming up on the Dolphins schedule for them and the entire Miami offense. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Ryan Tannehill RB Arian Foster RB Jay Ajayi RB Damien Williams WR Jarvis Landry WR DeVante Parker WR Kenny Stills WR Leonte Carroo WR Justin Hunter TE Jordan Cameron TE Dion Sims FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Andrew Franks P/A SK INT FUM s DT Dolphins

45 Weekly Report Page 45 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) The Miami Dolphins held the Seattle Seahawks to just 12 points last week, but don t be fooled. The Seahawks phoned it in against a revamped Dolphins defense that s not very good. Look for the New England Patriots offense to operate with ease. At last check, it looked like the must-start Rob Gronkowski was on track to play. He has hit pay dirt in three straight against Miami. With Gronkowski out of the lineup last week, Martellus Bennett managed just three grabs for 14 yards on five targets. If Gronk plays, don t bother with Bennett. Julian Edelman is a must-start as usual, too. While the matchup against a leaky Miami secondary looks good on paper for Jimmy Garoppolo, he s a risky start. LeGarrette Blount looks like a nice start, but passing-down back James White comes with workload and game flow uncertainty. The New England team defense is a strong play. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Jimmy Garoppolo RB LeGarrette Blount RB James White RB Brandon Bolden WR Julian Edelman WR Chris Hogan WR Danny Amendola TE Rob Gronkowski TE Martellus Bennett FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Stephen Gostkowski P/A SK INT FUM s DT Patriots

46 Weekly Report Page 46 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-0) HOUSTON TEXANS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 1:00 PM ET N R G S T A D I U M H O U S T O N, T X L I N E : HOU 2. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG KC OFFENSE HOU DEFENSE HOU OFFENSE KC DEFENSE

47 Weekly Report Page 47 K A N S A S C I T Y C H I E F S INJURIES TO MONITOR: Jamaal Charles (ACL surgery) At last check, it didn t look like Jamaal Charles was going to play, but keep an eye on his status. The Houston Texans defense is missing linebacker Brian Cushing, which is why presumed starting tailback Spencer Ware is a strong play. The Kansas City Chiefs apparently have changed their minds about using a committee backfield, as evidenced by Charcandrick West s three carries and six receptions last week. Downgrade West to handcuff value assuming Charles doesn t return this week. Jeremy Maclin is a must-start. Although the Texans are solid against the tight end position, Travis Kelce has torched them in the past. The Kansas City team defense is a starting option this week. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Alex Smith RB Jamaal Charles RB Spencer Ware RB Charcandrick West RB Knile Davis WR Jeremy Maclin WR Chris Conley WR Albert Wilson WR De Anthony Thomas TE Travis Kelce TE Demetrius Harris FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Cairo Santos P/A SK INT FUM s DT Chiefs

48 Weekly Report Page 48 INJURIES TO MONITOR: None H O U S T O N T E X A N S As you probably remember, the Kansas City Chiefs demolished the Houston Texans in the playoffs last season, so the Texans are clearly revenge minded. DeAndre Hopkins and Lamar Miller are must-starts. The Kansas City defense looked very soft against the run last week, so Miller could rack up a huge outing. Even though the matchup for the Houston passing game is a plus one, it s too soon to trust rookie Will Fuller and Brock Osweiler as anything other than matchup plays. The Texans team defense, with Brian Cushing missing, should be downgraded to fringe starting status. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Brock Osweiler RB Lamar Miller RB Alfred Blue RB Tyler Ervin RB Jonathan Grimes WR DeAndre Hopkins WR Will Fuller WR Braxton Miller WR Jaelen Strong TE Ryan Griffin TE C.J. Fiedorowicz TE Stephen Anderson FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Nick Novak P/A SK INT FUM s DT Texans Houston Texans Notes: Previous matchup: The Texans downed the Bears 13-6 during the 2012 regular season.

49 Weekly Report Page 49 TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1) DETROIT LIONS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 1:00 PM ET F O R D F I E L D D E T R O I T, M I L I N E : D E T 5. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 47.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG TEN OFFENSE DET DEFENSE DET OFFENSE TEN DEFENSE

50 Weekly Report Page 50 TENNESSEE TITANS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Kendall Wright (hamstring) Despite some offseason upgrades, the Tennessee Titans still doesn t look ready for prime time. Last week the Detroit Lions defense surrendered 385 passing yards and four scoring strikes to Andrew Luck, but Marcus Mariota, who possesses some nice talent, clearly isn t in Luck s league as a passer. Nevertheless, Mariota looks like a middling start. Delanie Walker should rebound against a Lions defense that was gashed by Dwayne Allen and gasp Jack Doyle last week. While it looks like rookie Tajae Sharpe is the team s only dependable wideout, don t count out veteran Rishard Matthews just yet. Kendall Wright looked like a long shot to suit up this week. Detroit looked mediocre against the run last week, so workhorse DeMarco Murray should put together a productive outing. Derrick Henry isn t seeing enough action for standalone value right now. The Tennessee team defense did a nice job of containing Adrian Peterson last week, but the Titans came up short in the sack and takeaway categories. Tennessee is a weak start. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Marcus Mariota RB DeMarco Murray RB Derrick Henry RB Antonio Andrews WR Rishard Matthews WR Tajae Sharpe WR Andre Johnson WR Kendall Wright WR Harry Douglas TE Delanie Walker TE Anthony Fasano FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Ryan Succop P/A SK INT FUM s DETROIT LIONS

51 Weekly Report Page 51 INJURIES TO MONITOR: Eric Ebron (ankle) After watching Matthew Stafford throw for 340 yards and three touchdowns last week, the early reviews are positive for the Detroit Lions post-megatron dink-and-dunk passing attack. Although the Tennessee Titans defense is considered solid against the pass, don t be afraid to start Stafford, Golden Tate and Marvin Jones. Since Eric Ebron was tentatively expected to return, Anquan Boldin becomes a much shakier play. Tennessee has been soft against tight ends, so Ebron looks like a solid start. The Titans held Adrian Peterson to 31 rushing yards last week, so there s some worry about Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick. Since they re playing at home, Abdullah and Riddick will do okay, but don t expect a repeat of their numbers from last week. The Detroit team defense is a middling start this week. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Matthew Stafford RB Ameer Abdullah RB Theo Riddick RB Zach Zenner WR Golden Tate WR Marvin Jones WR Anquan Boldin TE Eric Ebron TE Cole Wick FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Matt Prater P/A SK INT FUM s DT Lions BALTIMORE RAVENS

52 Weekly Report Page 52 (1-0) CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 1:00 PM ET F I R S T E N G E R Y S T A D I U M C L E V E L A N D, O H L I N E : B A L 6. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 43.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG BAL OFFENSE CLE DEFENSE CLE OFFENSE BAL DEFENSE BALTIMORE RAVENS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Kenneth Dixon (knee) The Cleveland Browns defense is bad as usual, but it s still hard to get a fantasy read on the struggling Baltimore Ravens offense. If Javorius Allen is a healthy scratch for the second week in a row, Justin

53 Weekly Report Page 53 Forsett and Terrance West will split the backfield touches again. Considering the matchup, they both deserve flex consideration in larger leagues. Since Carson Wentz carved up the Browns secondary with ease last week, Joe Flacco should have a nice outing if the Ravens crank up their passing attack. Since the roles for Steve Smith and Kamar Aiken are murky right now either player could go off Mike Wallace is the only safe start at wideout. Dennis Pitta, who is coming off two hip operations, has assumed a starting role and has sleeper potential. The Baltimore team defense is a streaming option. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Joe Flacco RB Justin Forsett RB Javorius Buck Allen RB Terrance West RB Kenneth Dixon WR Steve Smith, Sr WR Mike Wallace WR Kamar Aiken WR Chris Moore WR Breshad Perriman TE Dennis Pitta TE Crockett Gillmore TE Maxx Williams FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Justin Tucker P/A SK INT FUM s DT Ravens INJURIES TO MONITOR: None CLEVELAND BROWNS

54 Weekly Report Page 54 With Robert Griffin III (shoulder) out of action and Josh McCown starting, the Cleveland Browns offense is a mystery again. Granted, head coach Hue Jackson loves to run the football, so Isaiah Crowell is a decent start. McCown likes to check down to Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson, so they both look like reasonably safe plays, too. All other Browns players are very risky starts until we see how the offense operates with the veteran McCown under center. Week 2 Projections PLAYER QB Josh McCown RB Isaiah Crowell RB Duke Johnson RB George Atkinson WR Corey Coleman WR Terrelle Pryor WR Andrew Hawkins WR Rashard Higgins WR Josh Gordon (Suspended) TE Gary Barnidge FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Patrick Murray P/A SK INT FUM s DT Browns Cleveland Browns Notes: Previous matchup: Back in 2012, the Browns lost to the Eagles SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

55 Weekly Report Page 55 (1-0) LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-1) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 4:05 PM ET L O S A N G E L E S M E M O R I A L C O L I S E U M L O S A N G E L E S, C A L I N E : S E A 3. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 39.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG SEA OFFENSE LA DEFENSE LA OFFENSE SEA DEFENSE SEATTLE SEAHAWKS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Russell Wilson (ankle)

56 Weekly Report Page 56 Don t expect the Los Angeles Rams defense to fold again like it did Monday night. The entire Rams team should be jacked up for their home opener. The Rams, however, looked surprisingly soft against the run versus San Francisco, so Thomas Rawls, who is expected to start, looks like a solid play. If Russell Wilson is playing at less than 100 percent, Rawls will see a heavy workload, and Christine Michael could see more action than expected in his backup role. However, starting Michael is obviously a risky proposition now. Wilson was expected to play with no major limitations, so Doug Baldwin should be safe to start. Jermaine Kearse looks like a middling play, but steer clear of Tyler Lockett and Jimmy Graham until they show some consistency. The Seahawks team defense is a must-start against an anemic Los Angeles offense. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Russell Wilson RB Thomas Rawls RB Christine Michael RB C.J. Prosise WR Doug Baldwin WR Jermaine Kearse WR Tyler Lockett WR Paul Richardson TE Jimmy Graham TE Luke Willson FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Steven Hauschka P/A SK INT FUM s DT Seahawks INJURIES TO MONITOR: None LOS ANGELES RAMS

57 Weekly Report Page 57 The Los Angeles Rams offense played so poorly Monday night that it dragged down what s considered a top-level Rams defense. Todd Gurley is the only player worthy of starting consideration, and we all know the Seattle Seahawks are going to sell out to stop him, because the Case Keenum-led passing attack doesn t scare anyone. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Case Keenum RB Todd Gurley RB Benny Cunningham RB Malcolm Brown WR Tavon Austin WR Kenny Britt WR Pharoh Cooper WR Brian Quick TE Lance Kendricks TE Tyler Higbee FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Greg Zuerlein P/A SK INT FUM s DT Rams Los Angeles Rams Notes: Previous TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

58 Weekly Report Page 58 (1-0) ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-1) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 4:05 PM ET U N I V E R S I T Y O F P H O E N I X S T A D I U M G L E N D A L E, A Z L I N E : A Z 6. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 50.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG TB OFFENSE ARZ DEFENSE ARZ OFFENSE TB DEFENSE INJURIES TO MONITOR: None TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

59 Weekly Report Page 59 This is a far more challenging matchup than what the Tampa Buccaneers faced in Week 1. While Jameis Winston and Mike Evans are both solid plays, dial down your expectations. Since Vincent Jackson won t face Patrick Peterson, the Buccaneers No. 2 wideout has a good chance to hit pay dirt. The team is using a committee at tight end, so, unless you re desperate, steer clear of this group until/unless one of them stakes a solid claim to the No. 1 job. The Arizona Cardinals are solid against the run, which works against Doug Martin and works in favor of passing-down back Charles Sims, who is becoming a favorite target for Winston. Forget about the Tampa Bay team defense. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Jameis Winston RB Doug Martin RB Charles Sims RB Jacquizz Rodgers WR Mike Evans WR Vincent Jackson WR Adam Humphries WR Cecil Shorts TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins TE Cameron Brate TE Brandon Myers FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Roberto Aguayo P/A SK INT FUM s DT Buccaneers INJURIES TO MONITOR: None ARIZONA CARDINALS

60 Weekly Report Page 60 Following a frustrating loss to the New England Patriots, this looks like a nice bounce-back matchup for all the Arizona Cardinals fantasy stars at home versus a revamped-but-still-soft Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. David Johnson, Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald are all must-starts. Michael Floyd also should have a good game, but the struggling John Brown is hard to trust right now. The Cardinals team defense is a decent start in leagues that don t penalize harshly for points allowed. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Carson Palmer RB David Johnson RB Chris Johnson RB Andre Ellington WR Larry Fitzgerald WR Michael Floyd WR John Brown WR J.J. Nelson WR Jaron Brown TE Jermaine Gresham TE Darren Fells FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Chandler Catanzaro P/A SK INT FUM s DT Cardinals JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

61 Weekly Report Page 61 (0-1) SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (0-1) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 4:25 PM ET Q U A L C O M M S T A D I U M S A N D I E G O, C A L I N E : S D 3. 0 O V E R / U N D E R : 47.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG JAX OFFENSE SD DEFENSE SD OFFENSE JAX DEFENSE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Chris Ivory (undisclosed), Julius Thomas (ankle)

62 Weekly Report Page 62 With little help expected from a Chris Ivory-less ground game and a work-in-progress defensive unit, look for Blake Bortles and the passing game to carry the load. Bortles will be throwing plenty to the must-start Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns. The San Diego Chargers defense has been very soft against the tight end in recent years, so Julius Thomas is a nice start. Since T.J. Yeldon will operate as a workhorse for the second week in a row, he deserves flex consideration. The Jaguars team defense isn t a starting option in what should be a high-scoring game. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Blake Bortles RB Chris Ivory RB T.J. Yeldon RB Denard Robinson WR Allen Robinson WR Allen Hurns WR Marqise Lee WR Rashad Greene TE Julius Thomas FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Jason Myers P/A SK INT FUM s DT Jaguars Jacksonville Jaguars Notes: Four years have passed since the last regular-season meeting between Jacksonville and Green Bay. The Jaguars lost that contest SAN DIEGO CHARGERS INJURIES TO MONITOR: None

63 Weekly Report Page 63 How will the San Diego Chargers offense operate with both Keenan Allen (torn ACL) and Stevie Johnson (knee) both gone? San Diego probably will feature the ground game as much as possible. Danny Woodhead is a must-start, and Melvin Gordon should see a heavy workload, too. Philip Rivers looks like a moderate play. Antonio Gates and Travis Benjamin are the only sure things in the Chargers passing attack right now, but team has high hopes for Tyrell Williams, who is expected to replace Allen in the lineup. Forget about the San Diego team defense. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Philip Rivers RB Melvin Gordon RB Danny Woodhead RB Andre Williams WR Travis Benjamin WR Tyrell Williams WR Dontrelle Inman TE Antonio Gates TE Hunter Henry FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Josh Lambo P/A SK INT FUM s DT Chargers ATLANTA FALCONS (0-1)

64 Weekly Report Page 64 OAKLAND RAIDERS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 4:25 PM ET O. C O C O L I S E U M O A K L A N D, C A L I N E : O A K 4. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 49.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG ATL OFFENSE OAK DEFENSE OAK OFFENSE ATL DEFENSE ATLANTA FALCONS INJURIES TO MONITOR: Julio Jones (ankle), Mohamed Sanu (ankle)

65 Weekly Report Page 65 Assuming both Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu are good to go, they re both must-starts against an Oakland Raiders defense that was absolutely gashed by the New Orleans Saints air attack last week. The addition of Sanu seems to have helped Matt Ryan s confidence, so the Falcons triggerman looks like a strong play. While the matchup does favor Jacob Tamme, too, his inconsistency makes him a risky start. Devonta Freeman still deserves a spot in starting lineups, even though he s operating in a hot-handed timeshare with Tevin Coleman now. Coleman deserves flex consideration in larger leagues. The Falcons team defense lacks starting appeal. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Matt Ryan RB Devonta Freeman RB Tevin Coleman RB Terron Ward WR Julio Jones WR Mohamed Sanu WR Justin Hardy WR Aldrick Robinson TE Jacob Tamme TE Austin Hooper FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Matt Bryant P/A SK INT FUM s DT Falcons OAKLAND RAIDERS INJURIES TO MONITOR: None

66 Weekly Report Page 66 The Atlanta Falcons were much weaker against the pass than expected last week, so this looks like a great matchup for Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. While the Falcons are very soft against the tight end position, it s hard to trust Clive Walford after he flopped in a plus matchup last week. Latavius Murray looks like a decent start here, but keep your expectations in check. DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard continue to split the backup touches in the Raiders backfield. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Derek Carr RB Latavius Murray RB DeAndre Washington RB Jalen Richard WR Amari Cooper WR Michael Crabtree WR Seth Roberts WR Andre Holmes TE Clive Walford TE Mychal Rivera FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Sebastian Janikowski P/A SK INT FUM s DT Raiders INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1)

67 Weekly Report Page 67 DENVER BRONCOS (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 4:25 PM ET M I L E H I G H S T A D I U M D E N V E R, C 0 L I N E : D E N 6. 0 O V E R / U N D E R : 45.5 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG IND OFFENSE DEN DEFENSE DEN OFFENSE IND DEFENSE INJURIES TO MONITOR: None. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS We all know the Denver Broncos feature what s arguably the NFL s best secondary, so ratchet down your expectations for Andrew Luck, Donte Moncrief and Philip Dorsett. Nevertheless, since the injury depleted Indianapolis Colts team defense is terrible, Luck will still throw quite a bit. The

68 Weekly Report Page 68 Broncos have been mediocre against the tight end position, so Dwayne Allen looks like a solid start even though Jack Doyle is lurking. Frank Gore will receive plenty of touches, but don t expect a big outing from the 33-year-old runner. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Andrew Luck RB Frank Gore RB Robert Turbin RB Josh Ferguson WR T.Y. Hilton WR Donte Moncrief WR Phillip Dorsett TE Dwayne Allen TE Jack Doyle FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Adam Vinatieri P/A SK INT FUM s DT Colts D E N V E R B R O N C O S INJURIES TO MONITOR: Demaryius Thomas (hip) You don t need in depth analysis with this one. The Indianapolis Colts defense is terrible, so C.J. Anderson, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are all nice plays. Anderson could have a monster game. Don t expect game-manager Trevor Siemian to light it up, but Virgil Green should have a nice breakout performance. The Broncos team defense is a must-play as usual.

69 Weekly Report Page 69 Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Trevor Siemian RB C.J. Anderson RB Devontae Booker WR Demaryius Thomas WR Emmanuel Sanders WR Bennie Fowler TE Virgil Green TE Jeff Heuerman FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Brandon McManus P/A SK INT FUM s DT Broncos GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0) MINNESOTA VIKINGS

70 Weekly Report Page 70 (1-0) S U N D A Y SEPTEMBER 18T H, 8:30 PM ET U. S. B A N K S T A D I U M M I N N E A P O L I S, M N L I N E : G B 2. 5 O V E R / U N D E R : 44.0 Team Offensive/Defensive Matchups UNIT OVERALL SCORING POINTS RANK RANK PER GM RANK YPG RANK YPG GB OFFENSE MIN DEFENSE MIN OFFENSE GB DEFENSE GREEN BAY PACKERS INJURIES TO MONITOR: None The Minnesota Vikings team defense is one of the NFL s best right now. The Vikings are playing their first game in a new stadium, so they ll be fired up and playing their best. Look for moderate fantasy outings from Aaron Rodgers, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb. Davante Adams caught a touchdown pass last week. This matchup looks low scoring, so a trip to the end zone is unlikely for Adams this week. Tight ends Jared Cook and Richard Rodgers have been no-shows so far. Don t expect Eddie Lacy to do much against a jacked up Vikings stop unit. The Packers team defense is a

71 Weekly Report Page 71 starting option against a Minnesota offense with Sam Bradford likely making his first career start for the Purple and White. Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Aaron Rodgers RB Eddie Lacy RB James Starks WR Jordy Nelson WR Randall Cobb WR Davante Adams WR Jared Abbrederis TE Jared Cook TE Richard Rodgers FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Mason Crosby P/A SK INT FUM s DT Packers Green Bay Packers Notes: The last regular-season clash between Green Bay and Jacksonville took place during the 2012 regular season. The Packers prevailed INJURIES TO MONITOR: None MINNESOTA VIKINGS Adrian Peterson and the Minnesota Vikings team defense are must-starts, but the Vikings passing attack is a mystery with Sam Bradford making his first start for the team. He s expected to lean on Kyle Rudolph, but the wideouts are very risky starts. It s worth pointing out that Green Bay Packers standout cornerback Sam Shields (concussion) isn t expected to play. He would have covered Stefon Diggs, who likely will draw coverage from a backup.

72 Weekly Report Page 72 Week 2 Player Projections PLAYER QB Sam Bradford RB Adrian Peterson RB Jerick McKinnon RB Matt Asiata WR Stefon Diggs WR Charles Johnson WR Jarius Wright WR Laquon Treadwell TE Kyle Rudolph TE Rhett Ellison FGA FGM XPA XPM PTS PK Blair Walsh P/A SK INT FUM s DT Vikings PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0) CHICAGO BEARS (0-1) M ONDAY SEPTEMBER 19T H, 8:30 PM ET