Minding My Manners: Your Week 2 Fantasy Scoutlook
Here we go again. Last week turned into a huge success for the picks you saw here at Minding My Manners, as many of the players outperformed their predictions (results will be revealed at the end of this article). This week we’ll try to play the matchups yet again to find the must-starts and sure-thing flops of Week 2 in the NFL.
Fantasy football can be a hair-pulling game from week to week as players are dropped and lineups are locked. Take ProScoutlook’s advice en route to your 2009 league title.
Yes, Please. I’d Love Some…
Trent Edwards – QB Buffalo Bills
Prior to the Bills typical MNF meltdown, Trent Edwards was outplaying the opposing quarterback, a man named Brady. Not Quinn, but Tom. He got unexpected support from his offensive line, compiled of all new pieces at each position. As the chemistry continues to develop with Owens, the T.O./Evans duo will become one of the best in the league. This week the Bills face off at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team that gave up career high yardage to Tony Romo last week. Look for Edwards to have his way with their young defense getting both Terrell Owens and Lee Evans heavily involved. Week 2 Scoutlook: 296 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 2 rushes for 18 yds.
Ryan Grant – RB Green Bay Packers
The Packers offense is explosive, and when the Bengals come to town, we’ll see them on their most destructive behavior. Grant rushed for 61 yards and a TD last week against the Bears, a much tougher defense. He’ll do very little as a receiver out of the backfield, but he’s the one-dimensional type you should like: a grinder. This week, he’ll get yardage where most backs can’t find a foot, already boasting a 6.0 yard per carry average. It’s safe to assume the Packers will be leading early, leaving the run game of Ryan Grant to knock ticks off the clock. Week 2 Scoutlook: 22 rushes for 92 yds, 1 TD, 2 rec for 12 yds.
Braylon Edwards – WR Cleveland Browns
Last week we saw Brady Quinn begin his tenure as the Brown’s starting quarterback. Give him those few extra practices, add in a spotty defense and he’s bound to find a connection. That connection will be frequented through WR Braylon Edwards. The Broncos put up a fight against the Bengals and walked away with a victory, but that was the work of Carson Palmer’s failures to find his receivers. When many people are bailing on Edwards and the Cleveland offense, now may be a time to swoop in for a steal. Week 2 Scoutlook: 7 receptions for 85 yds, 1 TD.
Chris Cooley – TE Washington Redskins
He’s been guaranteed 6 TDs this year by head coach Jim Zorn, and through one week, has already matched his season total from 2008. If Zorn and QB Jason Campbell have any intentions of keep their jobs this season, they’ll find a way to get the ball in Cooley’s hands. He’s good for about 50 yards per game, but his value comes in the red zone. Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El are not goal line receivers, leaving Cooley as the top option when the run game fails. When facing the measly Rams, expect more red zone opportunities than usual. Week 2 Scoutlook: 6 receptions for 65 yds, 1 TD.
Indianapolis Colts – Defense
Don’t count out the Colts in the AFC South just yet, so long as their defense played the way they did Week 1. They were able to limit the Jaguars to just 12 points. With the loss of WR Anthony Gonzalez, this strength on the defensive end will be key to victory in these upcoming weeks. In Week 2, they’ll matchup with the Miami Dolphins and their original Wildcat offense. The immobile Chad Pennington will be wearing a bull’s eye all night in the eyes of DE Dwight Freeney. Week 2 Scoutlook: 17 pts allowed, 3 sacks, 1 INT, 1 TD.
No, Thanks. I’ll Pass…
Tony Romo – QB Dallas Cowboys
His season started well on the road in Tampa with a career-high 353 passing yards. That was last week, and this week the Giants pose a much bigger defensive challenge. With a lingering sprained ankle, Romo says he’ll be 100% come gametime Sunday night, but we still expect his mobility to be limited. The Giants will pressure Romo, forcing him to uncomfortably scramble and, in turn, falter in his Cowboys Stadium debut. Week 2 Scoutlook: 209 yards passing, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 2 rushes for 8 yds, 1 fumble loss.
DeAngelo Williams – RB Carolina Panthers
The Falcons did a great job of limiting the run game of the Dolphins last week; this doesn’t bode well for Williams and the Panthers. DeAngelo will be facing off against the Atlanta front line essentially on his own, as RB Jonathan Stewart continues to nurse his sore Achilles in limited action. Considering the struggles of QB Jake Delhomme, the Panthers will have a hard time disguising their run game, eliminating any gaping holes for Williams. He’s been a must-start since midway through the 2008 season, but this week he could be a candidate to sit. Week 2 Scoutlook: 26 rushes for 69 yds, 0 TDs, 3 receptions for 18 yds.
Chad Ochocinco – WR Cincinnati Bengals
For those who tuned into Sunday night’s game in Green Bay, you saw the defense that Chad Ochocinco will be presented with. Picks galore. Carson Palmer will be hard-pressed to find a good throwing window at the hands of Dom Caper’s 3-4 defense. Given the lackluster performances of Ochocinco over the past year or so, don’t expect that to turn around in Green Bay, despite his plans for a Lambeau Leap. He’ll struggle to find the end zone, as a shutout wouldn’t be out of the question. Week 2 Scoutlook: 3 receptions for 52 yards, 0 TDs.
Owen Daniels – TE Houston Texans
The entire Texans offense struggled last week at the hands of the Jets upset. Daniels plays the tight end position a lot like a receiver, turning receptions into first downs after the catch, but the Titans defense won’t make things any easier on Matt Schaub and company. Andre Johnson should be able to break through for a deep catch or two, though the rest of Schaub’s targets will have to work hard to get open. That includes Owen Daniels. Week 2 Scoutlook: 3 receptions for 39 yds.
Easily one of the most feared defenses of this decade is facing a much tougher opponent than the Chiefs from Week 1. The Ravens will travel cross-country to San Diego, home of Philip Rivers, LT and Vincent Jackson. It’s not the run game that will beat the Ravens this week, it’s the passing game. The expectations for pick-6s and multiple turnovers will fall short at the hands and poise of Rivers. Week 2 Scoutlook: 24 pts allowed, 1 INT, 1 Sack, 0 TD.
Now, here’s the moment of truth: Week 1 Results
Yes, Please. I’d Love Some…
Joe Flacco: (prediction) 285 yds passing, 2 TDs, 3 rushes for 22 yds, 19 fantasy points.
(actual) 307 yds passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT, 5 rushes for 18 yds, 24 fantasy points.
Frank Gore: (prediction) 24 rushes for 105 yds, 1 TD, 3 receptions for 23 yds, 18 fantasy points.
(actual) 22 rushes for 30 yds, 1 TD, 3 receptions for 18 yds, 1 TD, 16 fantasy points.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh: (prediction) 8 receptions for 75 yds, 1 TD, 13 fantasy points.
(actual) 6 receptions for 48 yds, 0 TD, 4 fantasy points.
Jeremy Shockey: (prediction) 5 receptions for 68 yds, 1 TD, 12 fantasy points.
(actual) 4 receptions for 31 yds, 2 TDs, 15 fantasy points.
Green Bay Packers Defense: (prediction) 13 points allowed, 2 INTs, 2 sacks, 10 fantasy points.
(actual) 13 points allowed, 4 INTs, 2 sacks, 14 fantasy points.
No, Thanks. I’ll Pass…
Donovan McNabb: (prediction) 192 yds passing, 1 TD, 2 INTs, 4 rushes for 12 yds, 10 fantasy points.
(actual) 79 yds passing, 2 TD, 1 INT, 4 rushes for 27 yds, 1 TD, 18 fantasy points.
Willie Parker: (prediction) 21 rushes for 64 yds, 0 TD, 2 receptions for 7 yds, 6 fantasy points.
(actual) 13 rushes for 19 yds, 0 TD, 1 reception for 5 yds,1 fantasy point.
Terrell Owens: (prediction) 4 receptions for 47 yds, 4 fantasy points.
(actual) 3 receptions for 46 yds, 4 fantasy points. JACKPOT!
Miami Dolphins Defense: (prediction) 27 pts allowed, 1 sack, 1 fantasy point.
(actual) 19 pts allowed, 2 sacks, 3 fantasy points.
Adam Hutcheson
Adam Gori
David Brick
Josh Brick
Grant Howard
Alex Lopez
Joe Giglio
You think Edwards over Rivers week 2?
I double dare you to try it. Buuuut we all know Phil Rivers is the better fantasy QB, but the Ravens have a notoriously tough D. Losing Rex Ryan seemed to have hurt Baltimore a bit; the wimpy Chiefs put up decent numbrers.
I think they’ll have fairly comparable fantasy numbers this week. I’m very tempted to say Edwards over Rivers, though.
So, YES! Go with Edwards.
But what about Edwards over Hasselbeck? Do you think he’s up to that level yet, or should I wait a few more weeks on him? (I’m loving Edwards in a couple more weeks.)
Hasselbeck faces an underrated defense in San Fran. I think Edwards will definitely put up 2 TDs. And considering Housh is a huge question mark for the Seahawks, I say go with Edwards. Big days for T.O. and Lee Evans.
I would agree with Edwards over Hasselbeck. San Fran does have a good defense. Remember, Mike Singletary is a defensive guy, so expect the defense to perform well most of the time.
wow. I think I might try it. Thanks for response! cross your fingers….
What do you think? Pick two: Brandon Marshall, Bernard Berrian, Ochocinco, Nate Burleson, Devery Henderson?
Well, you know I don’t like Ocho this week. But I do like Berrian facing the Lions. Favre should have some downfield opportunities. Second, I’d have to go with Brandon Marshall. I think with another week to get familiar with McDaniel’s playbook. He’s full of talent and worth a shot.
I agree with Adam here. Henderson is risky. He goes up against a solid Eagles secondary, so I’m sure one of the Saints’ receivers will have a good day, but who knows which one. Berrian and Favre just need to get on the same page. Right now, Favre likes Harvin. Berrian is a better receiver, though, he just missed some preseason. Last week was good to get the kinks out. This week’s match-up vs. Detroit should be good for them. As far as Burleson, he’s playing SF. They let Fitz get 71 yards and a score. Which, could’ve been worse because its Fitz. No other receiver scored, though. Plus most of Arizona’s catches were from Hightower out of the backfield, not a deep route or anything. And Marshall is very talented. Orton just has to find him.
Bad, bad, bad, bad, bad.
Week 3: Who should I start (need 2) at RB. Tomlinson(if he can play), R. Rice, K. Moreno, or L. Washington. Also at WR (need 3)… R. Moss, G jennings, D. Bowe, and S. Smith (NYG)……. Thanx
If Tomlinson is able to start, he’s worth a spot in your lineup, but monitor his situation. I’d have to go with Ray Rice as the 2nd. If LT is no good, go with Leon Washington. I think the Jets will use him to exploit the Tennessee defense. Moreno hasn’t proved enough yet to rely on him.
I think your WR are pretty easy to choose. I’d never bench Moss or Jennings, while Bowe is borderline must-start each week too. But this week, and this week only, bench Bowe and go Smith. Eli is gonna have a big game against Tampa, and Smith will play a big role in that.
Look for Minding My Manners – Week 3 tonight.
If LT can’t go, play Moreno. He rushed 17 times last week, while Buckhalter only got 9 attempts. The only reason I might pick Rice over Moreno as #2 if LT does play is because Baltimore is playing Cleveland, who gives up the second most rushing yards in the league. The only thing that worries me about Rice is that McGahee had 15 attempts last week, while Rice had only 8. He made up for it, though, with 5 receptions. If you have the same scenario next week, go Moreno.