Michael Vick, a starter again.

BY ROB SHAW
sportsnet.ca

Plenty of intrigue in the NFL this weekend as Brandon Jackson assumes the starting role in the Packers backfield, while Michael Vick is once again a starting quarterback. Here's a fantasy preview of the second week in the NFL.

STEELERS AT TITANS

Two similar teams go at it, but when it comes to star power, the Titans have a notable advantage. While both Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Johnson are must starts, you may want to avoid all other players with the exception of Hines Ward.

The Steelers have a dynamic defence that could pose a problem for Vince Young and the Titans’ passing game.

RAVENS AT BENGALS

The Bengals should breathe a little easier now that they are not lining up against the Jets. Ray Rice should have a big game and expect another one from Anquan Boldin and Joe Flacco. In fact, Flacco ranks as a top five quarterback this weekend.

On the other hand, Carson Palmer faces a great test, which could limit the value of Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens. While you have to start Cedric Benson, definitely keep your expectations lower than usual against Ray Lewis and friends.

EAGLES AT LIONS

Two injured quarterbacks will sit in this game, but only the Lions will really suffer. Michael Vick is an excellent start this weekend, even though his running prowess has a negative effect on targets DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek. LeSean McCoy, however, should make out alright.

The Lions have a tough match-up, particularly, Jahvid Best, who struggled last week. I'd start Calvin Johnson and maybe Tony Scheffler, but that's pretty much it.

CARDINALS AT FALCONS

The Battle of the Birds should be a good one. For the Cards, Derek Anderson, Larry Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston are all worth starting, while the running back situation remains murky. Clearly Hightower has the edge, as Beanie Wells is not yet 100 per cent.

Michael Turner should bounce back from a rough start this weekend, while Roddy White and Matt Ryan should also thrive at home. Consider starting Tony Gonzalez as well in this match-up.

DOLPHINS AT VIKINGS

It will be a tough match-up for the Dolphins, but Brandon Marshall is an every week play. Ronnie Brown is another player to start, and I even like Davone Bess in points per receptions leagues.

The Vikings should expect big games from Brett Favre, Adrian Peterson and Visanthe Shiancoe. Look for Greg Camarillo to break out against his former club.

CHIEFS AT BROWNS

The Chiefs should be able to have some success against the Browns, making Matt Cassel, Dwayne Bowe, Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles all solid fantasy starts. Yes, even Jones is worth a roll of the dice since he gets double-digit carries.

The Browns offer some intrigue in the backfield as well with Jerome Harrison and Peyton Hillis both racking up considerable carries. The passing game is more of a gamble with Seneca Wallace filling in for the injured Jake Delhomme.

BUCCANEERS AT PANTHERS

The Buccaneers have some solid young pieces with intrigue, including quarterback Josh Freeman and rookie wide out Mike Williams. Cadillac Williams remains a decent option in the backfield, as is tight end Kellen Winslow.

The Panthers should enjoy better results on the ground with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart each faring better than they did in the previous week's loss to the Giants. I also like Matt Moore, though I do wonder whether he's 100 per cent healthy after suffering a concussion last week. Steve Smith is an obvious start, and things could get interesting between talented young receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Brandon LaFell.

BILLS AT PACKERS

The Bills are a major mess, and they may be the only team in the NFL that lacks a certain fantasy star. Sorry guys, I have no recommendations, though I do hope CJ Spiller gets a shot at redemption.

The Packers should have a field day when it comes to passing with Aaron Rodgers throwing to Greg Jennings, Donald Driver and Jermichael Finley. The Bills should also be a good team to break Brandon Jackson in against, though I recommend keeping an eye on Dimitri Nance to see whether he has any shot at regular touches from the backfield.

BEARS AT COWBOYS

The Cowboys defence is a bit banged up, which means that Jay Cutler and Matt Forte may be able to enjoy a second straight big performance. I also like Devin Aromashodu, which will keep wideout Devin Hester glued to the fantasy bench.

The Cowboys’ ground game should be avoided until a running back emerges from the split backfield. I also want to see more out of Jason Witten this week. As far as the guys who will perform, go ahead and put Tony Romo, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant on the list.

SEAHAWKS AT BRONCOS

The Seahawks enjoyed a fine debut last week, but there weren't many fantasy stars. The player I like the most will surprise you and that is former USC star Mike Williams. He should get five or so receptions for 70-plus yards even against Champ Bailey. Not sure what to expect from the ground game quite yet.

The Broncos sure look like a pass-first offence, which will reward Eddie Royal, Jabar Gaffney and even Brandon Lloyd. Knowshon Moreno and Kyle Orton are two solid starts as well.

RAMS AT RAIDERS

The Rams provided some fantasy intrigue with a decent outing from rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, though he may struggle a bit against the Raiders secondary. We'll also find out if the recent Mark Clayton performance was legit, or if the veteran receiver merely enjoyed some beginner's luck with the Rams.

It looks like Michael Bush will get in the action this weekend, but the star from the backfield will still be Darren McFadden. Also keep an eye on tight end Zach Miller, he's always good for at least 50 yards and four receptions.

JAGUARS AT CHARGERS

David Garrard has every shot at another big game and Mike Thomas will certainly play a role. I am not sure what happened to Mike Sims-Walker last week, but now we'll find out if it was an anomaly or a reality. Maurice Jones-Drew is a must-start and I would not get too excited about Mercedes Lewis' two touchdowns from a week ago.

The Chargers should get a decent performance out of rookie running back Ryan Matthews. As for the passing game, Antonio Gates, Legedu Naanee, Malcom Floyd and Philip Rivers should all prosper.

PATRIOTS AT JETS

This could become an ugly defensive grind and if so I like the odds of Patriots running back Fred Taylor coming up with 60-plus yards. Wes Welker and Tom Brady should also fare well, though I am a bit concerned about Randy Moss going up against Darrelle Revis.

The Jets’ ground game could break out in this game. I really like LaDainian Tomlinson and you could do worse than Shonn Greene this week. Sorry Mr. Mark Sanchez, but you are not ready for prime time when it comes to fantasy football.

TEXANS AT REDSKINS

The Houston Texans should return to their passing attack this weekend. That means get ready for big games from Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson. Also Jacoby Jones and Owen Daniels have every shot at success. Arian Foster is also a solid play, though I'd expect about 100 fewer yards this week.

Clinton Portis will have his chance to thrive, but I am not so sure he has what it takes when it comes to durability. On the other hand, Donovan McNabb and Santana Moss should post some solid numbers trying to keep up with the Texans. Chris Cooley should also have a second straight big game.

GIANTS AT COLTS

I'm expecting a Manning shootout this weekend and surprisingly the young brother has more weapons. Eli Manning will come up aces with Hakeem Nicks (who should be healthy), Mario Manningham and Steve Smith on the receiving end. The ground game should also perform well, which allows you to start Brandon Jacobs as well as the more obvious choice, Ahmad Bradshaw. Remember, it was the Colts’ defence that Arian Foster embarrassed last weekend.

The Colts are a passing offence. That's not to say that Joseph Addai can't have a few big plays, but the more obvious picks will be Austin Collie, Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark and Reggie Wayne, as well as the legendary Peyton Manning.

SAINTS AT 49ERS

The Saints are coming ... to San Francisco and that should be a treat. Expect the usual suspects including Drew Brees and Marques Colston to prosper. I do warn you about a potential Pierre Thomas struggle. I would prefer Reggie Bush this weekend since the 49ers have done well against the rush recently.

The 49ers offence was a mess last week and Frank Gore should bounce back with a nice performance against the Saints. I have many concerns with Alex Smith and Michael Crabtree, but I do think Vernon Davis is well worth his recent contract extension.