One of the top fantasy storylines heading into the season was the dearth of talent at the tight end position. Well, apparently we were all way off.
In Week 1, there were 13 tight ends that scored in double digits compared to only 19 wide receivers that did the same. It goes to show that there are always fantasy points to be had in some unlikely places.
If you’re in an early hole this week because you had Jeremy Maclin, Travis Kelce or C.J. Anderson in the Thursday nighter, your roster decisions heading into Sunday are all the more important. With that in mind, here’s some advice on players you might be on the fence about for Week 2.
QB
Start Carson Palmer vs. the Bears. The Cardinals pivot had a huge Week 1 with 307 passing yards and three touchdowns against the Saints. In fact, only Tom Brady had more fantasy points among QBs. Well, Palmer has an even more appetizing matchup against the Bears and their porous defence. He’s without starting running back Andre Ellington, but it shouldn’t impact his output.
Start Eli Manning vs. the Falcons. The younger Manning brother was terrible against the Cowboys and if you’re relying on him being a top-10 QB and leading you to the playoffs, keep dreaming. While I don’t think Eli will have a great fantasy season, a matchup with the Falcons is promising. Sam Bradford laid the blueprint on how to rack up the yards against Atlanta’s secondary and I also expect the Giants to be playing from behind for much of the game, which means Manning will throw the ball aplenty.
Other solid starts: Sam Bradford, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Matt Stafford
Sit Marcus Mariota vs. the Browns. You can’t take anything away from what the rookie did in his NFL regular season debut. Four touchdown passes in the first half and a perfect passer rating!? Are you kidding!? If you expect him to have a repeat performance, though, temper your expectations. On the road against a stout Browns defence that limited Ryan Fitzpatrick to 179 yards in Week 1 is a different animal than the Bucs.
Sit Tyrod Taylor vs. the Patriots. You were probably excited to grab Taylor off the waiver wire after a solid outing against the Colts, but don’t be in a rush to slot him as your starter. The Bills are going up against the Patriots and that’s a scary matchup for a young QB.
Other risky plays: Ryan Tannehill, Jay Cutler, Teddy Bridgewater, Philip Rivers, Cam Newton
RB
Start Ameer Abdullah vs. the Vikings. Even though he’s still in a committee with Joique Bell it’s becoming clear that Abdullah is a fantasy star in the making. He’s dangerous every time he touches the ball as evidenced by a 24-yard touchdown on his first NFL carry. Just look at what Carlos Hyde was able to do against the Vikings and you’ll see why Abdullah is a must start this week.
Start Justin Forsett vs. the Raiders. Don’t be discouraged by his 5.6 fantasy points (non-PPR) last week. Instead, be encouraged by the fact the Ravens are playing the Raiders. Despite having what is supposed to be an improved defence led by Khalil Mack, Oakland wasn’t very effective against Jeremy Hill, Giovani Bernard and the Bengals last week.
Start Tevin Coleman vs. the Giants. The rookie showed promise against the Eagles. Coleman doesn’t do much in between the tackles but when he gets the edge he can do damage. He had 20 touches in Week 1 and should see at least that again versus the Giants.
Other solid starts: DeMarco Murray, Carlos Hyde, Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory
Sit Alfred Morris vs. the Rams. The Dolphins allowed Morris to rumble for 121 yards, but the Rams run defence is a totally different beast. Aaron Donald, Jonathan Quinn and company are going to swallow up the Redskins at the line of scrimmage. Marshawn Lynch only managed 73 yards on 18 carries against the Rams. If you think Morris can do better, be my guest and put him in your lineup.
Sit Dion Lewis vs. the Bills. There are a few reasons why Lewis is a risky play even though he looked great earning 120 all-purpose yards against the Steelers. First, he’s playing the Bills and their run defence is excellent. Second, LeGarrette Blount is back from suspension so Lewis likely won’t have the same workload. Third, did I mention that the Bills are awesome on defence? You know what, go ahead and sit Blount too while you’re at it.
Sit Melvin Gordon vs. the Bengals. Playing the Bengals in Cincinnati is never easy and they held Latavius Murray to 44 rushing yards last week. Gordon did some positive things in his first game, but Danny Woodhead ended up with more fantasy points and I expect the same to happen this week.
Other risky plays: LeSean McCoy, Doug Martin, DeAngelo Williams, Latavius Murray, Lamar Miller, Frank Gore
WR
Start Sammy Watkins vs. the Patriots. This one might seem counterintuitive considering Watkins put up a big, fat goose egg last week, but he won’t be shadowed by Vontae Davis as the Bills host the Pats. Taylor will get the ball to Watkins a handful of times and he’ll make the most of his receptions. Sometimes people forget just how talented the Clemson product is when the ball is in his hands.
Start Terrance Williams vs. the Eagles. It’s pretty simple, without Dez Bryant, Williams is the best wide receiver on the Cowboys and he’s going to see plenty of targets. Julio Jones and Roddy White had success against the Eagles secondary and with Tony Romo’s ability to spread the ball around there’s no reason why Williams can’t have a productive day — just don’t expect WR1 numbers.
Start Brandon Coleman vs. the Buccaneers. You saw what Mariota did to the Tampa defence, right? Now imagine what Drew Brees is going to do. With no more Jimmy Graham, Coleman is a big body Brees can find in the red zone just like he did last week against the Cardinals when they connected on a touchdown.
Other solid starts: Steve Smith Sr., Jarvis Landry, Charles Johnson, Pierre Garcon, Larry Fitzgerald
Sit Nelson Agholor vs. the Cowboys. The first-year Eagle was on the field for 80 per cent of Philadelphia’s plays yet he only received two targets, catching one pass for a measly five yards. Even though he’s got a tasty matchup against the Cowboys, leave him on your bench until Sam Bradford starts consistently looking his way.
Sit Golden Tate vs. the Vikings. He’s dealing with a hamstring injury, but that’s not what might impact his output the most. Matt Stafford only targeted Calvin Johnson four times in Week 1 and I’d expect him and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi to overcompensate and go heavy on Calvin especially since they’re playing an NFC North rival.
Sit Davante Adams vs. the Seahawks. If you spent a fifth- or sixth-round pick on Adams you may be feeling some regret. Adams only had 59 yards in Week 1 but more importantly he was nearly invisible when the Packers met the Seahawks in the NFC championship last year. With James Jones suddenly back and producing for Green Bay that means fewer targets for Adams, especially in the red zone.
Other risky plays: Kendall Wright, Amari Cooper, Allen Robinson, Andre Johnson
TE
Crockett Gillmore vs. the Raiders. The young Ravens tight end was quiet in Week 1 but he was playing a Broncos team that might have the best defence in the NFL and is excellent against tight ends. This week he’s up against an Oakland squad that is vulnerable to the position. Tyler Eifert had 104 yards and two TDs against them last week. Gillmore is a good bet to get a few end zone looks.
Start Zach Ertz vs. the Cowboys. If you were nervous about Ertz after he missed the pre-season, don’t be. He looked solid against the Falcons and the Eagles have another favourable matchup.
Other solid starts: Jordan Cameron, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jordan Reed, Richard Rodgers
Sit Delanie Walker vs. the Browns. The main reason for this is due to the fact Walker is dealing with a hand injury. Tougher to catch the ball when you’ve got a hand injury.
(UPDATE: Walker is listed as inactive. Find a replacement.)
Sit Eric Ebron vs. Vikings. Ebron had a TD in Week 1 but don’t get accustomed to that. The Lions are going to focus on utilizing their other weapons in Week 2.
Other risky plays: Heath Miller, Kyle Rudolph, Ladarius Green
DEF
Start the Panthers vs. the Texans. Carolina had a monster Week 1 and now it has to deal with Ryan Mallett, who takes over for Brian Hoyer. The only weapon the Panthers have to account for really is DeAndre Hopkins. Even without Luke Kuechly they’re a strong play.
Start the Titans vs. the Browns. Tennessee had one of the worst fantasy defences last year but they’re going up against a Cleveland offence led by turnover machine Johnny Manziel.
Other solid starts: Saints, Dolphins, Ravens, Rams
Sit the Seahawks vs. the Packers. What? Sit the Seahawks’ D? This is heresy! Not so much when you look at how they played in a loss to the Rams in Week 1. Not to mention they’re still without Kam Chancellor and Green Bay will have revenge on the mind after how last season ended for them.
Sit the Vikings vs. the Lions. Defensive co-ordinator George Edwards and the Vikings had a rough go of it against the 49ers, especially on the ground. As mentioned above, Ameer Abdullah is poised for a big game and Detroit has a far more potent passing attack than San Fran.
Other risky plays: Bengals, 49ers, Chargers, Jets
K
Start Zach Hocker vs. the Buccaneers. He had four FGs last week and the Bucs will give up a pile of points to the Saints this week.
Start Cody Parkey vs. the Cowboys. Even though he had a key miss late against the Falcons, Parkey’s a must start in what should be another high-scoring game.
Other solid starts: Josh Brown, Justin Tucker
Sit Randy Bullock vs. the Panthers. Until the Texans offence starts clicking, Bullock is a risky play.
Sit Steven Hauschka vs. the Packers. For the same reasons I’m sitting the Seahawks D.
Other risky plays: Josh Scobee, Josh Lambo, Blair Walsh
Sleepers
Donte Moncrief vs. Jets. With T.Y. Hilton being questionable, Moncrief could end up being the downfield threat for the Colts.
David Johnson vs. the Bears. Chris Johnson is slated to start with Ellington out, but based on how he looked in limited action last week I venture David Johnson could get more touches and he’ll be the back they turn to in passing situations.
Vernon Davis vs. the Steelers. Davis is no Gronk — who is, really? — but Pittsburgh was severely exploited by the tight end position in Week 1.
Nick Foles vs. the Redskins. He outscored Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton in Week 1 and has a juicy matchup.