Dr. Pigskin: Week Two
Week Two was a wild and crazy ride on the controversy coaster. We saw comebacks, second chances, and many exciting finishes. Let’s dive right in and take a look at the studly and dudly fantasy performances.
Studs of the Week
Jay Cutler, QB, Denver Broncos: He accumulated 350 yards, four touchdowns, and a whole mess of angry Charger defensive backs. While Cutler should have only had the chance to throw for three scores, owners caught a break and racked up the points.
Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: Run DMC clocked 164 yards and a TD on 21 carries in Arrowhead Stadium — one of the most hostile environments in the NFL. This was a very impressive performance from a guy who did not do a whole lot last week.
Anquan Boldin, WR, Arizona Cardinals: If he is trying to play himself out of Arizona, this is not the way to go about it. Mr. Muscles racked up 140 yards and three touchdowns, which probably helped carry your team to victory.
Duds of the Week
Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks: This was Hasselbeck’s second straight dreadful performance. He should be relegated to fantasy purgatory until his receivers get healthy. Going 18-for-36 with two pickles just does not get the job done.
LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, San Diego Chargers: In a shootout style game that could have been great for LT owners, injuries limited his action. He only gained 40 yards; not enough production for your No. 1 overall pick.
Chad Johnson, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – Another horrible performance by the Bengal offense led to another sub par Ocho Cinco effort. A mere 37 yards hurts your production at WR.
Sit or Start
Note: Last week, I suggested that you start Aaron Rodgers, Chris Johnson, and Laurence Maroney. I would say I was 2-for-3 as Maroney did not get the touches. I also suggested that you sit Michael Turner, Reggie Bush, and Matt Forte. I would argue that I nailed all three right there. Now, on to my selections for this coming week.
Derek Anderson , QB, Cleveland Browns: The Brown offense has somewhat surprisingly sputtered to start the season and things will not get easier as they travel to Baltimore. This game has 13-10 written all over it. If you have a better option, you may want to sit Anderson.
J.T. O’Sullivan, QB, San Francisco 49ers: Give me a Mike Martz QB against the Lion defense and I will show you a goldmine. O’Sullivan played much better this week against the Seahawks and now gets a treat. He will have all day to throw and pick apart the secondary. Unless I have a top four fantasy QB, I would start O’Sullivan.
Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben is a gamer, but he is banged up and now he will go to Philly where the Eagles will bring the heat all game. I would be surprised if Roethlisberger finishes this game. I would sit Big Ben.
Brett Favre , QB, New York Jets: Monday night against a defense that has allowed some points? Start Brett the Jet.
Michael Turner , RB, Atlanta Falcons: Look for a bounce back week for the Burner. I like the matchup against the KC defense in the dome. Start Turner.
Larry Johnson , RB, Kansas City Chiefs: I expect LJ to be just as ineffective as I expect Turner to be effective, if that makes any sense. Sit Johnson.
Jonathan Stewart , RB, Carolina Panthers: Expect the Viking defense to bottle up this explosive rook. Sit Stewart.
McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: He’s battling turf toe and coming off a big game. I just do not see a repeat here. Sit Run DMC.
Santana Moss , WR, Washington Redskins: Look for Jason Campbell and Moss to continue to be on the same page. I like Moss at home here. Start Santana.
Steve Smith , WR, Carolina Panthers: After doing his best Mike Tyson Punch-out impersonation on Ken Luca, Smith is back on the field. I think the Panther offense will struggle to incorporate him against a stout Viking defense. I would wait it out and Sit Smith.
Isaac Bruce , WR, San Francisco 49ers: He still has it. Old reliable Ike Bruce will have a big game against the Lions. Start Bruce.
James Hardy , WR, Buffalo Bills: Look for this rookie to start to get more and more action. If you are thin at WR or need a spot start, I think Hardy would be a good choice, especially since the Raiders have not looked good against the pass so far this season. If you need to, I would start Hardy.
Good luck this week, and may you make all the correct fantasy decisions!
