September
2015 Rookie Report: Week 2 Sits & Starts
Welcome back to the Rookie Report! Week one was full of surprises...the Bills topped the Colts, Peyton Manning's poor finish to 2014 seemed to carry over to 2015 despite the Broncos' win, and Dez Bryant suffered a broken foot. The surprises weren't limited to the veterans, however. Marcus Mariota and Ameer Abdullah both put up epic debuts, Jameis Winston had a premeire to forget, Nelson Agholor was almost invisible, and Rashad Greene was targeted a whopping 13 times. What does it mean for week 2? Let's take a look at what to expect...
Rookies to Start:
QB Marcus Mariota, TEN (Wk. 2: @Cle.): What a first impression, right? The former Duck was on fire in week 1, piling up 4 TD passes in his first pro game. The Titans were up so comfortably he threw just 4 passes the entire second half. That won't be the case every week. Most importantly, he was decisive with the ball, he didn't turn it over, and he was throwing downfield. He was fantastic in week one and he didn't even unleash his running ability. The Browns struggled mightily to slow down the Jets' offense, and I'd expect another decent outing out of Marcus. He should be a solid QB2 this week, and is worth consideration in deep 1 QB leagues. I am starting him in a 2QB league over Joe Flacco.'
RB Ameer Abdullah, DET (Wk. 2: @Min.): Ameer wasn't as impressive as Mariota, but he made a pretty big impact in his own right, piling up 94 total yards and an impressive 24-yard TD run on his first career carry, all while out-touching Joique Bell 11-8. It was a pretty harrowing week for Bell owners. If Abdullah keeps this up, his role should stay similar as the season rolls along. Bell will still get goal line work and a healthy share of the carries, but Abdullah is a great flex option in PPR leagues, and more of a borderline proposition in standard this week against the Vikings, who struggled mightily to contain the run game on Monday night. The short week won't help them get ready for Detroit.
Borderline Rookies:
QB Jameis Winston, TB (Wk. 2: @NO): I know, this sounds crazy after week 1, but this is just for 2QB leagues. If there is a defense that could give the Bucs a run for worst in the league, it resides in New Orleans. Jameis isn't as bad as he looked last week, and he'll undoubtedly be better if he has Mike Evans back on the field. I think 2 more TDs are very much in play this week, and the yardage number has a chance to go up as I expect the Saints offense to bounce back in a big way this week and keep Tampa throwing.
RB Tevin Coleman, ATL (Wk. 2: @NYG): Coleman was very involved in week one, toting the rock 20 times for 80 yards, but I think the Falcons will realize they need to get him involved in the passing game. He has big-time speed and operates well in space, and the Giants just gave up 12 catches and 131 receiving yards to the Cowboys' RBs last Sunday. Devonta Freeman will undoubtedly get a fair share of the passing down work, but if Coleman can steal a little bit of it, he could be a strong flex option against a sub-par defense. He's my favorite rookie RB this week not named Ameer Abdullah.
RB T.J. Yeldon, JAX (Wk. 2: vs. Mia.): I was very impressed by what Yeldon was able to do in the first half last week against the Panthers...I just wish he would have carried it over to the 2nd half. Despite adding Ndamukong Suh in the off-season, the Miami run D did not look impressive in week one, allowing 160 yards and a 4.7 ypc average to the Redskins' backs. Game flow may work against him, but I'd set the expectation at around 65-70 yards with the hope for a TD (less than 50/50 bet). That makes him more of a low-end flex option.
RB Duke Johnson, CLE (Wk. 2: vs. Ten.): Johnson got 7 carries a week ago shortly after being cleared from a concussion. While his 3.1 ypc weren't impressive, they were much better than the 1.7 average that Isaiah Crowell put up. I wouldn't expect Duke to overtake Crowell this week, but the Titans' D isn't nearly as imposing as the Jets', and I expect Johnson to be more involved in the passing game this week. He's an low-end PPR flex option, and I'd expect double-digit touches this week.
WR Amari Cooper, OAK (Wk. 2: vs. Bal.): The Ravens' corners are fantastic, and there's a chance that the Raiders don't have Derek Carr this week. Cooper was able to put up just a 5-47 line on 9 targets a week ago, and the Ravens have just as good a secondary as the Bengals. Amari will continue to be peppered with targets, so there is upside, but I wouldn't expect a lot more than he did last week.
WR Nelson Agholor, PHI (Wk. 2: vs. Dal.): Agholor was a big let down last week, with just 2 targets, resulting in one catch for 5 yards. The good news? He was on the field a ton, and ran the second-most routes on the team (42), behind only Jordan Matthews (47). Eventually the targets and stats will come. This week's game with the 'Boys could be a shootout, and a 5-60-1 type of line from Nelson wouldn't be crazy. I could see trying him as a flex in deeper leagues.
Rookies to Sit:
RB Melvin Gordon, SD (Wk. 2: @Cin.): The Bengals allowed a ridiculous 14 catches and 2 receiving scores to Oakland's RBs last week, and while Gordon had 3 catches in week one to Danny Woodhead's 4, the real issue for Gordon comes from last week's red zone usage. Danny Woodhead got all 8 of the Chargers' rush attempts inside the 20, cashing in 2 of them for TDs. I'd expect that to continue this week. It doesn't help that the Bengals are formidable up front against the run with th return of a healthy Geno Atkins. They allowed just 55 yards rushing on 15 carries to the Raiders' RBs on Sunday.
RB Todd Gurley, STL (Wk. 2: @Was.): I know it's exciting that Gurley may see the field week 2. He was a full participant at practice Tuesday and looks like he should be active Sunday, but pump the brakes a bit. Jeff Fisher did just hold out Brian Quick as a 'healthy scratch' as he rehabs from a shoulder injury, so they might hold off just a bit longer. If Gurley does play, he'll almost certainly be on some sort of pitch count and faces a better than you think 'Skins run defense. They were among the best in the league last year vs. the run and allowed just 53 RB rush yards to the Dolphins in week 1. The coming out party is coming, just not in week 2.
RB Karlos Williams, BUF (Wk. 2: vs. NE): The Pats looked vulnerable against the run in the opener against D'Angelo Williams, and Karlos looked great in his limited touches behind Shady McCoy in week 1, but I doubt he does as much damage this week. He was able to get some of his work with the Bills up comfortably on the Colts and able to pound the ball. I don't expect them to be up more than one score all game against New England, which should keep McCoy dominating touches. Williams would have to break another long TD run to be worth a play. He was out-touched in week 1 20-6 by Shady, and McCoy had 3 red zone carries to Williams's one.
RB Matt Jones, WAS (Wk. 2: vs. StL.): Alfred Morris, who many (myself included) were ready to write off as done in Washington, proved reports of his demise were greatly exaggerated. Jones did a decent job with the touches he did get, but Alf should be the clear number 1 until his performance slips. The Rams did do a nice job of limiting Marshawn Lynch last weekend as well.
WR DeVante Parker, MIA (Wk. 2: @Jax.): He was a non-factor in week one with Rishard Matthews starting and the passing game revolving around Jarvis Landry. I expect him to work his way in to the scheme eventually, but for now he's best left on the pine.
WR Rashad Greene, JAX (Wk. 2: vs. Mia.): Greene did see a ridiculous 13 targets in a surprisingly conservative Jags' passing attack in week 1, but he averaged just FOUR yards per catch on 7 grabs. I wouldn't expect that target volume to continue, but even if it does, that efficiency just isn't going to get it done. Greene was very productive at FSU over the past 2 years, so he could work his way into reasonable PPR value, but he's still 3rd in the pecking order after A-Rob and Hurns. Don't bet on a repeat this week.
WR Dorial Green-Beckham, TEN (Wk. 2: @Cle.): Pretty simple here, DGB was on the field for just 3 snaps in week one despite the team only carrying 4 WRs. You have to leave him benched for now until his playing time starts to increase. I would have no problem dropping him for now in shallower leagues. He will eventually find his way onto the field more, though, so monitor his playing time as the season progresses.
TE Maxx Williams, BAL (Wk. 2: @Oak.): The Ravens' pass attack looked to be desperately in need of more play-makers in week one with Torrey Smith gone and Breshad Perriman on the shelf, and Maxx Williams could eventually be that. I don't think it'll be this week. The Broncos' defense deserves much of the credit for shutting the Ravens down, and the Raiders won't be as stiff a test. Williams was targeted twice a week ago, and even if he doubles that this week he won't be worth a start. There are better options out there.
Deep League Sleepers and Cheap DFS Options:
RB David Johnson, ARI (Wk. 2: @Chi.): Johnson got just one touch in week one, and it went for a 55-yard TD. Andre Ellington will be out a couple weeks, and although Bruce Arians called Chris Johnson their lead dog, I'd expect a decent chunk of work to go to David. 10+ touches are a real possibility, and he's already showed he's explosive and gets a poor Chicago defense this week.
WR Devin Funchess, CAR (Wk. 2: vs. Hou.): The Panthers' pass attack struggled mightily against the Jaguars a week ago, and Funchess could help that situation improve sooner rather than later. His role will increase dramatically soon. Part of his limited role week one could have had to do with his limited preseason reps due to injury. He's the type of playmaker the Panthers could have desperately used Sunday, and he should be the best bet for a Carolina WR to score a TD this week.
WR Tyler Lockett, SEA (Wk. 2: @GB): For leagues that count return yards, Lockett is a must own. He's one of the few return men who will also have a role in the offense. He should quickly ascend the pedestrian WR depth chart and become a weekly PPR WR3 option. For now he's still under the radar, but I'm not sure how long that will last. The Packers' defense was solid in coverage versus the Bears' banged up WR group, but with the focus likely on Marshawn Lynch and Jimmy Graham, Lockett will have a chance to make plays.
WR Phillip Dorsett, IND (Wk. 2: vs. NYJ): This projection only holds up if Hilton is out this week. Donte Moncrief would move into a starting spot opposite Andre Johnson (who underwhelmed in week one), and Dorsett would man the slot in 3-WR sets. The Jets' slot corner Buster Skrine might move outside if Antonio Cromartie is out, which could open up the middle of the field for Dorsett big time. Keep an eye on the Jets' cornerback plans for the week. Dorsett is the type of player who could break one for a TD at any time, and it would certainly help if he gets a burnable corner to face off with in the slot. He's likely not worth a start in most leagues, but he could be a sneaky DFS play.
That's all I've got for this week. Hopefully it helps you a bit with your tough rookie lineup decisions this week. As always, good luck, trust your gut, and have fun. It's just a game.
September
Week 2 Waiver Wire Pickups (2015): QB,WR,RB,TE,DST
It is no wonder the NFL is the most popular sport in America. Week 1 is fresh in the books and the drama and excitement is still a buzz around the water cooler. Seattle goes down in St. Louis where we are never surprised to see a shootout, Indianapolis was the first casualty of the stout Rex Ryan coached Bills Defense and Peyton Manning has to be wondering “why he came back one more year” (read to the jingle of his Nationwide commercials). Fantasy owners are already feeling the pain too after injuries brought down players like T.Y. Hilton, Dez Bryant, Andre Ellington and Ladarius Green. Fear not fellow fantasy family! The early weeks of the football season bring with them a wealth of waiver wire potential.
Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor, BUF – The Bills shocked the heartland with a week 1 win over the visiting Colts. At the helm was first year starter Tyrod Taylor. He went 14-19 for 195 yards and a touchdown while adding 41 yards on the ground. The Bills were obviously cautious with Taylor only having 19 passing attempts; however he showed confidence with a 51 yard bomb to Percy Harvin. Taylor is only owned in 10% of leagues. Next week he has a favorable match-up against a questionable New England secondary. His dual threat talents reduce the risk associated with his lack of passing attempts.
Alex Smith, KC – Alex Smith is only owned in 20% of leagues right now. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 243 yards with 3 touchdowns in week 1. Alex Smith’s value is increased this year with an upgrade in weapons like Jeremy Maclin and the return of Travis Kelce. Kelce was on full display in week 1 with huge yards and 2 of the 3 Smith touchdown passes. Smith has a good week 2 match-up hosting Denver on Thursday night. Thursday games tend to be sloppy; however Alex Smith excels at protecting the football so he offers limited risk.
Other players to consider are Andy Dalton (owned in 26%) who, like Alex Smith, has a big Tight End target in Tyler Eifert. Nick Foles (owned in 13%) with an average of 11 yards per pass in week 1 and favorable match-ups against Washington, Pittsburgh and Green Bay in 3 of his next 4 games.
Running Backs
DeAngelo Williams, PIT – The Pittsburgh at New England season opener feels like it was a long time ago after the excitement of Sunday. One of the standouts I remember from that game was DeAngelo Williams. He gained 127 yards on 21 attempts and looked very fresh with surprising bursts of speed. Andre Ellington owners should look to Williams for a week 2 start against San Francisco. It’ll be his last game with any value as LeVeon Bell is due back in week 3, but featured backs are limited in the NFL these days. Williams is only owned in 37% of leagues.
Chris Johnson, ARI – Andre Ellington didn’t even make it through one game before making his fantasy owners pay the price. While it appears to be good news that he isn’t lost for the season his owners will be looking for a replacement for a few weeks. Owners don’t have to look far as Chris Johnson will be the guy stepping in. Bruce Arians is likely to lean on the veteran over the rookie David Johnson. Chris Johnson is long removed from his CJ2K season but he does have a favorable match-up against Chicago in week 2.
Other players to consider Bishop Sankey (owned in 47%) because of his ownership percentage he wasn’t a featured waiver pick up but if he is available in your league you should jump on that immediately. Danny Woodhead (owned in 50%) is another guy who doesn’t make the cut as a waiver feature but should be owned, proving to be the touchdown vulture in week 1.
Wide Receivers
Donte Moncrief, IND – The Colts got some positive news today regarding T.Y. Hilton however he is still likely to miss at least week 2. Moncrief proved to be a highly targeted option for Andrew Luck in the week 1 disappointment. He had 6 receptions on 11 targets for 46 yards with a touchdown. The week 2 match-up is tough against the Jets secondary but the Colts offense is designed to be high flying. The fact that Moncrief had so many targets points to a trust between him and Luck. In week 2 Moncrief will have more opportunities to make an impact. He is only owned in 11% of leagues.
James Jones, GB – When Jordy Nelson went down for the season there were question marks regarding who would step up. The late James Jones signing only added intrigue but week 1 answered any questions as to who would complete the Packers receiving core. Jones caught 2 touchdowns against the Bears in week one and caught all of his four targets for 51 yards. I expect to see Cobb and Adams seeing a bulk of the targets, but Jones proved his worth in the red zone and that simply cannot be ignored in fantasy formats. Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay are also known to spread the ball around so Jones solidifying that WR3 role on the team makes him a legit WR3 in fantasy too. He is only owned in 31% of leagues.
Terrance Williams, DAL – Dez Bryant is lost for 4-6 weeks and Terrance Williams will step up as the #1 in Dallas. In week 1 Williams saw 8 targets coming down with 5 of them for 60 yards. He had a chance at a TD too but dropped it. Williams is my favorite WR pick up this week simply because of the role he is moving into. He is owned in 57% of leagues so if he is available you need to act fast prioritize him high. Terrance Williams and Dallas has a very friendly next four weeks as they face Philadelphia, Atlanta, New Orleans and New England; All with suspect pass defenses.
Other players to keep an eye on are Percy Harvin (owned in 41%) who caught all 5 of his targets in week 1. Tyler Lockett (owned in 30%) has more to prove before being used regularly but his special teams play this week makes him a good pick up for teams looking to add depth early in the season.
Tight Ends
Heath Miller, PIT – Play-making tight ends are very limited but week 1 proved just how valuable they can be in fantasy football. See Travis Kelce, Tyler Eifert or Rob Gronkowski for proof. If you are finding yourself in a disappointing jam heading into week 2 look at Heath Miller. He caught 8 of his 11 targets in week 1 for 84 yards. Miller was a chain mover for Roethlisberger and will see an increased roll while Martavis Bryant finishes his suspension. Miller is only owned in 49% of leagues.
Other players to look for are Ladarius Green (owned in 20%). If you have the room on your roster you might want to make this move as he looked great in week 1 with 5 receptions for 74 yards and touchdown.
Kickers
Brandon McManus, DEN – It is tough to go wrong with a Denver kicker in the thin air. McManus nailed two 50+ yarders in week 1 on top of a 40+ and 30+. A good start for a guy with accuracy concerns. Next week Denver leaves the thin air for KC on Thursday night. I expect to see the Denver offense bounce back and move the ball, but Thursday night games are interesting as shorter prep time can often lead to stalled drives. Good for kickers. At the very least you’re picking up a guy who has 7 more games in Denver. He is only owned in 19% of leagues.
Josh Brown, NYG – Fantasy strategy allows for the kicker position to often time be shifted by match up. If you follow such strategy than Josh Brown is your guy to pick up this week. He was perfect in week 1 that included 40+ and 50+ field goals. His upcoming schedule is favorable against the weak defenses of Atlanta and Washington. He is owned in 14% of leagues.
Defense/Special Teams
Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens defense kept Peyton Manning and the Bronco’s out of the end zone all day. They pressured Manning all day sacking him 4 times and disrupting 6 more pass attempts. Losing Suggs is going to hurt a little bit but as a unit the Ravens looked good and should manage to overcome the loss. They have a very favorable week 2 against Oakland with favorable match-ups in weeks 3 and 4 against Cincinnati and Cleveland too.
September
Funniest Football Memes: Week 1 (2015)
September
Week 2 Preview: Injury Report
On the podcast this week, we touched on some major and minor injuries throughout the league which I've included below. We also branched out the discussion to news, waiver wire picks, overachievers and much more. Give the show a listen to really dig into the meat and potatoes this week!
(Listen to the Fantasy Football Podcast, 9/15/15: Week 2 Preview)
Quarterbacks
Derek Carr (OAK): What looked like a bruised hand may have been something more, but we weren’t certain. An MRI on Monday didn’t reveal any lasting damage – just a bruised thumb on Carr’s right throwing hand. They were exploring the signing of Christian Ponder, among other veteran QBs.. thankfully we should see Carr back in the saddle in week 2, or week 3 at the latest (in which case backup Matt McGloin would fill in against the Ravens). Editor's Note: Looks like Carr will in fact start in week 2 barring setbacks.
Josh McCown (CLE): A concussion sustained on a dive into the end zone has sidelined McCown for the time being, leaving Manziel the heir apparent. It remains to be seen whether or not McCown will be able to suit up for week 2’s game but believe me, the Browns would really like for that to be the case after Manziel’s performance on Sunday.
Running Backs
Andre Ellington (ARI): Grade 1 PCL sprain. Not as bad as it could have been, Ellington will likely miss all of September and most of October recovering from this injury. It does afford new Cardinals running backs Chris Johnson and David Johnson an opportunity to show their worth to the team. Expect David Johnson to continue to impress but have his carries limited, as Arians would prefer not to let a rookie shoulder the load. We already know what Chris Johnson can do..
C.J. Anderson (DEN): Anderson’s injury is being shrouded in a little bit of mystery here and that is rather concerning for fantasy owners. He was expected to produce top-10 numbers this season and so any bad news here will likely result in some butt-hurt team managers. Whispers of this injury being more than just something day-to-day have catapulted Ronnie Hillman’s stock on the waiver wire and I would be surprised if he doesn’t end up being a top pickup this week.
Wide Receivers
Dez Bryant (DAL): Suffering from a “Jones” fracture (the same injury that kept Marvin Jones and the NBA’s Kevin Durant out for a season), Bryant was a huge part of the Cowboys offense and now they may have to face being without him for at least 6-8 weeks, if not the rest of 2015. What should you do as a Bryant owner? Well, after a little light weeping, try to scoop up one of the top receivers available on the wire this week. From the Cowboys’ perspective, Terrance Williams, Gavin Escobar and Cole Beasley all benefit – this injury will also likely bring Jason Witten back up to TE1 status for the remainder of the Bryant’s recovery.
T.Y.Hilton (IND): It looks like a particularly badly bruised knee – that kind of injury could sideline a player for a few days or a few weeks depending on how it heals. Should Hilton not play in week 2, reports say that Donte Moncrief will be the guy who fills his shoes and is immediately start-able on your roster as a WR2/3.
DeSean Jackson (WAS): Alas poor Washington, it was not to be. Pierre Garcon and Jordan Reed will try to lap up Jackson’s missed production so consider starting either while Jackson recovers from the this hamstring issue (he should be back sometime in October). Andre Roberts is an intriguing option here as well, but we’re shying away from the Redskins offense in general.
Tight Ends
Delanie Walker (TEN): Walker has a splint on his right hand – certainly not a good sign for a pass-catching TE that excels in PPR leagues. Looks like he has successfully avoided a major injury, though, so he may end up being on the field in week 2. If not, Anthony Fasano will fill in but he should be avoided even as a spot starter – there are better options available. Kendall Wright gets the biggest boost from this injury, should Walker be forced to sit out the game.
Recent Articles
-
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 18
To say this has been a year of uncertainty is an understatement. So many injuries, coaching changes, player issues shaped…in Fantasy Football / NFL -
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 17
Christmas is indeed the time of giving. And this year, the NFL is giving us a double-header on Christmas Day…in Fantasy Football / NFL -
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 16
Normally, being just a few weeks away from the end of the season, playoff positions are solidified and we need…in Fantasy Football / NFL -
NFL Confidence Pool Picks & Strategy 2024 - Week 15
Finally! They’re done! We are heading into week 15 and FINALLY we are done with bye weeks! 16 games a…in Fantasy Football / NFL
Please wait...User Login
Social Media
Stay Informed! Follow us on..
