Week Two: Starting Cast/Extra Worries
Throw week ones stats in the garbage, as they will have no factor in future stats. In fact assuming any trend currently would be a bad idea. Its going to take a good four to five weeks for the level of consistency to begin to show. Week two should be a sharper week all around as one game is under everyones belts.
Detroit at Chicago
Automatic: Kevin Jones, Roy Williams, and Thomas Jones
Both Jones should put up solid number two fantasy running back stats this week. Neither was involved that much in week one. Thomas Jones isnt going to have much value all year, so get what you can out of him now.
Dont Do It: Joey Harrington
Chicagos defense manages to stay strong annually. The Lions are going to game plan exactly like last week. Thats to keep Harrington from losing the game.
Minnesota at Cincinnati
Automatic: Daunte Culpepper, Nate Burelson, Chad Johnson, TJ Houzmandeh, Carson Palmer, Rudi Johnson
An array of offensive talent is on showcase here. Culpepper will be able to bounce back, and hopefully also stay away from turnovers.
Dont Do It: Michael Bennett
It will take a worthy game by Bennett before fitting him as a potential starter.
Baltimore at Tennessee
Automatic: Derrick Mason, Jamal Lewis, and Anthony Wright
Chestor Taylor is starting to have that Lamont Jordan presence. As a back up he is coming in and being an instant impact. Jamal Lewis will get a bulk of carries this week, as the Ravens shouldnt be down big. With Anthony Wright in the game the Ravens passing game jumps up a few notches. Wrights ability to throw the ball deep is a good reason to insert Mason and possibly Clarence Moore.
Dont Do It: Travis Henry or Chris Brown
Trying to run on the Ravens defense isnt going to happen.
Jacksonville at Indianapolis
Automatic: Byron Leftwich, Peyton Manning, Edgerrin James, Fred Taylor, Jimmy Smith, Marvin Harrison, and Reggie Wayne
There arent any questionable athletes to not start. Last year both teams put on offensive shows twice. It seemed that Leftwichs game excelled when facing the Colts. Hell need to try to duplicate those performances, and keep the hot connection between him and Jimmy Smith boiling.
San Francisco at Philadelphia
Automatic: Donovan McNabb, Brian Westbrook, Terrell Owens, Greg Lewis, and Brandon Lloyd
This is the perfect bounce back confidence builder game for the Eagles. Not much confidence should be gone after last weeks loss, but the chance to destroy a team is always a good thing. The 49ers will be down big, and thatll mean Brandon Lloyd should have a solid day.
Dont Do It: Tim Rattay
A nice week one but it wont be long before Alex Smith is in.
Buffalo at Tampa Bay
Automatic: Willis McGahee, Michael Clayton, Carnell Williams, and Josh Reed
Its going to be a low scoring defensive battle. That doesnt sound intriguing, but look for the running game to open up a few deep pass plays.
Dont Do It: Brian Griese or JP Losman
There just going to be enough from either to want to start them. Both should have stats below 200 yards. In a week with all of the offensive spotlight games, its not worth starting either.
New England at Carolina
Automatic: Tom Brady, Jake Delhomme, Stephen Davis, Steve Smith, and Corey Dillon
For teams posing strong defenses, they have plenty of games where they give up points and yardage. Thatll come to front this week, in a likely yardage fest.
Don Do It: Rod Gardner or a Patriots WR
You never know which Patriots receiver will get have the extra hand. It seems Brady spreads the football around just enough to not have a consistent favorite target. Rod Gardner is a risky pick this week. He could do very well and collect piss off points on your bench. If youre really that weak at receiver, he is a solid candidate for this week.
Pittsburgh at Houston
Automatic: Willie Parker, Hines Ward, Domanic Davis, and Andre Johnson
David Carr may have a down year but it wont completely take away Domanick Davis and Andre Johnsons value. Parker is going to get plenty of carries and should once again be one of the most productive fantasy backs of the week.
Dont Do It: Ben Roethlisberger or David Carr
Roethlisberger says hell start, but he might not finish. The Steelers will likely pull him as quick as possible if the game gets out of control. Roethlisberger doesnt attempt fifteen passes for a whole game, so imagine what hell do with only three quarters?
St. Louis at Arizona
Automatic: Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin, Bryant Johnson, Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt
The Cardinals will be throwing the ball the entire game. With around forty passes and well over 300 yards likely to happen for Warner, all the receivers are great starting candidates. The Rams offense will be even more dangerous because theyll have a running game.
Dont Do It: JJ Arrington
Dont figure the Rams weak defense means that JJ Arrington will be a sleeper this week. Hell be lucky to run over fifty yards.
Atlanta at Seattle
Automatic: Mike Vick, Warrick Dunn, Alge Crumpler, Matt Hasselbeck, Shaun Alexander, and Darrell Jackson
Each team was supposed to be facing each other last season in the NFC championship, but Seattle vacated four months early. Atlanta has a formidable offense thats main athletes should always start on your fantasy team. Seattles offense hasnt been the problem in their down fall.
Dont Do It: Michael Jenkins
He had one big catch that could have been a touchdown if he fell a yard further. He could become Vicks reason to throw more. For now Jenkins is a borderline third receiver but a bench rider until he upgrades that status.
San Diego at Denver
Automatic: Drew Brees, LT, Keenan McCardell, Antonio Gates, Ashley Lelie, and Rod Smith
Dangerous territory for each team, as 0-2 is nearing one of them. The fear of that should keep both offenses churning well.
Dont Do It: Jake Plummer
His interceptions and fumbling is too much to look past.
Cleveland at Green Bay
Automatic: Trent Dilfer, Reuben Droughns, Braylon Edwards, Antonio Bryant, Ahman Green, Donald Driver, and Brett Favre
Neither team has a defense, so start whoever you can from each team.
Dont Do It: William Green
Green will get five to ten carries, but Droughns is the guy for now.
Miami at NY Jets
Automatic: Chris Chambers, Gus Frerotte, Curtis Martin, Lavernues Coles
Lavernues Coles had some of his best games as a Jet against Miami. He owns Sam Madison, but Pennington may not be able to get the ball to him. The Jets defense was suspect last week, but should be able to stop Miamis weak running game.
Dont Do It: Ronnie Brown or Chad Pennington
Jay Fiedler may get a chance to face his old team if Pennington gets off to a sluggish start.
Kansas City at Oakland
Automatic: Everyone fantasy worthy
Cannons of confetti and touchdown celebrations will occur every few minutes.
NY Giants at New Orleans
Automatic: Deuce McAllister, Aaron Brooks, Tiki Barber, and Plaxico Burress
It may take a quarter or two, but McAllister will eventually get a few off against the Giants defense. As usual Tiki Barber will get his stats either through the running or passing game.
Dont Do It: Eli Manning
The Giants put up 42 points, and Mannings stats were still below average for a fantasy starter.
Washington at Dallas
Automatic: Julius Jones, Clinton Portis, Keyshawn Johnson, and Santana Moss
Itll likely be the lowest scoring Monday night game in awhile. Both teams will run the ball, and punt a lot.
Dont Do It: Mark Brunell
Brunell hasnt had a good game as a quarterback in years. He is on his last string in the NFL, and maybe thatll resurrect his career.