Week 2: Fantasy Studs and Duds

With the start of the NFL season fully upon us, it is time to look at some of the best matchups for fantasy players this week, and some of the worst.

Studs

Julio Jones- After the dismal performance that the Raiders secondary put up against the Saints last week, look to see Matt Ryan and Julio Jones explode in this game. After the Raiders benched their marque singing Sean Smith early in the third quarter, it is evident that this Raiders secondary is in shambles, time for Julio to step in and make the most of this opportunity. Also a good add/ flex play this week is Mohamed Sanu, made the most of his opportunities last week, and will also exploit this porous Raiders defence.

Odell Beckham- Whilst Beckham had a relatively quiet game by his standards, only hauling in 73 yards, he could see a monster stat line against the Saints and their none existent secondary. As evidence from the Raiders offence just torching the Saints defence at will on Monday, look to see Eli Manning continually throw the ball deep. Victor Cruz and Sterling Sheppard could also be good flex plays in this matchup.

DeMarco Murray- A focal point of this Titans rushing attack, Murray had a very productive week last week. Look to see him make the most of his opportunities this week against a poor Lions front. Whilst the introduction of Henry into this offence may have scared some people, Murray is still the featured back and will look to see plenty of goal line work, his value as a stud this week goes to his ability to be involved in the passing game, as shown last week hauling in five catches for 35 yards and two touchdowns.

Jordon Reed- Whilst Reed was relatively quiet against the Steelers on Monday night, there is no question that Cousins loves to target him. Whilst Reed was only held to 64 yards, the tight end position is so thin of true fantasy super stars at the moment, but Reed is one of the exceptions. Look for him and the Skins receivers to exploit a favourable matchup against a weak Dallas unit.

Sleeper- Danny Woodhead- With Keenan Allen now rulled out for the season, Woodhead’s value has taken a huge boost. Whilst the Jaguars looked good last week against Eddie Lacy, Woodhead is a total mismatch for defenders out of the backfield. A must start in all formats each week.

Duds

Russell Wilson- Injury may cause Wilson to completely miss this game. Even if he ankle is a full go, temper expectations. Wilsons big play capability comes from his ability to scrabble outside of the pocket, gaining excellent rushing yards, as well as being able to move around the pocket when it collapses extending the play. If he comes into this game under an injury cloud, be careful of starting him against a stout Rams front seven that will seek to make life difficult for Wilson and his sub par offensive line.

Sammy Watkins- Whilst we all know the big home run ability of Watkins; he is still struggling with that surgically repaired foot. Apparently there is no break or structural damage in the foot, yet you can see that his play is being affected by this. Watkins has a short week, playing in the Thursday night game against a strong Jets defence. Whilst people will look to drop Revis down the corner back rankings, after being torched by AJ Green in week 1. I won’t put too much stock into this performance by Revis, Green is one of the best receivers in the NFL today and the Jets were not giving Revis much safety help. If you are going to start Watkins this week, do not except him to go over 100 yards or even score a touchdown.

Todd Gurley- Whilst Gurley’s talent is unquestionable, the issues surrounding this offence is something to make any Gurley fan worried. The Niners game plan was to stack the box and force Keenum to beat them with his arm, something that was never going to eventuate. This week the Rams face a much more formidable opponent at home, the Seahawks are stacked defensively and will look to replicate what the Niners did to this Rams offence and Gurley. Whilst Gurley has the ability to break one off, his fantasy potential this week rests solely on his ability to get into the end zone, a tough prospect against this stacked defensive unit.

Frank Gore- This Colts offence runs solely behind Andrew Luck, whilst is a good fantasy play some weeks, unfortunately he has become a matchup player. With this week’s game against the Broncos, don’t look to see Gore top 50 rushing yards. Whilst the Panthers did have some success last week, this Colts offence and offensively line is a completely different team. Gore’s fantasy value is completely dependant on his ability to get into the end zone, yet Luck does like to target his receivers when in the red zone, further limiting Gore’s value.