HOT
QB
Matt Cassel – After 2 weeks, Cassel is averaging 37.7 pass attempts
per game and 280 yards and 1.5 pass TD’s.
This week he faces a Saints defense that is allowing the 2nd
most fantasy points to QB’s and the Saints have zero interceptions on the year.
In contrast, KC’s defense allows the most fantasy points to QB’s so Cassell is
going to have to throw to keep up with Brees and the Saints in their home
opener. With redemption on the mind, the Saints will most likely put up 35
points thus making Cassel a high upside QB this week.
Honorable mentions: Andy
Dalton and Jay Cutler
RB
Donald Brown – As an unsexy fringe player, it’s the stats
that make Donald Brown a decent flex play this week. This week Brown faces the Jaquars who after
two weeks: allow the most fantasy points to RB’s, most rush TD’s to RB’s and
second most red zone touches to RB’s. He’s a solid flex option this week and
helped with the emergence of Avery and return of Collie.
Honorable mentions: Peyton Hillis and Shonn Greene
WR
Brandon LaFell – In a prime time TV spot, LaFell is facing a
Giants defense that is allowing the 2nd most fantasy points, TD’s
and yards to opposing wide receivers. With the run option attack and Steve
Smith getting all the attention, there will be plenty of space and
opportunities for LaFell to make plays. He’s a rock solid flex play with WR2
upside.
Honorable mentions: Kenny
Britt and Brandon Lloyd
TE
Owen Daniels – This week Houston travels to Denver and their
#1 passing option, Andre Johnson is likely to be followed around by Champ
Bailey. Denver is allowing the 3rd most fantasy points to TE’s.
Denver’s run defense is pretty good, top 5 in limiting fantasy points to
running backs so more passing opportunities. Denver just let Tony Gonzalez catch
7 passes for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Honorable mentions: Brandon
Pettigrew / Tony Scheffler and Jermaine Gresham
NOT
QB
Peyton Manning – Coming
off a horribly slow start at the Atlanta Falcons and facing constant questions
about his “it is what it is” arm strength, Manning returns home to face the
Houston Texans. Houston has a much
better defense than the Falcons. The Texans rank 1st is total
defense and first in limiting passing yards per game and 8th against
the run. I also think with Houston controlling the clock and time of possession
with the run game, that opportunities for Manning to put up big numbers take a
big hit. He’s my 16th rated
QB this week.
RB
Ray Rice – I’m not saying sit Ray Rice here. I am saying,
beware of New England’s defense if you are counting on RB1 elite numbers this
week. New England ranks 1st in limiting fantasy points, 3rd
in rushing yards and haven’t allowed a rushing or receiving TD to RB’s through
2 weeks. Through 2 weeks Rice is only averaging 13 carries for 83 yards with
4.5 receptions for 39 yards. His per touch yard avg is high, but the new
offensive scheme has reduced his workload thus far. It’s a recipe for caution if New England gets
ahead early.
WR
Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams – The Cowboys have allowed
the 4th fewest fantasy points to WR’s and they did a good job of
limiting Nicks and Cruz in week one. Freeman is only avg’ing 191 yards per game
and 15.5 completions. Not enough passes to go around against two tough corners
on the road.
TE
Greg Olsen – After a productive week 1, Olsen returned to
blocking role in week 2. This week at home the Panthers face the Giants who
limit TE’s to the second fewest fantasy points. With the Giants blitzing front
7 and RT Bell possibly out, Olsen will see a lot more time blocking on the line
and at FB.