By: Ethan Mendelsohn
This week in fantasy, there are a great selection of quality match-ups.
On Sunday, we will see a match-up of Manning brothers when the Broncos face the Giants, who are trying to avoid a 0-2 start. This week also includes many inter-conference match-ups in all divisions.
We will then end the fantasy week on Monday night with a clash between the Steelers and Bengals in an AFC North battle.
Be ready for points to pile up, and many shocks to come in week two.
Players I like this week:
Quarterback: Peyton Manning, Broncos– After Manning’s elite performance last week, where he threw for 462 yards and seven touchdowns, he is by far the best option at quarterback at this moment.
Let’s not forget Manning will be throwing against a Giants defense that allowed 36 points last week.
Running Back: Trent Richardson, Browns – Richardson racked up 240 yards in two match-ups against the Ravens last year, but with a weaker Ravens defense this season, he will produce more.
Wide Receiver: AJ Green, Bengals – Green proved himself as an elite receiver last week putting up 162 yards and two touchdowns against a tough Chicago secondary. The Bengals will be facing a worn-out Steeler defense, so you can expect a similar, or better, performance.
Tight End: Jimmy Graham, Saints – Graham has posted a monster total of 271 yards in his past three meetings against the Buccaneers. Don’t expect things to change.
Players I dislike this week:
Quarterback: Matt Ryan, Falcons – With a limited Roddy White, Julio Jones questionable to play, and a tough Rams secondary, Ryan will struggle in this week two match-up.
Running Back: Reggie Bush, Lions – Bush, who injured his thumb, groin, and hip last week, may be ready to play, but he will not put up numbers as consistent as last week. Bush will be against a Cardinals defense that only allowed 67 rushing yards in week one.
Wide Receiver: Anquan Boldin, 49ers – Though Boldin put up a monstrous 208 yards last Sunday, he will be facing a Seahawks secondary that intercepted 14 passes last year. Boldin will most likely go up against Richard Sherman, who had 8 by himself. Boldin will not even come close to putting up the numbers he had last week.
Tight End: Antonio Gates, Chargers – Gates finished with two receptions last week for a mere 49 yards on a day when Philip Rivers put up four touchdowns. The Eagles are on a hot streak and will shut down the veteran.
Sleeper picks I like this week:
Quarterback: Carson Palmer, Cardinals – Palmer, in a pass-happy offense, is facing a Lions defense that allowed 140 yards to a second string receiver in Jerome Simpson. With weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and Andre Roberts, Palmer will exceed expectations.
Running Back: Ben Tate, Texans – Coach Gary Kubiak says he will still split carries between Tate and first-string running back Arian Foster, until Foster can prove he is fully healthy. Tate is a better goal line back, and will have many chances to score.
Wide Reciever: Harry Douglas, Falcons – With Roddy White limited, Douglas is taking a stab at the number two receiver job. Douglas put up 93 yards last week and has an opportunity to shine.
Tight End: Benjamin Watson, Saints – Watson, a key addition to Brees’ pass scheme, will have a chance to show he is the real deal. The opposing Buccaneers allowed Jets Tight End, Kellen Winslow, 79 yards and a touchdown in their week one match-up. Watson has a great opportunity to put some points on the board.
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