Fantasy Football Help Week 2

[eagle eye]

It was a strange weekend wasn't it. With upsets of the Patriots, Bears and Chiefs and near upsets of the Eagles and Steelers and the unexpected blowouts of the Rams and Packers it was a heckuva weekend indeed. There was also good games between the Broncos and Colts and Saints and Falcons among this week's games that made for a really nice opening weekend of NFL football.

There is even a development off the field that effects fantasy rosters. With the release by TMZ of the actual punch Ray Rice threw that knocked his then fiancee Janay Palmer out the Ravens have cut ties with Rice and the NFL has banned him from the league indefinitely. So, bottom line, drop Ray Rice and choose between Bernard Pierce or Justin Forsette as the #1 back in Baltimore. Forsette was the guy who scored the most fantasy points Sunday but there's no guarantee he will every week. We'll all have to keep an ear to the ground but it won't hurt to pick up Forsette and stash him on your roster if your competitors haven't beaten you to it.

Michael Floyd was a beast in the Cardinals win over San Diego last night. He may be a better choice as the Cardinals WR1 at least until opposing teams start to double him in lieu of Larry Fitzgerald.

The Jaguars receiver Alan Hurns blew up against the Eagles on Sunday. He looks like he has some skills and with Cecil Shorts on the sideline he's should be ripe on the waiver wires.

If you haven't got Carlos Hyde grab him if you can. The guy is fast and he runs with power. Frank Gore is going to get the lion's share of carries but Hyde will get spot duty and he may be the back of choice around the goal line. How good is Hyde?

[eagle eye]

Who was the best of the best in Week 1? You may be surprised at the stat leaders of Week 1.

QB's
1. Matt Ryan Atl
2. Andrew Luck Ind
3. Ben Roethlesberger Pitt
4. Jay Cutler Chi
5. Matt Stafford Det
6. Joe Flacco Bal
7. Drew Brees NO
8. Nick Foles Phi
9. Carson Palmer Ari
10. Andy Dalton Cin

Rushing Leaders
1. Knowshon Moreno Mia
2. DeMarco Murray Dal
3. Marshawn Lynch Sea
4. La'Veon Bell Pitt
5. Arian Foster Hou
6. Chris Ivory NYJ
7. Corderelle Patterson Minn (?, Yep NFL stats lists Patterson a RB after his 103 yards rushing last Sunday)
8. Terrence West Cle
9. Alfredo Morris Wash
10. Matt Forte Chi

Receiving Leaders
1. Calvin Johnson Det
2. A J Green Cin
3. Michael Floyd Ari
4. Steve Smith Bal
5. Antonio Brown Pitt
6. Julio Jones Atl
7. Marques Colston NO
8. Allan Hurns Jac
9. Julius Thomas Den (No Jimmy Graham---only TE on this list)
10. Anquan Boldin SF

[Boomer]

Ok I have written this article three times today and keep losing it while bouncing to do research so we will try again here.
Brandon Marshall (ankle) and Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) are both listed as questionable for Sunday Night Football at San Francisco.
Marshall didn't get any practice reps all week, although that may have been by design. It isn't completely abnormal for Marshall to play despite not practicing. He's likely staring at a game-time decision, however. Jeffery did practice on a limited basis Friday, which is a good sign. He's also likely to be a game-time call. Hopefully we'll get more news on Saturday.

After practicing on a limited basis Thursday and Friday, Doug Martin (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 2 against the Rams.
The fact that Martin participated in practice on back-to-back days to finish out the week, even in limited form, suggests he is tentatively on track to play. Still, he may officially come down to a game-time decision, and is also in danger of losing some touches to Bobby Rainey, on whom the Bucs' coaching staff is clearly high. The Rams and Bucs don't play until 4:05PM ET on Sunday, so Martin owners need to have an alternative ready in an early game, or at the very least have Rainey rostered as a handcuff.

Jaguars list Toby Gerhart probable for Week 2
Toby Gerhart (ankle) is listed as probable for Week 2.
Gerhart missed some snaps with the ankle tweak in last week's loss to the Eagles, but appears to be all systems go for Sunday's clash with the Redskins. It's an above-average matchup for Gerhart. Washington did defend Arian Foster well on Opening Day, but lost NT Barry Cofield (ankle) in the process.
Sep 12 - 1:53 PM

Ben Tate out till week 5!!!!!

Ben Tate (knee) hinted Friday that he's targeting after the Browns' Week 4 bye for his return.
The Browns play the Saints and Ravens in their next two games, where the fort will be held down by Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. After their Week 4 bye, they face the Titans in Week 5. Whether Tate regains clear-feature back duties will likely depend on the performances of West and Crowell in Weeks 2 and 3. The Browns had markered in Tate as their every-down back to open the year.
Source: Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter Sep 12 - 1:36 PM

Browns coach Mike Pettine said Friday that he's still "holding hope" Jordan Cameron (shoulder, questionable) will play Sunday against the Saints despite missing practice all this week.
As the injury has dogged Cameron since August, it would probably be in fantasy owners' best interest for the Browns to hold out Cameron for at least one game in order to get the shoulder right. We still suspect Cameron is on the doubtful side of questionable. He may come down to a game-time decision.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera admitted to "concern" over DeAngelo Williams' (thigh, questionable) Week 2 availability after Williams missed Friday's practice.
Williams actually missed both Thursday and Friday's practices after waking up "sore" midway through the week. "I’m concerned," Rivera said. "Again he’s a running back and he’s got to rely on that burst. And based on the way he ran today, we’re going to have to see how he is tomorrow morning. If he’s just the slightest bit hampered by it ... We’ll have to see. It’s the burst that you’re always worried about." The Charlotte Observer says "carries will be split" among Jonathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, and Fozzy Whittaker against the Lions' stout run defense if Williams can't play in Week 2. For now, it's not looking like he will.

Newer is not always better.
Eddie Lacy (concussion) is listed as probable for Week 2 against the Jets.
Fire Lacy up for fantasy lineups. He has a tough test against the Jets' strong defensive front, but remains on the back end of the RB1 map. Lacy isn't an ideal FanDuel play in a game the Packers will likely attack the Jets through the air.
Sep 12 - 12:50 PM get a backup if not his hand cuff.

A.J. Green (foot) returned to practice Friday.
Green was limited on Wednesday before sitting out on Thursday. The Bengals are likely just playing it safe with their star wideout, giving him the Calvin Johnson treatment. Green is our No. 3 receiver for Week 2 in a potential shootout.
Source: Geoff Hobson on Twitter Sep 12 - 11:13 AM

Thanks to @rotoworld and Walter football among others for the help and updates.

More to come.

[Boomer]

Ok let's talk about the hottest story that broke yesterday. While most of us were at the games last night AP made his way back to Texas.The Minneapolis Star-Tribune considers it "likely" that the Vikings or the NFL will "take action" against Adrian Peterson on Monday, following his indictment on charges of reckless and negligent injury to a child.
In other words, there's more discipline coming on top of Peterson's Week 2 deactivation. The details of Peterson's alleged mistreatment of his four-year-old son have caused an uproar, which may necessitate a harsh penalty from the NFL. At this point, there is simply no timetable for Peterson to return. Peterson's fantasy owners can hang on, but need to grab Matt Asiata. Intriguing rookie Jerick McKinnon is also worth stashing. Asiata could push for 20 carries in Sunday's game against the Patriots.
What we know for sure is Peterson is out. The story of what happened is mottled you have two separated parents telling different stories with a child in the middle. I ask you to try to get all the facts before you wade in with the trolls. When kids are involved we should keep in mind they are the most important part of the story. Disclaimer done soap box put up back to football.

Jerick McKinnon's SPARQ score of 147.5 was one of the top scores among all running backs over the last 16 years.
As you can read in the Zach Whitman column linked below, SPARQ is a metric developed by Nike to apply a single composite score to a player's athleticism. An elite NFL athlete is around 140 and the 150+ range is reserved for the Calvin Johnson types. The point is that although McKinnon is very raw as he comes out of Georgia Southern and has very little pass pro experience, he's a freak. "Backs with McKinnon’s speed, lower-body explosiveness and upper-body strength just don't exist," wrote Whitman. He'll be a change-of-pace back behind Matt Asiata to start, but his fantasy ceiling is far higher. McKinnon is a solid stash while we see where Adrian Peterson's case goes.

Matt Asiata is expected to start Sunday's game against the Patriots.
ESPN Vikings reporter Ben Goessling says Jerick McKinnon "could get some carries too, but Asiata figures to get the majority of the work." It's not a surprise, as the plodding yet reliable Asiata ran ahead of the third-round rookie for the entire preseason. Asiata also started two games last season (for the old regime), totaling 44 carries for 166 yards and a flukish three touchdowns along with five catches for 13 yards. If you need a plug-n-play for this week, he's your man. If you want to stash a true freak athlete who might eventually get a big chance, McKinnon is the add.
Related: Jerick McKinnon
Source: Ben Goessling on Twitter Sep 12 - 11:04 PM

[Boomer]

So let's talk about who might be coming back.

The NFLPA confirmed the union has yet to reach an agreement with the NFL on a new drug policy, but hopes to have a deal finalized "very soon."
"The Board of Player Representatives gave the NFLPA authority to complete new drug policies with the League consistent with detailed term sheets the players reviewed," the NFLPA said in a press release. "We hope to have final agreements, including effective date for players with adjusted discipline, very soon." Even if a deal gets done on Saturday, it is very unlikely reinstated players would suit up this weekend. The good news is it appears Welker will be ready to rock Week 3.
Source: NFLPA Sep 13 - 9:18 AM

According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Josh Gordon "has been notified" his suspension will be reduced from 16 to 10 games, "pending final approval" of the NFL's new drug policy.
Profootballtalk.com has now joined the Plain Dealer and ESPN's Adam Schefter in reporting Gordon's suspension will indeed be ten games, reduced from 16. The new substance abuse policy reduced the ban. PFT's Mike Florio reports Gordon will be subject to another two-game suspension stemming from his offseason DUI arrest, but Florio considers it "unlikely" that the additional ban will be enforced during the 2014 season. So Gordon's projected return date this year is November 23 against the Falcons. That's Week 12.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Cowboys CB Orlando Scandrick will be eligible for Week 2 after the NFL's new drug-policy agreement.
Scandrick was suspended four games for PEDs in early August. Although he is technically "eligible" to play, it's not a guarantee that Scandrick will suit up, and we may not know for sure until Sunday morning. The Cowboys certainly need him, however, especially against Titans slot receiver Kendall Wright. Scandrick is the Cowboys' slot corner in sub-packages.
Source: ESPN on Twitter Sep 12 - 9:47 PM

[Boomer]

So did you miss out on the points that the Jags Hurns put up last week. We'll he is still worth a grab seems when Cecil Shorts III comes back he will have some help on the other side. Coach Gus Bradley said that Allen Hurns will be the Jaguars' No. 2 receiver even when Cecil Shorts (hamstring) returns.
It's the first we've heard of Hurns being ahead of Marqise Lee on the depth chart. Jaguars reporter Mike DiRocco says it's because Hurns has a better grasp of the offense after playing for OC Jedd Fisch at the University of Miami. If true, it would make the UDFA a far more intriguing hold than previously thought. For now, however, it doesn't really matter as Shorts does not appear close to getting over his latest injury. Hurns is going to start opposite Lee against the bad Redskins secondary on Sunday and has some WR4 appeal.

When did it come to Jags being hot on the waiver wire?

[eagle eye]

Boomer covered a lot of ground here but I'm shocked he didn't mention the blockbuster that came down today. The Vikings Adrian Peterson has been indicted for child abuse after he spanked his son with a switch and left the open wounds on the child's backside. The actual wording of the indictment was Injury to a Child which is a felony by the Montgomery County Texas police. Peterson's lawyer explained that he was disciplining his child in the same way he was disciplined when he was a child. This is another black eye for the NFL on the heels of the Ray Rice issue that has dominated the NFL landscape over the last couple of weeks. The Vikings have deactivated AP for this week's game leaving Matt Asiata and rookie Jerick McKinnon to share the load as well as Cordarrelle Patterson who was the Vikings leading rusher in the opener last week. Of the 24 carries by the Vikings RBs last week Asiata and McKinnon had 3 with Peterson shoulding the rest. Asiata had 2 carries and McKinnon 1. Asiata my see more plays because with a little experience he should be a better pass blocker than McKinnon. Asiata did a nice job a couple of years ago when both Peterson and then-backup Toby Gerhart when down with injuries. McKinnon is probably the more explosive back of the two.
This week's game is the home opener for the Vikings who will play in the University of Minnesota stadium while their new stadium is under construction.

As Boomer mentioned the NFL revised drug policy was actually accepted by the NFLPA and the league. The new policy eases the amphetemine positive test in the off season from performance enhancing drug policy to substance abuse policy. It also raises the threshold on positive marijuana tests. This means that players like Wes Welker and Orlando Scandrick who tested positive for amphetemines after taking a 'molly' with have their suspensions lifted as soon as the new policy is made official. Josh Gordon's suspension will be reduced to 10 games when the policy is ratified. The new policy also allows for HGH testing.
The players elected to have the NFLPA reps negotiate the drug policy changes but until the player actually ratify the new agreement with a vote of the players the policy is not official. What this means is that the players already serving suspension will not likely play in this week's games. So, what this means is that you shouldn't alter your fantasy lineups this week.

[Boomer]

Post #4 is the one I think you were looking for Double E.

[eagle eye]

You are so right B. I went straight to the last post and replied and I am standing corrected! As I posted before the options for starting RB in Minnesota for Adrian Peterson would be either Matt Asiata or Jerick McKinnon. This afternoon around 15 minutes ago or so NFL.com is reporting that Asiata will get the start tomorrow. McKinnon will be the primary backup. To add a bit of depth Minnesota signed Joe Banyard from their practice squad to the 53 man roster. To make room for Banyard the Vikings released FB Zach Line.

Well, so much for delaying the inevitable. The NFLPA has ratified the new NFL drug policy with no team in the league not passing the new protocol. What this means to fantasy owners is that Wes Welker is eligible to play as are the other players who are under suspension. Players like Dallas' Orlando Scandrick who may be the only player who will be in the lineup on Sunday. Scandrick was with the team during all the team's OTA's, mini camp and training camp. He played in all four preseason games so he is completely up to speed with defense and cornerback may be the only position that a player can miss practice and still play. Scandrick will bolster a position of weakness on the Cowboys defense. I would not be at all surprised to him in the lineup tomorrow. Here is an article from NFL.com giving the details of the new NFL drug policy.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000393562/article/nflpa-approves-new-drug-policy-includes-hgh-testing

The Redskins tight end Jordan Reed with miss the game tomorrow due to a hamstring injury suffered last week against the Texans. The biggest obstacle to Reed being a breakout success in the NFL is the series of nagging, fluke injuries he's had to endure. In his rookie season last year he was named to the All Rookie Team despite only playing 9 games. He missed the rest of the season with a concussion and after effects of the concussion which ended causing Washington to put him on season ending IR. Logan Paulson and Niles Paul will split time filling in for Reed.

Here are some sits and starts this week by position.

QB - Starts
> Andrew Luck vs Philly
> Colin Kaepernick vs Chicago
> Chad Henne vs Washington
> Jake Locker vs Dallas

QB - Sits
> Jay Cutler vs San Francisco (Cutler may not even have Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffrey due to injuries)
> E J Manual vs Miami
> RGIII vs Jacksonville (as lost as Griffin looked against Houston he may even have trouble with the resurgent Jags)
> Whoever is starting for St Louis vs Tampa Bay

RB - Starts
> Alfred Morris vs Jacksonville
> Knowshon Moreno vs Buffalo
> Giovani Bernard vs Atlanta
> DeMarco Murray vs Tennessee

RB - Sits
> Zac Stacy vs Tampa Bay
> Trent Richardson vs Philadelphia (word is Ahmad Bradshaw is going to get the lion's share of touches)
> Ryan Matthews vs Seattle
> Stevan Ridley vs Minnesota

WR -Starts
> Michael Floyd vs NY Giants
> Randall Cobb vs NY Jets
> Emmanual Sanders vs Kansas City
> Dez Bryant vs Tennessee (bad game last week mostly due to Tony Romo's brain vacation)

WR - Sits
> Victor Cruz vs Arizona (New OC for Giants and Eli aren't on the same page. Gints looked like crap last week.)
> Eric Decker vs Green Bay
> Sammy Watkins vs Miami
> Andrew Hawkins vs New Orleans

TE - Starts
> Greg Olsen vs Detroit
> Zack Ertz vs Indianapolis
> Jason Witten vs Tennessee (Witten has always played well in his home state and after a slow week he's due.)
> Delaney Walker vs Dallas (this should be a big game for both team's TEs)

TE - Sits
> Colby Fleener vs Philadelphia (Fleener isn't the #1 TE in town any more.)
> Antonio Gates vs Seattle
> Kyle Rudolph vs New England
> Anthony Fasano vs Denver

[eagle eye]

Check these inactives for this week's games. It's a good idea if you have guys like Carson Palmer, Odell Beckham and others. In the case of Palmer his absense from the game means Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd's value could be severely diminished.

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/139876/week-2-nfl-inactives-3