Did you have a bad draft? I didn’t. Then again I don’t. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t fix it if I did. Week 2 is the most active week for fantasy movement, for obvious reasons. We finally get to see where we hit and where we missed. Some of us need to figure out which spare part has the most trade value. Some of us are reeling from an injury or benching…or “domestic dispute”. Some of us simple just aren’t good enough. Have no fear. You can go a long way towards fixing that after week 1. Here are a look at the highs and lows of the week.
The Highs
Matt Ryan – How many of you drafted Matt Ryan and didn’t play him? I’m guilty myself. Week 1 may prove to be his best game but I don’t think Ryan will be a one hit wonder. Matty Ice should be the #1 player on the trade market this week. If you have Ryan and an elite(non-Peyton) QB like Brees or Rodgers you may want to consider trading your starter and rolling with Ice. That said don’t expect Ryan to repeat his performance at Cincinnati Week 2.
LeV’eon Bell – It does not look like Bell is going to be stuck in a committee. He probably won’t put up 24 points every week but he should be a consistent point scorer. Bell is a must play after week 1…even if he has a bad Week 2.
Julius Thomas – Anyone who took Thomas in Round 2 was probably bagged on in their draft. They look like a genius now. His 3 TD game is a fluke but he is well on his way to being the #1 ranked TE this year, which was suggested here. I might suggest selling high. I think Julius will continue to produce at a very high level but if you can get a top 5 RB, WR or a great package for him you should do it.
Cordarrelle Patterson – Week 1 will probably be Patterson’s best game. Is it fool’s gold? I’m not sure. I think he’ll have a few HUGE games…and A LOT of small ones. If you can find someone to give you top value you should sell high.
Andrew Luck – Luck looked every bit a Superstar QB going toe to toe with Peyton. He ended 3rd amongst QB’s in scoring on ESPN. Expect that to continue all season.
Detroit Lions Offense – Besides the obvious stud Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford looks like a top 5 QB, Reggie Bush and Joique Bell look like solid Flex plays at the least and Golden Tate is fine as your 2nd WR or Flex. Detroit even have 3 TE’s you could play in a pinch. They did play the Giants so buyer beware. It was nice to see the Lions offense look so explosive Week 1.
DeMarco Murray - Overcame an early fumble to have a very good game. Saw plenty of touches despite his team being way behind. Murray averaged over 5 yards a carry and Dallas looks very good running the ball. Expect Murray to see plenty of action no matter how bad the Cowboys do.
Knowshon Moreno/Mark Ingram – Did these 2 break out of potential committees and win the job? It looks like Moreno has. It looks like Ingram hasn’t and won’t but should be getting the majority of the goal line carries. Being the TD vulture for the Saints ain’t too shabby. Both players look fantasy starters at the time being.
Brandin Cooks – A Superstar WR to pair with Brees has been a long time coming for the Saints. It’s only 1 game but Cooks could be that man.
Darren Sproles – If you drafted Sproles and were worried about how he’d fit in Philly he showed you why you shouldn’t be.
Steve Smith Sr. – He still got it!
The Lows
Zac Stacy – You can really put all The Rams in this category. Sam Bradford going down was devastating to this franchise and it shows on the field. The have a very strong defense but with that offense they are unplayable in fantasy. The real loser here is Stacy and his fantasy owners. I did warn not to take him too high. I have no idea why he was the 19th rated player on ESPN. It wasn’t hard to see this coming for St. Louis.
RGIII – You can say the same thing about the Skins as you can about the Rams. This offense just looks terrible. I don’t think RGIII is a good fit in Washington and it’s hurting the whole team. How long until we see Kirk Cousins?
Tom Brady – The Patriots did not like themselves Week 1 vs the Dolphins. Normally that wouldn’t worry me. This year when you look at the lack of talent you have to be worried if you’re a Brady owner. If and when Gronk goes down you may be looking at the waiver wire.
Jamal Charles – Charles is every bit as talented as he’s ever been but his team did not look good Week 1. Losing 26-10 to the Titans is not a good sign of things to come. If I was a Charles owner I’d be looking to trade him before other GM’s catch on.
Green Bay Packers – Most owners of Packers players were not happy in Week 1. I think we can chalk that up to the Seahawks defense. It’s worth acknowledging their bad week but I wouldn’t worry about it.
Dez Bryant – You can’t really put Tony Romo in this category because no one should have expected him to be any good this year. You certainly weren’t going to start him against San Francisco. Bryant’s slow start could be a sign of things to come.
Nick Foles – Foles had a big play late to put up a respectable score but if you watched the game you know he struggled. He also didn’t look to be 100%. He isn’t listed on the injury report be he didn’t look right. It he struggles again this week against another soft defense in Indy, I’d start to worry.
Saints/Bears D/ST – The Saints Defense was drafted in just about every league. After Week 1 you have to wonder why. I don’t think that was a fluke. The Bills at home is almost as good of a matchup as you can get for a defense in Week 1. The Bears D/ST did not live up to the challenge.
Waiver Wonders
Kelvin Benjamin – He should be owned in 100% of leagues. He’s a #1 WR and great Red Zone threat. He was very productive Week 1 and should only do better with Cam Newton back in the lineup.
Allen Hurns – Hurns is what I like to call fool’s gold. I don’t see him scoring 2 TD’s in a game again this year. He may not get that many more all season. If you’re desperate give him a shot.
Texans D/ST – They weren’t owned in most leagues. Even with Clowney out they should be a top defense this year.
Justin Forsett – With Rice out it looked like Bernard Pierce would have a huge opportunity. The opportunity has apparently gone to Forsett. Ray Rice owners will surely be looking to pick up Forsett this week.
Terrance West – The Cleveland RB job was going to go to free agent signing Ben Tate. He is now injured. West will get the first crack at the job and if he does well he will probably keep it.
Josh Gordon – Chances of his suspension being overturned are not great. However there is a chance. He’s certainly worth picking up if have a roster spot you can spare.
Jake Locker/Ryan Tannehill – If either of these guys have a decent opponent on your starters bye week I’d suggest picking them up this week. Both young QB’s could be in line for a breakout year.
