Fantasy tips: Week 2

This week will be a somewhat condensed preview of Week 2 fantasy action compared to Week 1. I was planning on working on some last night, but with a copious amount of work to do for today’s class, I ran out of time to hit the in-depthness I strive for (basically, I procrastinated on 100 pages in reading and a feature story until the day before.)

So let’s move away from my boring college life and get to something that matters: Who will help you win your fantasy matchup this weekend? Take a look, in what I’m calling…

My “Gun-to-my-Head-Sleeper-Matchups” of the Week

Cedric Benson, meet the Broncos’ run defense – The fast-as-hell Darren McFadden ran all over Denver’s lowly run defense for 156 yards from scrimmage. While he didn’t score, the 15.6 fantasy points are a great number for a wideout or back who didn’t record a touchdown. Enter Cedric Benson. There is a lot of hate for Benson this year, fantasy-wise. Last season, he was projected to be a top-30 player, but was 16th among all running backs. What happened?

For one, Benson was ineffective in 2010 compared to 2009, receiving 20 more carries but running for 100 fewer yards. He also had a case of fumblitis – losing the ball five times. But Benson came out strong against what was a sleeper Browns’ defense; he had 18.3 points last week. The Broncos’ D is extremely banged up, with neither Champ Bailey nor Elvis Dumervil practicing all week. So not only is the run defense already poor, their two best defenders may miss the game. Don’t be afraid to put your team on Benson’s back.

Santana Moss against ‘Zona’s secondary – This is a barometer for both Arizona’s defense and Washington’s offense. Steve Smith and Cam Newton burned them. Rex Grossman’s squad looked very good against a banged up Giants’ defense, but if they are legit, they will have a field day against the novice Arizona defense. Anthony Armstrong may be the beneficiary of Grossman’s “f–k it I’m going deep” attitude, but Moss is a more established player, who is similar to Steve Smith’s play style. I’d feel great starting him as my third receiver.

Lions D/ST – It will be interesting to see how the Chiefs play their first game of the regular season, as apparently they thought last week was a pre-season affair. Detroit’s defense did OK against Tampa Bay’s offense, but I’m excited to see how Suh and Co. will fare against this Kansas City squad. Just about every game for the Lions will be a test on how good they are this season, and this Week 2 game is no different.

Now here are some quick players you should try to bench, in what will aptly be named:

The JaMarcus Russell Honorary Prospective Fantasy Busts of the Week

These are for players that will assuredly fall flat on their face as the great JaMarcus perfected.

Cam Newton against the Packers’ D – It may not be fair to call Newton a bust in his rookie season, but I wouldn’t put it past people to “get cute” with their players and start Cam over someone more established. Even if Smiley can be decent, there are plenty other players that one can play over Newton. I expect the Green Bay defense to be all over the green Newton.

The Tolbert – Mike Tolbert had a great day against Minnesota, scoring three times. But New England’s run defense is much better than a Kevin Williams-less Minny side. Tolbert will play, but temper your expectations.

Sebastien Janikowski kicking at Ralph Wilson – Totally kidding. There’s no way anyone can predict kicking numbers accurately.

Britt suffocated by Baltimore – Kenny Britt had a great game last week. Fact. Britt is Hasselbeck’s primary target. Fact. Chris Johnson will run the ball more than nine times. Fact. Baltimore boasts one of the best defenses in the league. Britt will struggle. Possible fact.

Team of the Week

Now, after a look at solid matchups, here is who I see to be the best plays at each position.

QB – Aaron Rodgers, GB @ CAR
WR – Andre Johnson, HOU @ MIA
WR  – Mike Wallace, PIT vs. SEA
WR – Santana Moss, WSH vs. Ari
RB – Ray Rice, BAL @ TEN
RB – Cedric Benson, CIN @ DEN
TE – Antonio Gates, SD @ NE
D/ST – Green Bay @ CAR
K – Josh Brown, STL @ NYG