While Kenny Britt and Steve Smith continued their hot starts and Vincent Jackson and Larry Fitzgerald put up the big games that their owners drafted them for, week 2 was all about the undiscovered wide receiver. Eric Decker, hot shot rookie Denarius Moore and David Nelson all broke out thanks to injuries to the starting wideouts on their respective teams. I'm sure your league's waivers has processed already, but in case they haven't and your league-mates fell asleep and somehow they're available, run to the wire and pick them up. One of them will become the next Miles Austin; on the other hand, they all may become the next Frisman Jackson. Personally, I don't think it's a case of a one-week fluke: I think they're all talented enough; they just need the opportunity. Get your NFL Red Zone ready and pay close attention to the week 3 games.
Moving onto my week 2 results...
With regards to the players I loved, I went 2 for 3 again with a HUGE miss. Brandon Marshall continues to get what seems like 95% of Chad Henne's targets in the passing game and responded by going 6-79-1. Unfortunately Henne misses more often than not. Imagine what Marshall could do with a legitimate QB. A.J. Green had a monster breakout game for the Bengals catching 10 balls for 124 yards and a BEAUTIFUL touchdown.
My miss was huge. I ranked Greg Salas of the Rams higher than most since he was replacing Danny Amendola in the slot. He had 4 catches for 27 yards and a huge lost fumble. Thanks, dick.
Of all the players I disliked, only Mike Thomas made me look smart. I whiffed on Greg Jennings...again. Dwayne Bowe had over 100 yards, but that was because the Chiefs got smothered by the Lions. Expect to see that often.
Week 3 Injuries and Ranks after the jump.
Some big names are nursing injuries, so pay attention to practices tomorrow. As a result, we will try to update the ranks as much as possible. Dez Bryant missed practice on Thursday, and Kenny Britt injured his troublesome hamstring on Wednesday. Miles Austin is out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury. Stevie Johnson injured his groin on Sunday, and it continues to bother him. If he doesn't suit up, move David Nelson way up the ranks.
Players I Like More Than You Do:
Wes Welker- Tom Brady looks unstoppable. The Bills' joke of a defense will let the Patriots pass all over them. Expect a shootout.
David Nelson - Keep a close eye on Steve Johnson's groin injury. Nelson will get his share of targets either way, but I'd love slotting him as a WR3.
Vincent Jackson - V-Jax will finish as a top-5 WR in 2011 as defenses will continue to take Antonio Gates out of the game. We saw it happen in week 2, and I ranked Jackson as such.
Players I Don't Like More Than You Do:
Reggie Wayne - He may get a garbage-time touchdown against the Steelers, but I'd continue to avoid him as if he was suffering from Ginger-vitis.
Dwayne Bowe- The Chiefs offense at this point is simply an outlandish joke. No Jamaal Charles? It should open up more targets for Bowe, but the Chargers' feisty D is waiting on the other side.
Saints Wide Receivers - I can't figure out which one will break out. If I was able to do so, I wouldn't be writing these analyses; I'd be playing the lotto. And winning. Big time. I play it safe and avoid all WR's but Jimmy Graham.
Don't Panic on: Roddy White, Hakeem Nicks
Some Panic is Acceptable: Percy Harvin, Dez Bryant, Reggie Wayne
Go All In on: Vincent Jackson
Fold: All Chiefs, All Colts, All Seahawks
Rankings are below, and please let me know if you have any questions or concerns with the list. You can follow me on Twitter or ask any questions there.
For all other rankings, head on over to our friends at Fantasy Rundown.
Player |
Team | Opponent |
1. Andre Johnson | Texans | Saints |
2. Larry Fitzgerald | Cardinals | Seahawks |
3. Vincent Jackson | Chargers | Chiefs |
4. Calvin Johnson | Lions | Vikings |
5. Roddy White | Falcons | Buccaneers |
6. Mike Wallace | Steelers | Colts |
7. Wes Welker | Patriots | Bills |
8. Steve Smith | Panthers | Jaguars |
9. Kenny Britt | Titans | Broncos |
10. Brandon Marshall | Dolphins | Browns |
11. Desean Jackson | Eagles | Giants |
12. Hakeem Nicks | Giants | Eagles |
13. Greg Jennings | Packers | Bears |
14. Santonio Holmes | Jets | Raiders |
15. Dez Bryant (ranked as if he'll suit up) | Cowboys | Redskins |
16. Steve Johnson (ranked as if he'll play) | Bills | Patriots |
17. Anquan Boldin | Ravens | Rams |
18. Jeremy Maclin | Eagles | Giants |
19. Percy Harvin | Vikings | Lions |
20. Deion Branch | Patriots | Bills |
21. Mike Williams | Buccaneers | Falcons |
22. A.J. Green | Bengals | 49ers |
23. David Nelson | Bills | Patriots |
24. Santana Moss | Redskins | Cowboys |
25. Mike Sims-Walker | Rams |
Lions |
26. | Ravens | |
27. Mario Manningham | Giants | Eagles |
28. Julio Jones | Falcons | Buccaneers |
29. Brandon Lloyd | Broncos | Titans |
30. Dwayne Bowe | Chiefs | Chargers |
31. Denarius Moore | Raiders | Jets |
32. Eric Decker | Broncos | Titans |
33. Reggie Wayne | Colts | Steelers |
34. Lance Moore | Saints | Texans |
35. Nate Burleson | Lions | Vikings |
36. Jordy Nelson | Packers | Bears |
37. Johnny Knox | Bears | Packers |
38. Plaxico Burress | Jets | Raiders |
39. Robert Meachem | Saints | Texans |
40. Mike Thomas | Jaguars | Panthers |
41. Sidney Rice (ranked as if he'll play) | Seahawks | Cardinals |
42. Greg Little | Browns | Dolphins |
43. Devery Henderson | Saints | Texans |
44. Davone Bess | Dolphins | Browns |
45. Nate Washington | Titans | Broncos |
46. Kevin Ogletree | Cowboys | Redskins |
47. Brandon Gibson | Rams | Ravens |
48. Hines Ward | Steelers | Colts |
49. Jerome Simpson | Bengals | 49ers |
50. Brandon LaFell | Panthers | Jaguars |