Fantasy Football: Week 2

By Ryan Kerr, contributing writer
Posted on September 20, 2007 

Good Morning Fantasy Owners,

Week 2 brought some shocks that even I could not predict. How about Derek Anderson of the Cleveland Browns throwing for 328 yards and five touchdowns? What was Romeo Crennel thinking keeping this guy behind Charlie Frye? Or how about LaMont Jordan, racking up 159 yards on 25 carries, against what is supposed to be a top-10 Denver defense? Throw in Matt Schaub picking apart the Carolina defense and you have yourself one wacky fantasy week. If week 2 tells us anything, it’s that you sometimes have to go out on a limb and make that ballsy move. If you’re 0-2, start your backup QB, bench your #2 running back, and ditch your third string wide receiver. If you want to win in fantasy, you have to be active each week and not settle for the big-name, underproductive guy. With these tips in mind, here is this past weeks Studs, Duds, and Sleeper picks.

STUDS:

Carson Palmer, Cincinnati

The good news: the Bengels QB threw for a career high 401 yards and six touchdowns. The bad news: the Bengels still lost, sorry Cincinnati.

Jamal Lewis, Cleveland

The former Baltimore Raven ran all over the measly Cincinnati defense. Lewis rushed for 215 yards and one score, bringing back memories of his 2,000-yard season. Look for the University of Tennessee alum to have a big day against Oakland this weekend.

Chad Johnson, Cincinnati

I don’t like having three studs from the same game, but how can I argue with Johnson’s production? Ocho-Cinco brought in 11 balls for 209 yards and two scores. To bad his end-zone celebrations have faded like Matt Hasselback’s hairline.

SLEEPERS:

Cadillac Williams, Tampa Bay

The Buccaneers starter has posted modest, but intriguing numbers this year. Williams ran for only 69 yards on 19 carries, but did have two scores. He could have a big game against a weak St. Louis D-line in Tampa this weekend. After struggling his second season he’s due to have big year.

DUDS:

Rex Grossman, Chicago

Trent Green, Miami

Tavaris Jackson, Minnesota

The trio combined for 3 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Grossman, the guy who led the Bears to their first Super Bowl appearance in 22 years, was practically trying to give the game away to the lowly Chiefs. Green and Jackson are both on the hot seat.

LaDainian Tomlinson, S.D.

The MVP did nothing against an improved Patriot defense. 43 rushing yards and 15 receiving isn’t the kind of production that fantasy owners across the nation expected when they drafted LT #1. Maybe sitting out every snap of the preseason was not a good idea after all. Maybe hiring Norv Turner wasn’t too wise either…

Reggie Brown, Philadelphia

Brown came into the season as the #1 guy in Philadelphia. He is not giving McNabb the same kind of separation from the cornerback that another former Eagles WR did…Any guesses who? I’ll give you a hint - he and Tony Romo love Texas cookin’.

BIG WEEKS:

Steve Smith vs. Atlanta D

Clinton Portis vs. Giants D

Minnesota D vs. Kansas City