First Response: Stars prove their worth

Senior Fantasy Writer

Sep. 20, 2009

We learned a valuable lesson in Week 2 -- don't panic. Don't worry when standout players have a bad game.

It's something Fantasy owners with Tom Brady and Randy Moss should take solace in after they struggled against the Jets. And it's something Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson owners are well aware of after beating the Titans.

Schaub and Johnson couldn't do anything in Week 1 against the Jets. It made plenty of people start to question if Schaub was a starting Fantasy option and if Johnson was worth drafting as a Top 3 wide receiver. We even said to sit Schaub this week at the Titans based on the matchup and Schaub's terrible play against the Jets.

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But Schaub proved us wrong. Maybe it's just the Jets defense under Rex Ryan improving and now taking down two impressive passing games. Or maybe the Titans pass defense isn't as good as last year after the Steelers and Texans dismantled them in back-to-back games (look out for Mark Sanchez vs. Tennessee in Week 3?).

Whatever the reason, you should stick with your stars. Schaub finished with 357 passing yards and four touchdowns, and Johnson hauled in 10 catches for 149 yards and two touchdowns.

In the same game, Chris Johnson had a career outing with 16 carries for 197 yards and two touchdowns and nine catches for 87 yards and a touchdown. He also struggled in Week 1 at Pittsburgh.

Frank Gore had two touchdowns in Week 1 at Arizona, but he couldn't move thanks to poor offensive line play. He bounced back in Week 2 with 207 rushing yards and two touchdowns and five catches for 39 yards.

Kurt Warner had a dismal Week 1 against the 49ers, but he proved he can play on the East Coast for a 1 p.m. start with an efficient 24 of 26 performance for 243 passing yards and two touchdowns. Maybe his hip is starting to feel better.


Chris Johnson had a record-setting day Sunday vs. the Texans. (US Presswire)

Jake Delhomme cut down on his turnovers in Week 2 at Atlanta and passed for 308 yards, one touchdown and one interception, but more importantly he got Steve Smith the ball. Smith had eight catches for 131 yards.

Carson Palmer came back from a poor Week 1 against Denver with four touchdowns at Green Bay. And Jay Cutler looked like a franchise quarterback with 236 passing yards and two touchdowns against Pittsburgh after throwing four interceptions against the Packers in the season opener.

Those are the kind of outings we like to see. And believe me, we won't miss on the stars again unless the matchup is obviously not in their favor like it was with Matt Forte, who struggled against the Steelers with 39 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards.

Don't hit the panic button with Forte either. He gets the Seahawks in Week 3 and will start to look like a standout running back once again.

Start of the Week review: Fred Jackson lived up to his billing and played great for the second week in a row. He had 28 carries for 163 yards and caught six passes for 25 yards against Tampa Bay. His only blemish was a lost fumble, but he had the third-highest rushing total heading into Sunday night. Start Jackson again in Week 3 against New Orleans with Marshawn Lynch (suspended) still out.

Sit of the Week review: Cedric Benson proved us wrong with a big showing at Green Bay with 29 carries for 141 yards. He looks like a must-start every week after he gained 108 total yards and scored in Week 1 against Denver. The Packers missed rookie defensive tackle B.J. Raji (ankle) for this game, which didn't help their run defense, but Benson looked like he could run over anybody. We'll see if that happens in Week 3 against the Steelers.

Insane stat line of the day: We'll go with two guys since they set NFL records. Titans running back Chris Johnson is the first player in NFL history to record a 90-plus yard rushing touchdown (91), 50-plus yard rushing touchdown (57) and 60-plus yard receiving touchdown (69) in a game. And 49ers running back Frank Gore registered a 79-yard rushing touchdown and an 80-yard rushing touchdown to become the first player since Barry Sanders on Oct. 12, 1997 to record two rushing touchdowns of 75-plus yards in a single game.

Out-of-nowhere stat line of the day: Julian Edelman replaced the inactive Wes Welker (knee) against the Jets and caught eight passes for 98 yards. The Patriots just plugged Edelman into Welker's spot, and he did a great Welker impression. He was targeted 16 times.

Guy we were way right about: We expected Matt Forte would struggle against the Steelers, and he did just that with 13 carries for 39 yards and five catches for 33 yards. The receptions were encouraging, but Forte had a tough matchup against the Steelers and has now struggled for two weeks in a row. It's a good thing he faces Seattle in Week 3 after the Seahawks were just run over by Gore.

Guy we were way wrong about: So much for DeSean Jackson and Brent Celek needing a healthy Donovan McNabb (ribs) to play well. Jackson had four catches for 101 yards and a touchdown and Celek had eight catches for 104 yards. Granted, they were playing against the Saints, but Kevin Kolb (391 passing yards, two touchdowns, three interceptions) actually did a good job of getting Jackson and Celek the ball. Still, let's hope McNabb is back for Week 3 against Kansas City.

Overachieving defense of the week: The Browns might be the Browns, but the Broncos still had an impressive day in holding Cleveland to just six points with three turnovers and four sacks, all by defensive end Elvis Dumervil. The Broncos have now allowed just 13 points in two games against the Bengals and Browns, and they should be considered a good Fantasy option again in Week 3 against Oakland.

Underachieving defense of the week: The Steelers might have been missing safety Troy Polamalu (knee) and were playing at Chicago, but the Bears had no turnovers and only allowed one sack. The Steelers DST has now struggled to produce in two games against the Titans and Bears and is not looking like the best unit coming into the season in all Fantasy leagues. We'll see if they can rebound in Week 3 against the Bengals.

Names to add to your scout team ...

Jason Avant, WR, Philadelphia (seven catches, 79 yards, one touchdown)
Correll Buckhalter, RB, Denver (nine carries, 76 yards, one touchdown, one catch, 30 yards)
Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia (eight catches, 104 yards)
Julian Edelman, WR, New England (eight catches, 98 yards)
Trent Edwards, QB, Buffalo (230 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 24 rushing yards)
David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville (282 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, 27 rushing yards, one fumble)
Byron Leftwich, QB, Tampa Bay (296 passing yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions)
Johnny Knox, WR, Chicago (six catches, 70 yards, one touchdown)
Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jacksonville (six catches, 106 yards, one touchdown)
Bobby Wade, WR, Kansas City (six catches, 72 yards)

Injury alerts ...

Matt Hasselbeck, bruised ribs, considered questionable for Week 3 vs. Chicago
Frank Gore, sprained right ankle, considered probable for Week 3 at Minnesota
Brian Westbrook, sprained right ankle, considered questionable for Week 3 vs. Kansas City
Mike Bell, right knee, considered probable for Week 3 at Buffalo
Jerious Norwood, head, considered probable for Week 3 at New England
Lance Moore, hamstring, considered questionable for Week 3 at Buffalo
Troy Williamson, shoulder, considered questionable for Week 3 at Houston

The last word: Darren Sproles played exactly like you hoped against Baltimore if you handcuffed him to LaDainian Tomlinson, who missed the game with a sprained ankle, or had him on your bench in case Tomlinson ever got hurt. He had 10 carries for 26 yards and caught seven passes for 124 yards against the Ravens. The Chargers get Miami in Week 3, and if Tomlinson remains out, Sproles should be considered a must start in all formats.

What stood out to you this week? How did your Fantasy teams do? Drop us a line and tell us about it at dmfantasyfootball@cbs.com. Be sure to put Attn: Week 2 in the subject field. Please include your full name, hometown and state and we'll respond to as many as emails we can.

First Gronk's arm, now his back?!
Rob Gronkowski, TE, NE
5/17/2013

News: On the same day NFL Network reported Rob Gronkowski had a Monday, May 20 date set for his fourth surgery related to his left forearm, USA Today reports the tight end's back is "acting up" and might require surgery after undergoing an MRI for a disc issue. The report said this disc is different than the one that needed to be shaved down in a 2009 surgical procedure, forcing Gronk to miss that year of football while enrolled at Arizona. ESPN reports the back issue is considered minor and his long-term prognosis is good. Gronkowski will see noted spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins after his forearm surgery, which will replace a metal plate in his forearm. If Gronkowski needs back surgery the hope is that he can heal from that and his arm at the same time and be ready before the start of the season. Also, it bears repeating that a fifth arm surgery is still possible if there's an infection in his arm though ProFootballTalk.com reports doctors are confident that won't be the case.

Analysis: Before you hyperventilate and scratch Gronk off your rank lists, remember that it's only mid-May and there is still time to see how he heals up from whichever surgeries he ends up having. It goes without saying that his Fantasy draft stock will be affected negatively if he has all the procedures and isn't ready for training camp or preseason games. Count on us to keep you posted on the latest news on Gronkowski between now and when the season starts.

Manuel could start Week 1
EJ Manuel, QB, BUF
5/17/2013

News: The Bills official team website reports that new general manager Doug Whaley was asked in an appearance on the NFL Network about the chances of rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel being ready to start Week 1 of the regular season. Whaley didn’t rule out the possibility. “Time will tell,” said Whaley. ”He does have the work ethic and the leadership qualities that he’ll have a chance. But we believe competition brings out the best in everybody. Between him, Kevin Kolb, Tarvaris Jackson, even Jeff Tuel, we’re excited to see who comes out on top of that position battle.” Buffalo’s season opener is a home game against New England.

Analysis: We'd like to see Manuel start from Week 1 because he presents the most upside of the quarterback group in Buffalo. Keep an eye on Manuel's progress this offseason, and he has the chance to be a No. 2 Fantasy quarterback in standard leagues. In rookie-only drafts, Manuel should be considered a Top 15 overall selection.

Goodson arrested Friday
Mike Goodson, RB, NYJ
5/17/2013

News: Jets running back Mike Goodson was arrested on drug and weapon charges early on Friday morning, reports News 12 in New Jersey. According to the report, Goodson and another man were found intoxicated in a parked SUV along Route 80 in Denville, New Jersey, which is about 15 miles northwest of the Jets' headquarters in Florham Park. A loaded .45-caliber handgun with hollow-point bullets was found in the SUV and when the 25-year-old running back was transported to a hospital for evaluation, marijuana was discovered in his possession. The Jets signed Goodson to a three-year, $6 million contract on March 15 to compete for a starting job this season. Goodson's deal with the Jets included a $1.93 million guaranteed. CBSSports.com blogger Will Brinson researched that illegal possession of hollow point bullets is a "crime of the fourth degree" in New Jersey, which appears to be among the states with the strictest laws regarding the ammunition.

Analysis: Goodson could be headed to prison, not to mention an NFL suspension, if found guilty of this crime. Before this incident we expected him to be No. 2 on the depth chart behind Chris Ivory. Now there's no telling just how far he'll fall. For the time being there's no reason to spend anything more than a late-round flier on Goodson since his playing time was going to be fairly limited to begin with.

Irvin suspended four games
Bruce Irvin, LB, SEA
5/17/2013

News: Seattle defensive end Bruce Irvin has been suspended without pay for the first four games of the 2013 regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing substances, the team reported Friday. Irvin will be eligible to return to the Seahawks' active roster on Monday, Sept. 30 following the team's Sept. 29 game against the Texans. Irvin is eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason practices and games. "I want to apologize to my teammates, coaches and Seahawks fans for making a mistake when I took a substance that is prohibited in the NFL without a medical exemption," Irvin said in a statement. "I am extremely disappointed in the poor judgment I showed and take full responsibility for my actions. I will not appeal the discipline and instead will focus my energy on preparing for the season so I can begin earning your trust and respect again. I look forward to contributing to the team the moment I return."

Analysis: Irvin had a solid year in 2012 with eight sacks. He didn't provide much else with only 16 total tackles and one fumble recovery, but he now will miss the first four games of the season. He is only worth drafting with a late-round flier in IDP leagues.

Cribbs still not healthy
Josh Cribbs, WR, OAK
5/17/2013

News: The Raiders official team website reports that newly signed receiver Josh Cribbs hopes to have a role on offense as much as just being a return man. "Definitely. I feel like it’s a definite possibility for competition at that position," Cribbs said. "At this point, my job is to come in and be a special teams' guru to help solidify our special teams unit in the NFL and to raise our goals and our standards. If we do that, we will become an elite unit." Cribbs also addressed the health of his knee. "I’m doing well," Cribbs said. "If we were lining up to play football in June then it would be a hot topic. I will be ready to play football when it’s time to play football, and I think that is the important thing."

Analysis: It sounds like Cribbs is still dealing with his knee issue, but he should be ready for the start of training camp. He also could see time at receiver, but he'll have to prove himself first. He's not worth drafting in standard leagues, but he could be worth a late-round flier in leagues where you get points for return yardage.

Ryan speaks on O-line
Matt Ryan, QB, ATL
5/17/2013

News: Matt Ryan's receiving threats are well documented and the Falcons' run game got a strong upgrade in Steven Jackson. But the offensive line is undergoing some changes as center Todd McClure retired and Tyson Clabo was released. Ryan says not to worry about it. "We've got a guy in Peter Konz that played guard for us last year, but during practice, I got a lot of snaps with Peter. Joe Hawley has played a little bit for us when Todd’s been out for a series or two throughout games the last couple of years. I’ll be fine. We’ll be fine with those guys in terms of the snap," Ryan told 790 The Zone in Atlanta. "It’s a little different and that takes some getting used to so it becomes something you don’t even think about. ... We've got Mike Johnson who has played a number of different roles for us. Then a young guy like Lamar Holmes, he’s a guy we drafted high last year that we feel really good about. He’s extremely talented and I think he’s beginning to learn the offense more and more and this offseason has been productive for him. I’m excited about those guys. I think they’re fully capable of coming in and playing good football for us. They just need to do it."

Analysis: The Falcons' offensive line is actually a significant factor for Ryan. Last season when he was not under pressure and not blitzed he completed over 70 percent of his passes. When he was blitzed or under pressure that completion percentage fell to under 62 percent according to Pro Football Focus. That's probably typical for most quarterbacks but we've seen passers' numbers completely decline when they're under duress (think of Arizona last year, Chicago and St. Louis in years past). Granted, Ryan's a very talented passer and the O-line shouldn't be what does him in, it's just something to watch in camp this summer. He remains a No. 1 Fantasy quarterback who will fall to Round 4 in drafts this summer.

Ryan speaks on O-line
Falcons, TQB ATL,
5/17/2013

Wright in better shape
Kendall Wright, WR, TEN
5/17/2013

News: The Titans official website reports that receiver Kendall Wright has never felt better physically. “I’m in the best shape I’ve ever been,” Wright said. The second-year receiver is tipping the scales around 187 pounds, approximately 14 pounds lighter than when he arrived last year. Wright attributed part of the transformation to workouts at Baylor after his rookie campaign ended. A bigger difference maker, however, may have been his routes through grocery stores that passed by junk food. “For the most part, it wasn’t about the running,” Wright said. “I just started taking care of my body and eating right. I wasn’t eating right at all. I was eating a lot of junk food because that’s what I like and that’s what I’d buy, but I cut down on that and just started eating right. When you don’t buy it, you’re not going to eat it, so I just stopped buying it.”

Analysis: Wright finished his rookie season with 64 catches for 626 yards and four touchdowns in 15 games. He enters this season with the chance to start for the Titans, and we like him as a key reserve receiver with upside. Plan on drafting Wright with a mid-round pick.

Keiser rumbles to Bolts
Thomas Keiser, LB, CAR
5/17/2013

News: Days after his release from the Panthers, the Chargers have signed linebacker Thomas Keiser.

Analysis: Keiser played in four games last year before landing on IR with an elbow injury. He'll try and help replace Melvin Ingram in the team's pass rush. He's unlikely to be a relevant Fantasy option.

Browns ink QB Hoyer
Brian Hoyer, QB, ARI
5/17/2013

News: The Browns have signed quarterback Brian Hoyer, according to multiple reports.

Analysis: Hoyer is a dark horse candidate to start for the Browns and probably has a better chance to be their backup. He'll start camp behind Brandon Weeden and Jason Campbell on the depth chart. Only Hoyer's relatives will draft him in Fantasy.

More Updates

1	Peyton Manning, DEN, QB
2	Drew Brees, NO, QB
3	Tony Romo, DAL, QB
4	Cam Newton, CAR, QB
5	Tom Brady, NE, QB
6	Aaron Rodgers, GB, QB
7	Robert Griffin III, WAS, QB
8	Russell Wilson, SEA, QB
9	Andrew Luck, IND, QB
10	Michael Vick, PHI, QB
All Rankings

1	Adrian Peterson, MIN, RB
2	C.J. Spiller, BUF, RB
3	Marshawn Lynch, SEA, RB
4	Alfred Morris, WAS, RB
5	Frank Gore, SF, RB
6	Arian Foster, HOU, RB
7	DeMarco Murray, DAL, RB
8	Jamaal Charles, KC, RB
9	Stevan Ridley, NE, RB
10	LeSean McCoy, PHI, RB
All Rankings

1	Calvin Johnson, DET, WR
2	Dez Bryant, DAL, WR
3	Demaryius Thomas, DEN, WR
4	Brandon Marshall, CHI, WR
5	Wes Welker, DEN, WR
6	Eric Decker, DEN, WR
7	Reggie Wayne, IND, WR
8	Steve Smith, CAR, WR
9	Victor Cruz, NYG, WR
10	Marques Colston, NO, WR
All Rankings

1	Rob Gronkowski, NE, TE
2	Antonio Gates, SD, TE
3	Aaron Hernandez, NE, TE
4	Jason Witten, DAL, TE
5	Greg Olsen, CAR, TE
6	Jimmy Graham, NO, TE
7	Tony Gonzalez, ATL, TE
8	Dwayne Allen, IND, TE
9	Kyle Rudolph, MIN, TE
10	Delanie Walker, TEN, TE
All Rankings

1	Matt Prater, DEN, K
2	Stephen Gostkowski, NE, K
3	Shaun Suisham, PIT, K
4	Adam Vinatieri, IND, K
5	Blair Walsh, MIN, K
6	Nick Novak, SD, K
7	Garrett Hartley, NO, K
8	Jason Hanson, DET, K
9	Mason Crosby, GB, K
10	Josh Brown, NYG, K
All Rankings

1	Steelers, DST
2	49ers, DST
3	Broncos, DST
4	Chargers, DST
5	Seahawks, DST
6	Bengals, DST
7	Bills, DST
8	Patriots, DST
9	Texans, DST
10	Packers, DST
All Rankings