Fantasy Football: Titan Sized Staff Predictions – Week 2
By Jason Peters
Good day, Titan Sizers. We haven’t talked about it much on the site, but a lot of us here are just as gaga for fantasy football as the rest of you. (We even have a Titan Sized Staff & Readers league! And yes, I did handle my editor in week 1, thanks for asking.) As such, we thought it would be fun to provide some of our venerable expertise to you, our beloved audience. Here are this weeks picks from three Titan Sized writers that only think they know more than you do: Matt Ward, David Fleming, and myself, Jason Peters.
Start Em:
Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
Matt Ward – A.J. Green vs. Cleveland Browns
“Green plays for a Bengals offense where he is the only elite threat. That works out well for some players, but it gets other players plenty of double coverage. Green had a solid first game against a fantastic Ravens defense. In his second game of 2012 he will be battling a Browns defense that is far from solid. Add to that the fact that their #1 Corner begins a 4-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy and you have the recipe for a juicy game for the 2nd year wideout.”
David Fleming – C.J. Spiller vs. Kansas City Chiefs
“Last week Spiller replaced Fred Jackson, who went down with a knee injury against the Jets, and subsequently exploded for 169 yards rushing with 1 touchdown on just 14 carries. He also added 2 receptions for 25 yards and was clearly the Bills’ most explosive offensive threat. The MRI on Jackson’s right knee was inconclusive, and Bills head coach Chan Gailey expects Jackson to miss at least 3 weeks, and possibly up to 8 weeks. Down the stretch in 2011, Spiller filled in for the injured Jackson, gaining 563 yards from scrimmage with 5 touchdowns in the final 5 games. He’s a quick, versatile weapon out of the backfield, and is a must start in all PPR-format leagues. Look for him to gouge a shaky Kansas City defense that surrendered nearly 400 yards of offense to the Falcons last week.”
Jason Peters – Matt Forte vs. Green Bay Packers
“Yes, I know that Michael Bush stole 2 touchdowns from Matt Forte last week, but I also know the Bears put up 40+ points and were an absolute scoring machine. They ran for more touchdowns than they threw for, and that should be music to Forte’s owners ears. Even better might be the fact that Green Bay allowed 186 yards to a San Francisco team featuring an on-the-decline Frank Gore, who still managed 116 yards on 16 carries for a 7.0 YPC average. It will be frustrating watching Bush poach a TD here and there, but look for a couple scores this week from one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL.”
Sit Em:
Jim O’Conner-US PRESSWIRE
David Fleming – DeMarco Murray vs. Seattle Seahawks
“Murray ran like a man possessed against the Giants last Wednesday, totaling 131 yards on 20 carries. Everyone expects big numbers for Murray this season, and I’m no different. However, he’s facing a Seattle defense that gave up the 7th fewest points per game (19.7) and 10 rushing touchdowns in 2011. Last week at Arizona, Seattle only gave up 43 yards rushing on 20 attempts, and they have the Cowboys at home this week, in the loudest stadium in the NFL. While it’s tough to sit a player that you probably drafted in the 2nd or 3rd round, it’s wise to temper your expectations for Murray this week against a stout Seattle defensive front.”
Jason Peters – Steven Jackson vs. Washington Redskins
“Jackson has a lot working against him this week. While he is only getting older, he has been one of the most reliable backs year in and year out for any NFL team. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts to produce like the years prior, he was consistently stuffed by a tenacious Detroit defense that held him to 53 yards on 21 carries. It’s unfortunate, because Fisher and Jackson should be a match made in heaven for fantasy owners, but I think the offensive line problems in St. Louis may be difficult for Jackson to overcome this year. Making matters worse is the fact that he plays a Redskins defense that gave up just 32 rushing yards to the Saints.”
Matt Ward – Ahmad Bradshaw vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“Bradshaw looked pretty good in his debut against a solid Cowboys defense last Wednesday. He did not appear to have any lingering effects from his foot surgery that derailed his 2011 season. This week he is coming up against a Bucs defense that held the entire Carolina Panthers defense to 10 total rushing yards. The starting running back, DeAngelo Williams, was held to negative yardage on 6 carries, and Cam Newton was held in check with 4 yards on 5 carries. If you have another option at RB, Ahmad Bradshaw might be safer to sit for a week.”
Sleepers of the Week:
John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE
Jason Peters – Owen Daniels vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
“Owen Daniels is as reliable a target as tight ends come, but rarely gets the love that other, less effective tight ends do. For example, unless you own him or played against him, you’re probably unaware that he scored double-digit fantasy points in PPR leagues last week. The Texans are playing a Jaguars team with a suspect secondary, and if the franchise stacks the box and forces Matt Schaub to win this game, don’t be surprised to see him look for Daniels to bail him out on more than a few occasions.”
Matt Ward – Bengals Defense vs. Cleveland Browns
“The Bengals defense got torched by the Baltimore Ravens offense. It’s hard to tell if it was the weakness of the Bengals or the strength of the Ravens. However this week the Bengals defense is at home and they are playing against a Browns offense that has a rookies at the QB, RB, WR, and TE positions. The Browns may end up shaping into a decent offense, but I doubt it starts this week. The Bengals defense could come away with plenty of sacks and turnovers in this one.”
David Fleming – Brandon LaFell vs. New Orleans Saints
“Last week LaFell caught three passes for 65 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers loss to the Buccaneers. The 3rd year receiver out of LSU has locked down the Panther’s #2 receiver spot, and he and Cam Newton have been developing a solid rapport during the preseason. Last week the Saints struggled to contain RGIII as he consistently avoided the pass rush and found wide-open receivers down the field, to the tune of 320 passing yards and 2 touchdowns. Newton will look to rebound after a disappointing season opener, and he’ll look LaFell’s way all game as he escapes the Saints’ pressure.”
Waiver Wire Pickup of the Week:
John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE
Matt Ward – Alfred Morris (Owned in 18.2% of ESPN Leagues) vs. St. Louis Rams
“Alfred Morris has gone from virtually unknown to one of the hottest pickups in fantasy football after week one. Just hours before their game, Mike Shanahan declared that rookie Alfred Morris would be the starting RB, and he responded with almost 100 yards and 2 scores in his first NFL action. Currently owned in only 18.2% of leagues, you can bet this young back will be on plenty of radars. You better get your bids in now!”
David Fleming – Randall Cobb (Owned in 13.4% of ESPN Leagues) vs. Chicago Bears
“Can you say Percy Harvin? Last week Cobb caught all 9 balls thrown his way for 77 yards, as well as returning a punt 75 yards for a touchdown. The 2nd year receiver also lined up in the backfield 6 times against the stout 49ers defense, although he did not record a carry. However, Packers’ head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters that Cobb will see an increased role in the backfield as teams continue to deploy deep coverages to prevent Rodgers from beating them. Also, Greg Jennings is already suffering from a groin injury, so Cobb’s role will continue to expand. Imagine all the creative ways Mike McCarthy will devise to use Cobb, and with Rodgers at quarterback, this is a must waiver wire pickup.”
Jason Peters – Stephen Hill (Owned in 7.4% of ESPN Leagues) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Stephen Hill announced his entrance to the league in dramatic fashion, putting up 89 yards and 2 touchdowns in his first game against a “revamped” Buffalo defense. The Jets were surprisingly effective on offense, and with Shonn Greene and Mark Sanchez effectively handling a defensive line that was thought to be one of the most intimidating in the league. Expect the train to keep on rolling against a Steelers defense that got lit up by a quarterback that hadn’t played in almost two calendar years, even if it is Peyton Manning.”
Now of course none of this would be as fun for any of us if you didn’t let us know what you think about our picks, or curse us for a blown recommendation, so be sure to note the following Twitter-related contact information:
Follow Jason Peters @TitanSizedJason
Follow Matt Ward @titanchaps
Follow David Fleming @dfleming22
We love when you hit us up, so feel free to send anything you want our way, and good luck to everyone in Fantasy Land. We’ll be back next week to dispense with more clairvoyance, and make excuses for our undoubtedly failed selections.