By Ian Rosen (@iozen9)
Week 1 was… wild. With David Johnson landing on the IR, two KC players being the top performers, and two defenses in the top four performances, week one was impossible to predict well. The millionaire maker winner didn’t even score over 200 points, which is a rarity in itself. So yes my predictions sucked… a lot, but I was definitely not alone. Week 2 should provide us with much higher scoring. With all of that said, let’s get into Week 2 projections.
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My favorite stacks
Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams (Green Bay)
With both of these teams having incredibly dangerous offenses and questionable defenses, points will be scored in this game in a flurry. Green Bay wants revenge for the devastating NFC championship loss last year, while the Falcons want to impress in their home opener in their new stadium. Since the Falcons are at home, and we’ve seen how lethal they are at home, Aaron Rodgers will need to throw the ball. With Jordy Nelson likely facing Trufant for the entire game and Cobb spreading the field, Adams becomes a must play in this game.
Aaron Rodgers and Ty Montgomery (Green Bay)
As we’ve already established, the Packers will have to throw the ball a ton. Atlanta has been horrific versus pass catching running backs, and if they dare to adapt to Ty’s pass catching ability by playing zone defense more often, Aaron Rodgers will pick them apart.
Matt Ryan and Julio Jones (Atlanta)
Last week was a dud for the entire Falcon’s offense. Most people including myself thought that they would pick apart the Bears offense with ease through the air. Coming home back to Atlanta in a new stadium will fire up the crowd and the players themselves, which in turn provides a substantial home field advantage in terms of offensive proficiency. While the Packers stopped Seattle’s number one receiver, Doug Baldwin, that was because of an offensive line implosion. Dan Quinn has made it clear the Julio will have a larger role in the offense this week and the Packers defense is no threat to his potential huge game.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski (New England)
This one is not only the safest stack but also my personal favorite. After coming off of a tough loss to KC at Arrowhead, Brady and Gronk didn’t look like themselves. With Berry shadowing Gronk until tearing his ACL, Gronk had one of the toughest matchups in his career. As for Brady, the three-man rush was unusual for Brady to play against and one that he struggled against. That being said, even if the Saints defense utilizes the same defense that KC played against the Patriots in week one, their lack of talent will surely show.
QB’s that I like
Alex Smith (Kansas City)
While I am not expecting another 4TD performance, Smith gets the Eagle’s D this week at Arrowhead. Wentz will have trouble running the offense in the loudest NFL stadium in the league, thus providing more chances for Alex Smith and his pulverizing offense.
Projection: 270 yards, 2TD
Russell Wilson (Seattle)
While Russell Wilson failed to exploit the packers defense last week, this week he gets an even worse defense and he’s at home. Yes the 49’ers have an improving pass rush with the development of Solomon Thomas and the Seahawks have a terrible offensive line, but not only has Wilson been playing behind a terrible O-line his entire career, he also plays much better at home than away.
Projection: 300 total yards, 2TD
RB’s that I like:
James White (NE)
White was used a lot last week which is encouraging when another running back on your team is having the best game of his life. This week White gets matched up with the horrendous Saints Linebacker core. Look for him to have a big week.
Projection: 100 total yards, 1TD
Marshawn Lynch (OAK)
Let’s be honest. This game is in Oakland, the Jets defense sucks, and the Raiders will most likely get ahead quickly. That being said, they will want to run the ball a lot once they establish the lead to eliminate the Jets offensive time. When you have a physical back that can wear down defenses single handedly at your disposal, there’s no better time to use when you want to maintain a lead. I also think that Lynch will see the field more than he did last week as last week’s game was a very pass heavy game.
Projection: 120 yards, 2TD
WR’s that I like
Mike Wallace (Baltimore)
Mike Wallace didn’t have the best of starts going up against a pretty stingy pass defense. This week he gets the young inexperienced Browns defense. With Mike Wallace’s elite speed and guaranteed playing time, he is bound to have a big week. The only thing that could hurt him is game script as the Ravens might run away with this game early.
Projection: 4 receptions, 104 yards, 1TD
Keenan Allen (San Diego)
His usage rate last week was incredibly high and it should be more of the same this week. This week he goes up against a suspect Miami Dolphins defense. Look for him to exploit it.
Projection: 9 receptions, 88 yards
Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona)
Even if Carson Palmer has a mediocre day, Fitz will be a top 10 wide receiver this week. With Vontae Davis and Darius Butler out this game, look for Fitz to FEAST. Also, without Johnson or possibly John Brown, his volume should be incredibly high.
Projection: 8 receptions, 134 yards 1TD
TE’s that I like:
Jared Cook (Oakland)
The Jets’ struggle to guard the TE have continued into 2017, as last week Charles Clay racked up over 16 DK points. Cook will have the middle of the field opened up for him due to the forced emphasis placed on both Crabtree and Cooper.
Projection: 6 receptions, 60 yards 1TD
Greg Olsen (Carolina)
I expect Olsen to have a nice bounce-back game against a rather poor Bills defense. The Panthers are at home as well and if Shady plays, the Panthers will need to throw the ball.
Projection: 4 receptions, 72 yards
DST’s that I like:
Ravens
Duh. They looked superb versus the Bengals last week and will continue to wreak havoc. Deshone Kizer will struggle mightily this game.
Projection: 20 points
Chiefs
With Peters matched up against Jeffery for presumably the whole game, Wentz and co will struggle to move their offense. Even with the loss of Berry this defense remains elite.
Projection 14 points
Good luck to everyone this weekend!
Ian Rosen will be contributing DFS/DraftKings advice to 5thDownFantasy.com this season. Check out his blog at fancavelive.com for more football and other sports posts.
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