NFL Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet for Week 2 (2017)
The toughest part of playing NFL Fantasy Football is the first month of the season. It’s a challenge to accurately judge players with this small sample size. Prognosticators use historical data from the previous year to make pre-season projections. If you’re struggling to get wins, feel free to use our Fantasy Football cheat sheet for Week 2. It’s cheaper than calling the Psychic Friends Network. A few words of caution. Fantasy projections tend to be more accurate after the first quarter of the season, so buyer beware. It’s why we scour the media for the best research from trusted experts. This week we look at Rotoworld’s Week 2 Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em column by Nick Mensio. Remember, it’s not too late to adjust your fantasy roster.
Fantasy Starts At Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer versus Indianapolis Colts
Mensio and F&TS agree, with David Johnson expected to miss 2-3 months, more of the offensive workload will fall on Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback Carson Palmer and his group of receivers. We would feel better if wide receiver John Brown were in the lineup, but he has an injured quad. The key factor in this pick is the Colts’ pass defense. They are missing key personnel and the defense was torched by LA Rams’ quarterback Jared Goff. Goff went 21-29 with a touchdown and a 117.9 QB rating. Go with Palmer on the road for your fantasy points.
Our Pick:
Derek Carr versus the New York Jets
The New York Jets and Oakland Raiders have a storied history dating back to the original AFC. In those days, quarterbacks Joe Namath went head to head against Ken Stabler on and off the field. The Jets were usually on the losing end of those contests and we expect history to repeat itself on Sunday. Carr has weapons galore including wide receivers Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, and tight end Jared Cook. The Jets’ playmakers are on their defensive unit, but they will be on the field for too many snaps to be effective. We expect Oakland Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr to put up over 30 points and at least 21 fantasy points in a non-PPR league.
Fantasy Starts At Running Backs
Mark Ingram versus the New England Patriots
Rotoworld’s pick is outside the box. One of the biggest storylines from Week 1 was Adrian Peterson’s anger at HC Sean Payton for his lack of touches. The New Orleans Saints have a crowded backfield that limits the carries and production of a single back. Yes, the New England Patriots’ defense was gashed by Kareem Hunt and the Chiefs, but the Saints’ offensive scheme works against the pick. We don’t expect the Saints’ running back Mark Ingram to score big. We would look elsewhere.
Our Pick:
Tevin Coleman versus the Green Bay Packers
We agree with Mensio on this starting pick, the Atlanta Falcons‘ Tevin Coleman against the Packers. Mensio points out that Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who took over for Kyle Shanahan, split the carries pretty evenly between Coleman and Devonte Freeman in Week 1. Both backs can score in multiple ways, so his pick works in a PPR league. For standard leagues, in a week where the matchups don’t favor RBs Coleman is a fair pick.
Wide Receivers to Start
Chris Hogan at the New Orleans Saints
Our Pick:
Michael Crabtree versus the New York Jets
We hope our NFL Fantasy Football cheat sheet helps you dominate your league. Good luck.