Elite (26-plus points)
1. Drew Brees, QB, Saints
at Bills
Maybe this spot should just be reserved for Brees from now on. There isn't going to be a more prolific passing game in the NFL this year. Brees has too many weapons and reads defenses far too well. Three TDs and 350 yards will be his average.
2. Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
vs. 49ers
Peterson is living up to the hype and finding the end zone more regularly. He'll easily surpass the 10 TDs he recorded last season if he can stay on the field.
3. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
at Rams
As expected, the Rams defense is horrid. Rodgers should feel comfortable in the pocket and have his choice of receivers to throw to.
4. Fred Jackson, RB, Bill
vs. Saints
Surprised? Jackson has been redonkulous. The Bills are going to be forced to keep him in the game plan once Marshawn Lynch returns in two weeks.
Super (21-25 points)
5. Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
vs. Falcons
Don't be too discouraged by Brady's performance last week. It's more an indication of how good the Jets defense is rather than signs of decline.
6. Peyton Manning, QB, Colts
at Cardinals
Manning is rolling and conversations about calling him the best QB ever need to be taken more seriously. Sure, Brady has the rings, but Manning has one and it's not like he's ever had a defense to support him like Brady has.
7. Matt Schaub, QB, Texans
vs. Jaguars
How many of you bailed too early on Schaub after his dismal first week? This writer is also raising his hand. Schaub was the top fantasy scorer last week and gets to face an underachieving Jaguars pass defense for an encore.
8. Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars
at Texans
There isn't a worse defense in the league after two weeks of football than the Texans. MJD could be in for a big game catching and rushing. Don't be surprised if he puts up Chris Johnson-like numbers.
9. Marques Coltson, WR, Saints
at Bills
While Brees is spreading the ball around, it's clear Colston remains his favorite target. The third-year Saints receiver might be the best fantasy option at his position all season.
10. Eli Manning, QB, Giants
at Buccaneers
Manning torched the Cowboys suspect secondary and faces the second-worst defense in football this week. With the way Manning is getting pass protection, he's bound to put up careeer numbers.
Strong (16-20 points)
11. Clinton Portis, RB, Redskins
at Lions
Fantasy owners shouldn't have to wait much longer for a breakout game from Portis. Detroit is generally a cure for such things.
12. Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
vs. Jaguars
Johnson might be the toughest receiver in the league to cover. He's got great size, speed, awareness and hands. It doesn't matter how defenses flank him or play against him, he's going to find a way to get open.
13. Trent Edwards, QB, Bills
vs. Saints
Edwards is playing like a QB fantasy owners should want to start on a weekly basis. This particular matchup is very favorable, although the Saints secondary is overachieving after two weeks, forcing several turnovers. They're still very vulnerable to big plays in the passing game.
14. Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
at Cardinals
Now that Manning has established that he can connect with other receivers for big plays (see Dallas Clark), opportunities for Wayne should be revealed once again.
15. Kurt Warner, QB, Cardinals
vs. Colts
Warner was nothing short of immaculate last week, setting an NFL record for completion percentage. Indy has the league's best pass defense right now, but only because team's can run the ball on the Colts with ease. Arizona is the first team the Colts have faced that prefers to pass first.
16. Phillip Rivers, QB, Chargers
vs. Dolphins
Rivers hasn't been greatly efficient, but his yardage totals have been insane. There's not reason to think Miami is going to be altering that trend.
17. Matt Forte, RB, Bears
vs. Seahawks
Forte has been stymied after two weeks, but teams are starting to see how much a difference Jay Cutler can make. Lanes are going to start becoming wider for Forte.
18. Willis McGahee, RB, Ravens
vs. Browns
McGahee is just scoring touchdowns. While the Ravens are wanting to get Ray Rice more and more involved, McGahee is going to demand several carries with his play and is proving to be a great goal line option.
19. Greg Jennings, WR, Packers
at Rams
Jennings was shut out last week, but don't expect a suspect Rams secondary to keep him catchless, or scoreless for that matter, this week.
Solid (11-15 points)
20. Mario Manningham, WR, Giants
at Buccaneers
Manningham looked unstoppable against the Cowboys. The Bucs won't provide much more resistance.
21. Marion Barber, RB, Cowboys
vs. Panthers
Carolina is struggling to stop the run and Dallas is using the ground attack better than anyone in the NFL right now. Barber remains the featured back even with Felix Jones providing some electricity. Also, his injury was a minor strain. He should be good to go Sunday.
22. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
at Jets
Johnson's day was against the Texans last week was out of this world. It's hard to not give him all the carries when he's performing like that, making LenDale White worthless from a fantasy standpoint. Even against a masterful Rex Ryan defense in New York, Johnson still has to be played because of his game-breaking ability.
23. Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
vs. Redskins
It doesn't matter who the QB is, Johnson is going to get his. this has been more than apparent in the first two games of the season.
24. Randy Moss, WR, Patriots
vs. Falcons
When Brady struggles, Moss struggles. It doesn't take rocket science to figure that out. Brady isn't going to consistently struggle, though. What's that mean for Moss? Dig it?
25. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
at Patriots
Ryan is going to be considered one of the elite passers in the league by the end of this season. The offense is built perfectly for him to succeed in Atlanta.
26. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens
vs. Browns
Flacco isn't going to light the world on fire with his stats, but Cleveland's porous defense is going to make his life easier this week.
27. Dallas Clark, TE, Colts
at Cardinals
Who leads the league in receiving yards? That's right. It's Clark. With Anthony Gonzales on the shelf, Manning has to throw to someone other than Wayne. That someone is Clark.
28. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
vs. Colts
Fitz isn't getting the looks he has in the past, but that will change as Steve Breaston emerges as a viable third threat alongside Fitz and Anquan Boldin.
29. Jay Cutler, QB, Bears
vs. Seahawks
Cutler is putting up nice numbers without a No. 1 receiver, proving how overrated that position can be in the NFL. Seattle's defense is vulnerable in all aspects.
30. Terrell Owens, WR, Bills
vs. Saints
T.O. got his first touchdown with the Bills last week. Don't be shocked if he pulls in a couple more with a legit chance to bully a miserable Saints secondary. |
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