Same idea as last year’s “Start ’em, Sit ’em” except with a different name. Players I’m “buying” are expected to over-perform, while players I’m “selling” are expected to underperform. Let’s get into it.
*Sidenote, if you want to bet on the games this weekend, make an account with mybookie.ag. Use the promo code “CHECKDOWN” for them to matchup your initial deposit up to 100%.
Quarterbacks
Buy
Drew Brees– The Patriots defense was diced up by Alex Smith last week to the tune of 368 yards and four touchdowns. In fact, they allowed Alex Smith to have his first 300+ yard passing game since Week 1 of 2016! It’s clear that the Pats secondary has some glaring problems and I expect them to be further exposed this week. If Alex Smith can score 30 fantasy points against the Patriots, imagine what Drew Brees can do.
Derek Carr– Nothing crazy here, just expecting one of the league’s best quarterbacks to punish one of the league’s worst defenses. Jets pass rush will be nonexistent against a top five offensive line and their secondary is too inexperienced to bottle up receivers like Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.
Sell
Kirk Cousins– Cousins wasn’t himself last week as he threw for just 240 yards and one score. This week, don’t expect things to be an easier. The Redskins go up against a hungry Rams defense that tormented the Colts last week. Granted that was against Scott Tolzien, but I still expect this defense to make life difficult for Cousins.
Carson Wentz– After a solid Week 1 performance, Wentz draws a much tougher matchup in Week 2. The Chiefs are fresh off of making Tom Brady’s opening day start a nightmare. Young quarterbacks struggle when under pressure, and with the Chiefs pass rush expect Wentz to be pressed for a majority of the game.
Running Backs
Buy
Marshawn Lynch– If there was any question on how Lynch would perform in a new offense and after a year of retirement, it was put to bed after last week’s showing. Lynch recorded 78 yards on 18 carries, 10 of which came into the fourth quarter. I’m expecting the Raiders to go up big against the Jets and defer to Lynch for a majority of the game. Furthermore, the Jets allowed 20.9 fantasy points (PPR) to Shady in Week 1.
Ty Montgomery– Montgomery’s 23 total touches last week indicates that he should be an active contributor to a very potent offense. In a game that will most likely become a shootout, Montgomery will dominate snaps and contribute both in the air and on the ground.
James White– It’s tough to predict which Patriots running back will be featured week in and week out, but I have a feeling this week it will be James White. White excels at catching balls out of the backfield and has even started to work out of the slot. In a game that should feature a plethora of passing downs, I’m expecting the Patriots to use their Super Bowl hero running back.
Sell
Isaiah Crowell– After only being able to muster 33 yards on 17 carries, Crowell faces an even tougher challenge this week going against possibly the best run defense in the league. For me, Crowell is a flex play at best this week.
Jacquizz Rodgers– After news broke of Doug Martin’s suspension, “Quizz” was pushed into the Bucs starting running back role. However, I’m skeptical on what his workload will be with Charles Sims and Peyton Barber. Considering the Bears formidable front seven and overall uncertainty on how much work he will receive, I’d consider Rodgers a low end RB2 or high end flex play this week.
Frank Gore– Interestingly enough, Gore ended up splitting carries with Marlon Mack last game, each getting 10 a piece. Although Gore recorded more yards than Mack, it was the latter who found pay dirt for the Colts only score of the game. I’m sure the score had something to do with Mack receiving a more featured role in the offense, but it still doesn’t bode well for a 34 year old Frank Gore. I’m down on Gore this week especially considering the Cardinals solid run defense.
Wide Receivers
Buy
Brandin Cooks– I’ve said it a bunch already, but this game is going to be an offensive showdown. It wouldn’t surprise me if Belichick specifically tries to use Cooks more considering he is going up against his old team. The speedy wide out should find ample running room against the Saints porous secondary.
Mike Evans– Earlier I stated my concern with Jacquizz Rodgers and the Bucs run game. While the Bears are solid against the run, they lack at defending against the pass. Winston and Evans have continued to grow together and this season I’m expecting them both to take the next step to superstardom. Anxious to play after his team had to miss Week 1, Evans will be playing with a purpose against Chicago.
DeVante Parker– Parker generated a ton of hype during the offseason as people are expecting him to be a menace this year. I’m buying the hype and excited to see him kick off the season against a below average Chargers defense. Especially in PPR leagues, Parker should put up big numbers.
Sell
A.J. Green– Hey, it’s tough to be a productive wide receiver when your quarterback throws for just 170 yards and four interceptions. I’m not one to put too much weight on individual performances and I do think Dalton will be fine this year, but things won’t be any better in Week 2. The Texans boast a top defense in the league and they will be licking their chops as they get ready to play a QB who had five turnovers in Week 1. If Dalton can’t get it done, neither can Green.
Demaryius Thomas/Emmanuel Sanders– The Cowboys did a great job at neutralizing the Giants offense last week. Albeit an offense with OBJ, but they still looked solid. Last week, Thomas and Sanders both had uninspiring games against a below average Chargers secondary. Why should we expect more out of them this week against an even better secondary?
Dez Bryant– On the flip side, the Cowboys draw the “No Fly Zone” this week. Unfortunately for Bryant owners, he’ll draw coverage from Aqib Talib. With his yardage numbers most likely to suffer, Dez is touchdown dependent this week to perform like a WR1.
Tight Ends
Buy
Rob Gronkowski– Yes, I know he’s the top ranked tight end, but the matchup is too good to not mention it. Gronk will avenge his underwhelming Week 1 showing with a BIG Week 2 performance.
Jason Witten– One of the few holes in the Broncos defense has been their ability to defend against opposing tight ends. Furthermore, Witten is coming off a great game where he hauled in seven receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. With Prescott having difficulty finding his receivers downfield, expect him to defer to his “Security Blanket” throughout the game.
Sell
Jack Doyle– Expected to be a top target of Scott Tolzien’s, Doyle was only able to record two receptions for 41 yards in Week 1. This week, he goes up against the Cardinals who have allowed just 427 yards to opposing tight ends in the last 17 games. There are a number of better streaming options at tight end this week to replace Doyle.
Cameron Brate/O.J. Howard– There’s a ton of uncertainty around which Bucs tight end will be heavily featured in their offense. Until we receive more clarity, I’d rather take my chances with a more established streaming option.
