By J.C. TALON Fantasy Football columnist
47 yards). Only one of the 10 ran for over 100 yards, and five were held to under 50 yards! If you passed on receivers like Demaryius Thomas, A.J. Green or Larry Fitzgerald – or quarterbacks such as Peyton Manning, Aaron Rodgers or Drew Brees – you are probably kicking yourself about now. On to Week Two …
MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Vikings at Bears, noon Sunday The Bears’ offense started slowly against the Bengals, but picked up steam as the game progressed. The Vikings’ defense allowed 469 yards to the Lions. The Bears
might not be able to match Detroit’s offensive weapons, but they should have success Sunday. Matt Forte and Brandon Marshall are obvious plays, and Martellus Bennett has a chance to be a top-five tight end this week. The Bears’ defense is another obvious play; if the Vikes fall behind, Christian Ponder is probably good for a couple of turnovers, at least. If you need a spot starter this week, consider Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery.
Rams at Falcons, noon Sunday If Arizona can rack up 390 yards of offense on the Rams, it would seem likely that the Falcons – still sore from a tough loss in New Orleans – will enjoy offensive success. Julio Jones is an obvious start, and Matt Ryan is a topfive QB this week. Look for Steven Jackson to bounce back against his old team.
Lions at Cardinals, 3:05 Sunday Carson Palmer and Mat-
thew Stafford are solid starts in a game that should feature a lot of points and little defense. Reggie Bush appears to be a must-start every week, as are Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. Rashard Mendenhall might be worth a start if you are thin at running back.
MATCHUP TO AVOID 49ers at Seahawks, 7:30 Sunday As crazy as this might sound, you might want to consider back-up options for Colin Kaepernick this week. The 49ers struggled mightily in Seattle last season. Kaepernick finished with 244 yards passing, one TD and one interception. In two games against the Seahawks last year, the 49ers managed a combined 26 points. The Seahawks’ defense may actually be better than it was a year ago. Also consider other options for Frank Gore. It would be hard to sit Vernon Davis or Anquan Boldin, but expect drop-offs.
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In my preseason column, you were warned about conventional wisdom in fantasy football. I suggested that since every fantasy football “expert” was imploring you to take running backs early and often, you might want to consider an alternate strategy. Some of you took issue with the opinion. In fact, one reader called the logic “deeply flawed.” It is way too early to say “I told you so” … but I’m saying it anyway. The events of the first week are making me look like a genius. If you followed the advice of ESPN.com expert Chris Harris, who said on the Waddle & Silvy radio show that you should take “five or six” running backs in the first 10 rounds … well, your season is probably already over. Let’s review Harris’ top 10
overall players, all RBs: • Adrian Petersen: 93 yards rushing, two TDs rushing and one receiving. This was a great day, and, in my defense, I did state that AP was worthy of the top pick. It should be noted that he gained only 15 yards on his final 17 carries. • Arian Foster: 18 carries for 57 yards. • Marshawn Lynch: 43 yards rushing. • Ray Rice: 36 yards rushing, one touchdown. • Doug Martin: 65 yards on 24 carries, one touchdown. • Jamaal Charles: 77 yards, one touchdown. • LeSean McCoy: 84 yards and a TD. He had a big day, as did the Eagles, although their last points came on the first drive of the second half. • CJ Spiller: 41 yards rushing. • Trent Richardson: 47 yards rushing. • Alfred Morris: 46 yards (makes sense he’d be slotted one spot below the guy with
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SPORTS |
Hmmm ... was I on the money about RBs?