Pftt 2016 09 22

UNBEATEN STEELERS, EAGLES FACE OFF IN INTRASTATE BATTLE SINCE 1967

THURSDAY | SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

POWER RANKINGS FANTASY FOOTBALL TAKE 2

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Familiar foes do battle when the Patriots host the Texans

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e talk often in NFL circles about teams that should know each other well, but a look at the NFL’s Week 3, Thursday night matchup in Foxborough feels more like a family reunion.

The Patriots and Texans are among the big four – the clear cut top teams in the AFC, sitting at 2-0 along with Pittsburgh and Denver.

The Texans are close to clicking on all eight cylinders already. That, and the fact that the Pats will most likely be starting their third-string quarterback, a rookie in just his third NFL game, and will be without Tom Brady and Rob Ninkovich and quite possibly Rob Gronkowski again, will keep Houston from being the huge underdog they so deservedly were when the Patriots spanked them 27-6 in Houston two weeks before last Christmas.

This familiarity is unlikely to breed contempt.

Texans head coach Bill O’Brien was born in Dorchester, grew up in Andover and went to high school in

Houston after spendDanvers, Massachusetts. ing his first 12 years as More importantly, a Patriot and winning he worked as a wide one ring there. receivers and quarterAnother striking backs coach and offensimilarity is the sive coordinator for Texans will be starting Bill Belichick from Brock Osweiler at 2007 to 2011. He also quarterback in just is arguably the most his 10th NFL start. successful NFL coach The young man is still off the Belichick tree. trying to find himself, Houston defensive as he’s shown flashes coordinator Romeo of getting it but has Crennel served in the yet to put 60 minutes HUB ARKUSH same capacity under together in one NFL harkush@ProFootballWeekly.com Belichick from 2001 to game. @Hub_Arkush 2004 when they won Assuming thirdthree Super Bowl rings together. year quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo Texans offensive coordinator is unable to start just his third NFL George Godsey was a Belichick assisgame due to a banged-up shoulder, tant from 2011 through 2013, and Texrookie Jacoby Brissett will get his ans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel first start in just his third game in an played the position in New England NFL uniform. from 2001 through 2008 and also won And these are two of the best teams three rings. in the NFL? And, of course, Texans DT Vince The Texans are there thanks to a Wilfork is in his second season in stifling defense, the NFL’s best pass

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rush and a star in the making at running back: this summer’s unrestricted free agent prize Lamar Miller, as well as its top-flight coaching staff.

The Patriots on the other hand ... well, frankly, we’re not sure how they’re still so good.

Not only have they been without Brady, Gronk and Ninkovich, they’ll challenge that Houston rush without right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who’s already done for the year, and quite possibly Pro Bowl left tackle Nate Solder, who’s been battling a balky hamstring.

The Patriots are actually the underdogs in this one by a point at press time. It is just the sixth time since 2002 the Patriots haven’t been favored at home.

Of course, this is where Belichick almost always throws a right uppercut when everyone is expecting a left jab, the reason the Pats have won four of those last five outright, and the reason all those students on the Houston sideline may have a hard time putting one over on their old professor.

Defense starting to impress, too

Nice bounce-back from O-line in Washington

Will be No. 1 again, but not with Jacoby Brissett

1-1 on nine points and without a touchdown

Need more from offense down the road

Showed some real spunk in Detroit

Looks like Newton’s back now

Short on talent but Kelly can coach

How do you like Bradford now?

That’s what you call a bounce-back

Osweiler shaky, defense intimidating Is this the Aaron Rodgers we know?

Lots of talent but something’s missing Time to put four quarters together

Surprise is they’re doing it with ‘D’

One week it’s the ‘D,’ next week the “O”, what’s next?

Scoring 7.5 points a game is a real problem

20. DALLAS COWBOYS 21. LOS ANGELES RAMS 22. TENNESSEE TITANS 23. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 24. DETROIT LIONS 25. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 26. MIAMI DOLPHINS 27. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 28. WASHINGTON 29. CHICAGO BEARS 30. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 31. BUFFALO BILLS 32. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Are Titans any good or Colts game a fluke?

The Vikings move up to No. 5 in the rankings after beating the Packers in Sam Bradford’s debut

14. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 15. OAKLAND RAIDERS 16. BALTIMORE RAVENS 17. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 18. ATLANTA FALCONS 19. SAN DIEGO CHARGERS No Week 2 jinx on Wentz

Offense is working but the ‘D’ a mess They’re an awfully shaky 2-0 Talk about Jekyll and Hyde

Matt Ryan’s got it going on

Impressive, what’s gotten into these guys?

Better than expected in Denver Close but no cigar is still 0-2

Problem is without Brees, they’re not even close More than a few missing pieces

More talent than this but sure not showing it Quit on the way to Oakland A mess from the top on down

You all know why they’re here

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

1. PITTSBURGH STEELERS 2. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 3. DENVER BRONCOS 4. CAROLINA PANTHERS 5. MINNESOTA VIKINGS 6. ARIZONA CARDINALS 7. HOUSTON TEXANS 8. GREEN BAY PACKERS 9. CINCINNATI BENGALS 10. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 11. N.Y. GIANTS 12. N.Y. JETS 13. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 Carson Wentz has two wins and no interceptions in his rookie year

AP PHOTO

Ben Roethlisberger is in charge of one of the NFL’s top offenses

AP PHOTO

Rookie takes on Big Ben in battle of Pennsylvania

By ARTHUR

C

ARKUSH

aarkush@profootballweekly.com

arson Wentz isn’t Ben Roethlisberger, despite the imminent comparisons this week with the Eagles’ rookie phenom and Steelers’ future Hall of Famer – both big, tough and always looking downfield in disintegrating pockets – readying to collide for the first time in the battle of undefeated inner-state rivals.

Wentz is, however, off to a historic NFL start as the first rookie passer since the merger to begin 2-0 without throwing an interception. Ditto for his rookie head coach Doug Pederson, just the second to win his first two games by at least 15 points. The other? That’d be Mike Tomlin.

To assume Wentz faces his biggest test to date against Pittsburgh, after easily dispatching the

lowly Browns and Bears, would be correct. But deducing it’s because he’ll see the old “Blitzburgh” Steelers, now coordinated by increasingly patient and restrained coordinator Keith Butler, would be false.

Roethlisberger triggers an offense that’s still as potent and aggressive as any in the league, yet Butler’s unit has held two top-10 scoring offenses in 2015 to 16 points apiece with a simplified approach that lacks proven pass rushers and man-coverage specialists but maximizes his existing personnel.

Speaking of protégés, Tom Brady’s, Jimmy Garoppolo, lasted less than six quarters before suffering a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder.

Granted, he was spectacular before going down, generating 44 points and a 117.2 passer rating against two tough defenses, but the Patriots now turn to third-round QB Jacoby Brissett on a short

week with perhaps the NFL’s premier pass rushing defense, the Texans, descending on Foxborough.

To put it mildly, Bill Belichick has had Houston’s number, taking six of seven career meetings by an average margin of 18.5 points. But this will be the first bout without Brady, and although Brissett also was known for his resourcefulness at North Carolina State, he’ll be a long way from Raleigh. Houston’s upstart offense provides the perfect complement to Romeo Crennel’s ‘D’ and a lot of weapons with which to contend. But it’s also Brock Osweiler’s first visit to Foxborough …

In addition to Brissett, fellow third-rounder Cody Kessler is in line for his first NFL start, merely Cleveland’s 26th different starter under center since 1999. When he takes the field against Miami, Kessler will be the fourth rookie signal-

Thursday, CBS

Houston, 1-6 all time vs. Belichick but against an unknown in Jacoby Brissett, look to spoil NFL’s best homefield advantage.

CARDINALS AT BILLS Sunday, FOX

Another 40-spot from Arians’ offense could leave Rex rethinking which coordinator he axed over “mini bye.”

VIKINGS AT PANTHERS Sunday, FOX

Bradford will be hard pressed to repeat dazzling debut on road versus conference champs in backup RB battle.

BRONCOS AT BENGALS Sunday, CBS

Dalton and Bengals’ struggling O-line finally get a home game, but it’s against NFL’s nastiest ‘D.’

LIONS AT PACKERS Sunday, FOX

Detroit broke its Lambeau curse but arrives in Title Town severely wounded, not unlike G.B. offense.

RAVENS AT JAGUARS Sunday, CBS

Gus Bradley better draw some inspiration from the comeback stories of Mike Wallace and Dennis Pitta – and fast.

BROWNS AT DOLPHINS Sunday, CBS

It figures to be a busy afternoon for punters Britton Colquitt and Matt Darr.

WASHINGTON AT GIANTS Sunday, FOX

Reported infighting in Washington locker room due to Cousins’ struggles and this is best defensive test yet.

RAIDERS AT TITANS Sunday, CBS

Struggling Raiders’ D finally gets run-first offense — whether that serves as necessary respite remains to be seen.

Adrian Peterson suffered a torn meniscus in the Vikings win over the Packers caller to start a game in 2016, none of them top pick Jared Goff, who’s been inactive and a backup for the only NFL offense without a touchdown.

The Bengals have offensive line issues, which tend to be magnified by Von Miller and the defending Super Bowl champions. Andy Dalton leads the NFL in passing yards, but Cincinnati is 1-1 and has no run game to speak of. Dalton needs more help – and fast – with the Steelers and Ravens off to hot starts.

Vikings boss Mike Zimmer is facing a similar dilemma as his old team, the Bengals. Minnesota was actually victorious against the division rival Packers in the regular-season ribbon cutter of U.S. Bank Stadium. Yet Sam Bradford played the game of his life despite absorbing massive punishment, a scenario, if it happens repeatedly, that’d make it nearly impossible for the Vikings’ major investment to last the season. Worse, Adrian Peterson, after mustering a second consecutive 1.6-yard average through three quarters versus Green Bay, suffered a torn meniscus that should sideline him indefinitely.

The Vikings pay a visit to the reigning conference champion Panthers, also without their starting running back, but with a front seven apt to make Bradford pay if Minnesota’s O-line investments don’t start paying dividends quickly.

Oh yeah, Cam Newton (four TDs, nearly 400 total

AP PHOTO

yards in win over Niners) is pretty good, too. Minnesota will have to turn up the heat on Newton similar to the number it did on Aaron Rodgers Sunday in one of the two-time MVP’s worst career outings.

FASCINATION STREET: Philip Rivers and Matt Ryan – each helping will their teams off the mat in Week 2 – seem like they’re on missions. Next up: road dates with a pair of imbalanced and desperate 0-2 clubs, Indianapolis and New Orleans, respectively. … Kirk Cousins wasn’t handling the pressure before being publicly shamed by his coach. He reportedly is not winning any popularity contests in the Washington locker room, either.

This could get really ugly without a strong showing against the Giants’ notably improved defense.

HEAT CHECK: The clock is ticking for Rex Ryan and Gus Bradley. Ryan axed his offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, a move that was equal parts scapegoating and rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. What happens if his defense gets undressed at home by the lethal Cardinals? Does Bradley, who already fired his defensive coordinator in January, have any remaining ammo?

Despite being the beneficiary of the NFL’s most lavish offseason haul, his ‘D’ was throttled in San Diego. A home game with the Ravens sets up as the biggest of Bradley’s 12-38 tenure with Shad Khan’s patience thinning.

49ERS AT SEAHAWKS Sunday, FOX

One offense’s struggles is to be expected but the other’s raising red flags in Pacific Northwest.

RAMS AT BUCCANEERS Sunday, CBS

Dreaded cross-country trip for Rams after emotional upset vs. Seattle should spell opportunity for Bucs rebound.

CHARGERS AT COLTS Sunday, CBS

Philip Rivers still has Antonio Gates, at least; the already-desperate Colts readying for another home shootout.

JETS AT CHIEFS Sunday, CBS

With Charles nearing return, would Chiefs field calls on backup RBs? Ageless Forte and Fitzpatrick carried Jets last week.

STEELERS AT EAGLES Sunday, CBS

Explosive Pittsburgh offense not as surprising as impressive ‘D;’ Wentz’s Eagles face step up in class.

BEARS AT COWBOYS Sunday, NBC

Chicago gets another rookie passer in prime time; Dallas needs to get its “other” rookie, Zeke, showing Prescott’s poise.

FALCONS AT SAINTS Monday, ESPN

Can the New Orleans ‘D,’ facing a daunting 0-3 start, keep this one close against NFL’s highest-rated passer?

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

TEXANS AT PATRIOTS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

THIS WEEK’S GAMES HOU @ NE ARI @ BUF OAK @ TEN CLE @ MIA BAL @ JAC DET @ GB DEN @ CIN MIN @ CAR WAS @ NYG LA @ TB SF @ SEA NYJ @ KC SD @ IND PIT @ PHI CHI @ DAL ATL @ NO

Houston 23 @ New England 24 | Nothing Patriots can’t do

Houston 24 @ New England 18 | No Brady or Garoppolo, no win

Arizona 34 @ Buffalo 13 | Rex needs to stop talking

Arizona 31 @ Buffalo 10 | Week 2 Cards more like it, Bills a mess

Oakland 31 @ Tennessee 28 | If Raiders are real, they have to win

Oakland 25 @ Tennessee 20 | Raiders steal one on road

Cleveland 13 @ Miami 34 | Browns every rookie coach’s dream

Cleveland 10 @ Miami 31 | Dolphins not very good, Browns worse

Baltimore 17 @ Jacksonville 20 | It’s time jaguars passed a tes

Baltimore 16 @ Jacksonville 19 | Jags turn things around

Detroit 13 @ Green Bay 34 | Lions just what doctor ordered

Detroit 10 @ Green Bay 24 | Two struggling offenses last week

Denver 13 @ Cincinnati 20 | Bengals exploit Broncs offensive woes

Denver 17 @ Cincinnati 21 | Like the Bengals at home

Minnesota 16 @ Carolina 23 | A real slugfest won by home team

Minnesota 20 @ Carolina 21 | Looking forward to this one

Washington 17 @ NY Giants 31 | Giants for real, Washington isn’t

Washington 28 @ NY Giants 31 | Eli should have good day

Los Angeles 21 @ Tampa Bay 23 | Bucs host coast to coasters

Los Angeles 10 @ Tampa Bay 14 | Defensive struggle

San Francisco 6 @ Seattle 16 | ’Hawks can’t lose this one, can they

San Francisco 3 @ Seattle 17 | ’Hawks take this at home, right?

NY Jets 13 @ Kansas City 27 | Chiefs bounce back, Jets land hard

NY Jets 10 @ Kansas City 20 | Bounceback game for Chiefs

San Diego 27 @ Indianapolis 34 | Could be zero punts in this one

San Diego 20 @ Indianapolis 24 | Colts need this ‘W’ bad

Pittsburgh 30 @ Philadelphia 13 | Wentz studies the master

Pittsburgh 31 @ Philadelphia 10 | Big Ben schools rookie Wentz

Chicago 13 @ Dallas 16 | Bears put up a fight, but not good enough

Chicago 17 @ Dallas 15 | Bears better than MNF performance

Atlanta 31 @ New Orleans 34 | Saints will be a desperate bunch

Atlanta 31 @ New Orleans 30 | Ryan tops Brees in shootout

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Dysfunction a contagious disease in D.C.?

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ased on the fumbles, interceptions and false starts that have become a hallmark in Washington since Daniel Snyder took ownership of the team, it should be no surprise that the NFC “Least’s” surprise 2015 champion is somewhat in disarray just two weeks into the season. But the Way We Hear It, the varying levels of operation at which the mess is spreading have to be cause for new concern.

First, we’ll report that according to our sources, head coach Jay Gruden appears to be more a victim than a cause of the current confusion.

Some NFL insiders questioned Gruden’s readiness and worth when Snyder tabbed him as his sixth head coach since buying the team in 1999, but as Marty Schottenheimer, Steve Spurrier, Joe Gibbs, Jim Zorn and Mike Shanahan all learned before him, Washington can be a very difficult place to work.

You don’t need a ton of sources to know that Schottenheimer, Gibbs and Shanahan are all highly qual-

AP PHOTO

Washington head coach Jay Gruden ified coaches who failed trying to work and coexist in D.C. We can give Snyder a pass for not getting that Spurrier apparently just didn’t really care – or should we?

– and Zorn was a wild hare he just needed to tame.

Gruden has, in fact, given the

team its most professional appearance in years, getting his feet on the ground with a 4-12 2014 after inheriting Shanahan’s 3-13 club, and then making a five-game improvement and division leap from worst to first last year, while making Kirk Cousins look like a Pro Bowl quarterback

in the process.

But therein lies a great deal of the rub. Through two weeks of 2016, Cousins has looked very much like a fourth-round pick forced into action by the team’s rush to rid itself of 2012 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III. We know according to multiple sources it was Snyder who was anxious to mortgage the team’s future for RGIII, and it was Snyder who used RGIII to sabotage Shanahan, but it is unclear who was in a hurry to cut the cord.

We’ve also heard in a number of circles that it was team president Bruce Allen, a winner of the gene pool from his dad George but with no football experience of his own, who couldn’t resist the temptation to spend tens of millions of Snyder’s wealth on Josh Norman and that he had no trouble at all getting Snyder on board.

According to our sources, Gruden’s and GM Scot McCloughan’s opinions of the move weren’t deemed all that relevant, although it is unclear how strongly either tried

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9 efforts.

The bottom line is, the Way We Hear It and hard as it may be to believe, Washington just keeps getting to be a harder and harder place for NFL talent to succeed.

WHICH NEW QB IS THE REAL DEAL?

Young quarterbacks in starring roles are among the many storylines of the 2016 season to date, as is the rush to judgment that NFL fans and media alike make if it feeds their Twitter accounts and multiplies their “likes!”

The bottom line is that Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz, Dak Prescott and Trevor Siemian are all stories worth following and all have impressed to varying degrees, but The Way We Hear It, only one has shown enough, covering the full breadth of what a top signal-caller needs to display, to be close to becoming anointed as the real deal.

The most obvious dividing line is the Patriots and Eagles are winning in large part because of Garoppolo and Wentz, while the Cowboys are winning with Prescott, and the Broncos either with or in spite of Siemian.

To be clear, our sources like all

four and think all but Siemian – it’s not if but when for Paxton Lynch in Denver – are assured of being relevant for some time to come.

But when it comes to being a guy you build a club around, there is at least a question or two about all but one.

Wentz looks really exciting, with the most impressive comparison we’re starting to hear being Ben Roethlisberger. But the Bears were able to confuse and fluster him through most of the second and third quarters in Week 2, and there is still much for him to learn about the NFL game.

Prescott has shown the ability to avoid costly mistakes in a small sample size, but he hasn’t offered any of the ‘wow’ moments Wentz and Garoppolo have. There is still much to learn about his arm talent and how it will translate in the NFL over the long haul.

According to our most trusted sources, Garoppolo is the one to be the most excited about right now.

In his roughly six quarters, he has shown everything you hope to see in a top end QB and has particularly impressed with his pocket savvy, ability to keep plays alive and make plays where none appeared to exist.

And, of course, as any good mys-

Dak Prescott

AP PHOTO

tery would have it, Garoppolo will be the first to return to the bench either due to his injured shoulder or the return of the great one, Tom Brady, for Week 5.

The Way We’re Hearing It, Belichick and company have a developing problem on their hands, as Garoppolo may be too valuable to simply barter for help elsewhere, and he may be too difficult to keep happy and under control if Tom Brady sticks around as long as he hopes to.

This story will be fun to watch for some time to come.

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to resist if at all.

Norman is a very good cornerback, but he is not the best available even though he is now the highest paid.

Nor does he fit like a glove in defensive coordinator Joe Barry’s defense.

That, along with the fact that he is at times a painful pimple in the Washington locker room and on the sidelines, is why Carolina was anxious to see him go.

Finally, there is McCloughan, recognized as an excellent judge of NFL talent but also saddled with some well-documented off-the-field challenges, who had a rather strange offseason.

Washington had huge needs on all three levels of the defense and at running back going into the draft.

McCloughan surprised many when he took wideout Josh Doctson in the first round, LB Su’a Cravens – a great athlete but a “tweener” without a position – in the second round and then Kendall Fuller of the famous NFL Fuller family, a cornerback coming off a disappointing season at Virginia Tech due to a bum wheel.

Insiders were confounded. While we never judge a draft in less than two or even three seasons, Washington’s defense is clearly not improved to date with little help from the GM’s

ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY |

Waiver wars begin as injuries mount

By J.C.

TALON

Fantasy writer | ProFootballWeekly.com

W

eek 2 featured a cavalcade of significant fantasy injuries. Danny Woodhead is done for the season and Jay Cutler will miss time with a thumb injury. Josh McCown has been ruled out for this week. As of this writing, Jimmy Garoppolo and Adrian Peterson had not been ruled out, but seem unlikely to play in Week 3. Those with highly questionable statuses include Doug Martin, Thomas Rawls, Donte Moncrief, Jonathan Stewart, Ameer Abdullah and Arian Foster. Julio Jones and Doug Baldwin were dinged, but should play. Let the waiver wars begin.

On to Week 3 …

MATCHUPS TO EXPLOIT Arizona Cardinals

OPPONENT: AT BUFFALO BILLS, SUNDAY, NOON It will be a long flight and an early start for Arizona, but we still think the Cardinals will score points in this game. The Amazing Ryan Brothers have created quite the circus in Buffalo. The Bills’ defense is surrendering more than 400 yards per game. The obvious solution to your defensive ineptitude: Fire your offensive coordinator. Chris Johnson ran 16 times for 54 yards and a TD in garbage time last week. It was, by far, his best performance since getting injured last season. It will be interesting to see how he’s used in more competitive games.

MUST START: David Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald SOLID PLAY: Carson Palmer, Michael Floyd, Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals D/ST WORTH A LOOK: Chris Johnson, John Brown, Jaron Brown, Darren Fells

Tennessee Titans

OPPONENT: VS OAKLAND RAIDERS, SUNDAY, NOON The knee-jerk here would be bullish on the Raiders, but a quick glance at the stat sheet proves otherwise. Sure, it’s a small sample size, but after two games the Raiders are giving up more yards than any other defense – and it’s not even close. Oakland has given up an average of 517.5 yards per game.

The next-worse defense is New Orleans at 451.5 ypg.

The Titans currently have the NFL’s 13th-ranked defense at 338 yards per game and have surrendered just one offensive touchdown in two games.

It would not be crazy for owners of Russell Wilson, Andy Dalton or Tyrod Taylor to consider starting Marcus Mariota this week.

MUST START: DeMarco Murray, Delanie Walker SOLID PLAY: Ryan Succop WORTH A LOOK: Mariota, Derrick Henry, Tajae Sharpe, Rishard Matthews LAST RESORT: Andre Johnson STAY AWAY: Titans D/ST

New York Giants

OPPONENT: VS WASHINGTON, SUNDAY, NOON The Washington defense is tied for 27th in yards allowed, which is a huge improvement from 2015 when they finished 28th. OK, maybe it’s not a “huge” improvement. The Giants offense is coming off a disappointing zero-touchdown performance against a weak New Orleans defense. New York did manage to eke out a win and outgained the Saints 417 yards to 288. Through two games, the Giants are averaging just 3.2 yards per running play and have

yet to find the end zone on the ground. Look for their success to come through the air.

MUST START: Odell Beckham SOLID PLAY: Eli Manning, Sterling Shepard, Josh Brown WORTH A LOOK: Rashad Jennings, Victor Cruz, Giants D/ST LAST RESORT: Larry Donnell

Miami Dolphins

OPPONENT: VS CLEVELAND BROWNS, SUNDAY, NOON The Browns’ defense is currently ranked 20th in yards allowed, which is about 10 spots better than it will likely be at season’s end. Miami struggled on offense for the first six quarters of the season, but put up 21 points in the second half at New England. It would be surprising if they didn’t score at least 27 in this game. If Arian Foster is out, the Dolphins will probably go with a running back-by-committee approach. Jay Ajayi has the most potential, but Damien Williams and Kenyan Drake also will get touches, thus limiting the fantasy value of all three. With Cody Kessler starting at QB for Cleveland, this would be a good week to play Miami’s D/ST. MUST START: Jarvis Landry, Dolphins D/ST SOLID PLAY: Ryan Tannehill, Andrew Franks WORTH A LOOK: Ajayi (if no Foster), DeVante Parker, Jordan Cameron LAST RESORT: Williams, Drake STAY AWAY: Foster*

ALSO CONSIDER

San Diego Chargers

OPPONENT: AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS, SUNDAY, 3:25 Allowing 848 yards in two games, the Colts have picked up defensively right where they left off in 2015. Despite losing Keenan Allen and Danny Woodhead, the Chargers look rejuvenated on offense.

Melvin Gordon is an excellent play this week.

Atlanta Falcons

OPPONENT: AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS, MONDAY, 7:30 New Orleans somehow managed to keep the Giants’ offense out of the end zone in Week 2, but this is a plus matchup for Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the rest of the Falcons. Devonta Freeman is the main back in Atlanta – and he played very well in Oakland last week – but Tevin Coleman is getting about 42 percent of the carries and is cutting into Freeman’s fantasy production.

MATCHUPS TO AVOID Minnesota Vikings

OPPONENT: AT CAROLINA PANTHERS, SUNDAY, NOON It’s still unclear whether Carolina’s defense is the beast it was last season. They just gave up 27 points to a Blaine Gabbert-led 49ers’ offense. But even after that performance, the Panthers are seventh in fewest yards allowed. This looks like a below-average matchup for a Vikings team that is bound to hit some speed bumps as Sam Bradford gains familiarity with his new team.

We are assuming that Adrian Peterson won’t play with his torn meniscus. That leaves Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in line for more rushing attempts. Even with Peterson, the Vikings are dead last in the NFL in rushing with just 95 total rushing yards and 1.9 yards per attempt. Asiata and McKin-

non (both averaging 2.7 ypc) have had a little more success than AP (1.6 ypc). Asiata has carried 10 times to McKinnon’s three. However, with a week to game-plan, we think McKinnon has more upside … but we’re not high on either back.

SOLID PLAY: Stefon Diggs WORTH A LOOK: Bradford, McKinnon (if no Peterson), Vikings D/ST LAST RESORT: Asiata, Blair Walsh STAY AWAY: Adam Thielen

Washington

OPPONENT: AT NEW YORK GIANTS, SUNDAY, NOON Splurging on free agency rarely succeeds in transforming teams, but the Giants are starting to look like an exception to the rule. Through two games, they are yielding just 308 yards per game on defense. Last week, New York held Drew Brees and the Saints to 13 points, 288 total yards and allowed only one first down on the ground. Conversely, Washington has struggled. Despite erratic play, Kirk Cousins threw for 364 yards against Dallas, but he’ll face a tougher defense this week. Rookie receiver Josh Doctson was well covered by the Cowboys at the goal line, but that did not stop Cousins from stubbornly (and repeatedly) forcing the ball his way. Cousins is lucky to have thrown only one pick in the end zone.

MUST START: Jordan Reed WORTH A LOOK: Matt Jones, DeSean Jackson LAST RESORT: Cousins, Doctson, Jamison, Crowder, Dustin Hopkins STAY AWAY: Washington D/ST

Chicago Bears

OPPONENT: AT DALLAS COWBOYS, SUNDAY, 7:30 Avoiding Bears has less to do with the Cowboys’ defense and more to do with the Bears’ offense. Chicago was sputtering with Jay Cutler at the helm, but at least he was good for a couple of jump-ball passes to Alshon Jeffery. Brian Hoyer will take over this week, and he might just be the worst starting QB this side of Case Keenum. After two weeks, the Bears are unraveling. This might be a good time to snag Jordan Howard off your waiver wire. He’s probably worthless this week, but if Monday night was any indication, he could be the Bears’ starting RB before long.

SOLID PLAY: Jeffery WORTH A LOOK: Jeremy Langford LAST RESORT: Eddie Royal, Zach Miller, Bears D/ST STAY AWAY: Hoyer, Kevin White, Connor Barth

ALSO BEWARE

New England Patriots

OPPONENT: VS HOUSTON TEXANS, THURSDAY, 7:30 New England’s offense floundered after Jimmy Garoppolo went down with a shoulder injury. If he can’t go Thursday, downgrade all your Patriots against a good Houston defense.

Cincinnati Bengals

OPPONENT: VS DENVER BRONCOS, SUNDAY, NOON You obviously have to play A.J. Green, but take a close look at other Bengals. Denver’s defense is excellent. Last week, they held Andrew Luck and the Colts to under 200 yards passing. No Indy receiver crested 50 yards in the contest.

* — Check injury status

By JOHN

I

SAHLY

jsahly@shawmedia.com

’ve written this before, but it’s worth repeating: You are not going to win $1 million playing daily fantasy football. It’s fun to try, but if that’s your goal, you’re going to end up disappoint-

ed.

If you’re a first-time player, or even if you’re not, it’s a good strategy to try to build your bankroll and your return on investment in safer strategies. Blowing your bankroll going for the big bucks can be fun for a few hours, but if you’ve got nothing left to play with for the next week, you’re just a sucker.

Cash games are the best way to build your bankroll and, with enough success, you can then use those profits to go after bigger tournaments.

When I talk about cash games, what I mean are 50/50s, where the top half of the field doubles their entry fee, and head-to-heads, where you just have to beat one person to win.

Because cash games are a lot eas-

AP PHOTOS

David Johnson, C.J. Anderson and DeAngelo Williams are examples of running backs who stay on the field because they can catch as well as run ier to make money off of – after all, we’re not looking to beat a field of thousands, just finish in the top half – that changes how you want to construct your lineups.

We’re looking for the highest floor possible in our cash games.

Safe choices that will get plenty of opportunity to score on a consistent basis.

In general, this is my cash game strategy: 1) Aim for 2.5-3x the player’s salary In tournaments, we want to max-

imize the number of points we get, but in cash games, we’re looking for consistent players who can hit between 2.5 and 3 times their salary.

If a player costs $5,000, for example, then I’m looking for 12.5-15 points to meet value. In general, a roster that nets you 125-150 points will put you in a positive ROI in cash games on a site like DraftKings.

2) Chalk is OK Don’t worry about getting too cute with your cash game lineups.

Just because a player will be highly owned doesn’t mean that’s a bad

thing. There’s a reason that player will be on a lot of rosters, and it’s because he’s in a good situation to hit a safe floor.

3) RBs that see the field I want a running back that can catch and run, and generally stays on the field for all three downs. A guy like Jeremy Hill, who cedes time to Gio Bernard, isn’t as safe a play because he isn’t out on the field for as long, whereas players like David Johnson, DeAngelo Williams (for now) and C.J. Anderson are on the field more often.

4) Where to spend down If I can, I try not to pay up at quarterback in my cash games. The difference between QB1 and QB10 most weeks isn’t enough to justify spending up. But the difference between WR1 and WR10 can be much more volatile from week-to-week.

I’ll also look for a cheaper tight end and a cheaper defense in a good spot, while aiming to pay up for at least one big wide receiver.

If you stick to looking for a high floor instead of chasing a high ceiling, you’ll find success in your cash games.

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PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

DFS: Cash games are best way to build profit

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 Chad Kelly

AP PHOTO

Nick Chubb

AP PHOTO

Ole Miss vs. Georgia offers look at future NFL talent

N

ow that we are entering Week 4 of the college football season, we will start seeing some good matchups as teams fight for conference titles and perhaps a berth in the College Football Playoff. Good teams, without a doubt, have good players, and when we are studying players for the next NFL Draft, these games come in handy. The big SEC game to watch this week with a focus on the NFL Draft is Ole Miss vs. Georgia.

OLE MISS

The Rebels had a tough loss last week versus Alabama, but they have to come back strong this week against Georgia if they have any hope of getting to the SEC title game. As usual, Ole Miss has some very good NFL prospects.

QB Chad Kelly | Kelly went into the season as one of the top-rated QB prospects. Even though he can be a bit erratic and inconsistent,

excellent overall athletiNFL scouts still like him. He has the size, cism and speed. To date, arm strength and ability he has 12 receptions for to improvise. When you 168 yards and two touchfigure in the underclassdowns. man quarterbacks who DT D.J. Jones | At 6-0, may enter the draft, Kel315 pounds, Jones is ly has to rank in the top more of a nose-tackle four quarterbacks availtype. He is strong at the able. That very well get point and can be disrupcould him drafted in the tive in the run game. first round.

GREG GABRIEL @greggabe OLB Marquis Haynes | TE Evan Engram | While Haynes is a junior who Engram is listed as a most likely needs another year in tight end, he is more like a big wide school to physically mature. He is receiver. At about 6-3, 230 pounds, tall and long but lacks bulk (225). To Engram is far from having prototypdate, he has 15 total tackles and 2.0 ical tight end size. He is athletic, has sacks. speed, catches the ball cleanly and can run after the catch. At the next GEORGIA level, he will be more of a move-type RB Nick Chubb | Two years ago, tight end. Like most of these smallwe all thought that Chubb was deser athletic tight ends, he has to imtined to become a possible top-10 prove his blocking. running back. Last year in game WR Damore’ea Stringfellow | String­ six, he suffered a horrific knee injufellow is a redshirt junior who keeps ry and some thought he might nevimproving. At 6-2, 211 pounds, he er be the same. This year in Georhas very good size to go along with gia’s opening game, Chubb ran

for 222 yards and two touchdowns against North Carolina. In the past two games, he has totaled 143 yards.

So far, Chubb hasn’t looked quite as explosive as he was before the injury, but he keeps getting better.

Where he gets drafted might be determined by the medical staffs of the 32 NFL clubs.

S Dominick Sanders | Sanders is a junior safety with range and ball skills. He had six interceptions in 2015 and has one so far this year.

While Sanders has ball skills, he lacks ideal size at about 6-0, 188 pounds.

OG Greg Pyke | Pyke is a big, strong interior offensive lineman who right now is better in the run game than he is as a pass blocker.

OLB Davin Bellamy | Bellamy is tall and long, similar in stature to Bears first-round pick Leonard Floyd. Bellamy, who is a fourth-year junior, doesn’t have Floyd’s great athleticism and is still developing his pass rush skills. He should stay in school another year.

TIGHT ENDS

T he Packers still don’t look quite right on offense, but they right the ship this week.

Mariota and Tannehill move up the list based on cupcake matchups.

1. Aaron Rodgers, Packers vs. Lions 2. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers @ Eagles 3. Cam Newton, Panthers vs. Vikings 4. Eli Manning, Giants vs. Washington 5. Drew Brees, Saints vs. Falcons 6. Matt Ryan, Falcons @ Saints 7. Andrew Luck, Colts vs. Chargers 8. Carson Palmer, Cardinals @ Bills 9. Philip Rivers, Chargers @ Colts 10. Russell Wilson, Seahawks vs. 49ers 11. Blake Bortles, Jaguars vs. Ravens 12. Marcus Mariota, Titans vs. Raiders 13. Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins vs. Browns 14. Matthew Stafford, Lions @ Packers 15. Derek Carr, Raiders @ Titans 16. Carson Wentz, Eagles vs. Steelers 17. Dak Prescott, Cowboys vs. Bears 18. Jameis Winston, Bucs vs. Rams 19. Brock Osweiler, Texans @ Patriots 20. Sam Bradford, Vikings @ Panthers

Once again, it’s wait and see with Gronk.

We’re guessing he won’t play on a short week and we’ve removed him from our board. If he is active on Thursday, slot him around No. 5, with Bennett sliding down several spots.

1. Jordan Reed, Washington @ Giants 2. Greg Olsen, Panthers vs. Vikings 3. Delanie Walker, Titans vs. Raiders 4. Martellus Bennett, Patriots vs. Texans 5. Travis Kelce, Chiefs vs. Jets 6. Julius Thomas, Jaguars vs. Ravens 7. Jason Witten, Cowboys vs. Bears 8. Antonio Gates, Chargers @ Colts 9. Eric Ebron, Lions @ Packers 10. Coby Fleener, Saints vs. Falcons 11. Gary Barnidge, Browns @ Dolphins 12. Dwayne Allen, Colts vs. Saints 13. Jesse James, Steelers @ Eagles 14. Dennis Pitta, Ravens @ Jaguars 15. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings @ Panthers 16. Jimmy Graham, Seahawks vs. 49ers 17. Virgil Green, Broncos @ Bengals 18. Jacob Tamme, Falcons @ Saints 19. Clive Walford, Raiders @ Titans 20. Vance McDonald, 49ers @ Seahawks

RUNNING BACKS

The Vikings, Bucs, Panthers, Lions and Seahawks are dealing with injuries at the RB position. Clear-cut backups might emerge for some of those teams, but expect a lot of running back-by-committee.

1. DeAngelo Williams, Steelers @ Eagles 2. David Johnson, Cardinals @ Bills 3. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys vs. Bears 4. DeMarco Murray, Titans vs. Raiders 5. Matt Forte, Jets @ Chiefs 6. Lamar Miller, Texans @ Patriots 7. Mark Ingram, Saints @ Falcons 8. C.J. Anderson, Broncos @ Bengals 9. LeGarrette Blount, Patriots vs. Texans 10. Devonta Freeman, Falcons vs. Saints 11. Melvin Gordon, Chargers @ Colts 12. LeSean McCoy, Bills vs. Cardinals 13. Todd Gurley, Rams @ Bucs 14. Ryan Mathews, Eagles vs. Steelers 15. Eddie Lacy, Packers vs. Lions 16. Frank Gore, Colts vs. Chargers 17. Latavius Murray, Raiders @ Titans 18. Spencer Ware, Chiefs vs. Jets 19. Jeremy Langford, Bears @ Cowboys 20. Christine Michael, Seahawks vs. 49ers 21. Charles Sims, Bucs vs. Rams 22. Rashad Jennings, Giants vs. Washington 23. Giovani Bernard, Bengals vs. Broncos 24. Tevin Coleman, Falcons @ Saints 25. Matt Jones, Washington @ Giants 26. Fozzy Whitaker, Panthers vs. Vikings 27. Jay Ajayi, Dolphins vs. Browns 28. Jeremy Hill, Bengals vs. Broncos 29. Carlos Hyde, 49ers @ Seahawks 30. T.J. Yeldon, Jaguars vs. Ravens 31. Isaiah Crowell, Browns @ Dolphins 32. Theo Riddick, Lions @ Packers 33. Derrick Henry, Titans vs. Raiders

PLACEKICKERS

Aaron Rodgers 34. Jerick McKinnon, Vikings @ Panthers 35. Jordan Howard, Bears @ Cowboys 36. Charcandrick West, Chiefs vs. Jets

WIDE RECEIVERS

Julio Jones is fighting through a calf

strain, but this is an ideal matchup for him.

A.J. Green drops due to tough Denver D. Beckham faces his old nemesis Norman.

1. Julio Jones, Falcons @ Saints 2. Antonio Brown, Steelers @ Eagles 3. Dez Bryant, Cowboys vs. Bears 4. Allen Robinson, Jaguars vs. Ravens 5. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants vs. Washington 6. Brandin Cooks, Saints vs. Falcons 7. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans @ Patriots 8. Jarvis Landry, Dolphins vs. Browns 9. Mike Evans, Bucs vs. Rams 10. Amari Cooper, Raiders @ Titans 11. Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers vs. Vikings 12. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals @ Bills 13. Travis Benjamin, Chargers @ Colts 14. Jordy Nelson, Packers vs. Lions

AP PHOTO

15. A.J. Green, Bengals vs. Broncos 16. Brandon Marshall*, Jets @ Chiefs 17. T.Y. Hilton, Colts vs. Chargers 18. Eric Decker, Jets @ Chiefs 19. Alshon Jeffery, Bears @ Cowboys 20. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos @ Bengals 21. Jordan Matthews, Eagles vs. Steelers 22. Stefon Diggs, Vikings @ Panthers 23. Willie Snead, Saints vs. Falcons 24. Jeremy Maclin, Chiefs vs. Jets 25. Doug Baldwin*, Seahawks vs. 49ers 26. Will Fuller, Texans @ Patriots 27. Golden Tate, Lions @ Packers 28. Michael Crabtree, Raiders @ Titans 29. Sterling Shepard, Giants vs. Washington 30. DeSean Jackson, Washington @ Giants 31. Michael Floyd, Cardinals @ Bills 32. Marvin Jones, Lions @ Packers 33. Tajae Sharpe, Titans vs. Raiders 34. Julian Edelman, Patriots vs. Texans 35. Sammy Watkins*, Bills vs. Cardinals 36. Donte Moncrief*, Colts vs. Chargers

1. Mason Crosby, Packers vs. Lions 2. Chandler Catanzaro, Cardinals @ Bills 3. Adam Vinatieri, Colts vs. Chargers 4. Justin Tucker, Ravens @ Jaguars 5. Dan Bailey, Cowboys vs. Bears 6. Steven Hauschka, Seahawks vs. 49ers 7. Chris Boswell, Steelers @ Eagles 8. Matt Bryant, Falcons @ Saints 9. Graham Gano, Panthers vs. Vikings 10. Stephen Gostkowski, Patriots vs. Texans 11. Josh Brown, Giants vs. Washington 12. Nick Novak, Texans @ Patriots 13. Brandon McManus, Broncos @ Bengals 14. Josh Lambo, Chargers @ Colts 15. Ryan Succop, Titans vs. Raiders

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS 1. Seahawks vs. 49ers 2. Dolphins vs. Browns 3. Panthers vs. Vikings 4. Texans @ Patriots 5. Broncos @ Bengals 6. Cardinals @ Bills 7. Packers vs. Lions 8. Chiefs vs. Jets 9. Vikings @ Panthers 10. Jets @ Chiefs 11. Bengals vs. Broncos 12. Giants vs. Washington 13. Steelers @ Eagles 14. Rams @ Bucs 15. Ravens @ Jaguars

*Check injury status

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

QUARTERBACKS

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

Week 3 storylines center on QBs once again forward this season?

McCaleb: I think it’s safe to say that Rodgers and Roethlisberger will be just fine, Hub. But you raise an interesting question about the others.

Once Tom Brady comes back in Week 5, Garoppolo and Brissett will be relegated to clipboard duty, so let’s set them aside for now. Sieimien and Osweiler are both intriguing because they’re both in pretty similar, and pretty good, situations. The Broncos and Texans have two of the league’s best defenses, and both have strong running games, so the quarterbacks aren’t asked to carry their teams on their shoulders. And Wentz looks like the real deal in Philly. It’s a small

sample size, but Bradford also looks like he might be the answer in Minnesota.

I think it’s refreshing to see good quarterback play from some of the younger – and recycled – quarterbacks after suffering through so many bad ones. How about you?

Arkush: Actually, Dan, I feel like I’ve been waiting most of my professional life for the next Jimmy Plunkett or Kurt Warner, and I can’t escape the feeling that Bradford might not just be that guy. We reported from the jump at ProFootballWeekly.com that the haters going after Rick Spielman and the Vikings for the trade might want to take a breath before they got too excited. And while

it’s a very small sample size so far, the early returns are promising. The next best story to me may be Osweiler because, again, if you’re following us at ProFootballWeekly.com, you know we believe the Paxton Lynch era is right around the corner in Denver. But Houston is one of the flavors of the month right now off the 2-0 start thanks more to the defense, Lamar Miller and rookie wideout Will Fuller than the uneven play of Osweiler. If he can’t carry the water, Tom Savage is up next, and that could be a problem for the Texans.

McCaleb: Don’t give up on Osweiler just yet, Hub. Yes, he has some work to do, particularly with his decision-making

in the red zone. You can’t throw that interception he threw inside the 5 on Houston’s opening drive.

Arkush: I’m not about to give up on Osweiler or Siemien either, for that matter.

The only conclusions I see that we can come to from these first two weeks is that Bradford and Wentz have good chances to make the Vikings’ and Eagles’ seasons a lot more promising than anyone expected, and Garoppolo has created a real conundrum for Bill Belichick and company as to how they keep him around long enough to be available when Brady is finally done. What can the Pats do about that?

McCaleb: Can you imagine a situation in New England similar to the one the Packers faced several years ago? An aging Brett Favre finishing his career with the Jets and then the Vikings so Green Bay could begin the Aaron Rodgers era? I see that as unlikely, here, but with Garoppolo’s contract coming up after the 2017 season, the Pats do have some tough decisions to make.

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

With two weeks of the NFL season now in the books, Hub Arkush and Dan McCaleb discuss many of the interesting storylines involving quarterbacks.

Arkush: So Dan, we know quarterbacks are always going to be the story around the NFL, but unless it’s my imagination, there is even more focus on the position this season than ever before. It seems to be coming in three different flavors. There are more young QB’s with minimal experience running playoff contenders than I can ever remember with Trevor Sieimien in Denver, Brock Osweiler in Houston, Carson Wentz in Philadelphia, and Jimmy Garoppolo and now Jacoby Brissett in New England.

Then there are the recycled veterans, like Sam Bradford in Minnesota and Ryan Fitzpatrick with the Jets. And we’ve got some of the greats like Aaron Rodgers and, at times in the first half yesterday, even Big Ben missing more throws than they made. Which of these do you expect will have the biggest impact on the league going

PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY | ProFootballWeekly.com | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016

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