Burning questions to consider for Week 2
A look at some key fantasy questions going into Week 2:
IS IT SAFE TO START PACKERS QB AARON RODGERS AGAINST THE VIKINGS?
Rodgers’ greatness was on full display as he engineered an amazing comeback against the Bears last Sunday. After the game he promised he’d play in Week 2 but coach Mike McCarthy has described Rodgers’ situation as day to day. The Vikings gave up the third-fewest fantasy Points Per Game (FPPG) to opposing QBs last season but the bottom line is that A-Rod is matchup proof. You’re starting him if he’s on the field. Monitor his situation closely as game time approaches and have a backup plan in place. Potential waiver wire QBs you might consider using should Rodgers sit this week include Denver’s Case Keenum, Tampa Bay’s Ryan Fitzpatrick (although he has a tough matchup against the Eagles) and rookie Jets passer Sam Darnold.
SHOULD YOU SELL HIGH ON STEELERS RB JAMES CONNER?
That depends on your team’s needs. If you’re weak at running back, ride the hot hand as long as you can. Conner compiled 192 total yards and scored two TDs in Week 1 and is part of an offense designed to get the most out of its run game. DeAngelo Williams started 10 games for these same Steelers in 2015 and scored 11 TDs and recorded 40 receptions. On the other hand, while we’re not sure if or when Le’Veon Bell will report to the Steelers, he is likely to report at some point this season given his contract situation. Conner’s trade value plummets after that. We’ve witnessed Conner being traded for a standout-type receiver like JuJu Smith-Schuster. Depending on your negotiating skills you might even be able to get better value than that. RBs are extremely valuable. Perhaps you can snag Jarvis Landry or even Adam Thielen in a deal?
CAN YOU START JAGUARS RB LEONARD FOURNETTE THIS WEEK?
Unfortunately you’re going to be following his progress very carefully this Sunday. He dealt with injuries last season and hopefully you’ve assembled a team with plenty of RB depth. Prepare as if he will be inactive this Sunday. Fournette’s situation is especially concerning since his game starts at 4:25 p.m. Eastern. Even if he starts this week you might consider replacing Fournette in your lineup if you have viable options. Running backs that deal with lower body injuries leading up to a game are notorious for either underperforming or even worse — further injury. Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon is obviously in play this week.
WHICH UNDER-THE-RADAR RB HAS THE POTENTIAL FOR A BIG WEEK?
We don’t usually like recommending Patriots RBs due to coach Bill Belichick’s inconsistent play calling, but James White has an opportunity to have a busy day against the Jaguars this Sunday. The Pats are simply running out of options at RB for Week 2. They lost Jeremy Hill for the season (ACL), Rex Burkhead is in the league’s concussion protocol and Sony Michel has been limited in practices. White should see plenty of targets this week as the Jaguars pass rush will likely force QB Tom Brady to get rid of the ball quickly. White is especially valuable in point-per-reception (PPR) scoring formats.