USA TODAY International Edition
Seahawks’ Wilson might be a bust if Baldwin out
Welcome to Week 2. As usual, we’re here to help you with your fantasy lineup with this week’s studs, duds and sleepers. Use these along with USA TODAY’s rankings.
Studs
QB Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers: Big Ben on the road? Not good (he tossed three interceptions last week). But Big Ben at home? Better (he had a much better completion percentage at Heinz Field last year than on the road). Now, he gets the Chiefs defense to throw on. RB Jay Ajayi, Philadelphia Eagles: The Saints put up 40 points on the Buccaneers last week, and after Ajayi scored twice against a tougher Falcons defense, I’d expect him to have a big game, particularly if the Eagles clamp down on quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ajayi is called upon to wind down the clock in the fourth. WR Emmanuel Sanders, Denver
Broncos: I have no faith in the Raiders defense, and it seems like quarterback Case Keenum and Sanders have serious chemistry. I’m willing to bet he’s a stud for a second consecutive week. TE Jordan Reed, Washington Redskins: After a TE1 performance in Week 1, he gets the Colts’ D. Giddy-up.
Duds
QB Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks: He might be without wide receiver Doug Baldwin and will play on the road against Khalil Mack and the Bears’ solid defense. Set your expectations low. RB Kenyan Drake, Miami Dolphins: The ageless Frank Gore is still a thorn in fantasy owners’ sides. Although Drake out-carried Gore, the elder running back outplayed him.
Plus, the Jets held the Lions to 39 rushing yards. WR Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles Rams: If Cooks gets a big dose of Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, quarterback Jared Goff might look elsewhere at his myriad weapons. TE Eric Ebron, Indianapolis Colts: Don’t be fooled by a surprising game in Week 1. Jack Doyle is the Colts name to own in fantasy, given how much volume he gets when paired with quarterback Andrew Luck.
Sleepers
QB Tyrod Taylor, Cleveland Browns: Remember what the Buccaneers did last week against the Saints? Well, now Taylor gets a turn. RB Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles
Chargers: Fresh off a HUGE game (39 yards rushing, 5 catches, 87 receiving yards and 1 touchdown), he’ll get the hapless Bills. Follow my thinking here: Quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon torch the Bills for a bunch of first-half points and Gordon takes a seat to let Ekeler do some work. It could result in another good stat line. WR Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans: The Texans will be without cornerback Kevin Johnson, and the Titans lost tight end Delanie Walker to injury. Does that mean the second-year receiver will break out? TE Trey Burton, Chicago Bears: The much-hyped sleeper was a dud in Week 1, but give it time. After all, he was so open for a potential touchdown last week.