Bob Henry looks at a variety of players that have an opportunity to outperform their normal production/expectations. Each position is analyzed looking at matchups, injuries and other factors such as coaching decisions or game conditions.
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QUARTERBACKS
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Ben Roethlisberger, Pit at OAK
There are two key statistics that stand out when looking at this week’s matchup between Roethlisberger and the Raiders defense: two sacks and no interceptions. The Raiders lost their top corner (Ronald Bartell) with a shoulder injury last week and now their other starting corner (Shawntae Spencer) is out with a sprained foot. Allowing a completion rate of 67% already, the Raiders will have a long afternoon unless they find a way to generate pressure on Roethlisberger, who extends plays as well as any quarterback in the league. Ben completed 65% of his passes for 520 yards, 4 TDs and 1 INT going against much tougher secondaries in Denver and against the Jets; he should have no problem topping 20 fantasy points against the Raiders.
Andrew Luck, IND vs. Jac
Luck threw 45 passes for 309 yards in the season opener in Chicago, but he produced only 15 fantasy points as the Colts lost 41-21. Last week, he threw only 31 passes for 224 yards, but with two touchdowns and no interceptions, Luck produced a solid 23 points. This week, we expect Luck to have another very efficient game against a Jags defense that hasn’t given up a passing TD in two games. On the flip side, they haven’t intercepted a pass yet, have just two sacks to their credit, and Christian Ponder and Matt Schaub completed 74% of their passes against them. If Luck has time to setup in the pocket, it will be a long day for the Jags secondary, especially if Austin Collie is able to return to the field.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Jake Locker, TEN vs. Det
The Lions secondary seems to be getting it done with smoke and mirrors because they have been without three of their four starters in the first two games. Somehow, they’ve limited the damage allowing just 3 completions of 20+ yards, but opposing quarterbacks have a passer rating of 106.5 and a 66% completion rate against them with 3 TDs and no picks. Locker will probably face a steady pass rush given the offensive line problems they’ve had so far, but with Kenny Britt rounding into shape, I expect Locker to do what he does best in this game – create plays. Locker’s ability to escape pressure and create plays with his legs might be the “X” factor this week and allow him to expose the Lions secondary – something that Sam Bradford couldn’t do and Alex Smith didn’t need to do.
Jay Cutler, CHI vs. Stl
As badly as Jay Cutler played last week in the face of a ferocious Packers pass rush, I expect him to rebound nicely at home this week against a Rams defense that has recorded only 2 sacks so far. That’s not to say the Rams defense is an easy matchup. They’re not necessarily easy, but they have allowed the fourth most fantasy points to opposing QBs – 281 yards and 1 TD per game. Granted, they’ve already played Matthew Stafford and Robert Griffin III, but if Cutler has time to setup in the pocket and locate his receivers downfield, then the Bears become a very dangerous offensive team. While I’m not a fan of Cutler personally, I expect him to rebound at home with a couple extra days to fix the protection problems and prepare for the Rams.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Andy Dalton, Cin at WAS
There are a few reasons to like Dalton this week. The emergence of Andrew Hawkins in the slot as a dynamic playmaker after the catch will do wonders for this offense. The injuries to the Redskins front seven provide another reason to tilt this matchup in the Bengals and Dalton’s favor. Brian Orakpo’s absence in particular means the Bengals can cheat to Ryan Kerrigan’s side and, finally, the Redskins have allowed the third most points to QBs through two weeks: 325 passing yards, 3 TDs and 1.5 INTs per game. Last week, Sam Bradford carved them up for 310 yards and 3 TDs. Dalton may flirt with 300 yards and I expect him to throw for no less than 2 TDs.
Matt Cassel, KC at NO
Cam Newton and Robert Griffin III have a combined 135.5 passer rating against the Saints defense and a 72% completion rate while averaging 12.5 YPC with 3 TDs and no interceptions. That’s ridiculous. You can’t expect Matt Cassel to maintain those lofty standards, but it’s encouraging for Cassel’s chances of having high QB2 upside this week. The Saints have 3 sacks and they’ve allowed the most 20+ yard completions in the league with 12. In a game where the Saints hope to get back on track at home, the Chiefs will probably be playing from behind for the third week in a row. It’s a solid matchup for the Chiefs pass offense and Cassel should have plenty of appeal owners in 2-QB leagues or those with 14 to 16 or more teams.
If you’re desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, Buf at CLE
It’s hard to have much faith in Fitzpatrick after his lackluster performance in Week 1 and his annual collapse in the second half of the last two seasons. In last week’s blowout win over the Chiefs, he threw just 19 passes and he failed to produce 200 yards in either game. That said, Fitzpatrick has five touchdowns to his credit already and he faces a Joe Haden-less Browns defense that has allowed 25 fantasy points per game through two weeks. Last week, Andy Dalton completed 24-of-31 for 318 yards, three TDs and one interception against them.
Brandon Weeden, CLE vs. Buf
After a miserable performance against the Eagles defense in Week 1, Weeden rebounded nicely against a porous Bengals secondary in Week 2 with 322 yards and 2 TDs. After completing 34% of his passes in the opener, Weeden completed 70% of his passes last week. It was like night and day. This week, Weeden has a good shot of building on the success he had last week against a Bills defense that has allowed 284 yards and 2.5 TDs per game despite not facing any elite quarterbacks (Sanchez and Cassel), and they’ve allowed nine pass plays of 40+ yards.
RUNNING BACKS
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Michael Bush, CHI vs. Stl
Matt Forte has been ruled out for this weekend’s game vs. St. Louis. The Rams allowed Kevin Smith a total of 91 yards and 2 TDs in the opener and Alfred Morris 89 yards. As long as Forte is sidelined, Bush figures to pick up plenty of work in the passing game as well as hold down his role as the team’s designated goal line back. Bush is a strong candidate for 80+ yards and at least one touchdown.
Alfred Morris, WAS vs. Cin
As crazy as Mike Shanahan has been shuffling his running backs in and out of the lineup; he has been incredibly steadfast in his usage of Alfred Morris through the first two games. Morris has taken 44 of the team’s 50 handoffs so far with Roy Helu and Evan Royster each getting some looks in passing situations. Morris has scored twice and averaged 4.2 YPC to enter this week’s game ranked among the top 10 YTD. The Bengals have allowed the third most fantasy points thus far to RBs, although a big chunk of that production has been in the passing game. Morris remains a solid RB2/flex option, but the matchup seems to favor the Helu/Royster combo more than Morris unless Shanahan quickly reverts back to his maniacal ways.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Donald Brown, IND vs. Jac
In four career appearances against the divisional rival Jaguars, Brown’s production has been rather modest averaging 12 carries for 60 yards and just over 2 receptions for 12 yards with 1 rushing TD – a weekly average of RB32. The good news is that Brown didn’t start in half of those games and through two games the Jags have been owned on the ground by opposing RBs to the tune of 35 carries for 161 yards and 2.5 TDs per game. It’s fair to say that their opponents have been difficult matchups (Foster/Tate and Adrian Peterson), but the Colts are at home and we should expect Brown to have 15 or more carries and a reasonable chance of finding the endzone. The Jags are the early #1 matchup for RBs, but given the backs they’ve faced so far we’ll go with Brown as a solid sleeper with breakout potential, but what keeps him from the category above is that he hasn’t been used at all in the passing game yet.
Isaac Redman, Pit at OAK
Jonathan Dwyer is expected to play this week, but he’s working through a mild case of turf toe. That doesn’t necessarily mean that Redman will see more touches, but turf toe is a tricky injury for a running back and if Dwyer aggravates if, then Redman could certainly see a spike in touches against a Raiders defense that lost both of their starting corner and may very well be without starting MLB Rolando McClain (concussion/ankle). Oakland was already a solid matchup after Reggie Bush’s breakout game last week for 197 yards and two scores. Redman will never be a threat to break long touchdown runs as Bush is, but if Dwyer is limited at all, he could be a volume play. He could easily get 20 carries this week and finish over 75 yards with another score.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Kevin Smith, Det at TEN
Smith’s window of opportunity might be closing fast with Mikel Leshoure expected to make his debut this week after missing the first two games due to suspension. The Titans are a strong matchup allowing the fourth most fantasy points to RBs – or 35 carries, 148 yards, 1.5 TDs per game (and 5-38-0 receiving). Smith’s downside just might be Leshoure’s upside. According to the Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, “We’ll see how much he’s ready to go in this game but he’ll certainly be involved heavily in the game plan and we’ll go from there… We’ve always felt like he was going to be a big boost for us once he came back in the lineup.” Owners in deeper leagues might take a flyer on Leshoure and hope he gets a crack or two at the goal-line, otherwise, Smith remains a decent RB3/flex option in leagues with 12 or more teams.
Pierre Thomas and Mark Ingram, NO vs. KC
KC has been blown out in their first two games and the Saints could certainly use an easier game to get their offense and team back on track. The Chiefs are allowing 24-115-1 and 3-30-0 to opposing RBs. Thomas and Ingram were both able to get into a rhythm last week and we believe they’ll be able to do the same this week. The key with Ingram is crossing the goal line. This matchup appears to be favorable in that regard and, as for Thomas, while he’s listed as the team’s starter, one shouldn’t expect any more than a split of the carries and some targets in the passing game. These two could get a bigger workload than usual if the Saints are able to handle the Chiefs as easily as Atlanta and Buffalo did, but don’t expect another breakout like Thomas delivered last week. Thomas and Ingram are both best used as RB3/flex plays.
If you’re desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Mikel Leshoure, Det at TEN
See above. Depending on how he looks on the field Sunday, Leshoure could play a small role or a larger role. It all depends on his conditioning. Typically, backs returning from a torn Achilles struggle to regain their explosion right away, so we might not see a healthy Leshoure all year. That said, the Lions were counting on him to be their “second half” back pre-injury. If he demonstrates some burst or power, it’s possible that he could handle more carries than expected, particularly those important ones at the goal line.
Bilal Powell, NYJ at MIA
Powell looked good while filling in briefly for Shonn Greene after he appeared to be concussed in last week’s game. Powell looked the part and he certainly seemed to have more bounce to him than Greene so perhaps the Jets will want to give Powell more opportunity this week to spell Greene. The Dolphins are strong against the run, but they’ve allowed 6-69-0.5 to running backs in the passing game. If Greene is stuffed early and often, perhaps Rex Ryan will call Powell’s number to see if he can provide a spark for the offense.
Daryl Richardson, Stl at CHI
Steven Jackson’s status is still up in the air, and even if he plays, it’s possible that he’ll yield more carries to Richardson, who filled in rather well for Jackson last week. The Bears aren’t a very good matchup for opposing RBs, so Richardson’s value depends on the status of Jackson.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Lance Moore, NO vs. KC
Devery Henderson’s return will help the Saints offense as a viable deep threat, something they lack when he’s not in the lineup. Moore has as many as targets as Marques Colston and he has more catches, yards and TDs through the first two games, although both pale in comparison to Darren Sproles’ 22 targets and 18 receptions. Steve Johnson, Roddy White and Julio Jones all caught a touchdown or produced at least 87 yards against the Chiefs, making Moore a quality WR3/flex play this week whether Henderson is able to return or not.
Laurent Robinson, Jac at IND
Robinson has actually been more productive in the first two games than top pick Justin Blackmon. Robinson holds a 15-to-10 edge in targets over Blackmon and his 8-115-0 dwarfs Blackmon’s 3-24-0 so far. Blackmon will probably wind up the team’s leading receiver this year, but first he needs to learn the offense and refine his route running. Blaine Gabbert expects to play this week after leaving last week’s game early. The Colts have been carved up in the first two games by the opposing team’s top receiver as Percy Harvin caught 12 balls for 104 yards and Brandon Marshall hauled in 9 balls for 119 yards and a TD. Overall, the Colts have allowed the fourth most points to WRs in standard scoring and the fifth most in PPR leagues.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Andrew Hawkins, Cin at WAS
The Redskins have allowed the sixth most points through two weeks to opposing WRs – 16-227-1.5 per game and their pass rush took a big hit last week losing Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker for the season with injuries. Last week, Danny Amendola stormed the Skins by catching 15 balls for 160 yards and a TD and, in the previous week, Lance Moore broke out with 6-120-1. Hawkins is a legit playmaker with speed to burn and plenty of wiggle to rack up yards after the catch on short dump offs working out of the slot.
Brian Hartline, MIA vs. NYJ
Hartline broke out last week against the Raiders porous secondary and Hartline’s owners are hoping that Darrelle Revis remains sidelined for this week’s matchup. Otherwise, Hartline goes from being a decent reach in bigger leagues to someone best left on the bench for another cushy matchup like they had last week against the Raiders. Hartline has led the team in targets in both games. He also leads the team in catches and yards. Even if Revis is out it won’t be an easy matchup as none of the Steelers or the Browns starting receivers broke 80 yards, although three of them caught TDs and finished with double-digit fantasy points.
Mohammad Massaquoi, CLE vs. Buf
The Bills have been a strong matchup thus far for opposing receivers and Massaquoi has been a pleasant surprise as well for the Browns, leading the team in three key receiving stats: 15 targets, 8 receptions and 131 yards. What makes Massaquoi even more interesting is that he has led the team in targets in both games and if there’s one thing we like as much as good stats, it’s consistently good stats even if it’s only two games.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Kevin Ogletree, DAL vs. TB
Even though Ogletree was targeted just once last week, he still leads the Cowboys with nine receptions, 140 yards, 2 TDs and a 75% catch rate. Maybe week one was a fluke, but the Buccaneers are without nickel corner E.J. Biggers and Ronde Barber will probably spend more time covering Jason Witten. The Bucs are the #1 matchup for receivers through two weeks, so don’t be afraid to go back to the well with Ogletree if you’re in a pinch. Romo and the Cowboys should produce plenty of big plays in this matchup.
Randy Moss, SF at MIN
The Randy Moss reunion tour will be making a stop in Minnesota this weekend. Moss isn’t being utilized as a starting receiver necessarily, but he is getting enough snaps to be rostered in most leagues. The Vikings secondary hasn’t played particularly well so far allowing 14-181-1 per game to receivers and Moss cashed in on the first stop of his tour in Green Bay. Donnie Avery (9-111-0) and Reggie Wayne (6-71-1) posted big numbers against the Vikings last week and, in Week 1, Cecil Shorts converted his four targets into 4-74-1 and Laurent Robinson produced 5-66-0. If Moss were playing more than 30% of the snaps as he has in the first two games, he’d be a prime sleeper, but as it stands, he’s more of a boom/bust option as a touchdown/deep threat than anything else.
Josh Morgan, WAS vs. Cin
The four starting receivers that faced the Bengals so far have averaged 10 points and all produced at least 7 points. And we’re talking about Greg Little, Mo Massaquoi, Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith here, meaning no elite receivers in that bunch. If the Bengals secondary struggled against these guys, then you can expect them to have some problems with Morgan and Pierre Garcon, or whoever ends up playing in his stead: Aldrick Robinson or Leonard Hankerson. Morgan saw 5 targets last week, catching them all for 50 yards. He’s more of a WR5/WR6, but it’s a favorable matchup that could yield WR4/flex production.
If you’re desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Donald Jones, Buf at CLE
Jones is third among the Bills with 10 targets and, last week, the Bills didn’t have many targets to go around after building a big early lead against the Chiefs. On the road at Cleveland facing a Browns team that won’t have Joe Haden in the lineup, the Bills passing game has a favorable matchup and one that could see a one-game boost for Jones. I don’t expect the Bills to trounce the Browns on their home field so there should be more opportunity for Jones and the Bills receivers this week overall.
Jonathan Baldwin, KC at NO
With Jabari Greer and Johnny Patrick hurt, the Saints have turned to Corey White to start opposite Patrick Robinson and opponents have taken advantage. Dwayne Bowe is probably due for another big game although Dexter McCluster and Jonathan Baldwin get an upgrade as well. In Week 1, McCluster led the team in targets, but last week Baldwin was second behind Bowe with six to McCluster’s five. Three of the four starting WRs have produced 90 or more yards. Baldwin’s far from a refined product, but he has big play potential if he can take advantage of the Saints struggling secondary.
Julian Edelman, NE at BAL
Edelman had a moderate box score of 5-50-0 last week on six targets. He started ahead of Wes Welker and he could continue to see more targets and production this week. With Aaron Hernandez sidelined, Edelman ostensibly moves up to the No. 4 guy for targets and production. Of the four receivers that started against the Ravens all four have produced 70 yards or caught a TD. Edelman is technically a starter at this point, but it remains to be seen if his role will grow or change as Welker almost certainly will see more snaps in the slot with Hernandez out.
TIGHT ENDS
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Dennis Pitta, BAL vs. NE
Pitta has gotten off to a fast start as Joe Flacco’s new favorite receiver in the Ravens new look, no huddle, up tempo offense. With 24 targets in the first two games he has 10 more than any other Ravens player and every other tight end in the league. As a matter of fact, only four players have seen more targets than Pitta (Cruz, McFadden, Wayne and Amendola). The tricky thing with the Ravens tight ends last year was always predicting which one would be hot any given week. So far, the targets and stats are heavily tilted towards Pitta and it sure feels like Joe Flacco is locked in on him as a primary target, even if it’s not always his first read. The Patriots have allowed solid production to the tight ends they’ve faced so far, too: Todd Heap (5-62-0) and Jared Cook (4-64-0).
Kyle Rudolph, MIN vs SF
If you haven’t done it already, it’s time to put Rudolph into your lineup. He played every snap last week and he’s proving to be a legitimate player – real and fantasy. The offseason buzz surrounding him was not a bunch of hot air. Rudolph has performed well in both games and he faces a tough 49ers defense that has allowed the fifth most points to TEs. Brandon Pettigrew and Jermichael Finley each found the end zone against the Niners and Rudolph could very well make it three-in-a-row. In the year forward projections, Rudolph is solidly among the TE1 range, but for those of you in smaller leagues that are not quite there yet – this paragraph is for you.
Owen Daniels, Hou at DEN
The depth at tight end this year has made players like Daniels, who were once considered solid, if not low TE1s to be viewed more as TE2s now. Daniels has been solidly productive in each of the first two games and he’s firmly the No. 2 man in the Texans passing attack – even if their play calling is far more run heavy now than it was two years ago. Daniels is healthy and targeted enough to warrant a start as your TE1 considering that the Broncos have allowed the 3rd most points to TEs thus far. Tony Gonzalez (7-70-1) and Heath Miller (4-50-1) both caught TD passes and topped 50 yards against them, so there’s no reason to think that Daniels can’t do the same.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
Coby Fleener, IND vs. Jac
Fleener had a very productive Week 1 only to fall off the radar in Week 2. This week, I suspect that he’ll re-emerge against a Jaguars defense that has been touched up by similar tight ends in the first two games. The Jags are allowing an average of 8-74-0 to tight ends led by Owen Daniels (6-47-0) and Kyle Rudolph (5-67-0).
Jared Cook, TEN vs. Det
Cook has been inconsistently productive throughout the first two games, but with Louis Delmas and the Lions secondary limping through the early part of the season with injuries, Cook has a favorable matchup on tap for this weekend as the Lions have allowed the 5th most points to TEs so far. Vernon Davis beat the Lions for a pair of touchdowns on Sunday night finishing with 5-73-2.
Scott Chandler, Buf at CLE
Chandler emerged as a viable red zone target last year and it looks as though he might expand on that role this year, especially with David Nelson landing on injured reserve. Chandler is currently second on the Bills with 11 targets, behind only Steve Johnson, and he’s arguably the team’s top red zone option. If not, he’s at least a close 2nd behind Johnson. Jermaine Gresham produced only 4-37-0 against the Browns last week, but Brent Celek had 4-65-0 and backup Clay Harbor chipped in with 3-16-1 in Week 1.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
Dustin Keller, NYJ at MIA
Keller is averaging 8.5 targets, 4.5 catches for 57 yards and 0.75 TDs in his last four games against the Dolphins giving him an average production of TE11. The Dolphins have allowed the fourth most points to TEs through two games with Owen Daniels (4-87-0) and Brandon Myers (6-86-0) being the ones who’ve done the bulk of the damage against them. Needless to say, it’s all about Keller’s hamstring and availability this week. After suffering a setback in practice last week, Keller may not be ready this week, but there appears to be some optimism that he could return. Expect him to be a game-time decision. He’s a risky option if he does go, but still someone to consider in deeper leagues even with his hamstring not at 100%.
If you’re desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
Tony Scheffler, Det at TEN
The Titans have allowed more than twice as many fantasy points to tight ends as the next closest defense through two games: 10-114-2.5 per game. Dante Rosario filled in for Antonio Gates and caught 3 TDs last week and both Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski caught six balls for 50+ yards and a TD in Week 1. Obviously, Scheffler is like Matthew Stafford’s fourth or fifth option in the passing game, but if you’re in a deep league or starting multiple flex players, then perhaps Scheffler is a decent reach considering that he’s caught an inordinate amount of touchdowns for the number of receptions he’s made since becoming a Lion.
Zach Miller / Anthony McCoy, SEA vs. GB
Last week, Miller left the game early with a sprained foot as Anthony McCoy took over and finished the game for the Seahawks. McCoy was targeted five times catching 5 balls for 41 yards and a TD. Meanwhile, both tight ends that played the Packers caught touchdowns as Kellen Davis reeled in his only catch for a 21-yard TD and Vernon Davis came away with 3-43-1 in Week 1. The Seahawks haven’t utilized their tight ends much, but McCoy’s five targets in less than a full game last week was a good sign. If Miller isn’t ready to go this week, grab McCoy off waivers and give him a shot.
Dallas Clark, TB at DAL
Luke Stocker started for the Bucs last week and Clark’s role is primarily on passing downs, which could come in abundance in this week’s game in Dallas. The Cowboys have allowed a touchdown in both games played so far as Seahawks backup Anthony McCoy caught five balls for 41 yards and a TD while filling in for Zach Miller (sprained foot) on Sunday. In Week 1, Martellus Bennett produced 4-40-1. Given Clark’s role, he’s far from a reliable fantasy starter, but he could offer some upside after being targeted 5 times last week for 4 catches and 33 yards.
Kellen Winslow, NE at BAL
It’s unlikely that Kellen Winslow will have enough practice time to be a big part of the Patriots game plan this week, but the matchup is favorable. The Ravens have allowed an average of 6-103-0 to tight ends in their first two games, thanks to Brent Celek’s breakout 8-157-0 game on Sunday. If you’re in an insane 20-team league like I am, and you have Dustin Keller, as I do, then Winslow might be your best bet.
DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS
It’s not a good week to play the defense-by-committee strategy, but nevertheless here are some that might be worth a look.
Prime Cut (Great matchup, strong sleeper)
Detroit at Tennessee
Not much is going well for the Titans through the first two games. Jake Locker is struggling. Chris Johnson isn’t running with conviction. Perhaps the root cause is the struggles of the offensive line, which is baffling considering the resume of Head Coach Mike Munchak. The Lions defense has its own problems, but the defensive line play isn’t near the top of the list. The Lions’ seven sacks are fourth most and they’ve somehow limited opponents to just 3 pass plays of 20+ yards – lowest in the league – despite an injury riddled secondary. With Kenny Britt still getting his football legs underneath him and Nate Washington working through a calf injury, the Lions are catching the Titans at the right time. Detroit also expects to have Chris Houston back in the lineup Sunday. Advantage: Detroit.
Worth a Gamble (Good matchup, solid sleeper)
ARIZONA vs. Philadelphia
The Eagles have managed to pull out a pair of wins despite numerous turnovers and protection problems up front for Michael Vick. Meanwhile, the Cardinals defense has played well in games against Seattle and New England. They became the first team to hold the Patriots under 20 points since they began playing at Gillette Stadium. Holding opponents to a passer rating of 72.3 with 7 sacks and 3 turnovers to their credit, Arizona presents some problems for Michael Vick. Philly has allowed 4 sacks and turned over the football six times.
Solid Reach (backup / situational player with upside)
INDIANAPOLIS vs. Jacksonville
It has been a tale of two quarterbacks with Blaine Gabbert through the first two games. After looking like he has made impressive strides in their season opener against Minnesota, he reverted back to his rookie ways against the dominant Houston defense in Week 2. The Colts defense is probably closer to the Vikings than the Texans are, but in the noisy confines of Lucas Oil Stadium, I expect Gabbert to have his moments – good and bad.
If you’re desperate (worth a look in deeper leagues)
MIAMI vs. NY Jets
Where the Dolphins offense remains a work in progress with a talented (but rookie) quarterback and a group of unheralded, pedestrian receivers, their run defense is among the more stout in the NFL allowing just 2.2 YPC. In 2011, Mark Sanchez averaged 204 yards passing with 3 TDs and 3 INTs against Miami and he was sacked 4 times. The Jets struggled to generate any offense against a tough Steelers defense last week. The Dolphins are not on the same level as Pittsburgh, but they could present problems for the Jets on the ground as well as protecting Sanchez.
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