Week 2: Sit 'Em
Last week's round-up: Chris Johnson -- prediction was just over 60 yards with a few receptions for short yardage; actual: 57 yards 1 rec 11 yards
LenDale White -- prediction: 25-35 yards; actual: 28 yards 1 rec 5 yards
Clinton Portis -- prediction: 75 yards; actual: 62 yards 1 rec 10 yards
Willie Parker -- prediction: low end of 50-70 yards; actual: 19 yards 1 rec 5 yards
Tory Holt -- Jones Drew will steal the show -- 3 rec 47 yards
Brandon Marshall -- 4 rec 27 yards
Braylon Edwards -- a few receptions, maybe one for longer yardage -- 1 rec 12 yards
Cadillac Williams -- Overshadowed by Ward -- 97 yards 1 TD
QB Drew Brees, ---
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In Week 2 Brees faces the Philadelphia defense that had a huge Week 1, with 5 interceptions, a touchdown and more. The pressure from the Philadelphia defense will limit Drew's production unlike his monster performance in Week 1. Brees will have an average week in Week 2. We have seen Brees have ups and downs during past seasons and I think Philadelphia will be energized and swarm the New Orleans offense. This could mean running lanes will be open and there might be a ground focus. Philadelphia can also stifle the run, but Bell and Bush will likely succeed in breaking them down enough to gain solid yardage.
QB Jay Cutler, ---
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Jay Cutler had 4 interceptions in Week 1, so this week vs Pittsburgh will be a challenge. Cutler has vowed to play better, but until Chicago gets their offense in sync the situation is not positive. Cutler needs to focus his squad and provide leadership, especially with the loss of Brian Urlacher to injury. This loss on the defense is a blow to Chicago and they need to turn around their game plan. Cutler has the arm and needs to get his deep receivers on cue. Unfortunately his short passing was not great last week. I think Cutler is going to have a break-in period in Chicago; until he gets comfortable, it will be up and down.
RB Tim Hightower, ---
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I agree that Hightower is an upgrade and should be considered of value in point per reception leagues. If you are not in a PPR league, well his ground game is brutal so far. Hightower's super receiving in Week 1 was not expected. However, teams will catch up with this and shut down the short passing game. Jacksonville should keep this game moving on the ground and force Arizona into some passing situations that result in Warner interceptions; he had 2 in Week 1. This week I think Hightower will be covered and not be as productive. Personally I am looking to sell high with Hightower in my league.
RB Steve Slaton, ---
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Steve Slaton was not great in week 1 versus New York. I was banking on Slaton to be much more productive than he was. He did have a solid game against Tennessee last season, but Tennessee shut down Willie Parker last week and can block running lanes. Houston will likely be forced to the air. Slaton might play a factor in the air attack, but will likely be limited.
RB LaDainian Tomlinson, ---
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LT versus Baltimore is not a great match-up this week. Predicting the poor performance of a stud running back is a tough call, but this week will be tough for San Diego on the ground. Tomlinson will not practice until tomorrow because of the ankle injury he suffered in Week 1. His ability to practice at full speed will give us an idea of how he will play this week. Any way I look at this situation, Sproles will have an increased workload.
