Week 2: Sleepers of the Week
If one of your normal starters is injured or facing a tough match-up, here are some players you might consider starting in their place. While these players may not be every week starters, they are good bets to perform well this week.
QB Brett Favre, ---
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Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit to face the lowly Lions in week two. Favre had a mediocre debut for the Vikings, only attempting 21 passes, completing 14 of them for 110 yards and one touchdown. Favre is going to be handing off to Adrian Peterson a ton this season, and his pass attempts will be far lower than in the past. While Favre will not be throwing as many times as before, he is a good play this week in 2 QB leagues, or if your starter is injured. If you have Brett Favre on your team, then this is one of your best opportunities to use him this season. The Lions allowed Drew Brees to throw for more than 350 yards and an amazing six touchdowns in week one. While Favre will not come close to matching Brees' great numbers from week one, he should be able to top 200 yards and throw at least on touchdown in Detroit.
QB Matt Hasselbeck, ---
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Matt Hasselbeck and the Seattle Seahawks travel to San Francisco for a key divisional match-up with the 49ers in week two. Hasselbeck started his season well against the Rams in week one, tallying 279 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in a 28-0 win for the Seahawks. Hasselbeck will face a tougher match-up against a 49ers defense that kept the Arizona Cardinals in check in week one. The 49ers defense looks to be improved since last season, but I still expect Hasselbeck to put up good numbers this week. While it is not the best possible match-up, Hasselbeck should be fired up to have a good game against a division rival. I expect Hasselbeck to throw for at least 200 yards and one touchdown against the 49ers in week two.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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Kyle Orton and the Denver Broncos return home to face the Cleveland Browns in week two. Orton turned in a poor fantasy performance in week one until the final play of the game in which he luckily found Brandon Stokley for an 87 yard touchdown (which won the game for the Broncos, and turned his poor day into a decent one). Orton finished week one with 243 yards and one touchdown, with no interceptions. Orton has another good match-up this week against a Browns defense that was absolutely run over by the Vikings in week one. The Broncos do not have the running attack that the Vikings do, and should throw the ball enough to make Orton a good fantasy play in week two. Fantasy owners in 2 QB leagues, or who have an injured starter, can insert Orton into their lineups and expect at least 200 passing yards and one touchdown.
RB Fred Jackson, ---
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Fred Jackson and the Buffalo Bills return home to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in week two. Jackson took advantage of his opportunity to start for the Bills in week one with 140 total yards and one touchdown against the New England Patriots. Jackson was effective running the ball and racked up 57 yards on 15 carries, while also adding an impressive 83 yards on five receptions in the passing game. Jackson should be able to continue his excellent start against a Buccaneers defense that was torched by the Dallas Cowboys in week one. The Bills will use Jackson in both the running and passing games, and he should touch the ball close to 20 times in week two. Fantasy owners should get Fred Jackson into their lineups and can expect close to 100 total yards and one touchdown from the Bills' running back.
RB Darren McFadden, ---
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Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs in week two. McFadden opened the season with a good performance against the San Diego Chargers, rushing for 68 yards on 17 carries, and adding 25 receiving yards on two receptions. McFadden looked explosive against the Chargers' defense, and should have an even better game this week against a poor Kansas City defense. The Raiders are going to have to rely on the running game this season as Jamarcus Russell is unable to lead the Raiders offense with his poor accuracy. McFadden has clearly passed the injured Justin Fargas on the Raiders' depth chart. While he may lose goal line carries to Michael Bush, McFadden is the Raiders' best (and most explosive) offensive player. Fantasy owners should start Darren McFadden and can expect close to 100 total yards and his first touchdown of the season in week two.
