Week 2: Pickups of the Week
WR Mohamed Massaquoi, ---
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No one's going to get rich betting on the Browns' offense this season. Running backs split carries, nine receivers caught a pass or so each, Delhomme was characteristically erratic and the team managed only two scores against lowly Tampa Bay. The glimmer of hope, however, was how Cleveland showed a propensity for the big strike. A 49 yard catch-and-run by tight end Evan Moore, a 39 yard scamper by Jerome Harrison, and a 41 yard TD grab by Mohamed Massaquoi marked a few bright bursts of activity. Massaquoi is the talent in the Cleveland passing game and, if you can tolerate the ups and downs, he should pay dividends with occasional strong fantasy performances.
WR Mike Williams, ---
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Who saw this coming? The Seahawks thumped the 49ers and did so with an efficient passing attack (and a suffocating defense). Seattle's running game was a complete patchwork, but good things were brewing at the hands of Matt Hasslebeck and his receivers. The most promising development was a budding chemistry between the balding pivot and new weapon Mike Williams. The two very nearly connected on a touchdown pass as Williams looked all but uncoverable. He should continue to gain confidence through the season and could round into a top-flight fantasy option down the road. Definitely one to store on your bench for a rainy day, though you should expect some inconsistency from Williams and the Seahawks' offense this year.
TE Jermaine Gresham, ---
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We recommended Gresham last week and his week 1 performance certainly bore out the preseason hype. We thought he'd be a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and New England had tons of trouble keeping him contained as he managed six catches and a TD in his NFL premier appearance. Carson Palmer matched Peyton Manning's 50-plus pass output, but you can safely expect that aerial dependence to be dialed back in the coming weeks. Still, Palmer's trust in the rookie is an important indicator that Gresham will be a valued cog in the offensive wheel going forward. As a second fantasy tight end, he's risk free. He looks like a good bye week play going forward and has the upside to offer more in the future.
TE Tony Scheffler, ---
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Scheffler led the team in catches and trailed only Calvin Johnson in targets during his team's week 1 heartbreaker to the Bears. Right now, he looks to be firmly entrenched as the Lions' top safety valve and secondary target. Shaun Hill doesn't offer the vertical dimension of a Matthew Stafford and with Hill at the helm, at least for next week, the team will have to lean on a shorter passing game featuring heavy doses of Scheffler. In PPR leagues, Scheffler could be a major factor for at least as long as Stafford is on the shelf. When Stafford returns, Scheffler will still be a good matchup or bye week play. He's been a fantasy force before (in Denver), so don't doubt his skills. Unless you own one of the elite tight ends, this week would be a good opportunity to test drive Scheffler as he faces an Eagles squad that's often generous to opposing TEs.
Tennessee
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Tennessee shut down Oakland and now moves on to face a Pittsburgh team that is without Ben Roethlisberger and struggled to score last week against Atlanta. The Titans are for real, equally fierce against the run and the pass, and a legitimate fantasy defense worth monitoring.
Remember to read all our columns for this week and use our Who To Start Rankings
