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. Most of the players that will be listed are on fantasy rosters, but not normally starters.
QB Kyle Orton, ---
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Kyle Orton and the Denver Broncos return home to take on the Seattle Seahawks in week two. Orton opened the season with a decent performance, throwing for 295 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Many people wondered if Tim Tebow would cut into Orton's value this season (especially if Tebow was inserted in the red zone), but Tebow only saw the field for two plays in week one, and was not able to generate any big plays for the Broncos. Orton should not see any hit in value in the next few weeks from the presence of Tebow. Orton should have another good game this week in the Broncos' home opener against the Seahawks. The Seahawks were able to shut down Alex Smith and the 49ers in week one, but going to Denver should be a different story. Fantasy owners can expect Orton to eclipse the 200 yard mark with at least one touchdown in week two.
QB Michael Vick, ---
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Michael Vick will most likely be getting the start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles when they travel to Detroit to face the Lions in week two. Following an injury to Kevin Kolb in week one, Vick filled in admirably, throwing for 175 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 103 yards in just over one half of play. Kolb is being held out of practice until at least Friday, and with the NFL making it tough for players who suffer concussions to be cleared to play, it is unlikely that he will be behind center in Detroit. Vick is unowned in a large majority of fantasy leagues, but should be claimed immediately, as if Kolb were to suffer a more serious injury, or struggle when he returns, Vick will be a borderline QB 1 in fantasy leagues. Vick should have another good game this week in Detroit, and is a top ten quarterback option this week. Fantasy owners can expect 250 total yards and at least one touchdown from the Eagles quarterback this week.
RB Ahmad Bradshaw, ---
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Ahmad Bradshaw and the New York Giants travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts in week two. As many had speculated before the season, Bradshaw received the start and bulk of the carries out of the backfield in week one for the Giants. Bradshaw touched the ball 22 times and totaled 93 yards on the ground and through the air, and added a touchdown from inside the five yard-line. Bradshaw should continue to get the bulk of the work out of the Giants' backfield, as he has been much more effective than Brandon Jacobs. The Giants should enter the Sunday night game this week with the same game plan that the Houston Texans used to beat the Colts in week one. This will include pounding the Colts in the run game, as they were gashed for 233 yards and three touchdowns by Arian Foster in week one. Bradshaw should touch the ball 20 times again this week, and should eclipse the 100 total yard mark with one touchdown against the Colts.
RB Brandon Jackson, ---
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Only owned in about 20 percent of leagues before week one, Brandon Jackson should be owned in 100 percent of leagues right now, following the season ending injury suffered by Ryan Grant. Grant's injury opens the door for Jackson to be the Packers full time starter at running back. Jackson and the Packers return home this week to take on the Bills in their home opener. The Packers should be able to move the ball up and down the field on the lowly Bills, giving Jackson an excellent opportunity to make a great first impression as the Packers starting running back. Fantasy owners who are lucky enough to win claims for Jackson can feel comfortable immediately inserting him into your starting lineups and can expect about 100 total yards and one touchdown from the Packers starting running back.
WR Devin Aromashodu, ---
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Devin Aromashodu and the Chicago Bears travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys in week two. Aromashodu caught five passes for 71 yards in week one, but more importantly, was targeted more than any other Bears wide receiver by quarterback Jay Cutler. Cutler looked to Aromashodu early and often, and should continue to target him as the season moves forward. Aromashodu could have had an even bigger game in week one if it were not for a few drops, including one in the endzone. Aromashodu played well at the end of the 2009 season and it looks like he will continue his hot streak this season. Fantasy owners should get Devin Aromashodu into their lineups as a WR 3 and can expect 70 receiving yards and one touchdown from the Bears' wide receiver this week.
