Boy, week one was a mess. Arian Foster was fine. Adrian Peterson was a beast. And the Packers and Saints lost at home. There’s more to dip our toes into, but the week one waters are still cold and give me fantasy nightmares. I’d rather just move onto week two, where we have a better idea of what player roles and matchups should be. At least, that’s the hope.
Once again I am here to give some analysis on the latest injury news, while touching on some other super useful information that you probably, maybe can’t find anywhere else. And here we go…
Injury Watch
John Skelton, QB, Arizona Cardinals
As if you actually would ever use the guy. Still, Skelton is out and Kevin Kolb is in. Kolb might actually have a snowball’s chance in heck to perform well against a shaky Pats’ secondary. So, you’re telling me there’s a chance…
Ryan Mathews, RB, San Diego Chargers
Mathews has a shot to play this week, but he’s an obvious risk due to the fact that he could be extremely limited or possibly doesn’t even play. He does have a real shot, though, and the Titans can be run on. He’s worth a shot in the Flex if he’s active, but hopefully you have two solid options to keep you from depending on him as a RB1 or RB2.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants
Nicks is listed as questionable this week, but I’m not too worried about his status. He could draw Aqib Talib, though, and that could spell fantasy trouble. Whoever draws Eric Wright between Nicks and Victor Cruz could be in for a big day, however.
Jeremy Maclin/DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
Both of Philly’s stud receivers are on the injury report this week and are “questionable” to face a tough Ravens defense. Both are expected to be game-time decisions, but my guess is Maclin sits and D-Jax plays. If one or both sits, it could severely impact Michael Vick’s value badly in an already tough matchup.
Pierre Garcon, WR, Washington Redskins
Garcon (foot) is a true game-time decision for Sunday, and that’s pretty scary. He plays in a late game this week, so I’m passing on him. He’ll likely be fairly limited, anyways. This helps Adrick Robinson, Santana Moss and Fred Davis, but ultimately negatively affects RG3′s value for week two.
Nate Washington, WR, Tennessee Titans
Washington could possibly be in danger of missing week two with an apparent calf injury. No one really knows his status yet, but if he’s out rookie receiver Kendall Wright’s value could sky-rocket. Tight end Jared Cook could also see extra targets if that ends up being the case.
Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders
Moore is currently listed as “probable” against the Dolphins, but I don’t think I’ll risk it with him this week. His hammy could easily flare up, and he could be limited to begin with. If he’s for sure active and you don’t have other options, however, he definitely has a matchup worth taking a risk on in the Dolphins.
Austin Collie, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Collie is listed as doubtful this week with still lingering concussion issues, so it’s pretty unlikely he suits up. Keep tabs on his situation, however, as he could shape up to be a heck of a WR3 against a weak Vikings pass defense if he’s cleared to play.
Role Circus
Alfred Morris and Co.
Rashad Jennings is out and Maurice Jones-Drew is in. You can count on the majority of the touches, but you can’t necessarily count on a superstar performance. He is facing the Houston Texans, after all.
MJD Reigns Supreme Again
Everyone and their brother is waiting for Mike Shanahan to spit in Alfred Morris’ soup, but don’t count on it. The Rams aren’t a beast against the run and the dude got 28 carries in his NFL debut. I like similar results in his second rock concert.
Steelers Backfield
I’m really not a fan of using any Pittsburgh backs against the Jets this week, but C.J. Spiller did just go off on them for 169 rushing yards. It’s still a fairly even split, but Jonathan Dwyer is expected to see more carries going forward, so I’d use him over Isaac Redman.
Kenny’s the Britt
Kenny Britt is back in the saddle for Tennessee, though it may be just for 20-25 snaps. It’s his first game back so he may be aching for a big game. He just might get it.
If You’ve Been Under a Rock
Fred Jackson is out for 3-8 weeks with a knee sprain, meaning C.J. Spiller is one dude that needs to be owned in every league. And by now, he probably is. He should go off on the Chiefs this week.
Matchup Alert
Kevin Roberts owns and operates NFL Soup and heads the fantasy football division of the site. Roberts also finished 2nd in the Wide Receiver position in Fantasy Pros expert fantasy football rankings in 2010 and 3rd in the Quarterback position in 2011. In addition to running the fantasy football section of the site, Roberts contributes to NFL Soup's NFL Draft coverage and breaking news reporting. Follow Kevin on Twitter @NFLSoupKevin
