National Football League

Five Takeaways from Week 2

Published Sep. 15, 2014 1:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

This weekend was my Waterloo. Following a two-year reign atop the NFL prediction world, my empire came crumbling down. Heading into tonight’s Philadelphia-Indianapolis match-up, I own a Week 2 record of…sigh…5-10. I know there's really nobody to blame for this but myself, well, I don't know, maybe the Bills, the Niners, or Mr. T or, or the Jets...

Forgive me, then, if this week’s five takeaways emit a somber tone. After all, I’m on the wrong side of 27, I’m still single, my golf game’s going down the tubes, I lost my Ron Swanson Pyramid of Greatness poster…this was all I had.

Of course, when life gets you down, it’s best to count your blessings. Besides, it could be worse: at least I’m not a Jaguars fan. Five takeaways from Week 2 action:

1. The West Coast Offense has thrown the Giants for a loop

Assimilating to a new scheme is not an elementary process. In that vein, it’s not like the G-Men are studying AP Engineering in a foreign language, though their performances thus far convey such an obstacle. Forget not being on the same page; Eli Manning and his receivers aren’t reading the same book. Manning has thrown a league-high four picks, most which derived from this miscommunication, and only Alex Smith and Matt Cassel have lower QB ratings. Victor Cruz hasn’t help Manning’s cause, with the No. 1 target picking a wrong time to get a case of stone hands. We could also throw Rashad Jennings and his 3.2 yards per carry under the bus, although that’s more predicated on New York’s weak offensive line.

Tight end Larry Donnell has been a diamond in the rough for New York, and perhaps the offense finds some life when Odell Beckham overcomes a hamstring ailment. For now, the Giants are a fantasy black hole, one which owners should regard with indifference against a stout Houston defense in Week 3.

2. The Bengals defense will do just fine without Mike Zimmer

Finishing third in total defense last fall, the Cincinnati resistance was envisioned to take a step back in 2014. Not only had Zimmer, the mastermind of the unit, departed for Minnesota, the squad had also lost defensive end Michael Johnson to free agency, and the secondary remained a vulnerable group. Yet through the first two weeks, the Who-Deys have shut down back-to-back playoff-caliber attacks. This is even more impressive when factoring the limited time of defensive leader Vontaze Burfict, who’s dealt with head injuries in both contests.

The Bengals do have a grueling schedule, one that features New England, Carolina, Indianapolis, New Orleans, Houston and Denver, as well as another rendezvous with Baltimore and two dates with Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, after dropping the hammer on Matt Ryan, this is a squad that should be inserted in your lineup no matter the opponent.

3. Blake Bortles merits a bench spot on your roster

Jacksonville has stated its desire to keep their prized rookie on the bench, an intention that’s easier said than done given Chad Henne’s impersonation of a Madden glitch come to life. Coupled with reports that a mutiny is rising in the Jags’ locker room against Henne, the team may have its hand forced. Damnedest thing is, Jacksonville’s offense isn’t that bad.

Hey now, stop laughing. I’m serious. C’mon.

By no means is this nomination of Bortles as a must-start entity. However, with the turnstile-like performance of the Jacksonville defense, Bortles would theoretically have the chance to air it out early and often. In the fantasy realm, that’s music to our ears. In deeper leagues, clear room on the pine for Bortles, an investment that could bequeath dividends sooner than you think.

4A. Richard Sherman is your friend who can dish it out but can’t take it

Don’t misconstrue this as a grumpy sportswriter taking affront to Sherman ignoring the media after Sunday’s loss to the Chargers. Rather, if Sherman is going to revel in the spotlight for being an outspoken athlete – and with commercial spots hawking soup, beef jerky and video games, I think that’s a safe assumption – you have to be accountable when things don’t go your way. If not, it just comes off as petulant, a claim Sherman previously has asserted as false. Worse, it gives Skip Bayless material for a week. Hell, indeed.

4B. We TOLD you not to draft Ladarius Green!

I’m called an idiot quite often, so much that the barb has lost its sting. But I was a little shocked at the comments and emails stemming from this post regarding Green in our Buyer Beware piece:

There is an erroneous conjecture that Antonio Gates is washed-up. Far from it, as the venerable tight end brought in 77 catches for 872 yards in 2013, his best output since 2009. Green showed flashes of brilliance, but Gates remains the primary option for Philip Rivers. With the generous amount of pass-catching tight ends in the league, Green’s production will be too inconsistent to garner starter status, at least in the first two months of the season.

Apparently Green has a rabid following on the Interweb, because, judging by the response, you would have thought I punted Baxter over the bridge. So while I never root against a player, did I take a sense of schadenfreude at some of these commenters? You better believe it, brother.

As for Gates’ forecast, the 34-year-old now has 13 receptions for 177 yards on the campaign. Better yet, Philip Rivers have looked in his direction a whopping 17 times. Still available in 35.2 percent of FOXSports.com Fantasy Football leagues, Gates won’t be a top-five entity, but he definitely warrants a starting spot in your lineup.

5. Houston will win the AFC South

Granted, a club couldn’t ask for an easier opening than Washington and Oakland, and next weekend’s venture to the Meadowlands to take on the aforementioned Giants falls under similar labeling. Even with this context, the Texans are looking like a complete squad. The defense has regained its mojo, Arian Foster has shown no lingering effects from last season’s injuries, and – gasp – Ryan Fitzpatrick looks somewhat competent.

The Colts remain the division favorites, but aside from Andrew Luck, does anything radiate a threatening tone from the Horseshoes? Plus, I’m a believer in karma, and no way does Indianapolis make the playoffs in the same calendar year when its owner is revealed to be a modern-day Tony Montana. For those of you with betting penchants – legally, of course – grab Houston while you can.

Joel Beall is a writer for FOXSports.com and WhatIfSports.com, and is the host of the Fast Break on FOX podcast. He lives with a Golden Tee machine and a jump shot that’s broken. Reach Joel on Twitter @JoelMBeall