Studs
QB: Tom Brady, Patriots
After a second straight methodical performance (31-for-40, 423 yards and three touchdowns against San Diego), Brady has seven scores and close to 1,000 yards through the air in the early going of 2011. While last Monday’s magnificence against Miami was awe-inspiring, yesterday’s feats were unequivocally superior, as the Chargers employ one of the better secondary units in the league. Considering Brady is accomplishing this endeavor without the assistance of Chad Ochocinco (or any deep threat, for that matter), one can only imagine what the 2010 MVP is capable of if, and when, this void is filled.
QB: Matthew Stafford, Lions
The potency of the Lions’ offense was on presentation during the preseason, but many were skeptical of Detroit carrying that success to September. After two games, that apprehension appears to be quelled, with Stafford tossing for four touchdowns and nearly 300 yards in the Lions’ romp over the Chiefs on Sunday.
RB: Fred Jackson, Bills
Jackson’s stock took a hit when the Buffalo back expressed frustration with the team in regards to reaching a new contract, as well as Chan Gailey’s refusal to acknowledge Jackson as the starting back until a week before the season. Yet Jackson has been one of the more productive rushers in the league thus far, compiling 117 yards and two touchdowns against Oakland on Sunday. On the season, Jackson has 229 yards on the ground for upstart Buffalo. In a related note, does anyone else think there’s correlation between Buffalo’s start and their change of unis? For years, the Buffalo attire mirrored that of an Arena League franchise, and most of the time, the team’s performance reflected this level of play. Now rockin’ a solid throwback, the Bills are 2-0 and receiving buzz as a sleeper pick. Coincidence? I think not.
RB: Darren McFadden, Raiders
Despite concerns over his shoulder, McFadden finished as one of Week 2’s top performers with 143 total yards (72 yards rushing; seven receptions, 71 yards receiving) and two touchdowns versus Buffalo. Last season provided a breakout platform for the former first-round pick, but new coach Hue Jackson’s up-tempo offense may facilitate an enhanced fantasy season for McFadden in 2011.
RB: Ben Tate, Texans
Although Arian Foster made his season debut on Sunday, it was Tate who once again grabbed headlines. The Auburn product has submitted successive 100-yard games in relief of Foster, totaling 103 yards in Houston’s 23-13 win over Miami. As a bonus, Tate was active in the Texan passing attack, snagging four receptions for 32 yards. With Foster’s status unknown for Week 3 (and to a larger extent, his availability the rest of the season), Tate has become a valuable fantasy commodity.
WR: Eric Decker, Broncos
Thanks to a depleted Denver WR corps (Tim Tebow saw action at the position out of desperation), Decker was the de facto No. 1 Bronco target on Sunday. The second-year man out of Minnesota made the most of the opportunity, finding the end zone twice off of five receptions and 113 yards. With Brandon Lloyd still banged up and Eddie Royal projected to miss substantial time with a groin injury, Decker is a smart play going forward.
WR: A.J. Green, Bengals
While Green’s touchdown in Week 1 can be dismissed as a freak play, the rookie’s outing on Sunday was anything but happenstance. Green hauled in 10 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown in Cincinnati’s losing effort. If the rapport between Green and fellow neophyte Andy Dalton continues to cultivate, Green has the ceiling of a high No. 2 fantasy receiver this season.
WR: Miles Austin, Cowboys
Dez Bryant received most of the preseason acclaim, but it’s Austin who’s delivered in the opening weeks of the season. With Bryant sidelined, Austin posted nine receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas’ comeback win over the 49ers. Unfortunately, Austin suffered a hamstring injury near the end of the contest, putting his status in doubt for Week 3.
WR: Vincent Jackson, Chargers
After a relative no-show against the Vikings in Week 1, Jackson answered with vigor against the Patriots, collecting 10 catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns. Granted, it was against the susceptible secondary of New England, but with Antonio Gates possibly feeling the lingering effects of a foot issue, Jackson should continue to be the focal point of the San Diego aerial scheme. Speaking of New England, the Pats’ poor protection against the pass could equate to a record-setting season for Brady. If opposing offenses continue to have their way with the New England defense, forcing the Patriots to prolong their passing assaults, Brady can conceivably go for 6,000 yards. Sounds ridiculous, right? Before you laugh, keep this in mind: Chad Henne went for 400 yards on New England in Week 1. My gut tells me Bill Belichick will begin to run the ball to keep his defense on the sidelines, but with the Pats, you never know.
TE: Tony Gonzalez, Falcons
Showing significant signs of decline in 2010, Gonzalez looked to be at the end of his storied career. Through the first two weeks of 2011, nothing could be further from the truth. Gonzalez hit paydirt twice against the Eagles on Sunday night off of seven catches and 83 yards. He’s currently third at his position in receptions and, more importantly, has 16 targets. He’s emphatically slower than just three years ago, but if he continues to get looks in his direction, Gonzalez can still contribute as a top-12 fantasy tight end.
TE: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
Any trepidation that Gronkowski and Hernandez would negate each other’s fantasy impact has been alleviated, as the two have combined for 24 receptions, 337 yards and five touchdowns. While Hernandez gets more action in the offense, Gronkowski is the featured element in New England’s red zone approach, highlighted by the two touchdowns and 86 yards scored against the Chargers in Week 2. With Hernandez sidelined for the next few weeks with an MCL sprain, expect more targets in Gronkowski’s direction.
DEF: Detroit Lions
Detroit confused and constricted the Chiefs on Sunday on their way to a 48-3 bashing. And just think: first-rounder Nick Fairley is still recovering from a foot injury. Once they get the bull-rushing services of that bad man, watch out.
K: Adam Vinatieri, Colts
At least someone is scoring for Indianapolis. The venerable Vinatieri was 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 52-yarder, in defeat.
Duds
QB: Chad Henne, Dolphins
There’s the Chad Henne we all know and love: 40 percent completion percentage, 170 yards and an interception. All is right again with the world.
QB: Matt Cassel, Chiefs
Word out of the Kansas City training camp stated Cassel was struggling under new offensive coordinator Bill Muir’s scheme. This rumor has manifested its’ ugly head in the first two weeks, most notably in Detroit, where Cassel threw for a meager 133 yards and three interceptions. With All-Pro back Jamaal Charles reportedly lost for the season, Kansas City will likely lean on the passing game in hopes of turning around their substandard start. If Cassel fails to become comfortable with the attack, it will be a long season in Arrowhead.
RB: Arian Foster, Texans
Foster’s return against a shaky Dolphin defense was supposed to enable a fantasy field day; instead, Foster re-aggravated his left hamstring, paving the way for backup Tate to take the spotlight. It’s hard to hate on someone because of health issues (hence the absence of Kansas City’s Charles on this list). However, Foster’s serial instance that he’s ok, despite evidence to the contrary, has been playing games with owners’ lineups and earns him inclusion in this ill-reputed group.
RB: Shonn Greene, Jets
He may have found the end zone, but Greene was somewhat of a disappointment again for the Jets, owning an inferior 3.1 average on 16 carries. It’s become more apparent by each outing that Greene doesn’t have the chops to become an elite fantasy back.
RB: Ryan Grant, Packers
Grant received just six carries for 25 yards in Green Bay’s win over Carolina. While James Starks only received three more touches in the running game, the “backup” was on the field for 20 more plays. Unless something dramatic occurs, Grant will continue to see his playing time siphoned by the younger, more versatile Starks.
RB: DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
Remember when everyone stated that the Panthers, with greenhorn Cam Newton under center, would rely heavily on the run game this year to offset the rookie’s learning curve? Not sure if that sentiment is being reaffirmed after Williams and Stewart combined for 18 yards against the Packers.
WR: DeSean Jackson, Eagles
One of the downsides of owning the explosive Jackson: for every two or three fantasy feasts, the occasional famine will render its’ presence. The latter made an appearance in Sunday’s battle against Atlanta, as Jackson finished with two catches for 21 yards. His output was somewhat restricted thanks to the injury to Michael Vick, but backup Mike Kafka played well enough in relief to dispute this argument. Monitor Jackson this week, as the wideout claimed he was dealing with a sore wrist after the ballgame.
WR: Mike Williams, Buccaneers
Never good when negative numbers are associated with your name. Tampa Bay left Minnesota with the W, but Williams managed just one catch for -4 yards. At first glance this appears to be an anomaly, but Williams didn’t light the world on fire in Week 1, bringing in four catches for 50 yards. Keep an eye on the Buccaneer receiver’s production this week.
WR: Julio Jones, Falcons
Can’t complain about Jones’ eight targets, which was double the amount that Pro Bowler Roddy White received. (That said, White owners should be concerned about the affinity quarterback Matt Ryan has for his new weapon. If this connection continues, White’s stock will plummet.) But fantasy doesn’t account for looks, making the rookie’s two catches for 29 yards a disappointment. Jones did have an impressive preseason, as well as opening week against Chicago, but up-and-down performances are to be expected from a first-year player.
TE: Antonio Gates, Chargers
Gates was held without a catch in San Diego’s loss to New England a week after his eight-catch opener against Minnesota. There is some worry that Gates is still troubled by his case of plantar fasciitis. A matchup against struggling Kanas City should illuminate if injuries are hampering the superstar tight end.
TE: Brandon Pettigrew, Lions
Pettigrew was the only Lion that didn’t get in on the action against Kansas City, with one catch for seven yards. Not helping Pettigrew’s season outlook has been the targets in Tony Scheffler’s direction. While Pettigrew’s ceiling remains high, too many tight ends are available to tolerate continual disappointment. If Pettigrew doesn’t become an integral part of the Detroit passing game soon, the tight end may find himself on the waiver wire.
DEF: San Diego Chargers
For a team that held opponents to a league-low 177.8 yards per contest last season, Brady’s 423-yard outing was certainly an eye-opener.
K: Ryan Succop, Chiefs
How bad have the Chiefs been? Even their kicker hasn’t been able to covert, knocking down just one of three FG attempts this season.
