Navigating my way through the Two Minute Drill is always a challenge. Of course I know every player, but it’s easy to omit guys when I go from team to team. Here are some helpful tools I utilize, and hopefully you’ll be able to find some use in them as well.
FootballGuys Depth Chart: Trying to remember every NFL roster is impossible. FBG’s depth chart has every team on one page. For those who don’t need IDP, you can customize the positions.
MyFantasyLeague: Why would you go to eight sites when MFL compiles the news for you? It’s a very convenient tool that helps me with injuries or recent events. In addition to the player news, I can jump to an Advanced Search of team stats for any position.
Yahoo! Sports: With so many tabs open, I need a clean site that navigates fast. Bouncing between player and team stats is Easy like Sunday morning. The bells and whistles at other sites feel like a punch in the gut.
Kansas City at Detroit
- The Chiefs are a mess, and that’s being nice. According to PFW Audibles, Head Coach Todd Haley is all bark and no bite. Throw in his highly questionable preseason training schedule and this team could implode. Last year I won one of my Keeper Leagues with Matt Cassel at quarterback. I didn’t bother to bring in a reliable back-up this season, and now I’m scared.
- Even when the Chiefs were getting blown out by the Bills, they managed to get RB Jamaal Charles the ball 15 times (10 rushes, five receptions). I think that’s positive.
- Chiefs’ top wide receivers, Week 1 – Steve Breaston: 2-26; Dwayne Bowe: 2-17. And we thought that was a good match-up on paper. They’ll surely do better vs a leakyDetroit secondary, right?
- I don’t like WR Steve Johnson’s block on DB Eric Berry one bit, and it’s not because I’m a Berry owner. I could deal with it if it was on the thigh, but that was well below the knee. DB Jon McGraw is now the starter.
- Great win on the road for the Lions last week. Look for the offense to keep rolling. Of course you’re starting the stars, but feel confident rolling with RB Javid Best and WR Nate Burelson.
- Fluke game for DT Ndamu(king)kong Suh. Word on the street is the Bucs’ can’t run, which contributed to his few chances. Keep starting him.
- ProFootballFocus snap count for the Lions: LB Stephen Tulloch nearly 100%, LB DeAndre Levy 88%, LB Justin Durant 32%. That’s big news for Levy owners.
Oakland at Buffalo
- RB Darren McFadden’s combination of speed and power is memorizing. Dude is special.
- You’re playing with fire starting QB Jason Campbell. I mean, 105 passing yards last week!
- WR Darrius Heyward-Bey looks funny running routes.
- Did LB Rolando McClain really have zero solos? Yikes. I suspect the dominating D-line swallowing up Broncos led to minimal opportunities. Get him benched immediately.
- RB Fred Jackson: 20 rushes, 112 yards. C.J. Spiller: 5 rushes, 16 yards. Spiller scored, but F-Jax is clearly the primary rusher.
- That’s it, I give. WR Steve Johnson is legit. My apologies it took this long to be convinced. Only special receivers are capable of making these types of touchdown grabs.
- DB Bryan Scott: 9 Solos, 1 Sack. He’s only listed as a defensive back on paper. Bills’ management has determined he’s one of the 11 best players most of the time, so he’s on the field often.
Tampa Bay at Minnesota
- Seriously, five rushes for 15 yards for RB LeGarrette Blount. Hulk smash. This is going to be a major problem moving forward if the Bucs’ O-line can’t open holes.
- RB Earnest Graham appears to have convinced the coaches it’s 2007.
- Seven targets for WR “Reety-awrighty” Arrelious Benn was nice considering he has been gimpy this preseason.
- Good statistical Week 1 for all Tampalinebackers – Geno Hayes: 8 Solos; Quincy Black: 7 Solos, 1 Assist, 1 FF; Mason Foster: 6 Solos, 1 Assist. Foster made the most of his opportunities, as PFF witnessed him playing on only 23 snaps.
- Stunning performance by QB Donovan McNabb: 7/15, 39 Passing Yards, 32 Rushing Yards, 1 TD, 1 Int. My brain hurts looking at that line. If he can’t move the offense, I fear RB Adrian Peterson’s season stats could look a lot like RB Steven Jackson’s 2010 season without the receiving production.
- My leagues reward points for special team yardage and touchdowns, so WR Percy Harvin is still dynamite.
- LB Erin Henderson: 6 Solos, 3 Assists, 1 Sack. His brother is way better, but it looks like you can add him to your watch list.
Chicago at New Orleans
- RB Matt Forte makes things happen. He took a simple screen and exploded through the Falcons’ defense. It confuses me why the Bears continue to give him competition. It’s aggravating that freaking RB Kahlil Bell had 10 rushes!
- Effective start for QB Jay Cutler: 22/32, 312 yards, 2 TD’s, 1 Int. You saw the Saints’ D in the NFL kickoff, so be sure to start him in Week 2.
- It’s not nice to root for injuries, but WR Johnny Knox owners may have caught a break with WR Roy Williams’ cranky groin. An explosive Week 2 could convince to Bears’ coaches to permanently fix the depth chart.
- Good dialogue on the forums regarding the Bears’ IDP stats. I wonder if the NFL contacts teams to discuss questionable score-keeping.
- Unable to get a new contract from the Bears, LB Lance Briggs pooped his pants in Week 1 with two solos and one assist. Still start him.
- Week 1 rushing attempts: Mark Ingram 13, Pierre Thomas 5, Darren Sproles 2. I know the Saints had to abandon the run because they had to play catch-up. However, I have a feeling the splits will be similar in Week 2.
- WR Marques Colston busted his collarbone and will miss at least a month, and you need to see WR Lance Moore on the field before you use him. That leaves WR’s Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson as your fantasy options.
Baltimore at Tennessee
- QB Joe Flacco made the most of his 17 completions in Week 1, catapulting him to the top of the weekly leaders. This ain’t your older brother’s Titans so Flacco should have another fine game.
- RB Ray Rice had only one carry in the fourth quarter due to the blowout. RB Ricky Williams is no threat to Rice’s fantasy greatness.
- Shame on you if you started WR Lee Evans.
- It’s not luck that DB Ed Reed gets gift turnovers. He possesses Nostradamus-like abilities that allow him to correctly predict the trajectory of a lame duck pass.
- CB Lardarius Webb’s stats came against the following players: WR Hines Ward 4, TE Heath Miller 3, WR Mike Wallace 2, RB Rashard Mendenhall 1, RB Ike Redman 1, WR Emanuel Sanders 1, QB Ben Roethlisberger 1. Without watching game footage, spreading his tackles around is a good sign for a cornerback in IDP leagues.
- WR Kenny Britt’s first TD was wacky. Just keep him out ofJersey and fantasy owners will continue reaping the rewards.
- Who predicted RB Chris Johnson would receive only nine carries? Despite the abomination, the only way he should be benched in Week 2 is if you’re in a 4-team league.
- I warned you about TE Jared Cook. Production wins games, not potential.
- LB Barrett Ruud: 8 Solos, 6 Assists. Sweet! He’ll be very busy trying to tackle Rice.
Cleveland at Indianapolis
- Never, ever, make a Survivor Pick using a team with a loser mentality. You deserve to be punted if you bet the Browns against the Bengals.
- Reminder: RB Peyton Hillis may look like a bowling ball, but he’s a great pass-catcher.
- Cleveland Plain Dealer via Rotoworld – Week 1 WR snaps: Greg Little 57, Brian Robiskie 47, Mohamed Massaquoi 41, Josh Cribbs 26. What the hell is a “Plain Dealer”?
- TE Evan Moore possesses the same potential as Jared Cook, but the difference is he’s already scored and is probably available on your Waiver Wire. It appears both he and TE Ben Watson will be utilized enough to make them both fantasy assests.
- LB D’Qwell Jackson: 10 Solos, 1 Assist, 2 Sacks, 1 FF. That’s one less position you need to worry about for the rest of the season.
- It’s Impossible to get a read on the Colts’ running game plan considering the meltdown in Houston. One thing we did learn is that RB Donald Brown is a wasted roster spot.
- It took me all of one week to drop PK Adam Vinatieri.
- LB Pat Angerer: 9 Solos, 4 Assists, 1 FR. LB’s Gary Brackett and Ernie Sims are “Out”, so there’s no slowing down for the kid.
Jacksonville at NY Jets
- RB Maurice Jones-Drew received 24 rushes, yet there is a controversy brewing inJacksonville. It’s really just white noise – he’ll make the most of his opportunities.
- TE Marcedes Lewis has a bad calf and is not practicing. Look for a Week 2 replacement.
- The Jets’ running attack was stifled against Dallas, which doesn’t sit well with their “Ground and Pound” desire. I have a feeling they’ll do everything in their power to establish a run. They won’t be successful, but it will lead to extra chances for LB Paul Posluszny and the rest of the Jags’ inside IDP-ers.
- It’s time to be concerned about RB Shonn Greene. It’s not like RB LaDainian Tomlinson is a threat because they’re different skill sets. But Greene is useless if the Jets can’t run.
- For one week, LB Bart Scott’s play (7 Solos, 1 Assist, 1 Sack) translated to fantasy success. Leave him on the Waiver Wire.
Seattle at Pittsburgh
- WR Doug Baldwin. You kidding me… Baldwin leads the Seahawks’ offense. Embarrassing. QB Tavaris Jackson… Aaaaarrrrrrgggggghhhhhh.
- WR Sidney Rice’s shoulder has gone from minor to super annoying. If the Seahawks were up front about it, maybe you’d be better prepared. As of now, it’s the same feeling you had in high school when that girl told you “I’ll call you”.
- Bench RB Marshawn Lynch, and if you’re desperate start RB Leon Washington. He’ll be getting a ton of kick return yards and he’ll be seeing lots of action on 3rd and 18.
- We all know about DB Earl Thomas, but don’t overlook DB Kam Chancellor’s 10 Solo performance.
- Besides LB Aaron Curry, no Seahawks’ front-seven defender had more than three solo tackles.
- QB Ben Roethlisberger played Week 1 like it was a middle-school snow day. You know, you have the day off so all the guys head to the park for a game of tackle football. Nobody really cares about the score; we just want to make some big hits and razzle-dazzle touchdowns. Look for him and every Pitt offensive player to rebound big in Week 2.
- 3-4 DE’s Ray McDonald and Justin Smith combined for 10 Solos and 3 Sacks against the putrid Seahawks’ offense. I’ll never recommend starting a 3-4 DE, but Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel, Evander Hood, and Cameron Heyward should make some noise this week.
Green Bay at Carolina
- If you’ve been in Manuaga, then perhaps you’ve missed the news that James Starks is the running back to own onGreen Bay.
- Four catches, 42 yards for WR Donald Driver. Yep, that’s about what you can expect.
- Fantasy owners of Packers, do you prefer to curse or throw things when RB John Kuhn scores a rushing touchdown?
- The Panthers Week 1 air attack should cause the Packers to show a little respect, which in turn will lead to more rushes. Best IDP bets are the middle guys – DB Morgan Burnett, DB Nick Collins, and LB Desmond Bishop.
- QB Cam Newton: 24/37, 422 Passing Yards, 18 Rushing Yards, 3 TD’s, 1 Turnover. Welcome.
- I wonder how many fantasy owners had WR Steve Smith on the bench. He’s lethal when motivated and healthy.
- WR Brandon LaFell will have some fantasy value sooner-than-later if the Panthers are always trailing.
- LB Jon Beason done for the year, which means Dan Conner is the new middle linebacker. Keep in mind that this is a new defensive scheme, so don’t go automatically assuming Conner is an immediate upgrade to your IDP.
Arizona at Washington
- Everyone met expectations for Cardinals’ offense last week, except WR Larry Fitzgerald. He did have three catches for 63 yards, so it’s not like he was invisible. Stop being so greedy.
- After watching LB Darryl Washington’s interception rumble, the Cardinals should give him a few hand-offs per game. Dude’s got some sweet moves.
- LB Paris Lenon: 5 Solos, 3 Assists, .5 Sack, defensive captain, and game-saving tackle. Feel free to drop LB Stephen Bradley now.
- Credit Newtonand Smith on the bomb, but pay attention to the safety coverage. DB Adrian Wilson took the blame, but we’ll never know if he’s just being the bigger man and covering up for DB Kerry Rhodes (who’s been torched before).
- Wow. No rushes for RB Ryan Torain and just one for rookie RB Roy Helu. RB Tim Hightower is the man.
- Fantasy owners have been waiting to pounce on TE Fred Davis. The time has come.
- Week 1 game footage showed CB DeAngelo Hall covering Giants WR1 Hakeem Nicks. I’m sure Hall will be getting help over the top on Fitzgerald.
- Nice tip drill from rookie LB Ryan Kerrigan.
Dallas at San Francisco
- Typical QB Tony Romo. In the blink of an eye, he went from 330 Passing Yards and 2 TD’s (and potentially a third) to 342 Passing Yards, 2 TD’s and 2 Turnovers. He turned a stellar fantasy game into a very good game, and infuriated Cowboy fans across the nation. Head Coach Jason Garrett and fantasy owners aren’t benching him, so wipe your tears and deal with it.
- As quickly as WR Dez Bryant exploded in Week 1, he disappeared into the night. Frustrating.
- If you’re a RB Felix Jones supporter, don’t worry about his stats vs the Jets and keep starting him. I personally wouldn’t go near him, but he is a starter on a high-powered offense.
- LB Sean Lee: 10 Solos, 2 Assists, 1 FR, 1 Int, 1 PD. If they hit on rookie LB Bruce Carter, the middle is going to be strong for years to come.
- How did RB Frank Gore only average 2.7 yards per carry against the Seahawks?
- You’re not fooling me WR Ted Ginn Jr. I’ve been seduced by you before and I won’t go back there again. I need to shower just thinking about all those desperate times.
- Rookie LB Aldon Smith was supposed to push LB Parys Haralson for his job. Haralson responded in Week 1 with 3 Solos, 1 Assist, 2 Sacks, 2 FF.
San Diego at New England
- Does anyone get the feeling like we’re about to see the sequel to QB Tom Brady 2007 season?
- Not only did WR Wes Welker burn his former team with a record-tying 99-yard TD reception, but he also had a 2-yard TD reception. Long, short, whatever, he does it all. Give him some batter and he’ll cook you pancakes too.
- I guess I have to state the obvious – bench WR Chad Ochocinco. I can’t believe I spent a fourth round pick (16-team league) on the guy.
- Last week I advised waiting on CB Devin McCourty. He lined up on WR Bradon Marshall often and was fantasy-effective. He’ll see plenty of WR Vincent Jackson this week. Get him in there.
- RB Mike Tolbert dominated again, and his knee ailment appears to be a non-issue.
- RB Ryan Mathews chipped in with 12 rushes for 45 yards and three receptions for 73 yards. Make sure he’s on your bench though, as the Charges will be forced to pass and that’s Tolbert’s job.
- SI’s Peter King reminded me about the Chargers’ inept special teams: “Another kick return for touchdown against the Chargers … 15 seconds into the season, for crying out loud. This special teams thing is like a fungus. The Chargers can’t stop it from growing.”
Houston at Miami
- Houstonwon 34-7 in Week 1, yet QB Matt Schaub was 17-24, 220 Passing Yards, 1 TD, 2 Turnovers. That’s the product of a big lead and zero passes thrown in the fourth quarter.
- Week 1 rushing attempts: Ben Tate 24, Derrick Ward 11. Really doesn’t matter with RB Arian Foster’s return looming.
- You’ll take the two solos from LB Mario Williams if their both sacks. So far so good for the scheme change.
- I’m not sure what to make of QB Chad Henne’s Week 1. His stats were great, but was it more a product ofNew England’s defense?
- WR Brian Hartline seemed like a forgotten man to me. Get him back on your radar as a useful role player.
- Wasn’t LB Koa Misi supposed to be disruptive?
- DB Reshad Jones: 8 Solos, 4 Assists, 1 PD. Good thing fantasy players don’t get penalized for poor reads. He looked out of place at times, but you can’t dispute the fantasy results.
Cincinnati at Denver
- A.J. Green had only one catch, but he made it count.
- With 1:56 left in the game, RB Cedric Benson popped off a 39-yard TD run to seal the game. It doesn’t matter the Browns’ defense was crashing the line with little resistance past the line of scrimmage. It doesn’t matter the Browns’ defense all went left allowing Benson a Lincoln Tunnel-sized hole to the right. Benson’s final stat line was 122 yards and 1 TD, making him one of the best Week 1 fantasy running backs
- Not a good start for new middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (3 Solos, 3 Assists).
- Tampa Tribune’s Ira Kaufman brought up a great point about Head Coach John Fox. Remember, Fox was extremely loyal to QB Jake Delhomme in Carolina, and that won’t change in Denver. QB Kyle Orton is not being benched.
- I doubt any player other than Roethlisberger had a worse game than RB Knowshon Moreno (8 Rushes, 22 Rushing Yards, 2 Receptions, 35 Receiving Yards, 1 Fumble Lost, 1 Injured Hamstring). I hope you also own RB Willis McGahee.
- Make sure you have a 4pm replacement for WR Brandon Lloyd. His groin injury is significant enough to keep him from playing. WR’s Eddie Royal and Eric Decker will see a lot of action. Say, anyone seen WR Demaryius Thomas? Is he still in the league?
- Enough with the injuries DE Elvis Dumervil. The guy keeps leaving the building.
- Does anyone have a good explanation as to why rookie LB Von Miller barely rushed the passer? I said a “good” explanation.
- DB Brian Dawkins turns 38-years old in October, and he still wallops opponents. Very impressive. I bet the Eagles would kill to have him back.
Philadelphia at Atlanta
- I don’t watch ESPN – don’t have to. I have the MLB network, NFL network, and NHL network all for free on my cable provider. I hate basketball, so no issues there. When I want news and highlights, I go to those sources. It’s very refreshing not to have an ESPN agenda jammed down my throat every 30 seconds. I bring it up because I’ve been able to avoid any hoopla surrounding QB Michael Vick’s return toAtlanta.
- Anytime I mention Vick, I have to urge you to adopt a pet (never buy from a pet store!). I like staying married.
- I know RB LeSean McCoy is awesome and he’s the glue behind the Eagles’ offense. But the Eagles would still put up a ton of points without him as long as Vick stays healthy.
- Did TE Brent Celek miss the plane to St. Louis?
- DE Jason Babin continues his resurrection.
- I wouldn’t worry about the Falcons’ offensive stars. Their next six games before their bye: vs PHI, at TBB, at SEA, vs GBP, vs CAR, at DET.
- I’m not sure we’re going to see CB Nnamdi Asomugha covering WR Roddy White. Asomugha is the right cornerback, and he could be on the opposite side of the field. Regardless, you’re still starting White.
- DE Ray Edwards was brought to Atlanta to be DE John Abraham’s bookend. I was never that impressed with him, and neither was DE Kroy Biermann.
- LB Sean Weatherspoon: 9 Solos, 1 Assist, 1 PD. He was the 19th overall pick for a reason.
St. Louis at NY Giants
- Elbows aren’t supposed to bend this way.
- QB Sam Bradford should be fine, but who’s surrounding him? No WR Danny Amendola. No RB Steven Jackson. Just a bunch of bleh.
- Steady CB Ronald Bartell is done for the year. Some guy named CB Justin King is the Waiver Wire addition in deep leagues. He had 7 Solos and a Sack last week.
- The Giants don’t have the depth to spread the field. If RB’s Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs can’t pound the ball, the Giants are doomed.
- If you own WR Hakeem Nicks, you must acquire a Ram or Giant as a late substitution in case Nicks can’t go. I’m sure there are plenty of those on the Waiver Wire.
- DE Jason Pierre-Paul: 5 Solos, 1 Assist, 2 Sacks, 1 FF. And that’s without DE’s Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora.
Vegas, NFL Spreads Week 2, Season Record: 2-1
- Indianapolis (+3) vs Cleveland
- Dallas (-3) at San Francisco
- Pittsburgh (-14) vs Seattle
- New England (-6.5) vs San Diego
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