And we are back for another week of the fantasy season. How badly did you overreact this week? If you have Dez Bryant, here’s a shot of your favorite whiskey on me this week. I hate seeing injuries to anyone, let alone a stud. I’m feeling the Brant pain, too, as I lost him in our Razzball Writer’s League. Like you, I’m looking for a fill-in (replacement makes it sound like someone CAN actually replace him) ,for the short term. But what about the Peyton Manning owner? Should you be terrified? I wouldn’t say Exorcism terrified, but maybe The Shining. Look, if the Broncos can’t get anything done in Week 3, I’m out. See ya. I would have already grabbed a back-up quarterback as waivers processed this week (this went to print before the Broncos-Chiefs game) because I don’t want to trust Manning as my only guy, despite the high ceiling.
If you have another quarterback with a tough match-up this week such as Tom Brady or Matthew Stafford, here are a couple of guys I’m looking at as potential streamers…
Quarterbacks
Tyrod Taylor (13%) vs. New England — First thing first, Buffalo is going to win this game. I’m scared to death to start Tom Brady despite the long preparation time that he and the Patriots will have. On the other side of the field, I’m looking at Tyrod Taylor as a possible fill-in for Brady. He scored 15.90 fantasy points last week, and I’m projecting at least two scores for him (one rushing, one throwing) against the Patriots defense.
I’d start Taylor over: Cam Newton, Teddy Bridgewater, Matthew Stafford.
I’d sit Taylor for: Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota, Joe Flacco.
Colin Kaepernick (67%) at Pittsburgh — I’d be lying if I said I’m super comfortable with Kaepernick, but I like the hurry-up offense they showed against Minnesota, and the Pittsburgh defense is one of the worst in the league. The travel to the east coast after a short week tempers my expectations a bit, but it’s a great matchup for Kaepernick.
I’d start Kaepernick over: Cam Newton, Joe Flacco, Tyrod Taylor.
I’d sit Kaepernick for: Andy Dalton, Marcus Mariota, Matthew Stafford.
How did I do last week?
Marcus Mariota — 24.96 fantasy points (13-of-16, 4 TDs).
Sam Bradford — 15.44 fantasy points (36-of-52, 1 TD, 2 INT).
Tight Ends
Kyle Rudolph (75%) vs. Lions — He’s higher owned, but he’s still available in 25 percent of leagues. I was annoyed with Teddy Bridgewater on Monday night for not looking at Charles Johnson, but if I took one thing away from the game, it’s that he loves targeting Kyle Rudolph. It’s hard to say that the Lions allowed Ladarius Green to score last weekend, because what team DIDN’T allow a tight end to score? Still, I’m all about the targets when it comes to fantasy. Pick him up if you’re in one of the leagues he’s available and start him.
I’d start Rudolph over: Eric Ebron, Ladarius Green, Jordan Reed
I’d sit Rudolph for: Heath Miller, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Delanie Walker (if active)
Vernon Davis (63%) at Steelers — Yuck. I just washed my computer after typing this. Now I have to finish this from my iPhone. Dammit! It’s hard to compare anyone to Rob Gronkowski, but the Steelers literally forgot to cover him. If you forget to cover Gronk, why would you pay attention to a mediocre tight end like Davis? I don’t feel great about it, but if you picked up Jordan Reed after his hot week, I’d start Davis over him for this week.
I’d start Davis over: Jordan Reed, Eric Ebron, Zach Ertz.
I’d sit Davis for: Dwayne Allen, Kyle Rudolph, Heath Miller.
How did I do last week?
Ben Watson — 3.40 fantasy points (3 receptions for 19 yards) Whoops.
Crockett Gillmore — 3.30 fantasy points (2 receptions for 23 yards) Totally missed on both tight ends. Trust me, I’m more frustrated than you are.
Kicker
Zach Hocker (4%) vs. Buccaneers — I admit it, I admit it (Drake voice). I had zero idea who Zach Hocker was, and the fact that he’s still just a kicker doesn’t make me care too much. But, he did score 14 points last week against the Cardinals. The Saints are indoors, which is always what I look for in a kicker.
I’d start Hocker over: Mason Crosby, Steven Hauschka, Cody Parkey.
I’d sit Hocker for: Stephen Gostkowski.
How did I do last week?
Chandler Catanzaro — 8 fantasy points.
Defense & Special Teams
Tennessee (11%) at Browns — It’s the old pick-up-anyone-that-is-playing-the-Browns strategy. It doesn’t matter to me which quarterback starts, I’m more than confident in the Titans in their second straight cupcake matchup.
I’d start Tennessee over — Seattle, Packers, Saints.
I’d sit Tennessee for — Carolina, Baltimore, Cincinnati.
How did I do last week?
Green Bay — 4.00 fantasy points. Matt Forte, y’all.
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