Now that we’re one week into the season, we finally know how a lot of defensive players are going to line-up when the game actually matters. If your fantasy season started off with a loss, don’t panic and start selling off your star players for pennies on the dollar. Instead, use matchups to your advantage and keep an eye on other teams with players that got off to a rocky start because of them. Maybe you’ll be able to cut a deal and boost your starting roster for the remainder of the season.
There are, of course, a few players you may not want to target just yet. Another week of football is fast approaching and everyone is playing someone new. First, let’s take a look at every league’s first waiver-wire claim, Kevin Ogletree. With 8 receptions for 114 yards and a pair of scores, it’s easy to buy what he’s selling; after all, we all remember Laurent Robinson. However, this might not be the best time to go plugging him into your lineup as Seattle has a much more talented pass defense. They’re beatable in 3 WR sets, but I still wouldn’t expect Ogletree to repeat last week’s success or come anywhere close.
Another player you might want to drop down to a flex player in your expectations is A.J. Green. As the 3rd or 4th WR off the board in most fantasy drafts, I can’t tell you to bench him, but in two starts against The Browns last year, A.J. Green caught a combined total of four passes. Sure, two of them were for more than 40 yards, but Joe Haden, Sheldon Brown, and Dimitri Patterson are all talented defensemen and Green’s good enough to earn coverage from two of the three in many cases. DeSean Jackson was relatively quiet against them in week 1. Vick was picked off four times in that game as well so for those of you who drafted Andy Dalton I highly recommend going with another option this week.
When it comes to tight ends, none will see tighter coverage than Brandon Pettigrew. Pettigrew managed 5 catches for 77 yards in week 1, but that was against The Rams. The 49ers actually have a secondary worthy of respect. Don’t be surprised if Pettigrew is held to 4 catches for under 40 yards.
Speaking of The Rams, they may have managed to intercept three of Stafford’s passes, but after the way RGIII played against The Saints this past weekend, Washington’s WRs are suddenly worth starting; especially Pierre Garcon. Don’t count on another 88 yard TD reception, but 6+ catches for another trip over the 100 yard mark is easily possible.
Need a TE to plug in for Pettigrew this week? Take a look at Kyle Rudolph. He’s going up against a weak Colts secondary in week 2 and when Christian Ponder isn’t throwing to Percy Harvin, he’ll be keeping his eyes open for Rudolph. All three Vikings are likely candidates for above average weeks.
Finally, my deep sleeper of the week is Mohamed Massaquoi. In week 1 against a stingy Eagles defense, Greg Little failed to record a single catch, but Massaquoi hauled in three passes and was targeted five more times throughout the game. Against the Bengals, I expect the Browns to rebound and put the ball in the air. Both Greg Little and Maasaquoi are viable options, but my money is on Massaquoi for the red zone targets.
