This week I will be looking at the players you should be considering, and why, for week 2 of NFL UK's Fantasy Football. If you would like to know more about NFL UK's Fantasy Football, please click here. Although this information is geared around the NFL UK game, it should be relevant to most fantasy football games around the web.
I will provide you a number of options at each position, so there should hopefully be someone that suits every budget, as well as someone you should avoid and someone who has an outside chance of a big week.
I will be entering 2 teams this year on the NFL UK game, one being my first team containing my main selections and the other containing alternative selections at each position (ie - no common players between the teams). I won't publish my finalised teams until the following week as I tend to chop and change right up until shortly before kick off to allow for injuries and/or changes of heart.
Finally, before I get down to business, I would like to invite you to provide feedback on this blog in the comments section at the bottom. This is my first attempt at writing any kind of article so I'm sure there will be a lot I can improve on. I'm open to any comments or suggestions whether positive or negative.
Anyway, on with my picks for this week (I promise I won't ramble so much each week).......
Quarterback's
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts, $4m.
Week 2 Opponent: New York Jets
Andrew Luck had a bad week last week but his consistently great play, and big points, last year shows this is unlikely to be a pattern. I expect him to bounce back this week with a big week, despite being up against a solid New York Jets defence.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Tony Romo has a great match-up this week against the Philadelphia Eagles so I expect a big week from him despite the loss of Dez Bryant. There are still plenty of targets available for him (some of whom will be mentioned later) and he has one of the best offensive lines in football in front of him.
Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears
Carson Palmer, in my opinion, is one of the best quarterbacks in the league when healthy. At $2m he is a steal so if you have a more limited budget he should be your man, especially against a Bears team that don't fare well against the pass.
Outside Bet
Tyrod Taylor, Buffalo Bills, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: New England Patriots
Taylor unexpectedly won the starting job in Buffalo in pre-season and showed why in week 1. Ok, he wasn't one of the top performers, but what do you expect for $1m? If you can't quite stretch to any of those mentioned above, or want to splash out on a different position, then Taylor may be a good gamble - particularly against a Patriots defence which is nowhere near as strong as last year.
Avoid
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs
Peyton is not the force he once was. This, coupled with a Gary Kubiak offense that doesn't really suit him, means Peyton is one to avoid for the foreseeable future - particularly at the $4m price tag. There are much better options if you want to splash big bucks on a quarterback.
Running Back's
Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
I'm a Green Bay Packers fan and there is nothing that frustrates me more than our inability to stop the run. I see this being a high scoring game with Lynch grabbing at least a touchdown (maybe even 2) along with significant yardage.
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: Arizona Cardinals
Was a staple of my teams last year and rarely let me down. Although this is a relatively tough match up, Forte has the skill to score big fantasy points regardless. Dual threat running back who can often score respectable points from receiving alone. Great value most weeks at $3m.
Jeremy Hill, Cincinnati Bengals, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: San Diego Chargers
Had a good week last week and should back that up with another solid week this week. Although San Diego only gave up 69 rushing yards and a single touchdown last week, that was over only 16 attempts, an average of 4.3 yards per attempt. Hill should put that defence under a lot more pressure.
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco 49ers, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Hyde had a massive week in week 1 and was the top scoring running back. Although I wouldn't expect the same kind of numbers this week against a stronger run defence he should still have a strong showing. From what I've seen so far, this year and last, Hyde could become one of the top running backs in the league.
Chris Ivory, New York Jets, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Indianapolis Colts
Ivory is another who had a big week last week, and now he faces a Colts defence that gave up 147 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. That should equal some good numbers.
Bishop Sankey, Tennessee Titans, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns
Sankey looked a changed man in week one turning in an impressive performance against an admittedly weak Tampa Bay defence. Now he faces the Cleveland Browns who ranked plum last against the run last year and not much better last week. Although he may share touches with Terrence West (who may want to get one over on his old team-mates) Sankey should still be the feature back and is worth a spot at $2m.
Outside Bet
David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears
This one is a bit of a long shot as Johnson's namesake Chris Johnson has been declared the starter in Andre Ellington's absence. David Johnson had just the 1 touch in week 1, a pass reception that he took 55 yards for a touchdown. Expect him to see more of the ball this week.
Avoid
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: Detroit Lions
Not a great first week back for Peterson after his enforced absence last year. I'm not saying he is done but for a $4m cost I want guaranteed points. It could be a few weeks before Peterson is back at that level again. For now, I'm not buying.
Wide Receiver's
Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ New York Giants
Last weeks top scoring wide receiver and, quite possibly, the best wide receiver in the National Football League. Couple this with his week 2 opponent's, the New York Giants, giving up 356 yards and 3 touchdowns in the passing game means Jones has the potential for a huge week.
Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: Atlanta Falcons
Beckham had a quiet week last week but I expect him to bounce back in a big way against the Falcons, who were only slightly better than Beckham's own New York Giants in defending the passing game.
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Carolina Panthers
Hopkins had a big week last week with 2 touchdowns and 98 yards. I don't expect quite the same numbers this week against a decent Panthers defence, however, Hopkins should remain the main target for newly crowned starting QB Ryan Mallett.
Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 1 wasn't the most productive week for Cooks with just 4 fantasy points. A week 2 match-up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were carved apart at will by rookie QB Marcus Mariota, should fix that. Expect good production from Cooks this week.
John Brown, Arizona Cardinals, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears
Brown had a reasonable week 1, bagging 46 yards and a touchdown. Should continue to see plenty of the ball against an average Bears defence. I expect to see Brown emerge as the number 1 receiver in Arizona this year, so should have some big weeks. This could be one of them.
Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
I was torn on whether to include Brown or Landry in this list, so decided to go with both. Landry had a tough fantasy week last week but did look good in reality. I expect him to turn that performance into fantasy point this week at Jacksonville who have an average defence against the pass, at best.
James Jones, Green Bay Packers, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: Seattle Seahawks
It didn't take long for Jones to rekindle his relationship with Aaron Rodgers, and he looks like he will be a favourite red zone target for the leagues best QB. Expect to see him scoring again on his return home to Lambeau Field. At $1m he represents fantastic value.
Outside Bet
Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Williams has been heavily tipped elsewhere to take a lot of Dez Bryant's targets following the big receivers injury. I'm not as high on him as some others, as targets will be shared with his team-mates, however, I agree Williams will see more targets and he should improve on his 6 fantasy points from week 1.
Avoid
Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Minnesota Vikings
For me, Johnson is no longer in the top tier of receivers. Despite their big loss to the 49ers, the Vikings didn't give up much in the passing game continuing a pattern from last year. Even if you are still in love with Johnson, I'm not sure this is the game to be playing him.
Tight End's
Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Buffalo Bills
So this one is obvious, but it's unavoidable. If you want a Tight End who is going to almost guarantee fantasy points, there is only one man you can get - Rob Gronkowski. Hands down the best Tight End in professional football, Tom Brady's favourite target and (unlike many Tight End's) is capable of being a deep threat as well as being the biggest red zone threat in the league. Expect to see Gronkowski here most weeks.
Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: Denver Broncos
Kelce had a big week, scoring 2 touchdowns with 106 yards against the Houston Texans. This week sees the Chiefs up against the Broncos who gave up less passing yards per attempt than any other team last year. That said, they also gave up 29 passing touchdowns last year, tied 6th worst in the league, and this is where Kelce could do some damage.
Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: San Diego Chargers
Eifert is another that had a big week last week, scoring 22 fantasy points in the Bengals comfortable win against the Oakland Raiders. Eifert looks the real deal and should continue his good form into this week. The Bengals look serious contenders to me this year and Eifert will be a big part of that.
Jason Witten, Dallas Cowboys, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Philadelphia Eagles
Witten, as with Terrance Williams, will benefit from Dez Bryant missing a few weeks. Already a decent fantasy option, Witten is now someone you should seriously consider. Scored 18 points last week and it is not beyond the realms of possibility for him to repeat that kind of performance this week.
Outside Bet
Darren Fells, Arizona Cardinals, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears
Fells scored 14 points last week, which is solid for the position. He may not score so well every week, but he could be one of this years surprise packages. At 6' 7" he is an ideal red zone target and the match-up with the Chicago Bears could be just the type of game where he scores some big points. If you are short on budget he is worth a roll of the dice.
Avoid
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
Graham didn't look the same player last year that he did previous years. He will have big weeks due to his red zone presence but needs time to develop his relationship with Russell Wilson. For now, at least, Rob Gronkowski is a much better bet at the $4m budget.
Defence / Special Teams
St. Louis Rams, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Washington Redskins
The Rams are often a solid bet, more so when they are facing a blunt Kirk Cousins led Redskins offense. I'm not really a big fan of spending over $1m on DEF but there could be points to be had here this week. Worth considering.
Miami Dolphins, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins scored 15 points last week and are a good bet again this week. Blake Bortles has been known to throw the odd interception, and the Dolphins also have a dangerous return man in Jarvis Landry.
Carolina Panthers, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: Houston Texans
The Panthers were the top scoring defence last week with 21 points, and with the Texans unstable QB situation they may do well again this week. Ryan Mallett has been named the starter for the Texans against the Panthers after Brian Hoyer "won" the starting job in pre-season. Although Mallett will have been taking first team snaps this week he hasn't had the time to develop the relationship with his receivers and this could lead to interceptions.
Outside Bet
Tennessee Titans, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns
This is less an outside bet and more a team I wouldn't routinely consider, however, the Titans face the Cleveland Browns who will likely be led by the interception happy Johnny Manziel. If the Titans play like they did last week then they could be a big scorer this week.
Avoid
Seattle Seahawks, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
The Seahawks are one of the most reliable defences in the league and can score big fantasy points. This week they travel to Green Bay where the Packers were undefeated last year and have the leagues best QB in Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since December 2nd 2012. Best to stay away from the Seahawks in week 2.
Kickers
Brandon McManus, Denver Broncos, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs
With Denver struggling a little on offense at the beginning of this season goals may become key. McManus was the top scoring kicker last week and I expect him to do well this week.
Zach Hocker, New Orleans Saints, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hocker was another who scored well last week and should fair well again against a poor Tampa Bay Buccaneers team.
Outside Bet
Josh Lambo, San Diego Chargers, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Cincinnati Bengals
The former goalkeeper, who once spent time on trial at Everton, beat out the experienced Nick Novak for the kickers job in San Diego this year. Lambo, for me, was one of the best kickers in college football last year and I expect him to score decent points in what could be a high scoring game.
Avoid
Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: New York Jets
For the extortionate price of $3m I expect performance on par with skill players. Last week Vinatieri scored no fantasy points whatsoever in a game where he didn't attempt an extra point and missed his only field goal attempt. Whilst I expect better this week, definitely not worth the risk.
Watch List
These are the players I have been impressed with recently but I want to see a little more of before I commit them to my team.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans, $2m
Mariota looked great in week 1, tearing apart the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in one of the best all time rookie performances. In week 2 he faces a better defence in the Cleveland Browns, so it will be interesting to see if he can perform to the same level.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions, $2m
Another rookie who looked the real deal in week 1. My biggest concern is Jim Caldwell still insisting that Joique Bell is the Lions number 1 running back. Will wait another week or 2 on Abdullah but I fully expect him to have a big rookie season.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $2m
Martin looked like the player he was a couple of years back again. He has worked hard in the off season and looks in good shape. Had him in one of my teams last week but he didn’t score big points mostly due to the Buccaneers being so far behind they had to take chances on the passing game. Will sit and watch for a couple of weeks to see how he develops during this season.
Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans, $2m
This one goes hand in hand with Marcus Mariota above. If the Titans can prove that week 1 was not a freak result and performance then Wright could become a star.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles, $2m
Agholor is one of the best receiving talents from this year’s NFL Draft and is in an offense that is going to be high scoring. Despite this, he didn’t score any fantasy points week 1 as the Eagles struggled to get going. I still think Agholor could have a big year but it may take a few weeks for him to start scoring big points.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $2m
The second highest scoring Tight End of week one benefited from the Buccaneers being so far behind. That said, if he can strike up a good relationship with QB Jameis Winston then Seferian-Jenkins could have a productive year. Need to see him produce consistently before starting him in my fantasy teams.
Week 1 Performance
This is an overview of how my teams performed in Week 1.
First Team
Strong performances from Matt Forte, Rob Gronkowski, Dolphins Defence & Steven Hauschka were offset by weaker than expected performances by Sam Bradford, Doug Martin, Davante Adams & Amari Cooper. A very average week that garnered just 102 fantasy points for a tied 2188th place for the season. My frustration is compounded by my last minute decision to switch from Chris Ivory (21 points) to Doug Martin.
Second Team
Similar story to my first team with strong performances from Aaron Rodgers, Jeremy Hill, James Jones and Antonio Brown but let down by Greg Olsen and the Eagles Defence. Dan Carpenter and Benny Cunningham scored what I expected really (although a few more points from Cunningham would have been nice). Cunningham was a last minute swap for Ameer Abdullah following the news that Tre Mason was not ready to face the Seahawks. This allowed me to bring in Olsen as a "safe" option at Tight End in place of Richard Rogers. Again, this cost me a handful of points but could on another day have gone the other way. A total of 102 points to match my first team.
Darren Fells, Arizona Cardinals, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Chicago Bears
Fells scored 14 points last week, which is solid for the position. He may not score so well every week, but he could be one of this years surprise packages. At 6' 7" he is an ideal red zone target and the match-up with the Chicago Bears could be just the type of game where he scores some big points. If you are short on budget he is worth a roll of the dice.
Avoid
Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints, $4m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
Graham didn't look the same player last year that he did previous years. He will have big weeks due to his red zone presence but needs time to develop his relationship with Russell Wilson. For now, at least, Rob Gronkowski is a much better bet at the $4m budget.
Defence / Special Teams
St. Louis Rams, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Washington Redskins
The Rams are often a solid bet, more so when they are facing a blunt Kirk Cousins led Redskins offense. I'm not really a big fan of spending over $1m on DEF but there could be points to be had here this week. Worth considering.
Miami Dolphins, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins scored 15 points last week and are a good bet again this week. Blake Bortles has been known to throw the odd interception, and the Dolphins also have a dangerous return man in Jarvis Landry.
Carolina Panthers, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: Houston Texans
The Panthers were the top scoring defence last week with 21 points, and with the Texans unstable QB situation they may do well again this week. Ryan Mallett has been named the starter for the Texans against the Panthers after Brian Hoyer "won" the starting job in pre-season. Although Mallett will have been taking first team snaps this week he hasn't had the time to develop the relationship with his receivers and this could lead to interceptions.
Outside Bet
Tennessee Titans, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Cleveland Browns
This is less an outside bet and more a team I wouldn't routinely consider, however, the Titans face the Cleveland Browns who will likely be led by the interception happy Johnny Manziel. If the Titans play like they did last week then they could be a big scorer this week.
Avoid
Seattle Seahawks, $2m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Green Bay Packers
The Seahawks are one of the most reliable defences in the league and can score big fantasy points. This week they travel to Green Bay where the Packers were undefeated last year and have the leagues best QB in Aaron Rodgers, who hasn't thrown an interception at Lambeau Field since December 2nd 2012. Best to stay away from the Seahawks in week 2.
Kickers
Brandon McManus, Denver Broncos, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Kansas City Chiefs
With Denver struggling a little on offense at the beginning of this season goals may become key. McManus was the top scoring kicker last week and I expect him to do well this week.
Zach Hocker, New Orleans Saints, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hocker was another who scored well last week and should fair well again against a poor Tampa Bay Buccaneers team.
Outside Bet
Josh Lambo, San Diego Chargers, $1m
Week 2 Opponent: @ Cincinnati Bengals
The former goalkeeper, who once spent time on trial at Everton, beat out the experienced Nick Novak for the kickers job in San Diego this year. Lambo, for me, was one of the best kickers in college football last year and I expect him to score decent points in what could be a high scoring game.
Avoid
Adam Vinatieri, Indianapolis Colts, $3m
Week 2 Opponent: New York Jets
For the extortionate price of $3m I expect performance on par with skill players. Last week Vinatieri scored no fantasy points whatsoever in a game where he didn't attempt an extra point and missed his only field goal attempt. Whilst I expect better this week, definitely not worth the risk.
Watch List
These are the players I have been impressed with recently but I want to see a little more of before I commit them to my team.
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans, $2m
Mariota looked great in week 1, tearing apart the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in one of the best all time rookie performances. In week 2 he faces a better defence in the Cleveland Browns, so it will be interesting to see if he can perform to the same level.
Ameer Abdullah, RB, Detroit Lions, $2m
Another rookie who looked the real deal in week 1. My biggest concern is Jim Caldwell still insisting that Joique Bell is the Lions number 1 running back. Will wait another week or 2 on Abdullah but I fully expect him to have a big rookie season.
Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $2m
Martin looked like the player he was a couple of years back again. He has worked hard in the off season and looks in good shape. Had him in one of my teams last week but he didn’t score big points mostly due to the Buccaneers being so far behind they had to take chances on the passing game. Will sit and watch for a couple of weeks to see how he develops during this season.
Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans, $2m
This one goes hand in hand with Marcus Mariota above. If the Titans can prove that week 1 was not a freak result and performance then Wright could become a star.
Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles, $2m
Agholor is one of the best receiving talents from this year’s NFL Draft and is in an offense that is going to be high scoring. Despite this, he didn’t score any fantasy points week 1 as the Eagles struggled to get going. I still think Agholor could have a big year but it may take a few weeks for him to start scoring big points.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, $2m
The second highest scoring Tight End of week one benefited from the Buccaneers being so far behind. That said, if he can strike up a good relationship with QB Jameis Winston then Seferian-Jenkins could have a productive year. Need to see him produce consistently before starting him in my fantasy teams.
Week 1 Performance
This is an overview of how my teams performed in Week 1.
First Team
Strong performances from Matt Forte, Rob Gronkowski, Dolphins Defence & Steven Hauschka were offset by weaker than expected performances by Sam Bradford, Doug Martin, Davante Adams & Amari Cooper. A very average week that garnered just 102 fantasy points for a tied 2188th place for the season. My frustration is compounded by my last minute decision to switch from Chris Ivory (21 points) to Doug Martin.
Second Team
Similar story to my first team with strong performances from Aaron Rodgers, Jeremy Hill, James Jones and Antonio Brown but let down by Greg Olsen and the Eagles Defence. Dan Carpenter and Benny Cunningham scored what I expected really (although a few more points from Cunningham would have been nice). Cunningham was a last minute swap for Ameer Abdullah following the news that Tre Mason was not ready to face the Seahawks. This allowed me to bring in Olsen as a "safe" option at Tight End in place of Richard Rogers. Again, this cost me a handful of points but could on another day have gone the other way. A total of 102 points to match my first team.
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