👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Mad Libs: Starts and Sits for Week 2

Week 1 is officially in the books, and I don't know if I feel good. My picks were largely decent, and the games were very close. But much like the cast from the Tony Award-winning musical "Hamilton," I can never be truly satisfied. David Johnson looked great even in a losing effort, but I have to wonder if it'll continue against the impressive front-sevens of the NFC West. I have C.J. Anderson in a few leagues, but will it continue? Week 1 is the cruel mistress that tells you, "you did the right thing," despite you wondering if Demaryius Thomas is injured or just having a bad week. So I spent my weekend, half-enjoying my victories (you'll see why below) and half-wondering if it was all just fleeting.

Also, as I wrote this week's column, I was repeatedly interrupted with RotoBaller members asking for fantasy advice. Gosh, that was fun. Feel free to tweet me or chat me with your questions, but I'll always be around to let you know that I think your team is trash good. Now, on to this week's fill-ins!

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through the playoffs. Premium DFS research, lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Running Back

Melvin Gordon will either be on my bench or will ruin my week.

The significantly smarter-than-me Nathan Jahnke noted on Twitter this Sunday that despite a big Melvin Gordon fantasy day, he was out-snapped more than 2-to-1 by Danny Woodhead. If you're excited about Melvin Gordon finally coming around, good for you; you're a San Diego Chargers fans who is living in an endless amount of denial. The Jacksonville Jaguars held T.J. Yeldon in check, so even if you believe Gordon ends up fine, this may not be the week to test your theory.

Dear C.J. Anderson, do you like like me? I like like you this week. 

C.J. Anderson was other-wordly against the Carolina Panthers to open the season, and it's not likely he can keep up the pace. Except for the fact that the Broncos are facing off against the Colts. The Indianapolis Colts. The Indianapolis "Oh My God We Couldn't Stop The Lions" Colts. The "We Couldn't Stop Ameer Abdullah OR Theo Riddick" Colts. CJ Anderson is as close as you can come to a lock at running back in Week 2, and additionally an RB1 as long as he keeps getting the line work from the Denver Broncos and the easy matchups.

Am I going to really start Darren Sproles in Week 2? (less than 60% ownership in ESPN leagues)

I love those questions that make you feel like a fantasy player who cannot believe the decision they are about to make. Really? Darren Sproles? The 33-year-old RB is owned in 55% of ESPN leagues, yet just about every single Sproles owner is going "Am I going to really do this?" I can't recommend Sproles every single week, but he's a decent FLEX play vs the Chicago Bears, and whats more, could be a very fun play in a PPR league. No, I don't have Sproles ranked very high (just speculating, barely a top-30 RB?) but in a league where you need a low risk solution with scoring potential, go Sproles.

Hold your nose, here comes Toby Gerhart (less than 1% ownership in ESPN leagues)

Yes, in 2016, I'm recommending at least considering Toby Gerhart. I don't think he will be a useful starting commodity, but the more I hear about how Chris Ivory is suffering from a mysterious injury, the more I worry about what Jacksonville will do if T.J. Yeldon has any issues. This is only for deeper leagues where you can afford to fill a bench spot with the most lotto ticket of all lotto tickets, but that's what the Jacksonville back-up game is at this point.

 

Wide Receiver

Don't hand me my money back, I'm going double-or-nothing on A.J. Green

Twelve targets against Darrelle Revis, in New York. I mentioned to a few people I thought A.J. Green was a safe option this year, but I think he'll be very fun in a game where the Bengals are still pissed at the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are on the road again, but the 28-year-old Green isn't facing a cornerback as talented as Revis in Pittsburgh. Green had 12 targets in 2016, and should only see more work from Andy Dalton, making Green the "Oh yeah, I forgot how good he is" player of the first half of 2016. Don't be afraid to start him while simultaneously taunting everyone who doesn't own him.

I will be discarding my DeSean Jackson and replacing him with two cards from the deck 

This may be the last week you have to get rid of DeSean Jackson for some amount of profit, or at least bench him in favor of another WR who may find more consistent success. I was nervous about Jackson heading into the game with the Steelers, and admittedly he had his moments. He was targeted a fine amount, but the Redskins box score shows how many other talented wide receivers will happily snap up the opportunity if Jackson is even decently covered (and the Steelers, PFF's #21 secondary, fit that description.) In a grudge match vs a better Cowboys defense in Week 2, Jackson may end up just becoming a casualty in the turf war. Jackson is a talented WR with a storied history, but he may not finish the season as the best wide receiver on his team. Trade him for profit if at all possible, and consider your long term strategy if he is your WR2 going forward before your season is in the rear view mirror.

I take thee, Quincy Enunwa, as my WR3, to have and to hold (less than 1%)

If you drafted Eric Decker or Brandon Marshall, I feel bad for you son, but I've got 99 problems and a Quincy ain't one.

Ok, look, sorry, I had to. Unless the Bengals suddenly have two of the best corners in the game, there's no reason Enunwa should have gotten seven targets in this game. If someone in your league is trying to "sell high" here, take heart in knowing they may not know what they really have in Enunwa. His targets outnumbered Decker and Marshall... combined. It almost seems cruel that, after both players begged for Ryan Fitzpatrick back, he seems to have found a new love in the third year wide receiver. I'm not saying doing anything crazy here, but the targets don't lie; Enunwa should at least find a spot on your bench and is a good replacement for injured WRs like Keenan Allen.

As a note, this also applies to Jeremy Kerley, who saw eleven targets in his Monday night game against the Los Angeles Rams, but will be playing in a less consistent offense each week. While Enunwa could spot start for you, Kerley is purely a stash-and-see.

 

Tight End

Parachute? I don't need no parachute, I have Julius Thomas

"Yeah, I did pretty well in Week 1, and it may have been due to Julius," I said to a friend in our weekly football phone call this week. Thomas caught all 5 targets that came his way, and in an offense that highlights the passing effort, Formerly-Orange Julius could have decent TE1 value the rest of the way. I wouldn't trade for Julius, but if he's on your waiver wire or is some player's second TE, he could be valuable going forward. At the very least, the San Diego Chargers won't know how to handle him.

Don't cry kids! We will bury Antonio Gates in the yard 

I get it, not a great week for the San Diego Chargers, but it won't get easier at home (possibly the worst home field advantage in the NFL.) Gates was targeted only twice vs Kansas City, and won't get a much better break vs Jacksonville. If you drafted Gates early, maybe give Eric Ebron a chance? Or drink all of the scotch in your house and let it ride on Jack Doyle.

 




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return
Nino Niederreiter

Out Week-to-Week
Shane Smith

Locked into the Starting Rotation in Chicago After 2025 Emergence
Neal Pionk

Out Week-to-Week With New Injury
Dominic Canzone

Can Dominic Canzone Build on 2025 Breakout?
Noah Hanifin

Unavailable Wednesday
Konnor Griffin

Slugs Two Home Runs on Tuesday
Jack Eichel

to Miss Wednesday's Action
Chandler Simpson

"Tentatively" Scheduled to Make Spring Debut on Friday
John Tavares

Expected to Play Wednesday
Samuel Girard

Penguins Acquire Samuel Girard From Avalanche
Brandon Woodruff

"on Track to Begin the Season in the Rotation"
Victor Hedman

Good to Go for Wednesday
Yordan Alvarez

Not Cleared to Play in Spring Games
Brayden Point

Available for Lightning
Chet Holmgren

Cleared for Action on Tuesday
Mikko Rantanen

to Miss at Least Two Weeks
Anfernee Simons

Suffers Fractured Left Wrist
Draymond Green

Won't Be Limited on Tuesday
Evan Mobley

to Remain Limited on Tuesday
Davion Mitchell

Back in Action Vs. Bucks
Daniel Gafford

Active Tuesday
Dejounte Murray

is Officially Active on Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Back In Lineup Vs. Indiana
Kam Jones

Set To Suit Up Tuesday
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic is Ruled Out on Tuesday
Shaedon Sharpe

Sidelined at Least Four More Weeks
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez's Velocity Down in Spring Debut
Pascal Siakam

Out Tuesday, Micah Potter Cleared to Play
Tristan Vukcevic

to Play on Tuesday
Billy Horschel

Looks to Improve Season at Cognizant Classic
T.J. McConnell

Andrew Nembhard, T.J. McConnell Cleared to Play Tuesday
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Jonathan Kuminga

Set to Make Hawks Debut on Tuesday
Ryan Kalkbrenner

Slated to Suit Up Tuesday
Joe Highsmith

Returns to Defend at Cognizant Classic
Quinshon Judkins

Out of Walking Boot, Will be Ready for Training Camp
Vince Williams Jr.

Out for Remainder of Season
Jaxson Hayes

Sidelined on Tuesday
Al Horford

De'Anthony Melton Will Play Against the Pelicans, Al Horford Ruled Out
Naz Reid

Listed as Available to Play Tuesday
Jalen Smith

Will Not Play Tuesday Against the Hornets
Breece Hall

Jets Will Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall if Extension isn't Reached
Trey Yesavage

to be on Strict Inning Limit This Season
Joel Dahmen

Needs Better Consistency Heading Into The Florida Swing
Blaine Crim

Suffers Oblique Strain
Matt Waldron

"Week-to-Week" After Undergoing Surgery
Daniel Berger

Looks to Improve Putting as PGA Tour Begins Its Florida Swing
Oneil Cruz

Looking to Improve Against Left-Handed Pitchers
Sebastian Walcott

has Internal-Brace Surgery, Out 5-6 Months
Ricky Tiedemann

to Back Off for a Week Due to Elbow Soreness
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Zach Ertz

Plans to Return for 14th Season
Jameson Taillon

Can Be a Sneaky Late-Round Value
Matt Wallner

Ready for a Breakout Season?
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Looking for Healthy 2026
Ernie Clement

Expected to Play a Major Role in Toronto
Chris Sale

Signs Extension With Braves
Davis Thompson

Struggling to Find Birdies as Florida Looms
Tom Kim

Not Quite Cutting It in 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Build Momentum from Scottsdale
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Returns After Extended Break for Florida Event
Carson Fulmer

Signs Minor-League Deal With Pirates
Brent Honeywell

Signs Minor-League Contract With Giants
Graham Pauley

Undergoes Imaging for Forearm Tightness
CFB

Gunner Rivers Follows His Father, Commits To North Carolina State
Will Zalatoris

Set to Make Tournament Debut at Cognizant Classic
Linus Ullmark

Available for Senators
Rasmus Hojgaard

Trending Up at the Cognizant Classic
Ryan Reaves

Sharks Activate Ryan Reaves From Injured Reserve
Charlie Lindgren

Activated From Injured Reserve Monday
Josh Norris

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Max McGreevy

Will Need to Improve on the Greens to Compete
Rico Hoey

Returns to Cognizant Classic
Austin Eckroat

Looks to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Aaron Rai

Bounces Back After Rough Start to 2026 Season
Shane Lowry

Continues Playing Well Heading to Cognizant Classic
Max Homa

Has Opportunity to Continue Building Momentum at the Cognizant Classic
Ryan Gerard

Strong Approach Play Behind his Hot Start in 2026
Luke Clanton

Making Fourth Start of 2026 at Cognizant Classic
Kevin Lankinen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Josh Morrissey

to Miss Start of Road Trip
Mikko Rantanen

Expected to Miss Time
Andrew Putnam

Looks to Jumpstart His Season at Cognizant Classic
Adam Scott

Looks For Continued Success at PGA National
Anthony Hernandez

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Sean Strickland

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Planning to Use Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Geoff Neal

Suffers Back-To-Back Knockout Losses
Uros Medic

Shines At UFC Houston
Dan Ige

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Melquizael Costa

Extends His Win Streak To Six
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Falls Short of Victory at EchoPark Speedway
Carson Hocevar

Rallies to Fourth At EchoPark Speedway After Early Struggles
Ross Chastain

Finishes Third At EchoPark Speedway
Chase Briscoe

Scores First Career Top-Five Finish at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

Nabs His Second Win of the Season At EchoPark Speedway
Joey Logano

Will Be Popular DFS Pick at EchoPark Speedway
Tyler Reddick

on Pole After Qualifying Rained Out at EchoPark Speedway
Chase Elliott

Could Chase Elliott Be Worth Rostering At EchoPark Speedway?
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
William Byron

Is William Byron Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Rondale Moore

Passes Away
Denny Hamlin

Is Worth Consideration for EchoPark Speedway DFS Lineups
Brad Keselowski

Is A Tournament Option for DFS At EchoPark Speedway
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Rosterable In DFS At EchoPark Speedway?
Austin Cindric

Should DFS Managers Roster Austin Cindric at EchoPark Speedway?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Sneaky DFS Option for EchoPark Speedway?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Worth Rostering for DFS at EchoPark Speedway?
Alex Bowman

Will Start Towards the Rear At EchoPark Speedway
Javonte Williams

Cowboys Sign Javonte Williams to Three-Year, $24 Million Extension
Joel Armia

Wraps Up Olympics With Three-Point Performance
Daniil Tarasov

Available for Panthers
Evan Rodrigues

Set to Return Next Week
Aaron Ekblad

Expected to Play Thursday
Pavel Zacha

Cleared for Action
Travis Etienne Jr.

has "Legitimate Interest" in Joining Chiefs
Zach Charbonnet

Undergoes Knee Surgery on Friday
CFB

Curt Cignetti Agrees to New Deal With Indiana, Will Earn $13.2 Million Per Year
Anthony Hernandez

Set For UFC Houston Main Event
Sean Strickland

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Uros Medic

Set For UFC Houston Co-Main Event
Geoff Neal

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Melquizael Costa

A Favorite At UFC Houston
Dan Ige

An Underdog At UFC Houston
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF