Fantasy Billboard: Giddy Up! and Whoa Down! Week 2

The NFL’s Week 1 should be considered an extension of the preseason. Teams have a lot of kinks to work out, so be patient with your Fantasy rosters. Even 10-year vet Russell Wilson had three delay of game penalties. Fantasy Billboard’s Giddy Ups! and Whoa Downs! will help you make the tough start/sit decisions. Make sure to check the NFL injury reports before submitting your lineups.

GIDDY UP!

Aaron Rodgers, QB — In Week 1 2021, Rodgers was a pathetic 15 for 28 passing with two interceptions and 133 yards against the Saints. Fans despised him. The press skewered him. Even ex-teammates said to replace him. In his next game Rodgers slew the Lions for 255 yards and four TDs. Ignore Rodgers’ implosion last week in Minnesota and start him versus Da Bears. In his previous two games against Chicago, he had 536 yards and six TDs.

Derek Carr, QB — Carr will be a top ten QB against the Cardinal’s 32nd-ranked pass defense this week. Five out of the last six QBs to face the Birds had three or more TDs: Patrick Mahomes (5), Dak Prescott (3), Russell Wilson (3) Jared Goff (3) and Matthew Stafford (5). Carr should carve up the Birds and stuff a few more touchdowns down their throats.

Darrell Henderson Jr., RB — Henderson became the de facto starting RB for the Rams last week after we saw Cam Akers make an “olé” block, side-stepping an oncoming bull rusher with the skill of a matador, and getting Matthew Stafford crushed. Henderson performed admirably against Buffalo’s vaunted front four. Atlanta’s defense should be a welcome downgrade this week.

Antonio Gibson, RB — The reports of Gibson’s demise are greatly exaggerated. He had 130 combined yards and seven receptions last week. His 20 points made him the 11th-best RB on opening day. Gibson will be master and Commander versus Detroit.

Russell Gage, WR — I was surprised Chris Godwin recovered from ACL surgery so quickly. Sometimes when players rush back, other injuries pop up. Sure enough, he went down in the first half against Dallas. While Godwin nurses his sore hammy, enjoy the ride with Gage. Tom Brady said, “Gage has to have a big year for us.” If Brady’s on board, so am I.

Devin Duvernay, WR — Lamar Jackson loves to throw to slot receivers. I never recommend chasing points, but it’s hard to ignore Duvernay’s 54-yard effort and two TDs from the slot last week. Stash Duvernay on your bench if you don’t have the stomach to start him in a tough matchup vs. Miami.

Dawson Knox, TE — The forgotten man in Josh Allen’s TD-fest on opening day, it’s Knox’s turn to shine Monday night in Orchard Park. The Titans play well against TEs, but I think Allen will make sure his bestie Knox finds the end zone.

WHOA DOWN!

Trey Lance, QB — Unless you are in a league that awards rushing points for QBs, I would steer clear of Sir Lancelot. He throws footballs behind, over and above his receivers a lot.

Jacoby Brissett, QB — I know they gave up three TDs to Lamar Jackson, but the Jets held one of the best QBs in the league to a mere 213 passing yards. Brissett is not in Jackson’s class. Keep the faith with Coach Saleh and Gang Green.

Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Kenneth Gainwell, RBs — All three Eagle RBs scored a rushing TD last week. Even QB Jaylen Hurts ran one in. Picking an RB from this Philly trio is like choosing between Moe, Larry or Curly. Don’t be a stooge. Leave them on your bench.

Ezekiel Elliott, RB — Great meme on Twitter this week: If you own a Cowboys jersey and live in the Dallas area, Jerry Jones asks that you be at practice tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. We are witnessing the demise of the Boys. When Dak ‘Hit Me with Your’ Prescott went down last week, so did the fortunes of the Dallas offense. Elliott has had enough trouble running without the box stacked against him. Same goes for WR CeeDee ‘Silence of the’ Lamb.

Julio Jones, WR — Talented? Yes. Hall of Famer? Maybe. Player most likely to pull a hammy and exit a game? Definitely.

Tyler Lockett, WR — The Seahawks defeated the Broncos with Geno Smith at QB. Sorry, I’m not impressed. Lockett had 28 yards. He finished outside the top 36 WRs a staggering seven times last year with a much better QB. That disturbing trend continued Monday night as he placed 73rd in WR Fantasy points scored. Keep Tyler locked on the pine in San Francisco.

Kyle Pitts, TE — I drafted Pitts in the third round of every league I’m in, so I’m still starting him this week in L.A. But the Rams shut down tight ends. I’m expecting a very low floor.

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