Bye Weeks: N/A

Six catches and 14 carries for Giovani Bernard in Week 1 has him on the RB1 radar for Week 2

Grab a Helmet

Giovani Bernard / Jeremy Hill v. ATL: That loud exhale you heard after Week 1 were all the Gio Bernard owners breathing a sigh of relief, and all the Jeremy Hill owners cursing their luck. Expected to be stuck in an almost even timeshare with Hill, Bernard not only bested his rookie counterpart in snaps (58-10) but led the Bengals offense in rushing and targets. Surprisingly the Bengals broke script and passed the ball 12 more times than they ran it. After a giant interdivision win, Bengals coaches have talked about getting Hill more looks, and look for this to be the week, as he could be a vital piece of a game plan that will most assuredly be centered around keeping the ball out of Atlanta’s hands. Look for Bernard and Hill to combine for close to 30 carries as the Bengals look to ground the explosive Falcon air attack. With the additional touches in the passing game Bernard is the favored play, but both could provide RB2 value if this game goes according to the Bengals plan.

Terrance West v NO: Left for dead after an underwhelming preseason, the arrow was pointing way down for West prior to Week 1. But after a knee injury to Ben Tate and a 16-100 line (with two touchdowns vulture by teammate Isaiah Crowell) against the Steelers, West finds himself as a fantastic option this week against a Saints defense that allowed the Falcons to rush for 116 yards. Lost in the furious, yet ultimately unsuccessful Browns comeback was the play of West, and that of the mauling Cleveland offensive line. The Browns were able to move the ball on the ground at will, as Cleveland running backs darted, dashed and rumbled to the tune of 6.4 yards per carry. Hoyer vs Brees is always a losing proposition for the Dog Pound, so look for West to get another chance to prove his value as Cleveland attempts to ride their ground game. West makes for a sneaky RB2 play with a chance at RB1 production.

Rashad Jennings v. ARI: Lost in the five-alarm fire that the Giants offense has become was the play of Rashad Jennings against the Lions Monday night. Jennings, leagues ahead of back-up rookie Andre Williams, looked like the only player with a shred of dignity, as he compiled 96 total yards and a score. Most notably was that the touchdown came at the goal line, a role many expected Jennings to concede to Williams. Jennings may not flash elite talent, but he’s fundamentally sound, runs with good power and vision, and is a reliable target when Manning is running for his life. In their home opener, look for the Giants to run to set up the pass and establish an offensive flow by featuring Jennings. The Arizona defense is losing starters by the day, and isn’t the elite unit that many believed they would be over the summer. If injuries have hit you early, or you don’t have elite options to trot out in Week 2, look for Jennings to provide solid production in the RB2 slot.

Grab Some Pine

Justin Forsett v. PIT: Fumbles, Ineptitude, and suspensions have opened the door for journeyman scatback Justin Forsett. In your league, someone (maybe you!) probably put in an expensive claim for the new “starter” in Baltimore. Unfortunately, they (you!) may not see much return on that investment. Against the Bengals, Forsett bested his rushing and touchdown total from ALL of 2013. In fact, the 11 carries for 70 yards and score were the most and first since week 12 of the 2012 season. Brought in to provide a veteran voice who knows Gary Kubiak’s offense, Forsett was the beneficiary of an offense that threw the ball an absurd 62 times in Week 1. Whatever the real reason for his benching, Bernard Pierce became nonexistent as Forsett proved to be a better fit for the furious aerial barrage. While Forsett has likely earned a bigger role on the offense than initially planned, the 29-year old hasn’t had more than 60 carries in a season in three years. He might be a bright light during a dark time in Baltimore, but expecting him to help your team more than as a low end FLEX option is a mistake.

Toby Gerhart @ WAS: An already plodding back who averaged a vile 2.3 yards per carry in Week 1, Gerhart is now dealing with a troublesome ankle injury. He’ll likely start, fall forward for few yards and leave you with an empty hollow feeling in the pit of your stomach. Save yourself the pain, and leave Gerhart on the bench. The ankle injury will sap the limited change of direction skill he had, and restrict him to running downs. Unless you are absolutely desperate, sit Gerhart and hope he gets healthy quick.

Maurice Jones-Drew / Darren McFadden v. HOU: Let’s make it two for two. Last week Joseph had just Maurice Jones-Drew in this slot. I’m going to do him one better and put ALL the Oakland runners on the bench. Jones–Drew showed very little last week against an admittedly dominant Jets run defense. But elite or not, a 9-11 line simply isn’t going to get it done in the real or fantasy world. Word is Jones-Drew is coming off some type of “procedure” on his hand, McFadden hasn’t been effective in nearly a season and only once a year does fullback Marcel Reece look like the second coming of Jim Brown (seriously, look it up, he comes out of nowhere almost once a year to have a ridiculous game). I wouldn’t feel comfortable starting a Raiders runner now, or in the immediate future. Stay far away.

Wide Receivers