Jets @ Dolphins - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: The handcuffs that were placed on Mark Sanchez in Week 1 by the coaching staff were removed in Week 2 with great results. Sanchez threw for over 200 yards and 3 TDs against the New England Patriots at the Meadowlands earning the Jets a much needed victory. Sanchez dumped off when necessary, but unlike in the opening week, he attacked deep early and often against the young Pats’ secondary. He spread the wealth around as Jerricho Cotchery, Braylon Edwards and Dustin Keller were each on the receiving end of a TD pass. Expect the results this week to be somewhere in between Week 1 and Week 2 as the Jets will look for more balance and ball control in what should be a defensive battle. As you are probably aware WR Braylon Edwards was arrested on suspicions of drunk driving this week and his playing time could be limited – it’s likely best to move him to your bench.

Miami was very poor against the pass last season (24th ranked, allowing 234.6 ppg and 23 TDs through the air), but have fared much better in 2010. They shut down Trent Edwards in Week 1 (which wasn’t unexpected) and then forced Bret Favre into a three interception game in Week 2 in Minnesota. The team has responded to new DC Mike Nolan’s more aggressive schemes and is the 6th rated pass defense so far, after allowing only 162 passing ypg and 1 passing TD on the year.

Running Game Thoughts: LaDanian Tomlinson looked like the LT of old as he sliced through and over the Patriots’ run defense last week. The burst that seemed to have abandoned him the last two seasons has returned and Rex Ryan has slowly phased him into the lead back role in the Jets RBBC. That’s not to say that Shonn Greene will not continue to be a vital part of the rushing attack, but he will not be the bellcow that those who drafted him expected him to be. RG Matt Slausen has played very well so far this season and surprisingly the Jets have not lost much after handing perennial Pro Bowler Alan Faneca his walking papers. Center Nick Mangold was forced to leave last week’s contest with an arm injury, but is expected to be back in Week 3.

Miami gave up 186 yards and a TD to Adrian Peterson last week and will be tested once again. While the Jets do not have a back as talented as Peterson, their duo if pretty dynamic and their o-line line is superior. Safety Yeremiah Bell is leading the Dolphins team in tackles after two weeks, which is never a good sign.

Projections:
Mark Sanchez: 215 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int. / 10 yards rushing
Braylon Edwards: 30 yds receiving
Jerricho Cotchery: 55 yds receiving
Dustin Keller: 60 yds receiving, 1 TD
Shonn Greene: 55 yds rushing, 1 TD / 5 yds receiving
LaDainian Tomlinson: 60 yds rushing, 1 TD / 45 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Chad Henne has had a quiet season in 2010 tossing only 1 TD during the first two weeks. With the Dolphins owning a 2-0 record though, no one is complaining much. WR Brandon Marshall has been heavily targeted in the first two games, but has yet to make any real impact for his new team averaging only slightly above 10 yards per reception. Brian Hartline was held without a catch in Week 1, but hooked up with Henne for a TD in Week 2. He will likely not be consistent enough from week to week to be counted on by fantasy owners, but could be a decent bye week filler in the right matchups. TE Anthony Fasano is a big target in the middle of the field that seems to be back in favor in the Miami offense. The Jets have not defended the TE position well during the first two weeks allowing Todd Heap and rookie Aaron Hernandez to put up nice stat-lines against them, so Fasano may make a nice sneaky start if you don’t have any better options.

Darrelle Revis pulled up lame on Randy Moss’ TD catch last week and will miss this week’s game as a result of his balky hamstring. While Antonio Cromartie stepped up and shut down Randy Moss in Revis’ absence last week – it’s an obvious blow to the Jets and a possible boon to Marshall owners.

Running Game Thoughts: The “Wild Cat” which was called a gimmick by some of the Jet players prior to the game last season was a mixed bag for Miami in the two games the two teams played last season. In the first matchup, the Phins ran all over the Jets, but it was shut down when the teams met again in New Jersey a few weeks later. The Jets run defense has been practically impenetrable so far this season as Baltimore and New England only rushed for 100 yards combined during the first two weeks against them. If the Jets can shut down the running game and force Henne to beat them, the two teams could be all tied up atop the AFC East come Monday.

Projections:
Chad Henne: 195 yds passing, 1 TD, 2 Ints.
Brandon Marshall: 95 yds receiving
Brian Hartline: 10 yds receiving
Davone Bess: 20 yds receiving
Anthony Fasano: 40 yds receiving, 1 TD
Ronnie Brown: 55 yds rushing, 1 TD / 10 yds rec.
Ricky Williams: 40 yds rushing / 10 yds receiving

Prediction: Jets 24 Dolphins 17 ^ Top

Titans @ Giants - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: Vince Young had a relatively big passing day in Week 1 against the Raiders but found himself in a familiar spot during the Week 2 contest with Pittsburgh - on the bench watching Kerry Collins. Jeff Fischer has announced that Young will be back in the starting line-up this week for the Titans, but that doesn’t mean he should be in your fantasy team’s starting line-up. Former Rutgers star Kenny Britt makes his return to New Jersey this week and must begin to show some consistency before the Titans ever truly rely on him as Young’s go to receiver – he is far too talented to lose targets to mediocre veterans like Justin Gage and Nate Washington.

The Giants pass defense looked very good when Matt Moore was under center in Week 1 but looked very poor when Peyton Manning was under center in Week 2. Go figure. Truth is, the Giants secondary is likely somewhere in the middle of Week 1 and Week 2, and should be solid against less than stellar passers like Vince Young. Young should be able to make some plays with his legs however, if he is able to escape the Giants’ resurgent pass rush. Kenny Philips should improve the further along he gets in his recovery from a knee injury and the team will need him to fully recover if they are going to morph back into the dominant defense they once were.

Running Game Thoughts: After a poor Week 2 performance, Chris Johnson fell way off the pace from achieving his goal of 2,500 rushing yards. However, the Pittsburgh defense has a way of making everyone look bad, and Johnson should return to being a “sure thing” in your starting line-up once again as he faces the Giants D which has allowed over 124 ypg through the first two weeks of the season. The Giants line-backing crew simply doesn’t have the speed to keep up with Johnson (but who really does?), and the aging Keith Bulluck has been slow to adjust to his new surroundings and responsibilities.

Projections:
Vince Young: 145 yds passing, 1 TD, 1 Int. / 45 yds rushing
Kenny Britt: 55 yds receiving, 1 TD
Justin Gage: 10 yds receiving
Nate Washington: 35 yds receving
Bo Scaife: 25 yds receiving
Chris Johnson: 155 yds rushing, 1 TD / 30 yds receiving

Passing Game Thoughts: Eli Manning was once again outplayed by his older brother, but there’ really no shame in that. Last week his o-line really let him down, as Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis were all over him the entire game. While the Titans don’t have as dominant a duo at defensive ends, overall they do have a good pass rush so the Giants’ o-line will need to step up. TE Kevin Boss missed last week, but is expected back and should help provide a decent outlet for Manning if the line does leak a little. It’s been pretty clear that Hakeem Nicks is ready to take the next step as he’s hauled in 4 TD catches in only two games to start the season. However, the Giants do have plenty of targets in the passing game, so Nicks could have some quiet weeks if he doesn’t find the end-zone.

The Titans are the No. 1 rated pass defense in the early season, but that stat isn’t as impressive when you realize that they have faced Jason Campbell and Dennis Dixon in the first two games. The Giants will be a much sterner test this week – and bear in mind the Titans were terrible against the pass last season.

Running Game Thoughts: Brandon Jacobs lost his starting spot in Week 1 and his “cool” in Week 2, as he tossed his helmet into the stands after being berated by HC Tom Coughlin. Coughlin didn’t like Jacobs dancing around in the backfield instead of being the North-South runner that made him so successful in the past. With Jacobs in the doghouse, Ahmad Bradshaw should further cement his role as the back that sees the lion’s share of the carries. The fourth year back is a dynamic runner with surprising power and could be this year’s break out running back.

The Titans have not allowed a rushing TD yet on the season. They shut down Darren McFadden until the game was out of reach in Week 1 and followed it up by keeping Rashard Mendenhall at bay in Week 2. Bradshaw combines the speed of McFadden and the strength of Mendenhall into one package. Perhaps he’ll crack the code this week.

Projections:
Eli Manning: 265 yds passing, 2 TDs, 1 Int.
Steve Smith: 40 yds receiving, 1 TD
Mario Manningham: 60 yds receiving
Hakeem Nicks: 75 yds receiving, 1 TD
Kevin Boss: 25 yds receiving
Brandon Jacobs: 30 yds rushing / 5 yds receiving
Ahmad Bradshaw: 115 yds rushing, 1 TD / 50 yds receiving

Prediction: Giants 17 Titans 14 ^ Top

Bills @ Patriots - (Marcoccio)

Passing Game Thoughts: In 2009, an ineffective Trent Edwards was benched for journeyman and former Harvard QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Albert Einstein once said "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". Welcome to the Buffalo Bills version of insanity. Once again the gun shy Edwards will be sent to the bench in favor of the Ivy Leaguer. In Chan Gailey’s defense, Fitzpatrick does play with a lot more passion and moxie than Edwards, and the spark he may add to the offense, while not likely to provide different results, may excite the fan base a little and help the Bills offense look somewhat respectable. Then again, it just may be 2009 all over again.

The Pats secondary was abused for much of 2009, allowing 25 passing TDs and 209.7 ypg through the air and has not fared well in 2010 either. With Leigh Bodden’s season ending shoulder injury, the Pats start a very inexperienced secondary, second year player Darius Butler and rookie Devin McCourty and they have struggled. To be fair, the duo did very well against the Bengals talented wide-outs in Week 1 until the game was well out of hand for he Bengals and the garbage time stats started piling up. However, the much maligned Mark Sanchez threw for 225 yards and 3 TDs in Week 2 against them. Can the Harvard Boy outwit the football genius Billy Boy’s defensive schemes? While the brain may be willing the arm isn’t likely to be there.

Running Game Thoughts: Surprisingly Marshawn Lynch was the featured back in the Buffalo running game last week. Were the Bills showcasing him in front of potential suitor Green Bay? Perhaps, but the Bills have been very adamant in their stance that they are not trading Lynch and Chan Gailey has stated that Lynch will continue to see a heavy workload while CJ Spiller gets eased into the offense. Lynch ran hard and performed reasonably well against a very tough Packer run defense last week, so he just may be back on the brink of fantasy relevance.

The Patriots played the run effectively in 2009 allowing 110.5 yards per game and incredibly only 6 rushing TDs on the season and are on a similar pace this year having allowed 111 ypg and 1 TD during the first two weeks.

Projections:
Ryan Fitzpatrick: 185 yds passing, 2 Ints. / 10 yards rushing
Lee Evans: 40 yds receiving
Steve Johnson: 60 yds receiving
Jonathan Stupar: 15 yds receiving
C.J. Spiller: 15 yds rushing / 30 yds receiving
Fred Jackson: 35 yds rushing / 15 yds receiving
Marshawn Lynch: 85 yds rushing, 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Tom Brady threw for a respectable 245 yards and 2 TDs last week, however he did the majority of his damage in the first half and was highly ineffective in the second half. The Jets flustered Brady with a fierce pass rush and shifting coverages, making him look far worse than he has in years. Sometimes these things happen and his owners should not panic. In his favor, Brady may have the best collection of skill players surrounding him that he has had in his entire career. Everyone knows about Moss and Welker of course, but two the rookie TEs drafted by New England have become vital parts of the Pats passing attack. Rob Gronkowski is being used as a nice red zone option and Aaron Hernandez is being used as a hybrid slot WR ala Dallas Clark. Hernandez may see a further increase in targets now that RB Kevin Faulk has been lost for the year.

The Bills pass defense has not been as effective as last season when they finished second in the league against the pass allowing only 184.3 ypg and 14 TDs with 29 interceptions. They have yet to grab an interception so far and allowed two Aaron Rodgers TD passes last week. If the Bills stand any chance to pull the upset this week they will need to shut down the Pats passing game and force them into a ground attack. While the Bills have only slightly improved their putrid run defense, New England lacks a dynamic runner to take advantage.

Running Game Thoughts: Fred Taylor was able to gain 71 yards against a tough Bengal defense in Week 1, but only received limited carries against an even tougher Jet defense in Week 2. For those keeping track, it was BenJarvis Green-Ellis last week who was the primary ball carrier in the Pat RB rotation, albeit with only 10 carries. Sammy Morris is expected to take over Kevin Faulk’s third down role which may give him a small amount of value in ppr leagues.

Projections:
Tom Brady: 265 yds passing 2 TDs
Randy Moss: 95 yds receiving, 1 TD
Wes Welker: 60 yds receiving
Rob Gronkowski: 25 yds receiving, 1 TD
Aaron Hernadez: 60 yds receiving
Fred Taylor: 55 yds rushing / 15 yds receiving
Sammy Morris: 15 yds rushing / 45 yds receiving
BenJarvis Green-Ellis: 40 yds rushing, 1 TD

Prediction: Patriots 24 Bills 13 ^ Top

Browns @ Ravens - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Seneca Wallace replaced an injured Jake Delhomme last week and, all things considered, played okay. But now he faces a Baltimore defense that will most certainly enter the contest with a chip on its shoulder. Holding a potentially explosive Cincinnati offense to just five field goals in the Bengals’ backyard says a lot about a defense with huge question marks in the secondary. But the Ravens lost that game. A surprising 2nd-ranked pass defense will make for a tough day for Wallace.

Ray Lewis indicated during an interview this week that the Ravens must be concerned about Wallace’s running ability. Truth be told, that’s the only way Wallace will pose a threat to Baltimore. His passing ability is suspect and he’s without a formidable receiving threat on the outside. So even though Baltimore’s (supposed) most glaring weakness is its pass defense, the Browns have no weapons capable of exploiting it. Like most Baltimore games, this will prove to be a low-scoring affair. Wallace and his targets will struggle mightily in this game.

Running Game Thoughts: As of Thursday evening, starting RB Jerome Harrison has yet to practice. Chances are good that he will sit this one out with a thigh injury, meaning Peyton Hillis will likely get the start. Of the four TDs Cleveland has scored so far this season, Hillis has two. His physical, between-the-tackles kind of play may be better suited to counter Baltimore’s stifling run defense. Hillis, surprisingly, is active in the passing game too. His seven receptions are tied for the team lead with Ben Watson. Hillis will be active in the game plan, but that more than likely still won’t lead to the kind of production suitable for a start. Also, expect Josh Cribbs to get a few carries out of the Wildcat formation. But steer clear of this fantasy wasteland; there is no Cleveland Brown worth a start this week.

Projections:
Seneca Wallace – 155 yards / 0 TDs / 2 INTs
Peyton Hillis – 40 yards rushing / 25 yards rec.
Mohamed Massaquoi – 45 yards
Chansi Stuckey – 35 yards
Josh Cribbs – 15 yards rec. / 20 yards rushing
Ben Watson – 25 yards

Passing Game Thoughts: Joe Flacco was a popular pick heading into fantasy drafts this year, based largely on his productive season in 2009. This time last year, Flacco had five TDs and only two INTs; after two games in 2010, he has one TD and five INTs. That’s not the stuff that productive fantasy QBs are made of. This week, though, we should see Flacco and the Ravens offense in full bloom. Cleveland’s pass defense is really nothing special, but they’ve held the Bucs and Chiefs to a combined 33 points through the first two games. Neither team, however, poses the kind of dual threat that Baltimore does, and neither team has a receiver that can match Anquan Boldin’s ability.

Boldin was brought in to add a physical dimension to Baltimore’s passing attack. Even though he has yet to score, Boldin has shown the brilliance that made him a fantasy football staple during his time Arizona. He leads the team in receptions with 12, and that should continue this week. Expect Boldin’s best game so far this year. TE Todd Heap should show up too. Keep in mind that Cleveland allowed Kansas City’s TE Tony Moeaki (who?) to have a fairly productive day last week.

Running Game Thoughts: It was a foregone conclusion that Ray Rice’s receptions would go down once Anquan Boldin joined the team. Rice was a rushing and receiving fool last year, leading the Ravens in both categories in 2009. So far in ’10, he’s yet to pay dividends on the top-5 pick many used on him this summer. His 3.5 ypc won’t make fantasy owners feel comfortable with him. And take away his longest run of 30 yards and that average drops to an embarrassing 2.7 ypc. Cleveland ranks 25th in the league against the run this year, but they have yet to surrender a rushing TD. Rice is way too valuable to bench, though. This could be a game where Rice gets 25-30 carries. With that kind of action, he’s bound to reward patient owners with a stellar game.

Projections:
Joe Flacco – 220 yards / 2 TDs
Ray Rice – 80 yards / 1 TD
Anquan Boldin – 115 yards / 1 TDs
Derrick Mason – 40 yards
T.J. Houshmandzadeh – 20 yards
Todd Heap – 45 yards / 1 TD

Prediction: Baltimore 24, Cleveland 9 ^ Top

Lions @ Vikings - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Shaun Hill stunk up the joint for about three-fourths of the game last week before heating up late. He finished with a very respectable 335/2/2. I still wouldn’t touch him with a 10-foot fantasy pole, but it’s good to see that he finally realized that it’s legal to throw to #81, Calvin Johnson. Calvin had a goose egg in his stat line for most of last week’s game. He recovered nicely, but those flirtations with below-average performances churn the stomach a bit.

Nate Burleson injured an ankle early in last week’s game and probably won’t play. Whether or not that’s bad news for Calvin is debatable. Burleson’s not much of a talent that defenses would give him the kind of attention that would leave Calvin one-on-one. In fact, head coach Jim Schwartz mentioned in an interview this week that Philly’s secondary concentrated so much on Calvin that second-year TE Brandon Pettigrew had his best game as a pro. Expect Minnesota to do the same thing. Minnesota’s front four enters this game with only three sacks so far this season. They will harass Hill coming off the bus; expect them to match that number in this contest. It’s imperative, however, that Detroit’s O-line keep Hill upright.

Running Game Thoughts: Okay, quick: Who leads all RBs in fantasy points so far this year? Who has the most receptions by a RB so far this year? It’s Jahvid Best. While fellow rookie Ryan Mathews got all the notoriety heading into the season relative to possible Rookie of the Year honors, practically no one mentioned Best. This kid has been lighting it up both on the ground and through the air. He’s turned into a must-start regardless of opponent already. And sure, Minnesota has a tough run defense, but Best is on fire right now.

Forget Calvin Johnson; this kid is now the centerpiece of the offense. His running and receiving skills make him a valuable commodity regardless of who else he plays with. Yes, the Lions are on the road; yes, it’s in Minnesota—a place in which they haven’t played well in a decade; yes, we’re talking about the Detroit Lions here. But all of that aside, Jahvid Best has proven his fantasy (and NFL) worth; put him and keep him in your line-up until further notice.

Projections:
Shaun Hill – 170 yards / 2 TD / 2 INTs
Jahvid Best – 65 yards rushing / 35 yards rec. / 1 rushing TD
Calvin Johnson – 70 yards / 1 TD
Bryant Johnson – 35 yards
Brandon Pettigrew – 25 yards /1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: I’ll start by saying this: 41 years old is 41 years old. And to think that someone so “mature” can continue to defy father time while playing one of the most grueling sports in the history of forever is grossly optimistic. Brett Favre is toast. History. He may have a good game here or there in 2010, but the 2009 version is getting smaller and smaller in our rearview mirror. His lack of a receiving threat has been talked about endlessly, and couple that with an aching soon-to-be 41-year-old body and we’re looking at a trainwreck of a QB.

What’s more, the Detroit Lions quietly have one of the most disruptive front fours in the league. The Lions are second in the league—SECOND!!!—with nine sacks. They will get after Favre all day and force him into Favre-like mistakes. Several interceptions are not out of the realm of possibility. Percy Harvin returned to practice this week, but his fragility has been well documented. Bernard Berrian is…well…Bernard Berrian. Visanthe Shiancoe is the only viable threat for Favre. Shiancoe should get the lion’s share of Favre’s attention. Expect a good game from the TE. Other than that, tread lightly around the Vikings this week. It could get ugly.

Running Game Thoughts: Adrian Peterson has been the Adrian Peterson we’ve come to know and appreciate. He’s averaging just under 5 ypc this year and has been the real cornerstone of this offense. Even though they’re 0-2, things would look much worse if not for A.P. And A.P. loves playing against the Lions. In six career games, he’s averaged 104 yards rushing and scored five total TDs. There’s no reason to believe he won’t get an opportunity to put up similar numbers this week. It was a telling sign that Minnesota’s last six plays were running plays to Peterson last week. He’s the bellcow for this offense, and as he goes, so go the Vikings. Expect 25+ carries from Peterson this week.

Projections:
Brett Favre – 200 yards / 1 TD / 2 INTs
Adrian Peterson – 110 yards / 1 TD
Percy Harvin – 65 yards
Bernard Berrian – 30 yards
Visanthe Shiancoe – 85 yards / 1 TD

Prediction: Detroit 24, Minnesota 20 ^ Top

Packers @ Bears - (Autry)

Passing Game Thoughts: Aaron Rodgers had one of those strangely quiet 3-TD games last week. You’re watching the game then look up at its conclusion and realize…dang, he threw for how many yards? I suppose that’s the reaction when a highly-drafted player meets expectations. Rodgers has a boatload of talented receivers at his disposal, and he makes them all viable fantasy options at certain intervals during the season. The three main cogs—Greg Jennings, Donald Driver, Jermichael Finley—are as gifted a trio as any in the league. Look for this game to be high scoring, giving these three weapons ample opportunity to produce quality fantasy points.

Chicago’s pass defense is one of those bend-but-don’t-break units. They’re ranked 27th in the league against the pass but have surrendered only one passing TD. That’s odd. I think Rodgers will do damage in both categories on Monday night. Look for a great game from Rodgers in front of a national TV audience.

Running Game Thoughts: How did head coach Mike McCarthy turn into a RBBC guy all of a sudden? In years past, McCarthy stuck with one main RB. With Ryan Grant out for the year, many expected that trend to continue with Brandon Jackson. Well, after witnessing a virtual split of the carries in week 2 between Jackson and John Kuhn, Jackson owners now find themselves knee-deep in an unsuspecting RBBC. Ouch. It probably wouldn’t matter much this week anyway. Chicago has the league’s top-ranked run defense, having given up a paltry 56 yards through two games (a 1.4 ypc average). This game will be won or lost with Rodgers chucking the rock all over the field. Jackson may get you a few points with receptions, but expect nothing much beyond that.

Projections:
Aaron Rodgers – 275 yards / 3 TDs
Brandon Jackson – 40 yards
Greg Jennings – 120 yards / 2 TDs
Donald Driver – 70 yards
Jermichael Finley – 55 yards / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: I’ll be the first to admit that so far, Jay Cutler has proven me wrong. I thought he would struggle during his first year orchestrating the Mike Martz offense. Not only has he not struggled; only Peyton Manning has scored more fantasy points so far this season. Gone are the careless interceptions. Gone is the perceived nonchalant demeanor on the field. In other words, Cutler is in charge and in full control of this offense.

Green Bay’s defense should give him his toughest test yet in 2010. They’re the 3rd-ranked pass defense and have given up just one TD pass. Cutler must remain poised and not allow the defense to dictate what he does. Cutler’s no-name group of receivers should do fine this game. Look for Johnny Knox and Greg Olsen to have huge games this week.

Running Game Thoughts: Matt Forte was a bargain coming into this season. His subpar allowed him to be had at a steal during draft season, and the only thing he’s done so far is lead the league’s RBs in receiving yards. Forte hasn’t done a lot on the ground, averaging less than 3 ypc. But only four teams have given up more rushing yards than Green Bay so far this season, so perhaps this could be Forte’s chance to put up nice rushing totals. Keep in mind, though, that it’s his role in the passing game that makes him so valuable. Everyone knew Martz is notorious for incorporating RBs in his scheme, so it should be no big surprise that Forte has been a surprise. While his rushing numbers could go either way, look for Forte to be among team leaders in receptions at the conclusion of the game.

Projections:
Jay Cutler – 285 yards / 2 TDs / 1 INT
Matt Forte – 70 yards rushing / 35 yards rec.
Devin Aromashodu – 80 yards / 1 TD
Johnny Knox – 55 yards
Devin Hester – 30 yards
Greg Olsen – 65 yards / 1 TD

Prediction: Green Bay 31, Chicago 20 ^ Top

49ers @ Chiefs - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: It was great to see QB Alex Smith lead a game-tying fourth quarter drive on the defending champions. Was that the moment he needed to clear the hump? We won’t know until we see him prove he can consistently avoid the down swings. We won’t know until Sunday, on the road, in a hostile environment, against a surprise (2-0) young Chiefs team. AT (0-2), there are few moral victories left for the Niner’s this campaign. At Seattle, in the other loudest stadium in the league, their offense struggled with communication, in getting plays in on time and having time to make pre-snap adjustments. They must start there. Second, one catch for 32 yards is not going to get it done for Michael Crabtree. The guy is lightning with the ball after the catch, and shame on them if they don’t find more ways to take advantage of it. Look for Crabtree to begin turning his season around this week. Antonio Gates proved in week one that talented TEs can find room to operate in the Chiefs secondary. Vernon Davis has the same type of skill set that Smith can lean on to keep the chains moving. In a hostile place, QBs often find their TEs first. Davis will continue to roll. Few RBs are better utilized in the passing game than Frank Gore is. Along with Davis, he will be a quick outlet option to save Smith from a fired up pass rush that will be getting good jumps thanks to the crowd noise.

Running Game Thoughts: Gore is looking like the third best RB in the league behind Johnson and Peterson. If he stays healthy, he’s right up as the leader of the second tier. They need another big day from him to establish control of the game and keep his QB out of must pass situations. LB Derrick Johnson and DE Glenn Dorsey has been the key to the Chiefs early defensive stinginess. Two great college prospects that have had perplexingly poor starts to their careers. Despite their turn around, if Gore can eat up the Saints, his chances are good to find room to roam again behind his rapidly improving offensive line.

Projections:
Alex Smith: 215 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Michael Crabtree: 65 yds/1 TD
Josh Morgan: 40 yds
Vernon Davis: 85 yds
Frank Gore: 110 yds/35 yds rec/2 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: Like the Niners with Crabtree, despite hanging their hat on a running game, I don’t think the Chiefs can keep things going without WR Dwayne Bowe getting more involved. If Bowe begins to stretch the field, then their duo of Jamal Charles and Dexter McCluster will have more space where they become elite playmakers. Without Bowe Defense’s crowd up and shut them down. The 49ers are a tough matchup for the Chiefs struggling pass attack. CB Nate Clements can be a tough cover. The safeties stay disciplined to protect them from the type of big plays Bowe thrives on, nor have the chiefs shown a desire to force it. Keep an eye out for unknown TE Tony Moeaki. With eight receptions for 80 yards through two weeks, he has flashed the athletism it takes to stick as a quality NFL tight end. To beat the 49ers, the Charlie Wies would be wise to take apge from the Saints playbook when they were able to beat MLB Patrick Willis trying to cover Reggie Bush out of the backfield. Seems like Jamal Charles could be used in similar fashion if, you know, Thomas Jones needs a breather from all his 3-yard plunges.

Running Game Thoughts: Speaking of 3-yard plunges, HC Todd Haley wasn’t kidding when he named Thomas Jones the starter. Jones saw double the carries over Charles in Cleveland week two, finishing with 83 yards on 22 carries for 3.9 yards per pop. Look, if Haley can watch now unemployed Larry Johnson lunge for under three yards per carry for half of 2009, he must be downright thrilled watching Jones. Granted the numbers were skewed by Jones getting the final 6-carries of the game to seal the victory, the mystery of how Charles doesn’t see 15-20 touches per game when he is averaging over 8 yards per touch continues for a second straight year. The Chiefs will not be able to lineup and run right at the stout 49er run defense with much success.

Projections:
Matt Cassel: 175 yds/1 TD
Dwayne Bowe: 50 yds
Chris Chambers: 40 yds
Tony Moeaki: 40 yds
Thomas Jones: 50 yds rushing
Jamaal Charles: 40 yds/30 yds rec/1 TD

Prediction: San Francisco 24 Chiefs 20 ^ Top

Redskins @ Rams - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: QB Donovan McNabb looks like a good bet to go off again after torching the Texans to the tune of 428 yards and a score. He would have matched Schaub had a long bomb not slipped between WR Joey Galloway’s outstretched hands on a 50 plus yard bomb in the end zone. In two outing McNabb is now 43 for 70 with 597 yards, 1 TD and no picks. Someone forgot to tell Galloway 38 year olds aren’t supposed to average 30 yards per reception. The man can still stretch the field and few throw the deep ball as well as McNabb. One has to think that at some point, they will need Devin Thomas to help out, but judging from the whispers of them shopping for Vincent Jackson’s services, even the Redskins brass seems to have their doubts. Until then, we’ll play “these are the 1990’s” with the Redskin offense. Santana Moss has been impressive as the go to guy on the outside. He has always been explosive but it’s his short and intermediate work that shows a diversity in his game that was previous either missing or underutilized.

The Rams lack difference makers in the secondary to slow the Redskins down. If they double Moss then TEs Chris Cooley and Fred Davis will torch them. They must get pressure on Donovan. The Redskin O-line can be beat, especially if impressive rookie LT Trent Williams can’t play on his sore knee. His status is questionable as of now. DE Chris Long is still in search of his first sack and could use the help but he usually lines up over the right tackle.

Running Game Thoughts: Even Mike Shanahan has yet to turnaround a running game that has struggled in recent years. Portis is savvy but can’t break off yards in chunks anymore. On Monday his back up, Larry Johnson was released making Keiland Williams an interesting player to watch. Portis is not beyond getting nicked up, and Shanny has a history of making unknown prospects into household names. Williams showed some burst in the preseason and is one Portis nick or twist from being relevant.

Projections:
Donovan McNabb: 350 yds/2 TDs/1 INT
Santana Moss: 90 yds
Joey Galloway: 65 yds/1 TD
Chris Cooley: 70 yds/1 TD
Clinton Portis: 65 yds rushing/20 yds rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: It’s a great sign for the Rams that rookie QB Sam Bradford is already the equivalent of an average NFL QB after just two games. The Next ten years suddenly look hopeful. The passing attack lacks a legitimate WR1. Mark Clayton is off to a good start as the lead guy, but he’s not a special talent. The Raiders held him to two catches, both happened to be scores and both when Nnamdi Asomugha was on the other side of coverage. WR Danny Amendola and RB Steven Jackson serve as the lead underneath routes. The Rams lack a playmaker at TE so they throw a high percentage of balls to their wide outs. This presents a problem when facing a team like Washington that has a pair of CBs capable of shutting them down. TE Daniel Fells is the best receiving TE on the roster, which isn’t saying much but all Ram receivers should post numbers equal or better than their season average in another likely shootout.

Running Game Thoughts: RB Steven Jackson is getting his 19-20 carries and four receptions per game but is down in yards. He looks healthy so it’s up to scheme and blockers to improve his totals. The Skins are 8th against the run thus far while the Rams are just 24th in rushing offense. LB Rocky McIntosh is off to a great start in transitioning to the new 3-4 scheme. He will be key in following Jackson and should continue racking up tackles.

Projections:
Sam Bradford: 250 yds/1 TDs/2 INT
Mark Clayton: 70 yds/1 TD
Danny Amendola: 45 yds
Daniel Fells: 35 yds
Steven Jackson: 85 yds rushing/40 yds rec/1 TD

Prediction: Washington 27 St. Louis 20 ^ Top

Chargers @ Seahawks - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Should be a typically stellar day for Philip Rivers and all his targets if they can overcome the Seattle crowd. The Chargers are 6th in passing facing the Hawks 26ht ranked pass defense. Rivers will always have TE Antonio Gates who has picked up where he left off last year and is even more targeted without Vincent Jackson around. Malcom Floyd showed he can be the deep threat they needed when not playing in a rainstorm. He hit on a long go routes for a score late in last weeks blowout albeit after the Jaguars had long since waived the white flag and inserted some reserves. On the downside, week one star Legedu Naanee was absent with just one catch. This looks like a Saints type offense where it will be difficult to guess which WR will have the production due to Rivers ability to spread the love around.

DE Chris Clemons is the best pass rusher in the Seattle front seven. He needs to make the Chargers miss holdout LT Marcus McNeil. If the Hawks can keep the crowd loud and get good jumps off the ball, they have a chance to frustrate Rivers much like the Chiefs did opening night. They could use some of that Seattle rain for good measure.

Running Game Thoughts: Ryan Mathews announced Wednesday that he has a high ankle sprain. After seeing the play where his body was pretzled ala Napoleon McAllum style, it could have been much worse. That said, he hasn’t practiced and these sprains can sometimes last weeks. With the solid performance of Mike Tolbert in his stay, I’m not confident the Chargers will be in any hurry to rush him back. Keep a contingency plan on hand, in case Mathews is a game day scratch. Seattle is 5th against the run early on, so Mathews on a sore ankle is not a lock for a big day anyways.

Predictions:
Philip Rivers: 300 yds/2TDs/1 INT
Malcom Floyd: 65 yds
Legedu Naanee: 55 yds/1 TD
Antonio Gates: 90 yds/1 TD
Ryan Mathews/Mike Tolbert: 90 yds rushing/2 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: after a hot start, it looked like QB Matt Hasselbeck made a few costly mistake in Denver. He should get back on track a little at home. The Chargers don’t create a lot of pressure but they can cover on the outside. Expect CB Quentin Jammer to keep WR Mike Williams under wraps. Where the Seahawks can attack is the shaky San Diego safeties. TE John Carlson could be a weapon but hasn’t shown anything thus far. Rookie Golden Tate is the wild card. He is starting to get some time at WR2. I like is chances to creates some havoc with the ball on some drags and screens. Not sure Eric Weddle can bring Tate down in the open field.

Running Game Thoughts: Much like last year and similar to the Jamal Charles situation, RB Justin Forsett is biting off over 5-yards per carry but can’t get any volume. Yes, the Jones brothers remain the league’s biggest jock-blockers to fantasy goodness. This remains a RBBC until further notice, but Forsett is slowly rising as the season progresses and could pay dividends for patient owners who can stash him away. Just don’t play him yet. According to my math even at 5.5 ypc, ten carries only nets 55 yards.

Projections:
Matt Hasselbeck: 220 yds/1 TD/2 INT
Mike Williams: 60 yds/1 TD
Deion Branch: 40 yds
John Carlson: 30 yds
Justin Forsett: 60 yds/25 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Chargers 27 Seahawks 17 ^ Top

Colts @ Broncos - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: Start all your Colts. The Manning led pass attack is well oiled. The only negative has been the slow start of Pierre Garçon. I still start him as a solid WR2 regardless. He won’t be held down all year and I think this is a good time for the numbers to average out with a big outing. Both starting CBs for the Denver Broncos, Champ Bailey and Andre Goodman, are questionable to play. If they do play, they may not be at full strength. The lack of a Denver pass rush will mean trouble for Denver. Wayne may have a slight off day facing Champ, but you’re not sitting him in any situation. Dallas Clark and Austin Collie are better athletes than the Denver Safeties and will continue finding room to roll.

Running Game Thoughts: It‘s a great sigh of relief for Colt fans seeing them run right through the Giants last week. Something they weren’t able to do all of 2009. They Giants came out in Nickel and dared them to run. Judging from how unsuccessful the strategy was, I don’t expect the Broncos to duplicate it, thus the Colts are not likely to run as much as last week. Addai is expected to play despite being on the injured list for a sore knee. His numbers come from receptions and scoring so he can be inconsistent. With the surprising emergence of Donald Brown last week, Addai’s value as a fantasy starter is riskier than normal. Keep him as a flex RB3 until their usage works itself out.

Projections:
Peyton Manning: 325 yds/3 TDs
Reggie Wayne: 80 yds
Pierre Garcon: 70 yds/1 TD
Austin Collie: 40 yds
Dallas Clark: 75 yds/1 TD
Joseph Addai: 35 yds/30 rec/1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Kyle Orton is the ninth ranked fantasy QB after two weeks ahead of Tony Romo, Eli Manning, Drew Brees, and Joe Flacco. The Broncos are a passing team until Knowshon Moreno can improve upon his 2.8 yards per carry. Welcome to the NFL Demaryius Thomas Wow! The rookie comes in without a preseason and training camp, after playing in a run heavy option attack in college, and simply posts a top ten all-time opening game by a receiver in the history of the NFL with eight receptions for 97 yards and a score. Fans can begin to forgive the Broncos for picking him over Dez Bryant in the draft. One game does not make a career, but at 6-3 229lbs and sub 4.5 speed, he has an elite skill set as a base line. His emergence probably ends the tease of Brandon Lloyd as a fantasy option most, and takes some scoring value from Gaffney. He may have the opposite effect for slot man Eddie Royal, if teams start to roll coverage towards Thomas. The Broncos will try to score with the Colts, but are not quite in the same class on defense to win.

Running Game Thoughts: At first glance, it appears RB Knowshon Moreno is off to a good start. A closer look brings skepticism. As mentioned earlier, his yards per carry must improve or we will begin to see some Laurence Maroney in the mix. What Moreno has done is score in each game and makes some plays in the passing game. There’s no question the Broncos want to see their first rounder pan out and will want to run against the Colts to keep Manning off the field. This is a big test for Moreno to prove he is a reliable piece of the pie moving forward. Editor's Note: Knowshon Moreno has been ruled out for Week 3. Correll Buckhalter and Laurence Maroney are expected to handle the rushing duties against the Colts.

Projections:
Kyle Orton: 271 yds/2 TD/1 INT
Eddie Royal: 70 yds
Demaryius Thomas: 60 yds/1 TD
Jabar Gaffney: 40 yds/1 TD
Correll Buckhalter / Laurence Maroney: 70 yds/35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Colts 34 Broncos 24 ^ Top

Raiders @ Cardinals - (Eakin)

Passing Game Thoughts: For whatever reason Jason Campbell just can’t get it done. He’s always been a guy that looks the part, but seems to be missing the “it” factor, call it moxie I guess. After a slow start, the Raiders were quick with the hook. Probably too quick. Enter Bruce Gradkowski. He’s the antithesis of Campbell. A fiery guy that gets everything out of his more limited skills. He’s a spark off the bench to use a basketball analogy. Gradkowski has shown some flashes in his career but battled injuries and inconsistency. What makes him attractive is that he was able to get Heyward-Bey and Murphy involved in the offense where all others have failed. However, it’s a little bit of the chicken or the egg argument. Were the openings on the outside a result of the long awaited breakout of McFadden, forcing defenses to bite on play action or was it the arm of Bruce? If all goes well, Campbell may have to wait a long time to find out. The next step for this offense, beyond continuing getting the ball to the WRs, will be getting TE Zach Miller more involved. When that happens then Raiders will have a balance on offense capable of competing with anyone in the West.

Running Game Thoughts: Great game by McFadden last week. After two games, Run DMC has posted 300 total yards offense. A sure sign that the game is slowing down for him is that he’s making people miss and getting yards after contact. His straight-line running has always been the knock on him in the past. It looks like preseason favorite Michael Bush should return this week after missing the first two games with a thumb surgery. Bush has shown promise with limited opportunity, but he will not get many carries while McFadden is running well. Expect him to occasionally to occasionally spell McFadden and get some short yardage work.

Projections:
Bruce Gradkowski: 220 yds/1 TD/ 10 yds rush
Darren McFadden: 80 yds/1 TD/ 30 yds rec
Louis Murphy: 70 yds/ 1 TD
Darrius Heyward-Bey: 40 yds
Zach Miller: 50 yds

Passing Game Thoughts: The Cards are in a quandary. QB Derek Anderson isn’t the first half of 2007 breakout guy that made him and Braylon Edwards rich and perennial teases. Despite Fitz leading the league in targets, he has yet to get going. It won’t help matters being lined up against shutdown star Nnamdi Asomugha. After sending Leinart packing, the only other QBs on the roster are rookies with promise but aren’t ready. At (1-1) the Cards can’t yet throw the season away to bring on the Max Hall era. He relieved Anderson late last week and promptly threw an interception on his first attempt. For now, Anderson remains the starter with a short leash. As soon as they are out of the playoff race, Hall will be in. Either way, the value of Fitz and Breaston take a hit from preseason expectations. Another rookie of note, Stephen Williams, who made quite a splash in preseason, caught two balls for 27 yards in place of Early Doucet. In “Derek Andersonese” that translates to 4-for-54. Not bad.

Running Game Thoughts: Tune in for a new episode of “Days of our Beanie Wells”, or is it “As the Beanie Turns”? Either way, it’s a long running soap providing countless hours of drama and intrigue. Just when his patient or not so patient fans were ready to unwrap the 230-pound bundle of speed and power, HC Ken Whisenhunt warns fans “…Beanie is not in football shape…and not to expect 15-20 carries…” Tim Hightower is still the play here and should post a good all around game running and receiving. Big game for both teams. The winner here has some hope and the loser plays the next few weeks with their back against the wall.

Projections:
Derek Anderson: 240 yds/1 TD/1 INT
Larry Fitzgerald: 75 yds/1 TD
Steve Breaston: 55 yds
Stephen Williams: 40 yds
Tim Hightower: 65 yds/ 35 rec/1 TD

Prediction: Raiders 24 Cards 20 ^ Top

Falcons @ Saints - (Kilroy)

Passing Game Thoughts: Matt Ryan has gotten off to a pretty good start this year as he’s completed 63.2% of his pass attempts with 3 touchdowns and just 1 interception. The interception came in a Week 1 loss against the highly regarded Pittsburgh Steelers defense. They also held him to zero touchdowns, but allowed him to throw for more than 250 yards. Last week, against the Cardinals, Ryan had a terrific outing. He threw for 225 yards while completing 65% of his passes with 3 touchdowns and zero turnovers in leading the Falcons to a 41-7 victory. In both of those games Ryan has made excellent use of his primary target, Roddy White.

In Week 1 White was dialed up to the tune of 13 receptions for 111 receiving yards. He followed it up with a 7 catch, 78 yard outing in which he hauled in his first touchdown pass of the season. Against the Saints this week White stands an excellent chance of again totaling 5 or more receptions while producing 80 or more yards receiving. He’ll also have a strong opportunity of coming away with another score as the Falcons will likely have to put up no less than 21 points to come away with a win on the road against the Saints.

Another candidate to come away with a solid outing is Tony Gonzalez. He has just 4 receptions for 54 yards through two games up to this point, but he’s bound to produce sooner or later. This week’s contest against New Orleans is likely to be his best performance in the early goings of his 2010 campaign.

Running Game Thoughts: Michael Turner finished last week’s outing with just 9 carries, albeit for 75 yards, before being forced to the sidelines with a groin injury. In his place Jason Snelling stepped in and carried the ball 24 times for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns. Snelling’s most recent opportunity appears to be short lived, however, as Michael Turner is expected to be back in action this Sunday.

Turner participated fully in Thursday’s practice and has been cleared to play against the Saints. Snelling may touch the ball a handful of times this week, but Turner will get the bulk of the carries and should finish with 80 or more yards rushing and a possible score. If the Falcons can keep the game within reach Turner should go over the 100-yard mark as it would allow Atlanta to lean more heavily on their rushing attack as a means of limiting the amount of time Drew Brees gets on the field.

Projections:
Matt Ryan – 245 yards passing / 2 TDs / 0 INTs
Michael Turner – 80 yards rushing / 0 TDs
Jason Snelling – 15 yards rushing / 0 TDs
Roddy White – 105 yards receiving / 1 TD
Harry Douglas – 35 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Tony Gonzalez – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD

Passing Game Thoughts: Brees hasn’t had any breakout performances yet (or at least not by the standards owners have come to expect from him) in games against the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, but he has been very efficient. He’s completed 74.3% of passes while throwing for 491 yards and 3 touchdowns with zero interceptions. The Falcons meanwhile have defended the pass well (0 touchdowns allowed, 4 interceptions), but have done so against the likes of Dennis Dixon, Derek Anderson, and Max Hall. Brees will be the first opponent to really test them – making it unlikely they hold another quarterback to under 200 yards passing and zero touchdowns.

In his two outing against the Falcons last season, Brees averaged over 300 passing yards per game with 5 touchdowns and just 1 interception. In all likelihood he will come close to matching or exceeding those figures again this Sunday.

Running Game Thoughts: After suffering a broken fibula in last week’s contest against the San Francisco 49ers, Reggie Bush is expected to miss the next 6 weeks of action, which leaves Pierre Thomas as the only experienced back remaining on the defending Super Bowl Champions roster of a year ago (Mike Bell left via free agency and Lynell Hamilton is on the IR).

In the wake of Bush’s injury the Saints have signed Ladell Betts to provide depth at the position, but it stands to reason Thomas will function as New Orleans every down back in the meantime – or at least until Betts has another week to digest the Saints playbook.

Thomas has struggled on the ground this season, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry on 37 rushing attempts, but has been a worthwhile option as a receiver out of the backfield. He has been targeted 11 times in the passing game and has managed to haul in all 11 of the balls that have been thrown his way. With Reggie Bush out of action he is likely to be targeted even more as a receiver and should prove successful in doing so. As for his level of productivity on the ground he still has a lot to prove. The Falcons are allowing opponents to average 5.9 yards per carry against them, however, so Thomas is likely to have a much better outing this week than he has had in games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals.

Projections:
Drew Brees – 290 yards passing / 3 TDs / 0 INTs
Pierre Thomas – 75 yards rushing / 1 TD / 35 yards receiving / 1 TD
Marques Colston – 100 yards receiving / 1 TD
Devery Henderson – 60 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Robert Meachem – 35 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jeremy Shockey – 45 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Prediction: New Orleans 34, Atlanta 20 ^ Top

Bengals @ Panthers - (Kilroy)

Passing Game Thoughts: The Bengals aerial attacked looked strong in their season opener against the Patriots as Carson Palmer tallied 345 yards through the air with 2 touchdowns added in for good measure. In last week’s contest against the Ravens however, and not unexpectedly, the results were far different.

Palmer threw the ball 35 times, but completed just 16 of those attempts for 167 yards. Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens were also held in check as they totaled 7 receptions for 101 yards with no scores after having produced a total of 19 receptions, 1 touchdown, and 212 receiving yards between the two of them a week earlier. This week Cincinnati finds themselves on the road against the Carolina Panthers and are likely to have results closer to matching their Week 1 efforts as opposed to their underwhelming performance from last Sunday.

The Panthers are currently allowing opponents to average 218 passing yards per game against them and the 5 touchdown passes they have surrendered ranks them worst in the league within that category. Furthermore, with Panthers rookie Jimmy Clausen making the first NFL start of his career, the Bengals offense will have more opportunities to put points on the board as Clausen is bound to make some rookie mistakes resulting in a number of turnovers and more three-and-out series than a veteran at the position would likely produce. Carson Palmer, Ochocinco, and Terrell Owens should all be considered worthwhile starts this week. Jordan Shipley should also continue being considered in PPR leagues.

Running Game Thoughts: Cedric Benson is off to sluggish start this season averaging just 3.2 yards per carry on 38 attempts for a total of 121 yards rushing. With the Panthers limiting opponents to only 3.0 yards per carry themselves however, it’s doubtful Benson’s fortunes are about to change any time soon.

The best chance Benson has at being productive this week is for his team to have a big lead by midway through the third quarter which would enable him to carry the ball 25-30 times. Even then he still may not pass the 100-yard plateau which means he’d have to find the end zone in order to provide his fantasy owners with something better than an 8-10 point outing.

Projections:
Carson Palmer – 270 yards passing / 2 TDs / 0 INTs
Cedric Benson – 80 yards rushing / 0 TDs
Chad Ochocinco – 85 yards receiving / 1 TD
Terrell Owens – 90 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jordan Shipley – 50 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Jermaine Gresham – 20 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: The Panthers passing attack was so dismal with Matt Moore at the helm that it may actually be more productive with rookie Jimmy Clausen directing the offense. That said Clausen has a long way to go before being thought of as a worthwhile starter in the league.

One of the biggest attributes mentioned whenever Clausen is discussed is his understanding of a pro-style offense do to his time at Notre Dame under then head coach Charlie Weiss. Nonetheless rookie quarterbacks rarely step in and perform immediately at a high level. He should be left on the waiver wire where it’s likely he’ll remain throughout the year in most fantasy leagues.

The biggest question here is how will having a rookie at quarterback affect Steve Smith’s production. Considering how poorly Matt Moore had been playing it really shouldn’t make much of a difference.

Running Game Thoughts: DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are yet to look like the devastating one-two punch they’ve been regarded as over the last two seasons. Neither player has reached the end zone yet and between the two of them they are averaging a subpar 3.7 yards per carry.

Cincinnati’s defense has had difficulty containing their previous opponents rushing attacks however (they’re allowing 4.9 yards per carry), which may be a telltale sign of the Panthers duo showing up this week. That said Cincinnati’s defense can focus all their energy on keeping Williams and Stewart grounded as long as Clausen doesn’t perform well enough to make the Bengals respect Carolina’s passing game. One thing is certain though, both Williams and Stewart should see plenty of carries this Sunday as the Panthers will rely heavily on the ground game as a means of protecting their young signal caller.

Projections:
Jimmy Clausen – 160 yards passing / 1 TD / 2 INTs
DeAngelo Williams – 90 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving
Jonathan Stewart – 55 yards rushing / 0 TDs
Steve Smith – 70 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Dwayne Jarrett – 35 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Dante Rosario – 20 yards receiving / 1 TD

Prediction: Cincinnati 23, Carolina 14 ^ Top

Cowboys @ Texans - (Kilroy)

Passing Game Thoughts: At 0-2 the Cowboys are regarded as one of the most disappointing teams in the early goings of the 2010 NFL season. While Tony Romo’s 2 interceptions last week didn’t help their cause any in a 27-20 loss against the Bears his production from a fantasy standpoint has been solid.

In Week 1 Romo posted 282 yards passing with 1 touchdown and no interceptions while completing 66% of his attempts. The following week he threw for 374 yards with another score while completing 66.7% of his passes. This week he’ll be facing a 2-0 Texans squad that ranks last in the league against the pass which should translate into another strong outing from the Cowboys quarterback.

Houston is currently allowing opponents to throw for more than 400 yards per game against them while coming away with zero interceptions and having surrendered 4 touchdown passes. With the Cowboys trio of running backs contributing far less than anyone anticipated, and the Texans secondary ripe for the picking, Romo owners can expect another strong performance from him. The same can also be said for Miles Austin, with Roy Williams and Dez Bryant deserving legitimate interest as potential starters this week.

Jason Witten is off to a bit of a slow start this year, be he too deserves to be kept in your starting line-up.

Running Game Thoughts: As noted above, the Cowboys trio of backs has been far less productive through the first two weeks of the season than anyone expected. Neither Marion Barber or Felix Jones, nor Tashard Choice, has managed to reach the end zone and as a group they are averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Couple that with the Texans defense ranking second in the league against the run, with opponents averaging just 13.5 rushing attempts per game against them at a rate of 2.3 yards per carry and there’s good reason to doubt the Cowboys will suddenly find success on the ground here in Week 3. It’s possible one of the three will come away with a touchdown in what is expected to be a high scoring affair, but all three are likely better off on your bench this week.

Projections:
Tony Romo – 355 yards passing / 2 TDs / 0 INTs
Marion Barber – 40 yards rushing / 1 TD / 10 yards receiving
Felix Jones – 25 yards rushing / 0 TDs / 20 yards receiving
Tashard Choice – 15 yards rushing / 0 TDs / 10 yards receiving
Miles Austin – 110 yards receiving / 1 TD
Roy Williams – 55 yards receiving / 1 TD
Dez Bryant – 80 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Jason Witten – 70 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: Matt Schaub only had to throw the ball 17 times in Week 1’s contest against the Colts as running back Arian Foster provided much of the Texans offense that week with 3 touchdowns and 231 yards rushing on 33 carries. In Week 2 however the Texans had to rely on their passing game just a tad bit more than they did in their season opener.

In a game that was decided in overtime the Texans came away with a 30-27 victory against the Washington Redskins as Schaub posted totals of 497 yards passing and 3 touchdowns while connecting on 38 of his 52 passing attempts (73.1%). Arian Foster still contributed plenty in that contest as he produced 69 yards rushing on 19 carries and another 69 yards receiving amongst his 3 receptions, but it was nice to see Schaub and his receivers produce the way we had become so accustomed to seeing from them throughout their 2009 campaign.

In this week’s contest against the Cowboys expect Schaub and company to again provide fantasy owners with great production. The Cowboys defense ranks 6th in the league against the run, but against the pass they rank just rank just 18th and have allowed 3 touchdowns without recording a single interception. Andre Johnson (ankle) is banged up heading into this contest, but he is expected to play and have himself another impressive outing.

Running Game Thoughts: Arian Foster can clearly be identified as the Texans primary ball carrier. There was some belief that even though he was expected to handle the majority of carries for Houston this season Steve Slaton would still factor into the equation and handle at least 30-40% of the team’s snaps out of the backfield. Instead Foster has carried the ball 52 times in comparison to Slaton’s 9 carries. Foster even has the edge in receptions with 4 for 76 yards while Slaton is yet to even be targeted out of the backfield.

While all of that is good news for Foster owners his match-up this week against the Cowboys may be his toughest opponent yet. The Cowboys are currently limiting opponents to just 3.0 yards per carry and haven’t allowed a touchdown via the ground. With both the Cowboys and the Texans expected to feature their passing attacks more than their ground games this week Foster will be hard pressed to produce more than 80-90 yards rushing. In terms of total yardage, however, there’s a fair chance he’ll surpass the 100-yard mark. There’s also an outside chance he’ll be the first running back post a touchdown against the Cowboys this year, but it’s not to be expected.

Projections:
Matt Schaub – 300 yards passing / 3 TDs / 1 INT
Arian Foster – 75 yards rushing / 0 TDs / 20 yards receiving
Steve Slaton – 10 yards rushing / 15 yards receiving
Andre Johnson – 85 yards receiving / 2 TDs
Kevin Walter – 60 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Jacoby Jones – 75 yards receiving / 1 TD
Owen Daniels – 30 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Prediction: Dallas 27, Houston 24 ^ Top

Steelers @ Buccaneers - (Kilroy)

Passing Game Thoughts: Despite starting the season without Ben Roethlisberger the Steelers find themselves undefeated at 2-0. Dennis Dixon performed admirably during the opener against the Atlanta Falcons as he completed 69.2% of his passes for 236 yards, but was injured early in last week’s contest against the Titans and will now be out for anywhere from 3-5 weeks. Charlie Batch now steps into the starting role for the Steelers as they prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday.

Batch hasn’t started a game since the final week of the 2007 season, but even if he had it wouldn’t make a difference in what to expect from him against the Buccaneers.

The Steelers passing attack currently ranks 31st in the league and Batch’s presence gives no reason to expect a quick turnaround. Combine that with the fact he’s going against a Tampa Bay secondary that has held opponents to under 200 passing yards per game, has allowed just 2 touchdown passes, and recorded 4 interceptions and you quickly realize there’s no reason to expect much out of Hines Ward, Mike Wallace, Heath Miller, or Batch himself.

Running Game Thoughts: Mendenhall’s had a decent start to the season this year carrying the ball 45 times for 189 yards and a score, but he’s yet to post a performance that has really “wowed” anybody. In Week 1 he finished with 22 carries for 150 yards, but prior to his game winning 50 yard touchdown run in overtime he had just 70 yards on 21 carries.

Last week he had another mundane outing, this time against the Titans, as he carried the ball 23 times for 69 yards without any touchdowns. If he’s bound to have a big game soon in which he performs well from start to finish, however, than this week’s contest against the Buccaneers figures to be it.

Tampa Bay’s defense ranked worst in the NFL against the run last season, and while they haven’t allowed any single running back to have a big day against them yet in 2010 they have allowed Peyton Hillis to average more than 4.5 yards per carry against them, and Jerome Harrison and Jonathan Stewart to average more than 5.0 yards per carry.

With Rashard Mendenhall being the first back they are about to face that handles virtually all of his team’s carries there is a pretty good chance he’ll rush for anywhere from 90-110 yards while coming away with a touchdown. Considering the state of the Steelers current QB situation they just might need a big performance from Mendenhall in order to walk away with the win. Then again, their defense will likely be enough to beat the Bucs on its own.

Projections:
Charlie Batch – 170 yards passing / 0 TDs / 0 INTs
Rashard Mendenhall – 115 yards rushing / 2 TDs / 15 yards receiving
Hines Ward – 70 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Mike Wallace – 40 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Heath Miller – 30 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: Even though Tampa Bay is yet to play all that formidable an opponent credit should be given to second year quarterback Josh Freeman in guiding the Buccaneers to a 2-0 record. He hasn’t thrown for all that many yards (an average of 180 per game to be exact), but he has thrown 2 touchdown passes in each of his outings while only being picked off once. He’s also proven to be a threat when he scrambles having taken off 6 times this year and gaining 77 yards on the ground. If it weren’t for Freeman’s production on the field the Buccaneers would more than likely be 0-2 rather than 2-0.

Now with that said this Sunday’s contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers will be his most difficult challenge yet and as a result Freeman’s statistics are likely to be pretty ugly. Through two games Pittsburgh has allowed opponents an average of 214.5 passing yards per game, but they’ve only allowed 1 touchdown and have come away with 4 interceptions. Considering the Buccaneers are only averaging 180 passing yards per game to begin, the Steelers should no trouble in holding Freeman under 200 yard mark. Their also likely to come away with an interception or two and it wouldn’t be a shock if they Steelers limited the Bucs to nothing better than field goal attempts in this contest.

Needless to say, despite Freeman’s success in his first two outings of the 2010 season, this is not a game in which you will want to start him. Anything more than 180 passing yards and a touchdown from him would be unlikely.

Running Game Thoughts: Cadillac Williams has been getting plenty of carries the last two weeks, but his level of production has been dreadful. So far he has toted the rock 49 times, but is averaging just 2.6 yards per carry with zero touchdowns. The Steelers defense, as is usually the case, is holding opponents to just under 90 rushing yards per game at a rate of 3.9 yards per carry. To think Williams will suddenly have a strong outing against them is foolish. He’ll have hard time producing any more than 60-70 yards on the ground.

Projections:
Josh Freeman – 180 yards passing / 0 TDs / 2 INTs / 25 yards rushing
Cadillac Williams – 70 yards rushing / 0 TDs / 10 yards receiving
Mike Williams – 50 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Sammie Stroughter – 30 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Kellen Winslow – 75 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Prediction: Pittsburgh 20, Tampa Bay 9 ^ Top

Eagles @ Jaguars - (Kilroy)

Passing Game Thoughts: Michael Vick’s performance in six quarters of play this season has been so impressive that head coach Andy Reid has named him the starter throughout the remainder of the year. Kevin Kolb was supposed to be the future of this franchise at the quarterback position, but following last week’s developments some are wondering if he’ll even get the chance again to take another snap as an Eagle. Nonetheless, Vick is under center now and that’s who we should be focused on.

During Vick’s days with the Falcons many called his accuracy into question and wondered if he’d ever develop into a quarterback capable of operating within the pocket rather than relying on his legs to make things happen. While it’s still apparent that Vick is a dangerous threat when he takes off (18 carries for 140 yards this season) he has also shown improvement as a passer. He is currently completing 63.8% of his passes while throwing for 459 yards and 3 touchdowns with zero interceptions. To quote Andy Reid, Vick is “playing out of his mind right now.”

Against the Jaguars this week Vick stands to have another productive outing. Jacksonville has allowed opponents an average of 300 passing yards per game during these first 2 weeks of the season along with 4 touchdowns. With threats such as DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin at the wide-out positions, and guys like Brent Celek and Jason Avant operating underneath, Vick has far more weapons at his disposal than he ever did as a Falcon. Expect him to put them to good use this week in a match-up that should allow him to post 250 or more yards through the air along with a touchdown pass or two.

Running Game Thoughts: LeSean McCoy had a very impressive outing last week against the Detroit Lions as he carried the ball 16 times for 120 yards and 3 touchdowns. He’s also been a viable option out of the backfield through two games with his 9 receptions for 55 yards. Against the Jaguars, a defensive unit that is currently yielding 120 rushing yards per contest, McCoy stands a good chance of surpassing the 100-yard mark again. There’s also good reason to believe he’ll score his fifth touchdown of the year as the Eagles offense has moved the ball up and down the field very well with Vick running the offense.

Projections:
Michael Vick – 250 yards passing / 2 TDs / 40 yards rushing
LeSean McCoy – 90 yards rushing / 1 TD / 25 yards receiving
DeSean Jackson – 90 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jeremy Maclin – 60 yards receiving / 1 TD
Jason Avant – 35 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Brent Celek – 40 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Passing Game Thoughts: David Garrard had such a terrible outing last week that he eventually found himself on the bench in favor of back-up Luke McCown. In fact, he played so poorly in a game the Jaguars eventually lost 38-13 against the San Diego Chargers that some felt McCown would have got the start this week had it not been for a season ending knee injury he suffered after being substituted in for Garrard.

Nonetheless, Garrard will get the start this week against an Eagles unit that just allowed Shaun Hill to throw for 335 yards and 2 touchdowns. It should be noted however that most of those yards came from rookie tailback Jahvid Best (9 receptions, 154 yards receiving, 1 touchdown reception) and tight end Brandon Pettigrew (7 receptions, 108 yards receiving) as opposed to any of the Lions receivers.

While we all know Maurice Jones-Drew is a talented receiver out of the backfield it’s doubtful he’ll have anything near the type of performance Best had last week against the Birds. And while Marcedes Lewis has had a surprisingly good start to the season it would be a bit shocking if he managed more than 50 yards receiving against Philadelphia. All things considered Garrard stands a good chance of throwing for more than 200 yards for the first time this year, but he should only be considered as a starter in fantasy leagues if you find yourself without any other obvious options.

Running Game Thoughts: Jones-Drew is yet to score a touchdown this season and is coming off a performance in which he carried the ball just 12 times for 31 yards before being forced to the sidelines with an ankle injury. The ankle injury isn’t believed to be serious however and Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, has assured us he will play in this week’s game against Philadelphia. How he’ll perform on the other hand is an entirely different matter.

The Eagles have shown themselves to be vulnerable against the run however with the Green Bay Packers duo of Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson recording 108 yards rushing against them on 26 carries (John Kuhn contributed another 15 yards and a touchdown on 2 carries) and Jahvid Best having gained 78 yards on 17 carries (4.6 ypc) against them with 2 touchdowns. It stands to reason Maurice Jones-Drew will post solid numbers of his own against the Eagles, but if his ankle injury hinders him during the game it may leave his owners disappointed once again.

Projections:
David Garrard – 190 yards passing / 1 TD / 1 INT / 15 yards rushing
Maurice Jones-Drew – 75 yards rushing / 1 TD / 30 yards receiving
Mike Sims-Walker – 70 yards receiving / 1 TD
Mike Thomas – 40 yards receiving / 0 TDs
Marcedes Lewis – 30 yards receiving / 0 TDs

Prediction: Philadelphia 27, Jacksonville 14 ^ Top