In last week’s article Fantasy Football Brothers covered the winners and losers from Week 1 of the pre-season. While some players have continued their winning ways and moved up draft boards for example Bengal’s WR Chris Henry. While other players have failed to make an impact that will get them on the roster or move them up their team’s respected depth charts.
The most important thing to remember however is that it’s only the pre-season. Your fantasy team doesn’t live and die this time of year. A player’s value should not be solely judged on exhibition games. Just because RB Tyrell Sutton of Green Bay has 140 rushing yards, please do not overvalue him come draft day and slot him ahead of RB Ryan Grant and RB Brandon Jackson. The point of this article is to remind fantasy owners that they should be watching for the small things and not necessarily stat watching, save that for the regular season. What fantasy owners should be watching is how well did QB Tom Brady absorb being hit? How fast did Donald Brown hit that hole? Did Jeremy Maclin run a good route? Does RB LaDainian Tomlinson look like his old self? These are the things we should be looking at, they are the important questions we must ask and on draft day it is up to us to provide the answers by either selecting the player or passing on them. Most fantasy owners I know are not just football fans, but pride themselves in being students of the game. That is what pre-season is for us, to learn about a player we have questions about.
Now let’s get to the winners and losers of Week 2 pre-season:
WINNERS:
Chris Henry-WR-Cincinnati-Henry has been committed to changing his life around and has looked unstoppable in the pre-season. He could be on the way to a huge year. Being the third wideout in a good offense equals fantasy success.
Chad Ochocinco-WR-Cincinnati-Ocho can now kick field goals for your team for extra bonus points, like a good utility player in baseball he might qualify at more than one position. More on this later.
DeDe Dorsey-RB-Cincinnati-Might be making the RB Bernard Scott experiment just that, an experiment. Dorsey is staking his claim to backup RB Cedric Benson.
Tom Brady-QB-New England-Brady absorbed some big hits in Week 2 pre-season and got right back up. He looks like he hasn’t missed a beat which is good news for Brady owners, let’s hope the offensive line plays better than this though in the regular season.
DeSean Jackson-WR-Philadelphia-It already looks like QB Donovan McNabb and Jackson are in regular season mode as they hooked up for a 39 yard touchdown pass. This offense will be really fun to watch this year.
Austin Collie-WR-Indianapolis-The BYU product looks to have the inside track on the third receiver spot. He runs crisp and clean routes and being in the slot in this offense will make him fantasy relevant.
Peyton Manning-QB-Indianapolis-Manning looks like the MVP he was last season. He was efficient and used all the weapons in the Colts’ arsenal in Week 2. A big season is in store for him yet again.
Marion Barber and Felix Jones-RB’s-Dallas-The Cowboys gave fans a glimpse of what to expect come regular season as these two were prominently featured in the running game and passing game. This offense might not miss WR Terrell Owens after all.
Martellus Bennett-TE-Dallas-Bennett looked unstoppable in Week 2. It will be interesting to see how they use him come regular season. TE Jason Witten will attract defensive attention and with a lack of playmakers in the receiving department, Bennett could be huge.
Tony Romo-QB-Dallas-Romo looked sharp in Week 2 and I might even slide him up my draft board a little. This new look Dallas offense could be the second coming of “the greatest show on turf.” Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself, remember the intro to this article, oh yeah I should calm down.
Michael Turner-RB-Atlanta-Turner is a “beast,” enough said.
Laurent Robinson-WR-St.Louis-Robinson looked good in Week 2, maybe wanting to show his former team what they got rid of. He could be big with WR Donnie Avery being out, after all “someone has to catch the ball in St. Louis”, a popular phrase in the writing room here at F.F.B.
Tarvaris Jackson-QB-Minnesota-Jackson is an underdog, I like underdogs and he had a really solid Week 2 (12 of 15, 202 yards passing, 2 TD’s) My best case scenario is Jackson makes the team, QB Brett Favre gets hurt and Jackson leads them to the playoffs, hopefully that is his too.
Visanthe Shiancoe-TE-Minnesota-Remember his name on draft day if you decide to wait on a tight end. He should improve on his solid season last year, look for him to vault up the rankings due to QB Brett Favre’s presence.
Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe-QB and WR-Kansas City-These two hopefully showed fantasy owners that they can produce, with all the talk about Cassel being relegated to backup and Bowe being demoted to the third team, we can officially say the fire under their arse has been lit by head coach Todd Haley.
DeAngelo Williams-RB-Carolina-Maybe last year wasn’t a fluke. Two things Williams has going his way, one, the Panthers’ offensive line is very good, two, RB Jonathan Stewart is having trouble getting healthy. All this means is Williams will be on the field more which never hurts a players’ fantasy value.
Chad Pennington and Chad Henne-QB’s-Miami-There could be a QB controversy erupting in Miami as Henne tries to play his way on to the field. They are the exact opposite of each other as far as arm strength and decision making goes. Pennington could be the most efficient quarterback in the NFL and no one would notice. Everyone wants to talk about his “pop-gun” arm, but give me a smart and efficient quarterback any day over a big-armed QB. (Think QB JaMarcus Russell here) Henne is a big pocket passer with an even bigger arm. He looked efficient and comfortable in Week 2 so we will monitor this situation.
Ronnie Brown-RB-Miami-Brown looked regular season ready in Week 2 as he was productive in both the running and passing game. There might be some truth that it takes a runner a full season before he regains speed and power after knee surgery, this is that season.
James Davis-RB-Cleveland-Davis showed why he has been a popular sleeper pick this pre-season (12 carries, 116 yards, 1 TD) Looking outside the numbers he broke one for 81 yards, when was the last time we saw RB Jamal Lewis do that? Clearly staking his claim to be the backup to Lewis. If you are in a dynasty/keeper league make sure you don’t forget this guy.
Luke McCown-QB-Tampa Bay-McCown made a case for himself in Week 2. He was efficient and looked comfortable in the offense. He could have the inside track on QB Byron Leftwich because he knows this offense. Fantasy Football Brother’s will monitor this situation closely.
David Garrard-QB-Jacksonville-Garrard came into camp 15 pounds lighter looking to rekindle his stellar 2007 season. They have given him new weapons in the passing game and he looked solid in Week 2. He is a great QB2 with upside.
Troy Williamson-WR-Jacksonville-The question is does Williamson finally emerge and fulfill the promise of being selected seventh overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Vikings. He now finds himself in Jacksonville where the opportunity is certainly there, a solid Week 2 was a good start towards redemption.
Jonathan Stupar-TE-Buffalo-The facts about Stupar in case you draft him and someone at your draft asks where did he go to school? The answer is Virginia, his best year was his senior season when he caught 40 balls for 359 yards and 2 TD’s. I would say buyer beware, but the competition for the Bill’s starting tight end job is scarce.
Aaron Rodgers-QB-Green Bay-Rodgers looked every bit the fantasy star in Week 2, look for him to have a big season as he sharpens his skill set.
Ryan Grant-RB-Green Bay-Grant was effective in the running and passing game as he looked like he was in mid-season form. He is a guy I see as being undervalued in most drafts, don’t pass on this guy, you’ll be sorry.
Tyrell Sutton-RB-Green Bay-Where did this mighty mite (5’8, 215 lbs.) come from you say? He went to Northwestern where he had a stellar freshman year with 250 carries, 1474 yards and 16 TD’s. A dual threat his freshman year he caught 44 balls for 396 yards and 2 TD’s. A deep sleeper indeed and a guy to target in dynasty leagues.
Mike Bell-RB-New Orleans-Look for Bell to try and jump start a once promising career as a change of pace guy for the Saints. His value depends on the health of RB Reggie Bush and also how the team uses him. He had a solid Week 2 and might make it into the “handcuff” column of fantasy backs.
Pierre Thomas-RB-New Orleans-Thomas showed a complete game catching three passes, one was a nine yard TD reception from QB Drew Brees. He is a favorite here at Fantasy Brothers.
Ahmad Bradshaw-RB-N.Y. Giants-He is separating himself from the competition for the number two back behind RB Brandon Jacobs. Bradshaw could be the most valuable backup in fantasy football considering his explosiveness and Jacobs injury history.
Jay Cutler-QB-Chicago-Cutler looked every bit the gunslinger in his limited action. The good news is that he didn’t have any interceptions in his 13 attempts. This could be the year he matures and becomes a complete quarterback.
Matt Forte-RB-Chicago-Looked in mid-season form and this offense will go through him. He should see a repeat of last year’s numbers, but we have no doubt he will improve upon them, which is a tall task considering the great year he had.
Glen Coffee and Michael Robinson-RB’s-San Francisco-There is a fierce running back competition for the backup and goal-line duties in 49ers camp. Both backs looked good in Week 2 and it is hard to say who has an upper hand to play second fiddle to RB Frank Gore. Rookie RB Kory Sheets out of Purdue also played well. Fantasy Football Brothers will again monitor this situation.
Phillip Rivers-QB-San Diego-Rivers was efficient in pre-season Week 2, look for him to hold steady in the QB rankings.
Kyle Orton-QB-Denver-Orton appeared comfortable in Denver’s new offense as he had 26 pass attempts, completing 18 for 182 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT. All he has to do is manage the game and make the required throws and Orton could quietly have a draft worthy season. One problem is WR Brandon Marshall and the baggage he brings.
Matt Hasselbeck and T.J. Houshmandzadeh-QB and WR-Seattle-This duo looked very comfortable with each other and if this is a glimpse of what they will do in the regular season, Seahawk fans have a reason to be excited.
Justin Forsett-RB-Seattle-Forsett is in line to become the backup to RB Julius Jones. Forsett displayed a nice set of hands as he caught seven balls for 58 yards. He could be a valuable piece in this offense.
LOSERS
Marvin Lewis-Head Coach-Cincinnati-Let me get this straight, you are a coach that should be on the “hot seat” and you put your star wide receiver out there to kick field goals and kickoffs. While it was pretty cool to see, you have to think “Hard Knocks” came into play here, Lewis should know better. If the Bengals lose WR Chad Ochocinco for any amount of time because of a hamstring or quad injury, that seat should be on fire. We now see the Bengals signed K Sam Swank, good move boneheads.
Bernard Scott-RB-Cincinnati-For a guy that certainly had a lot of hype leading up to training camp he has certainly performed like a small school guy. This isn’t Abilene Christian, this is the NFL, which stands for Not For Long if you dance like RB Laurence Maroney before hitting the hole.
NFL Fans-Anyone who sat through the New England vs. Cincinnati game lost 3 to 4 hours of their lives, sad really.
Miles Austin-WR-Dallas-Austin was supposed to compete with WR Patrick Crayton for the number two receiving job in Dallas. If he fills up the stat sheet with zeroes again he might not be competing at all.
Chris Henry-RB-Tennessee-He is what we though he was, a “workout warrior.” Look for RB Javon Ringer to make Henry expendable, meaning cut.
Keenan Burton-WR-St.Louis-Burton was a deep sleeper name often heard in draft circles. He has not done much of anything in the pre-season to separate himself from other names on the depth chart.
Steven Jackson-RB-St.Louis-Is there need to worry if he only carried the rock three times. Nes, he scares the hell out of me when I have owned him.
Brett Favre-QB-Minnesota-Just the fact that he came back pisses me off and the fact that he has his own reality show that is Sportscenter, which fawns over him like he is a 10 time Pro Bowler or 3 time NFL MVP, oh yeah, that’s right he is.
Derek Anderson-QB-Cleveland-He hasn’t separated himself from QB Brady Quinn in the quarterback competition and pre-season Week 2 was a scene all too familiar with Browns’ fans with his inefficiency and decision making.
Jason Campbell-QB-Washington-Campbell was supposed to be the guy who played with a “chip on his shoulder” this season. In pre-season Week 2 he went 1 for 7 in passing for ten yards. The idea is to prove to the team why they kept you, not that they made the wrong decision and should have traded you.
Devin Thomas-WR-Washington-Thomas was a popular deep sleeper pick to beat out WR Malcolm Kelly for the third wideout spot. The problem being he plays like he is asleep and one catch for seven yards is not going to win you any wide receiver jobs.
Byron Leftwich-QB-Tampa Bay-Leftwich looked lost in the offense as he completed only 50% of his passes. He lacks a quick release with his throwing motion and takes too long to get the ball out. Fantasy Football Brothers would say that QB Luke McCown is in the lead to start at QB for Tampa Bay.
Trent Edwards-QB-Buffalo-Edwards is a nice sleeper candidate with his weapons at wide receiver in Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. The problem is his arm strength is lacking to make the necessary throws and his decision making is still somewhat poor in the passing game. We sense an Owens blowout by Week 7 of the regular season.
Fred Jackson-RB-Buffalo-Jackson has a chance to shine for the three weeks of the regular season that RB Marshawn Lynch is suspended. One problem, RB Dominic Rhodes who is outperforming him in the pre-season and Week 2 has not helped his cause.
Brandon Jackson-RB-Green Bay-Jackson has to be wondering, “Who the hell is Tyrell Sutton?” It might be the guy that takes his job if he doesn’t step it up.
Arian Foster-RB-Houston-The Texans are searching for a guy to backup RB Steve Slaton. The team was looking for Foster to be that guy, maybe this was the reason he went undrafted out of Tennessee. It looks like RB Ryan Moats is in the early lead to be the backup to Slaton.
Domenik Hixon,Sinorice Moss and Mario Manningham-WR’s-N.Y. Giants-One of these players has a chance to crack the starting lineup. They are being outperformed by rookie WR Hakeem Nicks. In pre-season Week 2 all three of these receivers totaled three catches for 14 yards.
Devin Hester-WR-Chicago-Are you worried to draft Devin Hester? Fantasy owners would like to see him catch more than two balls like he did in pre-season Week 2, but being the ultimate boom or bust guy owners could see a lot of this in the regular season.
Raiders Offense-This offense is just bad, like a sucker punch to the jaw it will hurt you.
Alex Smith and Shaun Hill-QB’s-San Francisco-Smith had a horrible pre-season Week 2 as did QB Shaun Hill. It makes you wonder if anyone wants this job? Rookie QB Nate Davis played well though.
LaDainian Tomlinson-RB-San Diego-Tomlinson averaged a little more than two yards per carry. Is this the season he pulls a Shaun Alexander and disappears from fantasy relevancy? Draft and see. I need to start remembering my intro to this article, although watching the game he has definitely lost that first step in hitting the hole, hopefully he’s playing possum.
Tony Scheffler-TE-Denver-This could be the year to forget about him, he is in the wrong system for a pass catching tight end and so far in the pre-season he has looked out of place.
Denver Backfield-This is a quagmire of fantasy confusion, stay away if you don’t want to confuse yourself every week during the regular season as you bang your head against the computer.
Deion Branch-WR-Seattle-The Super Bowl MVP of 2005 has not played at that level since and he could be playing for his job if he keeps being outplayed by the likes of rookie WR Deon Butler.
Michael Crabtree-WR-San Francisco-It’s pre-season Week 2 and he still hasn’t signed. His career with the 49ers is not off to a good start. Just once I would like to see a team make player eat his words and make him sit out the season and wait to be drafted again the following year. He has to know if that were to happen, teams would be hesitant to take a shot on a guy a year removed from football, does San Francisco have the intestinal fortitude? Probably not.