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STARTERS & BENCHWARMERS
You don't need me advising you to start Brian Westbrook and Terrell Owens, or to steer clear of Damon Huard and Ernest Wilford. So I'll spare you the obvious recommendations, focusing instead on the players typically on the bubble of most fantasy rosters. Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 2.
Watch 'em roll
Eli Manning, QB, Giants at Rams: Manning is not an every week fantasy starter, as he proved in the season opener. But every now and then, a matchup comes along where you have to love his chances. After watching Donovan McNabb shred the Rams secondary for 361 yards and 3 TDs, it's hard to imagine that Eli and Plaxico Burress won't set off similar fireworks this weekend.
Earnest Graham, RB, Buccaneers vs. Falcons: He averaged a whopping 9.1 yards per carry against the Saints, but the team was forced to the air early to keep pace with Drew Brees. With Matt Ryan and Brian Griese as the starting quarterbacks in this contest, look for a heavy dose of rushing from both teams. I know I don't have to tell you to play Michael Turner again, but Graham is an equally good option this weekend.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans at Bengals: The rookie got off to a great start in his campaign to unseat LenDale White, the Pillsbury Doughboy of the NFL. Johnson ran for 93 yards and added 34 yards and a score as a receiver against a solid Jacksonville defense. Cincinnati coughed up 229 rushing yards to the Ravens last week, which bodes well for the Titans, who hit the road with Kerry Collins at quarterback.
Torry Holt, WR, Rams vs. Giants: Coming off his worst outing since the 2004 season, the veteran receiver is due for a major rebound. It doesn't matter how bad the Rams offense is (and it is pretty awful). Holt is an elite receiver who produces virtually every week. Feel free to bench his quarterback, but keep Holt in your lineup.
Eddie Royal, WR, Broncos vs. Chargers: Yeah, he really is that good. And no, he won't disappear now that Brandon Marshall is back in the lineup. In fact, Royal should face even better matchups with the defense keying on his veteran counterpart. Jay Cutler looks sharp, and will keep feeding his rookie playmaker in this important divisional rivalry.
Roll 'em back
Derek Anderson, QB, Browns vs. Steelers: One of the reasons I had Anderson ranked lower than most prognosticators this year was due to the brutal schedule the Browns face. Another reason was the concussion he suffered during the preseason. We saw those forces at play against the Cowboys last week, and Pittsburgh will pose an equally imposing test.
All Jaguars vs. Bills: Wondering why the Jags were stifled against the Titans on Sunday? Look no further than their offensive line, which was already starting backups at center and tackle before RG Maurice Williams tore his biceps during pre-game warm-ups. His backup went down in the first quarter with a knee injury, and then LG Vince Manuwai was lost for the season in the third quarter. No wonder there was no room for Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to run. No wonder David Garrard was sacked seven times and threw two picks. Not to mention, Tennessee has a pretty salty defense. Much like the Buffalo team heading to town this week. Uh oh…
Thomas Jones, RB, Jets vs. Patriots: He got off to a solid start against Miami in Week 1, but New England presents a much stiffer test. Jones managed just 61 total rushing yards in two games against the Patriots last season, and his opponent effectively limited Larry Johnson in the opener last week. Advantage, Pats.
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