This column failed me last week, or at least my predictions did. I'm going to be better this week, you can be sure of that. Or at least, maybe the NFL will go the way it's supposed to for one week.
Who to Start:
QB Philip Rivers (SD) vs. TEN: The Titans secondary got shredded by Tom Brady last week, as expected. But that doesn't mean that there aren't issues back there. Rivers had a decent night on Monday against a better Raiders secondary, but he should find more success in the Bolts home opener.
RB C.J Spiller (BUF) vs. KC: Due to the injury to Fred Jackson, Spiller is now the feature back for the Bills. He showed some explosiveness last week against the Jets. He's also a good receiver out of the backfield, and it helps that the KC defense did have problems defending the Falcons last week.
WR Reggie Wayne (IND) vs. MIN: The Vikings secondary didn't have a good game against the Jaguars on Sunday. Wayne was actively used last week, catching 9 passes for 135 yards against the Bears. He should have another big game this week.
WR Vincent Jackson (TB) vs. NYG: I was skeptical of him when he came to Tampa, but he could have a big day against a banged up Giants secondary on Sunday. They gave up big yards to guys like Kevin Ogletree, so Vincent Jackson should be in line for a decent game.
TE Aaron Hernandez (NE) vs. ARZ: He might end up seeing as many targets as Rob Gronkowski will this season. The Cardinals defense was sketchy at times against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks, so they likely will have problems defending the high powered Pats attack.
DEF Cincinnati vs. CLE: The Browns offense was offensive a week ago against the Eagles. Brandon Weeden looked bad, and the Bengals are just coming off being humiliated by the Ravens. I smell revenge in the air at Paul Brown Stadium.
Who to Sit:
QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ) vs. PIT: I'll take my crow with some salt after seeing what Sanchez did against the Bills. Once is an accident they say, and I'm not sure twice will be a trend going up against a healthier Steelers defense in their home opener.
RB Kevin Smith (DET) vs. SF: He had a good game against the mediocre Rams, but against the polar opposite of that in San Francisco, I would recommend leaving him on your bench.
WR Kenny Britt (TEN) vs. SD: He is coming off a suspension and multiple knee injuries, and the Titans plan to ease him into the line-up. The Titans pass offense struggled last week, and I would have to guess with the limited snaps for him, Britt will struggle in his debut as well.
WR Sidney Rice (SEA) vs. DAL: Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne had impressive Cowboys' debuts last Wednesday against the Giants, and the Seahawks receivers didn't have a great game against the Cards last Sunday. Rice might be in for some struggles.
TE Brent Celek (PHI) vs. BAL: Even though I had him recommended to start last week, that was against new Cleveland. Against old Cleveland (Baltimore), he will be in for a tough week, against a unit that gave up only 30 yards to Bengals TE's.
DEF Denver vs. ATL MON: The Broncos defense was sketchy against the Steelers, and it won't get easier going to the Georgia Dome to play the high powered Falcons offense.
3 Super Sleepers:
QB Andrew Luck (IND) vs. MIN: Blaine Gabbert had a big game against the Vikings last week, and Andrew Luck will make sure the home fans in Indy go home happy in his home debut. He could have a monster game.
RB Alfred Morris (WSH) vs. STL: In this week's episode of "As the Shanahan RB rotation turns", Alfred Morris is the next one in line. He's a tough start, but might be a good flex option against a bad Rams defense.
TE Owen Daniels (HOU) vs. JAX: Kyle Rudolph had a big game against the Jaguars last week due to some issues in their linebacking corps. Since they might not be fixed by Sunday, Daniels is a good sleeper option.
Buyer Beware:
QB Michael Vick (PHI) vs. BAL: The Ravens defense was great last week, and Mike Vick threw 4 picks against the Browns. You can see why people might be skeptical of starting him on Sunday.
Good Luck in Week 2!
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