Dan's Sack (Fantasy Football Mailbag): Week 2

You know, I can really get used to this whole "only having to wait two days for football" thing. God bless Thursday night games. The only downside to them is that slackers like me can’t wait for the last second to decide on how to set my lineup. And if you are a slacker, you’re in luck because I’ve answered a few last minute questions that probably pertain to you. Let’s get on with it, shall we?

Backhanded Compliment from the Hogs Haven Community writes:

Need to pick 2 rbs between A-Mo, Stevan Ridley, Jamaal Charles, and Doug Martin, plus one of the other two along or Randall Cobb for flex. Leaning towards Morris and Ridley for rbs and Martin for flex.

The Buccaneers are fully committed to letting Doug Martin pound the rock, and he should get a few checkdowns against that great Giants pass rush as well. Start him. Also, there’s no reason to give up on Jamaal Charles despite him having a somewhat mortal showing last week. You still have to start your studs with confidence. It is far too early to give up on them yet.

Randall Cobb is who I would go with as a flex option. Greg Jennings is listed as doubtful with a groin injury, and even if the Groin Gods grant him the strength to play, his role will undoubtedly be limited. And trust me, the Groin Gods are a fickle bunch.

Groin.

Anyways, Cobb is next in line for an expanded role and he has already started his sophomore season encouragingly. He was active in the slot, special teams and even showed reliability out of the backfield on a handful of snaps. It’s clear that Mike McCarthy is doing whatever it takes to get the playmaking Cobb involved in the offense, and Jennings’ health concerns make Cobb an even safer bet for a solid game on Thursday.

@hartclaremont writes via Twitter:

Celek or Heath Miller?

Michael Vick is going to need a safety valve this week, even though the Ravens are still Suggs-less. Jeremy Maclin will be dealing with a hip injury, and Brent Celek could benefit from a few extra targets underneath. He is absolutely worth taking a shot on, especially in PPR leagues.

@J_Villa75 writes via Twitter:

Hey Dan who is a good sleeper TE that you see right now? And do you see C.J. Spiller becoming trade bait?

If he can even be called a sleeper anymore after tons of preseason hype, I have to say Kyle Rudolph. In terms of athleticism and skill set, he is the closest you can get to Rob Gronkowski unless your name is Bibi Jones.

Of course, just because he is a similar player doesn’t mean he will experience a similar fate and set records left and right, but Rudolph still presents a ton of upside. If he’s still available on the waiver wire, he is a must-claim. I’m starting him with confidence in 10, 12 and 16-team leagues if that makes you feel any better.

As for C.J. Spiller, his value is a bit too high for my liking if I’m a buyer. But if I’m desperate for a running back and have plenty of depth elsewhere, he’s worth it even if he does wind up starting just a handful of games. Just don’t give up the farm for him.

Nearl from the Hogs Haven Community writes:

Question: Alfred Morris

Answer: That was not a question.

OK fine, I won’t be a jerk. I liked what "Alf" was able to do versus a very improved Saints run defense, but he’s going to have to have just a few more than 28 percent of his carries go for over three yards for me to feel good about starting him every week. He’s not going to get around 30 touches every game either. Just doesn’t seem sustainable.

HALFTIME!!

IH8Dallas from the Hogs Haven Community writes:

Will Ryan Mathews be back this week?

Not sure yet. As of now, I'd keep him on the bench unless you're desperate. Keep monitoring the practice reports, though.

And why is his name missing a ‘t’?

Why is yours?

Munson21502 from the Hogs Haven Community writes:

Started RG3 over Matt Ryan last week. What are your thoughts this week?

My thoughts are that you’re probably a shameless homer. But all shameless Redskins homers deserve a good day every now and then given the past four seasons preceding this one.

I think it’s fully possible that RG3 could equal or best Matt Ryan in fantasy points this week, but I don’t think Griffin is the safer option. The Rams secondary is vastly improved, and when a quarterback like Matthew Stafford struggles against them it makes you raise an eyebrow at the very least. We’re all enamored with Griffin’s skill set and potential, but there’s no use gambling and leaving a guy on your bench who will most certainly give you a big chunk of points this week.

Cold_in_Wisconsin from the Hogs Haven Community writes:

I have some tinkering I want to do with one of the leagues i'm in...

Rivers, Arian Foster, Jamaal Charles, Jordy Nelson, Brandon Marshall, Jimmy Graham, Antonio Brown for my w/r flex spot.

I have Benjarvus Green-Ellis and Kevin Smith on my bench…they both went off last week! So I’m curious…would you tinker with the flex, or leave the lineup as it is?

Don’t get cute. You have plenty of studs on that team. Start ‘em and stick with 'em. Big week in store for you.

Zmann from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Ahmad Bradshaw, Jamaal Charles and Stevan Ridley. Which two do I start???

Here’s how I view the Giants' running game:

In recent years, they’ve had two fantasy-worthy running backs but Tom Coughlin typically opts to ride the hot hand regardless of what he has available. That pretty much translates to the better running back being on the field most of the time. And truthfully, I don’t think Ahmad Bradshaw is the best running back the Giants have anymore.

David Wilson’s early fumble in his debut doomed his fantasy owners for the remainder of the game, and I fully believe that the kid was in for a big night had he been able to protect the football. Sooner or later he’ll get that fixed and cut more and more into Bradshaw’s time as the year goes on. When that happens can’t really be pinpointed, but for now I’d default to caution and get out of the Bradshaw situation sooner than later.

In short, start Charles and Ridley. I’d even suggest selling Bradshaw high, preferably for another running back if you can swing it.

Marriott from the Hogs Haven community writes:

Who wins this trade?

Stafford and C. Benson for P. Rivers and Sproles

I’ll end with wise words from my father:

"There are no winners in any situation that involves Cedric Benson, and son, I was checking the history tab of my computer and I need to talk to you about the sites you were…"

That’s all the time I have! Any additional questions (pertaining to fantasy football and not browser history) can be asked in the comments section or on Twitter.

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