Players I LOVE
QBs I LOVE
Marcus Mariota, Tennessee: Remember when I said I hate the rookies? Ha… ha… ha. Well, the Oregon product loudly and emphatically introduced himself to the league by finding the endzone four times to beat his fellow rookie Jameis Winston. Perhaps the most important thing was that he committed no turnovers. While Cleveland’s defense is much better than the atrocious Tampa Bay D, he is worth a gamble this week.
Carson Palmer, Arizona: After watching Drew Stanton, Ryan Lindley, and Logan Thomas for the whole year, the Arizona faithful have been awarded with an actual quarterback in the name of Carson Palmer. Even more importantly, he knew how to use his most dangerous weapon, Larry Fitzgerald. Chicago has been notoriously weak in the secondary, and facing the team that’s coming off of Aaron Rodgers is always fun.
Peyton Manning, Denver: Now, now, now, let’s take a breath. When you drafted the immortal one, you probably were not expecting a 175-yards, one-pick performance in any week. Don’t panic, we are talking about PEYTON FREAKING MANNING here. Mr. Consistency. Are you really going to let one game outshine his illustrious Hall-of-Fame career? Kansas City just let Brian Hoyer torch them for 334 yards and two TDs. Manning is a must-start.
RBs I LOVE
Carlos Hyde, San Francisco: It would be an understatement to say that Carlos Hyde is not Hyde-ing anymore from the spotlights (OK, I will show myself out). But seriously, 168 yards with two scores is nothing to laugh at. It’s not every day you get to outshine Adrian Peterson.With the lack of trust with Colin Kaepernick as the signal caller, Hyde will be getting more and more action in weeks to come. Pittsburgh rush defense was split like the Red Sea by Dion Lewis, who was jobless just couple of month ago. Hyde is finally getting out of the shadow of Frank Gore. Speaking of him…
Frank Gore, Indianapolis: The Ol’ Reliable. Yes, I know New York’s defense is pretty scary and they swallowed Cleveland running backs, but muddy combination of Isaiah Crowell, Duke Johnson, and others would have struggled against middle school defense. Indianapolis will most likely go up early and go up by a lot. With the lead, Gore will have plenty of opportunities to carry the rock.
Duke Johnson, Cleveland: Are you seeing a trend here? It’s just a long, complex chain until the end of the article. While Isaiah Crowell is technically a starter and still listed above Duke Johnson in the depth chart, the rookie was much more efficient. They will be sharing touches, but if Johnson starts to pull ahead of Crowell, watch out for the rookie to run wild like Hulk Hogan.
Lamar Miller, Miami: I was thoroughly disappointed by the entire Miami offense against the freaking Washington defense. Washington. Defense. With Iheanacho injured mid-game. Will Lamar Miller rebound? Well, if he doesn’t, he would be on the hate list, right? The most concerning part was that Miller only got 13 carries. While it was a close game throughout, he averaged 19 carries per game last season. However, he has a favorable matchup against Jacksonville and I’m hoping and praying for a rebound performance.
Justin Forsett, Baltimore: Sorry I had to break the chain. Justin Forsett was limited to 56 yards against Denver. This week, he gets a consolation prize in Oakland run defense, which was pillaged by Jeremy Hill and Gio Bernard for 151 yards and two scores. Especially after Flacco’s performance, Baltimore should spearhead the Ravens’ attack this week.
Chris Johnson, Arizona: Andre Ellington is uber talented, but the injury bug has limited his production in the League. Enter CJ2K, who is looking to make a name for himself again. Johnson was named the starter while Ellington is out, and coach Bruce Arians hinted that he could get regular touches even when the starter is back. If you are looking for a home-run, go with David Johnson who only had one carry but 55-yard TD catch. If you are looking for reliability and safety, the former Titan is the way to go.
Joseph Randle, Dallas: Once upon a time, in the land of Cowboys, there was a king named Dez Bryant. One day, he broke his foot and was out for few weeks, so the kingdom of Dallas had to look for a new offensive tool. Enter Joseph Randle, the bellcow of the Cowboys backfield. The fact that Jerry Jones said Randle will get 20-carry game is also hopeful. Philadelphia defense has a ton of soft spots that were revealed by Matty Ice and Co. Randle will run all over the Birds.
WRs I LOVE
Brandin Cooks, New Orleans: You know you’re a stud when Randy Moss says you’re “very good now and will be great.” And now with the loss of superstar Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills, Drew Brees needs a new number one target. Cooks could be the man to light it up this year as Brees’ new right hand man.
Terrance Williams, Dallas: Dez is out for 4-6 weeks and while you can’t replace him, this is Terrance Williams’s chance to prove himself, and I would expect a big few weeks soon.
Andre Johnson, Indianapolis: Johnson is a huge target for the gunslinger Andrew Luck, who is surely trying to prove himself after last week’s poor performance. With TY Hilton’s health in question, the Miami alumni Johnson and Gore are great options this week on this Colts juggernaut offense
Kendall Wright, Tennessee: Mariota has to throw to someone. Cleveland allowed some big plays in the air, and that’s right in the wheelhouse of Wright. Also, they allowed two touchdowns to the Jets. You know, the team led by Ryan Fitzpatrick?! He’s bound to find the endzone. Again, Ryan Fitzpatrick, touchdown. Think about it.
TEs I LOVE
Jason Witten, Dallas: As Tony Romo’s go-to guy and with years of experience, expect the veteran to be targeted almost anytime Romo feels pressured since the Boys are without Dez. We should be hearing “Romo to Witten” at least ten times a game until Dez is back.

Players I HATE
QBs I HATE
Alex Smith, Kansas City: Ok, he had a little fun and somehow found the end zone three times against the Houston defense. But is Alex Smith really a reliable, starter-worthy quarterback? And did you see what Denver defense did to Joe Flacco?! The pressure created by front 7 of Denver was incredible against the Ravens, and it will haunt Smith this time. Just imagine him rolling out of boot leg and getting popped by five different guys. Not pretty.
Ryan Mallett, Houston: People love to jump on the newly-named starters, whether it’s the back-up that is not starting due to injury or suspension, or rookie getting his chance. Ryan Mallett was once-highly touted prospect who was supposed to inherit Tom Brady’s throne, but instead, he finds himself in Lone Star State. Seeing the veteran Brian Hoyer getting the fast hook won’t be too settling for Mallett, as he faces Carolina that shut down another young QB, Blake Bortles.
RBs I HATE
Latavius Murray, Oakland: It was nice to see Murray get involved in passing games, but with the quarterback Derek Carr possibly out with a hand injury, that takes away a lot out of his offensive repertoire. The fact that they will be down and throwing doesn’t help the rookie’s chance of hitting the home run. Baltimore shut down top-tier RB CJ Anderson and limited him to 69 yards. Look for them for the repeat performance this time around.
Dion Lewis, New England: The Golden Rule of Fantasy: never trust New England running backs. Bill Belichick is notorious for screwing over fantasy players with the likes of Shane Vereen, Stevan Ridley, Jonas Gray, etc., and this will be another case of Dion Lewis, who was impressive against Pittsburgh. Those numbers should be overlooked, however, as the Steel Curtain is not-so-impenetrable anymore. Buffalo rush defense limited Frank Gore to 64 yards, and they did not allow any home run play as well. Also, there are no promises that he will be the primary ball carrier.
Any St. Louis RBs: Tre Mason or Benny Cunningham? Does it matter? Washington isn’t the toughest defense, but neither of them are the tougher runner. Last week the Cleveland backfield was featured here. This week, it’s St. Louis.
WRs I HATE
Keenan Allen, San Diego: Don’t get caught up in his great week one; this isn’t expected from a player like Keenan Allen every week. Not only that, but they’re playing in Cincinnati against a surprisingly good Bengals D, and Melvin Gordon should be expected to receive more carries than he did in week one.
Steve Smith, Baltimore: After an extremely poor week one, Steve Smith and the Ravens head to Oakland against one of the worst defenses in the league. Now why do we still think that Smith will have a poor week? Well, the Ravens are looking to run the ball with Justin Forsett, and they still have five or six targets for Flacco to throw to.
TEs I HATE
Ladarius Green, San Diego: Look for more of a rushing attack against the Bengals, led by Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead, who had a surprisingly great week one.
Owen Daniels, Denver: The Chiefs have a great Defense, but he is not Manning’s main target.
D/ST I HATE
Seattle D/S: Playing against the best offense in the league doesn’t bode well for any team, even the best defense in the league. While it won’t be a blowout, the safest option would be to not test Aaron Rodgers and the pack.