1. Adrian Peterson vs. Detroit Lions
Can we really begin with anyone else for running backs in fantasy football? After his ridiculous performance vs. the Browns (180, 3TDs), he now gets the Lions. He could duplicate – or better – those numbers on Sunday.
2. Chris Johnson vs. Houston Texans
The Titans will have had 10 days to prepare for this one and Johnson looks ready to roll this season. The Texans on the other hand looked soft (defensively) vs. the Jets and we like Johnson to easily top the 100-yard mark with at least one TD.
3. Clinton Portis vs. St. Louis Rams
Although Portis was stifled by the Giants defense, these are the Rams who just got torched by Julius Jones in Week 1 (117 yards, 1TD). Look for Portis to have a much easier go of it this time around and to top the century mark with a TD as well.
4. Michael Turner vs. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers have been unable to overcome the loss of DT Maake Kemoeatu in the preseason and will be run ALL over by Michael Turner this Sunday. Expect the Falcons’ bruiser to get at least 25 carries and top the 100-yard mark with at least one score.
Sleepers
1. Jamal Lewis vs. Denver Broncos
Although the Browns aren’t particularly good on offense, this is a great opportunity to use Lewis at your flex position. Cedric Benson ran with success against the Broncos defense and Lewis could be in line for a big day as well.
2. Michal Bush vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Darren McFadden will get most of the headlines, but Bush is an excellent fantasy sleeper this week vs the Chiefs. Expect him to get at least 40% of the carries and all goal line attempts, which he could turn into multiple TDs.
Others We Like
Larry Johnson vs. Oakland Raiders
LJ got off to a rough start vs. the Ravens and finished with just 20 yards on 11 carries. But that was the Ravens (who no one runs well against) and these are the Raiders who Johnson has had a lot of success against in the past. Expect LJ to have a much improved effort this week.
Ryan Grant vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Grant didn’t do much vs. the Bears on Sunday Night but this is a nice spot vs. the Bengals. We expect the Bengals to be emotionally drained after that horrific opening day loss and for Grant to get plenty of opportunities to rack up yards.
Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Arizona Cardinals
Jones-Drew started off a bit slow vs. the Colts but came on strong at the end (97 yards, 1TD). We think he’ll be a big factor against the Cards on Sunday but could find more success as a receiver out of the backfield. Arizona likes to stack the line and take away the run and if they do, look for Garrard to locate MJD on quite a few screens and dump offs.
