1. Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Unfortunately for Detroit, Matt Stafford’s first home game wasn’t against a sub .500 team with an easy defense; instead, he gets Minnesota. Look for the Vikings to clog up the running lanes and bring pressure after him all day long. We like for the Viking to have multiple sacks, a few turnovers, and possibly take one to the house. Top fantasy football defense in Week Two.
2. Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams
The Rams have an excellent shot at being held scoreless for the second week in a row. The Skins defense is tough and built to stop the run (DT Haynesworth). And the Rams don’t have much in the way of a passing game at this point. Expect a big effort by the Skins defensively this week in an easy match-up.
3. Green Bay Packers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals could have a difficult time getting up for this one after their demoralizing defeat on Opening Day. The Packers defense looks rejuvenated after a sub par 2008 and we expect DC Dom Capers to devise an aggressive game plan which focuses on pressuring Carson Palmer.
4. Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers
One thing was certainly evident in the Panthers Week One loss to the Eagles: Jake Delhomme holds onto the ball way too long. If the Falcons can jump to a lead and takeDeAngelo Williams and the running attack out of the game, expect DE John Abraham and Co. to force Delhomme into multiple sacks and turnovers all afternoon.
Sleepers
1. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Niners defense – Patrick Willis in particular – was very physical in their opening day win at Arizona and beat up Kurt Warner. The Seahawks are currently without the services of two of their top offensive lineman and the Niners will give this unit more trouble than the Rams did a week ago. This is a good fantasy sleeper play for Week Two.
2. New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Even though the Patriots defense is banged up (LB Mayo out), this is a good spot to play them. Belichick always mixes things up for rookie QBs and the Pats offense should provide them with a lead to make the Jets one-dimensional.
Others We Like
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
The Niners showed very little in their Week One victory to suggest things will get substantially better in this week. Frank Gore averaged pathetic p 1.4 yards per carry and Shaun Hill was ineffective in the passing game. Although the Seahawks are banged up, expect them to take Gore out of the game plan and challenge Hill to beat them.
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Romo and Co. will have a much more difficult time facing the New York Giants than they did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although the Giants secondary is a bit banged up (CB Ross out), their stellar pass rush often forces QBs to make decisions – and throws – quicker than they’d like. I wouldn’t expect too many downfield plays in this one. Look for New York to bring their “A” game on Sunday Night and for Tuck, Umenyiora and Co. to get after Romo all night long.
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans
This is a good match-up for Tennessee playing on their home turf against a division rival. While the Texans have always played the Titans well offensively, look for Tennessee to follow the Jets blueprint and take Steve Slaton out of the game. Once they turn Houston one dimensional, look for them to force Matt Schaub into a few sacks and turnovers.
