Week 2 Rankings: QB, RB, WR

By Dustin Pritchard, 9.11.13

Ranked below are the Top 25 QBs, Top 50 RBs, Top 50 WRs for Week 2 of the 2013 NFL season. Rankings for TEs, Kickers, and Defenses are available here. For Week 1 Ranks + Results click this.

The match ups you should be salivating over: (for QBs/ WRs/TEs) Washington, New Orleans, New York (G), Denver, Tampa Bay and (for RBs) Buffalo, New Orleans, Detroit, Atlanta.  Match ups that may cause headaches, and possibly nausea: (for QBs/WRs/TEs) Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston, and (for RBs) Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Seattle, Miami.

Week 2 Fantasy Points (FPTS) results for standard leagues in parentheses (Great Good Average Poor)

Quarterback

Aaron Rodgers

1. Aaron Rodgers v. WAS – He put up 333 yards and 3 TD vs. the vaunted San Francisco defense. Look for a Washington unit that gave up 27 FPTS to Mike Vick last week to get exposed by a much better QB.

2. Peyton Manning @ NYG – Broncos v. Giants is easily the shootout of the week.  Love Peyton against an exploitable NYG pass defense. You won’t see another 7 TDs, but 300+ and 3-4 seems about right.

3. Drew Brees @ TB – The consistent excellence will continue for Mr. Brees at Tampa. Vegas has the over under here at 47. Could go higher. Expect typical elite-ness.

4. Cam Newton @ BUF – The Bills are trying to make sucking at defense cool, expect nothing different on Sunday. The Panthers have admitted they were too conservative last week., Cam will bounce back in a big way against a soft defense. They aren’t ready for Cam.

5. Colin Kaepernick @ SEA – Really tough matchup on paper, but the Seahawks are still a bit banged up on defense. Look for Kaepernick to remain a cannon armed track star freak that gets your fantasy team Ws.

6. Michael Vick v. SD – Loved the Monday night performance.  The Chargers feature an underrated defense, but I expect the Eagles to continue to push the envelope.  Sky’s the limit for Vick while he’s healthy.  He’s almost in matchup proof territory.

7. Matt Stafford @ ARI – Get your popcorn ready as two gunslingers face off this Sunday in what is bound to be an aerial display.  Stafford will build on a strong start.

8. Eli Manning v. DEN – This is the Game of the Week as far as fantasy players are concerned.  The Manning brother sibling rivalry will continue with Eli, once again, attempting to outdo big bro.

9. Matt Ryan v. STL – Don’t love going against Jeff Fisher’s squad, and a banged up Roddy White and Julio Jones hurts too. Ryan will could struggle to put up the fantasy points your team craves. (22 FP)

10. Robert Griffin III @ GB – Griffin has an amazing arm, but his mechanics will be off until he is fully healthy, and his rushing stats minimized. This is a great matchup though, in what should be a high scoring game, so you will likely need to start him this week.

11. Russell Wilson v. SF – Great against the run, the 49ers are overrated against the league’s best QBs.  Rodgers exploited that last week, and Wilson will in his home stadium as well.

12. Andrew Luck v. MIA – Luck will regress in Week 2 against an underrated Miami defense.

Terrelle Pryor

13. Tom Brady v. NYJ – Amendola and Gronk doubtful, Vereen out.  Brady’s cupboard is bare as he gets Rex Ryan’s Jets defense.  No NFL team’s starting WRs should be Julian Edelman and Kenbrell Thompkins. (11 FPTS)

14. Terrelle Pryor v. JAC – When you are on a hot streak at the blackjack table do you get up and quit? NO! You double down baby!  That’s how we feel about Pryor this week. The Jags will be more ready for him than the Colts were, but they are weak against the run and Pryor will exploit that.  50 rush yards is a gimme.

15. Carson Palmer v. DET – Love this potential desert shootout.  Arians and Palmer will take full advantage of Detroit’s defensive deficiencies.

16. Jay Cutler v. MIN – Jay Cutlervari could announce his breakout party against a Vikings defense that struggles against the pass.

17. Tony Romo @ KC – Battling a rib injury, Romo will find out why Kansas City is not a fun destination for opposing quarterbacks. 

18.  Josh Freeman v. NO

19. Sam Bradford @ ATL (26 FP)

20. Philip Rivers @ PHI

21. Ryan Tannehill @ IND

22.  Joe Flacco v. CLE

23. E.J. Manuel v. CAR

24. Matt Schaub v. TEN

25. Chad Henne @ OAK

Matt Forte

Runningback

1. Adrian Peterson @ CHI – Terrible matchup, but he’s just too good for that to matter. Tough not to rank him #1.

2. LeSean McCoy v. SD – There will be regression from Week 1’s (181 rush yards and 1 TD) performance, but another beastly outing is very likely as Kelly attempts to run McCoy straight into the ground.

3. Doug Martin v. NO – Tampa’s workhorse will be worked.  In a high scoring game, that’s really all you can ask for.

4. Jamaal Charles v. DAL – Expect the Chiefs to rely on their biggest playmaker against a Cowboys defense that really misses DT Jay Ratliff.

5. Matt Forte v. MIN – Excited to see what Forte can do against a defense that gave up 300 total yards to Reggie Bush and Joique Bell last week.

6. C.J. Spiller v. CAR – Spiller’s a stud.  He’s in for a big bounce back game in Week 2.

7. Trent Richardson @ BAL – See Spiller.

8. Ray Rice v, CLE – The Browns shut down the Dolphins run game last week, but Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas are not Ray Rice. I imagine Rice will get a ton of work and score at least one TD.

9.  Reggie Bush v. ARI – He’s just so dynamic that, as long as he’e healthy, you should be starting him.

10. Steven Jackson v. STL – Underrated shootout potential here. Jackson should be the centerpiece of the Atlanta offense this week as the Falcons try to build a lead early and kill clock late, when Jackson is at his strongest. (6 FP)

11. Maurice Jones-Drew @ OAK – Going against a questionable Oakland defense, MOJO will remind NFL fans why he is one of the NFL’s top runningbacks.

12. Darren McFadden v. JAC – Very juicy matchup for McFadden who, as long as he’s healthy, is a high end RB2, possible RB1.

13. Alfred Morris @ GB – Look for the Redskins to continue to run the ball with RGIII still visibly recovering from his injury.

14. Arian Foster v. TEN – Foster dominated the workload in Week 1, but looked rusty.  He should shake some rust off against the Titans, but don’t expect the motherload.

15. Eddie Lacy v. WAS – Washington’s defense is last in the league against the run after one week, and while the Packers don’t run the ball like Chip Kelly and the Eagles do, Lacy will still benefit from the obvious deficiency.  If he can score 11 FPTS against the Niners, 15 this week isn’t out of the question for the rookie.

16. DeMarco Murray v. KC – The Cowboys will work hard to establish the run with Romo and Dez banged up.

17. Darren Sproles v. TB – Tank will be used early and often by the Saints in the future high scoring affair.

18. Stevan Ridley v. NYJ – Vereen’s injury is a blessing to Ridley, who despite fumbling in Week 1, has no threat to his job security now.  The NYJ D is very underrated, that’s why Ridley is a low RB2 this week. (4 FP)

19. Frank Gore @ SEA – The Niners can’t rely on Kaepernick’s arm every game, expect them to try to establish the run and give Gore another 20+ carries.

20. DeAngelo Williams @ BUF – WIlliams is the sleeper of the week. He’s a great flex play. The BIlls’ defense is terrible.  Williams would have a tougher time running through a wet paper bag.

21. David WIlson v. DEN – HC Tom Coughlin knows the GIants need David Wilson to win.  The Broncos run defense is tough, but this game’s going to be a shootout.  Tip: Shootouts are a boon to fantasy players.

22. Marshawn Lynch v. SF – Another week, another gross matchup for Lynch.  He’s a low end RB2.

23. Chris Johnson @ HOU – Houston excels against the run, and the Tennessee offense struggled against another one of the NFL’s best run units, the Steelers, in Week 1. Johnson will have trouble finding running lanes.

24. Ryan Matthews v. PHI – He didn’t play very much in the 2nd half of the Monday night game against Houston, but expect that to change against an inconsistent Eagles defense.

25. Lamar Miller @ IND – Very dicey situation after seeing an even split of carries between himself and Daniel Thomas.  Lamar’s talent will shine through against a very bad Indy defense. High risk/high reward pick.

26.  Daryl Richardson @ ATL – Isaiah Pead comes back this week, and I think Jeff Fisher will immediately install him in the offense, to the detriment of Richardson.  A 60/40 timeshare is on the horizon. (7 FP)

27. Ahmad Bradshaw v. MIA – The Colts are still working him in, and the Dolphins rush defense is stout. Sketchy play. Update: Vick Ballard tore his ACL and is out for the season.  Bradshaw will assume lead dog duties sooner than expected!

28.Rashard Mendenall v. DET – This is a great matchup, but the Cardinals do not appear totally committed to Mendy as the team’s workhorse. They gave 10 carries to Alfonso Smith in Week 1 (16 for Mendenhall).  Mendy is the better player, but rookie backs Andre Ellington and Stepfan Taylor lurk as potential touch thieves.

29. Joique Bell @ ARI – He’ll receive a healthy amount of work in the potential desert shootout.

30. Gio Bernard v. PIT

31. Ben Tate v. TEN – 50 50 timeshare with Foster?

32.Vick Ballard v. MIA (out for season ACL)

33. Isaac Redman @ CIN

34. Montee Ball @ NYG – Very risky play this week. He has a great shot at a TD though, possibly multiple.

35. Knowshon Moreno @ NYG

36. Bryce Brown v. SD

37. Bilal Powell @ NE (12 FP)

38. Benjarvus Green-Ellis v. PIT

39. Chris Ivory @ NE (5 FP)

40. Fred Jackson v. CAR

41. Pierre Thomas @ TB

42. Mike Tolbert @ BUF

43. Jon Dwyer @ CIN

44. Mark Ingram @ TB

45. Isaiah Pead @ ATL

46. Ronnie Hillman @ NYG

47. Ronnie Brown @ PHI

48. Daniel Thomas @ IND

49. Bernard Pierce v. CLE

50. Da’Rell Scott v. DEN

51. Donald Brown v. MIA

Missed: Jason Snelling (11 FP), 

Larry Fitzgerald

Wide Receiver

1. Calvin Johnson @ ARI – Want to rank him lower going against Patrick Peterson, but he just has too much potential in this game. STUD

2. Brandon Marshall v. MIN – Stafford shredded the Vikings last week, so expect one of the most talented receivers in the league to get plenty of looks as the Bears routinely move the chains on this defense.

3. Demaryius Thomas @ NYG – YAC ability makes him a threat for monster numbers in every game he plays.  Our shootout of the week will not disappoint, and Thomas has a chance to get a big piece of that pie.

4. Vincent Jackson v. NO – Destroyed Antonio Cromartie and the rest of the Jets secondary en route to 151 yards in Week 1.  V Jax will keep up the dominance against the Saints

5. Victor Cruz v. DEN – Exploded for 3 TD last week.  He goes into another game ripe for huge fantasy stats.

6. A.J. Green v. PIT – Tough matchup, but AJ is basically matchup proof.  Start him and feel good about yourself.

7. Randall Cobb v. WAS – Can’t help but love this matchup as the Packers take on a very suspect Redskins defense.

8. Andre Johnson v. TEN – Andre is a stud and should have no problem manhandling Verner, McCourty, and whatever else is thrown his way. 

9.  Larry Fitzgerald. v. DET – Fitzy answered his critics with 80 yards and 2 TD last week.  The TD numbers are unsustainable, but he should have no problem going over a hundred yards in this game, Update: Likely to play, but very questionable with a hamstring injury.

10. Julio Jones v. STL – A tad banged up,  but nothing to stress over.  He retains his WR1 status. Update: Questionable with a hamstring injury.  Expected to play.

11. Dez Bryant @ KC – Legit possible high ankle sprain. Don’t take this lightly.  if Dez is active just start him. Don’t try to get cute.

12. Jordy Nelson v. WAS – This guy might be the most underrated player in football.  His athleticism and speed are so hard for defenders to cover. Jordy will enjoy another strong performance.

13. Marques Colston @ TB – Lots of FPTS to be had in this game, Colston is in a prime position.

14. Hakeem Nicks v. DEN – Hakeem is back after 114 receiving yards last week looking hungry, and another 10+ fantasy point (FPT) effort is on the menu.

15. Reggie Wayne v. MIA – Andrew Luck’s favorite target looked great in the opener.  Don’t love the matchup though.

16. DeSean Jackson v. SD – The Eagles offense will continue to roll, and their #1 receiving option will continue to do what he does, make plays.  DeSean is having fun again.

17. Wes Welker @ NYG – 67 yards 2 TDs in Week 1. So far so good for Welker as a Bronco. Peyton seems to love him the way Brady did. He’ll keep it rolling in the Meadowlands.

18. Pierre Garcon @ GB – Griffin looks like he can still sling it, so if Washington’s defense implodes against the mighty Packers offense, Garcon could be in line for some great garbage time FPTS.  At some point, the Skins will need his speed to win this game.

19. Dwayne Bowe v. DAL – Bowe will get it going eventually. He’s too talented.  The Chiefs will throw from the front and throw from behind against Andy Reid’s old foe, and Bowe will be a big part of that.

20. Eric Decker @ NYG – Decker’s “ridiculous” Week 1 suck job is an anamoly. Against the Giants, Peyton will look to him often, especially in the red zone (don’t forget he dropped an easy TD last week).

21. Cecil Shorts @ OAK – Blaine Gabbert is out this week, Chad Henne is in.  Cecil Shorts owners rejoice!  Oakland is not an imposing unit, Shorts will have a nice bounce back week.

22. Julian Edelman @ NYJ – Everybody’s favorite plug and play option this week, Edelman will likely be the #1 receiving option for the New England Patriots here, but don’t get too excited.  Remember, it’s Julian Edelman. (7 FP)

23. Steve Smith @ BUF – Don’t hate the player, hate the game.  This ageless wonder is still baffling defenses like he did in 2003 (ya a freaking decade ago!).  11 FPTS in Week 1, Week 2 should turn an even larger bounty.

24. Mike Williams v. NO – Week in, week out Williams talent shines through.  Likely to receive single coverage all game, expect Freeman to look his way with regularity.

25. Mike Wallace @ IND – Seem a bit high?  Wallace has been crushed by the NFL and fantasy football media thoroughly.  He’s a good player going against an overrated Colts defense.  60 Minutes gets it together in Week 2.

26. James Jones v. WAS – Threw up a doughnut in Week 1, expect that to change against the Redskins.

27. Anquan Boldin @ SEA – 200 yards per week is unsustainable. Anquan will come back to earth against a daunting Seattle secondary.

28. Antonio Brown @ CIN – The Bengals defense makes me want to puke as a fantasy owner.  So tough this season.  Pittsburgh is dealing with injuries on the offensive line too.  Not a great week to be a Steelers fantasy player.

29. Lance Moore @ TB – Great matchup for Moore.  Get him in your lineup somehow.

30.Torrey Smith v. CLE – Like the player, hate the matchup.  Browns CB Joe Haden is a superstar that nobody knows about.  He shuts guys down.

31. Kenbrell Thompkins v. NYJ – He’ll be dancing with Antonio Cromartie all night, but another 10+ targets is almost a certainty. (4 FP)

32. Miles Austin @ KC  – Looked good last week, but Brandon Flowers and Sean Smith are a much better duo than anything the G Men threw at him.  He’s still a possible flex option.

33. Michael Floyd v. DET

34. Stevie Johnson v. CAR

35. Golden Tate v. SF

36. Vincent Brown @ PHI – Expect the Chargers to alter their game plan to get this gifted receiver much more involved.  The Bolts could be playing catch up early.

37. TY Hilton v. MIA

38. Roddy White v. STL – Questionable with ankle injury.  Likely to play. (2 FP)

39. Andre Roberts v. DET

40. Brian Hartline @ IND (4 FP)

41. Harry Douglas v. STL 

42.  Rueben Randle v. DEN

43. Greg Jennings @ CHI

44. Marlon Brown v. CLE

45. Chris Givens @ ATL (10 FP)

46. Alshon Jeffrey v. MIN

47. Emmanuel Sanders @ CIN

48. Tavon Austin @ ATL (16 FP)

49. Kenny Stills @ TB

50. Kenny Britt @ HOU

Missed: Aaron Dobson (11 FP), Stephen Hill (8 FP), Anthony Pettis (13 FP)

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