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Fantasy Football Tip Sheet - Sep. 19

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By Luke Easterling/The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 19, 2008

Week 2 was far less destructive for fantasy owners than the week before, but it wasn't without its own important storylines. Michael Turner was cooled off by a solid Bucs run defense, and Eddie Royal proved he can put up solid numbers even if Brandon Marshall catches like, I don't know, 18 passes. Matt Cassel proved that while he might keep the ship afloat for the Patriots, he is far from being a solid fantasy contributor. Jonathan Stewart showed owners that he is ready to take the starting job from DeAngelo Williams for good.

But with last week in the books, here are some things to remember if you're looking for success in Week.3.

FRIENDLY MATCHUPS

Here are some favorable individual matchups that you'll want to take full advantage of this week.

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks - This is only because he is facing the Rams' anemic pass defense. Even with the lack of receivers on the roster, Hasselbeck should still have a field day against a supremely inferior defense.

Frank Gore, RB, 49ers - Gore is ready for a breakout game, and it should come this week against the Lions, who are dead last in the league in rushing defense, allowing 220.5 yards per game on a staggering 6.1 yards per carry. If the Niners can get an early lead, look for Gore to wear down the Detroit defense for the remainder of the game.

Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Jets - Cotchery has proven to be Brett Favre's favorite receiver this season, so look for the combo to torch the Shawne Merriman-less Chargers' defense, which was exploited last week by Denver's aerial attack.

WAIVER-WIRE WONDERS

Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers - With LaDainan Tomlinson nursing a nagging toe injury, Sproles becomes a must-add in all leagues, especially if you have LT on your roster. Sproles showed his big-play ability last week, scoring on a long pass and on a kick return. If LT continues to be limited by this injury, expect similar results from an increased workload for Sproles.

Michael Bush, RB, Raiders - With lingering injuries to Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden, Bush is likely to see the ball quite a bit in the near future. Bush has been best at the goal line, but he should be at least a serviceable option as a flex play or even a RB2 for those who are especially thin at the position.

Gus Frerotte, QB, Vikings - Don't laugh. Frerotte may not be a stud, but he's in a good spot to put up some decent fantasy numbers in Minnesota. He's got an incredibly effective running game and tons of young talent at receiver, including guys who can stretch the field like Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice. Look for Frerotte to make the most of the deep ball and play-action, making Rice and Berrian's value go up a little, as well.

Bobby Engram, WR, Seahawks - Engram likely is available in most leagues, because he is still recovering from injury. However, his return is slated for Week 5, and if you can afford to stash him on your bench, you won't be disappointed later in the season. Engram caught 94 passes last year and would undoubtedly be the Seahawks' go-to receiver when he returns, given the rampant injuries and lack of production at the position.

WEEK 2 GAME BALLS

Jay Cutler, QB/Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos - This connection was unstoppable all day against the Chargers last week, leading them to one of the most memorable comebacks in recent history. Marshall caught 18 passes (to lead the NFL despite missing Week 1 on suspension) for 166 yards and a score, while Cutler threw for 350 yards and four TDs.

Anquan Boldin, WR, Cardinals - Boldin smoked the Rams' horrid pass defense for 140 yards on six catches, three of which went for scores. Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald also had huge days, but Boldin's early scores set the pace for a dominating offensive performance.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions - Congrats to those of you who risked taking C.J. over Roy Williams. Johnson caught six passes for 129 yards and a pair of TDs as the Lions tried to keep pace with the Packers last week. Johnson's superior athletic ability, combined with his maturation and increased knowledge of the playbook should lead to many similar performances this season.

Santana Moss, WR, Redskins - So much for a drop in production here. Moss caught seven passes for 164 yards and a TD and added 27 yards rushing on an end-around. Moss seems to have made a serious connection with QB Jason Campbell, which should keep him outproducing his preseason ranking throughout the year.

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