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See that panic button right there? You know, the one you want to hit when Tom Brady only gets you 10 points and your backup, Tyrod Taylor, would have gotten you almost 19. That very same button that you’d use when your first round pick gets 4 catches for 66 yards against a soft Bears defense.
Don’t hit it.
I don’t have to tell you that Week 2 isn’t the time to get cute. As long as your studs are starting, keep them in your lineup. That being said, there are always decisions to be made. That’s where this article comes in handy. Now, there are going to be some interesting calls I’m about to make. It’s ultimately up to you to use common sense and good judgement. For example, if Joe Flacco makes my list as a “Start ‘em” and he’s your backup to Aaron Rodgers, I can’t be held responsible for your foolish actions. With that in mind, let’s get started.
Start ‘em
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, TB
This weekend is Tampa Bay’s season opener after Hurricane Irma hit Florida and postponed their game against the Dolphins. I’m all on board the Jameis Winston hype train this season and I can’t wait to see him in his third year with Mike Evans and new deep-threat DeSean Jackson. And I love him going against the Bears defense at home.
Others receiving votes: Tyrod Taylor, Philip Rivers, Derek Carr
Running Backs
Javorius Allen, BAL
This is a mainly just a gut-feeling. Danny Woodhead is going to be out for upwards of 2 months and it is my belief that Buck Allen will fill his role. If they intended to use Woodhead as much as they did before he got hurt, Allen could have some real production.
Others receiving votes: Jacquizz Rodgers, Ty Montgomery, James White, Theo Riddick
Wide Receivers
Sammy Watkins, LAR
Josh Norman gives a lot of fantasy owners pause, but he isn’t a true shadow corner. I have faith that the Rams will moves Watkins around and get him his opportunities. I’m looking for a big day from the Rams’ number one receiver.
Others receiving votes: Tyreek Hill, Chris Hogan, DeVante Parker, Kelvin Benjamin
Sit ‘em
Quarterbacks
Carson Palmer, ARI
I’m of the mindset that Carson Palmer is just done. The 2015 MVP contender didn’t look good last year and had a rough start against a subpar Lions defense. Without David Johnson as a check-down option, I’m not sure he can exploit this dream matchup against the Colts.
Others receiving votes: Matthew Stafford, Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson
Running Backs
Thomas Rawls or any other Seahawks RB
I don’t know what to make of this backfield and if you think you do, you’re lying. At any given time, one of four running backs could be playing and taking snaps (and fantasy points) from each other. It is a bonafide mess behind a dumpster fire of an offensive line. Chris Carson is the speculative favorite to eventually emerge as the guy, but I’d avoid this group like the plague until further notice.
Others receiving votes: Kerwynn Williams, Mark Ingram, Frank Gore, Tarik Cohen
Wide Receivers
Emmanuel Sanders, DEN
This is always a tough one to analyze. Denver has two top options in Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. But since the Peyton Manning-era, it seems like only one of the two will break out in any given game. After the Giants’ poor showing last Sunday night, I’m still not entirely convinced that this Cowboys defense is any good, which makes this a tough pill to swallow. You probably don’t have any better options, I’d just temper my expectations.
Others receiving votes: T.Y. Hilton, Michael Crabtree, Odell Beckham Jr. (for late game/injury combination), Golden Tate