2013 Fantasy Football News and Notes: Week 2

AFC EAST

 

Buffalo: No explanation was given as to why the Bills utilized RB C.J. Spiller a lot less than was expected. It probably had something to do with his 1st half fumble though. Backup RB Fred Jackson actually looked like the better RB week 1 and outgained Spiller on fewer touches. While I think the Bills will continue to try featuring the more dynamic Spiller, if he struggles to get going early in games we could see a lot more of a RBBC than we thought we would. Rookie WR Marquise Good win is out indefinitely with a fractured hand injury. Tentatively he's expected to miss 4-6 weeks. He's off-limits in re-draft leagues but holds some dynasty appeal. Kicker Dustin Hopkins remains OUT with a groin injury. Dan Carpenter will kick again this week for him and probably week 3 as well as there has been timetable announced for when Hopkins will return. E.J. Manuel had a decent, yet inconsistent start to his career. However he showed enough promise as both a passer and rushing threat for me to think the future looks bright for him.  

 

Miami: It is seriously hoped that RB Lamar Miller will bounce back from a horrific week 1 performance. Miller has superior talent to Daniel Thomas but if Miller can't do better than 3 yards on 10 rushing attempts, he'll find himself splitting plenty of time with Thomas going forward. Miller is to be considered a borderline RB2/3 who is more "potential" currently than "production". WR Mike Wallace has been whining all week about his lack of involvement in the game plan week 1 despite the Dolphins getting the victory. While Miami says they aren't going to force the ball to him, I'll be surprised if they don't. They need to justify that big free agent contract they signed him to and can't have a middling talent like Brian Hartline out-producing him every week. Charles Clay won the first week in the battle of the mediocre to take the place of Dustin Keller (out for 2013 with a torn ACL). Clay isn't a special talent but he's the guy to keep an eye on in Miami's search for someone to step up into Keller's place.

 

New England: WR Danny Amendola is reportedly going to miss anywhere from 2-6 weeks, but the ultra-secretive Patriots haven't said that themselves and he hasn't even been ruled out for week 3. Julian Edelman was a target monster Thursday night but only produced 78 yards on 13 receptions. Kenbrell Thompkins continued to make mistakes and was outplayed by Aaron Dobson. Dobson has a big play element to his game that the other Patriots WR's seem to lack. Don't be surprised if that starts to get him on the field more often in coming weeks and smart owners will stash him now before it happens. Someone at WR has to be fantasy relevant when all is said and done. TE Rob Gronkowski is expected back either in week 3 or 4. There's been no word on whether TE Zach Sudfeld was even close to playing week 2 and his status for week 3 is unsure. One thing that is sure is that Michael Hoomanawanui is a blocking TE only and not a viable receiving threat. While Stevan Ridley got little going on the ground this week, he did manage to avoid fumbling and with LeGarrette Blount not much a threat and Leon Washington looking a lot older than he used to, it is unlikely Ridley loses many touches to any of the other Patriots RB's. The only exception could be if Brandon Bolden can finally get over the knee injury that has made him inactive the first 2 games. Anyone who hasn't been living under a rock knows that Shane Vereen suffered a dislocated wrist injury after week 1 and required surgery. The Patriots placed him on the IR/designated for return list, meaning he'll be able to come back in week 11.

 

New York Jets: It's expected that WR Jeremy Kerley will be back week 3 after missing Thursday night with a concussion. QB Geno Smith had a very poor game but with Mark Sanchez going on the IR/designated for return list with his shoulder injury, Smith has a long leash. RB's Cris Ivory and Bilal Powell are operating as a committee, but I stil believe it's just a matter of time before Ivory establishes himself as the primary RB with Powell moving into a 3rd down RB role. 

 

AFC NORTH

 

Baltimore: WR Jacoby Jones suffered a knee sprain in the Thursday night opener and will be out 6-8 weeks. Undrafted rookie Marlon Brown (who had an impressive preseason) steps in for Jones in the starting lineup and is definitely worth taking a look at as a potential free agent add for those who need depth at WR. Jones is ill-suited as a starter and works better as a 3rd WR so if Brown shows well enough he'll likely remain in the starting lineup even when Jones returns. Rookie WR Aaron Mellette was placed on injured reserve this week because of a knee injury and his 2013 season is done. Mellete should only be considered a dynasty league speculative stash. Backup RB Bernard Pierce is Questionable because of a thigh injury and while expected to be active, probably won't threaten Ray Rice for too many carries. Dallas Clark had his share of boneheaded moments week 1 but clearly outperformed Ed Dickson and probably will continue to be the more featured of the two in the passing game. Still, Clark is no more than a low end fantasy TE2.

 

Cincinnati: Even though Giovani Bernard was the more impressive RB in preseason, it was BenJarvus Green-Ellis who got most of the playing time in week 1. Sooner or later Bernard's superior skill set will push him past BGE, but for now, BGE appears to be the slightly better fantasy option. That will change soon though. A.J. Green was his usual spectacular self but no one else stepped up to produce opposite him. And as expected, the presence of two quality TE's in Jermaine Gresham and rookie Tyler Eifert cancelled the other out. Both were targeted 5 times and each caught all 5 of their targets. Eifert for 47 yards and Gresham for 35. Expect that to be the norm more weeks than not.

 

Cleveland: WR Travis Benjamin is Questionable with a thigh injury. While he may play some he isn't worth considering. Greg Little and Davone Bess will start again this week and then Bess should move the third WR spot next week as Josh Gordon will return from his league imposed two game suspension. It's hoped that Gordon's return will help QB Brandon Weeden get things righted this week after a horrible week 1. The Browns inexplicably got away from running with Trent Richardson week 1 despite his immense talent. I expect Richardson to bounce back with at least a competent game this week ad he is still to be considered as a fantasy RB1.

 

Pittsburgh: Despite some optimism last week regarding an earlier than expected return from a foot injury, rookie RB Le'Veon Bell is now expected to be out until week 6. Isaac Redman was horrible week 1 but after La'Rod Stephens-Howling went down with a torn ACL and now is out for the year, Redman is expected to get the start again week 2. However, to replace LS-H, the Steelers re-signed Jonathan Dwyer. Dwyer is likely to be the better RB as Redman was really a lot like he was last year: bad. Felix Jones figures to get sprinkled in some but his days as anything more than a change of pace RB are over. Dwyer is a borderline RB3/4, Redman a mediocre RB4. TE Heath Miller is OUT despite his being able to practice in limited fashion again all this week. Miller is expected to return in either week 4 or 6 (Pittsburgh has the bye in week 5). Ben Roethlisberger looked lost without Miller week 1 and now without his best offensive lineman, Big Ben is going to need to hone his scrambling skills. Roethlisberger is quickly sliding into the mediocre fantasy QB2 territory. Kicker Shaun Suisham suffered a hamstring injury earlier this week so the Steelers signed Shayne Graham. But Suisham is now listed as Probable on the injury report for Monday night and the Steelers haven't released Graham. It's a situation to avoid and easy to do as kickers are plentiful on all fantasy waiver wires.

 

AFC SOUTH

 

Houston: The Texans are saying again that they are planning to get more of an even split between Arian Foster and Ben Tate. But that wasn't how it worked week 1 and I'll be surprised if it's that way week 2. Even though Tate looked like the better RB of the two in week 1, I still expect the Texans will rely more on Foster. That's been their M.O. Those expecting another big game out of Matt Schaub need to remember he was playing from behind the entire game last week. Schaub historically has been an inconsistent QB week to week. Houston is playing games with their injury report as they listed nearly 1/3 of their entire 53 men roster as being "Probable" (including both Foster and Tate, along with TE Owen Daniels). Daniels was stellar week 1 and is a solid fantasy starting TE as the second most targeted guy behind Andre Johnson.

 

Indianapolis: RB Vick Ballard tore his ACL in Thursday's practice and he has been placed on injured reserve. His season is done. Donald Brown steps into his spot as the top rotational RB with Ahmad Bradshaw and while the team is expected to test whether Bradshaw is ready to handle a full workload, if he isn't Brown could get more playing time than many expect. Bradshaw is a risky play as anything more than a borderline RB2/3 while Brown's worth stashing as a speculative grab for those who have need at RB. After just one week the Colts are saying they need to find a way to get T.Y. Hilton on the field more. He's a superior talent to Darrius Heyward-Bey and should be starting over DHB. But that's just my opinion. Luckily for Hilton, the Colts may have to run more 3 WR sets instead of their preferred 2 TE's set as TE Dwayne Allen has been downgraded to Doubtful for week 2 because of the hip injury he suffered week 1. The Colts originally said Allen's hip injury wasn't serious but this isn't the first time a team has lied about how serious a player's injury is. Allen's injury bodes well for the fantasy prospects of Hilton and TE Coby Fleener.   

 

Jacksonville: With Blaine Gabbert OUT with a hand injury, Chad Henne gets to start at QB. Considering Gabbert couldn't even lead Jacksonville to a field goal in week 1 there's a chance that Henne holds onto the starting QB job even when Gabbert comes back. Henne being under center should be good for the fantasy prospects of both RB Maurice Jones-Drew and WR Cecil Shorts. MJD may find it easier to run if opponents actually have to fear a long pass attempt, while Shorts had some of his best games last year when it was Henne at QB. Look for Shorts to be a middle end WR2 and MJD to be a good fantasy RB2 this week against Oakland. One thing to not look for is TE Marcedes Lewis. Lewis is Doubtful with a calf injury and is not expected to play.

 

Tennessee: Backup RB Shonn Greene is Questionable with a knee injury suffered week 1 and although he says he'll play, I have my doubts. If Greene doesn't play Jackie Battle will reprise his short yardage/goal line vulture role again week 2. WR Damien Williams is Questionable too but as the #4 WR he isn't a fantasy consideration at all anyway. If he's inactive rookie Justin Hunter would be the #4 (and still have no fantasy value). Nobody from the Titans (besides kicker Rob Bironas) was really worth fantasy consideration week 1 and I'm not sure that's going to change much week 2. RB Chris Johnson is about it but even then he is a risk/reward play as a RB2/3.

 

AFC WEST

 

Denver: WR's Eric Decker (shoulder) and Wes Welker (ankle) are both Probable and both will play without issue. Decker disappointed fantasy owners week 1 but as I've been saying throughout the last few weeks, there are so many hands in Denver to feed and each week it's likely one or two guys are going to be on the short end of the receptions. Week 1 was Decker's turn. It will be a guessing game each week as who to gets the targets, and who doesn't, as Peyton Manning is just looking for the open guy. TE Julius Thomas burst on the scene week 1 and with his freakish athleticism will easily remain the top receiving TE option for the Broncos even when Joel Dreessen (OUT; knee) is able to return. The RB situation is a mess for fantasy purposes though. Knowshon Moreno played much of the first half and is a favorite for lots of snaps as he is the best pass protecting RB. Montee Ball is the sledgehammer the Broncos will use when trying to put games away and eat up clock (although he didn't too well last week). Ronnie Hillman is more like the change of pace runner. Moreno is likely to be the best bet for a weak flex in ppr formats; Ball the best bet for a weak flex in non-ppr formats; and Hillman nothing in either one. This situation is likely to be a headache for several weeks as it plays itself out.

 

Kansas City: RB Jamaal Charles dodged another injury bullet week 1 as his quad injury is minor. He is Probable on the injury report and will be fine to start this week. However, you do have to wonder how long the luck will hold up so stashing his backup, Knile Davis, on fantasy benches isn't a bad idea. Those concerned about the short TD reception by Junior Hemingway week 1 meaning Bowe may not be a preferred target can rest easy. That was Hemingway's only target of the game and with the Chiefs never in danger of losing the game Bowe was still the most targeted WR with 6. Bowe is still to be considered a middle-low end fantasy WR2. Rookie TE Travis Kelce is Questionable with a knee injury and probably won't play. Anthony Fasano will gobble up any TE targets but he is a poor fantasy bet.

 

Oakland: Terrelle Pryor was pretty much what was expected in week 1 as the starting QB; a poor passer but a great rushing threat. Look for that to be the case while he is the Raiders starting QB. HIs limitations as passer will cap the upside of starting WR's Denarius Moore and Rod Streater making both no better than fantasy WR4's any given week. RB Darren McFadden should find it easier to run this week against a Jacksonville defense that allowed 4.5 yards per attempt last week. TE David Ausberry is OUT with a shoulder injury and shouldn't be owned in any fantasy format.

 

San Diego: Those who jumped all over WR Eddie Royal on waiver wires this week will be disappointed. It's not often a WR will have 2 TD catches on his 3 receptions for 24 yards stat line. Royal was a contender for the 1 week wonder but it's too easy to see the flaw in his stats. While 4 TD passes looked good for Philip Rivers, he threw for less than 200 passing yards and wasn't nearly as sharp as his stats indicate. Other than a TD catch in the first quarter, RB Ryan Mathews looked exactly like he has in prior seasons: mediocre. We're going to earn a lot about the Chargers this week. They lost a Monday night game in heartbreaking fashion after having had a huge lead, and now they travel all the way to the east coast for an out of conference game against the Eagles. The Chargers could either play hard and keep the game close, or they could fold and get blown out. We'll see what happens. Mathews is a weak RB2; Vincent Brown a middling WR3/4, with Royal and Floyd in the WR4/5 categories. TE Antonio Gates was lucky to get 49 yards on only 2 receptions last week. He is no longer among the strong considerations as a starting fantasy TE.

 

NFC EAST

 

Dallas: Despite a mild foot sprain, WR Dez Bryant has practiced in full all week and is Probable for week 2. While I guess he could be limited some I'm not about to not have his upside in starting fantasy lineups. His week 1 totals were disappointing but Bryant has many great games coming his way. Backup RB Lance Dunbar is Probable for week 2 after sitting out week 1 with a foot injury. Dunbar should take over as the primary backup to DeMarco Murray. Tony Romo's bruised ribs injury suffered week 1 is a non-issue and he will start week 2 without limitations.

 

New York Giants: Although David Wilson hasn't been officially named the starter week 2 it's likely he will be come game time. Backup Da'Rel Scott suffered a minor knee injury in practice and while Probable, isn't near the talent Wilson is. Rookie Michael Cox isn't ready to contribute. The Giants reunited with RB Brandon Jacobs this week and Jacobs likely will serve as the top backup to Wilson. Jacobs isn't in football shape yet and may be limited in what he can realistically do in a game. Wilson is in a prime situation to get back in the good graces of Tom Coughlin if he can make a few big runs and not cough the football up. With an expected shootout this week against Denver, you can start WR's Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks with confidence and could even consider #3 WR Reuben Randle as a sneaky play as a WR3 or flex option. Randle could start for about 10 other teams in the league and is a guy who should be on fantasy rosters.

 

Philadelphia: Look for the Eagles to spread the carries out a bit more evenly between LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown in week 2. McCoy won't last long getting 30+ rush attempts and while Brown was very pedestrian on his carries, they'll get him some more this week to even things out some. We could also see some of Chris Polk, but not enough to make him fantasy worthy. Expect McCoy to get closer to 23 carries this week and get more than 1 target in the passing game this week. Riley Cooper was the starter opposite DeSean Jackson but his 2 catches for 14 yards were hardly better than Jason Avant's 2 for 13 yards considering Cooper was targeted twice as often as Avant. I've been saying it for a while: Cooper is the better blocking WR but Avant is the superior receiver. Neither is worth owning though as DeSean Jackson appears ready to breakout this season as the only reliable pass catching option in this offense. And so far, Mike Vick looks great running this offense but he needs to stop taking so many hits. Vick simply isn't big enough to absorb consistent punishment both in the pocket behind a mediocre offensive line and as a runner.

 

Washington: Even though Robert Griffin III didn't look like he was really 100% back, he showed well enough to think that as long as he avoids any new injuries he should get better as the season goes along. RB Alfred Morris was disappointing but to be fair, the Redskins were down big very quickly into the game and they had to abandon their rushing attack. He'll bounce back. If Leonard Hankerson can build on his strong week 1 he could be someone to watch out for. Hankerson has always been big on talent and short on consistency. He's far superior talent wise to current starter Josh Morgan, but Morgan's strengths as a blocker keep him in there over Hankerson. That could change if Hankerson can string together some good games. Pierre Garcon should bounce back with a much better game this week against a Packers secondary that got ripped up week 1. Rookie TE Jordan Reed showed well and could start pushing for playing time. But he's not ready to put Fred Davis on the bench yet. Kicker Kai Forbath is likely to miss week 2 after suffering a groin injury in practice this week. The Redskins signed John Potter to kick in week 2 and maybe longer depending on how long it takes Forbath to recover.

 

NFC NORTH

 

Chicago: Matt Forte didn't put up a great average per rush attempt week 1 (2.6), but he should the way a lot easier against the Vikings this week. Minnesota allowed 4.3 yards per carry to the combo of Reggie Bush and Joique Bell week 1. It was also good to see Forte execute a short yardage TD. That's always been the one thing missing from his stat line: TD's. It was also nice to see Jay Cutler spreading around the ball. Brandon Marshall led the team with 10 targets, but WR Alshon Jeffery had 8 and TE Martellus Bennett had 6. A weekly distribution like that will make owners of Jeffery and Bennett start considering them for starting spots in lineups while Marshall owners still know their stud WR is going to get his.  

 

Detroit: Despite dislocating his thumb week 1 RB Reggie Bush is Probable and will start without issue. The Lions also list Bush as having groin and knee injuries, but the Probable listing means those issues are considered very minor. RB Joique Bell showed himself worthy of being Bush's handcuff or at least owned outright on his own. Bell scored 2 short yardage TD's and also showed well both as a runner and pass catching RB. RB Mikel Leshoure was inactive week 1 and probably will be every week unless Bush or Bell get injured. RB Theo Riddick operates as the 3rd RB over Leshoure for now because he also plays on special teams.  Although WR Ryan Broyles isn't on the injury report, whether he'll be deactivated again this week is unknown. Broyles is supposedly fully recovered from his torn ACL suffered in 2012 and he is a superior talent to either of Nate Burleson or Patrick Edwards. What the deal is I don't know so for now just keep Broyles stashed on the bench. Sooner or later he'll get his chance. After the Cardinals got lit up by TE Jared Cook, it won't be a surprise if TE Brandon Pettigrew bounces back from a poor week 1 to surprise with a good game week 2. Pettigrew is a sneaky matchup play this week for those who lack upside at the TE position.

 

Green Bay: TE Jermichael Finley may be limited some this week because of a toe injury suffered week 1. Finley was able to practice all week and is listed as Probable, but I just have a feeling this is something that will bother him week 2. Finley is a low end starting fantasy TE this week. I love rookie RB Eddie Lacy this week. Lacy wasn't great last week against a strong 49ers defense (14 carries, 41 yards), but he ran with authority and did score a TD. I think Lacy will be a top 6 fantasy RB this week. Neither Jordy Nelson nor Randal Cobb looked in any way limited despite both having gone into week 1 with minor concerns about preseason injuries. The big surprise was WR James Jones catching no passes. Jones led the league in TD receptions last season and this was a disappointment. But, just like with Denver, there are so many hands to feed in Green Bay and someone is going to get shut out of the fun each week and it will be anyone's best guess who. Expect Jones to bounce back with a better performance this week. Cobb and Nelson are strong WR1's, and Jones a strong WR3.

 

Minnesota: WR Jerome Simpson had the honor of being named my 2013 One Week Wonder player. Simpson put up 7 catches for 140 yards in week 1. While I have liked Simpson's potential in the past, he's always managed to find a way to disappoint and I'm sure 2013 will prove to be no different. Expecting him to continue having strong games with weak armed Christian Ponder at the helm is just unrealistic. It also needs to be noted that rookie Cordarrelle Patterson is healthy now and will challenge Simpson in coming weeks for that starting spot. WR Greg Jennings had a quiet week 1 game and is finally starting to realize that there was a big difference between being one of the top 3 WR's with Aaron Rodgers throwing you the ball and being the supposed #1 WR in Minnesota and having Ponder throwing the ball.

 

NFC SOUTH

 

Atlanta: Julio Jones is listed as Questionable with a knee issue. It's not believed to be serious though and all reports say Jones will play week 2. All reports also say that Roddy White will start as well despite his being listed as Questionable with the high ankle sprain the Falcons and White kept denying he had all throughout the week leading up to week 1. White is hard to trust after being used primarily as a decoy in week 1. At least until his ankle truly heals up. Jones is a strong WR1 while White is a risky WR3. It will be interesting how the Falcons draw up their game plan this week against Steven Jackson's old team. The Rams and Jackson parted amicably but you have to figure Jackson will want to show up his former team. Don't be surprised if Jackson gets more than a ridiculously pitiful 11 carries like he had last week. Even Michael Turner in decline got more rushing attempts most games than that.

 

Carolina: Rookie RB Kenjon Barner remains OUT with a foot injury. There has been no timetable for his return. With Jonathan Stewart on the PUP list for the next several games, DeAngelo Williams has the stranglehold on the RB job and makes a decent borderline RB2/3 this week. WR Domenik Hixon is Probable after missing week 1 with a hamstring issue and it's expected Hixon will step in as the #3 WR so Ted Ginn can move into the #4 WR spot and handle kick return duties. Expect a bounce back from QB Cam Newton this week as the 125 passing yards he had last week were a career low for a game. Newton is a solid fantasy QB1 this week.

 

New Orleans: The week 1 RB situation was as close to a true RBBC as it gets. Mark Ingram had 9 carries (only 11 yards; no receptions), Pierre Thomas 9 carries (43 yards; 1 receptions for 16 yards), and Darren Sproles had 8 carries (22 yards; 6 receptions for 88 yards). IT won't surprise me if Ingram gets squeezed out if he has another week like that. Sproles is worth considering as a strong ppr RB2, but a flex option in standard non-ppr. Thomas is a weak flex option in both formats; and Ingram is currently in need of a 21 point Saints 4th quarter lead to have more than token carries. The passing game is its usual high octane self. Kenny Stills appears t have settled into the role as the #3 WR that stretches the field vertically. While this will lead to some games with big numbers (as it did for both Devery Henderson and Robert Meachem in prior seasons), it also will lead those goose egg games.

 

Tampa Bay: After a less than stellar week 1 there is already concern about QB Josh Freeman being on thin ice. I serious doubt he's in any real danger yet as rookie Mike Glennon is not ready. I think there is little chance Freeman really gets benched any time soon and it's much more likely a couple of strong games (like maybe one this week at home against New Orleans) will solidify his spot. To be fair, Freeman's stat line would have been better if not for a few drops made by Vincent Jackson and new #3 WR Kevin Ogletree. No front runner emerged as the top backup RB to Doug Martin although Brian Leonard appeared to have the most opportunity.

 

NFC WEST

 

Arizona: WR Larry Fitzgerald is officially listed as Questionable and could be a game time decision because of a hamstring strain suffered in Wednesday's practice. Fitz was able to practice in limited fashion both Thursday and Friday, so it's believed he will be able to play, but he could be limited. Considering the Cardinals pay a late game Sunday afternoon fantasy owners may want to make sure they have a contingency plan ready to insert into a starting lineup in case Fitz is a surprise inactive. TE Rob Housler is OUT with his ankle injury and probably won't play until week 4 the soonest. RB Rashard Mendenhall is listed as Probable, but not with the knee that made him Probable last week, instead he's now listed with a hamstring issue. No matter, he will start and be fine. Although he is a low  end RB2/3 this week for fantasy. His backup, Alfonso Smith, averaged 2.6 yards per rush attempt and did nothing to either threaten Mendenhall for increased playing time, or separate himself from other RB's on the roster like Ryan Williams, Stepfan Taylor, and Andre Ellington. Carson Palmer had a solid week 1 and should be considered one of the top end fantasy backup QB's this season providing he avoids injury behind a weak offensive line.

 

St. Louis: Although Daryl Richardson will start again this week he showed nothing special last week and with Isaiah Pead back from a one game suspension, Richardson is likely to cede more playing time to Pead than he did last week when Pead wasn't available. The Rams RB situation is far from having a decisively determined winner. Chris Givens was disappointing last week but to be fair he was covered by Patrick Peterson and Sam Bradford wisely chose to go to other options. TE Jared Cook was even better than expected and while he won't have 140 yards and 2 TD's every week, he clearly will not be underutilized week to week like he was in Tennessee. Even though rookie WR Tavon Austin doesn't start, he clearly brings more to the table than mediocre Austin Pettis. It won't take long for Pettis to be out of the starting lineup and either Austin in, or maybe even athletically superior Brian Quick.

 

San Francisco: Backup RB LaMichael James is the only player listed on the 49ers injury report this week and he is Questionable with his knee injury. James has fallen to way behind Kendall Hunter in the backup RB spot to Frank Gore. Those who are hoping to see a repeat of Anquan Boldin's huge week one game are likely to be disappointed in week 2. There's a big difference between the Packers secondary and the Seahawks secondary. Boldin is a low end fantasy WR2 this week and would benefit from having any WR opposite him step up, but that appears unlikely to happen any time soon. Colin Kaepernick appears to be well on his way to establishing himself as the top dual threat QB in the game.  

 

Seattle: Marshawn Lynch was disappointing week 1 and it won't be any easier in week 2 for him against the 49ers stout run defense. However, it seemed pretty clear in week 1 that Robert Turbin, and not Christine Michael was the top backup to Lynch. Doug Baldwin was a bit of a surprise week 1 working as the #3 WR but finishing with a team leading 7 catches for 91 yards. Baldwin has some ppr appeal as a WR4/5. Another one week candidate was on Seattle's WR corps and it was Jermaine Kearse. I've always heard good things about Kearse, but he's never had much opportunity. Maybe if Sidney Rice has a relapse of any of his numerous injuries from the last few seasons, Kearse would get more playing time to show what he can do.