Fantasy Football Report: Week 2

By - Tim Swift

Here's the fantasy lowdown heading into Week 2.

1. You can't panic with your top-flight running backs.

Photo by: Streeter Lecka

In Week 1, NFL quarterbacks set single-week records for most passing touchdowns (63) and most passing yards (8,143). Because of this, running games suffered all over the league, with only three players going over 100 yards and only two scoring multiple touchdowns. Guys like Arian Foster, C.J. Spiller, Trent Richardson, Marshawn Lynch and Chris Johnson struggled mightily. Early in the season, you've got to stick with your guys based on where you drafted them. Don't panic and trade a high pick after one bad outing. In most cases, these players will eventually reward you based on where they were selected.

2. Welcome back, Larry Fitzgerald.

Last year, it was hard to watch one of the best receivers in the game being wasted in the prime of his career because of terrible quarterback play. Arizona signed Carson Palmer in the offseason, and on Sunday, Fitzgerald looked like a top fantasy receiver option again; hauling in 8 receptions for 80 yards and 2 touchdowns, despite constant double teams. Palmer looked comfortable in his first game with the Cardinals, so look for Fitzgerald to approach the 15-target mark each week. This should mean big numbers in 2013.

3. Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and now Rueben Randle?

Lost in the turnover-filled stat line of Sunday Night Football was the play of wideouts Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks and Rueben Randle, who all went over 100 yards receiving. Needless to say, Randle was the surprise of the group. Still, he has upside in the offense because of the potential of the Giants throwing the ball most of the time due to struggles in the run game. Randle could emerge as a very viable flex option on a team that could be throwing 40-plus times a week.

4. Take a chance on Jordan Cameron.

There was a buzz in the preseason about third-year tight end Jordan Cameron, and he showed why in Week 1, finishing with 13 targets, 9 catches, 108 yards and a score. Because Brandon Weeden lacks both arm strength and consistent accuracy, he could be relying of Cameron all year as a safety valve. If he continues to get double-digit targets as the season progresses, he could force his way into starting fantasy lineups everywhere.

5. Not bad for just your second start, Terrelle Pryor.

Based on what people had seen in limited action, most expected Terrelle Pryor to struggle in only his second NFL start last Sunday. However, he delivered a decent performance, passing for 217 yards and a TD. Pryor did throw 2 interceptions, but he also had 117 yards rushing, which was the second-most in the NFL in Week 1. The third-year man from Ohio State still has a long way to go in his development as a passer in this league, but with his added running dimension, he could be a guy you could use in a bye week.

The Underrated 15 For Week 2:

- Quarterbacks

Eli Manning
Carson Palmer
Philip Rivers

- Running Backs

DeAngelo Williams
Steven Jackson
Stevan Ridley

- Wide Receivers

Miles Austin
Rueben Randle
Andre Roberts

- Tight Ends

Jordan Cameron
Greg Olsen
Kellen Winslow

- Defense/Special Teams

Cincinnati
Oakland
New Orleans

*Catch me on Fantasy Football Live every Sunday morning from 8:00 till 9:00 on Sports Radio 560 WNSR Nashville, as well as 95.9 FM, or online @ wnsr.com.