WRs who will outperform their mid-tier ESPN fantasy ranking in Week 2:

Donte Moncrief (ranked 32) vs. NYJ – You have to figure Revis will lock down Andre Johnson. Moncrief is a talented 2nd year player and makes a solid flex start this week. Luck trusts him.

Cole Beasley (ranked 44) vs. Phi – The loss of WR Dez Bryant opens up things for everyone else. Beasley becomes a solid #3/flex start in PPR leagues and his sneaky quickness could create issues for the Eagles Sunday.

Sammy Watkins (ranked 25) vs. NE – I don’t like Tyrod Taylor throwing to any of my fantasy receivers but the Patriots pass D is poor. Watkins speed will find him in the end zone in Week 2.

Jordan Matthews (ranked 15) vs. Dal – Matthews could reach top 10 status this week. He’s the only known reliable receiver in this offense and Bradford looks his way almost exclusively on short to intermediate routes.

Steve Smith Sr. (ranked 26) vs. The Raiders lost their starting Safety Allen for the year and DB Charles Woodson’s shoulder is banged up. Even if he plays the Raiders are hurting in the secondary. They also don’t have the upfront rush of Denver to consistently put Flacco on his back. Look for the seasoned vet to bust out Sunday.

WRs who will underperform their top 10 ranking in Week 2:

Julio Jones (ranked 2) vs. NYG – Julio is a beast but the core strength of this Giants team is its CBs. Look for them to keep Julio from busting out Sunday like he did on Monday.

Alshon Jeffery (ranked 8th) vs. Arz – If Patrick Peterson sticks with Jeffery on Sunday it minimizes his chances of a big game.

Joe Flacco (ranked 19) vs. Oak – The Broncos destroyed the Ravens OL leaving Flacco with no time to pass. Oak is not Denver. Flacco will find more of a rhythm and finish a top 15 FFL QB this week.

Sam Bradford (ranked 12) vs. Dal – Chip will want to mix it up a little better in the pass / run game. Running the ball will open things up for Bradford who will finish with 25 points.

Eli Manning (ranked 11) vs. Atl – The mistake is behind him. So is the throw everything underneath plan. You can bet NY will take some shots deep and Eli will have a top 10 FFL day.

Teddy Bridgewater (ranked 18) vs Det – Not really sure what happened with Bridgewater in Week 1 but he’ll rebound here. The Lions D looked anything but stingy in Week 1 and it’s at home.

Andy Dalton (ranked 27) vs. SD – TE Tyler Eifert gives Dalton a safety blanket and opens up things for everyone else, namely, AJ Green. Dalton will top 275 yards with 2 scores.

Players who will underperform their top 10 ranking in Week 2:

Andrew Luck (ranked 2) vs. NYJ – The loss of TY Hilton hurts. Revis will lock down Andre Johnson and that leaves a few TEs and some unproven receivers as Luck’s main threat. He’ll get his points but won’t finish a top 5 fantasy scorer in Week 2.

Tom Brady (ranked vs. NE – The Patriots offense is excellent. But so is the Bills D. Emotion is high but look for a subpar effort out of Brady this week.

RBs who will outperform their Week 1 ESPN Fantasy ranking

1. Doug Martin vs. Ten (Ranked 22): The Titans couldn’t stop anyone a year ago. Martin is rejuvenated and playing in a contract year so expect the former 1st round disappointment to start off strong.

2. Joseph Randle vs. NYG (Ranked 26): New York will experience growing pains as they learn DC Steve Spagnuolo’s D. They’re also without DE Jason Pierre Paul and a bit banged up on the defensive side of the ball. Randle should pick up a lot of yards in the 2nd half.

3. Shane Vereen vs. Dal (Ranked 37): This could become a high scoring affair. Vereen will be heavily involved throughout and especially in passing situations. Strong PPR play.

4. Tevin Coleman vs. Phi: (Ranked 24):. Lots of question marks surround this year’s Eagles D. They made a lot of changes to the backend of the D; we’ll see about the front on Monday. Coleman was given the nod and will outperform his Week 1 ranking.

5. Alfred Blue vs. KC (Ranked 23) Blue will be the man while Foster is out. Look for a strong showing in Week 1.

Top 10 RBs who will underperform

Marshawn Lynch vs. Stl.( Ranked 8). The Rams issues are in the secondary. The front is seven is as good as any in the business. Seattle is breaking in a new OL and Beastmode will find the going tough in Week 1.

CJ Anderson vs. Bal (Ranked 7). Week 1 is interesting. Kubiak coached in Baltimore a year ago so has a good feel for its defense. His run scheme has also been very effective wherever he has been. That being said, Denver’s OL has question marks and one thing Baltimore is always good at is stopping the run.

Top pick

1. Arizona Cardinals (+6.5) vs. Car – The Panthers should win and enter the game in pretty good shape health-wise. The Cardinals are forced to play QB Ryan Lindley which is a depressing thought. However, Arizona’s D will be ready to play and will force Cam Newton into mistakes. Expect a close game which Arizona may pull out in the end. Either way, Carolina won’t be covering the point spread.

Next

2. Detroit Lions (+7) vs. Dal – The Cowboys come in strong, finishing 8-0 on the road. They haven’t fared as well at home. The Lions D will challenge Romo and this running game all afternoon. Matt Stafford is good for a few mistakes but this will be close throughout and could go either way. If Stafford shows some maturity then the Lions may steal one on the road.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) vs. Bal – The loss of RB Le’veon Bell is big, but Pittsburgh still has enough firepower to beat the Ravens at home. Baltimore does not enter this game playing their best ball and will go out in round 1.

4. Indianapolis Colts (-3) vs. Cin – The Bengals will likely be without WR AJ Green who has a concussion. That is a huge loss. They’ll pound the rock with RB Jeremy Hill but will face another aggressive defensive plan like they faced earlier when shutout 27-0 to the Colts. Expect QB Andrew Luck and Co. to get the job done again.

Must Start

Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham

Tier 1

Greg Olsen vs. Cle – The Browns are strong covering receivers.

Antonio Gates vs. SF – San Francisco is vulnerable over the middle of the field.

Julius Thomas vs. Cin – He’s a risky play. Denver’s new offense is unpredictable.

Delanie Walker vs. Jax – Check his injury status. Must start if he’s a go.

Travis Kelce vs. Pit – He’s their biggest receiving threat. This is a good matchup.

Tier 2

Martellus Bennett vs. Det – The switch to Claussen lowers his value.

Dwayne Allen vs. Dal – This could be a shootout.

Jason Witten vs. IND – Witten’s a low No. 1 this week.

Jared Cook vs. NYG – New York doesn’t cover opposing TE’s too well.

Bust

Larry Donnell vs. Stl – The Rams D is playing at a very high level.

Fantasy Sleeper

Charles Clay vs. Min –  Expect Clay to be in Tannehill’s sights all afternoon.

Must Start

Le’veon Bell, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Eddie Lacy, LeSean McCoy and DeMarco Murray*

Tier 1

Arian Foster vs. Bal – The prospect of facing a tough D and having to do so with a 3rd stringer behind center moves Foster down a notch.

CJ Anderson vs. Cin – The threat of Manning throwing has opened everything up or Anderson.

Joique Bell vs. Chi – The Bears run D is a sieve.

Jeremy Hill vs. Den – Hill’s a load and the Broncos will find this out Sunday.

Fred Jackson vs. Oak – Expect Buffalo to make Jackson a large part of the game plan.

Mark Ingram vs. Atl – The Saints ground game has gotten off track in recent week. Atl is a good place to get back on track.

Tier 2

Justin Forsett vs. Hou – Don’t expect a trip to the end zone but he’ll pick up 100 total yards.

Alfred Morris vs. Phi – Morris will top 80 yards with a TD.

Daniel Herron vs. Dal – Expect Herron to be involved in the passing game.

Latavius Murray vs. Buf – The Bills have shown vulnerability against the run recently.

Lamar Miller vs. Min – Miller is a solid No. 2 against the 23rd ranked rush D.

Jonathan Stewart vs. Cle – The Browns are missing key defenders that are crucial against stopping the run.

Steven Jackson vs. NO – The old man is still a threat and has a solid matchup here.

Bust

Ryan Mathews vs. SF – The 49ers are beat up but still field a formidable run D.

Fantasy Sleeper

Matt Asiata vs. Mia – The Dolphins don’t stop the run well. Asiata is a big fantasy sleeper on championship weekend.

Must Start

Calvin Johnson, Antonio Brown, Julio Jones, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas

Tier 1

Jordy Nelson vs. Buf – The Bills cover than people think.

Odell Beckham vs. Was – The superstar rookie will abuse the Skins secondary.

Alshon Jeffery vs. NO – He instantly becomes a top tier No. 1 with Brandon Marshall out.

TY Hilton vs. Hou – Hilton went over 200 yards in their last game. Look for another solid effort.

AJ Green vs. Cle – Joe Haden usually plays Green tough.

Roddy White vs. Pit – Expect the Falcons to have success in the air.

Emmanuel Sanders vs. SD – The Chargers feature a top 10 pass D but Sanders put up 3 TDs and 100 yards in their 1st outing.

Mike Evans vs. Car – The rookie is still on a tear. That will continue against the Panthers.

Jeremy Maclin vs. Dal – Maclin should own the Cowboys D.

Tier 2

DeAndre Hopkins vs. Ind – Hopkins has a decided advantage when CB Vontae Davis isn’t covering him.

Sammy Watkins vs. GB – The previously stingy Packers pass D looked atrocious Monday Night.

Randall Cobb vs. Buf – He might have more success than Nelson.

Keenan Allen vs. Den – Allen plays well against the Broncos.

Julian Edleman vs. Mia – Solid play in PPR leagues.

Kenny Stills vs. Chi – Stills threw in a stinker in Week 14. Chicago is a much more favorable matchup.

Josh Gordon vs. Cin – Going with Johnny Manziel will impact Gordon’s standing.

Steve Smith vs. Jax – Smith will have a field day against the lowly Jags.

Pierre Garcon vs. NYG – Jackson’s injury improves Garcon’s value.

Bust

Michael Crabtree vs. Sea – Kaepernick is struggling mightily and this is not the defense to get back on track.

Fantasy Sleeper

Martavis Bryant vs. Atl – His deep speed is deadly and the Falcons don’t cover well.

Must Start

Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, Le’Veon Bell, Arian Foster and LeSean McCoy

Tier 1

Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – Lynch is the one back who consistently tops 100 yards against the 49ers.

DeMarco Murray vs. Phi – The Eagles stopped him last time. Tough matchup right back.

Justin Forsett vs. Jax – Forsett will top 125 yards with a TD against the lowly Jags.

Mark Ingram vs. Chi – There are gaping holes in the middle of the Bears D.

Chris Ivory vs. Ten – The Titans D is a sieve.

CJ Anderson vs. SD – All of the attention paid towards Manning has opened things up for Anderson. Look for 100 yards with a TD.

Joique Bell vs. Min – Look for 90 yards with a TD. Bell is the goal line back.

Fred Jackson vs. GB – Value in PPR league.

Eddie Lacy vs. Buf – Lacy will hit 13-17 FFL points but the Bills D is formidable.

Tier 2

Legarrette Blount vs. Mia – The Dolphins run D is very poor. Blount should receive 20 carries and find the end zone.

Daniel Herron vs. Hou – The Texans are middle of the pack stopping the run. Herron will notch 5 receptions as well.

Jeremy Hill vs. Cle – Look for a big bounce back after their last outing.

Giovani Bernard vs. Cle – Expect 8-11 points. The timeshare impacts both players.

Alfred Morris vs. NYG – The Giants are the 2nd worst team against the run.

Rashad Jennings vs. Was – Injury makes his status a question mark.

Bust

Frank Gore vs. Sea – Seattle will end the 49ers season and keep Gore in check.

Fantasy Sleeper

Chris Johnson vs. Ten – The Titans are the worst team against the run in the NFL. A little payback against his former team.

Must Start

Matt Forte, Le’veon Bell, Demarco Murray, Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch and LeSean McCoy

Tier 1

Eddie Lacy vs. Atl – The Falcons sport a horrible run D.

Jamaal Charles vs. Arz – The Cardinals sell out to stop the run.

Mark Ingram vs. Car – The Panthers can’t stop the run. Ingram will top 120 yards with a TD.

Frank Gore vs. Oak – San Francisco will ride Gore vs. the Raiders.

Justin Forsett vs. Mia – The Dolphins run D was torched by the Jets.

Rashad Jennings vs. Ten – Check his ankle injury. Ten surrenders a ton of yards on the ground. Andre Williams if he can’t go.

Tier 2

Giovani Bernard vs. Pit – He’ll split carries with Hill.

Jeremy Hill vs Pit – The Bengals will look to wear out the struggling Steelers D.

Ryan Matthews vs. NE – The Pats focus on the pass game leaves opportunities open in the run game. Expect 13-15 FFL points.

Steven Jackson vs. GB – The fear is the Falcons will be down by 30 at the half.

Joique Bell vs. TB – Look for  13-15 FFL points.

Daniel Herron vs. Cle – He’s the play of the two at RB.

Andre Ellington vs. KC – Check his injury status too.

CJ Anderson vs. Buf – The Bills are a formidable opponent and stop the run well. But Manning’s ability to spread the field will open up opportunities.

Isaiah Crowell vs. Ind – Crowell is a solid No. 2 FFL RB against the Colts.

Fred Jackson vs. Den – His receiving skills will be used heavily.

Tre Mason vs. Was – Mason showed why he’s the No. 1. Expect a double digit performance this week.

Alfred Morris vs. Stl. – Morris is a low No. 2 in FFL this week.

Darren Sproles vs. Sea – Should be on the receiving end of a lot of dump offs against an aggressive Seahawks D.

Fantasy Sleeper

LeGarrette Blount vs. SD – Look for 70 yards and a few TDs.

Bust

Lamar Miller vs. Bal – The Ravens D will shut down the Fins’ running game.

Le’veon Bell, DeMarco Murray, Jamaal Charles, LeSean McCoy, Marshawn Lynch, Arian Foster

Tier 1

Matt Forte vs. Det – His value will come in PPR leagues. The Lions run D is tops.

Mark Ingram vs. Pit – Look for the Saints to pound the rock when they hit Pit.

Andre Ellington vs. Atl – The Falcons run D is worst in the league.

Eddie Lacy vs. NE – The Pats strength is its pass D. Lacy will top 100 yards and be used as a receiver.

Rashad Jennings vs. Jax – Jennings will top 125 total yards with a score.

Alfred Morris vs. Ind – Gruden will give Morris 20 carries and he’ll top 18 FFL points.

Justin Forsett vs SD – Expect the Ravens to feed Forsett the ball 20 times. He will top 18 FFL points.

Jeremy Hill vs. TB – Hill’s a low No. 1 since earning more playing time after Bernard’s injury.

Joique Bell vs Chi – Bell will top 80 yards with 2 TDs.

Denard Robinson vs NYG – New York’s run D has been shredded recently.

Tier 2

Giovani Bernard vs. TB – His carries will pick up in his 2nd game back.

Tre Mason vs. Oak – The Raiders rank 25th against the run.

Ryan Matthews vs. Bal – Baltimore poses a tough test which keeps Matthews a No. 2 / flex play.

Jerrick Mckinnon vs. Car – The Panthers still can’t stop the run. Look for 12-14 FFL points.

Fred Jackson vs. Cle – The loss of DT Phil Taylor took away the Browns’ most feared run defender.

Daniel Herron vs. Was – Brings additional value in PPR leagues.

Shane Vereen vs. GB – Vereen will put up 9 FFL points.

CJ Anderson vs. KC – He’s also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield.

Lamar Miller vs. NYJ – Miller comes in at a low No. 2 / flex play against the Jets run D.

Latavius Murray vs. Stl – Had a tremendous game vs. KC in a little over a quarter. He’s the main tailback now.

Bust

Isaiah Crowell vs. Buf – It’ll be tough sledding against the Bills run D.

Fantasy Sleeper

Fred Jackson vs. Cle – Still bouncing back from an injury but this will be a big week for Jackson. The Browns run D took a major hit when DT Phil Taylor went out.