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.

Must Start

LeSean McCoy, Jamaal Charles, Marshawn Lynch, Matt Forte and Le’veon Bell

Tier 1

Frank Gore vs. NYG – The Giants were gashed for over 350 yards against the Seahawks.

Mark Ingram vs. Cin – Cincy is missing key LB’ers which have impacted their ability to stop the run.

Arian Foster vs. Cle – Check the injury report. But he should be in your lineup if he is a go.

Andre Ellington vs. Det – He will have more value in PPR leagues. The Lions run D is stout.

Jeremy Hill vs. NO – Hill is in line for another large workload.

Alfred Morris vs. TB – His value increased with the return of RGIII.

Eddie Lacy vs. Phi – Lacy is a 14-17 point threat.

Shane Vereen vs. Ind – Vereen will catch 5-6 balls and top 14 FFL points.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. NE – The run D is still a question mark for the Patriots.

Brendan Oliver vs. Oak – The Dolphins nightmare is behind them. Expect Oliver to still dominate the carries.

Tier 2

Bobby Rainey vs. Was – There will be room to run. The question is whether they give Rainey the ball.

DeAngelo Williams vs. Atl – Atlanta’s allowed 13 rushing TDs.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Cardinals are 3rd against the run. Bush will have value in PPR leagues if he’s healthy.

Darren McFadden vs. SD – San Diego is beaten up on personnel.

CJ Anderson vs. Stl – The Broncos will be playing with a big lead. Anderson will pick up his yards in the 2nd half.

Fred Jackson vs. Mia – Jackson is still coming back and has a tough matchup here.

Steven Jackson vs. Car – Carolina has been unable to stop the run. They’re giving up 4.8 YPC.

Terrance West vs. Hou – Coming off a 90 yard effort with a score. He’ll top 75 with a score here.

Jerick McKinnon vs. Chi – McKinnon has a solid match up against the Bears.

Bust

Joique Bell vs. Arz – The Cardinals are stout against the run.

Fantasy Sleeper

Rashad Jennings vs. SF – The Giants have been missing his presence in the back field.

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

Tier 1

Eddie Lacy vs. NO – It’s only a matter of time before the big man gets rolling.

Andre Ellington vs. Phi – He’ll top 20 fantasy points in PPR leagues.

Alfred Morris vs. Dal – The Skins will run the ball 20+ times to keep the Cowboys high powered offense on the sidelines.

Ronnie Hillman vs. SD – The Chargers are banged up on D.

Giovanni Bernard vs. Bal – Look for the Bengals running game to get back on track here.

Ahmad Bradshaw vs. Pit – Multi-purpose threat who will notch 15 points in PPR leagues.

Joique Bell vs. Atl – The Lions run game will wear down this smaller Falcons D.

Shane Vereen vs. Chi – Vereen will take on more importance in this offense. The Bears struggle against opposing RBs who can catch out of the backfield.

Lamar Miller vs. Jax – He’ll top 17 points against the Jags.

Tier 2

Chris Ivory vs. Buf – The Bills run D poses a real threat which keeps Ivory a No. 2.

Branden Oliver vs. Den – The Sproles-esque clone will top 70 yards with a score.

Tre Mason vs. KC – The Rams appear to be rolling with their rookie.

Doug Martin vs. Min – Is this the breakout game? The match-up makes him a solid No. 2 / flex play.

Jerick McKinnon vs. TB – Has a solid matchup vs. the Bucs.

Bishop Sankey vs. Hou – The Texans run D isn’t its strength.

Reggie Bush vs. Atl – Bush will top 10-12 points in PPR leagues. He’s still 2nd in the pecking order.

Justin Forsett vs. Cin – Check if LB Vontaze Burfict is playing. Once he went out the Colts ran all over the Bengals.

Trent Richardson vs. Pit – Still worthy of a flex play against a generous Steelers D.

Ben Tate vs. Oak – Look for 80 yards with a TD.

Bust

Denard Robinson vs. Mia – Thrived in his first start with over 120 yards and a TD. The Dolphins play better run D than Cleveland.

Fantasy Sleeper

Mark Ingram vs. GB – The Saints will pound #22 to keep Rodgers on the bench. The Packers run D is generous.

11. Alfred Morris, Was – He will benefit from a better RGIII and the additions to the skill positions. Washington will make him a workhorse again.

12. Giovani Bernard, Cin – The exciting 2nd year back flashed brilliance on runs and now must become more consistent. But he’ll be the lead back in what should be a high scoring Cincinnati offense.

13. Doug Martin, TB – An injury ruined his 2013, although he wasn’t nearly as good when healthy. Look for him to be a low No. 1 or high No. 2 FFL RB this year.

14. Frank Gore, SF – Old man Gore’s workload likely won’t lighten with injuries to back-ups in training camp. The running game will thrive and Gore could hit 1100 yards with 10 TDs.

15. Montee Ball, Den – It’ll be his role to lose. If Ball can get a grip on his fumbling, look for a major step forward in year 2.

16. CJ Spiller, Buf – This is a massive drop from a year ago. However, Spiller has breakaway speed and the Bills passing game should take pressure off of him in EJ Manuel’s 2nd year. Fred Jackson’s presence still makes Spiller no better than a No. 2.

17. Reggie Bush, Det – The dynamic back should get better with the added talent at the skill positions. Great in PPR leagues.

18. Ben Tate, Cle – The Browns will rely more on their running game with the apparent suspension of WR Josh Gordon. Expect No. 2 type fantasy numbers.

19. Trent Richardson, Ind – He was a bust a year ago, and has a lot to prove this season.

20. Ryan Matthews, SD – The Chargers offense will be solid, but Matthews will be facing better defense in 2014. This keeps him entrenched as a weekly No. 2.

21. Chris Johnson, NYJ – He is a solid fantasy sleeper and could rise the ranks quickly in NY. His speed gives the Jets another dimension and they’ll use it.

22. Ray Rice, Bal – Beating his now wife has hurt Rice’s perception even more than when people only questioned whether he lost a step. He has a chance to return to form with a better surrounding cast for Flacco, which will take pressure off the running game.

23. Andre Ellington, Arz – He showed enough flashes a year ago to believe he can take a step forward again here.

24. Stevan Ridley, NE – Ridley must get his fumbling under control, or he’ll ride the pine. Boom or bust pick.

25. Steven Jackson, Atl – Injuries and a horrific Falcons’ season ruined 2013. Nice bounceback opportunity this year.

26. Rashad Jennings, NYG – The Giants will rely heavily on him as the No. 1 guy.

27. Maurice Jones-Drew, Oak – Nice fantasy sleeper this year on an improving Raiders team. Look for him to surprise.

28. Shane Vereen, NE – He could haul in 80 catches in this offense.

29. Darren Sproles, Phi – Kelly will incorporate the speedy Sproles on 3rd downs and in the passing game. Solid No. 2 in PPR leagues.

30. Pierre Thomas, NO – Thomas keeps finding ways to make plays in this offense. He’s a No. 2/flex play week in and week out.

1. Houston Texans (-2.5) vs. Bal – The Ravens are struggling mightily on offense and that will be their undoing on Sunday. Houston has had its fair share of problems early on but are the more complete team and will cover the point spread to win by more than a FG.

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2. Cincinnati Bengals (+3) vs. GB – See money line bet below.

3. Minnesota Vikings (-7) vs. Cle – The Browns are a mess offensively and things just got worse with the trade of RB Trent Richardson to the Colts. Look for the Vikings to win by double digits in their home opener.

4. New York Giants (-1.5) vs. Car – Two 0-2 teams desperate for a win, but it will be the Giants who get into the W column on the road.

Rounding things out

St. Louis Rams (+4) vs. Dal – The Cowboys are tough to figure out but appear to still be troubled by previous woes. The Rams have gotten off to a slower start defensively but will turn it around and keep it close throughout. They’re a good candidate to pull out the win (money line is +170).

Pittsburgh Steelers (+2.5) vs. Chi – The Bears are 2-0 but both wins have been unconvincing. Pittsburgh’s off to a horrible start but good enough to pull this one out (or at worst not lose by more than two).

Arizona Cardinals (+7.5) vs. NO – The biggest surprise this year for the Saints has been the play of its defense. However, its early season success will fade and the Cardinals are a good enough team to keep this close.

Money Line Bet

Cincinnati Bengals (+140) vs. GB – This game is not in Lambeau and the Packers are not quite the same team on the road. Cincinnati is a very talented young team and match up well with Green Bay. Look for them to move to 2-1 with the close, high scoring win on Sunday.

It’s now onto Week 3 of the NFL suicide pool. Below is our top three picks to help you advance.

Top pick

1. Minnesota Vikings vs. Cle – We’re going to try and steal one this week and go with the Vikings, who sit at 0-2 and are a mediocre team.

Thankfully for them, the Browns are even worse. And as of Wednesday, much worse. Brian Hoyer was named the starting QB this week and the team dealt last year’s 1st rd RB Trent Richardson to the Colts. Look for an easy romp in their home opener.

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2. San Francisco 49ers vs. Ind – The 49ers were humiliated last Sunday but will atone in Week 3. The Colts are an up and coming team, but not ready to compete with the big boys on the road. Expect SF to dominate the Colts physically and win by double digits.

3. Houston Texans vs. Bal – The Ravens may be without RB Ray Rice and are already missing key personnel offensively in 2013. Their inability to put points on the board is the reason the Texans will advance to 3-0 and cover the point spread (-2.5).

Note – The Broncos and Seahawks are obvious choices here… but our philosophy is to keep them until later in the season.

Cream of the crop

1. Marshawn Lynch vs. Jax – Beast mode will run all over the weak Jags defense. 125+ yards and 2 TDs.

2. Jamaal Charles vs. Phi – Charles will torch this Eagles D on Thursday Night, which has plenty of holes in it.

3. LeSean McCoy vs. KC – McCoy’s style is dangerous in Kelly’s offense. He’ll produce in the passing game as well on Thursday.

4. Adrian Peterson vs. Cle – The Browns run D is stout, which is why he doesn’t top the list.

Not far behind

Doug Martin vs. NE – The Pats run D has been soft.

CJ Spiller vs. NYJ  -Spiller historically puts up big numbers vs. the Jets.

Frank Gore vs. Ind – This is a tasty fantasy match-up for Gore…  the Colts are bad vs. the run.

Rounding things out

Chris Johnson vs. SD – CJ is running much better and will crack 100 yards in this one.

Reggie Bush vs. Was – The Lions will incorporate Bush heavily against a reeling Skins D.

Trent Richardson vs. SF– The Colts newest RB should get a healthy dose of carries right out of the gate. This is a tough matchup, but could be in line for goal line carries.

Alfred Morris vs. Det – The Skins will try and help RGIII by committing to the run.

Darren Sproles vs. Arz – Sproles value will come in PPR leagues.

DeMarco Murray vs. Stl – Look for Murray to finalize find his stride against the Rams.

Knowshon Moreno vs Oak.  – Moreno typically runs very well against the Raiders. Well, everyone does.

Lamar Miller vs. Atl – The 2-0 Fins will find room to run against the Falcons. Look for Miller to break a long one.

Jacquizz Rodgers vs. Mia –Rodgers will be a No. 2 in fantasy PPR leagues and anything on the ground is a bonus.

James Starks vs. Cin – With Lacy likely out, Starks assumes top role.

Giovani Bernard vs. GB – He busted out with 2 TDs on Monday Night.

Potential Bust – Beware

Stevan Ridley vs. TB – With so many core guys missing, Ridley is finding defenses playing eight men in the box. As a result, he’s nothing more than a flex play at this point.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Chi – Historically, Peterson has lit up the Bears in Chicago.

2. LeSean McCoy vs. SD – Expect McCoy to top over 150 yards with multiple TDs against the Chargers.

3. Arian Foster vs. Ten – 100 yards and 1-2 TDs as the Texans ground game will get rolling in this one. Foster was getting his feet under him in Week 1.

4. Jamaal Charles vs. Dal – The Cowboys will chase Charles all over the field.

Not too far behind

Doug Martin vs. NO – Tampa will pound Martin to keep Brees and Co. on the sidelines. He’ll respond with a 100 yard game.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – The Lions plan to use him in multiple ways which bodes well for fantasy owners.

Matt Forte vs. Min – The Vikings are banged up defensively which will help out Forte’s production in this one.

Rounding out the rest

Ray Rice vs. Cle – His value is likely to come as a receiver out of the backfield.

CJ Spiller vs. Car – The Panthers run D is much improved but look for Spiller to break some long ones this week.

Stevan Ridley vs. NYJ – Look for Ridley to get out of Belichick’s doghouse in a big way on Thursday.

Demarco Murray vs. KC – The Boys will ride Murray for over 20 touches en route to a big afternoon.

Alfred Morris vs. GB – Morris will be a load for the Packers front.

Reggie Bush vs. Arz – Bush will have another monster game as a receiver this week.

Darren McFadden vs. Jax – Pryor’s presence has opened things up for McFadden and this is an easy match-up for #20.

Marshawn Lynch vs. SF – Lynch did have big games in both contests a year ago.

Steven Jackson vs. Stl – Not much in Week 1 outside of one long run. Expect about the same in this one.

Trent Richardson vs. Bal – Weeden’s play did Richardson in more than anything else. Look for a 7-10 fantasy point game in this one.

Frank Gore vs. Sea – Gore’s found big holes to run through playing Sea in recent years.

Ryan Matthews vs. Phi – He’ll find running against this D easier than Houston.

Eddie Lacy vs. Was – The big back will find the end zone a 2nd consecutive week.

Maurice Jones Drew vs. Oak – The Jags are abysmal, but QB Chad Henne brings some respectability to the offense which will help MJD.

Chris Johnson vs. Hou – Johnson’s had a history of running well against his rival.

David Wilson vs. Den – This is a risky fantasy football pick after his week 1 issues, but NYG won’t abandon ship and the 2^nd year back could find a lot of room to run on Sunday.

Lamar Miller vs. Ind – The Colts D is horrible vs. the run, so Miller has fewer excuses this week.

Potential Bust – Beware

Vick Ballard vs. Mia – The Dolphins D smothered RB Trent Richardson in Week 1.

1. Adrian Peterson vs. Det – All Day will eclipse 125 yards and 2 TDs vs.  the Lions.

2. Ray Rice vs. Den – The Ravens will want to control the clock and pound away at the Broncos depleted D.

3. Jamaal Charles vs. Jax – Charles is licking his chops here.

4. Arian Foster vs. SD – He will be fully healthy and facing a soft Chargers D.

Not far behind

Alfred Morris vs. Phi – The Eagles D is horrible and Morris will run them over.

Steven Jackson vs. NO – The Saints D will be one of the worst in the NFL. Look for Jackson to top 100 yards with a TD.

Trent Richardson vs. Mia – The Dolphins will be improved, but so will the Browns. Richardson will bully his way to the century mark with a score.

Rounding things out

Marshawn Lynch vs. Car – Expect around 100 yards and a score.

Stevan Ridley vs. Buf – The Patriots should be playing with a very large lead which bodes especially well for Ridley.

David Wilson vs. Dal – The blazer will also be the full-time back now.

Frank Gore vs. SF – Expect the 49ers massive front to engulf the Packers D and for Gore to find plenty of running room.

CJ Spiller vs. NE – The explosive Spiller will have a tough time playing with a rookie QB at the helm.

Demarco Murray vs. NYG – Murray has always run powerful and well against the Giants.

LeSean McCoy vs. Was – McCoy is one of the best in the business when healthy. Expect Chip Kelly to involve him early and often in this offense.

Darren Sproles vs. Atl – This will be a passing affair. Sproles will see a lot of balls his way.

Chris Johnson vs. Pit – This isn’t the Steelers D of old.

Maurice Jones-Drew vs. KC – MJD is a 100 yard candidate facing KC.

Doug Martin vs. NYJ – The Jets run D is pretty good, but Martin will be fed the ball 20+ times.

Reggie Bush vs. Min – His value will come as a receiver.

Matt Forte vs. Cin – The Bengals feature one of the best units in the NFL this year.

Potential Bust – Beware

Ryan Mathews vs. Hou – Matthews has had all sorts of fumbling issues and faces a very stout test in the Texans.

1. Adrian Peterson, Min - The modern day version of superman plays RB for the Vikings. Peterson’s historic season coming off major knee surgery means he’s once again the top running back in fantasy football, as well as the top pick overall.

2. Arian Foster, Hou – Not too far behind is Foster. The Texans have a big O-Line and Foster excels in this system. He’ll be the 2nd RB taken off the board.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Sea – The Seahawks feature a legitimate passing game and massive O-Line, but remain a power running team first. Lynch is poised for a big season and could top 15 TDs.

4. Jamaal Charles, KC -Andy Reid will maximize Charles’ value in this system, as both runner and receiver. The Chiefs are coming off a horrible season but Charles will thrive and post top fantasy numbers.

5. LeSean McCoy, Phi – Injuries and ineptitude on his teammates part doomed McCoy a year ago. Chip Kelly will feature McCoy who will be one of the lone bright spots in Philly this season.

6. Ray Rice, Bal – His overall stock is down due to the losses outside (Boldin and Pitta), but he’s still a dependable No. 1.

7. Doug Martin, TB – The rookie sensation took the league by storm and will be high on fantasy draft boards once again. However, buyer beware. The Bucs were playing a last place schedule and the going will get tougher this year.

8. Trent Richardson, Cle - Richardson could easily end up a top 5 fantasy football runner this year. His supporting cast is improving and the Browns are on the upswing.

9. CJ Spiller, Buf – Can you imagine what type of numbers Spiller would put up playing behind a good O-Line and with a quality QB? Well, he still doesn’t either,  but he’s a home run threat on every play.

10. Alfred Morris, Was – Morris is at risk to take a step back, but Shanahan’s run system always seems to work well. Even with a slight decline in numbers Morris will be a worthy No. 1 back for your fantasy squad.