Matchups: Miles Evokes Smiles

Just 8-of-32 teams remain undefeated through two weeks. Teams with talent-rich offenses like the Cowboys and Ravens have performed well below expectations. Even the Packers and Saints haven't hit their strides.

But talent rises in the NFL. Tony Romo and Drew Brees aren't going to finish outside the top-10 fantasy quarterbacks, and it'll be a quick climb for receivers and running backs like Randy Moss, Ray Rice, and DeAngelo Williams, who all rank in the 24-30 range at their respective positions. Keep your studs going.

With two games in the books, however, we're beginning to formulate a good idea as to which front sevens are leaky and pass defenses soft. As the weeks go by, difficult matchups will become easier to separate from the cinches. We'll kick off the Week 3 breakdown with a tilt between an overachieving 2-0 team and a winless underachiever.

1:00PM ET Games

San Francisco @ Kansas City

A week after a surprise stifling by Seattle, Frank Gore reasserted himself as a top-five RB1 in a 168-yard Monday night thrashing of the Saints. It would've included three TDs as opposed to two had Gore not uncharacteristically "tapped out" after a third-quarter rumble down to the goal line. Anthony Dixon executed, but Gore atoned a quarter later from seven yards out. The reinvigorated Chiefs defense isn't as easy a matchup as usual this season, but Gore still figures to blow through it. He created explosive plays seemingly at will against New Orleans, and Niners first-round rookie linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati are demonstrating impressive nastiness up front.

Michael Crabtree continued to disappoint (1-32, three targets) against the Saints, but the first step for Crabtree to realize his potential was for Alex Smith to improve. Smith certainly did in one of the better performances of his career. It'd be hard to blame owners for benching Crabtree after two slow weeks, but he'll get it together soon enough. He's a WR3 at Kansas City. ... Vernon Davis is the No. 7 fantasy tight end through two games. He's picking up the slack with Crabtree yet to emerge from his shell. ... Josh Morgan stepped up for a 6-70 line on eight targets Monday night after a three-catch, 32-yard opener. Don't get excited. The torch will soon pass to Crabtree.

Thomas Jones took over as the Chiefs' lead back in Week 2, garnering 23 touches to Jamaal Charles' 12. Jones is the favorite for between-the-tackles carries, so the best guess is that coach Todd Haley saw something on tape to convince him Cleveland was vulnerable up the gut. Haley has made it clear that his priority is winning games -- not necessarily playing the best player -- so Charles owners can't count on an imminent changing of the guard with Kansas City sitting at 2-0. Charles should still reassume a major role against a 49ers defense that is leakier on the exterior than inside. You just can't bench Charles' big-play ability. Jones is totally hands-off for this one.

The Chiefs' passing game was lifeless for a second straight week against the Browns, with Matt Cassel throwing for a scoreless 176 yards on 28 attempts (6.3 YPA) and two interceptions. Tony Moeaki was his primary receiver, seeing a game-high 10 targets. Moeaki will be inconsistent as all rookie tight ends are, but he's becoming a serious drain on Dwayne Bowe. Regardless of the opponent, it's hard to consider Bowe more than a WR3 when he's caught five passes for 58 yards and no touchdowns in two games. ... Chris Chambers has been even less visible, sitting on four grabs for 47 yards. Chiefs targets so far: Moeaki 14, Bowe 10, Chambers 9, Dexter McCluster 7.

Buffalo @ New England

Tom Brady ranks sixth among fantasy QBs despite starting the season against back-to-back top-six 2009 pass defenses (Jets, Bengals). Brady defines the term "matchup-proof starter." He now squares off with a Buffalo team that allowed three Aaron Rodgers TDs in Week 2. ... Losing DC Perry Fewell and DE Aaron Schobel has turned a once impenetrable Bills pass defense into a mediocre unit. George Edwards' group has produced just three sacks in two games, and it's almost shocking that Edwards is sticking with burnable Drayton Florence over Leodis McKelvin at RCB. Randy Moss and Wes Welker should run wild on the Buffalo back end. The Jets had to use double teams to contain both in Week 2. Welker and Moss still had a touchdown apiece.

The Bills have also shown vulnerability to tight ends, allowing Dolphins plodder Anthony Fasano to account for over 25 percent of Miami's receiving yards in Week 1 before Packers TEs combined for a 5-102 line last Sunday. Aaron Hernandez's snap counts will be up-and-down as a rookie, but he's running far more pass routes than Rob Gronkowski and Alge Crumpler. Hernandez is, at the very least, a high-upside TE2. ... Kevin Faulk's year-ending ACL tear doesn't impact Fred Taylor, but Taylor remains the best bet for semi-consistent carries in the backfield. BenJarvus Green-Ellis certainly didn't earn a bigger role moving forward with 19 yards on 10 totes in Week 2.

50 on the Wonderlic and all, so he's got the intelligence thing going. Ryan Fitzpatrick's insertion probably won't net Buffalo wins, but he's at least smart enough to throw the ball to the Bills' best receiver. Fitzpatrick, whose value lies in his ability to add a brief "spark" to an offense (he's done it throughout his career in spot duty), hooked up with Lee Evans five times for 75 yards and a score in his first of eight starts last year. Evans, typically the Bills' LWR, also gets a favorable matchup with Patriots RCB Darius Butler. Butler was burned relentlessly by Chad Ochocinco in Week 1 (12-159-1), and according to Pro Football Focus yielded a 5-74-1 line in Week 2 with two pass-interference flags against a previously inept Jets passing game. Evans is a WR3 sleeper.

The Bills probably aren't smart enough to capitalize, but the Pats' pass defense has soft spots over the middle and underneath. So far, Jordan Shipley (5-82), Jermaine Gresham (6-25-1), and Dustin Keller (7-115-1) have exploited them. Though Buffalo lacks a pass-catching tight end, it would be smart to work C.J. Spiller on frequent slot routes. But that's too much wishful thinking. ... Coach Chan Gailey has vowed that Marshawn Lynch will "play a lot" in Week 3 after starting and leading the team in Week 2 touches. Lynch does appear to be the favorite for carries in Buffalo, but it's not like he's playing well (3.9 YPC, no scores) or has a favorable matchup. This is a situation to avoid. The Bills' line can't block, and all the roles are up for grabs week to week.

Atlanta @ New Orleans

The Saints' fantasy production hasn't been up to their usual standards, but the offense has been pretty darn good. New Orleans has yet to turn the ball over, and Drew Brees' 74.3 completion rate is better than his NFL-record mark from 2009. Touchdowns will come. Brees lit up Atlanta for an average of 302 yards per game with a 5:1 TD-to-INT ratio in last year's meetings. ... Reggie Bush's 4-6 week upper fibula fracture locks in Pierre Thomas as the Saints' workhorse. Thomas was already the heavy favorite for goal-line carries, and now inherits passing-down work. P.T. will flirt with 30 touches against a Falcons defense surrendering a league-worst 5.9 yards per carry.

Keep an eye on Lance Moore. He's New Orleans' second-best slot option, and has capitalized in Bush's past absences. Moore has 23 yards through two games, though, so he can't be counted on yet. ... Robert Meachem has been almost as quiet as Moore, seeing five targets on the year and catching three balls. He continues to play behind Devery Henderson (5-66-1, eight targets). ... In 2008 and at times in 2009, some owners wondered if Marques Colston had "lost" his role as the Saints' No. 1 receiver. Colston has clearly regained it, seeing nearly double the targets of any other New Orleans wideout. He also scored in each of the Saints' 2009 games against Atlanta.

Matt Ryan's confidence in Roddy White is unwavering. Despite being shadowed by Cardinals top CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Week 2, White saw 12 targets for a 7-78-1 line. White's 35 targets through two weeks lead the league, and he's tied with Miles Austin for first in receptions. ... The outlook is much worse for Tony Gonzalez. Despite 37 throws from Ryan last week, Gonzo managed just two catches for 19 yards after a two-catch, 35-yard opener. Gonzalez can't be dropped, but there has to be some concern that the 34-year-old has lost a step. If not two.

In their last five games dating back to January, the Saints have a 4:6 TD-to-INT ratio against. Matt Ryan isn't an awful QB1 in what could be a Superdome shootout, but someone like Michael Vick would be better. ... Atlanta's receiver corps, including Gonzalez, continues to be a fantasy wasteland after White. Eric Weems started over Harry Douglas in Week 2, and Michael Jenkins is coming back. ... Jason Snelling's three-TD effort off the bench was a nice story against Arizona, but there's no doubt that Michael Turner is the better early-down backfield option. Turner (groin) will start against a Saints team allowing the fifth-highest yards-per-carry average (4.8) in football.

Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay

Josh Freeman is impressive in the face of pressure, but he'll see more of it this week than he has in his young career. The Steelers' defense has been dominant. In two games they've picked off four passes and allowed one passing touchdown -- and not until they'd already knocked Vince Young out of last week's game. OLBs James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley have combined for five sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. ILB Lawrence Timmons ranks second in the league in tackles. Woodley, in particular, could have a monster game against struggling Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood. Freeman will have a tough time going deep to wideout Mike Williams.

Cadillac Williams opened the year with what appeared to be back-to-back favorable matchups in the Browns and Panthers. He's managed just a 2.57 yards-per-carry average with no scores, and it's scary to think how badly he'll fare against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has held Michael Turner and Chris Johnson to 2.17 YPC in the first two games. ... Playing on no practice time due to pain in his six-times surgically-repaired knee last week, Kellen Winslow was a medical marvel with four catches for an explosive 83 yards. It's getting hard to doubt him as at least a low-end TE1.

With Ben Roethlisberger suspended until Week 6 and Dennis Dixon (knee) out, Mike Tomlin has somewhat surprisingly tabbed Charlie Batch over Byron Leftwich at quarterback. We can safely expect the Steelers to go run heavy. Rashard Mendenhall has received 24 touches in each of the first two weeks, and should flirt with 30 against the Bucs. It could be a long day for Tampa, which served up 170 total yards to Panthers RBs in Week 2. ... Heath Miller, who caught two balls for three yards last Sunday, will continue to focus on blocking as opposed to pass-route running with LT Max Starks coming off an injury and RT Flozell Adams struggling across the board.

Bucs CB Aqib Talib returned from his suspension in Week 2, and was immediately pressed into shadow coverage duty against Carolina's Steve Smith. After shutting him down for four yards on one grab in the same role last year, Talib helped hold Smith to three catches on eight targets, though the cornerback slipped on a second-quarter route in the slot, resulting in Smitty's 35-yard TD catch. It remains to be seen which Steelers receiver Talib will cover. Mike Wallace is more dangerous, while Hines Ward has the better track record. With Batch under center, owners should steer clear of Wallace. He relies more on big-play ability at quarterback than Ward.

Just 8-of-32 teams remain undefeated through two weeks. Teams with talent-rich offenses like the Cowboys and Ravens have performed well below expectations. Even the Packers and Saints haven't hit their strides.

But talent rises in the NFL. Tony Romo and Drew Brees aren't going to finish outside the top-10 fantasy quarterbacks, and it'll be a quick climb for receivers and running backs like Randy Moss, Ray Rice, and DeAngelo Williams, who all rank in the 24-30 range at their respective positions. Keep your studs going.

With two games in the books, however, we're beginning to formulate a good idea as to which front sevens are leaky and pass defenses soft. As the weeks go by, difficult matchups will become easier to separate from the cinches. We'll kick off the Week 3 breakdown with a tilt between an overachieving 2-0 team and a winless underachiever.

1:00PM ET Games

San Francisco @ Kansas City

A week after a surprise stifling by Seattle, Frank Gore reasserted himself as a top-five RB1 in a 168-yard Monday night thrashing of the Saints. It would've included three TDs as opposed to two had Gore not uncharacteristically "tapped out" after a third-quarter rumble down to the goal line. Anthony Dixon executed, but Gore atoned a quarter later from seven yards out. The reinvigorated Chiefs defense isn't as easy a matchup as usual this season, but Gore still figures to blow through it. He created explosive plays seemingly at will against New Orleans, and Niners first-round rookie linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati are demonstrating impressive nastiness up front.

Michael Crabtree continued to disappoint (1-32, three targets) against the Saints, but the first step for Crabtree to realize his potential was for Alex Smith to improve. Smith certainly did in one of the better performances of his career. It'd be hard to blame owners for benching Crabtree after two slow weeks, but he'll get it together soon enough. He's a WR3 at Kansas City. ... Vernon Davis is the No. 7 fantasy tight end through two games. He's picking up the slack with Crabtree yet to emerge from his shell. ... Josh Morgan stepped up for a 6-70 line on eight targets Monday night after a three-catch, 32-yard opener. Don't get excited. The torch will soon pass to Crabtree.

Thomas Jones took over as the Chiefs' lead back in Week 2, garnering 23 touches to Jamaal Charles' 12. Jones is the favorite for between-the-tackles carries, so the best guess is that coach Todd Haley saw something on tape to convince him Cleveland was vulnerable up the gut. Haley has made it clear that his priority is winning games -- not necessarily playing the best player -- so Charles owners can't count on an imminent changing of the guard with Kansas City sitting at 2-0. Charles should still reassume a major role against a 49ers defense that is leakier on the exterior than inside. You just can't bench Charles' big-play ability. Jones is totally hands-off for this one.

The Chiefs' passing game was lifeless for a second straight week against the Browns, with Matt Cassel throwing for a scoreless 176 yards on 28 attempts (6.3 YPA) and two interceptions. Tony Moeaki was his primary receiver, seeing a game-high 10 targets. Moeaki will be inconsistent as all rookie tight ends are, but he's becoming a serious drain on Dwayne Bowe. Regardless of the opponent, it's hard to consider Bowe more than a WR3 when he's caught five passes for 58 yards and no touchdowns in two games. ... Chris Chambers has been even less visible, sitting on four grabs for 47 yards. Chiefs targets so far: Moeaki 14, Bowe 10, Chambers 9, Dexter McCluster 7.

Buffalo @ New England

Tom Brady ranks sixth among fantasy QBs despite starting the season against back-to-back top-six 2009 pass defenses (Jets, Bengals). Brady defines the term "matchup-proof starter." He now squares off with a Buffalo team that allowed three Aaron Rodgers TDs in Week 2. ... Losing DC Perry Fewell and DE Aaron Schobel has turned a once impenetrable Bills pass defense into a mediocre unit. George Edwards' group has produced just three sacks in two games, and it's almost shocking that Edwards is sticking with burnable Drayton Florence over Leodis McKelvin at RCB. Randy Moss and Wes Welker should run wild on the Buffalo back end. The Jets had to use double teams to contain both in Week 2. Welker and Moss still had a touchdown apiece.

The Bills have also shown vulnerability to tight ends, allowing Dolphins plodder Anthony Fasano to account for over 25 percent of Miami's receiving yards in Week 1 before Packers TEs combined for a 5-102 line last Sunday. Aaron Hernandez's snap counts will be up-and-down as a rookie, but he's running far more pass routes than Rob Gronkowski and Alge Crumpler. Hernandez is, at the very least, a high-upside TE2. ... Kevin Faulk's year-ending ACL tear doesn't impact Fred Taylor, but Taylor remains the best bet for semi-consistent carries in the backfield. BenJarvus Green-Ellis certainly didn't earn a bigger role moving forward with 19 yards on 10 totes in Week 2.

50 on the Wonderlic and all, so he's got the intelligence thing going. Ryan Fitzpatrick's insertion probably won't net Buffalo wins, but he's at least smart enough to throw the ball to the Bills' best receiver. Fitzpatrick, whose value lies in his ability to add a brief "spark" to an offense (he's done it throughout his career in spot duty), hooked up with Lee Evans five times for 75 yards and a score in his first of eight starts last year. Evans, typically the Bills' LWR, also gets a favorable matchup with Patriots RCB Darius Butler. Butler was burned relentlessly by Chad Ochocinco in Week 1 (12-159-1), and according to Pro Football Focus yielded a 5-74-1 line in Week 2 with two pass-interference flags against a previously inept Jets passing game. Evans is a WR3 sleeper.

The Bills probably aren't smart enough to capitalize, but the Pats' pass defense has soft spots over the middle and underneath. So far, Jordan Shipley (5-82), Jermaine Gresham (6-25-1), and Dustin Keller (7-115-1) have exploited them. Though Buffalo lacks a pass-catching tight end, it would be smart to work C.J. Spiller on frequent slot routes. But that's too much wishful thinking. ... Coach Chan Gailey has vowed that Marshawn Lynch will "play a lot" in Week 3 after starting and leading the team in Week 2 touches. Lynch does appear to be the favorite for carries in Buffalo, but it's not like he's playing well (3.9 YPC, no scores) or has a favorable matchup. This is a situation to avoid. The Bills' line can't block, and all the roles are up for grabs week to week.

Atlanta @ New Orleans

The Saints' fantasy production hasn't been up to their usual standards, but the offense has been pretty darn good. New Orleans has yet to turn the ball over, and Drew Brees' 74.3 completion rate is better than his NFL-record mark from 2009. Touchdowns will come. Brees lit up Atlanta for an average of 302 yards per game with a 5:1 TD-to-INT ratio in last year's meetings. ... Reggie Bush's 4-6 week upper fibula fracture locks in Pierre Thomas as the Saints' workhorse. Thomas was already the heavy favorite for goal-line carries, and now inherits passing-down work. P.T. will flirt with 30 touches against a Falcons defense surrendering a league-worst 5.9 yards per carry.

Keep an eye on Lance Moore. He's New Orleans' second-best slot option, and has capitalized in Bush's past absences. Moore has 23 yards through two games, though, so he can't be counted on yet. ... Robert Meachem has been almost as quiet as Moore, seeing five targets on the year and catching three balls. He continues to play behind Devery Henderson (5-66-1, eight targets). ... In 2008 and at times in 2009, some owners wondered if Marques Colston had "lost" his role as the Saints' No. 1 receiver. Colston has clearly regained it, seeing nearly double the targets of any other New Orleans wideout. He also scored in each of the Saints' 2009 games against Atlanta.

Matt Ryan's confidence in Roddy White is unwavering. Despite being shadowed by Cardinals top CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Week 2, White saw 12 targets for a 7-78-1 line. White's 35 targets through two weeks lead the league, and he's tied with Miles Austin for first in receptions. ... The outlook is much worse for Tony Gonzalez. Despite 37 throws from Ryan last week, Gonzo managed just two catches for 19 yards after a two-catch, 35-yard opener. Gonzalez can't be dropped, but there has to be some concern that the 34-year-old has lost a step. If not two.

In their last five games dating back to January, the Saints have a 4:6 TD-to-INT ratio against. Matt Ryan isn't an awful QB1 in what could be a Superdome shootout, but someone like Michael Vick would be better. ... Atlanta's receiver corps, including Gonzalez, continues to be a fantasy wasteland after White. Eric Weems started over Harry Douglas in Week 2, and Michael Jenkins is coming back. ... Jason Snelling's three-TD effort off the bench was a nice story against Arizona, but there's no doubt that Michael Turner is the better early-down backfield option. Turner (groin) will start against a Saints team allowing the fifth-highest yards-per-carry average (4.8) in football.

Pittsburgh @ Tampa Bay

Josh Freeman is impressive in the face of pressure, but he'll see more of it this week than he has in his young career. The Steelers' defense has been dominant. In two games they've picked off four passes and allowed one passing touchdown -- and not until they'd already knocked Vince Young out of last week's game. OLBs James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley have combined for five sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception. ILB Lawrence Timmons ranks second in the league in tackles. Woodley, in particular, could have a monster game against struggling Bucs RT Jeremy Trueblood. Freeman will have a tough time going deep to wideout Mike Williams.

Cadillac Williams opened the year with what appeared to be back-to-back favorable matchups in the Browns and Panthers. He's managed just a 2.57 yards-per-carry average with no scores, and it's scary to think how badly he'll fare against the Steelers. Pittsburgh has held Michael Turner and Chris Johnson to 2.17 YPC in the first two games. ... Playing on no practice time due to pain in his six-times surgically-repaired knee last week, Kellen Winslow was a medical marvel with four catches for an explosive 83 yards. It's getting hard to doubt him as at least a low-end TE1.

With Ben Roethlisberger suspended until Week 6 and Dennis Dixon (knee) out, Mike Tomlin has somewhat surprisingly tabbed Charlie Batch over Byron Leftwich at quarterback. We can safely expect the Steelers to go run heavy. Rashard Mendenhall has received 24 touches in each of the first two weeks, and should flirt with 30 against the Bucs. It could be a long day for Tampa, which served up 170 total yards to Panthers RBs in Week 2. ... Heath Miller, who caught two balls for three yards last Sunday, will continue to focus on blocking as opposed to pass-route running with LT Max Starks coming off an injury and RT Flozell Adams struggling across the board.

Bucs CB Aqib Talib returned from his suspension in Week 2, and was immediately pressed into shadow coverage duty against Carolina's Steve Smith. After shutting him down for four yards on one grab in the same role last year, Talib helped hold Smith to three catches on eight targets, though the cornerback slipped on a second-quarter route in the slot, resulting in Smitty's 35-yard TD catch. It remains to be seen which Steelers receiver Talib will cover. Mike Wallace is more dangerous, while Hines Ward has the better track record. With Batch under center, owners should steer clear of Wallace. He relies more on big-play ability at quarterback than Ward.



Tennessee @ NY Giants

A week after flashing 2008 form by bottling up Carolina's Double-Trouble backfield for 74 yards on 21 carries (3.5 YPC), the Giants reverted to their 2009 ways in Week 2, as the far less talented Colts ground game gashed them for 161 yards and a score on 36 totes (4.5 YPC). The G-Men were dropping seven into coverage, but they've yet to earn recognition as a stout defense. Chris Johnson can't be benched. ... Kenny Britt reappeared for a 5-41 line in Week 2 after a catch-less opener. Six of his seven targets came via Kerry Collins, however, and Britt is still only playing in three-receiver sets. You can't drop Britt's talent, but he's not playing enough to be start-worthy.

Vince Young returns from his surprise Week 2 benching as Tennessee's clear-cut starter. The Giants have faced two completely opposite passing offenses (Carolina, Indianapolis) so far, so it's difficult to gauge the effectiveness of their pass defense. Either way, it's a wait-and-see week for V.Y., who hasn't responded well to past benchings. ... Titans WR/TE targets on the year: Nate Washington 13, Britt 7, Justin Gage 6, Bo Scaife 6. Washington, who's scored in back-to-back weeks, remains the Titans' only usable receiving option in fantasy leagues. And he's only a WR3.

Hakeem Nicks admits his ankle wasn't 100 percent in Week 2, but his ridiculous talent still shined through enough to whip Colts top cornerback Kelvin Hayden down the right sideline for a 31-yard touchdown, giving Nicks his fourth score of the season. The 2009 first-round pick is now off the injury report and 100 percent. He'll retake his every-down split end role (and high-upside WR2 status) with Mario Manningham moving back into a situational deep threat role. Manningham isn't a fantasy option in this one. ... Through two weeks, the Titans rank No. 1 in pass defense. Their safety play is light years ahead of where it was last year, with FS Michael Griffin returning to his 2008 Pro Bowl form and Chris Hope bringing physicality. Eli Manning is a mere low-end QB1.

New York's Steve Smith hasn't taken a backseat to Nicks just yet, pacing the Giants in catches (9) and targets (17). Despite the unfavorable on-paper matchup, Smith remains a solid WR2 in PPR leagues. He's more of a WR3 in non-PPR. ... As if his lack of productivity wasn't enough (3.3 YPC, no touchdowns), Brandon Jacobs' helmet-throwing debacle will likely land him in coach Tom Coughlin's doghouse for the foreseeable future. Don't be surprised to see Danny Ware play ahead of him on Sunday. ... Ahmad Bradshaw is averaging 19.5 touches for 91 yards per game with one touchdown. The Titans have been more vulnerable on the ground than in the air so far.

Detroit @ Minnesota

Not that you need convincing to use Adrian Peterson, but he led all running backs with 33 touches in Week 2, and will be the centerpiece of Minnesota's offense going forward. Through two weeks, Detroit has permitted a whopping 437 total yards and five TDs to opposing RBs. Peterson is on pace for 64 receptions, which would be a career high. ... A.P. handcuffers should note that Albert Young was a healthy scratch last week. Rookie Toby Gerhart has taken over as Peterson's clear-cut backup and had five touches against Miami. ... Visanthe Shiancoe has led the Vikes in targets in two straight weeks, looking more athletic in the open field than ever. He's an every-week TE1.

The imploding Bernard Berrian isn't even a WR3 option in his most favorable matchup all year. He just doesn't fight for the ball. Two of Berrian's five targets were picked off by former first-round bust Jason Allen in Week 2. At least he made an effort to tackle Allen after the second. And Berrian wonders why Brett Favre won't throw to him. With a knee injury, he's totally hands off. ... Percy Harvin is expected to play despite recurring hip and migraine issues. Harvin possesses major upside any time he's on the field. He also presents risk. Until we see a hint of consistency, he's a mere WR3. ... Favre is off to one of the slowest starts of his career, but remains hard to sit against the Lions, even with no receivers. Only 2-of-32 teams have given up more passing yards.

Losers of 21 straight on the road, the Lions enter this one with a new offensive centerpiece. NFL TD leader Jahvid Best caught more passes (9) than any tailback in football last week. The Vikes' run defense remains stout (3.7 YPC allowed), but looks vulnerable on the perimeter after giving up nearly half of their Week 2 rushing yards to Ronnie Brown on a 51-yard run off left tackle, and with WLB Ben Leber nursing a bad back. Lions coach Jim Schwartz knows a mismatch when he sees one, and Best is his best way to exploit them. There isn't a hotter running back going. ... The Eagles took Tony Scheffler out of last week's game by shadowing him with a defensive back. The result? A fluky seven-catch, 108-yard outing for Brandon Pettigrew. Don't expect that to keep up.

Calvin Johnson will see lots of double coverage going forward -- especially with Nate Burleson out (high ankle sprain) -- but he's at least producing with Hill under center. Since replacing Matthew Stafford at halftime of Week 1, Hill has targeted Megatron 20 times in six quarters, producing eight hookups for 95 yards and a touchdown. It should be 9-120-2, of course. The Vikes remain beatable in the secondary, with CB Chris Cook set to make his NFL debut ... Hill did much of his Week 2 damage (335 yards, two TDs) in garbage time. He's a two-QB league option. ... Bryant Johnson will start for Burleson. Johnson was perhaps the NFL's worst starting receiver in 2009.

Cleveland @ Baltimore

Multiple tweeters have expressed concern that Ray Rice may be in for a "mediocre year" with no touchdowns through two weeks. Rice does lose goal-line carries to Willis McGahee, which is the primary reason he wasn't considered closer to Chris Johnson and Adrian Peterson in fantasy drafts. Expect a breakout game against the Browns. Coach John Harbaugh is on record as saying Rice will receive a season-high workload in Week 3, and Baltimore will dominate in its home opener against an inept Cleveland team. The Browns rank 25th in run defense, and were exposed by Chiefs running backs for 164 total yards last Sunday. The Ravens' line is far better than Kansas City's, and Rice is a much better runner than Week 2 feature carrier Thomas Jones.

Joe Flacco will undoubtedly improve on his Week 2 four-pick implosion, but he's got a long way to go to realize his alleged breakout year. His mechanics, particularly on short touch throws, are all off kilter. Harbaugh is poised to go run heavy against a Browns team playing the pass well (2:3 TD-to-INT ratio against), so Flacco should only be viewed as a QB2 until he shows something. ... Anquan Boldin is still an every-week starter. Among Baltimore receivers, he's dominating targets with 18, while Derrick Mason (11) and T.J. Houshmandzadeh (10) are all but canceling each other out. Todd Heap has 17, though 11 came in the opener and he had a mere 35 yards in Week 2.

The Browns will really struggle to generate first downs in the Ravens' home opener. Week 2 starting tailback Jerome Harrison (thigh, wrist) is questionable, and Baltimore won't struggle to bottle up the non-elusive running styles of Peyton Hillis. Hillis might score if the Browns get down to the one-yard line, but you can't bank on that happening. Baltimore hasn't allowed a rushing TD yet. Should Harrison not play, James Davis would take his role in the value-draining committee.

Seneca Wallace draws another start with Jake Delhomme (high ankle sprain) still out indefinitely. Wallace has never started a game against the Ravens. Make sure to use their fantasy defense. ... Hillis and Ben Watson are tied for the team lead in receptions (7), while backup TE Evan Moore leads the way in yards (87), with all of them coming in the opener. Mohamed Massaquoi had one catch for nine yards in Week 2. Joshua Cribbs might start if Brian Robiskie (hamstring) can't, but Cribbs is averaging 4.5 offensive touches per week. Avoid the Browns' receiver/tight end corps.

Cincinnati @ Carolina

I was startled this week to notice a column on a competing website forecast the demise of Steve Smith due to Jimmy Clausen's insertion. Foolishness. The writer must not have seen Matt Moore play in Weeks 1 and 2. The Panthers have done a terrific job of double-coverage prevention on Smith's behalf, working him often in the slot, where double teams are nearly impossible. He's scored in back-to-back games, and both TDs came on slot routes. ... Clausen may struggle as all rookie quarterbacks do, but his strength is delivering the ball to the open man. Clausen led the nation in passer-efficiency rating among pro-style QBs last year, completing 68 percent with a 28:4 TD-to-INT ratio. It took five minutes for Clausen to rack up as many completions in Week 2 as Moore did in three-plus quarters. And all Smith needs is completions. He'll do the rest.

He's not a fantasy option yet, but the arrow is starting to point up for Jonathan Stewart. His carry total jumped from five to eight in Week 2, and he out-produced DeAngelo Williams per-attempt (5.4 to 3.2). Stewart is fighting for touches. They're not all the way there yet, but they're coming. ... Though he's yet to find the end zone, D-Will needs to stay in lineups even against a formidable Bengals front seven. Williams is getting the ball 18 times a game, and is far and away the best bet for catches in Carolina's backfield. The Panthers will lean on Williams in Clausen's first start.

Carolina is allowing just 3.0 yards per carry while getting impressive play from no-name DTs Derek Landri and Ed Johnson, but it's doubtful to last. The inexperienced, undersized front four is bound to tire, forcing LBs Jon Beason and Dan Connor to make more of their tackles downfield. Keep Cedric Benson going. ... Jordan Shipley needs a Chad Ochocinco or Terrell Owens injury to be a fantasy starter, but he's certainly roster-worthy in PPR leagues. He's got five catches in back-to-back games. ... After a six-catch, one-touchdown opener, Jermaine Gresham confirmed he'll be another inconsistent rookie tight end with just 15 yards in Week 2. He's a fantasy reserve.

A stout unit in 2009, Carolina's back four has disappointed in 2010. Despite matchups with the less-than-stellar passing offenses of Tampa and New York (NFC), the Panthers surrendered a league-high five touchdowns through the air and an 8.0 yards-per-pass attempt average, way up from 6.6 last season. DC Ron Meeks should get it figured out (he doesn't lack talent), but it's worth striking while the iron his hot. Chad Ochocinco is playing like he's in a contract year (he is) as the No. 8 fantasy receiver so far. Terrell Owens has been steady, hauling in 10 balls for 110 yards. ... Carson Palmer is still a mid-range QB2. He ranks 16th among QBs in fantasy points.



Dallas @ Houston

There isn't a better WR1 in fantasy football than Miles Austin against a Texans secondary that's giving up a league-high 411 passing yards per game. Austin is leading the NFL in receiving yards and is tied with Roddy White for first in receptions. ... This should be the game that gets Tony Romo rolling. Romo is completing 66-plus percent of his passes and has games of 282 and 374 yards. The touchdowns will come. ... Coach Wade Phillips spoke of "making changes" early in the week with Dallas off to an 0-2 start. The most obvious move: Replacing Roy Williams with Dez Bryant in two-receiver sets. Bryant, who returned a punt 62 yards for a touchdown in Week 2, has too much playmaking ability to be on a struggling team's bench. Keep an eye on his rib injury.

Jason Witten was furious at Dallas doctors for refusing to let him reenter last week's loss to the Bears after a fourth-quarter concussion. A true competitor, Witten has been cleared to face a Texans team exploitable by tight ends. Dallas Clark dropped an 11-80-1 line on them in Week 1, and Chris Cooley and Fred Davis combined for 126 yards and a score against Houston in Week 2. ... Despite the talent in Dallas' backfield, it's all but barren of fantasy value. Here are the carry and yardage totals on the year: Marion Barber 19-70, Felix Jones 15-45, Tashard Choice 6-17. The Texans also haven't allowed an opposing back top 44 yards in a game yet. Look elsewhere.

Houston will be without suspended LT Duane Brown in this one, but Chicago provided a blueprint last week to beat Dallas without a starting left tackle. The formula relies on short-to-intermediate throws, testing the Cowboys' range-deficient inside linebackers and green safety corps. It does allow for the occasional deep shot (see Johnny Knox's 86-yard game), but a possession receiver like Kevin Walter could be headed for a big role. Walter, coming off a dominant 11-catch, 144-yard performance, is a strong WR3. ... Owen Daniels continues to labor through the early part of the season after a 2009 ACL tear, and subsequent offseason setback. He's not a fantasy option.

Andre Johnson and Matt Schaub are matchup-proof starters. Johnson dominates at all three levels, and his Week 2 ankle sprain won't keep him out of this battle for the state of Texas. ... The Cowboys' run defense has been one of their few strengths, holding enemy RBs to 2.97 yards per carry without a single touchdown. Arian Foster is the NFL's rushing leader, though, and can't be benched in a game Vegas projects as the third-highest scoring of Week 3 (ATL @ NO is first, IND @ DEN second). Also tied for the league lead in touches through two weeks, Foster is a safe bet to find pay dirt. He's averaging 155 total yards per game with six TDs in his last four starts.

4:05PM ET Games

Washington @ St. Louis

Through two weeks, Santana Moss ranks fifth in the NFL in targets and third in catches. And he's going to stay among the league leaders in both categories with no one stepping up in the No. 2 receiver spot. Moss is running more underneath routes after switching from split end to flanker. He's been of the best values in 2010 fantasy drafts. ... Another terrific value is Chris Cooley, who caught his first regular season touchdown from Donovan McNabb in Week 2 and is currently the No. 5 fantasy tight end. Cooley fell to the double-digit rounds in many drafts. The Rams won't contain Cooley with SS Craig Dahl battling a concussion and backup James Butler exhibiting an extraordinary loss of speed after a preseason knee injury. Butler isn't anywhere near 100 percent.

After a slow opener, McNabb turned it on with 426 yards and a TD in a Week 2 shootout loss to Houston. The Rams' pass defense isn't playing as badly as the Texans', but it's close. You'll definitely want to start McNabb, who received extra motivation this week after seeing his alleged successor in Philly benched. ... Clinton Portis is averaging 3.0 yards per touch. Starting RBs are always worthwhile plays against the Rams, but rookie Keiland Williams is likely to begin eating into Portis' workload shortly. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock if the Redskins jumped out to an early lead and Williams was given a healthy dose of carries in St. Louis. Williams should be owned in all leagues, and is realistically just as good a bet as Portis to be starting games down the stretch.

Steven Jackson went seven weeks without a TD in 2009, and is off to another scoreless start. The reasoning for hope lies in one of the NFL's youngest offenses. The Rams' quarterback and left tackle are both rookies, the right tackle a second-year player, and the No. 1 receiver has been on the roster two weeks. Expect weekly progression. Though the Skins have allowed no rushing touchdowns and a scant 3.5 yards-per-carry average in two games, they've not faced a talent like Jackson. The Rams looked like a team on the rise in their last home game (a 17-13 loss to the defending division champ Cardinals), and S-Jax is running too ferociously for his 3.8 YPC to last.

Mark Clayton continued to establish himself as the lead dog in St. Louis' receiver corps last week, scoring twice after a 10-catch opener. Clayton had Nnamdi Asomugha on him for much of Week 2, so his 27 yards were excusable. He's still way out on front of oft-injured Laurent Robinson and slot man Danny Amendola, who's playing only 50-60 percent of the offensive snaps. Clayton is playing all of them. With even less competition for targets due to TEs Billy Bajema (MCL sprain) and Michael Hoomanawanui's (high ankle sprain) injuries, Clayton is an every-week WR3.

Philadelphia @ Jacksonville

In a surprise only to those who didn't watch the Eagles' first two games, coach Andy Reid tabbed Michael Vick Tuesday as the team's starting quarterback going forward. The job was earned, as Vick has produced 599 total yards and accounted for three TDs in just over six full quarters, while leading Philly to its first 2010 win in Week 2. He now faces a Jaguars pass defense that's allowed more yards per pass attempt (10.1) than any team in the league, and more pass plays of 20-plus yards (11) than any AFC team. Vick is an elite fantasy option again. ... Vick's targets on the year thus far: DeSean Jackson 14, Jason Avant 12, Jeremy Maclin 10, Brent Celek 8. ... Jackson, the recipient of four catches for 135 yards and a touchdown from Vick last week, is forming the best rapport with Philadelphia's new quarterback. He's averaging an otherworldly 20.6 yards per catch.

Celek owners have to be concerned with their starting tight end's value. Vick has played with incredible aggression, willing to take deep shots rather than settle for dump-offs to his tight end. The Jags served up five catches and two touchdowns to Antonio Gates in Week 2, however, and Celek is simply too nimble and skilled a pass catcher to bust due to a quarterback who's always loved throwing to tight ends. Keep Celek going. ... Owners unafraid (or perhaps unaware) of LeSean McCoy's previous tentativeness between the tackles are benefiting enormously. They've got the No. 3 overall fantasy RB so far, and McCoy will build on that ranking this week. Jacksonville is tied for the league lead in rushing touchdowns allowed and is serving up 4.4 yards per carry.

Mike Sims-Walker bounced back from Champ Bailey's catch-less shadow coverage in the opener for a 10-105-1 line at San Diego, despite a clunker from David Garrard (four picks, 173 yards). With Jacksonville's ground game struggling, Sims-Walker may ultimately prove the feature player in this offense. He's an every-week WR2. The Eagles' pass rush is still in its developing phase with five sacks in two games. Garrard should be able to go deep, and MSW is his lone vertical threat. ... Mike Thomas continues to be used as a strict possession/underneath receiver. Thomas runs a great forty time, but the Jaguars' offense doesn't give him many big-play opportunities.

Marcedes Lewis is a lumbering tight end, but he's gotten the job done with two scores in his first game and 70 yards in the second. Lewis isn't talented enough for TE1 value, but he's a viable alternative if you're worried about someone like Celek or Tony Gonzalez. ... Maurice Jones-Drew is sitting on a 3.7 YPC average behind a Jaguars offensive line that isn't opening holes. MJD also isn't creating for himself, appearing to lack some explosiveness following a preseason knee injury. Owners still can't bench their top-five fantasy pick against an Eagles defense that served up a record performance to Jahvid Best in Week 2. We'll know more about Jones-Drew after this one.

4:15PM ET Games

San Diego @ Seattle

Philip Rivers is going deep less this year, but he's executing better than ever. So far, Rivers has completed all four of his 20-plus yard passes for 164 yards and two TDs. He usually averages over four 20-yarders per game. Expect a few more vertical shots against a Seahawks defense that's generated just three sacks through two weeks, and only one from a member of its starting front four. ... More vertical passing means more targets and yards for Malcom Floyd, coming off a 95-yard effort with a score. Floyd is healthy, despite missing Wednesday's practice. A LWR, he should face off with Seahawks RCB Kelly Jennings as opposed to studly LCB Marcus Trufant.

Antonio Gates is on fire, ranking first among tight ends in fantasy points. Seattle struggles in over-the-middle coverage, having yielded an 8-73 line to Vernon Davis in Week 1 and 5-65-1 to Broncos slot man Eddie Royal in Week 2. ... Legedu Naanee proved his five-catch, 110-yard opener was a fluke last week, catching one ball for 14 yards. He won't get loose from Trufant's coverage. ... Ryan Mathews is doubtful with a high ankle sprain, so Mike Tolbert will start at tailback. A powerful 250-pounder, Tolbert is a good bet to find the end zone in a game that should feature 30-plus points from the Bolts. Darren Sproles is a worthwhile flex in PPR leagues.

Behind only teammate Deion Branch, Seattle's Mike Williams is the worst starting wide receiver in football. A week after dropping 33 percent of his targets and getting caught from behind on a 35-yard catch, Williams got no separation against the Broncos, finishing with seven yards on three targets. Deon Butler and Golden Tate need to be the Seahawks' starters sooner rather than later. Matt Hasselbeck won't generate any big plays with his current wideout corps. ... San Diego presents an easier matchup than Denver did, but only slightly. The Chargers are tied for the NFL lead in interceptions and allow a miniscule 5.6 yards per pass attempt -- fifth fewest in the league.

John Carlson quietly leads Seattle with 15 targets. He's just not doing much with them, managing 84 yards through two weeks. The Chargers usually struggle in tight end coverage, but he's just not productive enough to count on. ... Seahawks carries through two games: Justin Forsett 15, Julius Jones 12, Leon Washington 10. Washington isn't even worth rostering in 12-team leagues. Forsett has little value outside of PPR formats, and he's only got four catches. Jones is averaging 2.5 yards per carry. Regardless of matchups, there's nothing to get remotely excited about here.



Oakland @ Arizona

As noted by Pro Football Focus, Derek Anderson didn't complete a single throw of 10-plus yards in Week 2, showing even worse accuracy than in the opener. D.A. isn't long for the starting job. ... Larry Fitzgerald continues to hog targets, saving his value. He ranks second in the league with 27. Fitz may see a good amount of Nnamdi Asomugha on Sunday, but it's not like you can bench him. He scored a touchdown in Week 1 and had seven catches for 83 yards in Week 2. ... I jumped the gun on Steve Breaston last week, calling him an every-week fantasy starter after his 132-yard Week 1 performance and with Early Doucet (sports hernia) out for the foreseeable future. Breaston saw fewer targets than Stephen Williams in Week 2 and now has a knee injury.

Beanie Wells (knee) is fully expected to make his 2010 debut in a home game against a Raiders club that's been gashed for 312 total yards and three touchdowns by opposing running backs in the first two games. Coach Ken Whisenhunt, however, indicated late this week that he plans to "ride the hot hand," and Wells is the favorite to have it over the far less talented Tim Hightower. Wells certainly is a risk, but his return is also enough to make Hightower an awfully weak bet. If Wells exhibits his trademark burst and power early on, he'll be impossible to take off the field.

Raiders coaches have made it abundantly clear that Michael Bush's return from a fractured thumb will have little impact on Darren McFadden's already league-leading workload. Bush was held out of all passing-game drills, and is ticketed for no more than 10 carries as a battering ram off the bench. Expect this to last, barring a McFadden breakdown or unanticipated production drop. McFadden ranks second in the league in rushing through two games, and Arizona's run defense is anything but stout. The Cards surrendered Jason Snelling's 182-total yard, three-touchdown breakout in Week 2. And Michael Turner had 75 yards on eight carries (9.4 YPC) before that.

Bruce Gradkowski's targets after replacing Jason Campbell: Darrius Heyward-Bey 9, Louis Murphy 7, Zach Miller 2. This is not to say that Heyward-Bey is primed to become a fantasy starter, or that Miller will bust. But it's a situation to track. ... Murphy busted loose for six catches, 91 yards, and a TD in Oakland's Week 2 win over St. Louis. The matchup was gravy, but he's going to be an every-week WR3 until Heyward-Bey shows consistency. Gradkowski is not afraid to throw downfield, and Murphy gets vertical in a hurry. He'll see lots of Cards LCB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in Week 3, but DRC has been anything but a shutdown corner this year.

Indianapolis @ Denver

Colts 2009 leading tackler Clint Session (hamstring) is not expected to play in a matchup that would've been ideal for Knowshon Moreno. Moreno, unfortunately, won't capitalize after straining his hamstring in Friday's practice. Correll Buckhalter will start out of veteran deference, but Laurence Maroney is a better bet for touches. Newly acquired, Maroney picked up the Broncos' scheme quickly as a former pupil of coach Josh McDaniels in New England. McD knows Maroney's strengths, and he's a sleeper RB2 if you're desperate. The matchup is highly favorable. Buckhalter is averaging just 2.0 yards per carry and appears to be on his last legs.

Waiver darling Demaryius Thomas is just now rounding into shape after foot injuries cost him the entire offseason. It's scary to think how good he'll be once he's ready. Thomas played just 22-of-77 snaps last Sunday, but was virtually unstoppable. The rookie entered midway through the second quarter and was thrown to relentlessly by Kyle Orton, with four of Orton's first five passes intended for Thomas. Owners may want to hang tight until Thomas becomes a full-time player, but that's the direction he's headed. ... Eddie Royal posted a 5-65-1 line against the Seahawks, but only played four more downs than Thomas, while Jabar Gaffney (70 snaps, 2-15 line) saw the most playing time. Inconsistent Brandon Lloyd (42 snaps, 3-53) rounds out the receiver rotation.

I heard an unnamed analyst claim that Michael Vick is playing the best football of any quarterback through two weeks. Vick is doing well, but Peyton Manning is playing better. Amid offensive line struggles, Manning ranks No. 1 in fantasy points with a 6:0 TD-to-INT ratio and 344 passing yards per game. The Broncos don't have the pass rush to exploit Indy's line woes, and Manning's matchup is further improved by injuries to CBs Champ Bailey (heel) and Andre' Goodman (thigh). ... Pierre Garcon has faded badly, taking a big backseat to Austin Collie and now battling a hamstring injury. Garcon missed Thursday and Friday's practices and probably won't play.

Dominating in the slot, Collie is the No. 4 fantasy receiver and an every-week WR2. ... Reggie Wayne is No. 3 among wideouts. He would normally be "shadowed" by Bailey, but Bailey isn't close to 100 percent after hardly practicing this week. ... Dallas Clark is just barely inched out by Antonio Gates for the top spot among tight ends. This offense is money this year. ... Joseph Addai is questionable with a knee injury. With the light flipping on for 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown (88 yards, TD, 17 touches in Week 2), the Colts don't have to worry about pushing Addai if he's not at full strength. Addai is a very low-end RB2. Brown is worth a look as a flex.

Sunday Night Football

NY Jets @ Miami

Dolphins running backs follow up a tough matchup against Minnesota with an even tougher one against the Jets. Rex Ryan's team has held opponents to 101 yards on 55 carries (1.8 YPC), and outside of Ronnie Brown's 51-yard run, he and Ricky Williams managed just 59 yards on 23 rushing attempts (2.6 YPC) in Week 2. Brown looks terrific after offseason Lisfranc surgery, but this is a red-light fantasy matchup. ... Anthony Fasano went catch-less against the Vikings after producing 25 percent of Miami's receiving yards in the opener. He isn't an option against the Jets.

Jets CB Darrelle Revis' deactivation has quite a few implications, but none greater than for Fins split end Brandon Marshall. Marshall is now expected to be "shadowed" by Antonio Cromartie, whom Marshall whipped religiously when the receiver was a Bronco and the cornerback was a Charger. Marshall's biggest line against "Cro" was 18-166-1 in Week 1 of 2007. Cromartie just doesn't play with enough physicality to contain arguably the AFC's best after-catch receiver. ... Chad Henne needed to complete just nine passes to beat the turnover-prone Vikings in Week 2, but will have to throw quite a bit more to best the Jets. Davone Bess remains a viable PPR WR3.

According to Pro Football Focus, Dolphins LCB Vontae Davis was targeted nine times in Week 2 and gave up just 23 yards while grabbing an interception. RCB Jason Allen picked off Brett Favre twice and is also covering well. Particularly with Braylon Edwards' role up in the air after a DWI, Mark Sanchez and Jets receivers are hands off for this one. ... The beneficiary could be Jets tight end Dustin Keller in the slot and down the seam. Keller is coming off a seven-catch, 115-yard, one-TD game, and caught eight balls for 76 yards and another score in his last bout with Miami.

Though not to the extent of the Jets, the Dolphins' run defense has been stout, keyed by the aggressive and relentless play of new NT Randy Starks. Miami is permitting just 3.7 yards per carry. LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene received 15-plus touches apiece in Week 2, though, and can be used as low-end RB2/flex plays. At least the workloads are consistent (or more consistent than expected for Greene after his nightmare opener). And coming off wins over Buffalo and Minnesota, the Dolphins have yet to face an offensive line nearly as good as the Jets'.

Monday Night Football

Green Bay @ Chicago

Mike Martz is already working magic in Chicago. The Bears lost LT Chris Williams to a hamstring injury early in last week's game, inserted Frank Omiyale, and took apart Dallas with short-to-intermediate throws. Jay Cutler was fantastic, evading pressure and pinpointing passes to Johnny Knox, Greg Olsen, and Devin Hester. Cutler's got the best playcaller in football on his side, and renewed self confidence. He's a matchup-proof starter until proven otherwise. ... Unfortunately, Devin Aromashodu went from the Bears' target leader in Week 1 to a special teamer in Week 2. After three drops in the opener, he was yanked from three-receiver sets in favor of Earl Bennett. Aromashodu can stay on deep league rosters, but Bennett is the new favorite for snaps in the slot.

After a one-catch opener, Devin Hester led Chicago in Week 2 targets and may see a bigger role with Aromashodu out of the equation. Bennett won't command Cutler's attention like Aromashodu did. This just isn't the week to use Hester. As a sometimes slot receiver who often plays flanker, Hester's primary coverman will be Charles Woodson. Johnny Knox, squaring off with RCB Tramon Williams for most of the game, is the better bet. ... Martz is using Greg Olsen just as he did Vernon Davis -- as a vertical tight end for whom plays are called situationally. Olsen will make big plays on occasion, but he's a TE2 at best. ... Matt Forte is the No. 4 fantasy back thus far. He's hard to bench against a Green Bay team that looks softer against the run this year than last.

Brandon Jackson will get better, but he was underwhelming to say the least in his first start since 2007. He scored on a goal-line carry, but a 2.8 YPC average against Buffalo won't cut it. You can't use him against a Bears team allowing the fewest yards per carry in the league (1.4). ... Jermichael Finley had 103 yards against the Bills, but that's only the beginning. His speed and dominance over the middle are unparalleled in football. Finley has the potential to rip the top off the Bears' Cover 2 defense. ... Though Marshawn Lynch-to-Green Bay rumors persist, Packers GM Ted Thompson has zero history of making such moves. Lynch is also the Bills' new starting tailback, and Buffalo will require a premium pick (third-rounder?) to trade him. It ain't happening.

Whereas he squared off with then-RCB Zackary Bowman much of last season, Greg Jennings will now primarily go against Charles Tillman this year, as the Bears flipped their cornerbacks' sides. Neither is playing shutdown coverage, though, so you'll have to keep Jennings going. ... Aaron Rodgers has accounted for five touchdowns through two games to grade out as the No. 5 fantasy quarterback thus far. ... The Packers are scaling back Donald Driver's weekly snaps as he comes off dual offseason knee surgeries. He's only playing 64 percent of the downs, compared to Finley's 86.4. Finley will wind up as Rodgers' go-to guy over the middle and underneath. Jennings is the vertical route runner.