Booms:
QB Sam Bradford, PHI: I had Bradford in this space last week, and while he didn't boom in the first half, he came pretty close to doing so in the second half. The Eagles offense looking out of sync in its first regular season game on the road was not a shock. However, there is no denying how much better the team looked in the second half. As will happen all season, Bradford lost some touchdowns to the running backs of Chip Kelly's offense while also throwing a few picks. That said, 52 passing attempts and 336 yards is a heck of a start to a guy harnessing this offense's power. I would be shocked if Bradford isn't one of the top 5 best fantasy QBs this week at home against a mediocre Dallas defense.
RB Lamar Miller, MIA: Miller owners were searching the internet on Sunday to see if he was injured after amassing only two yards in the first half. The game flow and Miami's offense opened up in the second half, with Miller finishing with 75 yards from scrimmage on the day. Even though Washington has been a circus over the years, they have usually presented a stout front to run against. So I think the issues were more defense and game flow problems. I expect Miller to get the ball in space in both the running game and the passing game, as he is by far Miami's best weapon in the backfield.
RB Justin Forsett, BAL: Going from facing the Broncos defense, which could be the best defensive unit in football, to the leaky Raiders defense is a welcome sight for everyone on the Ravens offense. Forsett is at the top of that list after being held to 43 yards in Denver. The Bengals averaged 4.1 yards per carry against the Raiders in Week 1, with Jeremy Hill scoring two short touchdowns. 100+ yards and a TD is what I expect out of Forsett, who should end up being a good fit in new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman's new offense.
WR Eric Decker, NYJ: For the second week in a row, Brandon Marshall will likely draw the other team's No. 1 defensive back. Marshall had to deal with Joe Haden against the Browns, and will see a lot of Vontae Davis on Monday night. This is great news for Decker owners. Davis held Bills WR Sammy Watkins without a catch in Week 1. Marshall did score against Haden, but it doesn't mean he didn't have to work for every yard. Give me the receiver that is not being shadowed by a shutdown DB. That receiver is Eric Decker.
TE Jimmy Graham, SEA: Graham is used to booming during his NFL career. While he didn't struggle in Week 1, his 51 yards and a TD against the Rams was not a "week winner" that Graham owners have gotten accustomed to getting from the tight end. I think one of those performances is in Graham this week, partially thanks to the 11 guys on the other side of the ball. The Rams are among the best teams in the league at getting to the quarterback. The Packers simply are not. Less pressure on Russell Wilson means more possibilities for the Seahawks to use Graham as a receiver. I look for Graham to at least double his receiving yards and hit pay dirt at least once in Lambeau.
Busts:
RB Joseph Randle, DAL: The Dez Bryant injury effects every player on the Cowboys. Defenses no longer have to worry about number 88 hurting them, meaning they can concentrate on helping against Dallas' beastly offensive line and running game. Randle was clearly the lead back out of the three-headed monster of Randle, Darren McFadden and Lance Dunbar. The way to hurt the Eagles is through the air, and Randle likely won't be enough of a factor in the passing game to put up solid RB2 numbers.
RB Latavius Murray, OAK: I am not ready to write off Oakland altogether yet, even though the Bengals ate their lunch for them last week. Getting blown out at home in the season opener and losing your quarterback to a hand injury is not a great start to the season. Now the Raiders welcome in an angry Ravens team, fresh off a loss to the Broncos. I expect the Raiders to take their lumps again in this game, meaning Murray likely won't deliver whatever price you paid for him in your draft this week.
WR Andre Johnson, IND: Anyone that watched Johnson during Week 1's contest against the Bills came away concerned by his lack of burst. In fact, it's not a stretch to say the Colts WR looked old. While many expected the Indianapolis offense to struggle with Rex Ryan's defense, the way Johnson moved was much more concerning. Week 2 won't get much easier, as Andre3000 is likely booked for a trip to Revis Island, especially if T.Y. Hilton misses the game with a knee injury. Week 3 may be the first time we get a good look at what the newest Colts receiver can do with Andrew Luck.
TE Zach Ertz, PHI: Last year's preseason hype darling still has not broken through as many hoped he would before last season. He caught three balls for 46 against the Falcons last week, but still nothing TE1 worthy. In two games against the Cowboys last year, Ertz totaled three receptions for 32 yards and no touchdowns. With the amount of mouths that must be fed and the other tight end options out there, I think Ertz needs to prove he can become a reliable tight end before burning a spot in your lineup on him.
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