If your lineup survived Week Two unscathed consider yourself a lucky man. Injuries plagued the second week of 2014 leaving teams, coaches, and fantasy football lineups everywhere with little assurance heading into Week Three. Aside the big name players going down, there’s a few things to note about last week’s action.
Quarterbacks:
Sep 14, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) throws a pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter at Levi
Top pick Aaron Rodgers came away with the most fantasy points out of any quarterback after failing to produce against the Seahawks in Week One… Phillip Rivers came away with the second most despite his opponent, the Seahawks … Another subpar day for Drew Brees in consecutive losses for the Saints on the road, with Ingram out look for him to play better at home (six of their next nine games are in New Orleans).
A solid season debut for Cam Newton despite only 19 rushing yards… After speculator Week One performances both Matthew Stafford and Matt Ryan struggled against top defenses on Sunday…. Jay Cutler, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck are the only quarterbacks to score 20+ points in both Week One and Week Two… Tom Brady and Tony Romo continue to be ineffective to start the season.
Robert Griffin III (carted off in the first quarter with a dislocated ankle, expected to return this season)
Running Backs
Sep 14, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) carries the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Cowboys beat the Titans 26-10. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Marshawn Lynch managed over 12 fantasy points even with just six carries… In seven trips to the Red Zone the Bears have scored six times, all of them passing touchdowns. Matt Forte will get his due… The Broncos also choose to throw it near the goaline leaving Montee Ball with just 8.9 fantasy points after nearly six yards per touch on Sunday.
DeMarco Murray has looked great running the football (142.5 yards per carry), he just needs to hang on to it. And stay healthy… 2nd string running backs shined as receivers on Monday Night Football, as Darren Sproles and Ahmad Bradshaw racked up a combined 178 yards receiving with two touchdowns… With over 100 yards in consecutive games to start the season Arian Foster has returned to the top of the running back pecking order.
Jamaal Charles (left game early in the first quarter with a high-ankle sprain, could miss up to four weeks)
Mark Ingram (broke his hand late in the Browns game, expected to miss about a month)
Knowshon Monero (exited in the first quarter with a dislocated elbow, recovery time is at least four weeks)
Lamar Miller (hurt late in the fourth quarter, ankle injury)
Ryan Matthews (carted off during fourth quarter with a knee injury ,out 4-5 weeks)