Gridiron Challenge: Week 2 previewBy Jim McCormick Overreaction rarely works out. That's where the "over" part factors in, I suppose. It seems that as the buildup to each season gets increasingly more intense, the pressure to produce and win early in fantasy leagues grows. We often look forward to the season so much that early returns are over-scrutinized; owners look for immediate returns from their long-awaited fantasy crews. It's best to exercise considerable restraint when making moves with your fantasy team at this early juncture. That said, do whatever you want with your Gridiron Challenge team. You see, you can overreact all you want in the Challenge, as dramatic overhauls are just as plausible and invited as making a few tweaks to the roster. Don't be afraid to celebrate the rare freedom this format affords you as you seek to maximize your production each week. Bull MarketInvestments that should bear out as the season progressesAaron Rodgers, QB, Packers (5.9 price tag): While Rodgers is a proven and coveted commodity in fantasy, he's somewhat undervalued in this format. He has a price point identical to those of Ben Roethlisberger and Matt Ryan but clearly has more of a statistical cache. The Packers have a number of favorable matchups on the way, meaning Rodgers' value should keep going up. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens (5.7 price tag): His huge first outing has his elated owners changing their team names to "Flacco Seagulls" and such. And for good reason, as the former Delaware Blue Hen faces just a handful of feared secondaries this entire season. He should see his star rise significantly in fantasy circles and in this marketplace. Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants (5.7 price tag): With an inviting matchup this week against a Dallas defense that allowed multiple touchdowns from Tampa Bay running backs in Week 1, plus an amazingly long stretch of susceptible run defenses on the calendar, Jacobs' market price should increase significantly in the near future. Chris Johnson, RB, Titans (5.9 price tag): Despite being held out of the end zone in both games versus Houston during his rookie campaign, Johnson should break the plane this week and begin building on his somewhat deflated price tag. Steve Smith, WR, Panthers (5.7 price tag): Although Jake Delhomme might be doing his best "Weekend at Bernie's" impersonation, stud wideout Smith can help prop him up for few more weeks with his transcendent yards-after-the-catch abilities. Delhomme must improve to keep his job, or else newly signed backup A.J. Feeley could take the snaps. However, Smith's production likely will be somewhat immune to whoever is under center. Santonio Holmes, WR, Steelers (5.6 price tag): The issue with Holmes has never been potential, but rather attention in his offense. With 11 targets in Week 1 as well as a number of enticing matchups looming, his market price will rise. Consider that he didn't have one outing with more than five receptions last season but tallied a gaudy nine in Week 1. Chris Cooley, TE, Redskins (4.9 price tag): The Seattle Seahawks' John Carlson saw a marked increase on the Gridiron price index this week thanks to his dominant outing versus the St. Louis Rams in Week 1. We can expect similarly impressive dividends with Cooley, as he gets his crack at the inept Rams and is his offense's most proven target. Green Bay Defense (5.2 price tag): Outside of the elite few, this position is defined by matchups. The Green Bay Packers play the Cincinnati Bengals and Detroit Lions in the next month, and should see a price spike thanks to the production we'll see out of their new-look, aggressive defensive scheme. Weekly WondersPlayers who face favorable matchups and come at a discount but aren't trustworthy on a weekly basisDavid Garrard, QB, Jaguars (5.3 price tag): Paltry production in the season debut saw Garrard depreciate this week, but with a home game against an exploitable Arizona Cardinals secondary and a running back in Maurice Jones-Drew who is a weekly threat to score via the swing pass, he merits consideration for those looking to save some bank on their second signal-caller this week. Brett Favre, QB, Vikings (5.5 price tag): Favre depreciated on the market this week after being relegated to managing the game in Week 1. But with a savory matchup versus the Detroit Lions this week and several attractive upcoming opponents, we should start seeing some substantial statistical returns from the man who simply can't stay away from the game. Bernard Berrian, WR, Vikings (5.3 price tag): Yep. I'm endorsing a guy who blanked investors in Week 1. In line with my endorsement of Favre, Berrian should see the passing game warm up to him as he heals and jells with the veteran signal-caller. Fred Jackson, RB, Bills (5.2 price tag): Jackson looked capable on the ground and in the passing game as the Buffalo Bills' feature back. He should continue to produce at an elite level for a bargain price until suspended starter Marshawn Lynch enters the fray in Week 4. Zach Miller, TE, Raiders (4.5 price tag): The impressive Miller still comes at a discount, but that likely won't last, as we'll be seeing some impressive weekly returns from him as the Oakland Raiders' most reliable option in the passing game. Jim's Week 2 LineupNot a stellar debut by any means from my squad, with 129 points, placing me in the 57th percentile and at 82,893 among the considerable contingent of investors. It was enough production to keep me in the thick of the pack, though, as it's still too early to discern reality in the market. A quick tip for building your roster: The budget in the Gridiron Challenge allows managers to spend about 5.5 per each roster spot, but by spending 4.3 per kicker and defense as I have this week, with cheap upside plays like Rob Bironas and the Washington Redskins' defense, I allow myself to spend 5.9 for each remaining position. Point being, owning an elite defense like Pittsburgh comes at a considerable cost in both fantasy football and in the Gridiron Challenge, and in this game, you can significantly bolster your position talent with shrewd defensive and kicker plays.
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Packers: 13 year-to-date points; 5.9 (locked price)/ 5.9 (market price) Jim McCormick is a fantasy football analyst for ESPN.com as well as the editor and publisher of BLITZ Magazine, a print and online publication covering football from prep to pro. |
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Prizes
Play Gridiron Challenge for your chance to win a $1,100 Best Buy Gift Card and the Ultimate Fan Pack.
Total ARV is $2,500

