Week 2 Starters & Benchwarmers

Wondering whether or not to start Tom Brady and Julio Jones, or to bench Brandon Weeden and Greg Little? The network bozos specialize in that kind of advice. If you’re looking for help with your real starting lineup conundrums, read on.

Here are my picks to roll, and get rolled, in Week 2 of the 2012 season.

Watch ‘em roll

Matt Schaub, QB, Texans at Jaguars.  The only worries for Schaub center on his health, and he proved in Week 1 that he is fully recovered from last season’s foot injury.  He and Andre Johnson got off to a nice start against Miami, and they should face little resistance against Jacksonville’s mediocre secondary.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB, Bengals vs. Browns.  The Law Firm ran strong against the vaunted Ravens defense in the opener.  He’ll be rewarded on Sunday with a sweet matchup against one of the softest run defenses in the league.

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants vs. Buccaneers.  Suddenly the Bucs’ rush defense is a brick wall because they shut down the Panthers’ attack in Week 1?  I’m not buying it.  Bradshaw will torch the league’s worst run defenders from 2011, and remind us that one game does not a trend make.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers vs. Giants.  As predicted here, Jackson got off to a slow start against the Panthers, though he was targeted on 10 passes.  This week, he’ll find more success, and the end zone, against New York’s depleted secondary.  Josh Freeman doesn’t pass a lot; but when he does, he prefers V-Jax.

Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens at Eagles.  The speedster started his season with a bang, hauling in a 52-yard bomb on the Ravens’ first play from scrimmage.  Then he nearly vanished.  A confident Joe Flacco will target Smith more frequently this week in a tougher matchup on the road.   

More thumbs up (excluding the no-brainers): QBs Matt Stafford, Tony Romo, Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, Robert Griffin III, Carson Palmer; RBs DeMarco Murray, Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Turner, Alfred Morris, CJ Spiller, Doug Martin, Frank Gore, Stevan Ridley, Darren Sproles, Willis McGahee; WRs Reggie Wayne, Stevie Johnson, Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas, Lance Moore, Michael Crabtree, Antonio Brown, Miles Austin, Dez Bryant.

Roll ‘em back

Michael Vick, QB, Eagles vs. Ravens.  There’s no ignoring Vick’s four-interception meltdown against the Browns. What’s even more worrisome is the possible absence of his favorite target, Jeremy Maclin (hip pointer).  Baltimore will flush Vick out of the pocket regularly in this showdown, which could lead to another mistake-filled outing.

Chris Johnson, RB, Titans at Chargers.  Only PPR-leaguers should consider Johnson a decent starter this week.  He’ll be facing a run defense that limited Darren McFadden to just 45 rushing yards on Monday night (11 times more than CJ1K gained on the Patriots).  He should see his fair share of passes, but don’t count on much groundwork from the incredible, shrinking Johnson.

Kevin Smith, RB, Lions at 49ers.  Coming off his two-TD performance against the Rams, it’s tough to bench Smith.  But the 49ers’ run defense is just as stifling as ever.  (Just ask Cedric Benson.) Don’t test them.

Kenny Britt, WR, Titans at Chargers.  He’s done his time and will be active, but a lingering knee injury and worries over persistent hamstring problems could still limit his snaps.  Also, Britt has a track record of mediocre performances in his first game following injuries.  Give him a week to get acclimated.

Sidney Rice, WR, Seahawks vs. Cowboys.  He found the end zone last weekend, but he also emerged with a tweaked knee.  The injury isn’t expected to cost Rice a start, but the Cowboys’ aggressive corners should have little trouble shutting him down.

More thumbs down: QBs Jake Locker, Alex Smith, Sam Bradford; RBs Beanie Wells, Ryan Williams, Ryan Mathews, Ronnie Brown, DeAngelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Donald Brown, Isaac Redman, Shonn Greene, Mark Ingram; WRs Robert Meachem, Randy Moss, Justin Blackmon, Kevin Ogletree, Stephen Hill, Darrius Heyward-Bey.

TAKING A FLIER

Danny Amendola, WR, Rams vs. Redskins. It’s easier to pass than run against Washington, and Amendola proved last weekend that he is clearly Sam Bradford’s go-to receiver.  Look for plenty of targets, and a trip to the end zone, for Amendola as the Rams try to keep pace with RGIII & Company.

DON’T BE THE BONEHEAD WHO…benches Wes Welker after his miserable opener.  Granted, it was somewhat shocking to see him yield snaps to Julian Edelman against the Titans, but that’s what the game plan dictated.  Welker is still a formidable weapon for the Pats, as he’ll prove to his doubters on Sunday in Arizona.