Just a quick reminder about the fantasy mailbag, remember to send me any comments or questions. I've received a few already, and an interesting debate could emerge. A Niners Nation member asked me "Do I start Joe Flacco vs. SD or Matt Hasselbeck vs. SF?". My initial response was start Hasselbeck, despite the strong outing the 49ers defense showed in Week 1. I've added a poll to this column, and want to know your input as well.
Flacco put up huge numbers against the Chiefs; surprising, shocking numbers (307 yards, 3 TDs). Can he repeat the feat against San Diego? The Chargers held JaMarcus Russell in check primarly (40% completion, 2 INTs) and are a much better team defensively than the Chiefs. Also, the Ravens have a carnival of running backs to throw at San Diego's front seven and should play a much more "Baltimore"-style offense in Week 2.
Hasselbeck on the other hand looked awful in the first half against St. Louis, throwing two interceptions. However, he later regained composure (that and the Rams were the opponent) and threw 3 TDs and went for over 200 yards passing. San Francisco pressured Kurt Warner all day long, but Warner still managed 288 yards passing (with 2 INTs). When the 49ers defense shuts down Seattle's run game, Hasselbeck will be forced to go to the air. While the 49ers will win the game, Matt Hasselbeck will keep the Seahawks close.
Sit
Joe Flacco QB BAL @ SD - Week 2 Forecast: 175 pass yards, 1 INTs, 1 TD
Start
Matt Hasselbeck SEA @ SF - Week 2 Forecast: 250 pass yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
After the jump, the rest of my sit/start suggestions...
Sit
Carnell Williams RB TB @ BUF - The Buffalo Defense played a pretty good game against New England. I expect the Bills to be able to make the Bucs one dimensional, and shut down the run in the process. Williams went for 97 yards and 1 TD (on 13 touches); if he gets that few touches this week, expect much smaller numbers. Week 2 Forecast: 50 total yards, 0 TDs
Start
Darren Sproles RB SD vs. BAL - Am I crazy or what? I'm suggesting your start a RB versue the Ravens defense, after the Ravens held Larry Johnson to 20 yards rushing and Jamaal Charles 8. Well, LaDanian Tomlinson is facing a nagging injury (Fooch Note: LDT ruled out), and Philip Rivers will keep Baltimore much more honest against the pass than Brodie Croyle could ever dream of. Sproles is shifty, and if you can hit him, it doesn't matter how punishing the front seven is. Week 2 Forecast: 100 total yards, 1 TD
Sit
Devery Henderson WR NO @ PHI - Fact: Henderson has had back to back 100 yards game once in his career. You can date that back to November 2006. Drew Brees may find success against the Eagles, but it will be his primary targets, not Henderson. It seemed the Lions forgot about Henderson in Week 1, and I don't expect the Eagles to make that mistake. It will be wise for the Saints to run the ball against Philly, and I expect them to do so, limiting Henderson's chances. Week 2 Forecast: 40 total yards, 0 TDs
Start
Vernon Davis TE SF vs. SEA - Homer alert! Yep, it's true, I have sentiment involved in this one. Remember the last time Vernon Davis played Seattle in San Francisco? I bet you do, he was sent to the showers early by interim Head Coach Mike Singletary. Well, in 2009, things have change greatly; Singletary is completely in charge and Vernon Davis is a team captain. I expect Vernon to send a message to Seattle, and San Francisco: "I'm here." Week 2 Forecast: 85 total yards, 1 TD
Sit
Philadelphia Team DEF vs. NO - Drew Brees was sacked the least amount of times in 2008 in the entire league. Philly's defense destroyed Jake Delhomme, getting 5 sacks and 5 INTs on the day while also scoring a TD. You can bet they won't near the sack total versus New Orleans, but they may be able to intercept Brees (just not 4 times like they did Delhomme). Overall, it will be wise to look elsewhere, but if you're like me, you only hang with one team defense. Definitely don't drop Philly in order to have a favourable match-up for one week. Week 2 Forecast: 28 pts allowed; 1 sack, 2 INTs
Start
New England Team DEF @ NYJ - The Patriots sacked Trent Edwards 4 times on Monday, but failed to cause an interception. The team only forced one turnover, but I expect the unit to rattle Mark Sanchez' cage all Sunday long. They should be able to create pressure and force the rookie into a few mistakes, while keeping the Jets in check and making up for Week 1's poor effort vs. BUF. Week 2 Forecast: 17 pts allowed; 5 sacks, 2 INTs, 1 TD
That wraps up my fantasy "analysis" for week 2, I'll see you guys next week with more "advice". Cheers, and may the 49ers win the pennant Super Bowl (well let's hope they start by beating Seattle this week).