Fantasy Football: Top 5 busts for Week 2

Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass in the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Titans defeated the Buccaneers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports

Managing a fantasy football team is similar to managing stock. In order to succeed, its essential to gauge a player’s actual value in the context of his perceived value. It’s also incredibly important to make sure you check weekly on which players have favorable matchups and which ones you should actually sit for someone else.

From quarterbacks, running backs and even wide receivers, depending on what defenses they face could be the difference between winning and losing. As we all know in fantasy football, you want to put your best lineup out there against opponents, even if it means sitting down popular players.

With that being said, here are the top 5 players who, despite being valued by most fantasy owners, should be played with caution in Week 2 as they could be a bust for this particular week.

Next: 5. Andre Johnson

Sep 13, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson (81) is unable to hold on to a pass to him in the end zone during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Colts 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

5. Andre Johnson

With Colts No. 1 wide receiver T.Y. Hilton listed as questionable (knee injury) for the team’s Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets, Andre Johnson should see plenty of playing time.

Unfortunately for Johnson, without Hilton present to occupy the No. 1 spot, Johnson will see extensive time lined up against All Pro Jets’ cornerback Darrelle Revis. Considering he struggled to produce against the Bills last week (4 receptions for 24 yards) and that he faces an even tougher matchup in Week 2, fantasy owners should not expect much from Johnson.

It’s best to sit him this week as playing in Revis Island is no vacation by any means.

Next: 4. Marcus Mariota

Sep 13, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tennessee Titans defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 42-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

4. Marcus Mariota

Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota amazed in his season debut, completing 13 of 16 passes for 209 yards and 4 touchdowns. In doing so, he posted a perfect passer rating (158.3) and became the second quarterback in NFL history to throw 4 touchdown passes in his first game.

Mariota’s impressive performance hints of a potential promising future for the young signal caller. That being said, every rookie quarterback faces some road bumps along the way.

After posting prolific numbers against an incompetent Buccaneers’ team, expect Mariota to take a step back against Joe Haden and the stout Browns’ defense. Trust me when I say, he won’t be putting up numbers like that against a vastly superior defensive secondary.

Next: 3. Eddie Lacy

Sep 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) rushes the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

3. Eddie Lacy

Going into this season, most fantasy projections had Eddie Lacy listed as a top five running back, if not a top five player overall. Lacy lived up to the hype in Week 1, producing 85 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown against the Bears.

However, Lacy now faces a brutal matchup against the Seahawks. The Seahawks’ defense, which ranked 1st in points allowed/game and 3rd in rushing yards allowed/game in 2014, will limit Lacy’s upside tremendously in Week 2.

Fantasy owners left without solid alternatives at running back should still start Lacy, but they should do so with tempered expectations. If any team knows how to shutdown top running backs, it’s the Seahawks.

Next: 2. Joique Bell

Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Detroit Lions running back Joique Bell (35) is up ended by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae (37) during the first quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

2. Joique Bell

Fantasy owners went into this season with the realization that running back Joique Bell may eventually lose carries in a crowded Lions’ backfield.

Eventually is now. Bell only managed to produce 14 rushing yards on 6 carries last week. Promising rookie back Ameer Abdullah stole the show in Week 1, accounting for almost 200 all purpose yards (50 rushing, 44 receiving, 105 returning) and a rushing touchdown.

Bell may manage to vulture a rushing touchdown in Week 2. However, unless he manages to match Abdullah’s production in the weeks ahead, Bell will remain a risky play for the foreseeable future. This week he faces the tough run defense of the Minnesota Vikings.

Next: 1. Dion Lewis

Sep 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end

Cameron Heyward

(97) attempts to tackle New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) during the fourth quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dion Lewis

Patriots’ running back Dion Lewis was a solid sleeper Week 1 against the Steelers, accounting for over 100 all purpose yards (69 rushing, 51 receiving). He illustrated good speed

However, with running back LeGarrette Blount set to return from a suspension, Lewis should see a dramatic decrease in playing time. Couple that with Lewis’ Week 2 matchup against a formidable Bills’ defense, fantasy owners should find an alternative option- any alternative option- at running back this week.

The Bills are set to make a statement and will absolutely shut down Lewis with a strong defensive strategy to keep him contained. Avoid him at all costs this week!

Next: New York Jets: Team soars in spite of injuries

Fantasy Football: Top 5 busts for Week 2

By Chris Stephano | Sep 17, 2015

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