THE DIVE: Week 2 – “Sand Off the Rust”

Welcome back NFL! Sure, football in 2020 looks different with empty stadiums and coaches sporting masks, but I think we can all agree how amazing it was to watch football on TV again. Despite many NFL teams working off the rust, there were several teams that appeared in mid-season form. Aaron Rodgers silenced critics with a monster week alongside Davante Adams as Green Bay defeated division rival Minnesota. Other stars who shined last weekend included Lamar Jackson, Josh Jacobs, DeAndre Hopkins, Calvin Ridley, Russell Wilson, Alvin Kamara and Josh Allen. There were also a few teams including Cleveland, Indianapolis, Tampa Bay and the New York Jets that performed below expectation and will attempt to rebound in Week 2.

With Week 2 approaching quickly, let’s take a dive into several players and a defense that can help you win this week.

Philip Rivers, QB, Indianapolis

Indianapolis was supposed to blow out division rival Jacksonville last Sunday. Not only did Indianapolis fail to meet this expectation, it lost the game in one of the weekends biggest upsets. Rivers looked solid in his debut with 363 passing yards and spread the ball to nine different receivers. However, the veteran quarterback suffered two costly interceptions, which plagued him all of 2019. Rivers should have a nice rebound in a home matchup against Minnesota secondary who were just torched for four touchdowns by Aaron Rodgers. Consider Rivers a low-end QB2 with a high ceiling.

Week 2 projection: 300 passing yards, 2 TD

Adrian Peterson, RB, Detroit

Future Hall of Fame running back Adrian Peterson may be on his fifth team in four years (Minnesota, New Orleans, Arizona, Washington, Detroit) and past his heyday, “All Day” (Peterson’s nickname) has still been productive in recent years. This trend continued as Peterson ran for 93 rushing yards and averaged over 6 yards per carry. Additionally, he caught three passes for 21 yards. Detroit’s backfield will have a shared workload, but Peterson appears to head this committee for now. He has an attractive matchup against Green Bay, who he is very familiar with – and who just allowed 128 total yards and two scores to Minnesota’s running backs. Consider Peterson as a low-end RB3 with a high floor.

Week 1 projection: 75 total yards, TD

Parris Campbell, WR, Indianapolis

Second-year receiver Parris Campbell was one of the few bright spots for Indianapolis last weekend with six catches for 71 yards on nine targets. With a juicy matchup against Minnesota’s secondary, Campbell should have value as a WR3 or flex this weekend. Look for Campbell to continue building steam as a key target for Philip Rivers.

Week 2 projection: 75 receiving yards, TD

Logan Thomas, TE, Washington

Thomas is yet to have a breakout season in his career, but he may have an opportunity with Washington. Quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. targeted Thomas nine times for four catches yielding 37 yards and a score. Although these numbers may not constitute “must start,” Thomas should be considered in deeper leagues or if your current tight end may be injured. Consider Thomas as a low-end TE3 with great matchup against Arizona, who struggled mightily defending the tight end position all of 2019.

Week 2 projection: 50 receiving yards, TD

Cincinnati D/ST

The Cincinnati defense performed satisfactory in Week 1, but did manage to keep the Los Angeles Chargers to 16 points even in a loss. Next, Cincinnati has a Thursday road matchup against state rivals Cleveland. Cleveland’s highly touted offense was completely out of sorts and may be down a couple offensive weapons due to injury. Cincinnati may be a nice plug-and-play defense this week if your current defense has a tough matchup or underperformed last week.

Week 2 projection: 12 points

Week 1 Results: Not a bad start!

Cam Newton, QB, New England

Week 1 Forecast: 250 passing yards, 25 rushing yards, 2 TD

Week 1 Results: 155 passing yards, 75 rushing yards, 2 rushing TD (good call)

Sony Michel, RB, New England

Week 1 Forecast: 75 total yards, TD

Week 1 Results: 35 total yards, TD (OK call)

Will Fuller, WR, Houston

Week 1 Forecast: 75 total yards, TD

Week 1 Results: 112 receiving yards (good call)

Hayden Hurst, TE, Atlanta

Week 1 Forecast: 60 receiving yards, TD

Week 1 Results: 38 receiving yards (bad call)

Indianapolis D/ST

Week 1 Forecast: 12 points

Week 1 Results: 4 points (bad call)

Good luck in Week 2!