Oh boy. Jake Locker. I'm going to put it out there on Front Street. I was long-conned by Jake Locker last week. It looked like a great matchup on paper and not only did I recommend Locker strongly, I even sat Philip Rivers for him. So yeah, there's that. The numbers seemed great on paper. But through two weeks of the season, the Cowboys haven't given up a lot points to quarterbacks. So that's on me, if you started Jake Locker.
While the quarterbacks have struggled against the Cowboys (or not lived up to expectations) the tight ends have been smoking them. Vernon Davis and now Delanie Walker last week had great success against the Cowboys. So what would you say to a little Jared Cook in your life? I know, we've all been burned by Cook in the past. And really, I wouldn't play him over the guy who is probably already on your team. But if you have to rotate a tight end because of injuries to Jordan Reed or Jordan Cameron, well, Cook is somebody to consider here. For one week.
But yeah, Locker. So there is such a thing as the matchup being way too good and not delivering.
Let's go on to some other names.
Donald Brown, RB, San Diego Chargers
Brown is going to get his chance with Ryan Mathews out because of a sprained MCL. Brown did really well in spurts for the Colts last season. He should assume the No. 1 running back role. Danny Woodhead will continue in his current capacity.
Khiry Robinson, RB, New Orleans Saints
I just released Robinson last week because I had to grab Santonio Holmes to protect my Brandon Marshall play. And yeah, now I'm scrambling on the waiver wire to get him back. But Robinson received a huge endorsement from Bill Parcells during the playoffs last year. Now the Saints are going to be forced to give him a chance.
Joique Bell, RB, Detroit Lions
Loved his workload against the Panthers. A costly fumble kept him from having a workman like day at Carolina. I'm digging the matchup against the Packers. Bell scored close to 20 points the last time he went against the Packers at Ford Field. I don't always play him when the matchups are tough, but he's a good flex option this week.
Jeremy Hill, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
This guy is more than a backup, he's part of the mix for the Bengals. And I love the matchup against the Titans, who can't stop anybody on the ground. Look at what the Cowboys did to them last week and what the Chiefs did the week before. Oh wait, don't look at what the Chiefs did. Andy Reid whiffed on that one. But look at what the Cowboys did. If you landed Hill on your waiver wire this week (or drafted him!) feel comfortable with giving him a go this week.
Knile Davis, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Jamaal Charles was dinged up in the loss to the Broncos, as an added injury to insult. Knile Davis though is more than just a capable backup. He has the ability to put up huge numbers, as he did in Week 2, when given the chance. Somehow this has started to remind me just a little bit of when Larry Johnson took over for Priest Holmes so many years ago.
Terrance West, RB, Cleveland Browns
He's been the darling of Rank's 11 for most of the summer, and there is no reason for the hype-train to slow down. West is at least a flex option right now because he's going to be a big part of the mix. The only person who will end up challenging West is Isaiah Crowell, who also looked good. But West is the guy to go with right now.
Jonathan Stewart, RB, Carolina Panthers
Stewart wasn't great against the Lions, though he did have a touchdown. But the matchup against the Steelers is awesome. Everybody runs on the Steelers. Stewart is a really nice option especially if DeAngelo Williams is out for another game.
Bobby Rainey, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rainey has been the best back in Tampa Bay and he's earned his time even when Doug Martin returns. So I'm not worried about him at all. In fact, you have to love the matchup against the Falcons this week who have surrendered a lot of yards on the ground to running backs. Just look at what both Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill did to them last week.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Sanu has kind of worked himself into the conversation as a WR3/flex option thanks to an injury to A.J. Green. Sanu looked pretty solid against the Falcons when he found himself completely uncovered against Atlanta's secondary. I like the matchup against the Titans, as the Bengals should be able to move the ball.
Brian Quick, WR, St. Louis FC
We talked about Tavon Austin (who will miss some time with a knee injury) and Kenny Britt, but Quick has been the most productive receiver for St. Louis. While it's important to note J.J. Watt has more touchdown receptions this season compared to the St. Louis receiving corps, Quick has been targeted the most. And really, they have to record a receiving touchdown at some point, right? #Analysis. I know, you really shouldn't manage your fantasy team because "he's due." But if you are in need of a receiver, you can't argue with the volume of touches.
Kirk Cousins, QB, Washington Redskins
I'm going to put a quarterback way down the list, thanks in no small part to the Jake Locker debacle. But Cousins could be this season's Nick Foles. And remember this. The Bengals brass wanted to draft Colin Kaepernick years ago, but then offensive coordinator Jay Gruden wanted Andy Dalton because he fit the system better. Cousins fits a similar mold, and let's be honest, the team just looked better with Cousins out there. Decent test against the Eagles this week, but Cousins could be an interesting play.
Atlanta Falcons D/ST
I would prefer to pick up the Patriots if they were available in your league. My guess is they aren't. I kind of like working with the Falcons on a short week. You might be tempted to go with the Colts here, but a short week along with playing outdoors has me scared off. I'm going to stick with the Falcons. Final answer.
#DangerZone Pick
Jerick McKinnon, RB, Minnesota Vikings
This was the first move I made when Peterson was out for the Vikings last week and I had to make a move. My thought was always Matt Asiata would get first crack if Peterson ever went down in a game. But McKinnon was the best long-term play. Asiata, despite a touchdown last week, proved he's nothing more than a bulldozer. McKinnon will be a decent option in the coming weeks.
- Follow Adam Rank on Twitter @adamrank. He surprisingly answers a lot of questions. *
