It's only two weeks into the fantasy football, season and already there are a few surprises. All fantasy owners know that there are roughly 14 weeks in the season, so giving up on a particular player too early is unwise. Then again, you don't want to be the guy stuck with underperforming players halfway into the season. Let's run through the list of surprises and busts for the first two weeks:
SurprisesThe Baltimore defense
Usually defense is one of the last picks you make in the draft. Maybe it should have been your first. Through the first two weeks, the Ravens defense, led by the murderously good Ray Lewis, has nine sacks, six interceptions, three fumble recoveries, a touchdown, and a safety. They have yet to yield any points to an opposing offense. In most leagues, this defense has been the highest scoring option out there.
Granted, Baltimore has only played the underperforming Buccaneers and indescribably poor Oakland Raiders. It's not too tough to force Aaron Brooks to commit turnovers. But this team has always had a terrific defense and they seem reenergized by the fact that they now have a competent quarterback in Steve McNair. If you can pick up or trade for this defense, go for it. Chances are, however, that it is are long gone.
Rex Grossman
Here's another case where the player may be benefiting from a weak opening schedule. Chicago beating up on the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions shouldn't surprise anyone. What should surprise them is seeing Grossman not only find the end zone, but find it five times and also throw for 551 yards in two weeks. Considering that his targets are wide receivers Muhsin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian and tight end Desmond Clark only increases the shock factor.
It's pretty much a universal rule not to draft a quarterback from the Chicago Bears, but in this case you should make an exception. Grossman has looked very poised at QB in the first two games, and with Clark (who emerged as a viable option last season) and Muhammad (a key fantasy contributor two years ago in Carolina), Grossman could be very valuable. He should still be available in most leagues too, since most people are still skeptical of Da Bears.
Frank Gore
Don't keep reading this article. Go right now to your computer, or to Eaton, or to your friend's dorm room and pick this guy up. Gore is lightening fast, and there were whispers about him being a good fantasy guy before the season started. When Kevan Barlow was dealt to the Jets, it was obvious in San Francisco that the 49ers knew which running back they wanted. It looks like they knew what they were doing; Gore has rushed for 214 yards, scored three touchdowns, and added on 93 yards of receiving.
With the number of disappointing running backs increasing at an alarming rate (Willie Parker rushed for 20 whole yards against the Jaguars on Monday night), Gore may be your best bet. He's looked very good in the first two games against Arizona and St. Louis, and the 49ers don't exactly have the toughest schedule this season based on their 4-12 record last year. Slip out of the lecture that you're not paying attention to right now, go pick up Gore, and thank me later.
Other surprises: DeAngelo Williams (Carolina, RB), Donte' Stallworth (Philadelphia, WR)
BustsLamont Jordan, Jake Delhomme, Terrell Owens
If you drafted these players, you better try to trade them right now, and see if you can get the Bengals' third wide receiver and Vince Young. Most people expected the Raiders to be a bad team, but nobody could have predicted that they have yet to score a touchdown or that they could get shut out at home on national television. Get rid of Jordan as soon as you can.
Without Steve Smith, Jake Delhomme looks naked. He has yet to throw for a touchdown, and he's been sacked six times. Worse yet, the Panthers have only managed 367 passing yards. Drop Delhomme and monitor Smith's progress before you put him back on your team.
Drafting the biggest ego in professional sports was a severe error in judgment in the first place, but if you did, let's hope this teaches you a lesson. Owens looked awful in his first game for Big D, and now he's out for three to four weeks with a broken finger. If anyone can bring down the morale and chemistry of a team that doesn't actually exist, it's Owens. He will bring negativity to your theoretical fantasy team locker room that you just don't need. Trade him.
On the fence: Larry Johnson (Kansas City, RB), Randy Moss (Oakland, WR).
