Still fretting over your Week 1 loss or basking in the glory of a rousing victory?
Either way, it’s time to turn the page. In case you haven’t heard, the NFL plays football on Thursdays, and just like Week 1, Thursday’s Week 2 matchup features two teams chock full of fantasy contributors who you should take a look at while setting your lineup.
The first installment of “Thursday Night Football” on CBS features a clash between two longtime AFC North rivals — the Baltimore Ravens (0-1) and Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0).
The two foes have gone back and forth for decades — their head-to-head matchup is an even 15-15 over the past 15 years — but there has been one common trend: low scoring. Dating back to 2007, the two teams have scored 30 points or more against each other just once.
That makes choosing a Ravens or Steelers player worthy of a spot in your lineup even more difficult, but don’t worry, they’re out there. Here’s who we think you should avoid and who you should give the nod to on Thursday.
SIT
Bernard Pierce, RB, Ravens: It looked like the lead back role was Pierce’s to lose after the team cut Ray Rice, and he may have lost it. He rushed for just 17 yards in Week 1 while coughing up a fumble. The Ravens probably won’t give up on him after one week, but Justin Forsett’s solid play on Sunday means they’ll likely ride the hot hand.
Steve Smith, WR, Ravens: Smith’s 80-yard touchdown catch was one of the best plays of Week 1, but it was also one play. We’re not saying that Smith’s double-digit fantasy output was a fluke, but don’t expect that type of performance every week. Joe Flacco has said he thinks Torrey Smith will be a 100-catch guy, so he’s clearly the No. 1 option on a team that doesn’t throw a ton.
START
Justin Forsett, RB, Ravens: Sure, it might be a stretch to put a waiver-wire add in your starting lineup. But after Pierce’s struggles in the opener, Forsett appears to be the lead back in a run-happy Ravens offense, and the Steelers were gashed for 183 yards on the ground in Week 1. Give Forsett a shot at RB2.
Markus Wheaton, WR, Steelers: Another relative unknown who could make an impact Thursday, Wheaton tied for the team lead in targets in Week 1 and looks like a lock as the No. 2 receiver in Pittsburgh. With all the attention focused on Antonio Brown, Wheaton could be in for another big day and is worth a start at WR3.
Photo via Tommy Gilligan/USA TODAY Sports Images
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