Fantasy Football Week 2 Mailbag: Answering Your Burning NFL Questions

Welcome back to the fantasy football mailbag.

Week 1 was … interesting. There were players we didn’t expect to pop who did (Hey there, Willie Snead, Spencer Ware and Will Fuller) and others who apparently missed the memo that the season started (Looking at you, Adrian Peterson, Gary Barnidge and Dez Bryant).

We’re sure you’ve got plenty of questions, so let’s get to it.

Who is the best rookie to have on fantasy — Craig P, Facebook
We loved Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller in the preseason, and he’s only making us look good right now. Ezekiel Elliott and Tajae Sharpe will be good, too.

is thomas rawls starting this week — Michael R, Facebook
We’re writing this on Tuesday, so nothing is definite. But on Monday, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that Rawls had no ill effects after his most significant usage since breaking his ankle in December. That bodes well for a Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, who just gave up 28 points to the lowly San Francisco 49ers.

Keep barnidge is my lineup? — Kyle C, Facebook
The Cleveland Browns tight end was arguably the biggest disappointment in Week 1 after recording zero catches on just two targets. With QB Robert Griffin III now out for a few months, Barnidge should be aided by Josh McCown taking over under center. Barnidge caught 79 passes for 1,042 yards and 9 touchdowns last season. In eight games with McCown throwing him the ball, he caught 46 passes for 641 yards and 6 touchdowns. Start Barnidge.

Emmanuel Sanders or Tajae Sharpe? — Adam B, Facebook
This is tough: both have favorable matchups, as Sanders’ Denver Broncos play a porous Colts defense. The same can be said for Sharpe’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. Sanders should have even more looks with Demaryius Thomas banged up, but if Thomas doesn’t play it could mean better defenders on Sanders. Go with Sharpe this week, since it appears the rookie out of UMass has developed a nice rapport with QB Marcus Mariota.

Blount or forte? — Nicholas A, Facebook
Matt Forte or Spencer Ware who do I start?? — Steven F, Facebook
The Jets showed a willingness to use Matt Forte enough to make him an RB1, especially in PPR leagues. With 27 touches and 155 total yards, Forte is still producing.

Should I start Gronk? — AJ J., Facebook
While Gronk is out, Ebron or Jesse James? — Carlos R., Facebook
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski might not play until Week 4. Jesse James is only an add in deeper leagues, while the Lions showed a willingness to use Eric Ebron in the end zone. Go Ebron.

@NESN should I start QB Wilson over QB Oswieller? Also WR Bouldin or WR Floyd? — @brucegroverjr, Twitter
Monitor Russell Wilson’s ankle injury closely. If things look good, he has a much better matchup against the Rams than Brock Osweiler’s Texans do against the Kansas City Chiefs. Go with Michael Floyd over Anquan Boldin.

@NESN SHOULD I TRADE CJ ANDERSON AND GREG OLSON FOR GRONK OR AM I GIVING UP TOO MUCH? — @mattfiniz, Twitter
Way too much, even for Gronk.

Thumbnail photo via Kim Klement/USA TODAY Sports Images