Week 2 Kings: QB & RB
In 2014, Mike “Hoop2410” Petta was able to quit his full-time job as an accountant in order to pursue Daily Fantasy as a full-time pro. He is a primary contributor to RotoGrinders, and you can hear more about his story in this interview on the RotoGrinders podcast. Each week, “Hoop” will bring you his exclusive picks for DraftKings to FantasyPros readers. Here are Hoops top QB & RB recommendations for Week 2.
Quarterback
Peyton Manning ($8800) – I did not plan on listing Peyton here, however the QB salaries are ridiculously soft this week. The difference between Manning at #1 and Cam Newton at #10 is a dismal $1100. It makes sense to lock in one of the top guys this week at QB. Peyton has a great matchup this week as well, the Chief’s defense is very thin to start the season and Peyton shredded these guys last year.
Aaron Rodgers ($7900) – This price has me salivating!!! Rodgers is priced as the 7th most expensive QB this week, if you’re not paying for Peyton this play makes all the sense in the world. It doesn’t matter how you shake it, Aaron Rodgers is a top 5 QB in the league. The New York Jets are solid against the run and VERY vulnerable against the Pass. Rodgers will have his way in this matchup.
Andrew Luck ($8400) – Luck is priced between Manning and Rodgers this week so I don’t see much of a reason play him. However, he has an awesome matchup with the fast paced Eagles on Monday night. This game is projected to be the highest scoring with an O/U of 53.5. Luck is very capable of scoring with his feet as well, which is something you don’t get with Rodgers and Manning.
Value
Jack Locker ($7100) – If you are looking to save some money at the QB position, Locker is a great option. He looked very solid and composed in his week 1 matchup with the Chiefs and now lands an even softer opponent with the putrid Dallas defense. Jack Locker has a young and talented receiving core in Wright, Hunter and Walker. This offensive group will build on their week 1 success in this excellent matchup.
GPP
Matthew Stafford ($8300) – Stafford will be under owned due to his tough matchup with the formidable Panther’s defense. Stafford looked as good as any quarterback in the league week 1. The Giant’s awful defense may have had something to do with Lion’s success. However, if you’re looking for a solid GPP gamble, Stafford is a great option.
Running Back
Adrian Peterson ($7400) – Peterson has a depressed price tag this week due to a slightly below average performance week 1. The Vikings were able to bury the Rams relatively early in this game, therefore Petersons services were not fully needed. The game Sunday with the Patriots is one that Vegas believes will be high scoring (O/U 49). Peterson will supposedly be more involved in the passing game this year which is a huge added bonus to an already dominate rusher.
Montee Ball ($6800) – Denver made it very clear week 1 that Montee Ball is not going to be involved in any type of time share at running back, he carried the ball 23 times. The Chief’s defense is not the same dominant unit we saw last year, which means Denver will have their way offensively. Denver will easily hang a large number offensively and Ball will definitely be a prime contributor.
Value
Shane Vereen ($5900) – I love using Shane Vereen on full PPR sites such as Draftkings, his 5-6 receptions per game basically has him starting out with a TD. Unlike previous seasons, in week 1 Vereen was actually getting carries in the red zone. If those red zone opportunities continue, Vareen will put up some big fantasy numbers.
GPP
DeMarco Murray ($7500) – Murray will be overlooked this week due to the fact that Charles/Peterson are actually $100 cheaper. Murray was very solid week 1 (118 yd and 4 catches). Tennessee’s defense appears to much improved, however it is not enough to scare me off playing Murray in week 2.