SIZZLE:
Anquan Boldin/Larry Fitzgerald: Arizona’s dynamic duo mauled Miami’s secondary to the tune of a combined 12 receptions for 293 yards and three touchdowns. Boldin compiled all three scores and 140 yards, including a 79-yard catch and carry to the end zone. Meanwhile, Fitzgerald grabbed six passes for 153 yards. The problem for these two is staying healthy. If they can finally stay on the field together for most of the season with a consistent quarterback situation, they’ll be lethal, and the Cardinals will finally go back to the playoffs.
Darren Sproles: LaDainian Tomlinson missed most of the game with an injured big toe, but Sproles countered with big plays aplenty. Sproles returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown and showed flash with 72 yards receiving on two catches, including a score. Add in 53 yards rushing and Sproles amassed over 300 yards in total offense. With Tomlinson dealing with an injury, Sproles is outstanding waiver wire choice for insurance especially if you’re a Tomlinson owner.
Jay Cutler: He should have cost the Broncos the game with his red zone fumble late in the fourth quarter; however, he survived to throw his fourth touchdown pass of the day. Cutler’s 350-yard, four-touchdown performance is a clear signal that he is ready for prime-time as a fantasy starter. Armed with Brandon Marshall once again, Cutler is poised to be amongst fantasy football’s best performers in 2008.
Adrian Peterson: As LT sorts out his issues in San Diego, Peterson has emerged as football’s best back. He tortured the Indy defense for much of the afternoon. Peterson owns two consecutive 100-yard efforts to begin the season and looks downright dominant. Peterson’s lone negative remains at the quarterback spot. Tarvaris Jackson’s woes against Indy prevented All-Day Peterson from receiving quality red zone looks. As long as Jackson cannot play effectively, Peterson’s touchdown totals will suffer.
Greg Jennings: Aaron Rodgers played the role of the Mad Bomber in Detroit, and the recipient of his success was Jennings, who caught six passes for 167 yards. Jennings has not reached paydirt in 2008, but much like in ’07 with Brett Favre, Jennings is able to dial long distance consistently.
Calvin Johnson: Even though Detroit is painfully bad, Johnson’s sophomore campaign is off to a great start with two straight 100-yard games, including a two-touchdown effort against Green Bay on Sunday. A major plus for Johnson owners will be Detroit’s lack of success. Due to a porous defense, Detroit should be behind a great deal this season, which will force the offense to go to the air early and often. After falling behind 21-0 on Sunday, the Lions went to work, and so did Johnson.
FIZZLE
Marvin Harrison: Peyton Manning threw for 311 yards, but amazingly Harrison contributed only one catch for 16 yards. Manning called Anthony Gonzalez' and Reggie Wayne's numbers during critical times, not Harrison's. Teams are finding it a bit easier to pressure Manning due to offensive line problems. This is bad news for Harrison, who seems to take a bit longer to get open than teammates Gonzalez and Wayne.
Tarvaris Jackson: He is single-handedly trying to kill the fantasy value of Bernard Berrian. So far, mission accomplished.
LaDainian Tomlinson: Two games and no touchdowns for the 2006 MVP. Tomlinson saw limited action against Denver due to a toe injury. He’ll have an extra day to rest that injury as he welcomes Favre and the Jets to San Diego next Monday night. Tomlinson has been a slow starter before but is beginning to show signs of wear and tear.
Larry Johnson: "Something's going on--I just don't know what it is," Johnson said following the 23-8 drubbing from Oakland. "I'm going to sit down and talk with someone." Apparently, LJ missed the memo that his career is rapidly coming to an end. His offensive line is in ruins, he is taking handoffs from a quarterback named Tyler Thigpen, and most importantly, he lacks a great deal of zip to the hole. Johnson ran for only 22 yards on 12 carries against the Raiders. He is upset over what is happening with his role on the team, but all he needs to do is to take a look in the mirror.
Carson Palmer: Since his infamous knee injury in January 2006, Palmer has not been the same quarterback. Another subpar performance (16-27, 134 yards, 2 INTs) on Sunday against Tenneesee should continue to raise concerns about his future. Despite possessing Pro Bowl receivers, the former USC Trojan quarterback has yet to find the end zone. For now, Palmer owners should keep him on the bench.