GOOD MATCHUPS
Jake Delhomme, Panthers: Delhomme was solid the first two weeks and now star receiver Steve Smith returns from suspension. Delhomme faces a great Vikings run defense this week, but the Falcons rank 18th in yards allowed with a 93.4 opponent's passer rating. Delhomme threw two touchdowns in his last game against the Falcons in 2007, before being injured.
Darren McFadden, Raiders: McFadden had his coming out party last week against the Chiefs with 164 yards and a touchdown. With Justin Fargas injured, look for McFadden to get a lot of work the next two weeks against a strong Buffalo pass defense and the Chargers (143.5 rushing yards a game). While McFadden might not put up 164 yards again, he should have dependable efforts in both contests.
Brandon Jacobs, Giants: Jacobs rushed for 209 yards (5.8 yards per carry) in his first two games, and the schedule suggests that won't stop. This week's opponent, the Bengals, rank 30th in the league in rushing yards allowed. After a bye week, Jacobs faces a Seahawks rush defense in Week 5 that is middle of the pack, allowing one rushing touchdown per game. The schedule then delivers the 24th-ranked Browns, who have surrendered three rushing touchdowns in two games.
Larry Johnson, Chiefs: Johnson is off to a terrible start and has openly complained about his role in the offense. The schedule suggests that Johnson should get back to the Larry we know and love. The Chiefs will play the Falcons (20th in yard allowed, with three rushing touchdowns), the Broncos (21st in rushing defense), and the Panthers (19th). If Johnson continues to struggle, he can't blame the schedule.
Jon Kitna, Lions: Did Mike Martz leave Detroit? Kitna and the Lions are the 21st century version of Air Coryell. They are next to last in rushing attempts and don't seem to be sold on rookie Kevin Smith, bringing in free-agent veterans Shaun Alexander and Cedric Benson for workouts. The strength of the Lions offense is its wide receivers -- Roy Williams and the next great wideout, Calvin Johnson. Start Kitna despite matchups against decent pass defenses -- the 49ers and Bears.
Selvin Young, Broncos: This might be a very risky proposition, as Young has only 15 carries in two games, but he is averaging 7.6 yards per carry. If Young is ever going to put up big numbers, the next two weeks are his best chance. Young faces the Saints defense (26th against the run) and the Chiefs (31st). The Broncos offense is on fire, and Young owners hope that this easy schedule allows him to create some heat of his own.
Joseph Addai, Colts: Typically, a player of Addai's caliber would not be on this list, as he is considered a must fantasy start. However, his 64 rushing yards this season say otherwise. However, the schedule turns friendly this week, and Addai should return to his must-start status. The Jaguars are 18th against the run and have allowed two rushing touchdowns. After the bye week, Addai should feast on the Texans who surrendered three rushing touchdowns in the opener. While the Colts are dinged up on the offensive line, the schedule should offset this deficiency and get Addai back to his rightful spot among the fantasy elite.
BAD MATCHUPS
Edgerrin James, Cardinals: James has 155 yards in two games but is not getting the goal-line carries. James faces his best matchup this week against a Redskins run defense that much was expected from but ranks just 17th. After that, though, the Jets (6th) and Bills (11th). Expect James to struggle to produce fantasy points, especially if he doesn't get into the end zone.
David Garrard, Jaguars: Injuries to the Jacksonville offensive line have not only stymied the run game but Garrard, too. Garrard has already -- in just two weeks -- tied his interception total from 2007. The schedule doesn't do him any favors, as this week he is paired up against the fourth-ranked Colts pass defense. Following this, Garrard gets a Texans defense that should be more favorable to Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones–Drew. Week 5 has the Steelers, who are ninth against the pass and already have four interceptions. With everything going on in Jacksonville, it might be awhile before we see the Garrard of 2007.
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Matt Forte, Bears: Forte was on this list in Week 1 and burned us to the tune of 215 yards and a touchdown. The schedule does get tougher for Forte, so if he burns us again, put him down for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Forte faces the 15-th ranked Buccaneers rush defense, which has yet to give up a touchdown on the ground and held Week 1 hero Michael Turner to 42 yards. Forte then faces the league-leading Eagles rush defense, which allows an averages 52 rushing yards per game. Forte is one of the best rookie running backs, but his skills will be tested in these two games.
Willie Parker, Steelers: The demise of Parker might have been greatly exaggerated. Parker has responded with 243 yards and three touchdowns in his first two games, while rookie Rashard Mendenhall has just 28 yards in 10 carries. But Parker will be tested against two of the best run defenses in the game as he faces the top-ranked Eagles this week and the fourth-ranked Ravens in Week 4. Parker was held to 42 yards on 23 carries last season against the Ravens. He looks to be back but might not be at the top of his game in the next two contests.
DeAngelo Williams, Panthers: Williams began the season as the Panthers starter, but his carries dropped from 18 to 11, while rookie Jonathan Stewart had a two-touchdown performance against the Bears last week. Couple this drop in carries with a tough Vikings run defense this week and a combined 74 rushing yards in two games against Atlanta last season, and Williams' fantasy stock might be dropping.
DeSean Jackson, Eagles: Despite Jackson's antics in the Monday night loss to the Cowboys, consecutive 100-yard receiving games for a rookie is awfully impressive. Look for Jackson to be tested by tough Steelers and Bears pass defenses the next two weeks. They have combined to allow just two touchdown passes in four games and 164 yards passing. Expect both defenses to key on Jackson as Donovan McNabb's top deep threat and for Jackson's numbers to come back to earth.
Kyle Fisher is a writer for Rotowire.com. For more information, visit Rotowire.com.
