Adrian Peterson, (Questionable, ACL): My, how much difference a week makes, huh? After tallying 17 carries last week and being a full participant in all practices this week, he looks revved up and ready to go. They’re talking about increasing his workload this week since he did not have anything more than minor patellar soreness (if they used a patellar tendon graft for his ACL reconstruction, this is a very common post surgical side effect as they had to take a piece of his patellar tendon to replace his torn ACL, just speculating though) during the week, but I can’t imagine they load him up quite yet. Depending on how the game goes, he can still be effective with less than 20 carries, so get him in that lineup. Just FYI: Don’t forget to trade for Gerhart as his handcuff; it may come in handy at some point and it’s worth it to protect your #1 back.
Denarius Moore, (Probable, Hamstring): He’s a sneaky play this week. He was actually dropped in quite a few leagues this week, but with Jacoby Ford out and Darius Heyward-Bey not a very good receiver, I think he gets quite a few targets this week from Carson Palmer against a porous Miami defensive backfield. The hammy appears to be just fine and the probable designation is a good sign. I kind of like him as a flex/WR3 option this week. SLEEPER O’ THE WEEK
Trent Richardson, (Probable, Knee): He practiced fully this week and had a pretty full workload in week 1. The numbers weren’t great, but as Brandon Weeden gets better, so will Trent. Run him out there this week.
Calvin Johnson, (Probable, Foot): He practiced fully Thursday and Friday. He defies common logic. Play him
Ryan Mathews, (Questionable, Fractured clavicle): I just can’t endorse him quite yet, and frankly, I’m getting kind of tired of talking about him. But there remains a chance he plays this week, I just don’t think he should be in your fantasy lineup quite yet. I like that he was cleared for contact, and considering he’s 5 weeks post op, he’s right on schedule. But from a physiologic standpoint (I’m going to get nerdy for a second, sorry), it takes approximately 6 weeks for bone to lay down and heal properly. Taking blows to an area that’s still in the healing process can set him back, and I bet that the Charger training staff/MDs know this. Next week’s game will put him at 6 weeks, so I’d sit him until he’s a full participant in practice. That’s just my gut feeling.
Jeremy Maclin, (Questionable, Hip): I have a feeling he plays, but I also have a feeling he won’t be terribly effective. These hip flexor/pointer injuries are not easy to bounce back from in one week. I think he plays mainly because Jason Avant becomes Vick’s #1 if he doesn’t play (and if Jackson doesn’t play, see below). I’m not a huge fan of Maclin this week against a VERY good Ravens team. Check the Active/Inactive list prior to the game to be sure either way.
Desean Jackson, (Questionable, Hamstring): I like Jackson more than Maclin this week. Both of them were limited participants this week, which can be just as much precautionary as it is necessary. He didn’t have any reported setbacks this week, but as I stated in a previous post this week, he really hasn’t done an awful lot when HEALTHY over the last year or so. But if you got him and usually run him out there, do so as long as you check the reports prior to game time.
(For both Jackson and Maclin, the only guys I touch in case both don’t play is Brent Celek and Jason Avant. Other than those two, it’s way too difficult to predict who gets targets)
Pierre Garcon, (Questionable, Foot): This is the definition of a game time decision. The report is he will test it out prior to the game and they’ll make a determination at that point if he will play or not. In all honesty, not a lot of the reports I read gave any indication of what type of injury he is suffering from, so it’s hard for me to make an argument one way or another. Have a backup ready to go and watch in the AM for injury reports to come out. Play him if you normally would if he’s active.
Jake Locker, (Questionable, Shoulder): He was a full participant all week, he had no setbacks, and the injury was to his non-throwing shoulder. I say that sounds as sure as it gets that he plays.
Marshawn Lynch, (Probable, Back): Looks like he got through Week 1 without any back issues. And he had no flare ups all week. Always remember, back spasms are volatile by nature, as they can flare up with one wrong twist or turn. Just know that’s always lingering there until he goes a few weeks without issue. But looks like he’s ready to go this week. Robert Turbin would pick up carries if Lynch is slowed at all, so have him stashed away if you don’t already.
Jason Witten, (Probable, Spleen): He has had 10 days of rest and he practiced every day this week. If he was able to suck it up and play Week 1, he will definitely be a go this week.
Antonio Gates, (Questionable, Ribs): I truly think it’s the Chargers just putting that designation on him and not how they feel about his chances to play. He’s played through worse foot issues, so some bruised ribs won’t keep him from playing this week. I think he plays his normal workload and only a setback will stop him from continuing on. He should be good.
Beanie Wells and Ryan Williams, (Probable, Knees): They’re both basically in the same boat, easing their way back from injuries, although William’s torn patellar tendon was more serious. It looks like both will be suiting up and playing hits week against New England, but keep in mind that the Pats did hold Chris Johnson to 4 yards on 11 carries, and he is a significantly superior back. I don’t particularly like either guy this week or for the next few weeks because Beanie is made of china glass and Williams still needs 1-2 more weeks to really get into a rhythm after such a serious injury (the patellar tendon is attached to your quadriceps, which are the power muscles in the legs and the largest muscle group typically in terms of force production).
Ziad Dahdul 