How to handle some curious cases

Start: DeAndre Hopkins WR, Texans

The trend of “sophomore” wide receivers heating up is holding true so far this year. Texans wide out DeAndre Hopkins is one such example. In week one, he racked up four catches for 89 yards and a touchdown for a total of 14.90 points based on nfl.com standard scoring. While he did go up against a supposedly weak Washington defense, he is going against another bad defense in the Oakland Raiders this week.

Although he is still not the top receiver in Houston, he is able to get past defenders for more yards and, hopefully, touchdowns. He has solid value as a high WR2 in most leagues.

Sit: Maurice Jones-Drew RB, Raiders

MJD had an abysmal first week of the season against the New York Jets and their strong run defense. He picked up only 11 rushing yards and 12 receiving yards totaling up to 2.30 fantasy points in a 14-19 loss to the Jets. Things do not look much better for him going into week two where he will go against another strong run defense in the Houston Texans.

While the Texans have lost rookie Jadeveon Clowney to injury in week one, their run defense is still plenty strong. Jones-Drew is at most a low-end RB2 this week.

Start: Chris Johnson RB, Jets

CJ2K may have found a new home in New York. While Johnson did not have the greatest stats last year with the Titans, he is starting to look like an invigorated back with the Jets. In his first game of the season he accumulated 91 total yards and scored on a five-yard touchdown catch, earning him 15.10 fantasy points.

He is going against the Green Bay Packers in week two, a team which gave up 152 rushing yards to Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks in week one. He has value as a low RB1 or high RB2.

Sit: Ryan Mathews RB, Chargers

While Mathews recorded solid fantasy numbers against the Cardinals, rushing for 40 yards and a touchdown and picking up 20 yards receiving for a total of 12.00 fantasy points, he will not replicate in week two against the Seattle Seahawks and their top-tier defense.

The Seahawks only gave up a total of 71 rushing yards between two rushers in their game against the Green Bay Packers and the Hawks are known for having one of the stingiest run defenses in the NFL. Because of the poor week two matchup, Mathews’ fantasy value is at the RB2 level.