“Moving The Chains” with Jordan Powell

For those of you who started Chris Johnson last week: I’m sorry. If it makes you feel any better, I started him, too. And if that didn’t make you feel any better, I lost that game. By a lot. But, whatever. Such is the way of fantasy football. The winds of change blow in every direction all the time. Now, let’s get you Chris Johnson owners back in the fast lane to success with…

Riding the Pine:

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans:

I’m going to step on my soapbox for a minute here. Chris Johnson is incompetent. He has 21 yards on 19 carries over the course of two games. 21 yards. This is the same running back that ran for 2,006 yards three years ago. What happened to him? Contract hangover from last season? Offensive line issues? Surely, the Titans aren’t lacking enough offensive weapons to keep defenses from stacking the box. I don’t know what the issue is but, when your quarterback has 11 more rushing yards than your star running back after two whole games, it’s time to ride the fantasy pine. Keep an eye on back-up Jamie Harper.

Michael Turner, RB, Atlanta Falcons:

The Falcons are a pass-driven offense fueled by the recent fantasy elite quarterback that is Matt Ryan. Turner has done only slightly better than CJ, putting up an average 37 yards per game, 2.6 yards a carry, has fumbled once and has only scored one touchdown in two games. Turner will likely not do much with his average of 14 touches per game, unless those touches are on the goal line. Keep an eye on back-up Jacquizz Rodgers; he’ll likely take over the backfield by the middle of the season.

Any member of the Titans’ offense:

The Titans’ defense is stout, really stout. They made Tom Brady’s nose bleed. However, Tennessee’s offense isn’t good enough to get their defense off the field for more than three plays at a time. Jake Locker is a struggling, second-year quarterback. His struggles are passed down to former first-round selections receivers Kenny Britt and Kendall Wright, and tight end Jared Cook, and I’ve already ranted about CJ. Tennessee’s offense, which is stacked with talent, can’t do anything with what they have because of quarterback growing pains. If Matt Hasselbeck gets thrown under center any time soon, there might be a reason to reconsider Tennessee players again, though.

Who to Start:

Jay Cutler, QB; Brandon Marshall, WR, Chicago Bears:

I am high on Jay Cutler. So high, that he was the first quarterback I took in my drafts in around the 10th round. Jay let the fantasy world down last week, posting a disappointing two whole fantasy points in standard leagues. I think this is his week to shine. Cutler is facing a St. Louis Rams’ secondary whose only real bright spot is Cortland Finnegan with a 6-foot-4 Brandon Marshall to throw to, plus a 6-foot-3 Alshon Jeffrey to throw to. The Bears will most likely air the ball out big time against the Rams. I mean, what else are they going to do? Let Michael Bush run it?

Steve Jackson, WR, Buffalo Bills:

Jackson is playing a Cleveland Browns’ secondary with a revamped Bills offense. Put him in!

Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings:

Kyle Rudolph is averaging 12.8 yards a catch and has the second most receiving yards on the team. Outside of Percy Harvin, Rudolph is Christian Ponder’s favorite target, especially in the end zone. The tight end had one touchdown last week, and the 49ers’ defense hasn’t been able to shut down opposing tight ends, allowing a touchdown to both Jermichael Finley and Brandon Pettigrew in weeks one and two and allowing a combined 65 yards at the tight end position. Don’t bet the farm on an outstanding performance for Rudolph, but expect Ponder to look to him early and often, especially in the red zone.

Buffalo Bills D/ST:

The Buffalo Bills are playing the Cleveland Browns. This is a no-brainer decision. The Browns have scored three offensive touchdowns in two games Two of which were scored by running back Trent Richardson last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. Count on this defense to abuse both Richardson and rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden.