NFC South: Going South For A Brees!

Posted by Kurt on Sep 17, 2009 in Fantasy Football

Now that we have had a chance to soak up some spectacular (Drew Brees 6TD’s) and uninspiring (Jake Delhomme 4 INT’s) performances from some of the QB’s in the NFC South, we are getting ready to break-down some week 2 match-ups for owners looking to spark their lineups for the second week of the season. Last week the Panthers were beaten down by Philadelphia, by forcing multiple turnovers the Panthers couldn’t allow their running-game the chances needed to build their attack on the ground (after leading 7-0). New Orleans was bound and determined to hammer the Lions and let their Franchise QB loose, Brees threw for 6 TD’s and cemented their status as an elite offense. Tampa drew some criticism last week for not being able to play a full 4 quarters of football against a tough Dallas offense, they now start the season like Carolina, on a losing note. With Gonzalez in Atlanta, we are starting to see the Falcons chemistry through the air….and I like what I see!

Now lets take a look at the matchups for the NFC South for week 2.

Brees threw 6 TD's in week 1 of the regular season.

New Orleans at Philadelphia – Sunday 1:00 pm EST

With Donovan McNabb sidelined with a broken rib and Vick unable to play this week, the Eagles will have their hands full throwing the ball through the air against the New Orleans Saints. On the flip side, Brees should continue to air the ball out against any defense in the league, with all the WR targets in New Orleans, they should be primed for another big outing on Sunday. Look for Vilma to have a big game with Kolb being forced to check-down on a regular basis.

Prediction – NO 31, PHI 17

Start’em -Drew Brees, Michael Westbrook, Desean Jackson, Jeremy Shockey, Marques Colston, Jonathan Vilma

Sit’em - Reggie Bush, Kevin Curtis, Lance Moore, PHI DEF

Sleeper -Lesean McCoy, Robert Meachem

Carolina at Atlanta – Sunday 1:00 pm EST

With Jake Delhomme getting the nod in this game (after a disgusting start to the season), I wouldn’t count on a strong outing from Carolina’s passing attack in the near future. Atlanta on the other hand has all the tools to beat the Panthers on the ground (where Carolina relies on talent) and in the air, with Chris Harris sidelined due to injury, Matt Ryan and company should be able to spread the ball around effectively and create mismatches to keep Carolina’s defense on their toes. Watch to see how Delhomme bounces back, if he shows any further regression, the coaches will simply bench him again (he shouldn’t be starting anyways!). Smith, Deangelo and Stewart need to come up big this week, if they want to stand a chance!

Prediction – ATL 28, CAR 14

Start’em -Michael Turner, Tony Gonzalez, Roddy White, Deangelo Williams, Steve Smith, Julius Peppers, John Abraham

Sit’em -Jake Delhomme!, Michael Jenkins, CAR DEF

Sleeper – Jerious Norwood

Tampa Bay at Buffalo – Sunday 4:05 pm EST

This week Tampa looks to get back on track after a disappointing loss to the Cowboys last week. With Trent Edwards showing progression in his third year, the Bills look like a team ready to send a message this season to the rest of the NFL. This will be a big week for Owens and the rest of the Bills offense if Tampa continues to give up over 30 points and 462 yards of total offense to a more potent Bills offense. Gaines Adams will be in the spotlight this week against a shaky Bills offensive line. Both teams are prone to giving up yards, so there should be fantasy points galore for both these two teams (on offense and defense). P.S: Use your head McKelvin!