Week One is never usually a good gauge to say whether or not your fantasy players are going to have a great season, or fall flat on their faces. Week Two is a bit premature as well, but we are now starting to see how players are falling in line with their respective offenses. Week Three is the week to start looking over your rosters and possibly adding new talent that is still on the waiver wire, while trimming the fat and dumping guys that simply aren't living up to the standards we set on them in the preseason.
Here are a few risers and fallers through the first two weeks of the season. Like I wrote last week, saying Tom Brady is a riser is taking the easy way out of having to do some research and digging down deep when finding those less-than-obvious players who have outperformed or performed well below their preseason value. While I would love to give Cam Newton more love after another huge performance, I'd like to reserve his spot for another deserving playing who wasn't listed last week.
RISERS
Quarterbacks
Matt Hasselbeck - Tennessee: Many of us had Hasselbeck on the scrap heap coming off a couple down years in Seattle. But it seems that Hass has found new life when he is actually surrounded by strong weapons, something he didn't have much of in his last year as a Seahawk. Through two weeks, Hasselbeck has averaged 310.5 passing yards a game, with three touchdown passes to two interceptions. One of the biggest reasons for his success is the offensive line giving him a chance to throw. He could slowly move up the fantasy football rankings as the weeks go on.
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Running Backs
Ben Tate - Houston: Arian Foster owners be damned. Tate has stolen much of his thunder over the last two weeks. And just when we thought Foster owners were safe going into Week Two, his pesky hamstring tightedn up, allowing Tate to rack up yet another 100+ yard day against the Dolphins. With Tate playing strong, it sounds like the Texans have no problems sitting Foster for as long as possible until he is completely healthy.
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Wide Receivers
Deion Branch - New England: Branch seemed to have found the fountain of youth. His 222 receiving yards is second only to Mike Wallace. And while a touchdown would be nice, Branch is clearly creating great chemistry with Tom Brady. This could change, however, if Chad Ochocinco ever picks up the offense. But for right now, Branch is playing lights out.
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Tight Ends
Dustin Keller - NY Jets: It's amazing that with all the weapons at Mark Sanchez's disposal, that Keller is still getting his fair share of targets. Keller clocked in his first 100-yard game in Week Two, while also adding his second touchdown of the season. The biggest plus from Week Two was Keller caught all six of his targets, which was a team high. As long as Sanchez has confidence in Keller, he will be a weapon this year.
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FALLERS
Quarterbacks
Matt Cassel - Kansas City: Cassel's Week-One performance against the Bills was bad, but his zero touchdowns and three interceptions against the Detroit on Sunday was atrocious. It doesn't get any better now that Jamaal Charles is out for the year after tearing his knee. He was one of the only bright spots.
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Running Backs
Shonn Greene - NY Jets: I really thought this was going to be Greene's year after a disappointing start to 2010, but so far Greene's play has been anything but promising. Through two games, he's averaging a measly 2.9 yards a carry and is still giving way work to LaDainian Tomlinson on third downs. Greene finally scored a touchdown in Week Two and he has been given the majority of the snaps. But with center Nick Mangold out with a high ankle sprain, Greene might continue to plod along.
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Wide Receivers
Percy Harvin - Minnesota: Harvin's 2011 has been dismal so far, but a lot of it isn't his fault. Donovan McNabb isn't the answer at quarterback and the Vikings' shaky offensive line hasn't done much to improve the passing game. In fact, Harvin was only on the field for 30 of the 68 offensive snaps in Week Two, which is ridiculous for a guy who is clearly the team's best weapon in the passing game. Those who took Harvin as a WR2 are in for a world of hurt if the coaching staff doesn't make changes. There is absolutely no reason Harvin shouldn't be on the field for 95% of the snaps.
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Tight Ends
Dallas Clark - Indianapolis: Much like Austin Collie's falling status from last week, Clark is the product of an offense that doesn't have much of an identity. Mainly used as a blocker, Clark has racked up only eight catches for 71 yards. As long as Kerry Collins is the quarterback, Clark won't see much time as a pass catcher. He is going to have his hands full with the Steelers in Week Three.