Week one was one of the most unorthodox opening weekends in recent memory. Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to turn our attention, and our bank roll, to week two. The opening weekend produced nine kickers who scored double digits and four defenses who scored at least 22 points. Let’s examine who will not be an optimal play in the first edition of week two DFS Dont’s.
Adam Vinatieri: FanDuel Price $4,700
For anyone who watched the Rams host the Colts on Sunday, this will not come as a shock. Vinatieri missed an extra point and chip-shot field goal in their blow-out loss to the Rams. To be honest, I don’t care about his two misses. He’ll be back at home this upcoming Sunday against the Cardinals, but, it’s the Colts offense that scares me off Vinatieri.
Scott Tolzien was unwatchable. No wonder the bumbling Chuck Pagano mistakenly thought they played the 49ers in the post game press conference, he simply could not watch past the second quarter. The Colts could barely move the ball across the midfield. Vinatieri is great, but he can’t kick 60 yard field goals at his advanced age. However, this situation could change moderately if Jacoby Brissett starts instead of Tolzien.
The fastest way a kicker can end up in my DFS Dont’s series is if they have a unjustifiable price. This week Vinatieri is $4,700, there are eight other kickers at this same price who aren’t attached to atrocious offenses. I would much rather play Will Lutz, Dustin Hopkins, or Chris Boswell given how bad this Colt’s offense is. Despite all of his previous success, Adam Vinatieri is a no-brainer for my week two DFS Dont’s list.
Denver Broncos: FanDuel Price $4,900
I want to preface this with a disclaimer, if Ezekiel Elliott is not allowed to play in this game given the NFL’s appeal, you should consider Denver. Until that news breaks, I would stay away. Their placement on the week two DFS Dont’s list is more about their opponent, the Dallas Cowboys.
Sunday night we saw the Cowboys absolutely dominate the New York Giants up front. Apart from their defensive scheme, like Denver, the Giants have great players in the secondary and the defensive line. However, they could not manage to stop Elliott and the Dallas offensive line.
Conversely, Denver is an average unit against the run. Their pass defense is so good that teams default to running the football more than usual. Players like Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib are nightmare match ups for almost every team in the NFL.
Last night was a good start for the Broncos, as they limited Melvin Gordon to just three yards per carry on 18 carries. However, Gordon was also involved in the passing game with six targets. Elliott displayed a similar workload in the passing game and was a much more efficient runner. I like Dallas’ chances to overpower this Broncos defense on the ground, as well as utilize Elliott and Jason Witten in the short passing game.
Los Angeles Rams: FanDuel Price $4,400
Don’t. Chase. Points. It’s a statement to live by in daily and seasonal fantasy sports. Everyone who didn’t play the Rams in week one is likely to consider the for their week two rosters. Please don’t fall for the trap. The Rams were gifted two touchdowns by Scott Tolzien.
The Colts also have an absolutely putrid offensive line, especially since their starting center, Ryan Kelly, did not play. The Rams will not get the same kind of pressure on Kirk Cousins. And if they do, Cousins will inevitably make them pay by attacking down the field. There were multiple times that the Colts had open receivers when the Rams brought pressure, Tolzien was just unable to connect.
The Rams also benefited from some incredibly predictable offense given the game flow. The Colts had to resort to throwing the ball midway through the second quarter. Meaning, the Rams defensive line did not have to consider playing the run, and focused on rushing the passer. If you think the Rams will jump out to another 27-3 lead against Kirk Cousins, you’re delusional. Be smart and don’t chase the Rams defense in week two.
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