Preseason Update: Breakouts And Breakdowns From Week 2

The second week of preseason has come and gone, requiring an in depth look at the injuries and breakout performances from the weekend. As I mentioned in the first preseason article, a repetition of high performances will warrant your attention, even if the performance occurred during the preseason. Some of the players you will recognize from the first article, others will be new to the list. Continue to monitor these players to determine if they deserve a spot on your roster come week one.

Injuries

Jonathan Stewart; CAR, RB: Perhaps more injured than his toe is his expectation that he will be the starter for the Panthers at the start of the 2008 season. After missing the first preseason game, Stewart ran for three yards on four carries in the second preseason game. While Stewart has failed to perform, DeAngelo Williams has capitalized on every opportunity he has been given, averaging 5.1 yards per carry and scoring two touchdowns. Look for Williams to replace Stewart as the starter, barring any setbacks during the remainder of the preseason of course.

Chad Johnson; CIN, WR: CJ injured his should after landing awkwardly on it during the second preseason game against the Lions. This injury is the latest for the already injured Cincinnati offense. Chad Johnson loves to be on the injury report, so unless the team indicates that the shoulder injury is serious, continue to view him as a low-end #1 option. Look for Chad Johnson to establish himself as the #1 receiver in Cincy after being outperformed by Housh in 2007.

Rudi Johnson; CIN, RB: Deja vu or what? Last season we saw Rudi Johnson miss a lot of time, only to come back during a game and average below ten carries. This made it very difficult for owners even if he was handcuffed with his backup. This type of injury generally does not improve over the course of the season, so monitor the injury status of Johnson before drafting him as a #2 running back. The last thing fantasy owners want to see is a running back on the injury report week in and week out.

Tarvaris Jackson; MIN, QB: Jackson recently sprained his MCL, adding to a plethora of injuries he has suffered while in the NFL. Injured or not, Jackson is a terrible fantasy option and if you planned on using him as your #1 in 2008, you can also plan on having the worst record in your league. Save him for the lone Vikings fan in your league and snag a better option with a late round selection.

Breakout Performances

Calvin Johnson; DET, WR: Calvin put on a clinic in week two of the preseason, catching every pass attempted by John Kitna, resulting in three catches for 76 yards and a touchdown. Calvin is a great number two option in Detroit and may lead the team in receiving yards. Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson serve as one of the best receiver tandems in the league. Look for both of them to benefit from the presence of the other and have a great campaign in 2008.

Brandon Marshall; DEN, WR: Marshall caught six passes for 59 yards, including a three yard score against the Cowboys. Although he is a great receiver, he is to stubborn to keep his mouth shut and avoid suspension. Marshall will be one of the best receivers in the league after he returns from his three game suspension, assuming his appeal is unsuccessful. Marshall is a great #1 fantasy receiver and should be drafted as a top 10 receiver. If you take him early, be sure to draft reserves with favorable matchups to fill the void while he serves his suspension.

Matt Schaub; HOU, QB: A perennial trip to the injury report from Andre Johnson and the lack of another option at receiver has prevented Matt Schaub from becoming a #1 quarterback. The emergence of Kevin Walter and Owen Daniel might allow Schaub to produce the way he is expected. Matt Schaub was 14/16 for 187 yards and two touchdown scores. Walter and Daniel will help Schaub emerge as a great sleeper option in 2008.

Ray Rice; BAL, RB: There is a new rookie in town looking to make an impact this year and the name is not McFadden or Johnson. After the knee injury to McGahee, Rice has excelled in every area of the game. The second preseason game for Rice resulted in eight carries for 77 yards, three receptions for 17 yards and a rushing touchdown. If McGahee struggles after the procedure as he did while in Buffalo, look for Rice to have a significant impact among fantasy rookies. The only problem now is finding a way to convince my league that I didn't mean to pick McGahee in the second round. Looks like I am stuck so I am grabbing Rice while he is still on the wire!

Michael Turner; ATL, RB: I am aware that Turner has speed and I am aware that he has instinct, but 113 yards on four carries against one of the better defenses in the league is ridiculous. The man did it in San Diego but everyone assumed that his success was the product of other defenses thinking pass since LT was out, leaving Turner space to run. Not the case. Although Atlanta will be playing from behind a lot this year, Turner should succeed as the main man in Atlanta. Give the "Burner" a chance and draft him somewhere in rounds three or four this summer.