One week is in the books. It was great to have football back to enjoy and agonize over. There isn’t a lot of time to savor the victory or wallow in defeat as it’s time to get ready for Week 2. Before we take a look at some guys to target this week, let’s take a moment to look back at how I did the last week. Throughout the season, I will be using the scoring system here at Major League Fantasy Sports as the basis of my suggestions. In terms of Defensive Backs, the scoring is heavy on the impact plays such as interceptions, forced and recovered fumbles, sacks and passes defensed. We award only 1 point for tackles and 0.5 points for assisted tackles. There is also added value to return yardage: punt, kick, fumble and interception. With this in mind, Week 1 results…

Cornerbacks

Prince Amukamara – NYG, 16 pts Tramon Williams – GB, 8.5 pts Alterraun Verner – TB, 8 pts Flowers, Brandon – SD, 6.5 pts Grimes, Brent – MIA, 4.5 pts

Safeties

Harrison Smith – MIN, 30.1 pts T.J. Ward – DEN, 7.5 pts Matt Elam – BAL, 7 pts Earl Thomas – SEA, 4.8 pts Johnathan Cyprien – JAX, 0 pts

My goal is to give you a few guys each week that can get you double-digit points and a few that will get you through an injury or bye week. Week 1 was a disappointing start, but there were some bright spots. Harrison Smith should be in your lineup every week since he is healthy. He was top DB scorer this week due to an 81 yard Pick Six. He added a sack and pass defensed (PD) to pad his stats. Prince Amukamara was busy this week trying to contain Calvin Johnson and the explosive Lions passing attack. As a result he racked up 8 total tackles as a CB and added two PDs. There were several guys in that 7 – 8.5 point range which is respectable, but I would consider that as simply “holding down the fort.” I was disappointed in the fantasy output for Earl Thomas. He had 5 total tackles and a PD, but his fumble lost as a punt returner was a huge hit. He should bounce back this week and you should start him with confidence. Cyprien was knocked out with a concussion early in the game and therefore made no impact. He may be out a week or so as he attempts to pass the concussion protocol to get back on the field.

Week 2 Targets

Let’s see if I can improve on last week’s performance. I will be giving you a cornerback and safety for several different scenarios that you might find yourself in.

Big Game Potential

My locks for your roster this week in line for a big performance…

CB – Jason McCourty, TEN – The Titans are playing the Cowboys in Week 2. Do I need to state the obvious? He will be covering Dez Bryant so there will be plenty of targets including a few that are forced into tight coverage. Jason had two picks last week on Alex Smith and should get a least one more off Romo. He has a chance for a big week to add PDs and tackles in this matchup. Get him in your starting lineup this week.

S – Antrel Rolle, NYG – Good bye Matt Stafford, Hello Carson Palmer. Rolle is likely to see a lot of action attempting to tackle the many receiving options the Cardinals have. He also plays the run extremely well and will be helping the LB corp to keep Andre Ellington in check. Get him in your lineup as he should approach 20 fantasy points in the MLFS scoring system.

Week 1 Performance Was No Fluke

Guys that had big a performance in Week 1 that should follow-up with another big week…

CB – Leodis McKelvin, BUF – McKelvin was a tackling machine in Week 1 racking up 13 total tackles as a cornerback. He added a forced fumble to score 21.4 points in MLFS. I’m not sure he hits 20 points again this week, but this performance is not fluke. He had 72 total tackles and 21 PDs last season and is primed for a big season as he seems healthy and might “kick” in some punt return points. He should get you double-digit points this week.

S – D.J. Swearinger, HOU – DJ is probably best know for his vicious hits on RG3 and Peyton Manning. He has also developed into a great source of IDP fantasy points. He is now the starting strong safety in Houston and should have a field day on rookie, QB Derek Carr, this week. He had a big first week with 6 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. He should follow-up his 21.5 points in week 1 with another 18+ this week. If he is on the waiver wire or on your bench, get him in your lineup this week.

Week 2 Injury Fill In

Guys that will get more defensive snaps due to injury

CB – Asa Jackson, BAL – Ladarius Webb missed Week 1 with a back injury but the Ravens are hoping he will be back for Thursday’s game against divisional rival, Pittsburgh Steelers. Webb is not going to be 100% and the other starting CB, Jimmy Smith has been banged up so there should be tons of playing time for Jackson. He is not a household name but should get you through an injury this week especially if you are tentative on getting Webb back in there. Even if Webb and Smith start, Jackson will be the nickel CB and should be on the field quite a bit. He should pick up enough tackles with a PD or two get you 10+ points this week.

S – Tony Jefferson, ARI – Tony got the surprising nod as the SS for the Cardinals out of the preseason. With Mathieu still not 100% from ACL surgery, Jeffe rson is the main man in the middle of the field. All-Pro Cornerbacks, Antonio Cromartie and Patrick Peterson often play man coverage on the top receivers. Jefferson will be tasked with covering the rest. He managed 8 total tackles last week and should be in line for another 8-10 this week as well against the New York Football Giants that is still trying to figure out their offense. He’s probably on the waiver wire and could be an excellent injury fill in this week.

Dynasty/Deep League Special

Guys that should be starting in deeper leagues

CB – Dontae Johnson, SF – Johnson is listed 5th on the depth chart, but with injuries to Chris Culliver and Tramaine Brock, the Rookie should see plenty of time on the field. Likely default starters, Chris Cook and Perrish Cox, will likely need some help and Dontae should at minimum handle nickel duties. With Cutler and company likely to be throwing the ball around in the second half, there will be an opportunity for Johnson to impact your dynasty lineup this week.

S – Rodney McLeod, STL – The Rams starting FS doesn’t get the exposure th at TJ McDonald does, but is a nice piece to a dynasty/deep league roster as a consistent IDP scorer. With the state of the STL offense, opponents will likely be aggressive to try to get out to a big lead. I expect Josh McCown to be looking to get the ball to his big wideouts quite a bit this game and McLeod should be involved in most many of these plays.

Bounce Back Performance

Guys that sucked it up last week but should be in your lineup for Week 2

CB, S – Micah Hyde, GB – Hyde technically beat out Clinton-Dix for the starting FS slot for the Packers. It appears as though Green Bay will be looking to get both on the field quite a bit along with starting SS, Morgan Burnett. He will get plenty of chances to earn fantasy points as he will either slot in as the FS or Nickel back and he will be returning punts. The Packers are expected plenty of punts from their Week 2 opponent, New York Jets.

S – Tashaun Gipson – CLE – Missing a big portion of last week’s game due t o a knee injury, Tashaun is a big bounce back candidate. He is a top tacking option and has developed into a ball hawk. He did practice Tuesday and should be able to pick up where he left off last season and could still finish the season as a Top 5 MLFS safety.

Bryan Luhrs

Real Deal Dynasty Sports, Creator & Executive Commissioner

MajorLeagueFantasySports.com, Fantasy Baseball and Football Writer

@realdealdynasty

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