Week 2 Preview

Before we get to the week that will be, can I just say that I finally decided to find out what Viano's team name means? I admit to not knowing (or maybe not remembering) who Fred Lane is, or why his wife would be important. Therefore, I googled him:

"Carolina Panthers all-time leading rusher; won starting running back position in 1997 and led the team in rushing that season and in 1998; traded to Indianapolis in April 2000 for LB Spencer Reid; career: 502 carries, 2,001 yards rushing, 13 TDs; attended Lane College (no relation) in Jackson, Tenn.; finished second for the Division II rushing title as a junior. He died of gun shot wounds (at 24 years old) suffered during a domestic dispute with his wife."

And to think, I left Dave and Kenny's name unlocked.

Fred Lane's Wife (-3) vs. The Octagon

This game represents the only VUFSA tilt that features two teams that won last week. A rematch of last year's semifinals, Fred Lane's Wife looks to get revenge in the name of the Fightin' Humanzees. FLW ran away with his game agains the Browns last week, and will look for a big contribution from Willie Parker again, and increased production from Ronnie Brown. The Octagon will look for a step up in production from their #1 pick, Trent Green as well as a solid game from suddenly shaky JJ Arrington.

FLW Biggest Strength: RB2 Deuce McAllister (over JJ Arrington)
FLW Biggest Concern: Whoever replaces Javon Walker as a WR.

OCT Biggest Strength: WR3 Hines Ward (over Eric Parker)
OCT Biggest Concern: RB3 Chester Taylor

Matchup to Watch: Peyton Manning (FLW) to Marvin Harrison (OCT)

Cellar Dwellers vs. Blaine Browns (-20)

A 20 point spread for this game? Is Yahoo bias against Stem too? Nonetheless, this is the second most interesting game of the week as BB needs to avoid an 0-2 hole, while CD can establish themselves as a playoff contender. Two of the best running back corps go at here. The Browns should have an excellent week this week as only one starter scored a touchdown last week (Drew Brees) and that is likely to change with Edgerrin James and Curtis Martin in the backfield. Flex spot upgrade for BB as well, starting RB Ruben Droughns. So much of CD's success will hinge on whether his Lions (Kevin Jones and Roy Williams) can hit paydirt against the Bears.

CD Biggest Strength: WR3 Jerry Porter vs. KC
CD Biggest Concern: WR1 Roy Williams trying to match Terrell Owens

BB Biggest Strength: Flex spot Droughns (over WR Plaxico Burress)
BB Biggest Concern: WR3 Keenan McCardell

Matchup to Watch: Atlanta vs. Seattle (Shaun Alexander- CD, vs. Warrick Dunn and Alge Crumpler- BB)

Champeons vs. Father Abraham (-11)

Big spread against the #2 scorer from last week. FA is a team, like the Blaine Browns, looking to avoid a potentially devastating 0-2 start. Should get a big rebound game from Donovan McNabb against the 49ers. Priest Holmes (FA) scored a solid 14 points last week, but will his role continue to diminish? Champeons has a lot of stock in the Oakland Raiders passing game, and will need them to score a ton every week for him to stay in it. CHM got a big boost from the Cowboys last week, and will need Keyshawn Johnson to assert himself as a stud again this week, and keep the ball from teammate Jason Witten (TE-FA) at the goal line.

CHM Biggest Strength: WR1 Randy Moss
CHM Biggest Concern: WR3 Braylon Edwards

FA Biggest Strength: WR3 Anquan Boldin
FA Biggest Concern: RB3 Stephen Davis vs. New England

Matchup to Watch: QB McNabb (FA) vs. Kerry Collins (CHM)

Madd Skillz (-28) vs. Big Fat Guys

Winner of the marquee matchup in week 1 gets an alleged breather against BFG in week 2. SKL takes 4 starting running backs into the matchup, while faces just 1.5 (as Mike Anderson's health is a question). Skillz has to get more from Domanick Davis, but that might not happen against the Steelers. Still, favorable matchups for LDT and Rudi Johnson. BFG has a stud at QB and a stud at RB, and some potential elsewhere. Antwaan Randle El is a player that could have a breakout year, as Ben Roethlisberger has an aversion to throwing to Hines Ward, it seems. The Denver Backs and Chris Chambers have the potential to go off any week.

SKL Biggest Strength: RB2 Rudi Johnson
SKL Biggest Concern: WR 3 Laverneus Coles

BFG Biggest Strength: QB Marc Bulger
BFG Biggest Concern: FLEX WR Brandon Lloyd

Matchup to Watch: WR2, Steve Smith (SKL) vs. Chambers (BFG)

Sex Panther (-24) vs. Ken's Anal Adventure

Preseason title talk for SP is still valid after a week1 loss. A second straight loss would be devastating and humiliating- but is also highly unlikely. Daunte Culpepper is probably the reason that SP fell in week 1, as last years stud racked up -4.5 points. Willis MaGahee and Cadillac Williams both ran up some big yards last week, and Ahman Green should bounce back against Cleveland. Meanwhile, KAA put together some semblence of a running attack this week, acquiring Thomas Jones from FLW and TJ Duckett from SP. The Duckett trade also netted them Isaac Bruce, but did cost Reggie Wayne. Marcel Shipp has the potential to work out well for KAA as he could have a bigger workload put on his shoulders.

SP Biggest Strength: RB1-3
SP Biggest Concern: Is Daunte Culpepper going to suck again?

KAA Biggest Strength: TE Antonio Gates
KAA Biggest Concern: Sex Panther's talent

Matchup to Watch: Indianapols and St. Louis games, as Reggie Wayne (SP) fights Brandon Stokley (KAA) and Isaac Bruce (KAA) fights Torry Hold (SP) for scores.