NFL Week 2: Surprises

With two weeks of the NFL football season behind us, fantasy football owners have seen some big surprises as well as some startling let downs. Player values change on a day to day basis so let's see whose fantasy stock rose this week.

I'm trying various formats for my weekly NFL fantasy articles so the format and article types may vary for the first few weeks. Please feel free to let me know in the comments or via e-mail which you prefer and your thoughts on the various formats.

Matt Schaub, Quarterback, HOU

Schaub had about as near a perfect week as a starting NFL quarterback can. Few fantasy owners looked at him as more than a decent starter this year, but if he can put out more games like he did in week two he'll be joining the elite. Matt Schaub tore up the Tennessee defense on Sunday throwing for 357 yards and four scores with no picks. Schaub will be playing against a mediocre Jacksonville defense next week so hopefully he'll continue to put up stellar numbers.

Kevin Kolb, Quarterback, PHI

Kevin Kolb replaced the injured Donovan McNabb in leading the Eagles high powered aerial attack and was mostly successful in their loss to the New Orleans Saints. Kolb threw for 391 yards and two scores. He did throw three picks which hurts, however his fantasy stock should be rising from the dismal pit it was in last week. Kolb will most likely lead the Eagles offense next week as well, though he will face stiff competition from Jeff Garcia and possibly Michael Vick.

Frank Gore, Running Back, SF

After a fairly pitiful start in week one Gore had an absolutely monster day on Sunday. He opened the game with a huge touchdown run and never looked back. His 16 carries garnered him 207 yards and two scores. The only downfall of the day for him was rolling his ankle and having to leave the game in the fourth quarter. His injury does not appear to be serious so he should be a solid fantasy starter going forward. Don't expect these kinds of numbers every week, but Gore has shown that he still has what it takes to be a feature back on a team that needs it.

Chris Johnson, Running Back, Ten

Chris Johnson put on a clinic on Sunday showing why he was a solid first round pick in this years fantasy drafts. He ground out 197 yards on the ground in 16 carries and reached pay dirt twice. He also tallied another 87 yards in the air adding an additional touchdown. After a bit of a slow start against a difficult Steelers defense Johnson has shown he's here to play again this year.

Mario Manningham, Wide Receiver, NYG

Manningham got his shot on Sunday to fight for a starting receiver job and fight he did. He took over for the injured Domenik Hixon and grabbed 150 yards and a score on 10 catches. In all probability he will be starting next week so if he's available on your waiver wire you might think about picking him up if you're light in the receiver department.

Andre Johnson, Wide Receiver, HOU

Johnson continues to be one of the NFL elite and was the largest recipient of Matt Schaub's success on Sunday. Johnson recorded 149 yards and 2 scores in 10 catches. He should continue to put up solid numbers weekly.

I've done more of a consolidated review this week, let me know if you prefer this or the position by position reviews. My readers will determine how I go about organizing future articles.