No Section

Fantasy Football Challenge, Week 2: Michael Rand vs. Josh Harding

Each week, a guest picker chooses a quarterback, wide receiver and running back who he or she believes will score big in fantasy that week. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker.

September 15, 2012 at 1:53PM

Wild goalie Josh Harding (Brian Wicker — Star Tribune file/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Week 2 of the Page 2 Fantasy Football Challenge is upon us. Each week, a guest picker chooses a quarterback, wide receiver and running back who he or she believes will score big in fantasy that week. The only players off-limits are those selected by the previous week's guest picker. The guest -- Wild goalie Josh Harding this week -- will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone ranked in the top 10 by NFL.com experts at their respective positions:

JOSH HARDING'S WEEK 2 FANTASY PICKS

QB: Drew Brees, Saints

NFL.com fantasy QB rank: No. 1. Matchup: Panthers

Drew Brees is one of the best QBs in the league and plays for a team that has a very passer-friendly offense. He is a pick this week because New Orleans plays against Carolina, a team that struggles on defense. This game is going to be a shootout.

WR: Andre Johnson, Texans

NFL.com fantasy WR rank: No. 4.

Matchup: Jaguars

I would have picked Megatron, but was told I couldn't. Oh well. Johnson will have a big game at Jacksonville. He started off the year well and it will continue again this week.

RB: DeMarco Murray, Cowboys

NFL.com fantasy RB rank: No. 7.

Matchup: Seahawks

Picking a running back for my team is an easy decision. I am a huge Dallas Cowboys fan so have to go with DeMarco Murray. He played a big role in the Cowboys win on the road in New York.

MICHAEL RAND'S WEEK 2 FANTASY PICKS

QB: Andrew Luck, Colts

NFL.com fantasy QB rank: No. 12. Matchup: Vikings

As former Vikings coach Mike Tice might say, "OK, calm down." We're not purple-bashing here by taking a flier on Luck in Week 2 against the Vikings. All we're saying is that if Blaine Gabbert can put up decent numbers against Minnesota, the rookie No. 1 overall pick could have a nice game.

WR: Wes Welker, Patriots

NFL.com fantasy WR rank: No. 15

Matchup: Cardinals

Welker only had three catches (and for just 14 yards) in Week 1, but his 122 grabs a season ago give every reason to believe he still will be a major factor in the Tom Brady-led Patriots passing game.

RB: Reggie Bush, Dolphins

NFL.com fantasy RB rank: No. 12

Matchup: Raiders

The Dolphins are going to have to force-feed the ball to Bush, who touched it 20 times from scrimmage (14 runs, six catches) in Week 1. We're banking on their top playmaker scoring a touchdown.