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 — WCCO's Jason DeRusha, who probably loves food more than football — will go head-to-head against Star Tribune writer Michael Rand, who is not allowed to pick anyone projected to score in the top 10 at his position this week by NFL.com:
Jason DeRusha's WEEK 2 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Aaron Rodgers, Packers
NFL.com QB projection: No. 4
Matchup: Washington
My friend Mark Rosen told me to pick Rodgers, and he told me to tell all of you he's a closet Green Bay Packers fan.
RB: Adrian Peterson, Vikings
NFL.com projection: No. 7
Matchup: Bears
I expect AP to score all the touchdowns. He's going to have a monster week. Plus I love the Vikings more than Rosen.
WR: Brandon Marshall, Bears
NFL.com projection: No. 3
Matchup: Vikings
My morning co-anchor Jamie Yuccas is impressed with Marshall's 4.52 40-yard dash time, and told me he's a no-brainer fantasy pick.
MICHAEL RAND's WEEK 2 FANTASY PICKS
QB: Eli Manning, Giants
NFL.com projection: No. 18
Matchup: Broncos
Let's get this straight:Eli Manning is going against big brother Peyton and someone expects him to have an average game? Please. This will be a shootout, and both Mannings will prosper.
RB: Ray Rice, Ravens
NFL.com projection: No. 16
Matchup: Browns
Baltimore was routed in its opener by Denver, but the Ravens and Rice should find Cleveland far more to their liking. He tops 100 yards and gets in the end zone.
WR: Jordy Nelson, Packers
NFL.com projection: No. 19
Matchup: Washington
I'm trying to poach some of your points, DeRusha, by hoping that a couple of Rodgers' TD passes go to Nelson. I can see why Rosen loves the Pack so much. Nelson made a sweet catch last week.
SCOREBOARD WEEK 1 FANTASY RECAP (USING NFL.COM DEFAULT SCORING METHOD)
Winner: Michael Rand—QB Matthew Stafford (20.5), RB DeMarco Murray (12.5), WR Reggie Wayne (15.6). Total: 48.6.
Loser: Kristin Lodermeier— QB Matt Ryan (19.4), RB Alfred Morris (9.4), WR Dez Bryant (2.2). Total: 31.0.
Overall standings: Guest pickers 0-1.
