Week 2 RandBall Fantasy Football Challenge: WCCO's Jason DeRusha

September 12, 2013 at 5:45AM
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes against the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) ORG XMIT: FXP112
Guest picker’s QB (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 — 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.


New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero) ORG XMIT: CBS119
Michael Rand’s QB (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) is seen after the NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson) ORG XMIT: NYOTK
Guest picker’s RB (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs the ball against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) ORG XMIT: NYOTK
Michael Rand’s RB (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers in San Francisco, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Ben Margot) ORG XMIT: FXP
Guest picker’s WR (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) runs after making a reception during the first half of an NFL football game Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55), Sunday, Sept. 8, 2013, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh) ORG XMIT: CXB1
Michael Rand’s WR (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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