The NFL Bandwagons: Week 2 Edition

The true beauty of the NFL, for both teams and their fans, lies in the idea that the season seemingly never ends. Sure, players grow weary over the constant wear-and-tear that their bodies endure through the seventeen-week slate. But for the few Raiders and Jaguars diehards that still exist today, it must be pretty tough to see your team get shelled time and time again through the slow winter months.

Overall, the grueling marathon that is the NFL season benefits all for three reasons: it allows for rough starts (you can still win your Fantasy league 0-2 owners!), lets teams overcome a terrifying stretch of tough games (just ask Eli about last year) and gives us fans the opportunity to watch Antonio Cromartie make a complete fool of himself from September to January.

No verdict should be reached on a player or team before the year comes to a close. To put it more simply, hold off on the crazy predictions and the premature assertions until the fat lady has stopped signing, and that stupid All-Star game known as the “Pro Bowl” is done with. Because, if you happen to be “that guy” who is already asking your fantasy football commissioner for the league trophy or proclaiming your team as Super Bowl champs in Week 1, you are going to look really dumb. In other words, I’ll start calling you Jay Cutler.

Please just sit back, enjoy your Sundays, and let the season play out. Allow me to be the fool to get overly hyped about everyone. For now, before another replacement official professes his love for the New Orleans Saints, let’s take a look at the NFL bandwagons after Week 2.

Hop on the Bandwagon, Quickly:

1. Houston Texans: One of the only six teams sitting pretty at 2-0, the Texans have easily been the most impressive AFC squad to date. I realize that Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson were able to coast and watch NFL RedZone on the sidelines the past two Sundays (Houston has played the Dolphins and Jaguars), but I do not foresee a tougher schedule slowing these guys down all that much. The defense has allowed just one offensive touchdown so far, and the running back duo of Arian Foster (110 rushing yards and a TD in Week 2) and Ben Tate (74 yards, 2 TD’s) is above and beyond the best in football.

2. CJ Spiller: Just the thought of a live buffalo running wild throughout the Empire State is scary to me. And if I’m a little freaked out over Bills running back CJ Spiller right now, I cannot even imagine how injured starter Fred Jackson is feeling. Spiller, the former Clemson speedster, burst onto the scene in Week 1 against the Jets after Jackson left with a knee injury. Spiller’s encore entailed 123 rushing yards, 2 TD’s, and an additional 47 receiving yards in a 35-17 win over the Chiefs. At the moment, I am still pondering what hurts more: Fred Jackson’s sprained knee, or the heartache I feel for starting the “Other CJ,” Chris Johnson, over Spiller in my fantasy league.

3. Victor Cruz: It was difficult enough for Victor Cruz to block out all the negative criticism that came his way after a disastrous Week 1 performance. In addition to that, the Super Bowl champ has had to deal with the death of his beloved, salsa-crazed grandmother. So, you still think you had a bad week? Fortunately for Cruz, his picture now appears in the dictionary right next to the word “bounceback.” 11 grabs, 179 yards, and a trip to salsa-land speaks for itself. The only reason you’re not on this bandwagon is if your name is Greg Schiano.

Be Aware of the Nearest Emergency Exit

1. Redheaded Quarterbacks: I may or may not have thrown a couple cheap shots at Brown’s quarterback Brandon Weeden, but that is only because his Week 1 showing made fellow carrot-top Carson Palmer look like an All-Pro. Weeden must have read my column last week, because he went off against the Bengals to the tune of 322 yards and 2 TD’s. Andy Dalton, Weeden’s counterpart this past Sunday, got the victory however and remains second in the redheaded quarterback standings. In first place, of course, is Miami rookie Ryan Tannehill. This has nothing to do with Tannehill recording his first NFL win, and has everything to do with the lady that, win or lose, RT gets to go home to after the game.

2. Reggie Bush: Back to a more serious note, albeit sticking with the Dolphins, the Reggie Bush bandwagon has a few empty seats on it. A couple mediocre years with the Saints and the Heisman scandal left Bush feeling helpless, trophy-less, and Kardashian-less. Last year, Reggie quietly put together a solid statistical year for the ‘Fins (1000+ rushing yards, 7 total TD), and it is safe to say he picked up right where he left off. Against the Raiders in Week 2, Bush rushed for 172 yards and two scores in a blowout win. Is it only a coincidence that “Kourtney and Kim Take Miami” is back?

Get Off At the Next Stop

1. Titans: There was legitimate reason for optimism in Tennessee this year. Then, well, the season, kinda, you know, started. At least Chris Johnson has more rushing yards than attempts this season, right? The real question for the Titans: with a single catch for 5 yards on Sunday, will Kenny Britt accumulate more fantasy points or DUI’s this year?