The purpose of the Shot Caller’s Report is to identify players who I expect to perform like quality fantasy starters for the given week and, on the flip side, to expose some of the more highly-regarded players who just may disappoint. Each week I will take into consideration not only the individuals mentioned, but also the state of their teams and their opponents, team schedules, historical performance, inclement weather (when applicable), and of course injuries. In my years of involvement with fantasy sports, I’ve found that playing probabilities often leads to success, but that does not necessarily mean that a journeyman RB cannot gain 100-plus rushing yards against the top-ranked rush defense or that Tom Brady is a lock for 350 yards and 3 TDs against the worst pass defense. Anything can happen.

With this dynamic, stat-driven article layered with insight and opinion, however, I aim to assist you in making the right roster decisions for your fantasy squad. Got a specific roster question or something interesting to say? Send me an email. I may not be able to get to all of your questions or comments, but I will do my best to respond accordingly.

Quarterbacks

Start 'Em

A multiple TD game for Fitzpatrick is likely this week against the Pats.

Joe Flacco @ StL
After an excellent effort in Week 1, Flacco regressed last week, completing just 15 of 32 passes for 197 yards, including 1 TD and 2 INTs as the Ravens were stunned by the Titans. Ironically, the last time Flacco completed less than 50% of his passes also came in Week 2 - of 2010. The following week he was outstanding (22 of 31, 262 yards, 3 TDs) and I expect the same from him in St. Louis. Ray Rice will pave the way on the ground, but an efficient Flacco should manage the game well and put up quality fantasy numbers.

Colt McCoy vs. Mia
I’m going out on a bit of a limb to endorse the second year signal caller McCoy, but he has a juicy matchup this week versus a reeling Miami Dolphins squad. While McCoy clearly does not have the arsenal of Tom Brady or Matt Schaub, in 2011 only the Chiefs (8) have given up more passing TDs than the Dolphins (6) and he should be able to capitalize. Look for bruising RB Peyton Hillis to open up some passing lanes for McCoy as he looks to get more production from his wide receivers. TE Ben Watson should play a significant role; Patriot and Texan TEs combined for 17 catches, 223 yards and 3 TDs against Miami.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Den
Hasselbeck was on top of his game last week against Baltimore, completing 30 of 42 passes (1 TD, 1 INT) for 358 yards – the 7th highest total in his 13-year NFL career. His top receiving threat, WR Kenny Britt has at least one touchdown in 4 straight games dating to last season and 12 TDs in his last 11 games. While Chris Johnson is sure to see a lot of action in this game, Hasselbeck will be called upon to make some plays and has proven himself thus far with his new squad. Be sure to check for updates on Kenny Britt’s hamstring; he was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice but practiced fully Thursday and is expected to play.

Bench 'Em

Kyle Orton @ Ten
Orton takes a measureable amount of heat in Denver, but from a fantasy perspective it really is not a simple task to illustrate that he is a poor QB option. He was solid against the Bengals last week (195 yards, 2 TDs) despite the late scratch of top WR Brandon Lloyd. It is important to remember, however, that Broncos Head Coach John Fox generally wants to run the ball more than throw, evidenced by Orton’s 25 pass attempts in Week 2. The other consideration has to be the Titan pass defense, which may be better than advertised. They sacked Joe Flacco 3 times last week and have only given up 344 passing yards and 1 aerial TD through 2 games.

Sam Bradford vs. Bal
Bradford threw for 331 yards and a TD against a banged up NYG secondary on Monday night but seemed to struggle without injured slot WR Danny Amendola. The Rams dealt with dropped passes, pass protection issues and an anemic red zone effort and clearly missed RB Steven Jackson. Even if Jackson suits up this week, the task is daunting for Bradford against what should be a fired up Baltimore defense. Despite allowing 604 passing yards through Week 2, the Ravens are one of four NFL teams (Jets, Titans & Lions) who have intercepted more passes (4) than TD passes allowed (2),

Chad Henne @ Cle
The 2011 Cleveland Browns have held opponents to an average of 165.5 yards per game, but even if their defense is not legit, it’s hard to trust Henne here. After completing 60% of his passes for 416 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT against the Patriots, he completed just 40% of his passes for 170 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT against the Texans. Henne has thrown at least 1 interception in 5 straight games and incredibly, in 14 of his last 15 contests, with only 5 multiple passing TD games in that span. He has never thrown more than 2 TDs in a game in his career.

Eli Manning @ Phi
On Monday against a depleted Rams secondary, Eli threw for 200 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. With a rash of injuries to Giant wide receivers, he could struggle against the Eagles this week. Eli has had a mixed bag of results against Philadelphia in his career so there is no clear trend expose; last season at home against the Eagles he threw 4 TDs; in Philadelphia he tossed 3 INTs. A week after shutting down Sam Bradford, the Eagles gave up 4 TDs to Matt Ryan. They struggled to cover TE Tony Gonzalez but should not have the same issue with Giants TE Jake Ballard who has 3 receptions in 2011.

Running Backs