Fantasy Football: 4 Things We Learned From Week 2

Melvin Gordon Is About to Be Really Valuable

Melvin Gordon's rookie season was about as bad as the expectations were high for him headed into 2015. His -0.19 Rushing NEP per rush was dead last in the NFL among running backs with at least 150 totes. His 3.5 yards per carry and zero trips to the endzone were also abysmal for his fantasy owners.

But in Week 1, Gordon quickly rectified his touchdown-free career-to-date by scoring twice in the first half. Unfortunately for Gordon owners, the euphoria was short-lived as they realized that Gordon was on the field for only 23 snaps, as Danny Woodhead took over pass-catching duties once Keenan Allen went down.

In Week 2, Woodhead went down with a knee injury, and Gordon seized his opportunity, rushing for 102 yards and a touchdown to go with 3 catches for 18 yards. Moreover, his 0.14 Rushing NEP per carry this season is lightyears beyond where he was last season.

Gordon's opportunity to seize the spotlight could not come at a better time. The next three games he gets to square up against the defensive lines of the Colts, Saints, and Raiders, each of whom ranked as bottom half teams in term of Adjusted Defensive NEP per rush last season, and each of whom remain vulnerable to the rush this season.

Those who bought Gordon at a discount can celebrate their foresight and enjoy the fantasy points.