We've got this new Fantasy Index Blackout competition. You can enter it under Your Stuff at the top right of the screen. It's similar to our old SuperLeague competition, except you're prevented from using sure-fire, slam-dunk superstars like David Johnson. What's that? Oh.
I got burned in Week 1, most notably using busts like Tom Brady and Russell Wilson. But that was just one week, and I've got my bad one out of the way. Here's my initial thoughts on my Week 2 picks.
Quarterback: Can't use Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady or Drew Brees -- Ah, the Blackout wrinkle at work. But they overlooked the 4th quarterback playing in what looks like the week's biggest shootouts, Matt Ryan. He's starting, and I'm looking at either Jameis Winston (home versus Chicago) or Philip Rivers (home versus Miami).
Running back: No Zeke, Kareem, Dalvin, or Marshawn. But that's OK. I'm all over Mike Gillislee against the Saints and one of the runners in what looks like a high-scoring San Diego-Miami game. Probably Ajayi, since this is non-PPR scoring.
Wide receiver: No Antonio Brown or Mike Evans, a shame. But I can use wideouts in likely shootouts, like Jordy Nelson and Brandin Cooks. I'll probably go with Amari Cooper against the Jets as my third choice. Because he's Amari Cooper, and they're the Jets.
Tight end: Gronk is blacked out, so I'll settle for Jordan Reed, who's awesome and more or less healthy, and Jimmy Graham, who tore up the 49ers last year and should do so again.
Kicker: Yes, we use kickers in this thing. My favorite options (Giorgio Tavecchio, Blair Walsh) are blacked out, so I've got to go with Baltimore's Justin Tucker and the Rams' Greg Zuerlein. Home teams I think will score a decent amount of points and win.
Defense: Baltimore at home against Cleveland is an obvious choice; the Blackout fairies were sleeping on that one (though they did get Seattle and Oakland off the board). I will pair the Ravens with the Rams and call it good.
Good luck to the rest of you.