New York Guardians (1-0) vs DC Defenders (1-0)
Saturday, February 15 2020 2:00 PM@ Audi Field
Odds: DC Defenders -5.0 (oddsshark.com)
Looking to Remain Perfect in the East
Both teams are 1-0 coming off opening game wins at home. For DC this is their first game against a division rival. For the Guardians it is a test of their defense against a more potent offense.
Key Match-ups
Jamar Summers (21) vs Eli Rogers (04)
Eli Rogers was the most targeted receiver in week 1 for the Defenders and had 6 receptions on 6 targets for over 70 yards. He was the only Defender averaging over 10 yards a catch. he will need another big day to get the DC offense Going
Jamar Summers is the best corner for the Guardians. He has the ability to lock down any given receiver opposing him. He is also very dangerous having scored a defensive touchdown after a fumble in week 1. A big day from Jamar can impact the Defenders air attack
Jarron Jones (74) vs Jonathan Massaquoi (54)
Jarron Jones was the first pick by the guardians in the offensive line draft. He had a real good first day against the Vipers pass rush and kept McGloin standing and comfortable most of the game.
Massaquoi was the only Defender to muster a sack and multiple tackles for loss in the first game. the Defenders will need to have him continue to make an impact behind the line of scrimmage and the Guardians seem to be content to leave the ball in their experienced Qb’s hands and the Defender Secondary did allow some scores in a winning effort.
AJ Hendy (33) vs Khari Lee (86)
AJ Hendy had a big day figuring in a tip that caused an interception and breaking up 2 would be touch down receptions, the safety is proving to be a force and can impact the passing game with the tight end.
Khari Lee is a very talented player and can make an impact, but was fairly quiet , with the talent and depth of the Guardian corners it is imperative the Defenders get production from the tight end in this game.
Injury Report
Away Team Name
No Significant injuries from week 1
Home Team Name
No Significant Injury from week 1
Fantasy Preview
Rashad Ross had only 2 catches in game 1, but did score a touchdown. i expect DC will need to look more to other players with Rogers dealing with Summers. Ross should see more targets and would be a great play as he will likely see a lot of Askew-Henry, a natural safety trying to cover him in most 3 receiver sets.
Mekale McKay – still getting warmed up after being limited most of training camp and still finding his rhythm, he did have one diving catch on a big play that set up points in the first game. the Defender secondary did allow some scores and yards against Seattle and McKay should be even better this week and would be a good play.
Neither team ran well or much in week 1. Both may try to run a bit more here, but it is hard to justify selecting either team’s backs for starting in fantasy in week 2 after what we saw. Victor did get 57 total yards and can be tough to tackle in space for the Guardians.
Preview Summary
Both teams won week 1 in very similar ways in taking advantage of opposition mistakes for points. DC scored 2 non-offensive tds and the Guardians had 1. while neither team threw an interception.
Guardians win if McKay gets more comfortable in his second week and McGloin is able to take advantage of the DC Secondary in a similar manner Silvers did. If their Defense stays strong and can control the Defenders outside speed.
The Defenders win if the speedy receivers can make more plays down the field and Jones improves on his accuracy from week 1 and find an ability to establish a run game with either any of their backs.
Charles
February 14, 2020 at 9:04 am
The Guardians capitalized on the turnovers they were able to get but were outgained by the Vipers 394-226. The Defenders had a much more balanced attack in week one. Look for DC to go 2 & 0.