Buffalo Bills punter Colton Schmidt got his NFL career off to a great start against the Bears last Sunday, dropping four of five punts inside the 20-yard line and preventing the Bears from gaining any yards on returns (they finished with -1 punt return yards). Schmidt's counting numbers (average punt height, yards per kick, etc.) were likely skewed a bit by the field position he was working with, and so it'll take a bit longer to evaluate whether he has the leg strength to go with the accuracy. Originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the 49ers in 2013, Schmidt was cut during the preseason. He signed with the Browns, but was amongst their final cuts, and didn't get another look. This past offseason, Schmidt again signed with the 49ers, but didn't make the team and was claimed on waivers by the Bills. At this point, it's looking like a great move for Buffalo, and given that the Bills' strength is their defense, Schmidt should have decent value for as long as he holds the job. This week, Schmidt's Bills are going against the Miami Dolphins. Both teams were surprise victors in Week 1, setting this up to be an interesting match-up. Last week, E.J. Manuel looked far better than expected against the Bears, but he'll have to take another big leap forward with Cameron Wake putting near-constant pressure on him in Week 2. If Manuel falters, this could be a big game for Schmidt.
In Arizona, there's some uncertainty as to whether or not Dave Zastudil (groin strain) will be available to the Cardinals. If he's not, Drew Butler has been signed as insurance. Either way, this is a punting situation to avoid in Week 2; the Cardinals have a fairly potent passing attack, while the Giants' secondary was exposed badly by the Lions last week. The Cardinals shouldn't have too much difficulty moving the football – not with Palmer being able to choose between three very talented receivers in Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown – and it's probable that whoever's punting for them won't be particularly busy.
In Minnesota, the Vikings will be going up against a riled-up Patriots defense, and they'll have to do so without the services of bell cow running back Adrian Peterson (indicted for child abuse). With Peterson sidelined, Matt Cassell is going to have substantial difficulty moving the football, making punter Jeff Locke our top-ranked punter for Week 2. Jaguars punter Bryan Anger remains a strong weekly option, this week going against the Redskins, but as the Jags improve, Anger's going to need to step up his game to retain meaningful fantasy (and real-life) value. The Jets are a good bet to struggle against the Packers, making Ryan Quigley a very solid start. And after a very ugly performance in Week 1, the Chiefs now have to take on the Broncos and their fortified defense, which could make Dustin Colquitt a very solid play in Week 2. Rounding out the top five is Spencer Lanning of the Browns. He survived Antonio Brown's crane kick, and with the Browns waiting until November for Josh Gordon's return, their offense is likely to struggle against a Saints defense looking to rebound from a heartbreaking Week 1 loss to the Falcons.
Here's a look at the full punter rankings for Week 2…
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