Quick Power Rankings Through Week 2

1. Greece Lightning - returning much of its 2012 starting lineup, off to a fast start as Petros seeks to claim that was rightly his in 2011.  Darren "if he stays healthy" McFadden could be a steal and solidify a solid starting lineup.

2. LA Rams - the highest scoring team so far benefited from a 7 TD Peyton Manning performance in Week 1 as well as hot starts from all pass catchers - Demaryius Thomas looks better than last year, Jordy Nelson looks completely healthy, and the breakout that was forseen for Jared Cook over the last 2 years may finally have arrived.  Steven Ridley was a Shane Vereen injury away from the bench so maybe it's LA's year.

3. Grumpy Smallmouth - started the season with the highest points projections and nothing has changed so far.  Loaded at every position, Grumpy looks every bit the pre-season title favorite.  Only question mark thus far is Frank Gore - has he finally run his course? Gio Bernard stands in the wings waiting for his chance in the flex spot.

4. Athens Panathinaikos - off to a fast 2-0 start despite average point totals, Athens is also looking to change their luck this year.  Aside from solid starters Stafford and Graham, Athens has question marks at the major positions (Rice, Mendenhall) and needs to hold on while potential reinforcements arrive (LeVeon Bell, Percy Harvin).

5. Castro - boldly embracing the "wide-open spread era" of the NFL (and if anyone should embrace this era, it's this team) Castro went for 3 start WRs (Fitzgerald, Cruz, White) and a spread RB (Bush - again perfect for this team) and are now starting 2 TE's (Julius Thomas, Rob Gronkowski).  Can this unorthodox approach result in a title?

6. Bafana Bafana - our 2012 league champs return mostly the same roster, highlighted by 2012 stars Tom Brady, AJ Green, and Adrian Peterson.  The question is can they revert to 2012 form? Early returns have been bad for Brady and AP.  The top-heavy, low-depth approach may hurt this group as the bye weeks approach.

7. Kapitalizm Stompers - the Stompers have gotten good, not great performances early.  Alfred Morris has struggled as the Skins fall behind by 30 at halftime each week. MJD, a supposed team anchor, is injured again to no one's surprise.  Arian Foster is splitting touches with the more explosive Ben Tate.  Questions abound but plenty of time remains to launch a playoff bid.

8. Manimals - also starting 0-2, the Manimals have turned a weakness (WR) into a strength behind two great performances from washed-up DeSean Jackson in the fast-break Chip Kelly offense.  Despite spending half its cap on RB's, only Eddie Lacy has a RB TD (goalline) and Lacy's Week 2 concussion cost the Manimals a much needed win.  2 consecutive years of slow starts could spell trouble.

9. Hillbilly Jihad - cornering the market on mobile QB's (RG3, Wilson) and scoring defenses (Chicago, SF) Jihad has limped out to a 1-1 start despite any truly great performances. RB2 (Tate) and the flex position are going to be issues for Jihad this year.  Look for a trade to unlock some assistance.

10. Melonheads - joining traditional league powers Stompers and Manimals in starting 0-2, they have gotten good work from Andrew Luck and LeSean McCoy but little beyond that.  David Wilson was supposed to be the flex guy to put them over the top, but Wilson has had possibly the worst start of any RB this year.

It is telling that in an early season fantasy points bonanza, the Melonheads have been left behind - every team in the league is averaging > 100 pts this year except them.  Look for that to change this week as Trent Richardson goes for 35 pts against the hated Manimals.