Week one of the Fantasy Football season is here! Last night Ben Roethlisberger owners got a Tom Brady like performance and the dangerous combo of Big Ben to Santonio Holmes is going to remain dangerous at least for now. Roethlisberger threw for 363 yards mostly from the no huddle, while Holmes dragged in 131 yards and a touchdown. Thursday provided some good fantasy knowledge already with only one game on the slate. Kenny Britt looks like a real weapon as he gets more comfortable throughout the season. Somehow Kerry Collins gets better with age. The Titans running game might be in trouble, despite Lendale White and Chris Johnson being top round picks in most drafts (Okay, not every defense is as potent as the Steel City’s starting 11). Last night finally launched the season, and Sunday brings it to the forefront. Here are some early Fantasy notes heading into week one, starting with the ever so popular Start em’/Sit em’.
Start ‘Em:
Reggie Bush vs. Detroit Defense- I can’t believe I am arguing for Reggie Bush to start, but when Detroit brings the worst front seven to New Orleans, there is no way to argue Bush’s ability. In PPR leagues, he will undoubtedly rack up numbers. What scares me is that Pierre Thomas is most likely out in game number one. If the Saints stay out of the middle, and work the edges Bush can be effective. He claims he is 100% ready to go, and against the Lions, 80% could light that line up like a christmas tree in September. If you thought about sitting Drew Brees or Marques Colston for some reason, think again. The corners for the Lions couldn’t stop Tank Johnson lining up in the slot and Brees has the best release in the game.
Gates and Tomlinson versus Oakland- This might seem obvious, but for those of you afraid to start Tomlinson to start the season, remember what defense he is facing in week one. Same goes for Gates (no way you weren’t starting him) who faces an inept secondary.
Naked Man vs. The Browns- Vinshante Shancoe might be your back up tight end, but unless you have Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jason Witten or Dallas Clark you need to start him against the Cleveland defense. There is no doubt that as the ageless wonder eases his way into the offense, AP will be running his ass off. There is also no doubt that Shancoe will be Favre’s number one option as a dump off. Percy Harvin could also be dangerous, but it doesn’t seem that the Vikes will have to throw deep very much in this one.
Chicago Wide outs vs. Packers Corners- Earl Bennett who? Devin Hester what? It’s not that the Packers corners are horrible, it’s more that the Bears will have to throw the ball quite a bit to win. Jay Cutler is going to thread the needle, make mistakes, and even say some funky words after the game. He will find both of these receivers though quite a few times. It’s sleeper make or break time to start the season. If you have a glaring hole at receiver, or are downright daring, start one of these two.
Felix Jones versus Tampa Bay- The Bucs are adjusting to a new defense, while Felix Jones continues to develop his skills. If Jones can get a bounce outside, he is without a doubt a weapon. One or two bounces is enough for fantasy value, and with the air game possibly struggling early, the Boys might focus on the run to control the clock.
Carson Palmer versus the Bronco defense- Palmer has yet to see real competition, and the game is going to be real fast to him right away, but against the Bronco secondary, that has played horrid in the preseason, I would definitely be willing to give him the start in week one. The Trio he will be throwing to has shown in the preseason that they can seperate from defenders, and Chris Henry is a true touchdown threat. It would be wise to start 85 and Slim in week one as well.
Other Sleeper starters that could have an impact at the key posisions: Mike Bell, Steve Smith (NYG), Cedric Benson, Darren McFadden, Joseph Addai, Julius Jones, Kyle Orton, Joe Flacco
Sit ‘Em-
Eli Manning Versus Washington- There is no doubt that while his brother is a Fantasy playing god, Eli Manning might single handedly be the most upsetting player to have on your roster. With his young receiving corps and a Washington D that is actually looking respectable, Eli is a must sit this week. If his receivers come out and show they can compete week by week, then Eli’s fantasy value could go up. For now though, sit him.
JaMarcus Russell versus the Broncos- Young receivers, a former O Line as a head coach. The Raiders are going to be running the ball non-stop against the weak front of Denver. For those of you believing that Russell is busting out, this is not the week. Depending on Heyward-Bey is also very dangerous.
49ers Passing Game vs. Arizona- Shaun Hill and Josh Morgan will attempt to connect with each other multiple times in this game. The question has to be if they will actually be a threat, and if this passing game can have any success. There is no doubt that Frank Gore will be successful but the combo of Morgan and Hill is downright overrated in week one. Especially when coach Singletary will run the ball at almost any expense.
Derrick Ward vs. Dallas- I still believe that Ward is going to be one of the biggest sleepers in 2009, but it doesn’t start in week one with one of the best rush defenses in the league. This week will also be key for fantasy owners to finally get a feel for what Tampa Bay is going to do on offense. Will Carnell Williams and Earnest Graham play a big part in the offense? If so, Ward could go from starter to role player on your fantasy team.
Jamal Lewis vs. Minnesota- Do I even have to say anything? Tank Johnson (our slot receiver from above) could run the ball more effectively against this top rush defense and at points he even seems faster than Lewis. Cleveland has no better options out there, but Brady Quinn will be throwing a lot in this game.
Other players to sit: Mark Bulger, Byron Leftwitch, Micheal Bush, Willis McGahee, Ricky Williams, Marcedes Lewis, Vernon Davis, Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice, Troy Williamson, Hakeem Nicks
News and Notes:
Already the news and notes are hopping during week one! Let’s get right to your team news and league injuries to watch as we head into the Weekend.
Darren McFadden will start in Denver- Coach Cable has named his starter in the obvious department. Micheal Bush has some talent, but McFadden is the obvious talent. He will have some good numbers this season, and we will finally see some explosiveness out of him. Expect a better year than former Arkansas teammate Felix Jones this season.
Kevin Walter Game Time Decision- The Texans sleeper receiver will be a game time decision this Sunday for the Houston Texans. Walter’s hamstring is still bothering him and despite limited practice this week, he could play. Bench him either way though, because he won’t be able to goo 100% to start the season.
Who Knowshon if Moreno will be ready- Many fantasy owners are anxious to see if Moreno is going to be the explosive back he was in college. My advice would be to wait a week. Coach McDaniels had Moreno ditch the non-contact jersey in yesterday’s practice, but he is unsure if he will play. This offense is a mess right now, and I would think his carries will be limited if he gets in during week one. Brandon Marshall will also be interesting to watch, as he continues his wierd relationship with Denver management.
Kevin Smith to have bigger Role- According to the Detroit News, Jim Schwartz believes Kevin Smith will be a bigger factor, now that rookie Matthew Stafford has been named the starter. This is great news for Smith owners, considering that he is one of the best young receivers out of the backfield. Expect big rushing numbers and a top notch option for Stafford to throw to when Mega Tron is covered and Brandon Pettigrew is out of the game.
Matt Cassel Game Time Decision?- Against Baltimore, the Chiefs will need Matt Cassel to have any success. Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen are not solid options this Sunday. Cassel did practice on Thursday, but he is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. It will be tough to start Cassel, because Todd Haley will not make a decision until gameday.
Brian Westbrook practicing fully- It looks like Westbrook will be ready for game number one for the Eagles. It looks like he is going to play, and even in a limited role, he is valuable against a weak front for the Panthers. This should be a fun game for Westbrook and your fantasy team if he stays healthy.
Pierre Thomas Out vs. Lions- Mike Bell could have some value since Thomas won’t go against the worst run defense in 2008. Thomas should be all set to go in week number two but coach Sean Payton made it clear that Pierre Thomas will not play in game number one of the season.
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