Now that the football season is officially underway, it’s time to begin that game that we love to hate, fantasy football. Fantasy football consumes lives, destroys relationships, and strains friendships. Trust me; I’ve gone through all of those and more. But like Herm Edwards said, “you play to win the game.” And we hype ourselves up every Sunday morning. We get up early, turn on our favorite pregame show, scour the bottom line for injury updates, and put up our “best lineup” in hopes that we will beat whatever schmuck we are playing that week. I don’t need to tell you to start Peyton Manning or Chris Johnson. We here at The Post are going to give you insight into some middle tier guys who are toss ups to being included in your “best lineup.” Because, really, we won’t know the best lineup until the week is over, so we look at the facts and give you the reasoning on guys to play and those to leave on your bench. Let me give you Fantasy Football Post’s Studs and Duds for week 1.
STUDS
QB:
Donovan McNabb vs. Dallas: McNabb always gets up for a divisional game and this one is his first Redskins’ start against the ‘Boys. I know he is coming off an injury but he has good weapons in Santana Moss, who has a great history against Dallas, and Chris Cooley, who he’s been finding the entire preseason. If Washington is going to stay in this game, it’ll be through the air. And if they don’t stay in it, then they’ll have to go through the air once again. Good for fantasy owners!
Derek Anderson vs. St. Louis: I know it’s a risky start and I can almost guarantee you that Anderson will throw a pick, BUT I also think he’s going to throw A LOT. And score, a lot. Beanie Wells is most certainly not playing in this game, and that means that Tim Hightower- a pass catching back- will be playing a lot and that leads to the philosophy change. Plus, the Cardinals still have Larry Fitzgerald. I see a pick or two but I also see the possibility of 3 touchdowns.
RB:
Ricky Williams vs. Buffalo: Let me start by saying that I think this is going to be a BAD year for Buffalo. I can’t do any justice to how bad I think the Bills are going to be. That being said, I like the Dolphins and I think they’ll put this game away early. This means, they’ll run the ball more and that equates to more touches for Williams. I think he’ll get a bulk of the carries over Ronnie Brown mostly because Brown is coming of injury (once again) and the Dolphins staff will limit his touches early to ensure he’s healthy for the rest of the year; all to the benefit of Ricky Williams and his fantasy owners.
Jerome Harrison vs. Tampa Bay: Every time that Harrison has had at least 17 carries he gained at least 121 rushing yards. Now that Montario Hardesty is out of the picture, Harrison has a great opportunity to run up the yards against a young Tampa Bay defense.
WR:
Terrell Owens vs. New England: From watching the preseason I’ve learned a couple of things about the Bengals. One, there isn’t enough balls to go around, odd man out: Chad Ochocinco. Two, if Carson Palmer doesn’t have a great season, he’s lost IT. You know, that IT he had a couple of years ago when he was an elite quarterback. And three, T.O. seems like a good fit for the team and will take better advantage of single coverage. I like him this week for at least 6 catches and a touch.
Hakeem Nicks vs. Carolina: This is the stud that took me into the deepest thought. The Carolina Defense has looked like their defense of old and I think the Giants’ running game will be slowed quite a bit. So the only way the Giants win this is by throwing to the single covered receiver, Nicks.
TE/DEF:
Jermichael Finley vs. Philadelphia: We all know that this guy is going to be a stud and this was the only time I could put him up here without him being a no-brainer. So give me a break, I want to guarantee that I’ll be right at least once and this is it. This is a potential shootout game in which I expect the Packers and Finley to put up a bunch of points.
Miami Defense vs. Buffalo: Have I mentioned that I think the Bills will be terrible? With no offensive weapons to speak of besides rookie C.J. Spiller this team is going to suffer and the Miami D will capitalize. They are definitely a good spot play this week.
DUDS
QB:
Chad Henne vs. Buffalo: This is one of those fantasy cases in which a team is so much better that they don’t need to pass the ball to win. I expect a heavy dose of the run and defense from Miami en route to an easy win. I really can’t see Henne getting more than one touchdown throw in this one.
Kevin Kolb vs. Green Bay: I like this matchup for Kolb because I feel that this game is going to be a shootout. But to me he is a dud because you just can’t put him out there with the rest of your fantasy team. He hasn’t done anything to warrant a start, especially in the preseason (0 TDs). If you have another safe option, then go there. But if not, throw caution and my words to the wind and go with him.
RB:
Jahvid Best vs. Chicago: This is another example of uncertainty that would make me look elsewhere. The scouting report coming out of college on Best was that he was injury prone. Well, he starts his NFL career with one of the toughest teams in the league, DA BEARS!! I’d wait a week if I had a better option, but if not, run with him. You probably drafted him as your number two RB, so it’s a gamble, one that I’m not willing to take.
Justin Forsett vs. San Francisco: Many people are starting to come around and join me in not believing the hype around this guy. He’s the starter for the ‘Hawks but the offense is poor and they want you to believe that Mike Williams- from USC and Bustville- is going to lead a turnaround. As you can tell, I don’t like to gamble early on with the unknown, but one thing I do know is that Coach Pete Carroll is a smooth talker and I just don’t trust what he is selling.
WR:
Kenny Britt vs. Oakland: Britt has emerged as a popular late round selection in many drafts. And I have to agree, I think the potential for a breakout season is there. However, this week he’ll get to know Mr. Nnamdi Asomugha very well and that is not good. Plus, I expect the Titans to rely on their run game to manage the tempo. Britt and his owners who start him are going to be in for a long Sunday.
Chad Ochocinco vs. New England: Trade Chad Now!!! Heed my warning; take whatever you can before it’s too late. Here is the deal, I love Ocho. He’s my favorite player in the NFL and I will be getting my jersey in the next few days. I’ve drafted him religiously the last three years and faced the ridicule from fellow owners. I like his work ethic and the shenanigans, of course. The truth is, there are too many weapons on the team and I feel his stats will diminish. He only had 72 catches last year, but the 9 touchdowns softened the blow. This year, with more “help” around him, expect his touchdowns, catches, and yardage to all go down.
TE/DEF:
Owen Daniels vs. Indianapolis: Daniels is coming off his third knee surgery and was cleared to practice two weeks ago. This week he is expected to only play a part of the game and that makes me go out and plug someone else into my lineup. The target is for him to play in 25 plays. But if he only gets 5 looks and catches one, he does me no good. I’d rather look at a Heath Miller or Chris Cooley out on the free agent market.
Pittsburgh Defense vs. Atlanta: Pittsburgh has perennially been a top-5 defense but they have their hands full with Matt Ryan and company. The Falcons bring a strong running and passing game to the table and I am not sure that the Steelers, even with the magnificently haired Troy Polamalu, can overcome what will be bad field position all day long.
Look out on Tuesday as we go over “What I Learned This Weekend, New Orleans Edition.” We’ll look at my predictions and see what was right and we’ll play Tuesday morning quarterback. Good luck to all this week, may you have the best lineup out there.
