Let the games begin!
Bernard Berrian, MIN ~ Berrian is still questionable to play, but even if he does you have to sit him this week as he and Favre are admittedly not on the same page with each other. Favre told the St. Paul Pioneer Press, "You can't make excuses; you've got to get it done. So we're way behind. He's not. I would say I'm way behind on where I need to be with [Berrian]."
Austin Collie, IND ~ Collie officially beat out Pierre Garcon for the third receiver spot, which Anthony Gonzalez has flourished in the last two seasons. I'm not saying rush out and grab him, just be aware of the fantasy potential.
Miles Austin, DAL ~ Austin is off the injury report and should be the Cowboy's third receiver for week one.
--Tight End Updates--
Jeremy Shockey, NOS ~ Don't like him, never have, but this is a great week to play him. Fellow TE, Billy Miller is out with a torn Achilles tendon, and the Lions surrendered the third most points to tight ends in 2008.
Dustin Keller, NYJ ~ His toe is sore, but he will play. I don't expect a lot of receptions this week, but I do expect him to be a primary redzone target for rookie QB Mark Sanchez. I think he'll haul in a TD this week against the Texans.
Todd Heap, BAL ~ I know Heap's been a heap the last few seasons, but during the preseason, he and Joe Flacco have been connecting, and the Ravens play the Chiefs this week. Nuff said.
Carpenter - The lonely kicker
--Kickers--
We don't show kickers much love in fantasy football, but they are a necessity and they can quietly help each week. Here are a few guys that I like for week one besides the obvious big name guys.
Josh Brown, STL ~ It may not mean much, but Seattle surrendered the most points to kickers last year. Brown is the Seahawks former kicker so this is a homecoming for him, and the Rams may struggle getting into the endzone unless it's through the uprights.
Joe Nedney, SFO ~ The Cardinals will likely be forcing the 49ers hand all day, and SF will struggle to go the distance. Nedney should be kicking a lot.
Dan Carpenter, MIA ~ Who? Carpenter is the 'fins foot, and Pennington and crew will have a hard time reaching redzone territory against the Falcons. Carpenter should be busy.
Lawrence Tynes, NYG ~ The G-men have a mess of a passing game and the redskins will play them tough this week. Tynes may end up a top 5 kicker in week one.
--IDP--
Richard Seymour, Oak ~ Defensive Lineman Seymour was not happy about his trade to the Raiders, but he has now committed to showing up today, and being ready for game one. If you drafted him as a top DL, this is good news.
Brian Cushing, HOU ~ Cushing will play this week against the Jets but he'll be on a play count, and he missed the preseason, so bench him this week.
Charles Grant, Will Smith, NOS ~ Both DLs will get to start this week against the Lions. They should start serving their four-game suspensions in week two. They make solid plays this week against Detroit and rookie QB, Stafford.
Kirk Morrison, OAK ~ The 100 tackle LB for the Raiders will play this week, but temper that with missed preseason reps.
Charles Tillman, CHI ~ The bears CB is 50/50 to play. Sit him this week.
Shawne Merriman, SDC ~ The Tila Tequila charges have been dropped, so Merriman can go back in your line-up. That is until his next debacle.
Bernard Pollard, KCC ~ In case you missed it, Pollard was a viable fantasy DB until the Chiefs cut him last week, along with former fantasy stud, Zach Thomas. Make sure neither is on your team if you drafted them.
Here is my full Defense and IDP Start and Sit Week One Report.
Here is our Week 1 Start and Sit Report.
Got Line-up questions? Ask them here!
