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Start em and Sit em Week 1

Michael Strack

Start Em, Sit Em and Bet Em

 

Always start your studs such as Colts QB Peyton Manning, Saints QB Drew Brees, Vikings RB Adrian Peterson, Bears RB Matt Forte and Detroit's WR Calvin Johnson.  Here are some players you should consider for breakout performances and those that could disappoint.

 

Start Em

Jones-Drew, RB, Jaguars: Jones-Drew has a tendency to play at his highest level when facing the Colts.  With the Colts missing Bob Sanders for the first 5-6 weeks, I find them facing one problem in this home opener.  That problem is MJD.  Last year, MJD torched Indy for 328 total yards and 1 TD, and that was during their RBBC stint (which is now non-existent).  If healthy, look for Jones-Drew to continue the trend on Lucas Oil's slick & fast paced surface.  Perfect for a ;Pinball".

 

 

 

Ray Rice, RB, Ravens: During his senior year tenure at Rutgers University, Ray Rice's girlfriend at the time (Matee Ajavon) was interviewed and asked ;If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive, who would they be and why?"  Her answer was ;Ray Rice, Ray Rice & Ray Rice, ‘cause he's my baby".  I'm also convinced that when Greg Shiano used the ;chop-chop" motto with his Scarlet Knights, he was referring to his ;baby" as well.  Lining up against the Chiefs in week 1, Rice's ;chop-chop" style of running is this week's sure bet.  With McGahee's two offseason surgeries and McClain's transfer to FB, you can bet on John Harbaugh turning to his ;baby" as well.

 

 

Marques Colston, WR, Saints: With Drew Brees, Colston & Shockey all healthy, and a backfield that is banged up, expect the Saints to air it out early and often.  Colston's last three games of 2008 consisted of 22 catches for 306 yards & 4 TD's.  Considering that the Saints face a team that has lost its last 17 games, I'm certain Colston& Co. can make it a unmatched 18^thstraight.

 

 

 

Desean Jackson, WR, Eagles: As mentioned in our ;Breakout Wide Receiver of the Year" article, Desean is poised to have an outstanding season.  Desean has been declared ;unstoppable" in camp and showed several glimpses of dominance during the preseason.  Asante Samuel, one of the leagues top corners, has not found a way to contain him during practice, and I suspect that Carolina's mediocre secondary won't be able to find a solution either - - especially after watching what Larry Fitzgerald did to them this past January.

 

 

 

Donavon McNabb, QB, Eagles: Last year's first three games for McNabb comprised of 838 passing yards, 5 TD's& 1 INT.  McNabb routinely starts each season on the high scoring side of fantasy numbers.  This year, with a revamped offense, McNabb is slated to have another breakout year.  A high scoring affair in Carolina this Sunday should translate into countless opportunities for McNabb & Philly to get back to its ;chunky soup" status. 

 

 

Sit Em

 

Willie Parker, RB, Steelers: Fast Willie Parker hasn't been getting the respect he deserves this preseason.  I can say that I love Fast Willie, just not in this opening week against last year's 6^th best rush defense.  The Titans front-7 can reminisce about beating the Steelers in week 16 last year, but they also remember Pittsburgh raising the Lombardi trophy in January.  This game will incorporate field positioning and hard-nosed defense.  Between Mendenhall stealing some carries and the bitter taste left in Jeff Fisher's mouth, I don't see Fast Willie having a huge day. 

Larry Johnson, RB, Chiefs: For the same reasons not to start Fast Willie, LJ will face an even better defense.  The Baltimore Ravens ranked 5^th last year against the run, only allowing 89.5 yards per game.  Larry is a good low-end RB to gamble on, but stay far away from him in week one. 

 

 

Donnie Avery, WR, Rams: Donnie's foot is still in recovery mode and Seattle has made an attempt to put their once respected secondary back on the map by adding 14-year veteran Lawyer Milloy.  Marcus Trufant will miss his first 6 weeks, but, expect the 2006-2008 Buccaneers' Defensive Coordinator, Casey Bradley, to use Aaron Curry, Lofa Tatupu & Patrick Kerney in overwhelming blitz packages to keep Bulger & Co. irritated all afternoon.  I like Donnie Avery to break out this season, but stay away until the Rams have proven to get him the pigskin.

 

 

Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins: Last year Jason Campbell posted a combined 19 total points in his 2 division rival games versus the mighty Giants.  Being that it's the Giants home opener, the New York fans will be electric and won't settle for anything less than a victory.  If they beat the Redskins, it will be because of their outstanding defensive presence.  Look for Jason to have decent fantasy numbers, but not enough to render him an elite top-10 starter for week 1.