Featured Fantasy Football Article

The Stock Exchange

Welcome to the 2009 NFL season. Each week I'll be revealing my Stock Exchange starting lineup to you, analyzing the players I've purchased, how much I paid for them and their matchup for that week.
Team Blunda

Bengals QB Carson Palmer ($21.00) vs. Broncos
After dealing with a bum ankle in the preseason, Palmer says he's 100 percent for Week One. He couldn't have asked for a much better matchup, as he gets to face a Denver defense that ranked among the league's worst in 2008. Here's hoping that a rejuvenated Chad Ochocinco leads to a vintage performance from Palmer and Co.

Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck ($17.25) vs. Rams
Much like Palmer, Hasselbeck missed a good chunk of '08 due to injury, but he's back and ready to pick apart the lowly Rams. St. Louis was awful against the pass last season, and its "D" doesn't figure to be much improved this year. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh added to his arsenal, Hasselbeck has a solid group of weapons to help him post big numbers.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson ($50.00) at Browns
I opted to splurge at RB and purchase the pricey Peterson, who I think has a realistic shot to run for 2,000 yards this season. One of the game's best producers, he should get off to a great start going against a Browns run defense that ranked 28th last season. I'm expecting loads of yardage and hopefully a score or two.

Ravens RB Ray Rice ($11.25) vs. Chiefs
Look for Sunday to be Rice's coming-out party. The Ravens' new starting back, Rice faces a horrible Chiefs' run defense that gave up 158.9 YPG rushing last season and yielded 25 TDs on the ground. With Baltimore likely to run right at K.C. all game, I think this will turn out to be a steal for me.

Patriots WR Randy Moss ($36.50) vs. Bills
Tom Brady is back, and that means Moss should again be a fantasy monster. As the pair proved in 2007, when they hooked up for an incredible 23 TDs, nothing can stop this QB-WR connection, not the opponent, conditions, etc. I see the Patriots coming out and trying to make a statement Monday night, which is why I'm so confident in Moss.

Saints WR Marques Colston ($22.00) vs. Lions
As matchups go, it doesn't get more favorable than facing the Lions, who finished with the worst "D" in 2008. The high-powered Saints figure to abuse Detroit this week, and Colston should be the recipient of many of Drew Brees' throws. Multiple trips to the endzone for the solid wideout wouldn't shock me.

Seahawks WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh ($17.00) vs. Rams
I'm going all in on the Seahawks in Week One, buying up both Hasselbeck and Houshmandzadeh. As I mentioned above, the Rams' defense was not very good last season, and I think Seattle, which has lots of question marks in the backfield, will expose them through the air. I also see Housh quickly becoming a favorite red-zone target for his new QB, hopefully beginning Sunday.

Bears TE Greg Olsen ($9.00) at Packers
Everyone seems to be high on Olsen this season, so I couldn't pass him up at this price. He and Jay Cutler showed a good rapport in the preseason, and there's no reason to think it won't carry over into Week One. The Packers' "D" could be shaky as they transition to a 3-4, so the Bears should be able to move the ball well on this unit.

Jaguars PK Josh Scobee ($6.25) at Colts
I had barely any money left at the end, so I had to skimp on my kicker purchase. Kicking indoors in a game in which quite a few points could be scored, though, Scobee doesn't seem like a terrible option.

San Diego Chargers defense ($9.50) at Raiders
With LB Shawne Merriman back and a strong desire to start the season off with a bang, I love the Chargers' defense this week. Having to play with two rookie receivers, it could be a long night for QB JaMarcus Russell, who could be forced into tossing multiple picks and taking a slew of sacks by this talented unit.