QB Joe Flacco -

RB Michael Turner – The return of S Troy Polamalu and DE Aaron Smith will have this defense playing like it’s 2008 again. This is bad news for Michael Turner owners. That Steelers D was the best at stopping the run. Expect Turner Burner to have a very mediocre afternoon and end with around 60 rushing yards with 0 TDs.

WR Anquan Boldin – Along with his teammate at the top, this is a night you want to avoid Baltimore’s top receiving threat. Rust or little rust, CB Darrelle Revis will shut Boldin down and force Flacco to look elsewhere when throwing down the field. Expect 50 receiving yards or fewer on MNF.

TE John Carlson - Two reasons. The Seahawks are thin along the offensive line and will probably need Carlson to stay in and block most of the time. Next, the 49ers possess one of the best LB corps in the league and are tough on opposing TEs.

D/ST Philadelphia Eagles – Ranked No. 2 on some fantasy football pre-draft ranking charts, Week 1 is not the weekend to start this unit. QB Aaron Rodgers and Co. are coming into Philadelphia and will be putting plenty of points on the board.

Others who will have below par games

QB Tom Brady, RB Justin Forsett, WR Hines Ward, TE Tony Gonzalez, D/ST Minnesota Vikings

Must Starts

1. San Francisco 49ers – The top ranked fantasy football D/ST a year ago gets a gimme in Week 1. Look for LB Patrick Willis and Co. to create havoc against the Seahawks and keep the scoring to a minimum.

2. New York Jets – Revis Island will be back on Monday and this will be a defensive battle. Expect New York to come after Flacco and Co.

3. Dallas Cowboys - This will be Donovan McNabb’s first game in Shanahan’s system and we think it’ll take some time before things come together. Look for a big evening from LB/DE DeMarcus Ware and Co.

4. Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens front seven is hungry and Mark Sanchez is prone to mistakes. Look for a low scoring effort on Monday Night and for the Ravens to sack Sanchez multiple times.

Next In Line

Miami Dolphins - The Bills have no offensive line and are lacking big-play talent on the outside. Look for Nolan’s unit to provide different looks on Sunday and force a few turnovers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - This may be one of the few times the Bucs are ranked, but playing against the Browns and Jake Delhomme you’ve got to figure they’re good for a few turnovers, right?

Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers get S Troy Polamalu back and his presence alone lifts the Steelers back to an elite D/ST. Expect multiple sacks and a few turnovers against the Falcons.

A Few More

Atlanta Falcons - The potential Charlie Batch led Steelers offense makes the Falcons D, a fantasy sleeper entering the season, a good start on Sunday. Look for multiple sacks and a few picks.

Arizona Cardinals – The Cardinals may experience a fall off defensively from a year ago but it won’t start in Week 1. DT Darnell Dockett and Co. must be salivating at the opportunity of going after QB Sam Bradford.

Tennessee Titans – The Raiders come into town minus Michael Bush and without much firepower. Look for the Titans to harass QB Jason Campbell and force a few turnovers.

New York Giants – The Panthers went scoreless in the preseason and New York is playing in a new scheme in 2010 which promises to be more physical. Look for a few sacks and turnovers from Justin Tuck and Co.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Indianapolis Colts – the Colts have S Bob Sanders back and the front seven is better than any in recent memory. Look for the offense to take the lead and for the smaller D to come after Matt Schaub and force multiple turnovers while racking up a few sacks. This is a strong fantasy sleeper in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Dallas Clark - Clark has been a menace to the Texans D his entire career. Look for over 80 yards and a TD on Sunday from the top fantasy football TE in Week 1.

2. Antonio Gates - He’s the Chargers main receiving threat and will be Rivers favorite target in the red zone. 80 yards and a score against the Chiefs.

3. Vernon Davis – 1st game into contract season begins on Sunday. Look for he and Smith to connect for 75 yards and a TD vs. the Seahawks.

4. Jermichael Finley - Aaron Rodgers main target across the middle can get deep too. Will present all sorts of matchup problems for Philadelphia and will top 75 yards and a TD in Week 1.

Next In Line

Brent Celek – He was Kolb’s favorite target in the young QBs limited amount of work last season. Expect a lot of targets on Sunday.

Jason Witten – No. 82 won’t have to block as much this year and should start off the season with a bang in Washington on Sunday Night.

Tony Gonzalez – The going never gets easy when facing Troy Polamalu and Co., but Gonzalez should be good for a score in the red zone.

A Few More

Heath Miller – Regardless of who starts at the QB position, Miller will have his name called plenty on the short to medium routes.

Visanthe Schiancoe – The absence of Sindey Rice could open up more opportunities for Schiancoe when not in the red zone. In the red zone, he’s a menace, and we expect a score on Thursday Night.

Owen Daniels - He’s back from a torn ACL and supposedly moving well. Expect a shootout in Indy and Daniels to top 50 yards with a potential score.

Chris Cooley – He and McNabb should link up plenty on Sunday Night especially near the goal line.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Jermaine Gresham – The Bengals rookie TE is playing a porous Patriots secondary and will receive a lot of love from Carson Palmer on the intermediate routes. Expect 50 yards and a TD for an excellent fantasy sleeper pick in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Andre Johnson - The top fantasy football WR from a year ago will come out strong against a Colts defense vulnerable in the secondary. Expect 125 yards and 2 TDs.

2. Calvin Johnson - Megatron is back and will torch the Bears thin secondary in Soldier Field. Look for over 100 yards and 2 TDs.

3. Reggie Wayne – The Texans lost CB Dunta Robinson and Wayne was putting up big numbers even when he was there. Look he and Peyton Manning to hook up for 100 yards plus a score on Sunday.

4. Greg Jennings – This figures to be a high scoring affair and Jennings should easily top 100 yards with a TD.

Next In Line

Brandon Marshall – The Bills D is depleted and Marshall is looking to make a big splash on opening day. He’ll top 100 yards with a TD.

Larry Fitzgerald - The Rams are the worst team in the league and Fitzgerald will have a field day in Week 1.

DeSean Jackson – The Packers don’t have anyone in the secondary who can stay with Jackson. Look for a lot of targets from Kevin Kolb and 100 yards plus a score on Sunday.

A Few More

Steve Smith (Car) – Smith always terrorizes the Giants and should do well right back on opening day.

Randy Moss - The Bengals secondary was tough a year ago but Moss is a must start every week (except against Revis) and will score on Sunday.

Miles Austin - Austin should gash the Redskins secondary Sunday Night for over 80 yards and a TD.

Roddy White - The Steelers one area of weakness is the CB position and White is one of the best in the business.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Johnny Knox - The Lions secondary is atrocious and the speedy Knox could find himself on the receiving end of a few bombs on Sunday. He’s an excellent fantasy football sleeper in Week 1.

Must Starts

1. Chris Johnson – He got some money. Now he wants a to be the All-Time single season rushing record holder. Oakland’s D should present zero problems for him and expect well over 125 yards and 2 TDs for the top fantasy football RB in Week 1.

2. Adrian Peterson – S Darren Sharper is out of the lineup for New Orleans and AD will have his number called more often with WR Sindey Rice sidelined. Big effort Thursday Night with over 100 yards and 1 TD.

3. Frank Gore – Gore lit up the Seahawks for 207 yards and 2 TDs in their first matchup a year ago. He easily tops 100 with a couple of scores on Sunday.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew - The Broncos Defense is in shambles and MJD will top 100 yards and score twice on opening day.

Next In Line

DeAngelo Williams – Williams is healthy and always posts strong numbers vs. the Giants.

Beanie Wells – The Rams front seven is thin and the Cards will lean more on the run in the early going. Could be a 100 + yard multiple TD effort in Week 1.

LeSean McCoy – A very solid preseason will carry over into the regular season. Expect Reid to incorporate McCoy more into the game plan to take some pressure off Kolb in the early going.

A Few More

Jamaal Charles - Charles is a threat as a runner and receiver and will present all sorts of problems for San Diego on Monday Night. 100 yards and 1 TD.

Ryan Mathews - The Chargers will give Mathews the ball 15-20 times on Monday Night and the rookie should be good for 75 yards plus a score.

Ray Rice – The Jets present a formidable task but Rice is a threat as a runner and receiver and should still post strong numbers.

Matt Forte - The Lions defense is still one of the worst in the league and Forte should post close to 100 yards on Sunday.

Fantasy Sleeper of the Week

Jahvid Best – The speedster out of Cal has received raved reviews throughout preseason. Look for the top fantasy football sleeper in Week 1 to put up over 100 yards in what should be a shootout in Chicago.

1. New York Jets

2. Minnesota Vikings – Things fell apart after MLB EJ Henderson’s injury. He’s now healthy.

3. Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys are loaded defensively, especially in the front seven.

4. San Francisco 49ers – MLB Patrick Willis led the Niners to a surprising No. 1 finish in fantasy football scoring for D/ST a year ago. Cupcake schedule in 2010.

5. Baltimore Ravens - Perennial defensive power will be physical up front. Question marks remain in the Secondary.

6. Philadelphia Eagles - Eagles will be more aggressive after key additions at Linebacker and via the NFL Draft.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers - This is a top 5 D/ST with S Troy Polamalu. It drops to 15-20 without.

8. Green Bay Packers – DC Dom Capers system put the Packers D back on the map in 2009. Will be blitzing plenty.

9. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals D came out of nowhere a year ago. Will be stingy once again under DC Mike Zimmer.

10. New Orleans Saints - DC Gregg Williams impact on this defense was tremendous. They’ll be competitive once again, but don’t expect a top 5 finish.

11. San Diego Chargers – Unit came together over the 2nd half of the season. Made improvements in the offseason and still have the luxury of facing the AFC West six times per year.

12. Chicago Bears – Upgraded defense with DE Julius Peppers signing in Free Agency. Need to show toughness and consistency.

13. Miami Dolphins – This unit will surprise a lot of people playing under DC Mike Nolan.

14. New York Giants - Looking to erase memories of their horrendous 2009 campaign. Talented and deep, but must put it together.

15. Indianapolis Colts - The Colts Defense could be their best yet. Need to remain healthy.

16. New England Patriots - The inability to pressure opposing QBs has made this unit ordinary. Can they get pressure upfront?

17. Houston Texans – Defense possesses a talented front seven and a dangerous kick returner in Jacoby Jones. Still a middle of the pack fantasy football D/ST.

18. Tennessee Titans -  Defense improved as the season went on. This trend should continue in year 2 under DC Chuck Cecil.

19. Washington Redskins – The Redskins are incorporating a new scheme this year. Could end up a nice fantasy sleeper play towards the middle of the season.

20. Arizona Cardinals – Talented defense despite the loss of OLB Karlos Dansby. The biggest concern is whether the offense can help them out by sustaining drives and scoring points.

21. Atlanta Falcons - Atlanta has the look of a nice late round fantasy sleeper. Upgraded secondary with CB Dunta Robinson and front seven in Draft.

22. Carolina Panthers - John Fox always has this unit competitive. Will need to find a pass rush in DE Julius Peppers’ absence.

23. Oakland Raiders - Lots of individual talent on this side of the ball. Could surprise in 2010.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Focused on defense in the NFL Draft. Young unit will be better, but no more than a spot play against a poor opponent.

25. Kansas City Chiefs - DC Romeo Crennel has some young talent to work with. Should improve as they learn his system.

1. Dallas Clark

2. Antonio Gates – Chargers No. 1 target will see extra attention in 2010.

3. Vernon Davis – Breakout player of 2009 finally put it all together. Looking to cash in in 2010.

4. Jason Witten - Will not be forced to block as much as last year. Should significantly improve on TD total (2) of a year ago.

5. Brent Celek – 2009 fantasy sleeper became top flight TE in his first season as starter. Good rapport with Kolb in limited time together.

6. Tony Gonzalez - Seasoned vet still one of the best. Will be a big part of the Falcons passing game.

7. Jermichael Finley – Rising star is an Aaron Rodgers favorite.

8. Chris Cooley – Injuries ruined 2009. McNabb will rely on him heavily this year.

9. Zach Miller – Miller will benefit greatly from the arrival of Jason Campbell.

10. Kellen Winslow - First year in Tampa Bay was strong. Will be main offensive threat again in 2010.

11. Owen Daniels - Coming back from an ACL injury. Matt Schaub loves throwing his way.

12. Visanthe Schiancoe - A Brett Favre favorite in the red zone. 11 TDs in 2009.

13. Jon Carlson - Will improve upon 7 TD season in 2009 if Matt Hasselback remains healthy.

14. Heath Miller – Miller will be used heavily early on while Roethlisberger is out.

15. Greg Olsen – Mike Martz system not typically favorable for TEs. Borderline No. 1 TE until we see how this plays out.

16. Dustin Keller - Speedy TE could take a big step forward in Sanchez’s second year. Just two TDs a season ago.

17. Kevin Boss – Solid No. 2 TE in fantasy football is a weapon in the red zone.

18. Jeremy Shockey – No longer a top tier fantasy TE but still has the best throwing to him.

19. Todd Heap -A battle tested player. He had a solid season with 6 TDs in 2009.

20. Tony Scheffler - Talented castoff from Denver could end up a fantasy sleeper playing with Matt Stafford.

21. Bo Scaife – Vince Young loves looking his way on intermediate routes.

22. Jermain Gresham – Rookie fantasy sleeper could make a big impact teaming with Carson Palmer.

23. Anthony Fasano – Saw his TD receptions drop to 2 last year. Still a goal line threat.

24. Mercedes Lewis - Not much more than a fill-in TE. Only 32 catches and 2 TDs in 2009.

25. Aaron Hernandez – Rookie TE with soft hands could become a big part of Tom Brady’s offense by midseason.

1. Andre Johnson

2. Randy Moss - Contract year is usually accompanied by huge results.

3. Miles Austin – Last year’s fantasy football breakout player is Tony Romo’s No. 1 target.

4. Reggie Wayne - Peyton Manning’s top target.

5. Calvin Johnson – Most gifted receiver in the league will benefit from Matt Stafford’s improvement in year 2.

6. Roddy White - White’s a borderline star playing with a rising superstar in Matt Ryan.

7. Brandon Marshall - Is Miami’s No. 1 option and will love Chad Henne’s strong arm.

8. Larry Fitzgerald - Fitzgerald would rank No. 2 or 3 if not for the uncertainty surrounding the QB position.

9. DeSean Jackson – Young star had more big plays than anyone a year ago. Has Kevin Kolb throwing the ball his way in 2010.

10. Marques Colston - Top target for the No. 1 QB in fantasy football.

11. Sidney Rice - Breakout player in 2009 saw his stock remain high with the return of Brett Favre.

12. Greg Jennings - 4 TDs in 2009 was an aberration. He’s healthy and will reach double digit TDs in 2010.

13. Steve Smith (Car) - Posted excellent numbers (300 yards, 3 TDs) in his short time with Matt Moore.

14. Anquan Boldin – The No. 1 Joe Flacco has been waiting for.

15. Steve Smith (NYG) - Eli’s No. 1 target will catch a lot of passes in 2010.

16. Wes Welker – Knee appears healthy for Tom Brady’s favorite receiver.

17. Chad Ochocinco – Won’t see as many double teams with T.O. around.

18. Percy Harvin - emerging star must overcome habitual migraines. He’s a dynamic home run threat when the ball is in his hands.

19. Dwayne Bowe - Make or break year for the talented 4th year receiver.

20. Michael Crabtree – Big things are expected of Crabtree in 49er land.

21. Hines Ward - Role in passing game will increase with Santonio Holmes no longer there.

22. Mike Sims-Walker - A fantasy sleeper in 2009 is looking to build off his success.

23. Donald Driver -  Long time vet still posting solid numbers for a No. 2 receiver in fantasy football.

24. Santana Moss – Should thrive playing with Donovan McNabb in Mike Shanahan’s system.

25. Hakeem Nicks - 2nd year player showed a lot of explosiveness as a rookie.

1. Chris Johnson

2. Adrian Peterson – A cut down on fumbles returns AD to No. 1 in Fantasy Football.

3. Maurice Jones-Drew – 16 total TDs in 2009. Is Jags main offensive weapon.

4. Ray Rice - Fantasy sleeper became a fantasy star in 2009. Tough runner with huge upside.

5. Frank Gore – In line for a monster year playing in the weak NFC West.

6. Michael Turner – Healthy and results should resemble 2008.

7. DeAngelo Williams - Contract year for a stud runner who’s looking for a big payday.

8. Rashard Mendenhall – Clear No. 1 will be Steelers main weapon.

9. Steven Jackson - Star hampered by poor supporting cast.

10. Jamaal Charles – 2nd half star in 2009 is looking to prove he’s the real deal.

11. Cedric Benson - Defenses will not be able to key on running game in 2010.

12. Ryan Grant - Consistent runner who’s typically good for 1,200 yards.

13. Joseph Addai – A threat on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

14. Shonn Greene - Receiving a lot of hype. Could justify it.

15. Ryan Mathews - LaDainian Tomlinson’s replacement. Will get every chance to prove the Bolts made the right decision.

16. Jonathan Stewart - Second of two headed monster in Carolina delivered big in 2009.

17. LeSean McCoy - It’s his show now. Should take a big step forward in year 2.

18. Beanie Wells - More will be expected out of Wells after Kurt Warner’s retirement.

19. Pierre Thomas - Off-year in 2009 makes Thomas a mid round fantasy sleeper this year.

20. Ronnie Brown – Coming back from an ACL injury. Talented runner who can also execute the Wild Cat.

21. Marion Barber- Still the Cowboys most consistent RB and goal-line specialist.

23. Cadillac Williams - Stayed healthy in 2009. Looking for big things as Bucs No. 1.

24. Matt Forte - Huge bust in 2009 needs to prove it was an aberration.

25. Knowshon Moreno – Defenses will key on him with Brandon Marshall no longer on offense.

1. Drew Brees

2. Aaron Rodgers – All signs point to a huge statistical season.

3. Peyton Manning - Potentially more dangerous than last year. More talent at skill positions.

4. Tom Brady – Welker’s early return keeps Pats passing game potent.

5. Tony Romo -  Romo is poised to have a HUGE season.

6. Matt Schaub – Took a big step forward in 2009 and has the best receiver in the NFL to throw to.

7. Phillip Rivers – Potential holdout of WR Vincent Jackson drops him to No. 7.

8. Brett Favre – Abundance of talent at skill positions mean another solid year for the 41 year old.

9. Carson Palmer – Fantasy sleeper. T.O.’s addition adds to the depth at the skill positions.

10. Eli Manning – Both Eli and his young receivers are on the upswing.

11. Matt Ryan – Year 3 is when QBs take a huge step forward.

12. Jay Cutler - Should be throwing a lot in Martz’ offense.

13. Donovan McNabb – Shanahan’s scheme is very QB friendly.

14. Kevin Kolb – As much young talent at skill positions as any team in the league.

15. Joe Flacco - Got his No. 1 WR in Anquan Boldin.

16. David Garrard -No.2 QB a solid back-up in fantasy football.

17. Ben Roethiseberger – Could be threat in fantasy playoffs. six game suspension drops him in draft.

18. Chad Henne – Nice upside and is now teaming with Brandon Marshall.

19. Mark Sanchez - A ton of talent to throw to.

20. Alex Smith – Make or break year for Smith. No excuses with the talented pass catchers in San Francisco.

21. Matt Stafford – Can the offensive line give him time to throw? Has a beast in Calvin Johnson to throw to.

22. Vince Young - Shown he can win at times with the Titans. Needs to prove he can be a fantasy difference maker.

23. Kyle Orton - The loss of Brandon Marshall is damaging. No more than No. 2 this year.

24. Josh Freeman – Ability to scramble makes him a threat in air or on the ground. Decent fill in when your starter is on a bye week.

25. Matt Moore - Still has one of the best in Steve Smith to throw to.