Must Starts:
1. Tom Brady vs. Buffalo Bills
Brady returns to the gridiron to face the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night. And while the Bills possess a pretty solid young defense, in the end, it will not matter. Brady will come out slinging and easily eclipse the three hundred yard mark with at least three TDs. The Brady to Moss show should be in full effect under the bright lights and he tops this week’s QB fantasy rankings.
2. Drew Brees vs. Detroit Lions
Jim Schwartz was a heck of a defensive coordinator in his time with the Titans; Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to bring his players along to Detroit because while they should be improved, they’ll prove no match for Brees and the Saints explosive offense. Look for Brees to pick this secondary apart and to easily surpass the 300-yard mark with three TDs.
3. Phillip Rivers vs. Oakland Raiders
The Raiders pass defense is actually one of their strong points, but star CB, Nnamdi Asomugha, is out with an injury although he says he’ll be back in time for week one. Regardless, the Chargers are a team that’s built through the air and look for Rivers to take advantage of Jackson and Gates, along with Sproles on dumps out of the backfield, to surpass 250 yards with at least three TDs.
4. Carson Palmer vs. Denver Broncos
Nothing has happened in the offseason to suggest the Broncos will be any better on defense in 2009. On the other hand, the Bengals possess a solid offense and now get Carson Palmer back, who missed most of last season with an injury. The free agent signing of Laveranues Coles gives them a talented trio of receivers, and Chad Ochocinco is motivated once again. Look for a big day from Palmer with 250 yards and two to three TDs.
Sleepers:
1. Joe Flacco vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Although Baltimore’s expected to be more of a running offense this season, the Chiefs are weak defensively. And Flacco will have many opportunities to attack through the air and find his TE and receivers in favorable match-ups. A great fantasy sleeper if your regular starter has a poor match-up.
2. Trent Edwards vs. New England
With the addition of T.O., the Bills are expected to be more dangerous on offense, and the Patriots still need to show that the offseason upgrades to the secondary will pan out. The Bills should also be playing from behind so expect a lot of passing opportunities for Edwards.
Others We Like:
Kurt Warner vs. San Francisco 49ers
Playing at home and coming off the Super Bowl appearance, the Cardinals should be pretty amped up. And the Niners don’t possess a formidable pass rush which means that Warner will have time to locate his outstanding receiving targets (Fitzgerald, Boldin, Breaston) for what should be a big day through the air.
Aaron Rodgers vs. Chicago Bears
The Aaron Rodgers show is in full effect this season and all of the pieces are in place for a very potent offense. The Bears secondary was its weak link last year and we like for Green Bay to attack this unit heavily. Look for 250 yards and two TDs.
Brett Favre vs. Cleveland Browns
Although Favre isn’t fully acclimated to his new offense in Minnesota, Cleveland doesn’t present much of a defensive challenge on opening day. When not handing the ball off to superstar running back Adrian Peterson, look for Favre to locate – and hit – his weapons (Berrian, Harvin, Schiancoe) for a nice afternoon.
Pro Football 101 » 2009 NFL Suicide Pool - Week 1
September 10th, 2009 at 16:52
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[...] be business as usual; the Saints will use the passing game to set-up the running game. And after Drew Brees and Co. have struck early on and taken a large lead, watch for New Orleans to feed the ball to [...]
Pro Football 101 » 2009 Fantasy Rankings - Week 2 QBs
September 15th, 2009 at 16:53
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[...] his LB’ers more so in his scheme than his predecessor (Jim Johnson) did. Regardless, look for Brees to once again spread the ball around effectively and finish with 250 yards and at least two [...]