Every week I will post a player at almost each position who I think has a good match-up and is poised for a big week fantasy-wise, and also a player who is facing a tough match-up and you might want to sit. Here are my players for Week 1:
Quarterback:
Stud - Donovan McNabb vs. Stl
I know that Kevin Curtis is hurt, and Reggie Brown isn't at full health, but McNabb has never had good receivers except for 1.5 years of T.O. McNabb is healthy and facing a Rams secondary who has a beat up starting cornerback and their best player O.J. Atogwe hasn't played much this pre-season due to injuries, plus they just aren't very good even when healthy.
Dud - Jay Cutler @ Oak
Brandon Marshall is suspended. Darrell Jackson's ankle hurts. Eddie Royal will be playing in his first regular season NFL game. Plus Cutler has to go into Oakland with these wideouts against one of the best, and definitely most underrated, secondaries in the NFL. I'm driving the Cutler bandwagon this season, but this is a VERY tough matchup. Cutler's breakout season will begin in Week 2.
Running Back:
Stud - Selvin Young @ Oak & Thomas Jones @ Mia
These are two backs that were underrated for fantasy drafts this pre-season and they both get to face the two worst run defenses from last year. With Brandon Marshall suspended, Denver should be focusing on the run against the Oakland defense. Thomas Jones will be flying under the radar with Brett Favre's first real game as a Jet, but Jones should be the one doing most of the damage against the Jason Taylor-less Dolphin defense. Let's hope Jones sets a new trend this year sees the end zone after last year's 1 rush TD season.
Dud - Ryan Grant vs. Min
A hobbled Grant and his bum hamstring get to face the #1 run defense with Aaron Rodgers under center instead of Brett Favre. Not the best scenario for building off of Grant's great second half last year.
Wide Receiver/Tight End:
Stud - Santonio Holmes vs. Hou
This will be the game that the torch will be passed from Hines Ward to Santonio Holmes and Holmes will be recognized as the new #1 receiver for the Steelers. Look for Holmes to take advantage of Houston CB Dunta Robinson being injured and have himself a big game.
Dud - Dallas Clark vs. Chi
Chicago has very talented linebackers who will be more than capable of covering Clark. Clark also has to contend with the fact that Marvin Harrison is back and looking good and Anthony Gonzalez is one year more mature and improved. There just aren't going to be as many targets for Clark as there were last year, especially against a Bears defense that excels at guarding opposing tight ends. |
 | » posted by: Fantasy Football Blog (Dunn) |
Thursday, September 4, 2008