Posts Tagged ‘2009 draft’

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Foolish Thoughts on 2009 Season: So why didn’t we all draft Chris Johnson?

December 29th, 2009

It’s insanity. That’s what fantasy football is when it comes to the playoffs. Jonathan Stewart and Jerome Harrison become huge fantasy steals in the final two games, and studs that you’ve depending on all season like Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers clam up and shut down early, even in blowout wins. At least Chris Johnson has continued to be magical every week.

I forget how bizarre it really becomes until it’s this time of year again.

Now Harrison will likely compel some fantasy footballers to draft him as an RB3 or maybe even an RB2 next season. Jamaal Charles could be right up there with him. We can only hope that neither is next year’s Steve Slaton or Pierre Thomas, hot in the playoffs but average or inconsistent the following season when given the full responsibility and trust of fantasy owners.

In Charles’ case, I think he’s got a real chance to thrive in the Kansas City offense as long as the current coaching staff stays intact. He’s a great receiving back, and even if the Chiefs decide that they need to bring in a bigger runner to take some of the carries and compliment Charles in the offseason — LenDale White is available, or so I hear — Charles should get plenty of chances to put up big numbers as part of the explosive offense Todd Haley is trying to create.

Out of the five fantasy football leagues I played in this season, I made the playoffs in three and had the chance to play for three championships this week. Of those, I won two and lost one by just a single point (as long as current calculations hold up) after Peterson racked up those two short-yardage touchdowns last night. It was incredibly frustrating, but I can’t be completely unhappy with the results. Even losing that one championship game out of three, this year has been my best season so far.

And next season, I want to focus even more on the leagues that were truly competitive. I’ve reduced the number of leagues I played in over the past two seasons. This year, I was down to five, and next season, I’ll probably take it down another league or two until I find the sweet spot for managing leagues, writing fantasy football analysis, and enjoying the game.

Here are some questions you can answer in the comments below: How many leagues do you play in? Do you find it more fun to play in a small number of leagues or as many as possible? These are the decisions I always debate this time of year.

Dallas Cowboys v Washington Redskins

I think I’m one of the few fantasy football fans out there, especially among fantasy football bloggers, who cares more about their real team winning (in my case, the Cowboys) than their fantasy team. It excited me to no end when the Cowboys shutout the Redskins last night and secured a playoff spot.

I wasn’t nearly as pumped when my fantasy football teams made the playoffs. Satisfied? Yes, but excited? Not off-the-wall excited. That said, it wasn’t a close call for any of them either. I knew weeks in advance that I was bound for the playoffs.

I’d hope we’re all fans of the game and the action-packed saga that is the NFL. If not for it, we wouldn’t have fantasy football.

So even if you lost your league, even if you got shot down in the championship game, even if your league dues were wasted as soon as you drafted Brian Westbrook and Matt Forte, I hope you’ll sit down and watch a few more games next week and deep into the playoffs.

Playoff football is a treat that only comes around once each year, much like the holiday season that just passed. Our presents? The Super Bowl, one of the most extravagant and exciting sporting events in all the land.

If you truly want to win in fantasy football, I think you first have to love the game because you have to understand how to translate what you watch and get excited about on the field into what works on your fantasy roster. So sit down, crack open a cold one (or a nice, frosty beverage of a less alcoholic persuasion if that’s your thing), and enjoy some football over the next month.

Of course, it’d be nice to know you’re all doing it with a championship trophy on your mantel, like me, but if you didn’t win, there’s no shame in cheering your fantasy studs on to a Super Bowl as you start to prep for next season.

And don’t feel like the fantasy season has to end. I’ll still be posting to Fantasy Football Fools because we have to start looking ahead to 2010 and because I still have some prizes to give to you, my dear readers. If you need help with Week 17 decisions (for those terrible, terrible leagues that go into the dreaded final week of the regular season), drop me a line on Twitter or in the comments.

Thanks again for reading Fantasy Football Fools this season and being part of the foolish community. Stay tuned for more over the coming days. Even if you didn’t win your championship, you deserve to take home some prizes.

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Foolish Thoughts: The Brady Bench, Law of Averages and Josh Johnson

September 28th, 2009

Since graduating college, I’ve occasionally had a dream that I was still taking finals. In the dream, I wake up and realize that I have a final that very day, but it’s for a class that I didn’t know I was taking and haven’t attended even one day that semester.

Right about the time that I start to try to cram for the test or figure out a way to drop the class at the last minute, I wake up. I still don’t even know what subject it is. I’m going to guess it’s something scary like basket weaving.

Vikings-Browns

I like to imagine that dream is exactly how Brady Quinn feels when he hits the field, except for that whole wake up part.

In the preseason, Quinn barely edged out Derek Anderson for the starting job. Since then, he’s put on a clinic on how to lose said starting job. His conservative play and quick passes haven’t been able to overcome the failings of the Browns as a whole. Without Kellen Winslow, his short-passing ways have neutered the offense of its ability to generate big plays, and in Sunday’s brutalization by the Baltimore Ravens, Mangenius had finally had enough to pull Quinn and his 34 passing yards, no touchdowns and one interception for Anderson in the second half.

But Anderson provided little relief for the Browns. He promptly fired three more interceptions into the Baltimore Ravens’ defense and called it a day. After this 34-3 loss, the Browns still have no answer at the quarterback position. And, of course, a harbinger of death over Mangini’s head for some reason.

Maybe it’s not so far-fetched to think that Brett Ratliff, who came over from Mangini’s former team when the Jets traded with the Browns in the 2009 NFL draft, could become Mangini’s guy in Cleveland.

Fantasy owners have no reason to be involved with this Browns offense right now. It’s not going to be pretty, and very few fantasy points are going to go around. Braylon Edwards is the only Brown worth waiting on this season. The rest are simply waiver wire fodder.

Truffle Shuffle in Tampa Bay
Byron Leftwich went from first to worst after Sunday’s deflation against the New York Giants. He’s now the third quarterback on the depth chart behind rookie and heir to the throne Josh Freeman and newly-named starter Josh Johnson.

So who is Josh Johnson? A bit of a sleeper at the position, Johnson was drafted by Jon Gruden to be Tampa’s quarterback of the future — among a pack of quarterbacks during Gruden’s time in Tampa Bay. He had a little hype coming out of college as a great athlete with a pass-first mentality, but the Bucs coaching staff felt he needed a little more work on his accuracy.

Fast-forward to this past Sunday, and Johnson was able to triple Byron Leftwich’s performance in just the final minutes of play against the Giants, which really only means that he has a pulse and moves without having to use the sonar moans of a whale.

Draftguys TV took a look at Josh Johnson before the 2008 draft to break down all his mechanics.

Henne Replaces Penny –  It’s finally that time, but don’t expect things to get better in Miami. Chad Pennington’s good decisions kept the Dolphins from turning the ball over last season, and Chad Henne may not be so lucky against the Dolphins’ tougher schedule now that Pennington is no longer an option.

Well, Once in Every 20 Games — The Lions finally defeated that monkey on their back — not Matt Millen, but the 19-game losing streak. Law of averages says it was bound to happen, but for the Redskins, this loss could be the beginning of the end for Jim Zorn.

Rated PG-13 — The 49ers should be without Frank Gore for the next three weeks while he recovers from a high ankle sprain he suffered early in Sunday’s game against the Vikings. That gives Glen Coffee a few weeks to shine for those who stashed him on their bench and gave ol’ “Silver Fox” just enough to take a victory on Sunday. Also of note, Vernon Davis came alive in this one, but we cannot confirm or deny if he’s on the rise. Such is the way of the elusive Vernon.

It Puts the O in T.O. — It won’t be long before T.O.’s breaking into other Buffalo Bills’ houses to look for all those passes he’s not getting. For the first time since 1997, T.O. didn’t catch a single pass. I’m pretty sure Trent Edwards forgot that Lee Evans and Terrell Owens are on the team. Someone send that kid a memo.

Is it over? — How bad were most of the early games this week? I found myself wanting to take a nap during Sunday’s afternoon games, when most of the players looked like they were down for the count themselves. When not even Drew Brees can save us, there’s a problem.

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Team Foolish Decisions taking Buffalo Wild Wings All-Star Blogger League by storm

September 19th, 2009

Or at least, I’d like to think it will…this week.

Buffalo Wild Wings invited me to play in a fantasy football league this season with several of the fantasy elite who are also mildly Internet famous (not really a kind of famous) and really, really ridiculously good-looking.

I know Fantasy Football Librarian, Miller at The Sports Outlaw and others have already been spreading the word about it, but I’ve had my team in a bit of an incubator since it came out a little premature…and it showed in the Week 1 scores.

Bolly People

But that’s no problem. My team, Foolish Decisions, is bound for greatness simply because it is represented by the Mango Habanero sauce — they are spicy AND sweet (Howdotheydoit?). To be honest, I’m scared to death of any taste that works in both wing flavors and margaritas. I think it stems from my mysterious relationship with tequila. Regardless, mangoes should be one of the most feared things on the planet.

The illustrious and firm-handed Trey Wingo is the commish of this league, and you can join in our trash-talking and fantasy football tips over at the league site that Buffalo Wild Wings has created to track the Fantasy Football Blogger All-Star League.

Drop by anytime. I promise there won’t be in any mangoes. Maybe.

If you have any interest in critiquing, I’ve shared the draft for this league below. And if you’re now bored of this, jump to the comments or over to the Buffalo Wild Wings site to check it out.

I’ve got some challenging competition, but it should be fun…for the winner…which should be me…unless some unforeseeable events conspire to ruin my chances…

There better not be any mangoes.

The Buffalo Wild Wings All-Star Blogger League Draft

**- Represent my picks for Foolish Decisions

Round: 1
(1) The Jerk Store – Adrian Peterson RB
(2) Roto University – Michael Turner RB
(3) Kibbles & Vicks – Maurice Jones-Drew RB
(4) Pro Football Weekly – Matt Forte RB
** (5) Foolish Decisions – Andre Johnson WR
(6) The Sports Outlaw – DeAngelo Williams RB
(7) Eastbound & Down – Steven Jackson RB
(8) The Sporting News – LaDainian Tomlinson RB
(9) The Fury of Fanball – Larry Fitzgerald WR
(10) FantasyFootball Librarian – Chris Johnson RB
(11) FantasyGuru .com – Frank Gore RB
(12) FanSided Fiends – Tom Brady QB

Round: 2
(13) FanSided Fiends – Randy Moss WR
(14) FantasyGuru .com – Calvin Johnson WR
(15) FantasyFootball Librarian – Reggie Wayne WR
(16) The Fury of Fanball – Drew Brees QB
(17) The Sporting News – Steve Slaton RB
(18) Eastbound & Down – Roddy White WR
(19) The Sports Outlaw – Steve Smith WR
** (20) Foolish Decisions – Brandon Jacobs RB
(21) Pro Football Weekly – Greg Jennings WR
(22) Kibbles & Vicks – Ryan Grant RB
(23) Roto University – Ronnie Brown RB
(24) The Jerk Store – Philip Rivers QB

Round: 3
(25) The Jerk Store – Brian Westbrook RB
(26) Roto University – T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR
(27) Kibbles & Vicks – Marion Barber RB
(28) Pro Football Weekly – Kevin Smith RB
** (29) Foolish Decisions – Anquan Boldin WR
(30) The Sports Outlaw – Clinton Portis RB
(31) Eastbound & Down – Peyton Manning QB
(32) The Sporting News – Marques Colston WR
(33) The Fury of Fanball – Wes Welker WR
(34) FantasyFootball Librarian – Aaron Rodgers QB
(35) FantasyGuru .com – Vincent Jackson WR
(36) FanSided Fiends – Dwayne Bowe WR

Round: 4
(37) FanSided Fiends – Darren McFadden RB
(38) FantasyGuru .com – Knowshon Moreno RB
(39) FantasyFootball Librarian – Joseph Addai RB
(40) The Fury of Fanball – Pierre Thomas RB
(41) The Sporting News – Terrell Owens WR
(42) Eastbound & Down – Ray Rice RB
(43) The Sports Outlaw – Chad Ochocinco WR
** (44) Foolish Decisions – Marshawn Lynch RB
(45) Pro Football Weekly – Tony Romo QB
(46) Kibbles & Vicks – Jason Witten TE
(47) Roto University – Eddie Royal WR
(48) The Jerk Store – DeSean Jackson WR

Round: 5
(49) The Jerk Store – Willie Parker RB
(50) Roto University – Tony Gonzalez TE
(51) Kibbles & Vicks – Kurt Warner QB
(52) Pro Football Weekly – Roy E. Williams WR
** (53) Foolish Decisions – Thomas Jones RB
(54) The Sports Outlaw – Dallas Clark TE
(55) Eastbound & Down – Antonio Gates TE
(56) The Sporting News – Brandon Marshall WR
(57) The Fury of Fanball – Jonathan Stewart RB
(58) FantasyFootball Librarian – Braylon Edwards WR
(59) FantasyGuru .com – Reggie Bush RB
(60) FanSided Fiends – Derrick Ward RB

Round: 6
(61) FanSided Fiends – Larry Johnson RB
(62) FantasyGuru .com – Felix Jones RB
(63) FantasyFootball Librarian – Santonio Holmes WR
(64) The Fury of Fanball – Chris Wells RB
(65) The Sporting News – Donovan McNabb QB
(66) Eastbound & Down – Lee Evans WR
(67) The Sports Outlaw – Cedric Benson RB
** (68) Foolish Decisions – Matt Schaub QB
(69) Pro Football Weekly – LenDale White RB
(70) Kibbles & Vicks – Santana Moss WR
(71) Roto University – Anthony Gonzalez WR
(72) The Jerk Store – LeSean McCoy RB

Round: 7
(73) The Jerk Store – Bernard Berrian WR
(74) Roto University – Jay Cutler QB
(75) Kibbles & Vicks – Jerricho Cotchery WR
(76) Pro Football Weekly – Ahmad Bradshaw RB
** (77) Foolish Decisions – Fred Jackson RB
(78) The Sports Outlaw – Matt Ryan QB
(79) Eastbound & Down – Antonio Bryant WR
(80) The Sporting News – Greg Olsen TE
(81) The Fury of Fanball – Kevin Walter WR
(82) FantasyFootball Librarian – Leon Washington RB
(83) FantasyGuru .com – Carson Palmer QB
(84) FanSided Fiends – Hines Ward WR

Round: 8
(85) FanSided Fiends – Chris Cooley TE
(86) FantasyGuru .com – Derrick Mason WR
(87) FantasyFootball Librarian – Owen Daniels TE
(88) The Fury of Fanball – Darren Sproles RB
(89) The Sporting News – Donald Brown RB
(90) Eastbound & Down – Steelers D/ST D/ST
(91) The Sports Outlaw – Lance Moore WR
** (92) Foolish Decisions – Devin Hester WR
(93) Pro Football Weekly – Donnie Avery WR
(94) Kibbles & Vicks – Torry Holt WR
(95) Roto University – James Davis RB
(96) The Jerk Store – John Carlson TE

Round: 9
(97) The Jerk Store – Rashard Mendenhall RB
(98) Roto University – Matt Hasselbeck QB
(99) Kibbles & Vicks – Ravens D/ST D/ST
(100) Pro Football Weekly – Zach Miller TE
** (101) Foolish Decisions – Percy Harvin WR
(102) The Sports Outlaw – Ben Roethlisberger QB
(103) Eastbound & Down – Donald Driver WR
(104) The Sporting News – Laveranues Coles WR
(105) The Fury of Fanball – Kellen Winslow TE
(106) FantasyFootball Librarian – Justin Gage WR
(107) FantasyGuru .com – Visanthe Shiancoe TE
(108) FanSided Fiends – Fred Taylor RB

Round: 10
(109) FanSided Fiends – Le’Ron McClain RB
(110) FantasyGuru .com – Vikings D/ST D/ST
(111) FantasyFootball Librarian – Giants D/ST D/ST
(112) The Fury of Fanball – Cadillac Williams RB
(113) The Sporting News – Brett Favre QB
(114) Eastbound & Down – Julius Jones RB
(115) The Sports Outlaw – Chester Taylor RB
** (116) Foolish Decisions – Chris Henry WR
(117) Pro Football Weekly – Josh Morgan WR
(118) Kibbles & Vicks – Nate Washington WR
(119) Roto University – Steve Breaston WR
(120) The Jerk Store – Matt Cassel QB

Round: 11
(121) The Jerk Store – Ted Ginn Jr. WR
(122) Roto University – Tim Hightower RB
(123) Kibbles & Vicks – David Garrard QB
(124) Pro Football Weekly – Eli Manning QB
** (125) Foolish Decisions – Shonn Greene RB
(126) The Sports Outlaw – Steve Smith WR
(127) Eastbound & Down – Willis McGahee RB
(128) The Sporting News – Eagles D/ST D/ST
(129) The Fury of Fanball – Titans D/ST D/ST
(130) FantasyFootball Librarian – Trent Edwards QB
(131) FantasyGuru .com – Michael Bush RB
(132) FanSided Fiends – Kyle Orton QB

Round: 12
(133) FanSided Fiends – Domenik Hixon WR
(134) FantasyGuru .com – Earl Bennett WR
(135) FantasyFootball Librarian – Glen Coffee RB
(136) The Fury of Fanball – Jamaal Charles RB
(137) The Sporting News – Jamal Lewis RB
(138) Eastbound & Down – Dustin Keller TE
(139) The Sports Outlaw – Chris Chambers WR
** (140) Foolish Decisions – Shaun Hill QB
(141) Pro Football Weekly – Edgerrin James RB
(142) Kibbles & Vicks – Ricky Williams RB
(143) Roto University – Patrick Crayton WR
(144) The Jerk Store – Jeremy Maclin WR

Round: 13
(145) The Jerk Store – Chargers D/ST D/ST
(146) Roto University – Laurence Maroney RB
(147) Kibbles & Vicks – Jeremy Shockey TE
(148) Pro Football Weekly – Mike Bell RB
** (149) Foolish Decisions – Peyton Hillis RB
(150) The Sports Outlaw – Ladell Betts RB
(151) Eastbound & Down – Tashard Choice RB
(152) The Sporting News – Kevin Boss TE
(153) The Fury of Fanball – Joe Flacco QB
(154) FantasyFootball Librarian – David Clowney WR
(155) FantasyGuru .com – Hakeem Nicks WR
(156) FanSided Fiends – Nate Burleson WR

Round: 14
(157) FanSided Fiends – Brent Celek TE
(158) FantasyGuru .com – Jermichael Finley TE
(159) FantasyFootball Librarian – Correll Buckhalter RB
(160) The Fury of Fanball – Michael Crabtree WR
(161) The Sporting News – Jets D/ST D/ST
(162) Eastbound & Down – Jerious Norwood RB
(163) The Sports Outlaw – Bears D/ST D/ST
** (164) Foolish Decisions – Tony Scheffler TE
(165) Pro Football Weekly – Cowboys D/ST D/ST
(166) Kibbles & Vicks – Brandon Jackson RB
(167) Roto University – Chansi Stuckey WR
(168) The Jerk Store – Robert Meachem WR

Round: 15
(169) The Jerk Store – Mason Crosby K
(170) Roto University – Patriots D/ST D/ST
(171) Kibbles & Vicks – Rashad Jennings RB
(172) Pro Football Weekly – Kenny Britt WR
** (173) Foolish Decisions – Packers D/ST D/ST
(174) The Sports Outlaw – Bernard Scott RB
(175) Eastbound & Down – Matt Leinart QB
(176) The Sporting News – Stephen Gostkowski K
(177) The Fury of Fanball – Dolphins D/ST D/ST
(178) FantasyFootball Librarian – Justin Forsett RB
(179) FantasyGuru .com – Matthew Stafford QB
(180) FanSided Fiends – Panthers D/ST D/ST

Round: 16
(181) FanSided Fiends – Jason Elam K
(182) FantasyGuru .com – Robbie Gould K
(183) FantasyFootball Librarian – David Akers K
(184) The Fury of Fanball – Nate Kaeding K
(185) The Sporting News – Chris Brown RB
(186) Eastbound & Down – Ryan Longwell K
(187) The Sports Outlaw – Rob Bironas K
** (188) Foolish Decisions – Kris Brown K
(189) Pro Football Weekly – Josh Brown K
(190) Kibbles & Vicks – Neil Rackers K
(191) Roto University – Jeff Reed K
(192) The Jerk Store – Earnest Graham RB

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Guest Post: 2009 NFL preview from a fantasy outsider

September 13th, 2009

This guest post comes to Fantasy Football Fools from Eric Amzallag of sports pick site UnlockedSports.com. Rather than stay in our fantasy bubble this season, I thought taking a look at the playoff picks from a relative fantasy outsider would be a nice jump start to the conversation — since, inevitably, my Super Bowl and playoff picks would be largely influenced by what players I have invested in this season.

I think Eric makes some interesting calls that should get us talking, but keep in mind that Eric sent these to us this offseason before much of the news had been made.

Feel free to share your own playoff predictions on this glorious Sunday of football in the comments. We’ll give greater cred to those who post before their picks destroy opponents in their opening game this week. Now on with the show…

Now that football season is quickly approaching, fans, poolers and bettors are eager to gather as much information as they can to make some informed sports picks in the upcoming season.

Every single year, we seem to come into the NFL season with all eyes on Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to win it all. There is nothing wrong with that. The Patriots always have a great team surrounding arguably the best quarterback of our time.

But times are a-changing, and this season we will see some new teams in the running for the Lombardi trophy. With a relatively painless offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking to repeat and have a good chance to do so.

Don’t count out these playoff contenders from the AFC:

  • Indianapolis Colts: Peyton Manning! With Peyton behind center the Colts will always be contenders.
  • Oakland Raiders: The AFC West is the worst division in football right now, and the Raiders are the only team with promise and a good, young core of players. This year will be the season they break out of the funk.
  • Buffalo Bills: Although some people disagree, getting T.O. was huge for the Bills. Not only will their offense be hard to stop with two star receivers, a promising young quarterback and Marshawn Lynch in the backfield, but they are well-coached and poised to have a breakout season.

The NFC is another beast altogether. The Arizona Cardinals will be good but not as good as they were last season. The Dallas Cowboys may have dropped some baggage, but this year will be a make-or-break season for Tony Romo.

San Diego Chargers v Atlanta Falcons

In the NFC, watch for these teams to make an impact this season:

  • Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan, Michael Turner and Roddy White! ‘Nuff said.
  • Dallas Cowboys: Do or die! If the Cowboys are going to stay in the title contender picture they will need to come together. This season will be the one that defines them, and I think they will come through.
  • San Francisco 49ers: Kind of a sleeper pick here, but I am sticking with it for one reason, Mike Singletary’s first full season.
  • Chicago Bears: Although the defense was suspect last season, this year everything is going to come together for Chicago. Not only will the defense get back to its stingy ways, but with Jay Cutler in the offense, this team could be scary!

So those are Eric’s picks, made right around the time of the NFL draft this offseason. Who do you think is going to win it all this year? You can check out more from Eric and UnlockedSports.com.

As always, the comments are yours.

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Week 1 Hot Hands and Cold Shoulders: The “Are we there yet?” Edition

September 10th, 2009

The kickoff cometh! In just a few hours, the NFL will return to that magic box in my living room and all will be right with the world. In the meantime, it’s time to make sure you’ve got your best fantasy football roster forward.

Much like our waiver wire recommendations have been shortened up to get with the times, I’ve taken the liberty of consolidating our start or sit feature, Hot Hands and Cold Shoulders, into a more compact version of its 2008 self. I’m focusing on just a handful of players that you may be on the fence about starting each week.

If you have questions about other players on your roster or whether you should give these alternatives the nod over your current starter, submit your questions in the comments. Our shortened features should open the comments up for more discussion, more Q&A and, of course, more cowbell.

Now back to this week’s good-looking starters…

Hot Hands Start of the Week

Ravens vs. Panthers

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
I might as well put my fantasy money where my roster spot mouth is. I have Rice on plenty of my teams this season, and rather than wait to see what you have in him this year, I’m all about jumping him into your starting lineup immediately. Kansas City won’t know what hit them.

Last season, the Ravens could run over any team in the NFL, and I expect them to do the same in this matchup. While LeRon McClain and Willis McGahee could be lurking in the wings to steal some touchdowns, the Chiefs’ defense should give Rice at least a handful of opportunities to break a big play.

Others receiving votes:

  • Chris Henry, WR, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos: Another sleeper with plenty to like this week in Palmer’s return
  • Zach Miller, TE, Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers: The Chargers had a weakness for tight ends last season
  • Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos: I just doubt the Broncos defense this much
  • Fred Jackson, RB, Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: He’s the guy for Buffalo until Lynch returns. How good can New England’s defense be after losing all those veterans?
  • Almost every Saint you can find vs. Detroit Lions: It’s a party, and all the fantasy players are invited

Cold Shoulders Sit of the Week

Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
It’s hard to sit your first-round running back right after drafting him, but Johnson should be limited this week in the Titans’ debut against the defending Super Bowl champs. I like my running backs to have a shot at the end zone, especially a guy like “Every Coach’s Dream.” LenDale White should steal any short-yardage chances, and I don’t expect there to be many breakdowns in the Steelers’ defense.

The Super Bowl champs are rarely upset in their opening game, and I am sure the Steelers will control the clock. Unless you are lacking in the running back department — or you just like torturing yourself — try someone who has a bit more upside this week. Play Chris Johnson only if your alternative is Larry Johnson or Jamal Lewis.

Others receiving votes:

  • Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Tennessee Titans: Much like Johnson, Holmes should be bottled up in a low-scoring contest
  • Jamal Lewis, RB, Cleveland Browns vs. Minnesota Vikings: Very little chance he shows any more signs of life in this one…
  • Matt Schaub, QB, Houston Texans vs. New York Jets: Glad you’re back to full health, now dodge Jets for four quarters! Schaub’s risky this week.
  • All your Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens: Until Matt Cassel is 100 percent, the Chiefs can only play at 25 percent. No likey.

For more start or sit recommendations this week, read up at FootballDocs, Fantasy Football Xtreme, Fantasy Football Oasis (one of the more detailed out there), Fantasy Football Goat, The Fantasy Football Geek Blog and Fanhouse’s Week 1 Wake-Up Call.

Also, don’t forget to enter for your chance to win free Dominator Service from Top Fantasy Football by commenting on yesterday’s post.

As always, the comments are yours.

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