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Week 1 is finally upon us! After a long off-season of rankings, discussions, rumors, projections, and drafts, the real thing starts Thursday night as the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts take the field. There are certainly a bevy of fantasy stars suiting up for that game: Manning, Wayne, Harrison, Addai, Brees, Bush, McAllister, Colston… So make sure you are ready by game time! The Cafe’s projected rankings for these players and the rest of the NFL are below, with a bonus evaluation for two lucky players at each position. Here’s to getting off on the right foot this fantasy season!
Our system is based on two separate rankings: Risk and Reward. Each player or defense was given a statistical ranking for each of the two categories.
Risk is determined by anything that could negatively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as matchup, situation, and injuries.
Reward is determined by anything that could positively affect the player in question’s performance. This includes such things as talent, matchup, and situation.
The Ranking for the two categories is as follows:
Risk: Score of 0 being the lowest risk, 10 being the highest risk.
Reward: Score of 0 being lowest reward, 10 being the highest reward.
| Quarterbacks | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Peyton Manning – IND | vs NO | 18.0 | 1.50 | 9.50 |
| Drew Brees – NO | at IND | 16.4 | 2.17 | 8.58 |
| Tom Brady – NE | at NYJ | 16.1 | 2.58 | 8.67 |
| Donovan McNabb – PHI | at GB | 14.7 | 3.83 | 8.50 |
| Marc Bulger – STL | vs CAR | 14.1 | 3.75 | 7.83 |
| Carson Palmer – CIN | vs BAL | 13.6 | 4.42 | 8.00 |
| Ben Roethlisberger – PIT | at CLE | 13.3 | 3.75 | 7.00 |
| Matt Leinart – ARI | at SF | 13.3 | 4.33 | 7.58 |
| Alex Smith – SF | vs ARI | 12.8 | 4.00 | 6.83 |
| Jon Kitna – DET | at OAK | 12.8 | 4.67 | 7.42 |
| Matt Hasselbeck – SEA | vs TB | 12.5 | 3.83 | 6.33 |
| Tony Romo – DAL | vs NYG | 12.3 | 4.67 | 6.92 |
| Jay Cutler – DEN | at BUF | 12.1 | 4.58 | 6.67 |
| Jake Delhomme – CAR | at STL | 11.5 | 4.75 | 6.25 |
| Brett Favre – GB | vs PHI | 10.8 | 5.33 | 6.17 |
| Philip Rivers – SD | vs CHI | 10.8 | 5.58 | 6.42 |
| Eli Manning – NYG | at DAL | 10.5 | 5.50 | 6.00 |
| Vince Young – TEN | at JAC | 10.3 | 5.75 | 6.08 |
| Matt Schaub – HOU | vs KC | 10.0 | 5.75 | 5.75 |
| Damon Huard – KC | at HOU | 9.8 | 5.50 | 5.33 |
| Steve McNair – BAL | at CIN | 9.7 | 5.75 | 5.42 |
| Chad Pennington – NYJ | vs NE | 9.3 | 6.08 | 5.33 |
| JP Losman – BUF | vs DEN | 9.3 | 6.50 | 5.75 |
| Jason Campbell – WAS | vs MIA | 9.1 | 5.83 | 4.92 |
| Jeff Garcia – TB | at SEA | 9.1 | 6.08 | 5.17 |
| David Garrard – JAC | vs TEN | 9.1 | 6.00 | 5.08 |
| Trent Green – MIA | at WAS | 8.9 | 6.08 | 5.00 |
| Josh McCown – OAK | vs DET | 8.6 | 6.75 | 5.33 |
| Rex Grossman – CHI | at SD | 8.3 | 7.25 | 5.58 |
| Tarvaris Jackson – MIN | vs ATL | 7.9 | 6.67 | 4.58 |
| Joey Harrington – ATL | at MIN | 7.6 | 7.00 | 4.58 |
| Charlie Frye – CLE | vs PIT | 6.6 | 7.33 | 3.92 |
Start:
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT (13.3 rating): The Steelers’ quarterback has had an off-season to clear his head of the setbacks and disappointments he suffered last year, both on and off the field. Now, he has a reliable #1 target in Hines Ward, an up-and-coming #2 WR in Santonio Holmes, and an offensive system that promises to be more spread out and pass happy than we are used to seeing from Pittsburgh. I envision a big year for Big Ben, and opening against a below average Cleveland secondary should get the Steelers’ offense off to a good start.
Sit:
Chad Pennington, NYJ (9.3 rating): The Comeback Player of the Year in 2006 might be looking at a rocky start in 2007. Pennington did not have the smoothest of preseasons, posting two touchdown passes and four interceptions, with a quarterback rating of just over 50. You can argue that preseason doesn’t mean much, but it will be tougher to argue that the Patriots are not one of the league’s best defenses. Pennington should probably be a backup on most fantasy teams anyway, but if you were looking to start him this week, it would be wise to reconsider.
| Running Backs | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Steven Jackson – STL | vs CAR | 17.2 | 2.3 | 9.4 |
| LaDainian Tomlinson – SD | vs CHI | 16.8 | 2.5 | 9.3 |
| Willie Parker – PIT | at CLE | 16.4 | 2.3 | 8.7 |
| Frank Gore – SF | vs ARI | 15.7 | 3.3 | 8.9 |
| Larry Johnson – KC | at HOU | 15.7 | 3.3 | 9.0 |
| Shaun Alexander – SEA | vs TB | 15.4 | 2.8 | 8.2 |
| Brian Westbrook – PHI | at GB | 15.3 | 2.8 | 8.0 |
| Joseph Addai – IND | vs NO | 14.8 | 3.3 | 8.1 |
| Reggie Bush – NO | at IND | 14.3 | 3.8 | 8.1 |
| Travis Henry – DEN | at BUF | 14.2 | 3.8 | 7.9 |
| Laurence Maroney – NE | at NYJ | 13.8 | 4.0 | 7.8 |
| Willis McGahee – BAL | at CIN | 13.7 | 3.5 | 7.2 |
| Deuce McAllister – NO | at IND | 13.3 | 4.3 | 7.6 |
| Ronnie Brown – MIA | at WAS | 13.3 | 4.2 | 7.4 |
| Rudi Johnson – CIN | vs BAL | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Maurice Jones-Drew – JAC | vs TEN | 13.0 | 4.3 | 7.3 |
| Edgerrin James – ARI | at SF | 12.8 | 4.2 | 7.0 |
| Clinton Portis – WAS | vs MIA | 12.8 | 4.9 | 7.7 |
| Brandon Jacobs – NYG | at DAL | 12.7 | 4.3 | 7.0 |
| Ahman Green – HOU | vs KC | 11.9 | 4.7 | 6.6 |
| Fred Taylor – JAC | vs TEN | 11.8 | 4.4 | 6.2 |
| Marion Barber – DAL | vs NYG | 11.6 | 5.1 | 6.7 |
| Cadillac Williams – TB | at SEA | 11.6 | 4.7 | 6.3 |
| Thomas Jones – NYJ | vs NE | 11.6 | 4.8 | 6.3 |
| LaMont Jordan – OAK | vs DET | 11.3 | 5.0 | 6.3 |
| Adrian Peterson – MIN | vs ATL | 11.3 | 5.3 | 6.5 |
| Cedric Benson – CHI | at SD | 11.2 | 5.4 | 6.6 |
| DeShaun Foster – CAR | at STL | 10.8 | 5.1 | 5.9 |
| Marshawn Lynch – BUF | vs DEN | 10.8 | 5.6 | 6.3 |
| DeAngelo Williams – CAR | at STL | 10.7 | 5.3 | 5.9 |
| Tatum Bell – DET | at OAK | 10.6 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
| Jamal Lewis – CLE | vs PIT | 10.5 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| Chester Taylor – MIN | vs ATL | 10.5 | 5.3 | 5.8 |
| Brandon Jackson – GB | vs PHI | 10.4 | 5.6 | 6.0 |
| Jerious Norwood – ATL | at MIN | 10.4 | 5.7 | 6.1 |
| Julius Jones – DAL | vs NYG | 10.3 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| Ladell Betts – WAS | vs MIA | 9.8 | 5.7 | 5.5 |
| LenDale White – TEN | at JAC | 8.8 | 6.2 | 5.0 |
| Warrick Dunn – ATL | at MIN | 8.7 | 6.1 | 4.8 |
| Chris Brown – TEN | at JAC | 7.8 | 6.8 | 4.5 |
| Reuben Droughns – NYG | at DAL | 7.2 | 6.6 | 3.8 |
| Vernand Morency – GB | vs PHI | 7.2 | 6.9 | 4.1 |
| Anthony Thomas – BUF | vs DEN | 7.1 | 6.8 | 3.8 |
| Leon Washington – NYJ | vs NE | 6.8 | 6.7 | 3.4 |
| Michael Turner – SD | vs CHI | 6.8 | 6.9 | 3.7 |
| Mike Bell – DEN | at BUF | 6.4 | 6.9 | 3.3 |
| Ron Dayne – HOU | vs KC | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Tony Hunt – PHI | at GB | 6.3 | 7.0 | 3.3 |
| Brian Leonard – STL | vs CAR | 6.3 | 6.9 | 3.3 |
| Maurice Morris – SEA | vs TB | 6.3 | 6.8 | 3.0 |
| Correll Buckhalter – PHI | at GB | 6.0 | 6.8 | 2.8 |
| Sammy Morris – NE | at NYJ | 6.0 | 7.2 | 3.2 |
| Greg Jones – JAC | vs TEN | 6.0 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| Marcel Shipp – ARI | at SF | 5.9 | 7.3 | 3.3 |
| TJ Duckett – DET | at OAK | 5.9 | 7.3 | 3.2 |
| Chris Henry – TEN | at JAC | 5.8 | 7.6 | 3.3 |
| Adrian Peterson – CHI | at SD | 5.7 | 7.3 | 2.9 |
| Najeh Davenport – PIT | at CLE | 5.5 | 7.1 | 2.6 |
| Mike Anderson – BAL | at CIN | 5.1 | 7.4 | 2.5 |
| Kevin Faulk – NE | at NYJ | 5.1 | 7.4 | 2.5 |
| Michael Robinson – SF | vs ARI | 4.8 | 7.5 | 2.3 |
| Kevin Jones – DET | at OAK | 4.0 | 8.5 | 2.5 |
| Kenneth Darby – TB | at SEA | 3.5 | 8.3 | 1.8 |
| Jerome Harrison – CLE | vs PIT | 3.3 | 8.3 | 1.6 |
| DeDe Dorsey – IND | vs NO | 2.8 | 8.3 | 1.2 |
Start:
Deuce McAllister, NO (13.3 rating): Deuce McAllister often seems to be overlooked now that the exciting Reggie Bush wears the black and gold, but Deuce remained very effective in his role last year and I imagine he will put up similar numbers in ‘07. His first game, against the Colts, is great opportunity for McAllister to prove to his owners that he is still a serious fantasy factor. The Colts’ run defense was bad enough last year (last in the NFL) and now they have lost stand-out linebacker Cato June to free agency, and their best run stopping defensive lineman, Booger McFarland, to injury. McAllister should have a lot of running room between the tackles.
Sit:
Jamal Lewis, CLE (10.5 rating): Jamal has moved on to Cleveland to try to resurrect his career after averaging just 3.4 and 3.6 yards per carry in his last two years with Baltimore. He may still have something left in the tank (although I’m not 100% convinced), but either way it would be a good idea to sit him this week if you have the option. He faces a tough Steelers’ run defense, anchored by mammoth nose tackle Casey Hampton.
| Wide Receivers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Steve Smith – CAR | at STL | 17.2 | 2.0 | 9.2 |
| Marvin Harrison – IND | vs NO | 16.6 | 1.4 | 8.0 |
| Reggie Wayne – IND | vs NO | 16.2 | 1.7 | 7.9 |
| Anquan Boldin – ARI | at SF | 15.4 | 2.6 | 8.0 |
| Larry Fitzgerald – ARI | at SF | 15.3 | 2.7 | 8.0 |
| Terrell Owens – DAL | vs NYG | 15.1 | 3.2 | 8.3 |
| Roy Williams – DET | at OAK | 15.0 | 3.1 | 8.1 |
| Chad Johnson – CIN | vs BAL | 15.0 | 3.6 | 8.6 |
| Javon Walker – DEN | at BUF | 14.9 | 2.8 | 7.7 |
| Marques Colston – NO | at IND | 14.6 | 2.5 | 7.1 |
| Torry Holt – STL | vs CAR | 14.3 | 3.1 | 7.4 |
| TJ Houshmandzadeh – CIN | vs BAL | 14.1 | 3.6 | 7.7 |
| Andre Johnson – HOU | vs KC | 14.1 | 3.0 | 7.1 |
| Hines Ward – PIT | at CLE | 12.9 | 3.3 | 6.2 |
| Donald Driver – GB | vs PHI | 12.8 | 4.6 | 7.4 |
| Darrell Jackson – SF | vs ARI | 12.5 | 3.8 | 6.3 |
| Reggie Brown – PHI | at GB | 12.5 | 3.9 | 6.4 |
| Plaxico Burress – NYG | at DAL | 12.4 | 4.3 | 6.7 |
| Deion Branch – SEA | vs TB | 12.4 | 3.7 | 6.1 |
| Santana Moss – WAS | vs MIA | 12.3 | 3.9 | 6.2 |
| Lee Evans – BUF | vs DEN | 12.3 | 4.9 | 7.2 |
| Braylon Edwards – CLE | vs PIT | 12.1 | 4.3 | 6.4 |
| Mark Clayton – BAL | at CIN | 12.1 | 4.6 | 6.7 |
| Devery Henderson – NO | at IND | 11.7 | 4.2 | 5.9 |
| Laveranues Coles – NYJ | vs NE | 11.7 | 4.2 | 5.9 |
| Santonio Holmes – PIT | at CLE | 11.7 | 4.2 | 5.9 |
| Joey Galloway – TB | at SEA | 11.2 | 4.3 | 5.5 |
| Randy Moss – NE | at NYJ | 11.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 |
| Calvin Johnson – DET | at OAK | 11.0 | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Kevin Curtis – PHI | at GB | 10.9 | 4.3 | 5.2 |
| Jerricho Cotchery – NYJ | vs NE | 10.9 | 4.6 | 5.5 |
| Vincent Jackson – SD | vs CHI | 10.9 | 4.8 | 5.7 |
| Isaac Bruce – STL | vs CAR | 10.8 | 4.7 | 5.5 |
| Donte Stallworth – NE | at NYJ | 10.7 | 4.6 | 5.3 |
| Chris Chambers – MIA | at WAS | 10.4 | 5.3 | 5.7 |
| DJ Hackett – SEA | vs TB | 10.3 | 4.8 | 5.1 |
| Greg Jennings – GB | vs PHI | 10.2 | 5.1 | 5.3 |
| Brandon Marshall – DEN | at BUF | 10.0 | 5.3 | 5.3 |
| Derrick Mason – BAL | at CIN | 10.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Jerry Porter – OAK | vs DET | 9.9 | 5.8 | 5.7 |
| Bernard Berrian – CHI | at SD | 9.8 | 5.9 | 5.7 |
| Joe Horn – ATL | at MIN | 9.6 | 5.6 | 5.2 |
| Muhsin Muhammad – CHI | at SD | 9.6 | 5.7 | 5.3 |
| Mike Furrey – DET | at OAK | 9.5 | 5.4 | 4.9 |
| Ronald Curry – OAK | vs DET | 9.5 | 5.7 | 5.2 |
| Eddie Kennison – KC | at HOU | 8.9 | 5.1 | 4.0 |
| Anthony Gonzalez – IND | vs NO | 8.9 | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Terry Glenn – DAL | vs NYG | 8.9 | 6.4 | 5.3 |
| Drew Carter – CAR | at STL | 8.8 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Brandon Jones – TEN | at JAC | 8.8 | 5.4 | 4.2 |
| Troy Williamson – MIN | vs ATL | 8.8 | 5.9 | 4.7 |
| James Jones – GB | vs PHI | 8.8 | 6.4 | 5.2 |
| Wes Welker – NE | at NYJ | 8.7 | 5.5 | 4.2 |
| Drew Bennett – STL | vs CAR | 8.6 | 5.7 | 4.3 |
| Patrick Crayton – DAL | vs NYG | 8.4 | 6.4 | 4.8 |
| Michael Jenkins – ATL | at MIN | 8.3 | 6.3 | 4.6 |
| Bobby Wade – MIN | vs ATL | 8.2 | 5.7 | 3.9 |
| Marty Booker – MIA | at WAS | 8.1 | 5.8 | 3.9 |
| Eric Moulds – TEN | at JAC | 8.0 | 5.6 | 3.6 |
| Dwayne Jarrett – CAR | at STL | 8.0 | 5.8 | 3.8 |
| Dwayne Bowe – KC | at HOU | 7.8 | 6.1 | 3.9 |
| Antwaan Randle El – WAS | vs MIA | 7.6 | 5.9 | 3.5 |
| Matt Jones – JAC | vs TEN | 7.6 | 6.3 | 3.9 |
| Bryant Johnson – ARI | at SF | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.6 |
| Ernest Wilford – JAC | vs TEN | 7.3 | 6.3 | 3.6 |
| Craig Davis – SD | vs CHI | 7.3 | 6.4 | 3.7 |
| Sidney Rice – MIN | vs ATL | 7.2 | 6.1 | 3.3 |
| Terrance Copper – NO | at IND | 7.2 | 6.3 | 3.5 |
| Sammie Parker – KC | at HOU | 7.2 | 5.7 | 2.9 |
| Amani Toomer – NYG | at DAL | 7.2 | 6.2 | 3.4 |
| Arnaz Battle – SF | vs ARI | 7.1 | 6.2 | 3.3 |
| Demetrius Williams – BAL | at CIN | 7.1 | 6.8 | 3.9 |
| Maurice Stovall – TB | at SEA | 7.0 | 6.1 | 3.1 |
| Michael Clayton – TB | at SEA | 7.0 | 6.2 | 3.2 |
| Nate Burleson – SEA | vs TB | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.3 |
| Joe Jurevicius – CLE | vs PIT | 7.0 | 6.6 | 3.6 |
| Roddy White – ATL | at MIN | 6.9 | 6.9 | 3.8 |
| Nate Washington – PIT | at CLE | 6.8 | 5.8 | 2.6 |
| Brandon Stokely – DEN | at BUF | 6.8 | 6.5 | 3.3 |
| Robert Meachum – NO | at IND | 6.8 | 6.7 | 3.5 |
| Roscoe Parrish – BUF | vs DEN | 6.7 | 6.5 | 3.2 |
| Reggie Williams – JAC | vs TEN | 6.7 | 6.5 | 3.2 |
| Tab Perry – CIN | vs BAL | 6.6 | 6.9 | 3.5 |
| Kevin Walter – HOU | vs KC | 6.3 | 6.3 | 2.6 |
| Steve Smith – NYG | at DAL | 6.3 | 6.4 | 2.7 |
| Brandon Lloyd – WAS | vs MIA | 5.9 | 6.4 | 2.3 |
| Cedrick Wilson – PIT | at CLE | 5.8 | 6.4 | 2.2 |
| Rashied Davis – CHI | at SD | 5.5 | 7.3 | 2.8 |
| Sam Aiken – BUF | vs DEN | 4.8 | 7.6 | 2.4 |
| Derek Hagan – MIA | at WAS | 4.0 | 7.5 | 1.5 |
Start:
Santana Moss, WAS (12.3 rating): Santana Moss may be inconsistent for a while as he gains a rapport with young quarterback Jason Campbell, but his week 1 match up seems to be in his favor. The Dolphins have a very good front seven, which may give the Redskins’ normally solid rushing game some trouble. The secondary seems like it will be the weakness of the Miami defense this year, and I expect Redskins’ offensive coordinator Al Saunders to try to exploit them deep if the offensive line can keep the quarterback upright. Campbell is more likely to throw the deep pass than last year’s starter, Mark Brunell.
Sit:
Vincent Jackson, SD (10.9 rating): There has been a lot of hype building around the big, young wide out in San Diego. With three touchdown catches in the preseason, Jackson has looked good so far. But I would temper my expectations a bit as the Chargers open up with Chicago’s defense on the schedule. Jackson’s strength is as a red zone target, but against a defense like Chicago those chances may be limited.
| Tight Ends | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Antonio Gates – SD | vs CHI | 16.3 | 2.8 | 9.1 |
| Tony Gonzalez – KC | at HOU | 15.7 | 2.3 | 8.0 |
| Todd Heap – BAL | at CIN | 15.5 | 2.6 | 8.1 |
| Vernon Davis – SF | vs ARI | 14.8 | 3.1 | 7.9 |
| Jeremy Shockey – NYG | at DAL | 14.5 | 3.2 | 7.7 |
| Kellen Winslow – CLE | vs PIT | 13.3 | 4.5 | 7.8 |
| Chris Cooley – WAS | vs MIA | 13.2 | 3.3 | 6.5 |
| Alge Crumpler – ATL | at MIN | 12.9 | 3.9 | 6.8 |
| Heath Miller – PIT | at CLE | 12.8 | 3.6 | 6.4 |
| Jason Witten – DAL | vs NYG | 12.8 | 3.8 | 6.6 |
| Ben Watson – NE | at NYJ | 12.3 | 4.2 | 6.5 |
| Dallas Clark – IND | vs NO | 11.5 | 4.4 | 5.9 |
| Eric Johnson – NO | at IND | 11.5 | 4.4 | 5.9 |
| Randy McMichael – STL | vs CAR | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Owen Daniels – HOU | vs KC | 10.8 | 4.6 | 5.4 |
| Desmond Clark – CHI | at SD | 10.4 | 5.1 | 5.5 |
| LJ Smith – PHI | at GB | 10.3 | 5.5 | 5.8 |
| Daniel Graham – DEN | at BUF | 10.1 | 5.2 | 5.3 |
| David Martin – MIA | at WAS | 10.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Tony Scheffler – DEN | at BUF | 9.8 | 5.4 | 5.2 |
| Zach Miller – OAK | vs DET | 9.7 | 5.5 | 5.2 |
| Bo Scaife – TEN | at JAC | 9.4 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| Marcus Pollard – SEA | vs TB | 8.4 | 5.7 | 4.1 |
| Marcedes Lewis – JAC | vs TEN | 8.2 | 6.1 | 4.3 |
| Alex Smith – TB | at SEA | 8.1 | 5.9 | 4.0 |
| Visanthe Shiancoe – MIN | vs ATL | 7.9 | 5.6 | 3.5 |
| Greg Olsen – CHI | at SD | 7.9 | 6.0 | 3.9 |
| Chris Baker – NYJ | vs NE | 7.9 | 6.0 | 3.9 |
| Itula Mili – SEA | vs TB | 7.6 | 6.1 | 3.7 |
| Bubba Franks – GB | vs PHI | 7.5 | 6.3 | 3.8 |
| George Wrighster – JAC | vs TEN | 7.4 | 6.2 | 3.6 |
| Ben Utecht – IND | vs NO | 7.0 | 6.2 | 3.2 |
| Leonard Pope – ARI | at SF | 7.0 | 6.3 | 3.3 |
| Ben Troupe – TEN | at JAC | 6.9 | 6.6 | 3.5 |
| Dan Campbell – DET | at OAK | 6.8 | 6.3 | 3.1 |
| David Lee – GB | vs PHI | 6.6 | 6.6 | 3.2 |
| Jeb Putzier – HOU | vs KC | 6.0 | 6.6 | 2.6 |
| Kyle Brady – NE | at NYJ | 5.8 | 6.4 | 2.2 |
| Matt Schobel – PHI | at GB | 5.8 | 6.7 | 2.5 |
| Anthony Becht – TB | at SEA | 5.8 | 6.7 | 2.5 |
| Reggie Kelly – CIN | vs BAL | 5.6 | 7.0 | 2.6 |
| Jeff King – CAR | at STL | 5.1 | 7.3 | 2.4 |
| Robert Royal – BUF | vs DEN | 4.7 | 7.7 | 2.4 |
| Mike Sellers – WAS | vs MIA | 4.6 | 7.0 | 1.6 |
Start:
Kellen Winslow, CLE (13.3 rating): I don’t want it to look like I’m picking on the Browns, so I’ll give their tight end a shout out here. The quarterback situation is shaky, but no matter who is under center you can be certain they will be looking for their security blanket in Winslow. Winslow should get a lot of looks in the passing game, especially if the running game is slow to start. He is extra valuable in leagues that give points for receptions.
Sit:
Desmond Clark, CHI (10.4 rating): Clark made a nice starting tight end for a lot of fantasy teams last year by recording over 600 yards and 6 TDs. But this year he is joined by the Bears’ top draft pick, rookie tight end Greg Olsen, who will likely see plenty of action himself. Not to mention the Chargers have a good defense that should limit the opportunities of both players.
| Kickers | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Adam Vinatieri – IND | vs NO | 15.9 | 2.1 | 8.0 |
| Neil Rackers – ARI | at SF | 14.3 | 2.9 | 7.3 |
| Nate Kaeding – SD | vs CHI | 14.3 | 2.9 | 7.3 |
| Jeff Wilkins – STL | vs CAR | 14.2 | 2.4 | 6.6 |
| Jason Elam – DEN | at BUF | 13.4 | 3.0 | 6.4 |
| David Akers – PHI | at GB | 13.3 | 3.0 | 6.3 |
| Jeff Reed – PIT | at CLE | 13.3 | 2.9 | 6.2 |
| Matt Stover – BAL | at CIN | 13.2 | 3.3 | 6.4 |
| Stephen Gostkowski – NE | at NYJ | 12.9 | 3.2 | 6.1 |
| Olindo Mare – NO | at IND | 12.8 | 3.5 | 6.3 |
| Josh Brown – SEA | vs TB | 12.7 | 3.1 | 5.8 |
| Josh Scobee – JAC | vs TEN | 12.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 |
| Jason Hanson – DET | at OAK | 12.3 | 3.6 | 5.9 |
| Robbie Gould – CHI | at SD | 12.3 | 3.8 | 6.1 |
| Joe Nedney – SF | vs ARI | 11.8 | 3.8 | 5.7 |
| Shayne Graham – CIN | vs BAL | 11.7 | 4.3 | 6.0 |
| Mike Nugent – NYJ | vs NE | 11.4 | 3.9 | 5.3 |
| Ryan Longwell – MIN | vs ATL | 11.3 | 3.8 | 5.1 |
| John Kasay – CAR | at STL | 11.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Lawrence Tynes – NYG | at DAL | 10.7 | 4.5 | 5.2 |
| Justin Medlock – KC | at HOU | 10.6 | 4.6 | 5.2 |
| Nick Folk – DAL | vs NYG | 10.3 | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Jay Feely – MIA | at WAS | 10.0 | 4.3 | 4.3 |
| Sebastian Janikowski – OAK | vs DET | 9.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 |
| Mason Crosby – GB | vs PHI | 9.6 | 5.1 | 4.7 |
| Kris Brown – HOU | vs KC | 9.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Rian Lindell – BUF | vs DEN | 9.5 | 4.8 | 4.3 |
| Matt Bryant – TB | at SEA | 9.3 | 4.8 | 4.2 |
| Rob Bironas – TEN | at JAC | 9.1 | 5.0 | 4.1 |
| Phil Dawson – CLE | vs PIT | 8.8 | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Shaun Suisham – WAS | vs MIA | 8.8 | 4.9 | 3.8 |
| Matt Prater – ATL | at MIN | 7.7 | 5.9 | 3.6 |
Start:
Neil Rackers, ARI (14.3 rating): Rackers went from fantasy stud in 2005, to a slightly disappointing season last year, which saw his field goal percentage drop almost 20%. However, he did heat up some at the end of last year, scoring eight or more points in his last six games, and many fantasy players are expecting even bigger things from Rackers this year. Arizona’s offense should put up a lot of points in Matt Leinart’s second year.
Sit:
Ryan Longwell, MIN (11.3 rating): Longwell has been a consistent fantasy kicker in previous years, but I wouldn’t touch him at this point this season. Wait to see how the Vikings move the ball with new quarterback Tarvaris Jackson before inserting Longwell into your fantasy lineup.
| Team Defense | Opponent | Rating | Risk | Reward |
| Pittsburgh | at CLE | 14.5 | 2.9 | 7.5 |
| New England | at NYJ | 14.0 | 3.6 | 7.6 |
| San Diego | vs CHI | 14.0 | 3.7 | 7.7 |
| Denver | at BUF | 13.2 | 4.0 | 7.2 |
| Baltimore | at CIN | 13.1 | 5.0 | 8.1 |
| Chicago | at SD | 12.9 | 5.3 | 8.2 |
| Philadelphia | at GB | 12.8 | 4.1 | 6.9 |
| Jacksonville | vs TEN | 12.7 | 4.1 | 6.8 |
| Seattle | vs TB | 12.6 | 3.5 | 6.1 |
| Dallas | vs NYG | 12.3 | 4.3 | 6.5 |
| Kansas City | at HOU | 12.1 | 3.7 | 5.8 |
| Minnesota | vs ATL | 11.7 | 4.5 | 6.3 |
| Miami | at WAS | 11.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 |
| Atlanta | at MIN | 11.4 | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| St. Louis | vs CAR | 11.2 | 4.5 | 5.7 |
| Detroit | at OAK | 10.4 | 5.0 | 5.4 |
| Oakland | vs DET | 10.4 | 6.0 | 6.4 |
| Arizona | at SF | 10.2 | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| San Francisco | vs ARI | 10.1 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Washington | vs MIA | 9.5 | 5.1 | 4.5 |
| Cincinnati | vs BAL | 9.5 | 5.3 | 4.7 |
| New York Giants | at DAL | 9.2 | 5.3 | 4.5 |
| Carolina | at STL | 9.1 | 6.4 | 5.5 |
| Buffalo | vs DEN | 8.7 | 5.7 | 4.5 |
| Green Bay | vs PHI | 8.7 | 5.8 | 4.5 |
| Tampa Bay | at SEA | 8.5 | 6.0 | 4.5 |
| Indianapolis | vs NO | 8.5 | 6.4 | 4.8 |
| Tennessee | at JAC | 8.3 | 5.7 | 4.0 |
| Houston | vs KC | 8.3 | 6.0 | 4.3 |
| New York Jets | vs NE | 8.1 | 6.3 | 4.4 |
| New Orleans | at IND | 7.6 | 6.7 | 4.4 |
| Cleveland | vs PIT | 7.1 | 6.4 | 3.5 |
Start:
Denver (13.2 rating): The addition of ball-hawking cornerback Dre Bly should help the Broncos defense produce even more turnovers this year. Teamed up with Champ Bailey, those two corners will make it hard for opposing quarterbacks to find somewhere to throw the ball. The Broncos get their first test against a talented, but still very young, Buffalo Bills offense. The Bills’ offensive line was revamped in the off-season, but as a result may still need some time to gel. Combine that with a young quarterback and a rookie at running back, and the Bills’ could make some mistakes that will result in points for the Broncos fantasy defense.
Sit:
Carolina (9.1 rating): As a team that was once widely regarded a top 5 defense, the Panthers have lost some of their luster recently. They were still drafted as a starting defense in many leagues, but while players like Julius Peppers will translate to fantasy points, I would avoid starting the Panthers’ D this week. Carolina has to travel to St. Louis to play Marc Bulger, Steven Jackson, and Tory Holt on their home turf. I can’t recommend any defense that has that task ahead of them.
Special thanks to SwiperNoSwiping, madaslives911, bobbing_headz, treat24, m16a, Dan Lambskin, BlueBandit24, Leber, Karoz, joelamosobadiah, dream_017, kilroy1872, and aaawall91 for their rankings and involvement with this week's article. For more insights and additional fine-tuning, visit our Who to Start/Bench forum section or listen to The Coach's Voice on Fantasy Cafe Radio.
Questions or comments for Nick? Post them in the Cafe Forums! Want to write for the Cafe? Check out the Cafe's Pencil & Paper section! |
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