Week 1: Sit 'Em
This weekly column will feature players that are normally solid bets for fantasy production, but not worth starting in a particular week. Week 1 is always tough to predict. We do know a few things; stars will falter, no-names will surprise and that the last 10 Super Bowl Champions have opened their next season with a win. This week I have one quarterback, four running backs, one wide out and one tight end you should consider sitting.
I do not like that Donovan McNabb is not at 100% and faces a fast-paced Dallas team.
Shonn Greene and LeSean McCoy better both be prepared for full contact, and to have heavy workload seasons.
Knowshon Moreno does not appear to be 100% and rushing back to a full workload after a hamstring injury is not advised.
Justin Forsett has been named Seattle's starter and that means Leon Washington is relegated to back-up or shared duty at best.
TO is a wild card no matter how I look at it. This year's circus is Ochocinco and TO vying for targets and touchdowns.
Tony Gonzalez is close to over the hill and in Week 1 Atlanta and Pittsburgh are going to grind the game out on the ground.
Good luck with your Week rosters and beware of the guys who could sink your team quickly.
QB Donovan McNabb, ---
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McNabb sprained his ankle in Washington's preseason game against Baltimore. Two and a half weeks later he is still not at 100%, but slated to start the season opener against Dallas. I would sit McNabb this week if you have the option. Given McNabb is a top 15 quarterback you likely have him on your bench anyways; keep him there. Long-term, I like McNabb and the odds that he can turn the Washington offense around. Weeks 1 and 2 will be tough for Washington and the team has five solid match-ups before their Week 9 bye. Look for McNabb to have a few solid games here and there with his offense.
RB Shonn Greene, ---
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Greene had a solid few games towards the end of last season, but now he must prove himself worthy of a full season of beatings. Baltimore is not a great first game match-up for New York. Greene will likely be utilized early and often to assist Sanchez in moving the offense. The Baltimore defense will be looking to punish Greene. I see Greene having a decent outing, but nothing compared to his full potential. Greene will also be spelled by LT; considering the fact that LT says he is not done quite yet, you have to want to believe. LT will eat into Greene's playing time, the question is just how much? I say sit him if you can, but if you cannot, at least be aware of his downside this week and watch LT.
RB LeSean McCoy, ---
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McCoy has a huge upside in PPR leagues this season with Kolb at quarterback. However, I think he is in for a surprise as he takes over full time running duties in Philadelphia. This team is rebuilding and in my opinion, that does not bode well for an inexperienced running back paired with an inexperienced quarterback. Yes, Kolb will dump the ball off to McCoy for short yardage and screens, but how many big hits can McCoy take before he limps off the field. PPR junkies should go for McCoy as he will rack up the points in that category, but if you are playing in a non-PPR league, McCoy has a much greater downside as a simple running back who might get some receiving yardage. McCoy will be a safety valve, but so will Celek. In my perspective, Celek has a greater upside at the tight end position. Start Celek.
RB Knowshon Moreno, ---
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Moreno is still nursing his hamstring injury. He did not play this past week's preseason game and said he was about 80% upon his return to practice. Hamstring injuries can be nagging and get tweaked if not allotted enough time to heal, especially in running backs. Denver's running game appeared to be a committee approach, but with White now out with his achilles tear and surgery and Fargas released, Moreno has Buckhalter, Brown and Tebow as backfield competition. Moreno will be a solid option as the season goes on with Denver's schedule, but if he is not 100%, others will carry the burden more often.
RB Leon Washington, ---
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I agree with the FFToolBox Week 1 pick-up rating for Washington. He is a sleeper pick-up in most leagues at this stage. However, with Forsett being named the starter by Pete Carroll, Washington is destined to split carries with Forsett at best for the time being. The offensive situation in Seattle is currently one that is less than desired. Forsett and Washington will hopefully change that in coming weeks, but in a shared workload situation, I see Washington being a sit candidate for at least a few weeks until either back steps forward permanently. I have a feeling this will be Washington -- give him time.
