The Observer, September 14, 2007
Volume XL, Issue 3
Fantasy Tips: Week 1
As the gridiron soldiers begin their season, fantasy football fanatics have also begun the most important five and a half months of the year. Though most leagues have finished their drafts, I am here to give some insider's knowledge on this upcoming week's matchups. Who to pick up, who to drop, sleepers, keepers, and dark horses are all going to be here weekly and on-point.
QBs
Eli Manning, New York Giants – Sorry fellas, Eli is out. After being slammed to the ground on his throwing arm, Eli separated his shoulder and is sidelined for a month. After Tiki Barber's sudden departure over the off-season, the Giant's main weapons are at the wide receiver position. But without Eli, the weapons seem like water pistols at best. BENCH.
Matt Leinart, Arizona Cardinals – The man will not put up big fantasy numbers. With a horrible offensive line and a declining running back in the Edge, it's hard to be an up-and-coming QB. Without a strong RB, Leinart is going to see more blitzes because the defense does not respect the running game. With the added pressure, the defense is going to get through the O-line like water through a sieve. BENCH.
RBs
Chris Brown, Tennessee Titans – I'm not talking about the music star. While most draft analysts were all about Chris Henry as the big RB from Tennessee, the real Titan in their backfield is Brown. Rushing for 175 yards this past week, look for him to get a majority of carries in week 2. With more carries, more touchdowns will come which will raise his stock as well. Don't expect another 175 yards out of him, but I see good output against a developing Colts defense this Sunday. A good pickup for a two-three RB league. PICKUP.
TEs
Eric Johnson, New Orleans Saints – This is the sleeper of sleepers. Most people expect their tight end position to be a loss and not help their team that much. I see Johnson helping a fantasy team out a great deal this next week. Though he only racked up 57 yards last week, he pulled in nine catches. With Drew Brees looking his way more and more, look for Johnson to increase his yardage and be looked at more in the red zone by Brees. SLEEPER.
WRs
Ronald Curry, Oakland Raiders – The man has put up numbers. Compiling 10 catches for 133 yards in the opener, Curry seems to be the early favorite for Raiders QB Josh McCown. Even though the Raiders just signed first round draft pick JaMarcus Russell, it will be a while before he takes over the starting job. Though he will match up against the formidable defensive backs of Denver next week, Curry will face the weak Browns defense the week after, so look to him for points over the next few weeks. PICK UP.
DEFENSE
Green Bay Packers – The best thing to look at in a fantasy defense is causing turnovers. Causing three against the Eagles last week, fantasy owners can expect more against a weak Giant's offense. With two shutdown corners, an aggressive linebacker crew, and Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila rushing around the end, the defense is strong all around and turnovers are just waiting to happen. SLEEPER.
