For the first time since September 1948 when the Rams beat the Lions 44-7, the NFL will be playing a Wednesday night game. The kick off of the season was moved to Wednesday thanks to President Obama and the Democrat National Convention. The new opening night tradition of the defending Super Bowl Champ opening on Thursday Night began in 2004, with the defending champ winning every one of the games.
Opening night is of course the NY Giants versus the Dallas Cowboys, and both teams have lineups full of fantasy players. If you have Cowboys or Giants on your roster DON’T forget to set your lineup for Wednesday’s game. Most people that are in fantasy leagues probably can’t believe that reminders have to be posted, but there is one guy in every league that always is too busy and forgets so this is just a friendly reminder!
Here are my picks for this week
Quarterback
Stud- Drew Brees- He’s a must start almost every week. Brees shouldn’t have any difficulites versus the Redskins defense
Dud- Matt Ryan- Struggled on the road opening day the past two seasons. KC is a tough place to play with a solid defense returning from last year
Sleeper- Peyton Manning- Tim Tebow put up big numbers against the Steelers in Denver last January no reason Peyton can’t do the same even if it is against “reputation” Steelers D
Running Back
Stud- Arian Foster- Going against Miami at home should be a huge day
Dud- Fred Jackson- Jets D may not be as dominate as in the past but it shuts down running backs. Premiere Jackson next week if possible
Sleeper- Doug Martin- Rookie has prime chance for big opening day against the Carolina D that was pitiful against the run last season.
Wide Receivers
Stud- Dez Bryant- In four games against the Giants Bryant has recorded a TD in each game.
Dud- AJ Green- You drafted him high but he goes against the Ravens D which is getting older but doesn’t allow explosive plays
Sleeper- Pierre Garcon- RGIII main target against a defense without any bounties to collect could lead to big day.
Tight End
Stud- Jimmy Graham- Saints will feed him the ball a lot
Dud- Coby Fleener- Lucks BFF will have to wait a week to become a factor in fantasy
Sleeper- Owen Daniels- He won’t put up 100 yard games anymore but he is sneeky about finding the end zone at least once
Defense
Stud- Chicago Bears- They should have a LUCKy day week one
Dud- Pittsburgh Steelers- Something about Peyton Manning’s return that spells doom for the Steelers D
Sleeper- Buffalo Bills- More a testament of the Jets offense than an improving Bills defense
Good Luck and dominate Week #1 in your leagues!!