Fantasy football - who to start in Week 1
by Josh Gaier
With the first week of fantasy football upcoming, many people are starting to tweak their lineups and play with their match-ups. Below is a list of one player at each position who you may not think of starting, but should find his way into your opening day lineup. Also, below the first suggested player is a runner-up.
Quarterback: Kurt Warner, Arizona Cardinals
Since young quarterback Matt Leinart became injured, Warner has done nothing but revert back to his old self. Last year, Warner through 27 touchdowns on relief duty and has been just as impressive during the preseason. Warner is also going against a vulnerable San Francisco 49er defense that gave up the 12th most passing touchdowns last season and fell in the bottom tier for both total defense and passing defense. Add in the fact that the Cardinals have themselves a pair of perennial receivers still for Warner’s dispose and he should have a great opening week.
Runner Up: Jon Kitna, Detroit Lions
Running Back: Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons offensive line is built with power and new acquisition Michael Turner is looking to get off to a fast start and he should do just that. Turner’s opposition, the Detroit Lions, ranked 23rd against the run last season, and Turner’s combination of power and explosiveness possess problems for the Lions. Also, rookie quarterback Matt Ryan will be getting the nod for the Falcons, and nothing is more insuring to a young quarterback than a stable run game. Look for the Falcons to pound the rock against a weak Detroit defensive seven, which adds up to Turner kicking off his Falcons debut with a boom.
Runner-Up: Selvin Young, Denver Broncos
Wide Receiver: Joey Galloway, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The ageless wonder Joey Galloway is constantly over shadowed by bigger name receivers, but there is no reason he should be. This week, Galloway faces a New Orleans Saints secondary whose Achilles ’ heel the past couple of seasons has been giving up the big pass play. The numbers also prove this as the Saints finished 30th against the pass last year. Whether it be Randall Gay or Jason David primarily in man against Galloway, he has the speed to blow them out of the water. With Galloway this week, you might get first string receiver production, for your routine three receiver.
Runner-Up: Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers
Tight End: Heath Miller, Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben each year has used Miller more and more as a viable part of his passing attack. This week, Miller faces the Houston Texans, who ranked 25th in pass defense last year. Although the Steelers have numerous deep threats alongside Miller, Big Ben has a habit of looking his way when the Steelers reach the red zone. Tight end is a hard position to pick a starter each week, but Miller should be able to find his way into the end zone.
Runner-Up: Tony Scheffler, Denver Broncos
Defense: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jags have had much recent success against the Titans and there is nothing to suggest that the pattern won’t continue into the 2008 season. Vince Young has shown no signs of improvement during the preseason, and the Jags tenacious defense looks to once again cause him problems. Young and the Titans always struggle to find the end zone and the Jags enter this season with one of the best defenses in the league.
Runner-Up: Indianapolis Colts