Fantasy Football: Parzych's Week One MVP Awards

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The first week of fantasy football has concluded after an exciting Week One. With the first week of the 2009 NFL regular season complete, it's time to announce the MVP awards for Week One.

Quarterback: Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints

Last season, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees finished with 5,069 yards passing, just 15 short of Miami Dolphins QB Dan Marino's record for most passing yards in a single-season. The expectations were high for him entering the 2009 season, especially in Week One.

As predicted, Brees had a field day against the visiting Detroit Lions. However, nobody predicted his numbers would be as impressive as they were.

Brees took advantage of the Lions' weak passing defense, finishing 26-of-34 for 358 yards and six touchdowns to lead the Saints to a 45-27 victory on opening weekend, helping him receive MVP honors for the quarterback position for this week's awards.

He may not put up these type of high numbers each week, but Brees is already showing owners why he was one of the first quarterbacks selected in most fantasy football leagues. Don't be surprised if Brees' name comes up on this list a few more times this season.

Running Back: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

There was hope in the Dawg Pound when the Cleveland Browns led the visiting Minnesota Vikings at halftime 13-10. Unfortunately for the Browns, any dreams of an upset were shattered when Vikings RB Adrian Peterson took over the game in the second half.

In the second half of last Sunday's game, Peterson finished with a one-yard and a 64-yard touchdown to help the Vikings beat the Browns 34-20. Peterson finished the game with 180 yards and three touchdowns on just 25 carries.

Not only did Peterson display a monstrous performance in the first game of the season, but he made life easier for Vikings QB Brett Favre, who was making his regular-season debut with his new team.

Thanks to a strong performance by Peterson on the ground, Favre wasn't needed as much at quarterback and finished just 14-of-21 for 110 yards and one touchdown.

Wide Receiver: Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis Colts

There were a handful of players that could have won the award this week, but no player was relied on more than Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne.

The Colts may have had one of the most interesting offseasons out of any team in the NFL. They had a new head coach in Jim Caldwell and were without WR Marvin Harrison, who was released in the offseason after spending 13 seasons with the team. The transition may not have been easy, but the Colts knew it was something they would have to adjust to.

With Harrison gone, Colts QB Peyton Manning knew he would have to rely on Wayne more on offense. What Manning didn't realize was how much he would have to rely on Wayne now that WR Anthony Gonzalez is out 2-8 weeks after tearing ligaments in his knee against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With an injured Gonzalez, Wayne stepped up his performance against the Jaguars, hauling in 10 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. On the positive side, the Colts did sign former Philadelphia Eagles WR Hank Baskett to give Manning another option to throw to on offense, which could take the pressure off Wayne until Gonzalez returns.

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