When the Lions Run – Kevin Smith is going to get the call early on, even with Rudi Johnson having been signed. Smith is going to be in a fight for the job every time he touches the ball. It’s a lot of pressure for anyone, even a talented rookie like Smith. Expect 80 yards and a touchdown in his debut. Rudi Johnson shouldn’t be a factor in this one.
When the Falcons Pass - The Lions' defense is soft, but there isn’t going to be a week early on that we’ll recommend playing Matt Ryan. Even during bye weeks, there are going to be better options. Roddy White is the best of the Falcons weapons and the only one that should be started. Expect 200 yards from Ryan, but two interceptions are almost a given. White should be good for nearly half of those passing yards. Ryan likely has just one passing touchdown.
When the Falcons Run – The key for the Falcons all season will be the play of Michael Turner. Turner has never carried a full load, but has given some solid preseason indications that he’s up for the job. Against a porous defense, Turner is good for 100 and a touchdown.
Sleeper Pickups – In the early going, Ryan will need his tight end, Ben Hartsock. He grabs Ryan’s touchdown pass and registers 50 yards.
Might Want to Bench – Any Falcons' receiver not named Roddy White. Not seeing big things for Mike Furrey either.
Seattle vs. Buffalo
When the Seahawks Run – Expect them to do a lot of this. With injuries to Bobby Engram and Deion Branch, Hasselbeck will need to rely on Julius Jones and Maurice Morris to do some of the heavy lifting. Jones hasn’t been asked to carry the full load and he’ll get a timeshare here as well. Buffalo will key on the run, so expect somewhere around 75 yards from Jones with a touchdown likely.
When the Seahawks Pass – Matt Hasselbeck could be in trouble here. The injuries alone are going to force the Seahawks to go down the depth chart to Nate Burleson and Courtney Taylor. Expecting much more than 220 yards and a touchdown is being generous.
When the Bills Run – The horse is Marshawn Lynch and he’s going to get the chance to do something special this season. Lynch is going up against a stingy defense, but should still be able to put up just shy of 100 yards and a touchdown.
When the Bills Pass – Not an easy matchup for Trent Edwards. Expect stats similar to those of Hasselbeck, but a throwing touchdown doesn’t seem to be the way to go here. Keep Lee Evans active, but Roscoe Parrish and James Hardy or Josh Reed are best kept on benches.
Sleeper Pickups – Will Heller, Seattle’s tight end, will grab the touchdown pass. Early in the season, these guys are more valuable because protection schemes aren’t settled. Heller has the ability to be a big play guy.
Might Want to Bench – The Bills receivers, Maurice Morris, and Seattle’s receivers. Nate Burleson hasn’t proven anything to make him deserve a start at all, let alone as a number one guy.
New York Jets vs. Miami
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