4 Rookies You Absolutely Must Start in Fantasy Football Week 1

Starting rookies in fantasy football is a tough decision.

Fortunately, Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season matches up some newbies against favorable opponents.

Russell Wilson is a prime example among the rookies as the Seattle Seahawks face the Arizona Cardinals. Sure it's a division rival, but Wilson has performed emphatically well this preseason and the Seahawks have the talent around him to produce as well.

Plus, Wilson was named the starter earlier this week according to Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times.

So we'll check in on Wilson a bit later, but let's first see which other rookies join him as worthy fantasy starters come time for opening kickoff this year.

Robert Griffin III: QB, Redskins

Opponent: at New Orleans Saints

For as much proving as the Washington Redskins must do on offense, the Saints have equally as much if not more on their defense.

Ranking No. 30 against the pass in 2011 and allowing 368 total yards per game, New Orleans only went 13-3 because of Drew Brees and the offense. So in short, anticipate a rather high-scoring affair between Washington and New Orleans in Week 1.

The Redskins defense is solid, but Brees can tear up any coverage with any group of receivers. This then forces Griffin III to keep his offense on par with that explosiveness: otherwise the odds of winning are significantly reduced.

New Orleans also doesn't offer much of a pass rush.

After all, the Saints recorded just 33 sacks last season and RG3's mobility alone will keep plays alive. His receivers like Josh Morgan and Pierre Garcon are great at accumulating yards after the catch, so expect quick-developing plays to rid Griffin of some early jitters.

And if the running game proves reliable as it can be, Washington has an outside shot to pull off the upset.

Doug Martin: RB, Buccaneers

Opponent: vs. Carolina Panthers

Another game that features two potentially explosive offenses, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are slightly behind NFC South-rival Carolina in terms of establishment.

Last season the Panthers offense was among the best around and Cam Newton's complete package will keep defenses off balance. Lest we forget, Tampa fielded arguably the league's worst defense in 2011 as well.

So, it's reasonable to suspect the Cats put up an impressive number of yards and points. The Buccaneers, though, have some impressive young talent offensively and rookie Doug Martin is their best option in the backfield.

He's a dual-threat capable of breaking any tackle, making moves in limited space and pass protects. Now, the Panthers have improved defensively but just like the Bucs they remain unproven.

That said, Tampa must be effective on the ground to slow the game pace or Newton and Co. will burn the scoreboard. Even if he shares carries with LeGarrette Blount, Martin's contributions between the tackles and as a check-down target are vital to the Bucs getting an early divisional win.

Justin Blackmon: WR, Jaguars

Opponent: at Minnesota Vikings

Justin Blackmon is a risk; however, not so much in Week 1.

The Minnesota Vikings were horrendous against the pass in 2011 and remain susceptible in 2012. Now, though, they did select safety Harrison Smith and cornerback Josh Robinson to spruce up the secondary via the draft.

Still, both have to develop just like Blackmon and the Jaguars offense has taken strides toward a better outlook this season. Yes, Blaine Gabbert remains a work-in-progress but adding Laurent Robinson was a nice get in the offseason to help balance the attack.

Minnesota is vulnerable over the middle, so the more Blackmon sees targets on quick slants, drags and curls through the intermediate zone will he produce. Blackmon is an excellent receiver at getting yards after the catch, so the sooner he gets the rock the better.

Now, the Vikings do present one of the NFL's best pass-rushing units—mainly because of Jared Allen—and are decent against the run. Play-action won't be extremely effective here, but enough to allow Blackmon that little extra time to get space against man coverage.

His strength alone will create early separation, so it's just a matter of coming back to the ball and making a move.

Russell Wilson: QB, Seahawks

Opponent: at Arizona Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks are simply a better team than the Arizona Cardinals right now.

Fielding a better defense, a more consistently reliable running game and being in a better quarterback situation, Seattle has every reason to be confident for Week 1.

As for Russell Wilson, he's been virtually flawless in the preseason and has shown no fear inside the pocket. The Cardinals do bring a solid pass rush with Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell, but the secondary has yet to reach its potential.

Marshawn Lynch will do the work on the ground and easily set up the play-action pass for Wilson's abundance of receivers. All are capable of beating single coverage and if the Cardinals try double coverage then it opens up the running game even more.

Arizona has to simply lock it down with man coverage and Cover 1.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, Seattle is quicker and runs smooth routes to get open underneath and create plays after the catch. Wilson has proven to be a spot-on marksman and unless the offensive line crumbles, he'll spread the field with ease all day long.

Follow John Rozum on Twitter.