Week 1 Fantasy Football Projections: Predicting the Top Scorer at Every Position

Fantasy football will be in full-go mode this weekend, and Calvin Johnson is among those star players who put up supreme numbers.

After all, the Detroit Lions are playing host to the St. Louis Rams, and let's just say Johnson and Co. are quite the contrary to Jeff Fisher's defense. Fortunately, with 13 games on Sunday, and the two Monday night games, pro football gives us some other favorable matchups as well.

Plenty of star players have opportunities to rack up major points, and it's a relieving feeling when football returns.

Up ahead, we project the top scorers at each position. Check it out.

Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Lions (vs. Rams)

Yes, Megatron's quarterback, Matthew Stafford, made the cut.

A big reason why, in addition to the Lions playing St. Louis, are some other quarterback matchups.

Aaron Rodgers is facing the San Francisco 49ers, Peyton Manning gets the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cam Newton hits the road to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (who plays tough at home). In addition, Drew Brees faces a better Washing Redskins defense than given credit.

Even if we ignore those matchups, it's difficult to not look at any top-tier quarterback when playing the Rams.

St. Louis is young in the secondary (aside from 31-year-old safety Quintin Mikell), presents only one stud pass-rusher in Chris Long and despite ranking No. 8 against the pass last year, the Rams only defended 484 attempts (fifth least in league). Stafford can drop back roughly 10 percent of that total (if not more) on Sunday if he wants, but it will be unlikely, as the Lions will get up quickly.

With Johnson out wide, Brandon Pettigrew becoming a standout tight end and a slew of depth at receiver, Stafford has a field day.

Projections: 27-of-40, 330 yards, three touchdowns to zero picks

Running Back: LeSean McCoy, Eagles (at Browns)

Defending the run was the Cleveland Browns' biggest weakness in 2011.

Au contraire, the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive strength was running the rock with LeSean McCoy.

The star back averaged 4.8 yards per carry last season and the Browns allowed 4.4 yards per rush. Also, Cleveland defensive tackle Phil Taylor will miss the game for being put on the PUP list. Per Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com:

"

The Browns placed Phil Taylor on the Reserve-Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which means the starting defensive tackle will miss the first six games of the regular season.

"

This is a huge blow to the Browns' defensive front, as Taylor accounted for 59 tackles and four sacks in 2011. On the flip side, this does make Cleveland more vulnerable against the run, which only enhances McCoy's backfield presence.

Big day for the Eagles' offense against the Browns.

Projections: 28 carries for 130 rushing yards, three receptions for 20 yards, two touchdowns

Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, Lions (vs. Rams)

The most dangerous receiver in the game lines up against the St. Louis Rams in Week 1.

On the bright side, at least the Rams have some nice, young talent in the secondary courtesy of guys like Trumaine Johnson and Janoris Jenkins.

Lest we forget about veteran Cortland Finnegan as well.

Nevertheless, Megatron is among the select few of receivers that can consistently beat double coverage and destroy any secondary trying to isolate them. Even more impressive is that Calvin Johnson was doing all that before a healthy Matthew Stafford came along.

Since 2011, he's just become more difficult to stop.

Here, St. Louie's only chance to slow Megatron down is by keeping the Lions' offense off the field. So, you can reasonably anticipate lots of carries for Steven Jackson. That said, Detroit only needs a few possessions anyway, because the offense is explosive enough to virtually score at will.

Johnson won't get stopped on any route, and in double coverage, a jump ball from Stafford will prove effective.

If anything, the Rams have to play a lot of press coverage on Johnson. It's the only possible way of limiting his production; however, it won't matter in the game's outcome, as the Lions are simply far too talented over St. Louis across the board.

Projections: Eight catches for 120 yards, two touchdowns

Tight End: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (at Titans)

The best attribute about Rob Gronkowski is getting yards after the catch.

For his size and athleticism, Gronk is ridiculously tough to tackle, so getting him the rock sooner from the snap is better.

Tom Brady also has the luxury of finding other reliable receiving targets like Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Aaron Hernandez. In other words, the Tennessee Titans won't be able to always put double coverage on Gronk even with a two-man zone.

If so, then everyone else just dominates against single coverage.

Tennessee also is longer with Cortland Finnegan, and its linebackers aren't the best at creating that second-level shield to wall off intermediate routes. Gronk will get fed quickly after the snap between the zones to allow for yards after the catch.

Another way is to not hit Gronk early and force the Titans to put single coverage on him. That may limit his targets and receptions, but the yards would be just as impressive. Either way, Tennessee doesn't have a chance.

Projections: Seven receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown

Kicker: Mike Nugent, Bengals (at Ravens)

The Cincinnati Bengals will move the ball fairly well against the Baltimore Ravens.

Unfortunately, few touchdowns will occur, as the Ravens were one of the best red-zone defenses last season.

Now, yes, receiver A.J. Green is a great fade threat to leap over any defender. Still, Baltimore presents one of the NFL's best secondaries with Ed Reed and Lardarius Webb, and the linebackers remain solid at blanketing over the middle.

Any of Cincy's receivers can still be locked down in man coverage and their running game isn't stellar. With downfield room to work with, the Bengals can move the chains effectively, but near the 20-yard line is where Balty tightens up.

Webb can emphasize press coverage more against Green, and Reed's instincts will patrol elsewhere. With guys like Haloti Ngata and rookie Courtney Upshaw in the front seven, Benjarvus Green-Ellis won't smash between the offensive tackles.

In short, all this eventually leads to more field-goal attempts by Mike Nugent. The Bengals' defense is stout enough to also keep the Ravens' offense in check, so a three-point contest it is.

Projections: 4-of-4, long of 38

Defense/Special Teams: Houston Texans (vs. Dolphins)

The Miami Dolphins don't have much to offer against the Houston Texans.

For one, Houston's an excellent unit against the run and pass, which is rare these days.

In 2011, the Texans ranked No. 3 against the pass, No. 4 against the run and were No. 2 overall. Wade Phillips' crew also allowed just 17.4 points per game and accumulated 44 sacks.

Miami is putting rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill up against this beastly defense and also without any standout receivers to field a balanced attack.

Houston's defensive line is talented enough to completely shut down the run and the secondary, which means Johnathan Joseph and Danieal Manning will cause turnovers after the constant quarterback pressure. Not to mention the overall depth.

Rookie Whitney Mercilus only adds to the pass-rush rotation, and the Dolphins don't offer Tannehill much protection, either. A year ago, Miami's line allowed 52 sacks (third most), so Phillips will be bringing the pain early and often.

Projections: No points allowed, four sacks, three forced turnovers and one touchdown

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