Fantasy Football Start and Sit: Week One

By now, you know the basics. You looked high and low for the best draft advice and cheat sheets; you studied all the transactions, depth charts, and roster information you could find.

For all intents and purpose, you're ready. You are as prepared as you could ever possibly be.

At least you were, until Maurice Jones-Drew bruised his shin, Wes Welker and the Patriots wouldn't confirm or deny an injury, and Pierre Thomas was designated as completely "iffy" for week one.

You know the "unquestionables." You know, the guys that no one should ever have to "tell" you to start: Peyton Manning, Adrian Peterson, Larry Fitzgerald. The guys that you should start even if they face the Baltimore Ravens or New York Giants every week.

Thank God they don't. Regardless, columns like "Start and Sit" still exist for a reason. Take a look at five guys that are being under-hyped for week one, five guys to avoid, and five guys not enough people are talking about.

Start

Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings

It's not that I think Favre is invincible or that he'll throw 30-plus touchdowns this year. But the guy is facing the Cleveland Browns.

Sure, he's on the road, the Vikings like to run the ball, and his chemistry with his team is a bit "up in the air." But that's been the label of his fantasy status for years.

If you're hurting at quarterback in week one, though, Favre could be your savior, if just for one game.

Cleveland's pass defense is middle of the pack, but you can bet on Adrian Peterson and Co. opening up the offense for Favre against the Browns' rush defense, which ranked 28th in 2008.

Prediction: 235 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

Willie Parker, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Parker is officially "the guy" in Pittsburgh, whether all the Rashard Mendenhall hypists want to admit it or not.

With goal-line duties and the starting job in his grasps, Parker could be in for a big day despite facing one of the better 2008 defenses.

Need I remind you that this same Tennessee defense is missing their defensive coordinator, as well as their space eater Albert Haynesworth?

Prediction: 19 Att, 108 Yards, 2 TD, 2 Rec, 19 Yards

Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore Ravens 

No runner in Baltimore brings the versatility, both as a rusher and receiver, that Ray Rice does. He has yet to score a regular season NFL touchdown, but against last year's 30th-ranked rush defense, it's a safe bet his drought will end in week one.

Willis McGahee and/or Le'Ron McClain are safe bets to tote the ball within the 20, but Rice should get plenty of touches against the Chiefs. If you're protecting the likes of Pierre Thomas, Jonathan Stewart, or Maurice Jones-Drew, don't be afraid to put Rice in as your week one stopgap.

He just might never leave your lineup.

Prediction: 20 Att, 122 Yards, 1 TD, 3 Rec, 33 Yards

Greg Jennings, WR, Green Bay Packers

Jennings has been cleared to play against the Bears Sunday night, and with Aaron Rodgers leading an extremely effective and potent pass attack throughout preseason, there is no reason to sit Jennings.

His speed and route-running should mess with Chicago's bewildered secondary all day, as Charles Tillman is battling injury and Chicago's defense is no longer as formidable as it once was.

Prediction: 5 Rec, 97 Yards, 1 TD

Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seattle Seahawks 

This is a different season for Hasselbeck, as he once again has healthy talent at his disposal, as well as a growing connection with the young and impressive tight end John Carlson.

The only question surrounding his offense is whether a pairing of Edgerrin James and Julius Jones will give birth to a successful ground game.

Regardless of what happens down the road, week one should bring good things to Hasselbeck, as he faces the St. Louis Rams.

Prediction: 278 Yards, 2 TD, 1 INT

For advice on who to Sit, as well as five Sleepers for week one, hit up www.theredzonereport.com.