Fantasy Football: NFL Preseason 2010 News and Notes: Week One

Patriots 27, Saints 24

Torry Holt Goes on IR Sunday, out for Year

This injury may open the door for Brandon Tate in those 4 WR sets that the Pats love to throw out of so much. He could easily be overlooked in that offense and may be getting the defense's fourth cornerback trying to cover him, opening the possibility for scores.

Pierre Thomas vs Reggie Bush

Thomas got more carries and more targets in their time on the field. Thomas had caught all four of his targets for 26 yards and carried the ball eight times for 27 yards. While Bush did have at TD from two yards out, his five carries resulted in only 17 yards. He also failed to catch either of his two targets. Bush is still just a change-of-pace back. Thomas is the back you want to draft.

Ravens 17, Panthers 12

New additions to the Ravens Passing Game

Newly acquired Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth had seven targets in their limited time on the field with Joe Flacco. Those seven targets resulted in only two catches for 38 yards. I like Boldin a lot this season and once they get plenty of reps together, I think Flacco and Boldin will be on the same page and have big years.

Run-first Offense in Carolina

No matter who was on the field for Carolina, they wanted to run the rock. The Panthers had 26 carries for 142 yards averaging 5.5 yards per carry. DeAngelo Williams managed 6.6 yards per carry during his action. Both Williams and Jonathan Stewart are good picks in drafts this year.

Raiders 17, Cowboys 9

Oakland Offense Stagnant, Defense and Special Team’s Active

While the Oakland offense lacked any meaningful action, the defense was very active with six sacks and six tackles for loss. Their defense has been known to be good against the run. If they can improve against the pass, they have top five fantasy defense potential.

Lack of a Run Game Again in Dallas

On the flip side, Dallas hasn’t been able to get their run game going in two preseason games. Tashard Choice has been their best back so far with 12 carries for 50 yards. Felix Jones and Marion Barber are struggling mightily to get anything going (Jones 3 for 11, Barber 5 for 12). If they continue to struggle on the ground, their passing game could also suffer as defenses decide to play more corners against their pass game.

Eagles 28, Jaguars 27

Philly Run Game Impressive

Michael Vick will be an impact player out of Wildcat formations for the Eagles, and he ran for 50 yards on only six carries. Some LeSean McCoy owners have been worried about Leonard Weaver taking carries from him, and this game may have been a good sign for potential McCoy owners. McCoy got eight carries while Weaver only got one. Even Kevin Kolb was seen scrambling with two carries for 15 yards.

Possible Sleeper: Troy Williamson

Williamson caught both of his targets in this one for 101 yards including a 73 yard pass from Luke McCown. If he can become a consistent part of the passing game, he could have some nice upside.

Redskins 42, Bills 17

Devin Thomas Big Part of Washington Pass Game

Thomas got six targets in his time on the field, catching three of them for 64 yards and a TD. With Donovan McNabb's big arm and love of the deep ball, Thomas could be a good upside pick in the late rounds.

Fred Jackson out four-six weeks (broken bone in left hand), Lynch out three-four weeks (sprained ankle)

CJ Spiller gets a big bump now that he may be the No. 1back going into Week One, depending on the length of Jackson's injury. Spiller will get looks in both the run game and the pass game making him a good pick and a better PPR pick.

Falcons 20, Chiefs 10

Jason Snelling Less than Impressive

Take Snelling's long carry of eight yards and his numbers are underwhelming, 10 carries 16 yards. He's Turner's primary backup as of right now.

Dexter McCluster an All Purpose Offensive Weapon

McCluster caught three balls and had five carries for a total of 48 yards to lead the team. They are really looking to get him involved in the offense, mostly in the pass game, with the possibility of running WR sweeps and Wildcat formations with him as well.

Dolphins 10, Buccaneers 7

Dolphins Run Game Slow

This was an ugly game all around and the top three backs for the Dolphins (Brown, Williams, Hilliard) struggled, getting 16 carries for 49 yards. The run game is the backbone of their offense and if they can't get it going, it could be a long year.

Derrick Ward Poor Showing vs Dolphins Defense

Similar to Snelling, take away Ward's long carry of 10 yards and you are left with 11 carries for 10 yards. Cadillac Williams is the No. 1 RB and Derrick Ward's fantasy value, even as a backup, is almost nonexistent.

Steelers 23, Lions 7

Dennis Dixon Impressive

If Leftwich were to falter in his first couple starts, Dixon could be a good fill-in until Roethlisberger is back. Week Three at Tampa seems like a good opportunity for a big game out of whichever QB is running the show.

Jahvid the "Best" Back in Detroit

Best got seven touches for 38 total yards against the Steelers. I like him to be a PPR stud in this pass happy offense with high upside in keeper leagues.

Cardinals 19, Texans 16

Larry Fitzgerald (sprained right MCL), out for Rest of Preseason

I have my concerns about him and the offense in general going into this year. New QB, no more Boldin, and an unknown commodity in their run game are all issues that could hurt Fitz’s fantasy value. He is still top five WR in drafts, but I wouldn't be surprised if he had a down year.

Ben Tate Going on IR (broken ankle), out for Year

The big bruising running back was a candidate for the starting job, but now it looks like Arian Foster is the back you want in Houston. Foster is a nice value pick in leagues.

Browns 27, Packers 24

No Clear Starting QB in Cleveland

Jake Delhomme started and played only one series, going six for seven on a drive that resulted in a four yard TD run by Jerome Harrison. Seneca Wallace played the next three drives, throwing two TD passes but only completing four of eight passes. Delhomme's the starter for now but if he struggles, Wallace may be able to steal the starting job from him. However, neither is a viable fantasy option.

James Jones the No. 3 Receiver in Green Bay

Jones had five targets to Jordy Nelson's two in this game.

That makes it look like Jones has the lead on the No. 3 WR spot. With defenses keying on Jennings and Driver, he could get a lot of looks in that high caliber offense.

Vikings 28, Rams 7

Sage Rosenfels Big Day under Center

The former Iowa State QB is auditioning for his chance to become the starter in Minnesota (unless Favre decides to return). Rosenfels was 23 for 34 with three TDs against the Rams second and third team defense. I like Rosenfels better than Jackson if Favre stays retired.

UPDATE: As of 3:15 pm ET, there are reports that Brett Favre is on a plane back to Minnesota indicating he's coming back. If Favre returns he is a top 10 QB, and a must-add in any league he was dropped.

Slow Day for the Rams Offense

Not much to say about the Rams offense minus Steven Jackson. One thing of note: Keenan Burton led the team with seven targets. He was a consistent receiver for the Rams before going down with an injury in Week 10 last year.

Chargers 25, Bears 10

Ryan Mathews Nice Showing

Mathews got 11 touches for 61 total yards against the Bears defense. He's going as high as No. 12 overall. I think that's a little high. He shouldn't be coming off the board until the late second round or early third.

Aromashodu's Rising Stock

Aromashodu's four catches for 78 yards is a nice show of productivity. In Mike Martz offense, he's got a lot of upside. I still think Knox is the No. 1 WR, but Aromashodu is worth taking in the later rounds.

Seahawks 20, Titans 18

Charlie Whitehurst Looking Ready To Go

Head Coach Pete Carroll believes in competition at all positions, and Whitehurst is taking advantage with a nice showing against the Titans. If Hasselbeck is not ready to go, Whitehurst could be a decent option in 2QB leagues.

Javon Ringer Solid Backup for Chris Johnson

Ringer is the handcuff you want if you get Chris Johnson on your team. Ringer went for 60 yards on seven carries against Seattle.

49ers 37, Colts 17

Rookie Runs Wild

Rookie RB Anthony Dixon looked good with 21 carries for 100 yards and one TD. He's likely going to stay at third on the depth chart behind newly acquired Brian Westbrook, but keep an eye on him in case Gore or injury-prone Westbrook go down.

Colts Offense Stagnant

Manning only played a couple drives and looked good as usual, but the rest of the offense struggled to get anything going.

Most notably Donald Brown had five carries and negative-four yards.

Bengals 33, Broncos 24

Bernard Scott the Clear Handcuff for Benson

Scott went for 65 yards on eight carries Sunday night and added a couple catches for 48 yards, showing that he is more than ready to step into Cedric Benson's role if he were to be injured. In this run-first offense, he has value even beyond that of a normal handcuff. If you draft Benson, use a late round pick on Scott and stash him away.

Kyle Orton Solid in his Limited Time

Orton led two 65+ yard drives in the first quarter that resulted in passing TDs, one to Eddie Royal and one to Brandon Lloyd. Tebow might play some in the regular season, but if Orton keeps playing well he’ll keep that starting job.

Giants 31, Jets 16

Bradshaw Starts over Jacobs

Bradshaw started the Monday night game at RB and also had an impact in the passing game turning a dump pass into a 51 yard gain. He could have a similar impact in the regular season possibly giving him a bump in PPR leagues.

Mark Sanchez Very Efficient

Sanchez played well into the second quarter and went 13 for 17 making good throws. He misread a coverage early causing an interception but after that he settled down and played smart. He could have a lot of upside going into the season.

Article written by: Jim Dingeman

Follow Jim on Twitter: @gentleman_jim

E-mail questions or comments to; [e-mail]