Week 1: Browns @ Buccaneers Preview

Overview: The Browns and Buccaneers did not impress in 2009, but both have shown promise under second year head coaches Raheem Morris and Eric Mangini this offseason. The Buccaneers have youth that has shown some talent, but more talent is needed if they want to beat the Browns, who have had a very good preseason. Jake Delhomme has looked like a Pro Bowl player in his preseason action.

Players To Watch

Gerald McCoy: McCoy will receive a lot of attention in his first NFL game. It will also be interesting to see if the Buccaneers can get after the quarterback from their end position.

Stylez White: Speaking of defensive ends, Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris has been gushing about the play of defensive end Stylez White.

Josh Cribbs: The Browns will almost certainly have some packages that have both Cribbs and Seneca Wallace on the field at the same time.

Jake Delhomme: Delhomme has had a magnificent preseason, and it will be interesting to see if he can continue that success in the regular season.

Ben Watson: Watson has developed into Jake Delhomme's favorite target, especially in the red zone.

Fantasy Outlook

Quarterbacks: I would not start Delhomme unless you drafted so poorly that you did not get a top 15 quarterback. Delhomme could put up big numbers, but you can get the same production from half the starting quarterbacks in the NFL. Don't start Josh Freeman. He is young, inexperienced, and has a very weak supporting cast. He can manage the game, but he won't put up big fantasy numbers.

Running Backs: Jerome Harrison has had a poor camp, and Montario Hardesty does not seem ready to carry a large role. I would not start any of the Browns running backs at this point, even in the flex. BUT, the Buccaneers let up the most rushing yards last season, and I think it is safe to start Harrison in the flex. Cadillac Williams could be an option to start in the flex, but the return of Shaun Rodgers will make it hard for runners to get lanes.

Receivers: I don't think any receivers in this game should start on a fantasy team. The Buccaneers have a solid pass defense, and the Browns do not have great receivers. The Buccaneers have the worst receivers in the NFL. As far as tight ends are concerned, both Ben Watson and Kellen Winslow should start.

Prediction

Delhomme gets a couple drives going and gets an easy win on the road. The Buccaneers struggle to get going offensively, and personnel wise, are totally over-matched.

Score: Browns 27, Buccaneers 10

Top Fantasy Performer: Ben Watson 7-102-1