Week 1 NFL Fantasy Preview: Mark Sanchez and Four Others That Shouldn't Start

For those of you last-minute fantasy owners here is a list of players that I wouldn't have on my starting lineup for week one. Check back each week of the season as I update the list for the upcoming week. I will list a quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and a defense/special teams unit that will not be top performers this week.

Quarterback: Mark Sanchez

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INDIANAPOLIS - JANUARY 24: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets reacts in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts during the AFC Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 24, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyo

With all of the attention the New York Jets have brought upon themselves, the Ravens defense, Ray Lewis included, will be salivating to get to their precious QB. Let's not forget the Jets defense and running game are the bread and butter for the team. Sanchez will put up mediocre numbers at best and isn't worth starting in Week one. 

Running Back: Matt Forte

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DETROIT - JANUARY 03: Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears is tackled during a fourth quarter run by Anthony Henry #32 of the Detroit Lions on January 3, 2010 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. Chicago won the game 37-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Im

Even though the Lions as a team are a punch line, their defense packs a mighty punch. I anticipate Detroit's defense to be focused on stopping Matt Forte since Jay Cutler is a joke. Forte adds value to your team later on in the season. But in week one he will be a liability.

Wide Receiver: Hines Ward

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 20: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a catch in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the game on December 20, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

The same way that Brett Favre struggled without his star receiver, I expect Hines Ward to struggle without Big Ben and Santonio Holmes. The Steelers will be more dedicated to the running game than usual. This will result in smaller numbers for Hines. 

Tight End: Tony Gonzalez

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ATLANTA - AUGUST 13: Tony Gonzalez #88 of the Atlanta Falcons prepares to face the Kansas City Chiefs at Georgia Dome on August 13, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

He isn't getting any younger. Although he takes great care of his body, I wouldn't expect him to be a productive fantasy player until week three. The Steelers defense will be focused on him and the running game. This forces Matt Ryan to beat them through the air. 

Defense/Special Teams: Tampa Bay

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 02: Kicker Connor Barth #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicks a 38-yard field goal out of the hold of teammate Brent Bowden #1 during a preseason football game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 2, 2010 in Hous

The Buccaneers defense and special teams will be as useful as signing a third baseman for your fantasy team. Don't be surprised if Cleveland goes into Tampa and beats the Buccaneers in week one.