Fantasy Football Week 1: Last-Second Start 'Em Sit 'Em Locks and Weather Updates
It's opening weekend for the NFL and if you're like me, you're pretty damn excited about the return of fantasy football.
It's that awesome time of the year again when we can trash-talk our friends and say with the utmost certainty that our team is the best in the fantasy football world.
After all, only two teams have played and our choice picks have yet to fail us. Right?
So let's try to get your season off on a positive note. Here are some last second sit 'em and start 'em locks for your fantasy football team as well as weather updates!
Start: QB, Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers
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Smith is part of a 49ers team that could contend for the NFC West this year.
Plus he's got weapons in wide receiver Michael Crabtree and tight end Vernon Davis.
And he's also playing the Seattle Seahawks, a team which he collected over 300 passing yards last season.
Start him with confidence.
Start: RB, Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins
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As the No. 2 running back in the Miami offense, Williams was still able to lead the Miami Dolphins in rushing yards.
Their opponents, the Buffalo Bills, allowed over 2,500 rushing yards last season and 4.7 YPC. The Bills' new 3-4 defense also looked pretty shaky in the preseason.
Don't underestimate Ricky.
Start: WR, Brandon Marshall, Miami Dolphins
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There are plenty of Marshall haters out there, but I am not one of them.
If you're a risk-taker. Do it. Start him.
Marshall is a diva and he wants to make good impression, especially in his first game as a Dolphin.
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Start: TE, Antonio Gates, San Diego Chargers
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Everyone is high on Malcolm Floyd and his opportunity to shine in the absence of Vincent Jackson.
Until he proves himself a worthy No. 1 receiver, look elsewhere.
If you're trying to find a sure bet tight-end, however, Antonio Gates will get plenty of looks and receptions as the top pass-catching option in the Chargers offense.
Start: K, Robbie Gould, Chicago Bears
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The Bears play the Lions.
The same Lions team that won 2 games over the last two seasons.
What does this mean?
Plenty of scoring opportunities for a Bears team that has Mike Martz as their new offensive coordinator.
Start, DEF: Chicago Bears
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Let me repeat what I just mentioned in the previous slide.
The Bears are playing the Lions.
Bryan Urlacher is back and he'll be ready to make some noise for the first game of the season.
Their offense had plenty of issues during the preseason, but this is a team known for its defense.
With their leader back, the Bears should hold the Lions to 14 points or less.
Sit: QB, Kyle Orton, Denver Broncos
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Do you know that the Broncos lost eight of their last 10 games last year?
Now Orton is without Brandon Marshall and tight end Tony Scheffler. He has no real no. 1 option and he's got two rookies on his offensive line.
Don't believe the hype. Keep him on the bench.
Unless you're in a 16-team league, there's really no reason Orton should be a No. 1 QB on your team anyway.
Sit: RB, Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals
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In case you didn't hear, Beanie Wells is nursing an injury.
He's listed as doubtful for Sunday's game.
Get him out of your lineup now.
Sit: WR, Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons
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White is the top receiver in Atlanta and had a great season as Matt Ryan's No. 1 target.
But he could have some difficulties this week against a Pittsburgh secondary that improves from the return of Troy Polamalu.
Sit: TE, Anthony Fasano, Miami Dolphins
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Fasano got some looks last season in the Dolphins offense with virtually no top receiving threats.
But that was pre-Brandon Marshall.
With Marshall in the mix, the looks go to him.
Go elsewhere for options at tight end.
Sit: K, Matt Bryant, Atlanta Falcons
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Kickers are hit or miss.
And Bryant's not really one of the top kicking options out there.
He played in five games last season and was 7/10 in field goal attempts.
Sit: DEF, Seattle Seahawks
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Pete Carroll is now in charge and there have been plenty of changes with the Seahawks.
WIth the 49ers offense coming in to town, I'd put the Seattle defense on the bench.
Gore is known for giving them fits on the ground. And Alex Smith threw for over 300 yards the last time he played against them.
Weather Update: CIN @ NE
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Cincinnati Bengals @ New England Patriots, High: 65° F, Low: 53°
There's rain in the forecast but the 1:00 EST game should not be affected. Showers are expected to come at night.
Expect a high-scoring showdown between these two teams.
Weather Update: GB @ PHI
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Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles, High: 69° F, Low: 61°
The game starts 4:15 EST.
There's rain expected to fall upon Philadelphia later today, expect a slippery football and a wet field.
More dropped passes might affect Aaron Rodgers passing game, but start him regardless of the weather conditions.
The Eagles may go to the running game early and LeSean McCoy could run free, if Kevin Kolb has issues in his debut as the starter.
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