Fantasy Football Rankings Week 1: Top 50 Best Matchup Plays

The 2011 NFL season opener between the New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers is just one short day away, as the last two Super Bowl champions square off in what should be the first of many great games this season.

Thursday will also mark the beginning of the 2011 fantasy football campaign, so across the land fantasy football fanatics are furiously pounding away at their keyboards, scouring injury reports, player updates, and searching for any tidbit of information that can give them an edge over their Week 1 opponent.

As a service to those diligent fantasy owners, here's a look at the top 50 matchup plays for Week 1 of the 2011 season, players for whom talent and situation should combine to produce a solid stat line this week.

1. Jamaal Charles: RB, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BUF)

No fantasy running back has a juicier matchup in Week 1 than Kansas City Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles, who squares off against a Buffalo Bills team that was dead last in the NFL against the run last season.

With Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel possibly sidelined by a cracked rib, the Chiefs will lean heavily on the running game this week at Arrowhead, meaning a large workload for Charles and very good chance of big fantasy numbers from the fourth year pro.

2. Peyton Hillis: RB, Cleveland Browns (vs. CIN)

Cleveland Browns running back and Madden '12 cover boy Peyton Hillis will attempt to build on his breakout 2010 season with an opening week tilt on the shores of Lake Erie with the cross-state Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals were a mediocre 19th against the run in 2010, the Browns will almost certainly feature Hillis prominently in the offense and with backup Brandon Jackson now on injured reserve, Hillis will also see the majority of third-down work for the Browns. Add that all together and Week 1 should be very kind to Peyton Hillis and his fantasy owners.

3. Darren McFadden: RB, Oakland Raiders (at DEN)

Running back Darren McFadden and the Oakland Raiders will open the 2011 season against their hated rivals, the Denver Broncos, a team against whom McFadden had a great deal of success a year ago.

In his two games against the Broncos last year, McFadden rumbled for 284 yards, scoring four total touchdowns. Also, no team in the NFL gave up more fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2010 than Denver, so the table is set for Darren McFadden to have a huge game Monday night.

4. Michael Vick: QB, Philadelphia Eagles (at STL)

After recently signing an $85 million contract extension it's time for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick to start earning all that cabbage, as everyone's trendy pick to emerge from the NFC and head to the Super Bowl heads to St. Louis to battle the Rams.

St. Louis was 19th in the NFL in total defense in 2010, and although they allowed only the 20th most fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks last year, Vick should come out firing and given all the offensive weaponry at his disposal, his first stat line of 2011 figures are to be a good one.

5. Frank Gore: RB, San Francisco 49ers (vs. SEA)

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore recently signed a $21 million contract extension, and the 7th year veteran appears ready to try to erase last year's injury-marred season as the 49ers host Seattle in a divisional matchup with the Seahawks.

The 49ers look like a team that's headed nowhere fast, but Frank Gore should be the focal point of their offense, meaning plenty of touches and opportunities for fantasy production. Combine that with the fact that the Seahawks surrendered the fifth most fantasy points to opposing running backs a season ago and it looks like Gore should be in for a fine game by the Bay.

6. Andre Johnson: WR, Houston Texans (vs. IND)

Andre Johnson and the Houston Texans are hoping that this is the year that they finally take the next step in reaching the playoffs, and there's no better place for the 9th year wide receiver and the Texans to start than with an opening week home game against the Indianapolis Colts.

With quarterback Peyton Manning likely sidelined for the Colts, the door has been opened for Houston to send a message to the rest of the AFC South. So, look for Johnson to post a similar stat line as in his last matchup with Indianapolis, when Andre Johnson hauled in 7 passes for 106 yards and a touchdown.

7. Aaron Rodgers: QB, Green Bay Packers (vs. NO)

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers will begin the defense of their Super Bowl championship in the season's opening game, welcoming the New Orleans Saints to Lambeau Field in a game that should feature plenty of offense.

The Packers fifth-ranked passing offense in 2010 will square off against a Saints defense that was fourth in pass defense a year ago. While this matchup is far from ideal, Rodgers has a tendency to shine in big games. Fantasy football's top signal caller from a season ago may not have his best game of the season Thursday night, but he'll post enough numbers to keep his fantasy owners happy.

8. Arian Foster: RB, Houston Texans (vs. IND)

Were it not for the hamstring injury that has been the talk of fantasy football the past week or so, running back Arian Foster of the Houston Texans might well top this list, but Foster is expected to be fine for Houston's Week 1 game with the Colts and gimpy hammy or not, there's still plenty to like about this matchup.

Foster averaged over 200 total yards per game in the Texans two matchups with the Colts last season and found pay dirt four times against a run defense that was 25th in the league in 2010. So even if Arian Foster is at less than 100%, 100 total yards and a score is a reasonable estimation for his Week 1 production.

9. Larry Fitzgerald: WR, Arizona Cardinals (vs. CAR)

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is likely one player who is very excited to see the 2011 season get underway, as the arrival of new Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb brings with it hope of erasing a disappointing 2010 campaign.

The Carolina Panthers, Arizona's Week 1 foe, were a respectable 11th in the NFL in pass defense in 2010, but frankly they don't have a cornerback capable of covering Fitzgerald one-on-one. Even should they double the perennial Pro-Bowler, he's quite capable of posting a big day anyway, especially given how much Kevin Kolb has looked his way in the preseason.

10. Maurice Jones-Drew: RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. TEN)

Much has been made of the status of Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones Drew's knee. The injury was reportedly bone-on-bone by the end of last season and obviously hampered the sixth-year veteran as the year wore on. However, Jones-Drew still managed to top 1,300 rushing yards in 2010 and has proclaimed himself ready to go entering 2011.

Jones-Drew squares off against a Tennesee Titans team that he gashed for 186 rushing yards the last time they met, and with backup Rashad Jennings now on injured reserve with a knee injury of his own, Maurice Jones-Drew should see a heavy workload in Week 1.

11. Tom Brady: QB, New England Patriots (at MIA)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be hard pressed to out-do a 2010 season that saw him throw 36 touchdown passes against only four interceptions. However, if the Patriots can carry over their preseason momentum into the regular season, his numbers should still be among the best in the NFL at his position.

The Patriots square off against the Miami Dolphins on Monday night to open the season and while the Golden Boy's numbers in two matchups against the NFL's eighth-ranked pass defense in 2010 were rather pedestrian, New England is going to come out intending to send a message that they're the team to beat in the AFC and they'll have Brady deliver it.

12. Chris Wells: RB, Arizona Cardinals (vs. CAR)

Running back Chris "Beanie" Wells is going to get the chance to show that he has what it takes to be a feature back in the NFL, as the third year pro should receive the lion's share of the carries in the Arizona backfield this season.

It may seem surprising to see Wells this early on this list, but the Cardinals should make easy work of the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Given that the Panthers gave up the fourth most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2010, it's not hard to envision Chris Wells riding a big second-half workload as the Cardinals milk the clock to a big fantasy output.

13. DeAngelo Williams: RB, Carolina Panthers (at ARI)

The flip side of the coin from the previous slide, Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams will attempt to match Chris Wells carry for carry, keeping the Panthers in the game and putting a dismal 2010 season behind him in which he played in only six games.

The Panthers are going to ride Williams and Jonathan Stewart in an effort to minimize the pressure on rookie quarterback Cam Newton. Even should the Panthers come up short in the desert, Williams should still post a strong statistical outing against an Arizona defense that allowed the second most fantasy points in the NFL to opposing running backs in 2010.

14. Roddy White: WR, Atlanta Falcons (at CHI)

If the Atlanta Falcons pass-happy ways carry over from the preseason to their Week 1 tilt at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears, the main beneficiary could well be wide receiver Roddy White, who has already established himself as one of the premier wideouts in the NFL over the past few seasons.

The Bears were mediocre against the pass in 2010, ranking 20th in the NFL, and White is far and away the favorite target of Falcons signal caller Matt Ryan. In an important NFC game between two teams that made the playoffs a year ago, Ryan will certainly look White's way a lot and a rock-solid 2011 fantasy debut appears to be on tap for Roddy White.

15. Adrian Peterson: RB, Minnesota Vikings (at SD)

Running back Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings has been one of the most consistent fantasy producers at his position over the past four seasons, averaging over 1,400 rushing yards a season and finishing in the top 10 each of those years.

The Vikings meet the San Diego Chargers in Week 1 and while the Bolts run defense was fairly stout in 2010, finishing fourth in the league, Peterson is such an electric talent with the ball in the hands that he is effectively "matchup proof".

16. Ray Rice: RB, Baltimore Ravens (vs. PIT)

Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice was the first overall choice in many fantasy football drafts this summer, and while the fourth year pro will probably have a fine 2011 season, his opening week matchup with the rival Pittsburgh Steelers is far from ideal.

The Steelers were first in the NFL in run defense in 2010, allowing a paltry 62.8 yards per game and gave up the fewest fantasy points in the league to opposing running backs. Rice managed only 79 total yards in the Ravens two games with Pittsburgh last year, but you didn't draft Ray Rice as highly as you did to sit him in Week 1, so roll him out there, close your eyes and hope for the best.

17. Brandon Lloyd: WR, Denver Broncos (vs. OAK)

Brandon Lloyd of the Denver Broncos enjoyed the finest statistical season of his eight-year career in 2010, topping 1,400 receiving yards and setting career bests in receptions and touchdowns. The wide receiver will attempt to show that his breakout season was not an aberration beginning Monday night, when the Broncos play host to the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders held opposing wide receivers to the sixth fewest fantasy points in the NFL last year and limited Lloyd to 125 receiving yards and a touchdown in two meetings a season ago, but with shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha now in Philadelphia, Brandon Lloyd should find the sledding a bit easier against the Silver and Black in 2011.

18. Jahvid Best: RB, Detroit Lions (at TB)

2010 was a disappointing first season in the NFL for Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best, who manged only 555 rushing yards in a year hampered by injuries. Best was dinged up in the preseason as well, but is reportedly ready to go as the Lions head to Florida to open the 2011 campaign against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay was a woeful 28th in the National Football League against the run and surrendered the eighth most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2010. So assuming that Jahvid Best is indeed healthy, his 2011 debut should be a strong one.

19. Brandon Marshall: WR, Miami Dolphins (vs. NE)

It was another drama-filled offseason for mercurial wide receiver Brandon Marshall of the Miami Dolphins, who was allegedly stabbed in a domestic dispute. Healthy now, the sixth-year pro will attempt to post his fifth straight season with 1,000+ yards receiving, beginning with a Week 1 matchup with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots were 30th in the NFL in pass defense in 2010 and Marshall had a good game against them in Miami's last tilt with New England, hauling in 5 passes for 97 yards. So, there's ample reason to believe that Brandon Marshall will come out of the gate strong this season.

20. Calvin Johnson: WR, Detroit Lions (at TB)

There may well be no wide receiver in the NFL that's more physically gifted than Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, who matched his career high in touchdown catches in 2010 with 12 and notched the second 1,000 yard season of his young career.

Johnson will square off against a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that was a sturdy seventh in the league against the pass a year ago. However, with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford back under center for the Lions, Calvin Johnson is capable of posting big fantasy numbers, regardless of the opponent.

21. Chris Johnson: RB, Tennessee Titans (at JAX)

A prolonged holdout cost Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson much of the offseason and preseason, but the Titans have stated that they do not intend to limit the speedster's workload heading into a Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars finished the 2010 season a mediocre 21st against the run and gave up the ninth most fantasy points to opposing running backs last year. So while rust may indeed be a factor in Chris Johnson's 2011 debut, the matchup is favorable enough to make starting CJ4.24 worth your while.

22. Antonio Gates: TE, San Diego Chargers (vs. MIN)

Although the plantar fasciitis that cut Antonio Gates season short in 2010 lingered into the preseason, casting some doubt over the All-Pro tight end's fantasy value heading into 2011, the 31-year-old has since returned to the practice field. He is expected to be fine for San Diego's season opener against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings were a respectable 10th in the NFL in pass defense a year ago but middle of the pack in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, and as Antonio Gates has shown time and time again over his eight-year career, he can be almost impossible to defend when he's on his game.

23. LeSean McCoy: RB, Philadelphia Eagles (at STL)

Running back LeSean McCoy of the Philadelphia Eagles established himself as one of the NFL's premier young running backs in 2010, topping 1,000 rushing yards, catching 78 passes and scoring nine total touchdowns as a key ingredient in on of the league's most prolific offenses.

McCoy heads into Week 1 to face off against a St. Louis Rams team that finished in the middle pack both against the run and in fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs a year ago. Given his abilities as both a runner and receiver, LeSean McCoy has an excellent shot at a solid first fantasy outing.

24. Mike Wallace: WR, Pittsburgh Steelers (at BAL)

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace exploded into fantasy prominence in 2010, racking up 60 catches for 1,257 yards and 10 touchdowns, while finishing in the top ten at his position and emerging as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's top option in the Pittsburgh passing game.

The Steelers square off against their hated rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, in Week 1. While the Baltimore defense has a fearsome reputation, they finished a middling 21st in the league in pass defense in 2010, so Mike Wallace may find enough holes in the Ravens secondary to carve out a decent fantasy outing this week.

25. Tony Romo: QB, Dallas Cowboys (at NYJ)

After a broken collarbone cut short his 2010 season, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo hopes to redeem himself this season, leading the Cowboys back to the postseason and putting last year's 6-10 fiasco behind them.

The Cowboys match up with a New York Jets team on Sunday night that surrendered the tenth most fantasy points to opposing signal callers last year. While Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis presents a problem, Tony Romo has more than enough offensive weaponry at his disposal to overcome it.

26. Matt Forte: RB, Chicago Bears (vs. ATL)

Running back Matt Forte has become a mainstay in the Chicago Bears offense in his three years in the NFL, rushing for over 1,000 yards for the second time in 2010 and setting a career high with 547 receiving yards. The Bears tussle with the Atlanta Falcons in the Windy City Sunday.

If the Bears are going to return to the playoffs for a second consecutive season they'll need to ride Forte to do it, and although the Falcons were a very respectable 10th in the NFL against the run in 2010, Matt Forte should still see enough touches at Soldier Field this week to post fantasy RB2 numbers.

27. Knowshon Moreno: RB, Denver Broncos (vs. OAK)

The Denver Broncos would very much like to put a dismal 2010 season in their rearview mirror and the same can be said for running back Knowshon Moreno, who missed three games a year ago and rushed for only 779 yards.

The Broncos take on an Oakland Raiders team on Monday night that struggled mightily against the run last season, ranking 29th in the league. The Raiders also gave up the seventh most fantasy points to opposing running backs a year ago, affording Moreno an excellent opportunity to get his 2011 season off to a good start.

28. Hakeem Nicks: WR, New York Giants (at WAS)

New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks emerged as quarterback Eli Manning's favorite option in the Giants passing game in 2010, reeling in 79 catches for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns, finishing the season as the eighth-ranked fantasy wideout.

Very few teams in the NFL were kinder to opposing wide receivers last season than the Washington Redskins, who finished 2010 ranked 26th against the pass and allowed the fourth most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers, so Hakeem Nicks should be able to help his fantasy owners start the 2011 season with a bang.

29. Dwayne Bowe: WR, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. BUF)

Dwayne Bowe exploded into fantasy football stardom in 2010, as the fifth-year wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs scored a mind-boggling 15 touchdowns and finished the season as the fourth-ranked player at his position.

Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel was injured the Chiefs preseason finale but should play, and while the Bills (Kansas City's week one foe) were third in the NFL in pass defense in 2010, that's more a reflection of Buffalo's struggles against the run than an indication of a strong secondary.

30. Matthew Stafford: QB, Detroit Lions

No quarterback in the NFL had a better preseason than Detroit Lions signal caller Matthew Stafford, who completed over 75% of his passes, threw five touchdowns compared to zero interceptions and posted a filthy quarterback rating of 154.7 in the exhibition season.

Stafford has all the talent in the world and offensive weapons galore at his disposal in Detroit. If he can stay on the field he's the leading candidate for breakout fantasy player at quarterback this year, beginning this week with a matchup in South Florida against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

31. Ahmad Bradshaw: RB, New York Giants

Running back Ahmad Bradshaw emerged as the lead dog in the New York Giants backfield in 2010, averaging 4.5 yards on 276 carries while setting career highs in yardage, touchdowns and receptions, finishing among the top 10 fantasy performers at his position.

The Giants will likely pound away Sunday at a Washington Redskins defense that was 26th in the league against the run with Bradshaw and running back Brandon Jacobs. Both backs are more than viable fantasy starters this week.

32. Greg Jennings: WR, Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers welcome the New Orleans Saints to the not-so-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field in Thursday night's season opener, and if the defending champions are to begin their 2011 season with a win, they'll need a big game from wide receiver Greg Jennings.

This game has the potential to be a shootout and if the Pack is going to prevail, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers will need to find his top receiver, who finished in the top 5 among fantasy wideouts in 2010, early and often, meaning a big night for Greg Jennings.

33. Tim Hightower: RB, Washington Redskins (vs. NYG)

No player in the NFL rocketed up fantasy cheat sheets faster this offseason than Washington Redskins running back Tim Hightower, who has established himself as the lead back in the nation's capital and excelled in head coach Mike Shanahan's one-cut blocking schemes.

Hightower and the Redskins face off against a New York Giants defense this weekend that has already been decimated by injuries. Washington will almost certainly attempt to ride Hightower and the running game to a Week 1 victory.

34. Steven Jackson: RB, St. Louis Rams (vs. PHI)

If the St. Louis Rams are to upset the high-flying, star-studded Philadelphia Eagles at the Edward Jones Dome this weekend, they will need to win the time of possession battle by controlling the ball, a task that will fall mainly into the hands of eighth-year running back Steven Jackson.

Jackson has topped 1,000 rushing yards in six consecutive seasons and faces a Philadelphia defense that was middle of the pack against the run in 2010.

Given Jackson's skills as both a runner and receiver, he should be in for a heavy workload and solid fantasy day.

35.) Philip Rivers: QB, San Diego Chargers (vs. MIN)

The San Diego Chargers were a major disappointment in 2010, failing to make the playoffs, but quarterback Philip Rivers enjoyed one of the finest statistical seasons of his seven year career, leading the NFL with 4,710 passing yards.

The Chargers welcome the Minnesota Vikings to San Diego this Sunday. Taking into consideration Minnesota's so-so fantasy points allowed to opposing quarterbacks from last year and the bevy of offensive firepower at his disposal, Philip Rivers should come out slinging in Week 1.

36. Jason Witten: TE, Dallas Cowboys (at NYJ)

The 2011 season's first Sunday night game features two teams that are expected to do big things this season, as the Dallas Cowboys and tight end Jason Witten travel to the Big Apple to square off against the New York Jets.

The Jets were an average opponent in terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends last year. With cornerback Darrelle Revis blanketing one of the Cowboys talented wide receivers, Dallas quarterback Tony Romo may look to Witten, one of his favorite targets, even more than usual.

37. Santonio Holmes: WR, New York Jets (vs. DAL)

Wide receiver Santonio Holmes had an up-and-down first season in the Big Apple in 2010, missing four games and posting the lowest yardage total of his five year career. Still, the Jets thought enough of the 27-year-old wideout to give him a juicy contract extension in the offseason.

Holmes should have an excellent chance to begin earning all that money this Sunday night, as the Jets meet a Dallas Cowboys team that was 26th in the NFL in pass defense in 2010, surrendered the most fantasy points of any team in the NFL to opposing wide receivers a year ago and will be without top cornerback Terrance Newman.

38. Wes Welker: WR, New England Patriots (at MIA)

There's no better slot receiver in the NFL than New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, who travels to Miami this week to face off against his former team. The 5'9" 185 lb. Welker had three consecutive 100+ reception, 1,000+ yard receiving seasons from 2007-2009 before falling to 86 catches for New England a year ago.

Welker had eight receptions for 70 yards in his only matchup with the Dolphins in 2010, as he missed their meaningless week 17 tilt. He represents a rock-solid fantasy WR2 option in Week 1, especially in leagues that award points for receptions.

39. LeGarrette Blount: RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (vs. DET)

A large part of the surprising success of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2010 can be attributed to running back LeGarrette Blount, who turned in a solid rookie season, topping 1,000 rushing yards, averaged more than five yards a carry and scored six touchdowns for the 10-6 Buccaneers.

If the Buccaneers are to defeat the Detroit Lions this Sunday they will need to establish the run, and given that the Lions gave up the third most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2010, LeGarrette Blount and Tampa Bay have a better than average chance of doing so.

40. Ben Roethlisberger: QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (at BAL)

The Baltimore Ravens have been unable to get the proverbial monkey off their backs that is the Pittsburgh Steelers. This is due in large part to the play of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who led the Steelers to two victories over the Ravens in 2010, including a 31-24 playoff victory.

Big Ben's stat lines in those two games weren't eye-popping, but he did average almost 240 passing yards per game with three touchdowns versus one interception, and he always seems to make the big play that leads to a win over Baltimore when needed.

41. Reggie Wayne: WR, Indianapolis Colts (at HOU)

It appears that the Indianapolis Colts will be without the services of quarterback Peyton Manning for their Week 1 opener at Reliant Stadium in Houston. So, the Colts other offensive stars including wide receiver Reggie Wayne, will have to step up their games in the Colts are to eke out a win.

The Texans were abysmal against the pass in 2010, and while Indianapolis backup Kerry Collins was recently signed and there is no Peyton Manning, he still possesses a strong throwing arm that is more than capable of getting the ball to Wayne, keeping the Colts in the game.

42. Fred Jackson: RB, Buffalo Bills (at KC)

Running back Fred Jackson is one of the more unheralded running backs in the NFL even though he has posted back-to-back 1,000+ total yards seasons, and although his grip on the starters job in Buffalo is tenuous, he enters the Bills Week 1 game with Kansas City as their lead tailback.

The Chiefs were a so-so 14th in the National Football League against the run in 2010, and Buffalo is going to have any chance of winning this game they'll need Jackson to step it up, so he should post a decent day of combined yardage with a shot at notching his first touchdown of 2011.

43. Matt Schaub: QB, Houston Texans (vs. IND)

No team in the NFL is on a collectively hotter seat in 2011 than the Houston Texans, who face high expectations of finally making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. If they are to do so, the Texans will need another strong year from eighth-year veteran quarterback Matt Schaub, who threw for over 4,000 yards for the second consecutive season in 2010.

The Colts will be without Peyton Manning this week, but given the Texans defensive struggles last year, the Kerry Collins-led Colts will still likely be able to put points on the board and it will be up to Matt Schaub and his receiving corps to put up more.

44. Drew Brees: QB, New Orleans Saints (at GB)

The New Orleans Saints enter the 2011 season as one of the favorites to represent the NFC in Super Bowl XLVI, due largely to the stellar play of quarterback Drew Brees, who has averaged over 4,500 passing yards and 17 touchdowns over the past four seasons.

Brees' inclusion this low on the list isn't an indictment of him or his ability, as he's easily an every-week starter at his position. However, the Green Bay Packers were fifth in the NFL in pass defense in 2010 and gave up the sixth fewest fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks a season ago. So while Brees may have a good game, he's not likely to have a great one.

45. Vincent Jackson: WR, San Diego Chargers (vs. MIN)

After a 2010 season filled more with off-field drama than on-field production, San Diego Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson will look to redeem himself in 2011, returning to the form that made the seventh-year vet one of the most exciting wideouts in the NFL.

Jackson and the Chargers face a Minnesota defense in Week 1 that features a pair of capable cornerbacks in Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin, and while the Vikings were a decent tenth in the NFL in pass defense last year, Vincent Jackson should still find enough room to post a respectable fantasy afternoon Sunday.

46. DeSean Jackson: WR, Philadelphia Eagles (at STL)

The Philadelphia Eagles feature one of the most electrifying wide receiver duos in the National Football League, including fourth-year pro DeSean Jackson, who averaged a ridiculous 22.5 yards on 47 receptions a year ago.

Jackson and the Eagles meet a St. Louis Rams team Sunday that was 19th in the NFL against the pass in 2010 and was in the top half of the league in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers last year, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see the speedster haul in a touchdown bomb in Week 1.

47. Felix Jones: RB, Dallas Cowboys (at NYJ)

After a solid training camp and strong preseason, Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones appears ready to take on the mantle of lead back in Big D this season after averaging 4.3 yards per carry and catching 48 passes in part-time duty a year ago.

Jones matches up against a New York Jets defense that was very stout against the run in 2010, finishing sixth in the league in run defense and allowing the second fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in the league. However, Felix Jones is a threat to score every time he touches the ball, and while some risk is involved in starting him, he still represents a serviceable RB2 play.

48. Vernon Davis: TE, San Francisco 49ers (vs. SEA)

In a 49ers offense that has more questions in the passing game than answers, the most reliable option through the air is easily tight end Vernon Davis, who has posted back-to-back seasons with at least 50 receptions and 900+ receiving yards.

San Francisco's opponent this Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks, struggled defensively last year, finishing 27th in the league against the pass. So while quarterback Alex Smith may not be confused with Tom Brady any time soon, he have should little trouble finding the big man from Maryland in Week 1.

49. Santana Moss: WR, Washington Redskins (vs. NYG)

Washington Redskins wide receiver Santana Moss has been one of the more puzzling wideouts in fantasy football over the past several seasons, seemingly alternating between excellent and disappointing fantasy campaigns dating back to his time with the New York Jets.

That would indicate that Moss is in for a "down" year in 2011 after posting a 93 catch, 1,115 yard season last year, but even if he is that bummer of a season isn't likely to begin this week against a New York Giants secondary that has been ravaged by injuries.

50. Cleveland Browns Defense/Special Teams (vs. CIN)

We'll round out this top 50 with the top "matchup" defensive play of Week 1.

The Browns were a mediocre 22nd in total defense last year. However, with a new 4-3 alignment, a healthy D'Qwell Jackson manning the middle, and an opening week tilt against a Cincinnati Bengals team that features a rookie quarterback making his first career start on the road, fans in the Dawg Pound (and fantasy owners who start them) will likely be pleased with the production of the Cleveland defense this week.