50 Players You Absolutely Must Watch in Week 1 of NFL Season

This year’s NFL season is filled with as many questions as there are answers.

Sure there are plenty of known commodities: Tom Brady, Adrian Peterson and Andre Johnson,

Players who are a safe bet to give an outstanding, All-Pro effort each week. And those are guys you should definitely keep an eye on at all times.

But there is also an abundance of unknown commodities out there, players who no one is quite sure what to expect. Whether it’s because they were drafted high, traded for, given a big free-agent contract or thrust into the spotlight because of injury, plenty of “new” faces out there have a lot to prove.

These 50 players will provide compelling drama this week, either thanks to a blistering Week 1 performance or a train-wreck debut. Either way, if they come across your television screen this Thursday or Sunday, you shouldn’t turn away.  

No. 50: Jacoby Ford, WR/KR, Oakland Raiders

Week 1: at Denver (Monday Night)

Although the NFL seems to be trying to abolish the kickoff return, it’s still a part of the game—for how much longer no one knows.

Jacoby Ford has to be another reason Al Davis thinks the NFL is conspiring against him. Ford is one of the premier kickoff returners, and everytime he touches the ball is a threat to go the distance, something he did three times last year.

He averaged over 24 yards per return, so whenever the Raiders give up a score—which they are even more likely to do considering the loss of Nnamdi Asomugha—you’ll want to watch to see what Ford does on the ensuing return. Even against a mediocre Broncos offense and in the thin air of Denver, Ford will probably have at least one shot to return a kick, which is worth watching.  

No. 49: Takeo Spikes, ILB, San Diego Chargers

Week One: vs. Minnesota 

The Chargers gave Spikes a lot of money ($9 million over three years) to come to San Diego, a risky move considering he is now 34 years old and with his fourth team in six years.

And he'll be tested right away when the Vikings and Adrian Peteson come to Qualcomm. If the Chargers hope to get back to the top of the AFC West without Ron Rivera as their defensive coordinator, Spikes is going to be a key player, and if he looks old and slow against that tough Vikings defense, it could get ugly in a hurry. 

No. 48: Colt McCoy, QB, Cleveland Browns

Week 1: vs. Cincinnati

There's no doubt that, last season, McCoy played great...with the "for a rookie" qualifier. And even though he is starting a brand new system under Pat Shurmer, he is going to have to play much better in 2011 to solidify his place as the Browns franchise quarterback and keep the club from drafting someone in next year's first round.

Now the Browns and their fans would love to see McCoy light up their division rivals in Pittsburgh and Baltimore for 300 yards and a few touchdowns, but that's asking a lot. 

What's not asking a lot is for McCoy to have a very productive effort at home against a bad, undermanned Bengals defense that lost its best player (Johnathan Joseph) to free agency. 

How McCoy plays in Week 1 might determine whether the Browns have indeed found their man. 

No. 47: Vontae Davis, CB, Miami Dolphins

Week 1: vs. New England (Monday Night)

So Vontae Davis thinks he and Sean Smith are the “the best [cornerback] tandem in the league?"

Well, what better opportunity to prove it than Week 1 on Monday Night Football against the reigning league MVP Tom Brady?

Either Davis is going to back up the bold claim and provide one heck of an upset to start the season, or Brady is going to torch the Dolphins secondary for huge chunks of yards and a handful of scores. Both should be very entertaining.  

No. 46: Jonathan Scott, LT, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: at Baltimore

No one on the Steelers offense has a more important job than Scott, who as the left tackle is charged with protecting Ben Roethlisberger's blind side, a task that is much more challenging against the Ravens on the road at a noisy stadium.

Considering how beat up Roethlisberger has been the past two years (and the loss of Byron Leftwich), it's critical that the Steelers protect him, especially against the Ravens still ferocious pass rush. 

Scott will probably get his share of help from backs and tight end Heath Miller, but there are going to be a few plays in which he has to keep Haloti Ngata or Terrell Suggs away from Roethlisberger. If he does, the Steelers should make enough plays to win. If he doesn't they won't. 

No. 45: Devery Henerson, WR, New Orleans Saints

Week 1: at Green Bay

Drew Brees has so many options when he drops back that it's usually impossible to single out one receiver as the most likely to have a big game. But considering the makeup of the Packers defense, if anyone is going to get deep and make the big play, it should be Henderson. 

You've got to figure that Marques Colston, Lance Moore (assuming he plays) and Robert Meachem will get the most attention from that outstanding Packer secondary. So whenever the Saints go to the four-receiver set and leave a back in to protect Brees, Henderson has a shot to make a big play, and in a game featuring two very evenly matched teams, that could be the difference. 

No. 44: Akeem Ayers, OLB, Tennessee Titans

Week 1: at Jacksonville

As a first-round talent who slipped to Day 2, Ayers has potential to be a real surprise this season with the Titans, and Week 1 might be his coming out party.  

Although they have their share of problems elsewhere, the Titans have a decent front seven, and Ayers will be in position to make plays. 

Shutting down Maurice Jones-Drew will be their primary objective, but at some point, that Jags offense with Luke McCown will have to pass, and Ayers has already shown an ability to create turnovers and score points with three defensive TDs as a junior at UCLA.  

No. 43: Mason Foster, MLB, Tampa Bay

Week 1: vs. Detroit 

Mason Foster has some pretty big shoes to fill in Tampa Bay: Barrett Ruud did a nice job for several years, and prior to him, Derrick Brooks was a future Hall of Famer and Defensive Player of the Year.

The Bucs offense is taking shape. There are some very good linemen on the other side of the ball as well as a pretty solid secondary so their whole season could hinge on whether or not Foster settles in quickly as the quarterback of that defense.  

The Lions, who will try to pound Jahvid Best to take the pressure off of Matthew Stafford, will give Foster a good test right out of the gate. 

No. 42: Jahvid Best, RB, Detroit Lions

Week 1: at Tampa Bay

...speaking of Jahvid Best.

Certainly the Lions big-play ability centers on Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford, but Best has to have a consistent season if Detroit is actually going to contend for a playoff spot. 

Now that Mikel LeShoure is gone for the year, most of the running game responsibilities are going to fall on his shoulders, and he'll have to deliver, especially against three of the better run defenses in football—Chicago, Minnesota and Green Bay.

The Bucs front seven has a wealth of talent, but it is largely inexperienced. Best's quickness and versatility (catching passes out of the backfield) offers him a chance to have a statement game, much like Arian Foster did last year in Week 1. 

No. 41: Paul Posluszny, MLB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 1: vs. Tennessee 

Although personally, I thought they should have tried to land a defensive end to improve the NFL's second-worst pass rush, the Jags threw a lot of money at linebackers this offseason. 

Regardless, Posluszny was a fine investment. He's a leader and a tackling machine. 

And he will certainly be useful for the Jags in Week 1 when they face off with Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans. 

Johnson is averaging nearly 100 yards per game in his six career contests against Jack Del Rio's defense, and Posluszny's main goal on Sunday will be to keep him far below that number.

Will he succeed? That depends  on the other 10 guys on the field, but it will still be exciting to see him target the three-time Pro Bowler. 

No. 40: Gabe Carimi, RT, Chicago Bears

Week 1: vs. Atlanta

As much trouble as the Eagles had with protecting the quarterback last year, the Bears were far worse, allowing a league-high 56 sacks. Around draft time, there were reports that the Bears were crossing their fingers hoping a stud, "hard-nosed" tackle would slip to them. One did in Carimi.

And although the Bears still have their share of holes up front, Carimi can be something of a savior if he can step in right away and be a consistent front-side protector for Jay Cutler; he should have no problem creating holes in the running game. 

That pass-protection ability will be tested greatly in Week 1 when the Falcons and either John Abraham or Ray Edwards lines up across from him. 

No. 39: Tarvaris Jackson/Alex Smith/Rex Grossman, QB

Week 1: Jackson at San Francisco, Smith vs. Seattle, Grossman at New York Giants

I can't remember there were three more tenuous starting quarterback positions in the NFL, let alone in one conference. 

This is that "train-wreck" appeal that I was talking about in the introduction slide. 

Sure Grossman and/or Smith and/or Jackson could put up nice efforts in Week 1 and lead their team to a handful of scores, not turn the ball over and win the game. But how likely is that?

Instead, you might want to check out the box scores from these games to see just how many interceptions each of these starters threw or if they were able to complete even 50 percent of their passes.  

No. 38: Lee Evans, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh

Unlike many people, I never saw the acquisition of Evans as the missing piece of the puzzle; 30 and if the anemic Bills unloaded him, he couldn't have been that much of a threat. 

Still, in Week 1 against the Steelers, he doesn't have to catch 10 balls for 200 yards to have a significant impact. 

Remember last year when the Ravens defeated Pittsburgh early in the season? That was achieved thanks to a touchdown catch from another cast off wide receiver, T.J. Houshmandzadah. 

Given Joe Flacco's ability to throw the deep ball, Evans only has to get past the Steelers shaky secondary once to make a game-changing play. 

No. 37: Sidney Rice, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Week 1: at San Francisco

Part of the reason why Rice is on this list is because the 49ers secondary has underwent several changes, and a new scheme is in place. 

But the Seahawks spent a lot of money on Rice, hoping he would fill that big-play ability that they were lacking in 2010. 

So if he Rice can't haul in at least a few long receptions against a team like San Francisco, what hope does he have against the better defenses on the Seahawks schedule? 

No. 36: Reggie Bush, RB, Miami Dolphins

Week 1: vs. New England (Monday Night)

As great as Reggie Bush was at times for the Saints, I always had the feeling that Sean Payton's offense wasn't the right system for his talents, and maybe, he never was able to reach his full potential as a running back in New Orleans. 

That excuse won't fly in Miami, where the Dolphins will do everything they can to get him the ball and take it out of Chad Henne's hands. 

And even though the Patriots aren't the ideal team to debut against, their front seven does have vulnerabilities. A back like Bush can find the creases and have a big day. 

No. 35: Kyle Orton, QB, Denver Broncos

Week 1: vs. Oakland (Monday Night)

Arguably the biggest story of the early portion of training camp was how thoroughly Kyle Orton whipped Tim Tebow in the competition for the Broncos starter's job.

Now there's no doubt that Orton won the job fair and square...and by a mile. But now, he has to back it up and play well when it matters.

If he can't rip apart a Nnamdi Asoumugha-less Raiders secondary at home and have a big day, then his victory in over Tebow was fairly meaningless.  

No. 34: Mike Sims-Walker, WR, St. Louis Rams

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia

Although a bigger name via the draft or free agency would have been ideal, Sims-Walker has an outside shot at becoming a difference maker in St. Louis. The Rams need to find someone who can't stretch defenses to help Sam Bradford get the ball downfield. 

Sims-Walker has the speed to do that, but he runs into a buzzsaw in Week 1 against the Eagles, who have not one, not two, but three terrific corners. 

But with that tall task comes a really great opportunity to make a name for himself and prove he was worth the $3.7 million deal. 

No. 33: Aubrayo Franklin, DT, New Orleans Saints

Week 1: at Green Bay

The Saints defense has undergone several changes but perhaps none bigger than the addition of Franklin.

He will draw a ton of attention from the middle of the the Packers offensive line—which is now without Daryn Colledge—thus opening things up for Cameron Jordan, Turk McBride, Jeff Charleston and anyone that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams brings off the edge. 

More importantly, his presence in the middle of that defensive line will help limit an already suspect Packers rushing attack. 

No. 32: Patrick Peterson, CB/PR, Arizona Cardinals

Week 1: vs. Carolina

Let's be honest, a Cardinals-Panthers game does have great potential to be largely unwatchable. These were two of the worst teams in the NFL last year. 

But Peterson's abilities in the kicking game will infuse a ton of excitement into the game regardless of the score. He has that Deion Sanders-like speed and vision. 

If the Cardinals defense can somehow force a punt—their defense last year was arguably the worst in the NFL—then you'll want to watch...assuming your only option on TV is Cardinals-Panthers.  

No. 31: Tramon Williams, CB, Green Bay Packers

Week 1: vs. New Orleans

Williams had such an incredible postseason that it left me wanting to see more. He was part of a unit that repeatedly shut down top-notch pass catchers on their way to a Super Bowl triumph.

Now, along with Charles Woodson and the rest of the secondary, will be asked to perform another tall task right out of the chute—stopping Drew Brees and the prolific Saints passing attack.

I think we know what we'll get out of Woodson—he's been so steady and so good for so long. But Williams will be the one who has to prove that he can do it again, and the Saints are a fine test. 

No. 30: Phillip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers

Week 1: vs. Minnesota

Rivers is a popular choice by many prognosticators to win the MVP, so with that level of expectation, he's a player to watch every week no matter who the Chargers are playing.

But the Vikings do offer him a unique challenge. With Adrian Peterson (and a sluggish passing attack), I expect Minnesota to try and run the ball over and over and over again and eat up as much clock as possible. 

That is going to limit the number of opportunities for Rivers and the San Diego offense. They might not have the luxury of taking their time and methodically marching the ball downfield.  In that case, Rivers will have to take risks which will lead either to him turning the ball over in bunches or an outstanding day of 400-plus yards. 

No. 29: Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: vs. Buffalo 

The Bills defense is pretty porous, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs win this weekend even if he weren't in the lineup. But Bowe exhibited such a big-play ability in 2010 that he's hard to take your eyes off of...especially for Matt Cassel.

Buffalo's run defense was the worst in the NFL last season so expect Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones to carry the ball over and over again. But when the Bills put nine guys in the box to slow them down, Bowe is going to have one-on-one coverage, something he routinely bested last year. 

No. 28: Braylon Edwards, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Week 1: vs. Seattle 

Right or wrong, there was a sense this offseason that no one wanted Braylon Edwards, a concept that seemed pretty bizarre—he's got great size, is only 28 years-old and had a very productive season in 2011. 

In Week 1, against Seattle, he'll have the chance to prove those doubters wrong...or right.

But because Vernon Davis should draw a ton of attention from Earl Thomas, I like Edwards' chances of making several big plays over the middle and preventing the hometown fans from booing Alex Smith. 

No. 27: Anthony Castonzo, LT, Indianapolis Colts

Week 1: at Houston

Talk about a tough debut. 

Not only is Anthony Castonzo going to make his first NFL appearance without Peyton Manning, he's going to have to do it against by repeatedly lining up against either Mario Williams or J.J. Watt, two top draft choices. 

Castonzo was probably the most complete, NFL-ready tackle in the draft so he should be able to handle himself fine. And if he does, he's a good bet to begin a run similar to the Browns' Joe Thomas, who has been in the NFL four years and went to four Pro Bowls.

No. 26: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Week 1: at Arizona

The Cardinals defense was arguably the worst in the NFL last season so that's something encouraging for Newton. So as long as he doesn't try to test Patrick Peterson too often, he should be able to limit the mistakes and turnovers in the passing game. 

Still, it's what Newton can do with his feet that makes him so appealing and gives this game its national appeal. 

It's a safe bet that the Panthers have given him a read or two on each play and permission to abandon the pocket if he doesn't like what he sees. That simple approach won't win the Panthers many games early in the season, but if nothing else, it will provide some interesting runs from the Heisman Trophy winner. 

No. 25: Aaron Ross, CB, New York Giants

Week 1: vs. Washington 

Because Giants players are dropping like flies, there are a handful of fill-ins who will have spotlight on them in Week 1. But none more than Aaron Ross, who is taking the place of the injured Terrell Thomas thanks to Prince Amukamara's injury. 

The Giants get something of a gift with the Redskins, whose passing game figures to be one of the worst in the NFL this year, so if Ross does play poorly in Week 1 then they have almost no hope of competing with the Cowboys and Eagles for the NFC East title.  

No. 24: Ray Edwards, DE, Atlanta Falcons

Week 1: at Chicago

As great as the addition of Julio Jones was for the Falcons, signing Ray Edwards was far more important. 

They need someone upfront to take the pressure off of John Abraham, and Edwards was the perfect fit. He comes from a 4-3 defense in Minnesota to a 4-3 defense in Atlanta. 

With Abraham on the other end occupying extra attention, Edwards should find himself in one-on-one matchups with rookie Gabe Carimi and will have the opportunity to make several big plays. 

No. 23: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, LT, New York Jets

Week 1: at Dallas

Although Mark Sanchez, Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress will be the attention getters from the media on Sunday in Arlington, I'm most interested in watching Ferguson.

Sure his ability to drive, block and open holes for LaDainian Tomlinson and Shonn Greene is a key to the Jets game plan, but it's what he's going to be asked to do in pass protection that most directly will affect the outcome of this Week 1 interconference showdown. 

In order to rattle Sanchez, Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is going to bring pressure from the first snap to the last. If Ferguson handles those edge rushers (particularly DeMarcus Ware), the Jets offense will stay on schedule. If he can't, the Cowboys will disrupt their offense and prevent Sanchez from getting in sync, something that is critical for him in the early going.

No. 22: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: at St. Louis

Yes, Asomugha was the most highly coveted free agent on this year's market, but because the Eagles don't open the season with a pass-heavy team like New Orleans, Atlanta or New England, he's probably not going to be tested all that much.

Still, the Rams and their new-look receiving corps will take a chance against Asoumugha, and if Sam Bradford doesn't make a perfect throw, don't be surprised to see Asomugha collect his first interception since 2009.  

No. 21: Troy Polamalu, S, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: at Baltimore

It's almost impossible not to watch Polamalu whenever he's out on the field, but this weekend's opener at Baltimore is especially interesting for the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

For all he and the Steelers defense achieved last year, neither was at their best in the Super Bowl. Polamalu, who has had his share of nagging injuries the past few seasons, looked a bit slow and perhaps worn down by the time Pittsburgh faced Green Bay in Arlington back in February.

He's had a long time to get healthy and rest up and seems poised for another All-Pro season. We'll see if he can return to form in Week 1 against a very balanced Baltimore offense. 

No. 20: Marion Barber, RB, Chicago Bears

Week 1: vs. Atlanta

Matt Forte is the No. 1 back in Chicago, and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield fits more in line with Mike Martz scheme, but Barber brings a power-running ability that can really transform the Bears offense.

As a change of pace back, Barber's size and speed could be just enough to slow down the Falcons pass rush which now features two outstanding bookend defensive ends. 

And if Gabe Carimi drive blocks one of those ends off the line of scrimmage like he did at Wisconsin, Barber might wind up with 100 yards on just a dozen or so carries. 

No. 19: A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Week 1: at Cleveland

I guess we have to have a Bengal on this list, right? So I might as well pick their most talented player.

Green's athleticism, size and great route-running ability will allow him at least a few opportunities to make a big play in Week 1, even if Andy Dalton and the Bengals offense struggle all day against a pretty talented Cleveland secondary. 

There's definitely going to be a huge learning curve for Greenrookie wide receivers not named Randy Moss almost always struggle early on. But knowing that he's their best weapon, expect Jay Gruden to try and get him the ball in space just to make a play. 

No. 18: Robert Quinn, DE, St. Louis Rams

Week 1: vs. Philadelphia

It doesn't look like Quinn will be a starter on Sunday, but Steve Spagnuolo will almost certainly rotate Quinn in the lineup and turn him loose in passing situations. 

Now, you can expect him to make rookie mistakes and even more mistakes born out of missing all of the 2010 college season, but if there is a front-seven player on the Rams defense who is capable of containing Michael Vick inside the pocket, it's Quinn. He has tremendous athelticism and speed and the Rams defensive staff will get him on the field in key downs. 

Even one sack or tackle-for-loss on Vick could be the difference between an upset of the "Dream Team" and an 0-1 start. 

No. 17: Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans

Week 1: at Jacksonville

Had he not held out and missed basically all of the preseason, Johnson would probably be a top 10 entry on this list. And in the end, I doubt that time away is going to matter. He'll still collect 1,400 or so yards and again be one of the NFL's premier backs.

In the opener against Jacksonville, there are going to be plenty of kinks to work out. And the Jaguars defense is much improved, especially at the linebacker position. 

So there is reason to be hesitant about him topping the 100-yard mark or scoring a few touchdowns. Still, this is Chris Johnson we're talking about. If any running back can roll out of bed and carve up a defense, it's Johnson. 

No. 16: Jimmy Smith, CB, Baltimore Ravens

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh

Smith is on schedule to start in Week 1, and the Ravens will certainly put him to good use. 

The Steelers now boast a pretty formidable receiving corps and with the loss of Dawan Landry and Josh Wilson Smith has a pretty large set of responsibilities. Luckily for him and the Ravens, he has great speed, tremendous size and ideal strength.

Knowing Ben Roethlisberger's penchant for the deep ball, if Smith stays with Mike Wallace, Antonio Brown or whoever the Steelers send deep against him, he might come up with a critical pick.

No. 15: Kerry Collins, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Week 1: at Houston

No, this entry isn't a flashback to 1996.

Regardless of how Collins plays—tremendous, awful or somewhere in between—he is going to be making history Sunday when he steps under center for the first time; that's what happens when you end Peyton Manning's streak of 208 consecutive starts. 

And while Collins will always be the answer to that trivia question, don't be surprised to see him play well. The Colts do have a good crop of receivers and a solid offensive line. They'll try and hide him at first with short passes, but in crunch time, Collins will be called upon, and he has won his share of big games. 

No. 14: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants

Week 1: vs. Washington

Even though the Redskins offense is hardly dynamic, the Giants slew of defensive injuries will cost them dearly, and if they hope to escape the first ever game played at Met Life Stadium with a win, Manning is going to have to be sharp. 

Considering how bad Washington's defense was in 2010—worst in the NFL—you've got to like those odds. 

With Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs back as a one of the better duos in the NFL, Manning should have time to throw, and since the Giants crop of receivers is still very talented, even without Steve Smith, that's going to lead to several quick strike touchdowns. 

No. 13: Shawne Merriman, OLB, Buffalo Bills

Week 1: at Kansas City

Merriman has had a nice preseason, is finally healthy and has had a lot of work in the Bills scheme.

Now that alone doesn't mean he is ready to return to the All-Pro form we saw from him a few years back, but the Chiefs offense has really struggled at times this preseason, and the loss of Tony Moeaki really hurts them in the passing game. 

If Matt Cassel has to hesitate even a little bit because of Moeaki's absence, that could be just enough of a window for Merriman to do his lights out dance a few times on opening day. 

No. 12: Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders

Week 1: at Denver

John Fox (and Von Miller, too) will definitely make that horrific Broncos defense much better. But not overnight. 

Denver allowed over 150 yards per game on the ground last year, and Fox's scheme won't instantly cure that. 

That's good news for the Raiders and McFadden, who at times last year looked like one of the best backs in football. 

The transition to (another) new offense might slow him down, but there will be holes in that Denver front four, and McFadden will take advantage. 

No. 11: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

Week 1: vs. New Orleans

Rodgers is going to have another outstanding season in 2011, and he'll get off to a fine start in Week 1. But the only reason he isn't higher on this list is the improvements to the New Orleans defense.

The Saints pass rush has a chance to be really formidable and occasionally make things very difficult for Rodgers, especially on third down.

Still, you can pretty much chalk Rodgers up for a typical 300-yard, three-touchdown afternoon and probably a win for the defending champions.  

No. 10: Mario Williams, OLB, Houston Texans

Week 1: vs. Indianapolis

One week isn't going to make or break Wade Phillips great experiment of trying Williams at outside linebacker. But it sure will be interesting to see him try.

With his athleticism and size, he certainly has the physical tools to wreck havoc off the edge, but it has to be a very unnatural approach for him.

Still, with the Colts starting a rookie at left tackle, and without Peyton Manning on the field, Williams definitely could grab a few sacks and make Phillips and Gary Kubiak look like geniuses.

No. 9: LeGarrette Blount, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 1: vs. Detroit

There are those out there who are ready to declare Blount this centuries Eric Dickerson, and although I think that is ridiculously premature, he does have the type of frame and running style that screams 1,600 yards or more.

But he runs into a pretty big obstacle in Week 1 with the Lions and Ndamukong Suh. Even without Nick Fairley, that Lions front seven figures to be very good, largely because they added Stephen Tulloch. 

If Blount manages to pass the century mark in yards against that group, there's no telling how great a year he is capable of having in 2011.

No. 8: Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

Week 1: at Miami

The reigning Most Valuable Player naturally will get a tone of attention each week this year. After all, this is Tom Brady we're talking about. And it's hard to imagine he won't leave Miami with 300-plus yards, three or more touchdown passes and a win.  

But the Dolphins defense is very solid, and with their pass rush, they could pose some problems for Brady and company, and don't forget that the last time we saw him, the Jets defense managed to rattle him.

Expect the Dolphins to try and emulate that blueprint. Will it work?   

No. 7: Kevin Kolb, QB, Arizona Cardinals

Week 1: vs. Carolina

The Cardinals are playing at home against a team that had the NFL's worst record the previous season.

Oh, and Larry Fitzgerald is still in a Cardinals uniform. 

All that should add up to a brilliant debut for Kevin Kolb.

And just in case it doesn't, cynics can start with the Rob Johnson and Scott Mitchell comparisons much earlier than expected. 

No. 6: Ndamukong Suh, DT, Detroit Lions

Week 1: at Tampa Bay

The media has fallen in love with LeGarrette Blount and Josh Freeman, and they could soon become superstars. But their path to the greatness meets with a pretty formidable obstacle this Sunday in the form of Ndamukong Suh.

Sure, he won't have the other half (Nick Fairley) of that dream duo, but last year, Suh managed to cause all sorts of problems for opposing offenses. Another year in Jim Schwartz scheme and another year of experience can only make him that much better.

He is quickly becoming one of those rare interior lineman (Mean Joe Greene, Alan Page, Warren Sapp) that you have to watch every snap. 

No. 5: Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Week 1: at San Diego

Even though Chris Johnson, Arian Foster and the newest fantasy football golden child, Jamaal Charles, each have a legitimate claim to the title, I still think Peterson is the best back in football. 

That's what makes his showdown with the Chargers on Sunday so compelling. 

Phillip Rivers may be the centerpiece of that San Diego team, but don't forget just how dominant the Charger defense was in 2010—fourth against the run, first against the pass, first overall in total yards allowed. 

Peterson certainly has his work cut out for him this Sunday against that unit, but there isn't a more talented, more complete back in the game. 

No. 4: Mike Wallace, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 1: at Baltimore

The emergence of Antonio Brown and Emmanual Sanders as legitimate wide receiver threats really helps, not hinders, Wallace. 

Safeties now have to worry about one of them being the deep threat and will play a bit more cautiously, which will allow Wallace to catch the ball in space and rack up yardage. 

Now with Ed Reed and Jimmy Smith lined up on the other side of the ball, that is less and less likely than it would be against, say the Bengals or Bills. Still, the Steelers always try to hit one or two deep balls every game, and Wallace will be the guy who Ben Roethlisberger looks for. 

If you see Roethlisberger take a seven-step drop, he's looking for Wallace deep, and it could be a thrilling, game-changing completion. 

No. 3: Dez Bryant, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Week 1: vs. New York Jets

For Bryant, it's pick your poison. He's going to be matched up with either Antonio Cromartie or Darrelle Revis—a prospect no corner wide receiver really wants. 

But Bryant really showed a ton of promise last year prior to his late-season injury in 2010; I think he's primed to have a breakout, All-Pro season. 

And since the Cowboys still have Jason Witten, Miles Austin and now a healthy Tony Romo, there's no reason why they can't rub some of the luster off Rex Ryan's supposedly invincible defense.  

No. 2: Jamaal Charles, RB, Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: vs. Buffalo

Last year, Arian Foster destroyed the Indianapolis Colts on Opening Day, rushing for over 230 yards and scoring three touchdowns on his way to winning the NFL rushing title. 

I fully expect the Chiefs Jamaal Charles to deliver an even greater explosion out of the gate in this year's Week 1. 

The Bills had the NFL's worst run defense in 2010, and although they added Marcell Dareus through the draft, they lost Paul Posluszny and Donte Whitner to free agency. 

Put that defense in front of Charles—who led the NFL with a whopping 6.4 yards per carry—and it's a recipe for success...or disaster for the Bills. 

No. 1: Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles

Week 1: at St. Louis

Too obvious?

Probably. Still, there isn't a player in today's NFL—perhaps any era's NFL—that was such a dynamic player who can make such explosive plays on the ground or through the air. 

The Rams and Steve Spagnuolo will have a good game plan against Vick, and with Chris Long, Robert Quinn and Fred Robbins, there is the talent up front to slow him down.

But a fully rested, completely healthy Michael Vick who has been given an entire preseason to learn and practice in the offense is about as dangerous a player as there is.

When he's on the field, it's impossible to take your eyes off him.