Week 1 Fantasy Football Rankings & Projections: Top 5 Players at Every Position

As we all await the start of the 2011 NFL season, we hope our team makes a magical trip to the playoffs and ultimately the Super Bowl.

But the majority of the diehards out there have invested just as much hope into their fantasy teams. 

The NFL is back and if you're looking for that last minute roster shuffle, look no further.

Bleacher Report's Week 1 Fantasy Rankings are here...

5. Josh Freeman vs. Detroit Lions

Fantasy owners are more focused on the debut of Lions' quarterback Matthew Stafford in this game, but do not forget about the consistency of Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman and the stability his team has on offense. 

Sure, it would be easy to worry about the Lions' front-four wreaking havoc on the third-year quarterback out of Kansas State after seeing what they did to Tom Brady in the preseason, but there aren't many signal callers who are more calm in the pocket and get rid of the ball more quickly.

Freeman has the luxury of much youthful talent around him and can get the play-action game churning with help from bulldozing runner LeGarrette Blount. 

They aren't Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne yet, but Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn formulate a very young but physical and gifted receiving duo that will be a handful for an improved Lions defensive backfield. 

Kellen Winslow led the team in catches last year and shouldn't have trouble finding opening in Detroit's secondary.

He isn't flashy, and won't throw for 300 yards and four touchdowns every week, but he'll keep it simple and won't make many mistakes.

Josh Freeman, a solid Week 1 start in the Big Sombrero against the Detroit Lions.  

(Just missed the cut: Matthew Stafford)

4. Matt Schaub vs. Indianapolis Colts

Another game in which the opposing quarterback is snagging all the headlines. 

Kerry Collins, not Peyton Manning, will go for the Colts but Matt Schaub is the fantasy option I like for many reasons. 

It looks as though Arian Foster will be ready to go on Sunday which opens the flood gates for the Texans offense. 

Houston relied mainly on Foster last season, with good reason, but Schaub still possesses all the ability to fill up a stat-book on any given Sunday.

There is no way the Colts will be able to move the ball the same they would if Manning was in the lineup so Houston's attack will have ample opportunity to score. 

Many think they'll pound the rock with their star runner, but if he's not 100% look for the Texans to go for the throat early in this one. 

No one in the Colts secondary, (or the NFL for that matter) can contain Andre Johnson and Foster's backup Ben Tate has the ability to make plays catching the ball out of the backfield. 

Because of Foster's hamstring injury, I expect Gary Kubiak to put the emphasis back on Schaub and No. 8 will effectively move the football against Indianapolis' defense. 

3. Kyle Orton vs. Oakland Raiders

Probably looking for Brady, Rodgers or Brees here?

Sorry. 

Yes, John Fox loves to run the football, but he knows what he has with Orton and the Broncos receiving corp and will utilize all their abilities against a Nnamdi Asomugha-less Raiders secondary. 

Brandon Lloyd is legitimizing himself as a true No. 1 receiver in Denver's wide open system, and although Eddie Royal took a backseat to the now departed Jabar Gaffney last season, expect the lightning bug slot guy to get a lot of touches in Week 1 to build his confidence. 

Remember, as a rookie, Royal caught 91 balls for nearly 1,000 yards. 

The Raiders defense isn't horrendous but Kyle Orton is as collected in the pocket as they come and is totally comfortable with all of his receivers. 

Moreno and third-down back Willis McGahee may have trouble getting open underneath with the likes of Rolando McClain and Kamerion Wimbley shadowing them, but should provide enough of a threat to open up the intermediate and down-field passing game. 

With somewhat of a chip on his shoulder, Orton delivers with a solid Week 1. 

2. Tom Brady at Miami Dolphins

What is a fantasy rankings list without Tom Brady?

The Patriots' leader takes the trip to South Beach to kickoff Monday Night Football against a team in which he dominated last season.  

Miami's defense is an underrated group, but the quick passing game that features Wes Welker and the incorporation of Chad Ochocinco slots Brady to the No. 2 spot.

He has a stable of running backs now which will keep the defense on their toes  and the pesky Danny Woodhead will slither his way to some big plays on draws and screens drawn up by Bill Belichick.

The Dolphins do have some solid cornerbacks in Vontae Davis and Sean Smith, but Brady didn't have any trouble carving through Miami's secondary last season.

He didn't break the 200-yard barrier in the team's two meetings in 2010, but he didn't need to and his quarterback ratings in each game were 107.1 and 145.6, respectively.

I think the Dolphins make this a game early, forcing the reigning MVP to put his full set of skills on display, leading to a big night in the Miami heat.   

1. Philip Rivers vs Minnesota Vikings

There are many experts out there who still believe Minnesota has a top-flight defense. 

I'm not one of them. 

Yes, their front-four is good and Jared Allen is an elite pass rusher, but the secondary, even with Cedric Griffin back, isn't nearly where it used to be.

Couple that with the fact that Philip Rivers is coming off a career year and has all his weapons ready to let loose at home, makes No. 17 the top fantasy quarterback option for Week 1.

Yes, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees will put up their usual numbers, but if you want a safe pick, go with the Chargers' franchise guy.

I like what a healthy Ryan Mathews brings to San Diego's offense and Mike Tolbert is one of the more underrated backup runners in the league.

Antonio Gates doesn't seem to be bothered by his foot injury anymore and completes one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL.

Rivers carries momentum from a MVP-like 2010 season and begins 2011 with a bang.  

No. 5 Running Back: Frank Gore vs. Seattle Seahawks

Gore has proven during his career that he is always a viable fantasy option and the start of the 2011 season is no different. 

He's happy with a newly structured contract and is facing a below average defense in the Seattle Seahawks at home. 

Head coach Jim Harbaugh knows that Alex Smith isn't ready to take over a game with his arm, so he'll give Gore the ball frequently in hopes of wearing down the division rival. 

The 49ers have speed and talent at the receiver spot with Ted Ginn, Braylon Edwards and Michael Crabtree, but none of the three have emerged as a true No. 1. 

Vernon Davis will keep the defenses honest along with the aforementioned trio of wideouts allowing Gore to accumulate yardage running and catching swing and screen passes from a sometimes tentative Smith.

The youthful offensive line is ready to take the next step and Gore will be the beneficiary of their maturation process in Week 1 against the Seahawks.

(Just missed the cut: Adrian Peterson) 

No. 4 Running Back: Jamaal Charles vs. Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills were atrocious against the run last year, nearly allowing five-yards per rushing attempt. 

They let weak link Paul Posluszny go in free agency and drafted Marcell Dareus with the No.3 overall pick in April's draft. 

Both moves will help dramatically. 

However, Buffalo still is without a thumping linebacker and was exposed on misdirection plays last year against the Chiefs. 

Charles will split carries with Thomas Jones as usual, but the All-Pro back from a year ago will have the ball in his hands for a good chunk of this game and should hit a few long runs. 

Without Dareus, Merriman and new pieces Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrison, this would have been a dream matchup for any Charles owners. 

Keeping that in mind, don't be shocked to see the former Texas Longhorn have a solid day for KC. 

No. 3 Running Back: Peyton Hillis vs. Cincinnati Bengals

On ESPN's fantasy rankings for Week 1, Peyton Hillis is projected to have the biggest day of any running back in the NFL against the Cincinnati Bengals at home.

He won't be totally contained, but I think the Worldwide Leader is getting a little carried away.

The Bengals may not be the most formidable opponent for a variety of different of reasons, but their defense is hovering under the radar.

Rey Maualuga is set for a breakout season and you better believe their game plan will force Colt McCoy to beat them.

Hillis still gets the No. 3 slot, but I don't envision a career day for the Madden '12 cover man.

The Browns will use their punishing runner as a decoy and his presence alone will generate many open throwing lanes from play-action for McCoy all afternoon.  

No. 2 Running Back: Chris Johnson at Jacksonville Jaguars

If you think the lack of practice and real-time action in the preseason will slow down Chris Johnson, you're crazy. 

Johnson faces a defense that allowed 4.7 yards per rush last season. 

Matt Hasselbeck brings more stability to the quarterback position but the Tennessee coaching staff knows that CJ2K is their primary weapon and that he needs to have the ball in his hands as often as possible. 

They may limit his carries initially, but he'll be frequently involved with the screen play he has made so dangerous the last three seasons.

I'm not sold on the Titans group of receivers but Hasselbeck will do enough to keep the Jaguars honest and should give Johnson and Tennessee's offensive line less men in the box pre-snap.

I won't say Mr. Johnson will be in mid-season form, but he'll be good enough to start the 2011 season off with a huge day for his thousands of fantasy owners.

No. 1 Running Back: LeSean McCoy at St. Louis Rams

This game will be more tightly contested than many think and LeSean McCoy could surprisingly steal the show. 

The Eagles' aerial attack consisting of DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Mike Vick may need some time to return to their top-flight form of 2010, thus leaving McCoy as the go-to player on offense. 

St. Louis' run defense isn't stout by any stretch  (they gave up 4.5 yards per rush last season) and Andy Reid loves utilizing McCoy on a multitude of screen plays and swing passes. 

If the Eagles offensive line is shaky Vick won't have time to find his deep threats down field and McCoy will be the beneficiary. 

No. 7 may not have his timing down with these guys initially either, but will have McCoy has a check down option on nearly every passing play. 

McCoy, gives you the safest best in Week 1, especially if you're playing in a points per reception league. 

No. 5 Wide Receiver: Dwayne Bowe vs. Buffalo Bills

Matt Cassel and Dwayne Bowe quietly had Pro Bowl seasons in 2010 and formulated a nice rapport within the Chiefs offense.

Outside of maybe Drayton Florence, Buffalo doesn't have a cornerback physical enough to match up with Bowe and although Kansas City won't be throwing often, when they do they'll look in No. 82's direction.

He was held in check last season against the Bills, but did score a touchdown.

Bowe is entering the prime of his career and with Buffalo putting the onus on stopping the run, he could be in for a monster day in the season opener.

(Just missed the cut: Mario Manningham)  

No. 4 Wide Receiver: Larry Fitzgerald vs. Carolina Panthers

Fitzgerald is a mainstay atop just about any fantasy ranking.

He finally has a quarterback to throw him the football in Kevin Kolb and gets an easy test against the lowly Carolina Panthers at home in Week 1.

None of the Panthers cornerbacks can keep up with No. 11 and to get Kolb into a rhythm, the coaching staff will call many simple throws Fitzgerald's way.

However, Beanie Wells could start with a big first half, and if he's running well, Ken Whisenhunt may just ride him for the majority of the ball game.

Usually Fitzgerald's near the top, but because this game could get out of hand early, the Cardinals may not need to throw late.

In the end, always a premier fantasy player.  

No. 3 Wide Receiver: Brandon Lloyd vs Oakland Raiders

Brandon Lloyd, to the surprise of many, lead the NFL in receiving yards last year. (1,448) 

He also caught 77 passes and scored 11 touchdowns.

Not bad.

With Kyle Orton still under center for Denver against a poor Oakland Raiders secondary, Lloyd will keep last year's momentum going. 

He will either draw Chris Johnson or Stanford Routt, both of which don't stand much of a chance with Orton and Lloyd on the same page.

Jabar Gaffney is gone so Lloyd will see plenty of targets and yes, plenty of catches. 

No. 2 Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

In Week 16 of last season, Johnson scorched the Bucs for 10 catches and 152 yards in the Lions stunning 23-20 overtime victory.

However, Aqib Talib didn't play in that game and will reportedly shadow Johnson throughout the contest on Sunday.

That may bring Megatron's numbers down somewhat, but come on, it's Calvin Johnson we're talking about here.

He'll haul in a fade for a touchdown from Matt Stafford and shouldn't have problems making catches in traffic down the sideline.

I do think the Bucs are intelligent enough to double Johnson most of the game which could lead to a huge day from someone like Brandon Pettigrew or Nate Burleson.

A typical 6-9 catch, 100 yard game for the NFL's biggest coverage nightmare.  

No. 1 Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson vs. Indianapolis Colts

Stunning, huh?

Here's what gives Andre Johnson the No. 1 spot. 

He's at home. 

Arian Foster may not be 100%. 

None of the Colts secondary members can match up with him physically or speed wise.

The Texans should have plenty of chances on offense because of Peyton Manning's absence. 

He's still got Matt Schaub throwing him the football. 

He's a total beast.

Need I say more? 

No. 5 Tight End: Tony Gonzalez at Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears still boast one of the best defenses in the NFL, but Tony Gonzalez remains one of the best security blankets of all time. 

Matt Ryan may be flustered in this one, but when he's pressured or when the run game is stagnant, No. 2 is usually looking Gonzalez's way. 

Roddy White has become the focal point of the offense and we should see Julio Jones early and often, but Gonzo is still an elite tight end that will be critical on third downs and in the redzone. 

With much of their game plan focusing on White, Jones and Michael Turner out of the backfield, Gonzalez could be in for a surprisingly huge day. 

(Just missed the cut: Jason Witten, Vernon Davis)

No. 4 Tight End: Jimmy Graham at Green Bay Packers

We are all ready for Drew Brees vs. Aaron Rogers, quarterbacks on the same level ready to duel it out. 

Along with that, I'll be watching Jimmy Graham vs. Jermichael Finley, tight ends of similar stature and playmaking ability. 

This game as shootout written all over it, but so did last year's season opener between these same New Orleans Saints and Brett Favre's Minnesota Vikings. 

We all know how that game ended. 

With the defensive onus being placed on proven players like Marques Colston, Robert Meachem, Lance Moore and Devery Henderson, Graham will find his spot down the seam and is a big enough target for Brees to find him often. 

There aren't many linebackers in the league than can run and jump with the former University of Miami basketball player and Graham could explode onto the NFL scene Thursday night. 

No. 3 Tight End: Jermichael Finley vs New Orleans Saints

Much of the same can be said for Finley, who is itching to get back onto the field after injuring his knee part way through the 2010 campaign. 

I expect Mike McCarthy to get Finley involved right away and he is definitely too much for the Saints' secondary to handle. 

Rodgers and Brees both distribute the ball to all their targets wonderfully, but Finley simply cannot be covered and has the size and athleticism to catch any ball thrown in his vicinity.

With guys like Greg Jennings, James Jones, Donald Driver and Jordy Nelson taking some targets away from Finley he won't have a monster night, but I can't fathom him being held in check against New Orleans in this primetime showdown of offensive juggernauts.   

No. 2 Tight End: Aaron Hernandez at Miami Dolphins

For me, it's really a toss up between Aaron Hernandez or Rob Gronkowski. 

After watching how the Patriots used Hernandez in the preseason, I'll go with the former Florida Gator. 

Bill Belichick utilized him down the seam as usual, but also had Hernandez catching middle screens and short dump offs allowing the athletically gifted tight end to showcase his yards after the catch skills. 

The Dolphins defense a sound unit behind mastermind Mike Nolan, but Hernandez is as scary of a matchup as they come.

After using Wes Welker to bounce his way to a couple first downs, the Patriots will throw the much more powerful yet still elusive Hernandez the ball as they near the red zone. 

Hernandez's breakout year begins in Week 1 against the divisional rival Dolphins. 

No. 1 Tight End: Antonio Gates vs Minnesota Vikings

I've got Philip Rivers as my top quarterback and much of that is because he's got the No. 1 tight end back and ready for action. 

When Gates is healthy, he and Rivers formulate the most electrifying quarterback-tight end combination in the league. 

Gates can run the intermediate, chain-moving routes, or break down the seam and reach the end zone on a 60-yard score. 

He's almost a lock to score a touchdown in every game and for some reason I see the Chargers having their way with the Vikings in their season opener. 

All signs are pointing to Gates' foot being 100 percent healed so expect a gigantic game from one of the game's best receiving targets. 

No. 5 Defense: Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts

OK, Kerry Collins isn't Peyton Manning. 

I get it.

The formely retired signal caller won't rip through the Texans secondary but he won't be horrible either.

With that being said, the Colts offense will suffer without No. 18 behind center and a few of Houston's new pieces like Danieal Manning and Johnathan Joseph could make a few game altering plays that have been missing from the Texans secondary for quite some time.

Wade Phillip's 3-4 defense may take a while to fully come around, but it's undoubtedly a more confusing defense for quarterbacks to decipher coverages and blitzes so, for once, starting the Texans defense against the Colts may be in your best interest.

(Just missed the cut: Falcons DEF) 

No. 4 Defense: Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Any time you've got a defense playing against a rookie quarterback making his first start, you're in for a good day. 

Andy Dalton has the football IQ and playmaking capabilities to become a solid starter in this league down the road, but he most likely will struggle in his first professional start. 

The Browns defense isn't by any means special, but they could feast on a few hurried throws or a missed blitz recognition by the young signal caller in the games opening stages. 

No. 3 Defense: Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jagaurs

Thank you Jaguars' management for making my job easier.

With Luke McCown now under center instead of David Garrard, the Titans defense instantly become a top 5 start this week. 

They don't have a ton of playmakers but they should be able to create a game plan that doesn't allow McCown to get into a comfort zone with his already limited receiving targets. 

As long as the Titans keep Marcedes Lewis under control they could be in for a big day fantasy wise. 

Expect a few interceptions from an unheralded secondary led by the ultra-pesky Cortland Finnegan.  

No. 2 Defense: Arizona Cardinals vs Carolina Panthers

I am in the minority of people who believe Cam Newton will be a fine starting quarterback in the NFL someday. 

However, this Sunday is not when he bursts onto the scene.

He flashed his athletic ability in the preseason and made a small amount of good throws, but for the most part, he was off target or late on many of his reads. 

The Cardinals have an aggressive secondary and will disguise blitzes to make life hectic for Newton behind center. 

Look for a few interceptions and handful of sacks for the Cardinals defense. 

No. 1 Defense: Patriots at Miami Dolphins

Yes, the Dolphins have Brandon Marshall and a sometimes-scary Reggie Bush in the backfield.

I need to see more from Chad Henne who will be flustered by the Patriots revamped defensive front and secondary. 

The Dolphins do have a solid offensive line anchored by perennial Pro Bowler Jake Long, but with the exotic blitzes that will surely be thrown Henne's way, he'll make a few bad decisions that could result in costly turnovers. 

I like Jerod Mayo and Patrick Chung taking on roles as leaders on defense and it won't be easy stopping Vince Wilfork and Shaun Ellis at the point of attack. 

Last year, the Patriots defense put on a show in Miami. 

No. 5 Kicker: Mason Crosby vs New Orleans Saints

There's a chance we're in for a shootout on opening night between the Saints and Packers, but one things for sure, Green Bay will be able to move the football. 

Crosby will have plenty of opportunities to score some points.

(Just missed the cut: Jason Hanson) 

No. 4 Kicker: Nate Kaeding vs Minnesota Vikings

Kaeding is kicking at home and I'd be shocked if the Chargers don't put up a lot of points on what I think is an overrated Vikings defense. 

The Chargers rarely have problems in the red zone so he may get the majority of his points on extra points.

Not necessarily a bad thing. 

No. 3 Kicker: Nick Folk vs. Dallas Cowboys

The Jets offense will go as Mark Sanchez goes in the 2011 season.

I'm not sure if he's ready to make the step to that "elite" status, but New York will have a gameplan installed that should move the football on Dallas. 

The Jets aren't the best team in the red zone so they may rely on Folk early to get some points on the board. 

No. 2 Kicker: Jay Feely vs Carolina Panthers

The Arizona Cardinals have a good chance to run away with their home opener against a Panthers team in transition. 

Feely, a veteran kicker, should start off the season with a rather big day. A few field goals and three or four extra points. 

No 1 Kicker: Rob Bironas at Jacksonville Jaguars

Bironas has been a fantasy god over the past few seasons, so why not give him the top spot to begin the year. 

The Titans shouldn't have an issue moving the ball against the Jaguars defense and if their drives stall, they can count on the veteran kicker to split the uprights.