Fantasy Football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 1

Fantasy football owners will be looking to get off to a fast start by putting their best possible lineup together, and with that in mind here are our “Fantasy Football Start ‘Ems” for Week 1 of the 2011 season.

Everyone knows to start the Chris Johnson, Andre Johnson, Antonio Gates-type impact players, so when we compile our list we make sure to focus on serviceable players that will benefit from a favorable matchup.

Kyle Orton (Denver Broncos) vs. Oakland

Orton got off to a fast start in 2010, with four games with 300 or more passing yards over the first five games, but eventually gave way to Tim Tebow late in the season.  That said, Orton is the Broncos' unquestioned starting quarterback again heading into the season and will look to prove himself against the Oakland Raiders in Week 1. 

The Raiders notably lost cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha to the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason, but even with him last season they allowed 29 passing touchdowns and if the preseason is any indication the yardage they allow through the air will go up significantly.

Denver’s offense will not be as pass-happy under new head coach John Fox, but Orton is serviceable as a low-end QB1 in favorable matchups and this week is definitely one of those occasions.

Joseph Addai (Indianapolis Colts) @ Houston

With quarterback Peyton Manning (neck) already ruled out against the Houston Texans, recently signed Kerry Collins looks likely to start at least the season opener and perhaps beyond.  With that situation, Addai should be in line for a fairly significant workload while Manning is sidelined. 

In nine career games against the Texans, he has averaged 92 total yards and a touchdown per game while averaging just over 4.6 yards per carry as well.  The Colts offense will certainly be simplified with Collins at the helm, which should lead to a focus on the ground game. 

Donald Brown and rookie Delone Carter may also be in the mix for carries, but Addai is the team’s most complete back and should see the majority of the playing time.  Fantasy owners can definitely do worse for a RB2 this week.

Mario Manningham (New York Giants) @ Washington

Manningham put together a solid season in 2010, setting career highs in receptions (60), receiving yards (944) and touchdowns (nine).  He was particularly good late in the season with fellow wide receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out, as he had 16 catches for 346 yards and four touchdowns over the final three games.

Smith signed with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles after the lockout was lifted, which opens the door for Manningham to become the Giants’ No. 2 wide receiver opposite Nicks. 

Week 1 brings a nice matchup against the Washington Redskins, who allowed 162.6 receiving yards per game (third-most in the league) and also ranked among the worst in the league in receptions allowed (12.2 game) to the position. 

Manningham also finished 2010 with a four-catch, 101-yard game against the Redskins, which makes him a nice upside option for Week 1.  His fantasy owners should easily find room for him in their starting lineup this week.

To read more Week 1 Fantasy Football Content Go Here:

Week 1 Start & Sit:  START ‘EM 

Week 1 Rankings:  QB  |  RB  |  WR  |  TE  |  K |  DEF   (click to read)

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