Fantasy Football Week 1: 7 Players You Should Slide into Your Lineup

Can you smell it? That sweet sensational smell in the air?

That, my peers, is the smell of Sunday football finally returning to America!

And now that football is here, you fantasy fanatics are probably wondering what last-minute lineup adjustments to make.

In this slideshow, I have put together a list of seven players who will step up their game this week and are worthy of a starting spot in your Week 1 fantasy lineup.

If you have any disagreements or feel I missed any players you think should be included, feel free to leave a comment.

Derrick Ward, Houston Texans

As we all know, Arian Foster is nursing a hamstring injury.

According to reports, his status is questionable for Sunday's opener against the Indianapolis Colts. But in my opinion, he is very doubtful. Especially since he has not practiced at all this week.

So, who will be the next man up for the Houston Texans?

My leading candidate is Derrick Ward.

Ward's professional career began in 2004. He was with the New York Jets, New York Giants and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before he came to Houston. Ward has been a promising player in his career, but as a backup.

In his eighth year as a professional, it is finally his time to shine.

Do not keep Ward in your starting lineup past Week 1 because Foster should be ready to play next week, but if you need a spot start at running back, Derrick Ward is your guy.

Beanie Wells, Arizona Cardinals

Beanie may be a starting running back in your fantasy league, but in mine, he is riding the bench.

Arizona plays a team that had the worst record in the NFL last year and has a shot to repeat that statistic this year.

This team is known as the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina had the worst running defense in the NFL last year, and, among other things, their defense is their biggest problem.

They have attempted to improve their defense this year, but picking up other team's trash is not the best way to do it.

Beanie should run all over the Panthers and record at least two touchdowns. He is a must start for Week 1.

Steve Smith, Carolina Panthers

Speaking of that enormous joke of a football team we call the Carolina Panthers, why isn't anyone talking about Steve Smith?

I don't know if it's just me who feels this way, but does Cam Newton really have another wide receiver to throw to?

With the season ending injury to David Gettis, a promising young athlete, Newton's only other options at wide receiver are Brandon LaFell and Legedu Naanee.

That's kind of depressing, in my opinion. Naanee is a failed wide out from San Diego, and Lafell, a young second-string receiver.

Patrick Peterson, the Arizona Cardinals first round pick in this year's draft, will mostly be guarding Steve Smith. Since he is a rookie, expect him to struggle and give up a few big gains to Smith. This being said, expect Smith to have north of 100 yards and at least one touchdown this game.

Brian Robiskie, Cleveland Browns

I am sure when many of you read this slide your response is going to be "who's that?"

Brian Robiskie has been named one of Cleveland's starting receivers for Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cleveland has a player ready to break out this year in Colt McCoy, and he is in need of a go-to guy.

Robiskie will not disappoint McCoy or fantasy owners.

The Bengals were in the middle of the pack last year in pass defense, but, with the loss of Jonathan Joseph, Leon Hall is the only star corner on the Bengals defense. Although Hall has undeniable talent, he cannot guard everyone.

Robiskie will probably not put up astounding yards, but expect him to have his hands ready in the red zone.

Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos are hosting the Oakland Raiders on Monday Night Football this week.

What a snooze fest!

But by starting Eddie Royal, you have a reason to tune into this game.

Kyle Orton has to prove he is right for the starting quarterback job in Denver, and he has a great opportunity come this Monday.

Oakland defense has immensely changed since last year. Nnamdi Asomugha is now an Eagle and Hiram Eugene, their starting safety, has been placed on IR.

Thus, the door is wide open for Eddie Royal.

Orton does have many other targets in Brandon Lloyd, Demaryious Thomas and Eric Decker. But when Orton needs him, Royal is always there.

Royal will probably only have three to seven receptions, but he will make them count.

Harry Douglas, Atlanta Falcons

Playing at Soldier Field in Week 1 isn't the easiest task for the Atlanta Falcons, but I expect them to come out victorious against the Chicago Bears.

The guy I expect to show up in the clutch and lead the Falcons to victory is the one and only Harry Douglas.

With the selection of Julio Jones in the first round, Atlanta now has two primary receivers in Roddy White and Jones. The Bears' top two cornerbacks will be focused on Jones and White, leaving the nickel cornerback or a linebacker to guard Douglas.

With Douglas's blazing speed, he should flourish in the slot role.

Douglas will probably be Matt Ryan's go-to guy on 3rd-and-short or on slant routes. Expect Douglas to break out a 30+ yard touchdown catch on a short passing route and to have about six to eight receptions.

Nate Burleson, Detroit Lions

Last, but by no means least, we have Nate Burleson of the Detroit Lions.

Detroit has an interesting task as they travel to Tampa Bay to play the Buccaneers Week 1. In my opinion, this is a make or break game for the Lions season.

Tampa Bay has two pretty decent cornerbacks in Aqib Talib and Ronde Barber, but they don't have enough talent to shut down Mathew Stafford and the Detroit Lions.

Nate Burleson has a lot to prove this season since the Lions drafted Titus Young, rookie wide out from Boise State, in the second round of this year's draft.

I have a good feeling he is going to put on a showcase come Week 1.

Calvin Johnson will be getting double teamed the majority of the time, so Burleson will have one on one coverage. With his quick feet and great hands, expect Burleson to have an excellent game. I am thinking he will make the most of seven to nine receptions with at least one touchdown.