RB Match Ups to Exploit/Avoid Week 1 (1 Viewer)

[Ilov80s]

love it MOP. I like KSmith in week 1 and am starting him over Portis. I expect Smith to get the ball a lot as they will try to keep Brees off the field. If pre-season is any indication, they are going to run quite a few screens as well. I have KSmith as a top 5 back for week 1.

 

[pantherclub]

Really think people are under estimating McFadden's value this year. Bush might be the goalline guy but I think McFadden will see the most touches and be a great target out of the backfield. Russel will need a dump off guy and also McFadden can be a great back running the screen.Caddy has looked real good, but how can the Bucs just give all htat money to Ward and not give him the rock at least 50% of the time. Caddy will be nicked up by week 5 and make this a mute point.

Based on Caddy's history I would say it is about a 0% chance he makes it through the year. They probably know this and are looking to keep Ward fresh for the later part of the year. just my opinion.

 

[Breesisdaman]

love it MOP. I love KSmith in week 1 and am starting him over Portis. I expect Smith to get the ball a lot as they will try to keep Brees off the field. If pre-season is any indication, they are going to run quite a few screens as well. I have KSmith as a top 5 back for week 1.

Also if preseason is any indication. No they wont. the Saints were one of the better pre-season defenses. Hopefully that translates to regular season but I realize its all vanilla in preseason. The effort is there like I have never seen it though. sound fundamental football like I haven seen since the Dome Patrol days.http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2009/..._new_orlea.html

 

[War Eagle]

Cadillac Williams: Will get the start I believe. I wouldn’t expect a huge game but when this guy starts and competes big things happen. He’d be a very ballsy start for someone but personally I’d lie to see the Bucs offense for a week or two before I went and started making plans.Derrick Ward: Wait and see I thinkEarnest Graham: RB3 for the moment. ___________________________________________________I'd have to disagree and swap Ward and Caddy. Ward will get the start and the lions share of carries. Caddy will see carries when D Ward needs a breather or as a change of pace.

Do you have a link for this? From what I observed in the preseason the Bucs want to use Caddy as he is healthy. From Bob Henry's camp report...RB: The Bucs RB picture has evolved during the preseason into a potential three-headed monster that has fantasy owners a bit nervous. Derrick Ward was given a lot of money to come to Tampa Bay and play a significant role. Earnest Graham figured to be in the mix as he has been the last few seasons. Cadillac Williams seemed like an afterthought coming off his second straight season-ending knee injury. Yet Williams was given the start so the team could judge where he’s at going into the season. Williams responded running eight times for 54 yards. His fourth run went for 19-yards and while he lacked the explosion and cutting ability he showed as a rookie, he still ran strong and decisively. Williams said his left knee felt great after his first preseason action, and so the discussion begins. Graham also looked good running for 39 yards on five carries. Ward didn’t have as much room to run on his four carries as he gained only 3 yards, but caught two balls for 13 yards. Coach Morris spoke of a 2-2-1 rotation with Ward, Graham and Williams all playing a part, but the surprising part is that Graham, not Williams, was the one mentioned as the 20% backup contributor.If Caddy gets 40% of the carries or 2 series then Ward 2 series...could get dicey.

Caddy played in one preseason game. And he started because the coaches wanted to see how he looked (aka judge his progress) with the 1st string. That one start and the 2-2-1 quote has been blown way out of proportion. D.Ward was signed to be on the field and to be a big part of the offense. You already said Caddy lacked the explosion and cutting ability. So where exactly is the big upside? His name?

 

[War Eagle]

Really think people are under estimating McFadden's value this year. Bush might be the goalline guy but I think McFadden will see the most touches and be a great target out of the backfield. Russel will need a dump off guy and also McFadden can be a great back running the screen.Caddy has looked real good, but how can the Bucs just give all htat money to Ward and not give him the rock at least 50% of the time. Caddy will be nicked up by week 5 and make this a mute point.

Agree on both!

 

[Ilov80s]

love it MOP. I love KSmith in week 1 and am starting him over Portis. I expect Smith to get the ball a lot as they will try to keep Brees off the field. If pre-season is any indication, they are going to run quite a few screens as well. I have KSmith as a top 5 back for week 1.

Also if preseason is any indication. No they wont. the Saints were one of the better pre-season defenses. Hopefully that translates to regular season but I realize its all vanilla in preseason. The effort is there like I have never seen it though. sound fundamental football like I haven seen since the Dome Patrol days.

That doesn't really make sense. The Saints good defensive pre-season performance isn't going dictate whether the Lions run a screen play or not. It may impact the success of the screen, but we are going to see a variety of screens run this year. Linehan has some of the better screen packages in the NFL.

 

[War Eagle]

Mike Bell: If Bell is names the starter I think many will rush to get him in their line up…I would want to wait and see what he does when he is actually names the starter.

-Watch the IR report on this one. I’ll update once the IR comes out on Wed/Thur and then follow it up thru kick off.

_______________________________________________________________

Nah, if P. Thomas is out, START M.Bell with confidence. This guy has a whole new attitude this year. Don't be surprised to see a repeat of his 10 carry 100 yard pre-season game if he gets the chance. This guy will be out to TAKE Pierre's spot if the opportunity arises.

 

[Breesisdaman]

love it MOP. I love KSmith in week 1 and am starting him over Portis. I expect Smith to get the ball a lot as they will try to keep Brees off the field. If pre-season is any indication, they are going to run quite a few screens as well. I have KSmith as a top 5 back for week 1.

Also if preseason is any indication. No they wont. the Saints were one of the better pre-season defenses. Hopefully that translates to regular season but I realize its all vanilla in preseason. The effort is there like I have never seen it though. sound fundamental football like I haven seen since the Dome Patrol days.

That doesn't really make sense. The Saints good defensive pre-season performance isn't going dictate whether the Lions run a screen play or not. It may impact the success of the screen, but we are going to see a variety of screens run this year. Linehan has some of the better screen packages in the NFL.

OK I see your point.

 

[brednbuddah]

MOP, with Westbrook "dinged up" going into week 1, do you anticipate anything from Mc Coy this week as a fill-in, didn't see it in the Philly/Carolina write-up.

great work as always...

 

[Ministry of Pain]

MOP, with Westbrook "dinged up" going into week 1, do you anticipate anything from Mc Coy this week as a fill-in, didn't see it in the Philly/Carolina write-up.great work as always...

McCoy...really wasn't gonna talk about him until he does something, but I was not impressed with him at all in the preseason. I didn't see anything special form him, I didn't see anything that would indicate the rest of the NFL was sleeping on this kid in the draft, if anything it only furthers my thoughts that the 2009 RB class pales in comparison to the talent that overflowed form the 2008 class. We'll see if I am wrong but I wouldn't get excited even if you own McCoy and Westbrook misses time. That could change but right now I don't see it.

 

[Curado Kev]

MOP - Thanks for your analysis and now we all know it's football season !! Thanks for everyone's input and great to see the exchange of ideas and info !!!

Thanks Ckev

 

[ECV]

Thanks so much MOP! I liked your insight about both Saints rbs and Felix. I'm starting Kevin Smith for sure (the Saints don't play much defense). I'm undecided about my Saints rbs (I've got both Thomas & Bush [bush fell to me...I couldn't resist in a ppr league ). I'll watch the injury report closely as the week unfolds for Thomas. I'm leaning towards staring Felix at the flex. I agree that he's one of those players that could explode in week 1 with just a handful of touches (he could pay dividends if he can come close to his 10yd avg. of last season).

I'll be checking in often

 

[Instinctive]

I see Rice having a phenomenal game at KC.

I got that part

Why wouldnt he get the bulk of the carries?

He shares the backfield with 2 RBs that both have had their moments.

I doubt that the Ravens use McGahee too much early in the year to not wear him out.

If this is true, then you are saying that McGahee is who they really covet...you're not implying that are you? i don't think so but it reads that way.

I see Rice catching at least 5 balls and running at least 15 times. McClain might vulture a TD but based on preseason I doubt they pull Rice at the GL.

I do think McClain will still see action near the goal line

Personally I would think that Rice is the best play this week in Fantasy.

#1? Really? He does have other backs that will see touches. This isn't like Turner here with no one else touching the ball.

As for Benson you know he will get every significant touch at RB and even catch a few balls. Denver run d was atrocious last year and you would think the Bengals would exploit that with Benson.

Rice shares the backfield with one other RB.The Baltimore team uses a large amount of playsets where they play out of either the power I or the shotgun.

The "I" requires a FB. They have only one FB (McClain) on the roster, whereas last season Lorenzo Neal was also a FB on the team.

McClain doesn't have the hands or speed to go out of the shotgun either.

Le'Ron McClain is nothing but a FB who may find a way to vulture a couple TDs on FB dives at the goalline.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

So far it seems a lot of the board thinks Rice should be a top5, maybe the #1 back this week, a green light nonetheless. And it also appears some think Benson is not getting enough love this week.

 

[Instinctive]

So far it seems a lot of the board thinks Rice should be a top5, maybe the #1 back this week, a green light nonetheless. And it also appears some think Benson is not getting enough love this week.

I agree that Benson probably needs more love, but here are guys I put ahead of Rice for sureWillADGrantForteSJaxMBIIIOne of the NOS RBs...I just don't know which one hahahaThen it gets kinda murky. I am down on Turner but I am sure others start him over Rice. I like Kevin Smith more this week too, Ronnie is probably about even, I would put Slaton ahead too but I am sure some disagree quite vehemently.So I would say he is a RB1 this week, but definitely in the 10-12 range for me. I am sitting him in favor of Peterson, Grant, SJax and MJD (across 2 different leagues)

 

[OnTheReg]

I'm REALLY considering Reggie Bush in my 10 team PPR league; I have Chris Johnson, but I just don't see him doing much at all against the Steelers on Thursday.

Bush against the Lions, as the week goes on if all indications are he's fully healthy, I'm gonna go for it I think.

 

[Johnny Ice]

I'm REALLY considering Reggie Bush in my 10 team PPR league; I have Chris Johnson, but I just don't see him doing much at all against the Steelers on Thursday. Bush against the Lions, as the week goes on if all indications are he's fully healthy, I'm gonna go for it I think.

If Bush is a go, he's in my lineup without hesitation.

 

[seahawk 17]

I would not hesitate to play Julius Jones vs the Rams. Last season he rushed for 140 yards against them ay Qwest field. At least for this game he should get plenty of carries as I highly doubt Edge is in game shape.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Always like these MOP.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

Thanks Bush, in the future try and just highlight the section of the original post you want to discuss...or even just state Det vs NO. I think most will know what you are talking about. Do you live in NO? Are you going to the game?

Yes. i am a season ticket holder. I am also the entertainment on the Bud bridge before the game.

Awesome, what do you do for Budweiser?

I am a Musician. The Saints hire bands all season to play before the game but Bud is the sponsor. I GET FREE BEER!!! and pay. In that order.

Sounds like a good deal.... Too bad the free beer is Bud LOL

 

[two_dollars]

Going into week 1, I am planning to start MJD and Gore. It is a PPR league. If MJD turns out to need a week to heal, I have R. Bush and Moreno on my bench. I am leaning to Bush here of course but I am worried that NO may blow out DET so bad that they rest Reggie for a lot of the game. Just curious your thoughts on this, vs rolling the dice on Moreno. both have good matchups.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Hello Everyone, it's that time of year and all systems are go for the 2009 National Football League Kickoff. I will once again try and put together a weekly thread primarily focused on RBs. We have been doing this for so many years now but I want to especially wlecome the noobs to the board..."HI NOOBS"

As I like to do in the 1st thread of the year, I want to talk about strategy a bit for week 1 and also get some of the ground rules out of the way. I actually only have a couple of rules and they are mostly repeats of what the board has put in place.

1. Be kind to one another. If someone doesn't know who the RB4 on the practice squad of SF is, please don't light them up in here. This thread thrives with points of views from everybody so if someone isn't quite up to your knowledge simply help them out, don't rub their noses in it. And please don't elicit posts that belong in the FFA, Joe gives you an entire forum to roll out your schtick.

2. It's the 1st week of the season, don't try and out think it too much. Go with what you know over what you don't know. I posted some quick hits on players I am unsure of in week 1 and I encourage you to not input players that could be risks of not being in the game plan. Take a week to sit and watch the games before you start rolling Felix Jones out there as your RB1, that's all I'm really saying here.

I KNOW that Adrian Peterson should be green lighted against CLE d.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

Detroit at New Orleans (-13)(48): I like the Saints offense but this is a pretty big spread for a team that was about .500 last season. I am pulling for Detroit to look better this season and I think they will get better as the year continues. But in week 1 the Saints should prevail with a superior offense. If the ground game is down to their RB3, look for NO to throw it a lot.

Kevin Smith: Should leap out week 1 with a nice match up. I would not hesitate to start him against NO.

Reggie Bush: Wait and see if he is healthy

Pierre Thomas: If he starts I would play him.

Mike Bell: If Bell is names the starter I think many will rush to get him in their line up…I would want to wait and see what he does when he is actually names the starter.

-Watch the IR report on this one. I’ll update once the IR comes out on Wed/Thur and then follow it up thru kick off.

Final Score: New Orleans 31…Detroit 20

There is no way the revamped New Orleans defense gives up 20 points to the Lions. Forget last year and think of other Greg Williams led defenses- Skins, Jacksonville, etc etc. Kevin =75 yds and 1 TD. I would still start him unless I had better options. FINAL New Orleans 31 Lions 10. Also They will have a balanced attack in the first half and grind it out with Bell the rest of the way. Forget the #3 RB crap. He is very capable.

The saints will have to prove to me they can play ANY defense, even vs the Lions. I think 45-24 is a more likely outcome. I'm actually more interested to see how the detroit D is able to handle Brees and co, and if any of Jim Schwartz/Cunninghams Defensive schems/fire have on this young team.

 

[brednbuddah]

So far it seems a lot of the board thinks Rice should be a top5, maybe the #1 back this week, a green light nonetheless. And it also appears some think Benson is not getting enough love this week.

as a guy from jersey, I do wish rice well this weekend and nothing would make me happier than to see him go nuts. he is the kind of work horse a team like baltimore would like in the run game as he had 335 and 380 rushing attempts (not touches) in 06 and 07 at RU.now he gets his chance and let's see what he can do with it. I put my $$$ on rice this weekend against a mediocre KC D.*** disclaimer: I own rice in none of my leagues ***

 

[ArcticEdge]

Very well done MOP.

Only thing for me is the Mike Bell analysis. For week one anyway, if Bell is the starter, unless you have AP and Turner on your team, I would play Bell against Detroit.

 

[Psychopav]

Caddy to start according to this thread.

 

[Cookiemonster]

So far it seems a lot of the board thinks Rice should be a top5, maybe the #1 back this week, a green light nonetheless. And it also appears some think Benson is not getting enough love this week.

I agree that Benson probably needs more love, but here are guys I put ahead of Rice for sureWillADGrantForteSJaxMBIIIOne of the NOS RBs...I just don't know which one hahahaThen it gets kinda murky. I am down on Turner but I am sure others start him over Rice. I like Kevin Smith more this week too, Ronnie is probably about even, I would put Slaton ahead too but I am sure some disagree quite vehemently.So I would say he is a RB1 this week, but definitely in the 10-12 range for me. I am sitting him in favor of Peterson, Grant, SJax and MJD (across 2 different leagues)

I was lucky enough in a dynasty league to land AD and Turner, but for a flex I have Rice in over Chester. I was back and forth on that for a while as Minny could easily end up blowing out Cleveland, and Chet could get his normal load plus the 4th quarter salt, but I think Rice has the most explosive potential week 1 and total points can earn a wild card berth in my league. Also have Willie as an option, but I haven't seen him healthy yet. I'm not concerned with the Titan defense as much now that Fat Albert is gone, but I don't care for a less than 100% Parker behind that O line. My other option was Santonio Holmes, but he'll be matched up with Courtland Finnegan for most of the game and I expect Hines to get the majority of the passes week 1. That's where I stand on Rice. No, I don't think he's a lock for >100 yards and a TD, but he's the most likely to go >150 and 2.

 

[Sebowski]

I'm struggling at my PPR flex spot with Portis, Rice, or Mason.

When I drafted Rice I was going to wait and see how he will be used, but that matchup vs. Portis' matchup is making me think twice. Then I throw Mason in there who I know will be good for 5 catches...

I have a ton of faith in Portis for the season. i am not worried about Betts. The Giants just happen to have one of the best D-Lines in the league, and the Skins offense is an unknown this year (will the 2nd year guys step up? will they go down field more?).

If someone guaranteed me Rice would get 20 touches, I'd feel very comfortable starting him.

In another PPR league I've decided to bench LJ as my flex guy. I have Beanie in there now, but Harvin and Henry are very intriguing. All three of those guys were on on my "wait and see" list on draft day though.

 

[Sinn Fein]

If you want green lighted RBs every week, I hope you drafted ADP and DWill

Ok, so I took your advice and drafted ADP and DWill (ok so it was not in the same year) - and I have Grant as my RB3 - does anyone start Grant over DWill?

 

[Hellhounds]

PPR league, I have Forte as my #1. My question is who to start as my #2 RB?

Ray Rice or Kevin Smith? I like Rice's matchup better but Smith isn't sharing with 2 others.

 

[glorifieda]

If you want green lighted RBs every week, I hope you drafted ADP and DWill

Ok, so I took your advice and drafted ADP and DWill (ok so it was not in the same year) - and I have Grant as my RB3 - does anyone start Grant over DWill?

Don't start Grant against Chi.

 

[glorifieda]

A lot of talk about the Saints backs here....Answer me this, I have Reggie Bush behind Slaton and B jacobs. Who do I sit if I want to start him, also, do I pick up Mike Bell and start him over Reggie. I am definitely opposed to this, as drafting Bush would have been an absolute waste.

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

WOOOOO thx MOP!

 

[Breesisdaman]

A lot of talk about the Saints backs here....Answer me this, I have Reggie Bush behind Slaton and B jacobs. Who do I sit if I want to start him, also, do I pick up Mike Bell and start him over Reggie. I am definitely opposed to this, as drafting Bush would have been an absolute waste.

With those backs I would take a wait and see approach with Reggie Bush.

 

[MCguidance]

If you want green lighted RBs every week, I hope you drafted ADP and DWill

Ok, so I took your advice and drafted ADP and DWill (ok so it was not in the same year) - and I have Grant as my RB3 - does anyone start Grant over DWill?

Don't start Grant against Chi.

Can you add a bit more to this? Granted he had a bulk of his yards against CHI in one game (145) but he went for 206 yards and a TD against them last year. He also went for 100 and a TD in the second game of 2007 (in the first game he wasn't the starter). I think he looks like a better than average start, so I was curious if there was something you think that dissuades me from this stance?EDIT: Maybe you just meant out of the options he has, in which case I would agree lol.

 

[benm3218]

cant decide between J. Lewis and Vjax... Is Lewis looking like the starter for sure and do like his matchup more than the one for Vjax with Oakland?

 

[stevegamer]

I also think you are underestimating Julius Jones - and the Seattle lines.

Jones has played well against the Rams in the past, and is the starter at this point. He's rather pedestrian, but Forsett will likely jut be a pass-cathcing back early in the year. I do expect him to replace Jones this year, though.

A major rason you don't know names is "it's Seattle" - tother than Walter Jones & Patrick Kerney, none of those guys get much press notoriety. The OL isn't bad at, but they had a number of injuries last year, and Jones is out again. DL is also looking like a more rotational scheme this year.

 

[Instinctive]

If you want green lighted RBs every week, I hope you drafted ADP and DWill :X

Ok, so I took your advice and drafted ADP and DWill (ok so it was not in the same year) - and I have Grant as my RB3 - does anyone start Grant over DWill?

Don't start Grant against Chi.

Can you add a bit more to this? Granted he had a bulk of his yards against CHI in one game (145) but he went for 206 yards and a TD against them last year. He also went for 100 and a TD in the second game of 2007 (in the first game he wasn't the starter). I think he looks like a better than average start, so I was curious if there was something you think that dissuades me from this stance?EDIT: Maybe you just meant out of the options he has, in which case I would agree lol.

I thought that was a strange comment too. If I could play any RB against the Bears, #1 is AD, and then comes Grant.With Stewart ailing though, I think you gotta go DWill here.

 

[The Jerk]

MoP,

Thanks for the effort and the help you give me and other here. I really appreciate it.

I'll be deciding between K.Smith and Grant nearly every week and I'll be looking at this thread to see what you and others think.

 

[Tanner9919]

At 1st look, it seems like most of the stud RBs or 1st/2nd round Rbs all have decent to favorable match ups except for just a few like Chris Johnson who has a rough go of it week 1. I would think most owners are pretty excited about week 1.

good stuff..DeAngelo Williams is a MUST_START player this week..he's going to carve that Philly defense to bits...they've lost their DC, and their starting MLB is out for the season..not much to like with the Eagles defense this season..you're a little too conservative on Benson - the guy is going to nail 100+ rushing yards against the NFL's worst run defense ( with apologies to the Rams, of course).Benson is a MUST_STARTJulius Jones will carve up the Rams defense..start himAhmad Bradshaw will do well against Washington, he's a great flex player..love your take on Kevin Smith - IMO, he's a stud player now..gotta start him every week.

 

[Fireballer]

you don't see Minny blowing out a listless Cleveland team that can't stop the run? i'm thinking Peterson is going to go over 150 yards and maybe get 2 TDs,

That could happen on his 1st two carries. Peterson could only play 1 half, and still put of top 3 RB numbers for the week.

 

[djcolts]

Re: MOP's comments on Jim Caldwell: I don't understand why Caldwell would be any scarier than any other new NFL coach? Granted, no one can know how he'll do in in-game situations - that is yet to be determined. However, this is what he's established in the off-season that I think bodes well:

1. He dumped his worst assistant coach - former special teams coach Russ Purnell. He's terrible - and Caldwell did the right thing by getting a new coach here.

2. He dumped Ron Meeks for Larry Coyer as defensive coordinator. This is because he believe in a bigger defensive line and a little more blitzing. I think this will be a net positive eventually (but not week 1 - I think there will be growing pains).

3. He's starting the best players at each position, regardless of draft position. Charlie Johnson is starting over Ugoh at LT. Tyjaun Hagler is starter over Phillip Wheeler at SAM. Both of these are surprises - but I think both are the right call - he's putting the best players available on the field. Seems basic - but that doesn't always happen and he's doing it.

4. There was LOT of hype about the change in offensive coaches in the pre-season. Well - it is the same guys as last year after it all shook out. No story here.

We don't know how he'll be as a game coach - or how he'll handle things week to week. That is legitimate skepticism. However, all we can look at is the signs from what we've seen in the off-season - and I've seen nothing to indicate so far that he's over his head.

About this week - I think the Colts will struggle against the Jags, and I'd be surprised if the Colts win by more than a TD.

 

[BusMan]

I would definitely start Benson as an RB2, but I would take a wait and see approach on the Broncos run defense before I consider them a must start RB against match up. They are likely to remain below-average, but could be improved by any number of factors (regression to mean, new DC/scheme, different personnel).

 

[Grahamburn]

At 1st look, it seems like most of the stud RBs or 1st/2nd round Rbs all have decent to favorable match ups except for just a few like Chris Johnson who has a rough go of it week 1. I would think most owners are pretty excited about week 1.

good stuff..DeAngelo Williams is a MUST_START player this week..he's going to carve that Philly defense to bits...they've lost their DC, and their starting MLB is out for the season..not much to like with the Eagles defense this season..you're a little too conservative on Benson - the guy is going to nail 100+ rushing yards against the NFL's worst run defense ( with apologies to the Rams, of course).Benson is a MUST_STARTJulius Jones will carve up the Rams defense..start himAhmad Bradshaw will do well against Washington, he's a great flex player..love your take on Kevin Smith - IMO, he's a stud player now..gotta start him every week.

I'm starting DeAngelo and Benson. Is anyone else exploiting Cedric? Play him while you can. He's got some tough matchups these first 10 weeks.

 

[CentralPA]

At 1st look, it seems like most of the stud RBs or 1st/2nd round Rbs all have decent to favorable match ups except for just a few like Chris Johnson who has a rough go of it week 1. I would think most owners are pretty excited about week 1.

good stuff..DeAngelo Williams is a MUST_START player this week..he's going to carve that Philly defense to bits...they've lost their DC, and their starting MLB is out for the season..not much to like with the Eagles defense this season..you're a little too conservative on Benson - the guy is going to nail 100+ rushing yards against the NFL's worst run defense ( with apologies to the Rams, of course).Benson is a MUST_STARTJulius Jones will carve up the Rams defense..start himAhmad Bradshaw will do well against Washington, he's a great flex player..love your take on Kevin Smith - IMO, he's a stud player now..gotta start him every week.

I'm starting DeAngelo and Benson. Is anyone else exploiting Cedric? Play him while you can. He's got some tough matchups these first 10 weeks.

I'm thinking about it, especially since Pierre Thomas looks like he is gonig to be a no go. It's either him or Santana Moss at FLEX.

 

[urbanhack]

Any possibility Fred Jackson could be a start in PPR leagues. I can see them getting behind and Jackson getting ALOT of dump off passes in that one. 6-7 catches seem like the floor.

Rhodes was cut so he should see a bulk of whatever the RB produces.

You think the NE defense is going to be the same with all the wholesale changes?I've got Jackson penciled in for a very solid week. 100 + yards and at least one score.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Any possibility Fred Jackson could be a start in PPR leagues. I can see them getting behind and Jackson getting ALOT of dump off passes in that one. 6-7 catches seem like the floor.

Rhodes was cut so he should see a bulk of whatever the RB produces.

You think the NE defense is going to be the same with all the wholesale changes?I've got Jackson penciled in for a very solid week. 100 + yards and at least one score.

Good question Urban, here's the thing...they can't all score 100+ and a TD in week 1 right? I just would think there are 20 better options than Fred Jackson and a buffalo team that seems in disaaray on the offense.

 

[urbanhack]

Any possibility Fred Jackson could be a start in PPR leagues. I can see them getting behind and Jackson getting ALOT of dump off passes in that one. 6-7 catches seem like the floor.

Rhodes was cut so he should see a bulk of whatever the RB produces.

You think the NE defense is going to be the same with all the wholesale changes?I've got Jackson penciled in for a very solid week. 100 + yards and at least one score.

Good question Urban, here's the thing...they can't all score 100+ and a TD in week 1 right? I just would think there are 20 better options than Fred Jackson and a buffalo team that seems in disaaray on the offense.

But he's not competing for carries with any other backs and he's going against a defense which has some questions marks. Only issue is if they get too far behind, but I'm sure they will want to run the ball and control the clock if possible.

 

[FinHead]

Final Score: Miami 17…Atlanta 16

I've been waiting over 8 years for Miami to come back and play in Atlanta. Overall I believe Atlanta to be a much better team this year, but think Miami will be a little bit more prepared in Week 1 and think Brown is going to have a huge game.

 

[notdarkyet]

The worst part of these threads is coming in with a decision to cut 3 options down to 2 starters and seeing all three getting props. Not a horrible problem I suppose, except last year I without exception made the wrong choice weekly. This year in one league that I am particularly happy with my RB corps I am choosing between MJD, Slaton and SJax this week. Leaning towards SJax being the odd man out based on his team being so damn awful, though the matchup is tempting in a vacuum. I can't see myself benching MJD barring injury, so it will invariably boil down to Slaton and SJax almost weekly. Actually Ray Rice is in this picture too, I am anxiously awaiting someone blowing up so I can trade off some of the RB talent and shore up WR.

And it also appears some think Benson is not getting enough love this week.

I dont know, I see what you do. A suspect Oline that scares me no matter the matchup. I wouldnt look to Benson as RB2 personally, let alone the near lock start status that some around here are projecting. Maybe being a Bengals fan has pushed me a little to far on teh pessimism scale though.