Scout Widget: Sit-Start Week 1

The season is finally here. Everyone knows they should start Adrian Peterson, but here we try to help fellow fantasy owners by advising them to start or sit players who are a bit less obvious. Sit back, relax, and enjoy then knowledge dump.....

Quarterbacks

Start

Kurt Warner vs. 49ers - People are worried about Kurt Warner's bad preseason performances. Good thing it's the preseason. Warner gets to face the 49ers, and in case you haven't noticed, the improved 49ers are still bad.

Matt Hasselbeck vs. Rams - The Seahawks have Housh, Burleson, and Branch (in the slot...where he should be) and no running game. The only thing that will be able to stop Hasselbeck is his back, and I don't think the Rams pass rush will even touch him during the game. Matt is going to have a great one.

Joe Flacco vs. Chiefs - Anyone looks good against the Chiefs. Plus, this will be a great opportunity for the Ravens to build Flacco's confidence, so they will let him throw enough to put up a good stat line.

Shaun Hill vs. Cardinals - If Warner will be chuckin' TDs, the Niners will have to try to match him. Hill will do a good enough job to start for your fantasy team if you don't have better options.

Sit

Ben Rothlisberger vs. Titans - Some think Big Ben could be a surprise fantasy starter this year. This is just to confirm, especially this week, that those people are stupid.

Eli Manning vs. Redskins - He has no real #1 receiver and the Redskins defense is actually halfway decent. Unless you get points for handing off to Brandon Jacobs, let him sit your bench.

Running Backs

Start

Reggie Bush vs. Lions - Pierre Thomas looks doubtful to play, and even if he does, won't be used nearly as often due to his sprained MCL. This opens the door to Bush, who will have to carry more than usual, as well as get his normal load of receptions, against a Lions defense who is.....the Lions defense.

Kevin Smith vs. Saints - With rookie Matt Stafford starting at QB, look for the Lions to try to limit his throws by giving it to Mr. Smith. He will also get a few receptions out of the backfield, and is always a threat to break the big play against the less than adequate Saints D, especially if the Saints start blowing them out and ease up a bit.

Ray Rice vs. Chiefs - This is the perfect game to use the first time starter. Whether Rice gets the goal line carries or not, he will get plenty of carries and receptions against a very weak opponent.

Sit

Pierre Thomas vs. Lions - Thomas owners are tearing their collective hair out screaming, "Why NOW!!!!". If Pierre didn't have his MCL injury, he could have been the top scorer of the week. But alas.....Pierre Thomas owners will just have to suck it up and deal with the disappointment.

All Bucs RBs vs. Cowboys - Even if you knew the Buce would have a great game rushing the football, how would you know which back would get the carries? Now that the Caddy is back at the top of the depth chart, it is any one's guess who will be Raheem Morris' Back du jour. Stay away from this situation until Raheem starts leaning on one back or the other.

Chris Johnson vs. Steelers - OK...I'm reaching a bit here. The Titans haven't looked that great running the ball during the preseason, so if you have a better option (meaning you play in a really shallow league....or with a bunch of dummies), go for it. Otherwise start him.....just don't expect monster stats.

Wide Receivers

Start

Chad Ochocinco vs. Broncos - Call it a hunch, but Chad will have a huge game against a sketchy at best Broncos defense. Then you can tweet your opponent about how Chad is helping you kick their butt.

T.J. Who's Your Mama vs. Rams - CHAMPIONSHIP!!!! OK....not quite yet, but the Housh will certainly contribute to your first victory of the season as Matt Hasslebeck gets back on track after last year's train wreck.

Josh Morgan vs. Cardinals - If you are desperate at WR, Morgan could surprise against the Cards since the Cards could be up big if they come out of the gate hot. That means garbage time TDs for the 49ers, and likely Josh Morgan.

Sit

Vincent Jackson vs. Raiders - Jackson, who would normally be a fantasy starter, draws Nnamdi Asomugha in coverage this week. Jackson may be the only Charger you DON'T want to start in this one.

All Giants WRs vs. Redskins - The Skins may not be great on the offensive side of the ball, but they can play some defense. Combine that with the lack of talent at wideout for the Giants and you get ALOT of handoffs to Brandon Jacobs.

Dwayne Bowe vs. Ravens - Cassel's hurt. Tony G. is gone. All of the Ravens attention will be focused on stopping Dwayne Bowe. Not good.

Tight Ends

Start

Brandon Pettigrew vs. Saints - Pettigrew will get the start and Stafford will have to look to his security blanket when Megatron gets covered. My bet is that security blanket will be Pettigrew.....at least against the Saints D.

John Carlson vs. Rams - Hasslebeck will pass for a crazy mount of yards against the Rams....Carlson will get in on the action.

Sit

Tony Gonzales vs. Dolphins - Gonzales may not be a bust this week, but expect less than his stellar stat line.

Brent Celek vs. Panthers - While Celek may be a popular sleeper among fantasy owners this year, the Panthers defense should have no problem limiting his catches.

-Scout Widget