A couple of things really stood out from the first Sunday of the 2009 NFL season. Drew Brees’ touchdown passes should not be a big shocker, nor should AP’s dominance. Schaub took a few hits and actually stayed on the field, but that’s not what really caught my eye. Read MoreI have to start in Carolina. The Panthers are in trouble. Williams is a running back you can count on this season and Stewart seems healthy enough to be a positive factor in your fantasy lineup. However, the lack of a passing attack could seriously deflate the fantasy ceiling not only of Steve Smith, but the running backs as well.
Speaking of that Philly game, McNabb is an injury liability so you should have an adequate backup. I was surprised Westbrook had as many touches in the second half as he did. Getting a few extra yards might be good for a few more points but not if he is on the sidelines when your fantasy playoffs come to town. Regardless if you own Westy, McCoy s a nice guy to own moving forward.
The Bengals shocked me. I almost took Cincy in several knockout pools and thought better of it. Maybe I am drinking too much Palmer Kool-Aid, but this was a lackluster effort by the Bengals. Denver had no right even being in this game let alone keeping the Bengals out of the end zone. Bad snaps on field goals, interceptions instead of touchdowns…Cincinnati should be a better provider of fantasy production than they were last night.
Ray Rice had 22 touches but failed to score. Get used to more of this as McGahee settles into more of a short yardage role with the team.
How many people got burned by the Cards this week? First Boldin might not play and fantasy owners everywhere forgot that Breaston himself wasn’t 100% coming into the opener. Then word comes late that Breaston is inactive. Fantasy madness everywhere, or maybe not in your neck of the woods but I’m sure it burned a few people.
The injury with the most fantasy impact may just be Anthony Gonzalez. A lot of owners invested highly in the young receiver and now have a hole in their starting lineup. On the flip side, how about Bucs’ rebuilt Caddy? I’m not sure what his value is amongst your fantasy peers but that kind of production can only help his cause to get more carries.
In one of my leagues I waited too long on a defense and found myself knee deep in playing match ups out of the gate. As a result, my last picks in that draft were Seattle and Washington. If you are streaming defenses and looking for a team to pick on I suggest looking up Rams’ opponents.
Bear’s Corner (As a Bears fan I need a small outlet to voice my opinions)
Two main things come to mind after that game last night. 1) The Bears have the talent to win. 2) Talent doesn’t mean squat.
All you had to do is look at Jay Cutler moments before the Bears would receive the kickoff after squandering their lead late in the fourth quarter. Cutler, his team having just driven down the field to take the lead on their last possession, was standing with his arms folded and a blank stare on his face. Where is the leadership? Why wasn’t he talking to his receivers, backs, coordinators, anyone about how to get the ball down the field without any timeouts? Cutler failed to rally the troops when they needed him to lead. The end result was yet another miscue and the end of the game. The Bears have talent-enough to overcome mistakes. They lacked leadership last night. Cutler and the Bears coaching staff lost Urlacher for the season and cost themselves a divisional win. Bears fans can only hope it didn’t cost us a division title.
As for tonight's games, I haven't heard anything concrete, but I think Welker will play
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