Drafts are over, trash talk has started, clever team names have been created, and rosters are being finalized - the roller coaster we know as Fantasy Football has finally begun. Let's talk fantasy.
First and foremost, let’s review the Giants – Cowboys game. For several years I supported the Burlington, Wisconsin native (Tony Romo) but he always let me down. His fantasy production was mediocre due to his risk-taking mentality and his surrounding cast was always littered with injuries. Wednesday night was a different story. Tony Romo’s 2012 debut (22 of 29, 307 yds, 3 TDs, 1 INT) has ignited some hope for this season. Romo faces two sub-par defenses week 2 and 3 so look for similar results.
On the other side of Romo’s rockets was a somewhat familiar face in Kevin Ogletree. The third year player out of Virginia definitely made his presence known (8 CA, 112 yds, 2 TDs) by consistently finding holes in the returning Super Bowl Champions defense. With Ogletree’s counterparts (Miles Austin, Dez Bryant, Patrick Crayton) constantly having injuries and off-the-field issues, he’s a potential waiver pick-up if you are looking for an extra receiver.
As for Dallas’ running game, Demarco Murray started right where he left off last season (prior to injury) but I would still keep an eye on his current #2, Felix Jones. One injury could shoot Felix right back on top.
As for the Giants, I am not going to spend a lot of time reviewing them so here is a one-minute breakdown: Ahmad Bradshaw was solid but he is on the back-end of his career and no longer has Brandon Jacobs to fill in, Victor Cruz will receive a lot more attention from opponents this season (these first few weeks will determine whether or not he can handle it), Eli Manning is consistent but his offensive line looked pretty shaky (allowed 3 sacks).
More importantly, potential sit and starts for week one of Fantasy Football. There are a lot of unanswered questions going in to week one and a handful of intriguing debuts:
Start
Danny Amendola, STL @ DET
Coming back from an early exit last season, expect numerous targets.
Robert Griffin III, WAS vs. NO
Rookie debut, expect Cam Newton-esque results.
Michael Bush, CHI vs. IND
The new two-headed monster in Chicago, great flex option.
Roy Helu, WAS vs. NO
Helu looked in-shape and on top of his game in preseason, expecting big things.
Torrey Smith, BAL vs. CIN
The new speed demon of the league, he barely dipped his toe in the water last season.
Sit
Andrew Luck, IND @ CHI
Mr. Luck is a talented individual but he starts his NFL career against a tough Chicago defense. Expect at least 2 INTS
Maurice Jones-Drew, JAC @ MIN
I don’t trust any player that did not PRACTICE!
Nate Washington, TEN vs. NE
I like Nate but he is facing a strong New England defense and Jake Locker is still a giant question mark.
Cedric Benson, GB vs. SF
I have very high hopes for the new Packer but not this week. San Francisco is the toughest defense in the NFL with an extremely talented, high energy coach.
Keep your eyes open. One injury, one game is all it takes for the next fantasy superstar to arise. Good luck week one!
